principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o miracle_n be_v perform_v which_o both_o for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o performance_n have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o miracle_n can_v have_v if_o it_o be_v real_o wrought_v by_o god_n immediate_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o revelation_n if_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v do_v public_o before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o that_o often_o and_o by_o many_o man_n successive_o for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o design_n if_o neither_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o they_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v any_o deceit_n or_o defect_n in_o they_o but_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o these_o miracle_n and_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o from_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v either_o that_o god_n can_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o revelation_n from_o imposture_n both_o which_o supposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n contrary_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o these_o require_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o miracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a which_o be_v his_o revelation_n but_o if_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v put_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o false_a miracle_n and_o true_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a miracle_n than_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n concern_v which_o nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v either_o impious_a or_o false_a must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v by_o miracle_n and_o we_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a miracle_n without_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n which_o both_o by_o its_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o must_v certain_o be_v true_a because_o the_o goodness_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o mankind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v by_o imposture_n vent_v under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o belzebub_n be_v so_o heinous_a above_o all_o other_o crime_n this_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o utmost_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o man_n salvation_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n and_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o though_o miracle_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v consider_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o proof_n and_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n when_o the_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v wrought_v can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a either_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o miracle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o all_o other_o proof_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 3._o how_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n and_o that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o that_o of_o write_v be_v so_o notorious_o fanciful_a and_o strain_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o serious_a answer_n for_o till_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v will_n and_o bequeath_v and_o purchase_v estate_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n rather_o than_o by_o instrument_n in_o write_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o can_v be_v take_v so_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n declare_v and_o so_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o man_n take_v all_o possible_a care_n about_o and_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o thing_n temporal_a than_o about_o eternal_a which_o afford_v too_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o isa_n thirty_o 8._o 4._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n because_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o under_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n without_o take_v some_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o by_o put_v man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v and_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n 5._o another_o requisite_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_o promulge_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o general_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v design_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o from_z what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o antiquity_n ii_o promulgation_n iii_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o authority_n iv_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o every_o way_n such_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n will_v not_o so_o whole_o neglect_v mankind_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n so_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v defer_v it_o so_o long_o before_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n as_o till_o the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o the_o work_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o of_o any_o heathen_a author_n can_v be_v compare_v with_o
but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
equivalent_a to_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n among_o men._n that_o there_o be_v this_o unity_n and_o this_o distinction_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o distinction_n this_o be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o our_o notion_n of_o person_n among_o man_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v ii_o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o be_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o this_o doctrine_n our_o knowledge_n at_o the_o best_a concern_v finite_a thing_n be_v very_o imperfect_a which_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o it_o be_v the_o character_n which_o 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demure_a pretender_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n we_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o age_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v show_v so_o great_a a_o forwardness_n to_o be_v no_o long_o christian_n that_o they_o have_v catch_v at_o all_o the_o little_a cavil_n and_o pretence_n against_o religion_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o more_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n than_o for_o any_o credit_n religion_n can_v have_v of_o they_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n but_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o wish_n for_o they_o both_o think_v and_o live_v so_o ill_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n that_o they_o be_v against_o it_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a riligion_n by_o tertullian_n that_o it_o be_v haved_z and_o persecute_v by_o nero_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a 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or_o a_o sound_a judgement_n man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o contradict_v their_o vice_n and_o the_o weak_a argument_n with_o strong_a inclination_n to_o a_o cause_n will_v prove_v or_o disprove_v whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n it_o shall_v but_o let_v man_n first_o practice_v the_o virtue_n the_o moral_a virtue_n which_o our_o religion_n enjoin_v and_o then_o let_v they_o disprove_v it_o if_o they_o can_v nay_o let_v they_o disprove_v it_o now_o if_o they_o can_v for_o it_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o their_o favour_n but_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n let_v they_o have_v a_o care_n of_o mistake_v vice_n for_o argument_n and_o every_o profane_a jest_n for_o a_o demonstration_n i_o wish_v they_o will_v consider_v whether_o the_o concern_v they_o have_v to_o set_v up_o natural_a against_o reveal_v religion_n proceed_v not_o from_o hence_o that_o by_o natural_a religion_n they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o just_a what_o they_o please_v 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companion_n if_o you_o continue_v to_o dispute_v at_o this_o rate_n you_o will_v certain_o make_v i_o a_o christian_n i_o shall_v venture_v at_o least_o to_o say_v of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v of_o his_o that_o if_o these_o man_n will_v be_v please_v to_o spend_v but_o a_o little_a of_o that_o time_n which_o be_v so_o often_o worse_o employ_v in_o the_o perusal_n of_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v i_o hope_v that_o something_o they_o may_v meet_v withal_o which_o may_v satisfy_v their_o doubt_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n but_o though_o they_o shall_v despise_v whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o the_o profess_a adversary_n of_o reveal_v religion_n to_o who_o a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v serviceable_a the_o truth_n be_v notwistand_v the_o great_a plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o ignorance_n be_v one_o chief_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v so_o little_o value_v and_o esteem_v and_o its_o doctrine_n so_o little_o obey_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o very_a slight_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v but_o very_o little_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o profess_v it_o rather_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n than_o of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o because_o they_o find_v it_o contradict_v their_o sensual_a desire_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v as_o little_a of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v other_o cavil_v and_o trifle_n with_o it_o partly_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o partly_o from_o inclination_n they_o take_v every_o idle_a objection_n if_o it_o be_v but_o bold_a enough_o for_o a_o unanswerable_a
worought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o false_a god_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n p._n 401._o chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n absurd_a p._n 403._o their_o religious_a worship_n wicked_a and_o impious_a p._n 405._o humane_a sacrifice_n customary_a in_o all_o heathen_a nation_n p._n 406._o no_o body_n of_o law_n nor_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n p._n 402._o but_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o they_o ibid._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a p._n 411._o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n p._n 423._o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 429_o chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 436._o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 439_o chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a p._n 441_o chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n that_o he_o be_v lustful_a proud_a and_o cruel_a appear_v from_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o p._n 443_o part_n iu_o chap._n i._n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 447_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n consider_v 1._o as_o historical_o true_a 2._o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n p._n 451_o 452._o from_o both_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a p._n 455._o in_o many_o case_n there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o we_o see_v and_o experience_n ourselves_o p._n 456._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n p._n 460._o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o case_n compare_v p._n 462._o the_o certainty_n of_o both_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n a_o objection_n from_o joh._n xx_o 29._o answer_v p._n 467._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n p._n 470_o new_o publish_a christian_a thought_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o month_n with_o reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v add_v prayer_n for_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n price_n 1_o s._n a_o course_n of_o lecture_n upon_o the_o church_n catechism_n by_o thomas_n bray_n d._n d._n the_o three_o edition_n price_n 5_o s._n very_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v in_o family_n a_o minister_n counsel_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o his_o parish_n when_o arrive_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n recommend_v to_o the_o society_n in_o and_o about_o london_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n hertfordshire_n price_n 2_o s._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._n part_n i._n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o method_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n ii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n iv_o that_o no_o other_o book_n or_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n v._o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o show_v that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n both_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n vi_o have_v do_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o objection_n and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v the_o rather_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_o so_o much_o consider_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o certain_o will_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o revelation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o can_v bear_v any_o competition_n with_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n my_o first_o business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o show_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n than_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o beginning_n some_o first_o principle_n of_o be_v from_o whence_o all_o other_o being_n proceed_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o being_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o understand_v or_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o shall_v yet_o be_v produce_v and_o continue_v for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o without_o any_o wisdom_n or_o contrivance_n that_o a_o unaccountable_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o can_v never_o build_v the_o least_o house_n or_o cottage_n shall_v yet_o build_v and_o sustain_v the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o when_o the_o very_a line_n in_o a_o globe_n or_o sphere_n can_v be_v make_v without_o art_n the_o world_n itself_o which_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o shall_v be_v make_v without_o it_o and_o that_o less_o skill_n shall_v be_v require_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o picture_n that_o chance_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o order_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o the_o constancy_n and_o regularity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v their_o original_a from_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n but_o be_v mere_a ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n from_o a_o be_v therefore_o of_o infinite_a perfection_n must_v proceed_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v beside_o with_o all_o their_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o among_o other_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v infinite_o more_o just_a more_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v will_v not_o at_o last_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_o
those_o apprehension_n with_o their_o accustom_a argument_n for_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n i_o hope_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o all_o but_o atheist_n must_v he_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o will_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v they_o and_o atheist_n can_v never_o be_v convince_v of_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o for_o man_n must_v first_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o reveal_v himself_o either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o but_o beside_o their_o be_v ineffectual_a and_o never_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o such_o as_o this_o conceit_n must_v be_v calculate_v for_o this_o supposition_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a will_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o continual_a imposture_n and_o delusion_n for_o if_o every_o one_o have_v a_o revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o every_o one_o may_v pretend_v to_o other_o what_o he_o please_v and_o we_o know_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prophesy_v against_o the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o another_o against_o a_o express_a revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o and_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o this_o will_v often_o happen_v from_o what_o we_o every_o day_n experience_n for_o if_o man_n can_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o other_o against_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o act_v against_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o they_o though_o revelation_n be_v as_o common_a and_o familiar_a a_o thing_n among_o man_n as_o reason_n itself_o be_v so_o that_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a man_n will_v have_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a they_o will_v have_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o they_o will_v have_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v design_v and_o will_v have_v give_v many_o more_o pretence_n to_o imposture_n than_o there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v many_o consideration_n even_o in_o a_o wicked_a world_n to_o move_v the_o compassion_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n towards_o mankind_n though_o all_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o unable_a of_o themselves_o to_o become_v righteous_a yet_o some_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o other_o great_a number_n of_o man_n be_v carry_v away_o to_o commit_v heinous_a impiety_n through_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o the_o example_n of_o other_o and_o though_o the_o heathen_a be_v never_o without_o excuse_n yet_o they_o be_v chief_o inexcusable_a because_o god_n have_v always_o a_o reveal_v will_n which_o he_o will_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o if_o they_o have_v live_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o of_o their_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o though_o the_o heathen_a have_v many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n yet_o much_o allowance_n be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n before_o the_o gospel_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a and_o evident_a manner_n than_o ever_o he_o have_v do_v before_o and_o to_o afford_v man_n full_a mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o god_n have_v make_v these_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o indue_a certain_a man_n with_o a_o power_n of_o prophesy_v and_o work_a miracle_n who_o be_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o other_o and_o to_o certify_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o his_o will_n and_o commandment_n which_o they_o deliver_v and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a method_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n for_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v god_n will_v not_o create_v mankind_n and_o then_o take_v no_o further_a care_n of_o they_o since_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n they_o better_o deserve_v his_o care_n and_o have_v ever_o after_o stand_v in_o so_o much_o need_n of_o it_o and_o can_v at_o no_o time_n be_v happy_a either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o without_o it_o and_o it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v object_v by_o those_o who_o have_v never_o so_o great_a a_o mind_n to_o cavil_v at_o the_o term_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o every_o person_n by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n both_o because_o so_o much_o condescension_n and_o indulgence_n will_v be_v ill_o bestow_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v so_o little_o deserve_v it_o and_o because_o it_o will_v have_v no_o better_a effect_n than_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v have_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n but_o a_o very_a ill_a one_o in_o afford_v pretence_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o imposture_n and_o where_o two_o several_a mean_n be_v alike_o suitable_a to_o any_o end_n no_o man_n sure_o will_v presume_v to_o prescribe_v to_o almighty_a god_n and_o say_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v use_v one_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o much_o less_o when_o one_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o the_o other_o the_o only_a proper_a mean_n to_o be_v use_v ii_o i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o sit_v and_o proper_a mean_n for_o god_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o those_o inconvenience_n with_o which_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v be_v there_o be_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n but_o it_o have_v the_o design_v effect_n upon_o many_o person_n the_o majesty_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v not_o expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n of_o every_o profane_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n and_o there_o be_v as_o effectual_a care_n take_v to_o prevent_v imposture_n as_o possible_o can_v have_v be_v and_o as_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v none_o of_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v have_v so_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o they_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n and_o usefulness_n which_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v have_v if_o they_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o every_o person_n in_o particular_a all_o that_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n can_v do_v be_v to_o afford_v man_n the_o mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o assurance_n that_o the_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o god_n as_o certain_o as_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v and_o this_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n do_v 1._o concern_v prophecy_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o oracle_n and_o lie_a divination_n with_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n show_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o by_o prophecy_n which_o make_v they_o so_o prone_a to_o receive_v false_a prophecy_n from_o their_o false_a go_n and_o this_o may_v teach_v we_o that_o true_a prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o true_a god_n many_o prophecy_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o god_n omniscient_a can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o these_o in_o their_o accomplishment_n must_v carry_v a_o indisputable_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n along_o with_o they_o such_o be_v the_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v fulfil_v many_o age_n afterward_o which_o in_o the_o fulfil_n depend_v upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o determination_n of_o free_a agent_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v determine_v to_o but_o by_o their_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a understanding_n to_o conceive_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v foresee_v so_o long_o before_o either_o the_o action_n or_o the_o agent_n themselves_o have_v any_o existence_n or_o how_o contingency_n can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o infallible_a prescience_n and_o therefore_o for_o god_n to_o foretell_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o his_o prophet_n be_v a_o most_o proper_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v to_o do_v the_o like_a it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o he_o that_o form_v the_o mountain_n and_o creat_v the_o wind_n to_o declare_v unto_o man_n what_o be_v his_o thought_n the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o host_n be_v his_o name_n amos_n four_o 13._o for_o which_o reason_n the_o false_a god_n be_v challenge_v to_o foretell_v these_o thing_n show_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o
come_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v god_n isai_n xlii_o 23._o but_o because_o thing_n foretell_v may_v sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n to_o foretell_v they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o design_n and_o agitation_n and_o just_o ready_a for_o action_n or_o to_o discern_v thing_n do_v at_o distant_a place_n and_o to_o make_v probable_a guess_n which_o may_v prove_v true_a from_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v therefore_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n by_o diabolical_a prediction_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v such_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 deut._n xviii_o 22._o this_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o a_o false_a and_o a_o true_a prophet_n that_o whatever_o the_o latter_a foretell_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o whatever_o the_o first_o foretell_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o imply_v that_o god_n will_v disappoint_v such_o prediction_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v otherwise_o the_o come_a to_o pass_v of_o thing_n foretell_v can_v be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n because_o they_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n 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 jer._n xxviii_o 9_o but_o if_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o be_v give_v out_o with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o entice_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n then_o god_n may_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v fulfil_v to_o prove_v his_o people_n deut._n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3._o for_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n especial_o after_o warn_v give_v and_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n if_o any_o man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v seduce_v by_o any_o wonder_n or_o prophecy_n to_o follow_v other_o god_n it_o must_v be_v great_a perverseness_n in_o he_o but_o when_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v by_o many_o prophet_n in_o divers_a age_n and_o different_a place_n all_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o design_n in_o their_o several_a revelation_n and_o that_o end_n be_v the_o discouragement_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n these_o prophecy_n have_v all_o that_o can_v be_v requisite_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o god_n by_o suffer_v they_o to_o pass_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o with_o all_o the_o character_n of_o his_o authority_n upon_o they_o have_v give_v we_o all_o possible_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v his_o and_o engage_v we_o in_o honour_n to_o his_o divine_a attribute_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o real_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n beside_o the_o direct_a evidence_n which_o they_o afford_v to_o whatever_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o they_o add_v a_o undeniable_a confirmation_n to_o those_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v and_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o person_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophecy_n likewise_o receive_v as_o great_a a_o confirmation_n from_o such_o miracle_n for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o be_v single_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v mutual_o support_v and_o confirm_v each_o other_o and_o hereby_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v expect_v of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o as_o prophecy_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n so_o in_o conjunction_n with_o miracle_n it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v 2._o the_o suitableness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v a_o extravagant_a thing_n to_o conceive_v that_o god_n shall_v exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o creation_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v establish_v they_o upon_o such_o inviolable_a law_n as_o not_o to_o alter_v they_o upon_o some_o occasion_n when_o he_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o do_v it_o for_o unless_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v thus_o alterable_a it_o will_v have_v be_v defective_a in_o regard_n to_o one_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n upon_o such_o occasion_n the_o same_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o contrive_v the_o law_n for_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n contrive_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o alterable_a when_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o god_n by_o suspend_v the_o power_n or_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o extraordinary_a will_n and_o power_n and_o by_o the_o same_o decree_n by_o which_o he_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o he_o subject_v they_o to_o such_o alteration_n as_o his_o wisdom_n foresee_v will_v be_v necessary_a we_o can_v as_o little_a doubt_n but_o that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o it_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o it_o but_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o influence_n or_o at_o least_o by_o his_o permission_n and_o that_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o at_o first_o appoint_v can_v at_o no_o time_n be_v alter_v but_o for_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n he_o be_v not_o give_v to_o change_v as_o man_n be_v and_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o design_n but_o when_o any_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o contrary_a to_o it_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o revelation_n which_o for_o the_o importance_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v his_o do_v and_o there_o be_v still_o further_a evidence_n of_o it_o if_o this_o revelation_n be_v prophesy_v of_o before_o by_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n as_o when_o man_n bear_v blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n when_o other_o be_v cure_v of_o the_o most_o desperate_a disease_n by_o a_o touch_n or_o at_o a_o distance_n when_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v and_o the_o devil_n cast_v out_o these_o be_v evident_a sign_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o those_o by_o who_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v and_o the_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n be_v produce_v for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o teach_v for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a and_o convince_a to_o man_n or_o more_o worthy_a of_o god_n than_o to_o force_v the_o devil_n themselves_o to_o confess_v and_o proclaim_v his_o come_v to_o cause_v the_o most_o insensible_a thing_n in_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o power_n by_o give_v way_n as_o it_o be_v and_o start_v back_o in_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n at_o his_o more_o immediate_a and_o particular_a presence_n to_o inform_v man_n that_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n be_v there_o this_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o challenge_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o man_n in_o a_o language_n more_o powerful_a than_o any_o humane_a voice_n whilst_o god_n show_v forth_o his_o glory_n and_o make_v know_v his_o will_n by_o exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o nature_n in_o make_v the_o whole_a creation_n bow_n and_o tremble_v and_o obey_v all_o which_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o express_v prophecy_n concern_v christ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a concurrence_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o testimony_n of_o he_o and_o this_o dispensation_n of_o miracle_n be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o propagate_v that_o religion_n which_o concern_v the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a miracle_n be_v suitable_a
condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o merciful_a for_o he_o to_o withhold_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_v from_o those_o who_o he_o forefee_n will_v reject_v it_o and_o abuse_v the_o opportunity_n which_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o to_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o own_o gild_n and_o punishment_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v 2._o that_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o by_o so_o wonderful_a a_o providence_n have_v take_v care_n that_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n may_v have_v the_o true_a religion_n preach_v in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v by_o some_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o even_o by_o miracle_n bring_v such_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o present_a knowledge_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o improve_v it_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v by_o revelation_n send_v to_o cornelius_n he_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o act._n x._o 34_o 35._o from_o whence_o what_o less_o can_v we_o conclude_v than_o that_o every_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o he_o shall_v rather_o by_o a_o express_a revelation_n have_v the_o rest_n discover_v to_o he_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o cornelius_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o word_n of_o s._n peter_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v those_o heathen_n who_o sin_n without_o any_o reveal_v law_n for_o their_o sin_n against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o for_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n afford_v they_o of_o become_v christian_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n god_n in_o his_o goodness_n be_v not_o want_v to_o afford_v such_o inward_a motion_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n to_o such_o of_o the_o heathen_a as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o stupefy_v by_o their_o vice_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o give_v they_o so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o if_o once_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o defect_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o gross_o against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n they_o may_v make_v enquiry_n of_o christian_n concern_v their_o religion_n as_o some_o of_o the_o american_n do_v of_o cortes_n and_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o however_o negligent_a they_o be_v in_o propagate_a it_o will_v never_o refuse_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o many_o point_n be_v teach_v and_o believe_v which_o have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o of_o the_o mahometan_n but_o of_o several_a heathen_a nation_n which_o point_n be_v so_o many_o step_v and_o preparative_n towards_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o in_o pursue_v they_o in_o their_o immediate_a tendency_n and_o consequence_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o those_o who_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n die_v under_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o it_o i_o believe_v rather_o that_o god_n suffer_v no_o man_n so_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o remain_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o all_o nation_n have_v have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o particular_a men._n it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o when_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o now_o to_o think_v how_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o heathen_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n can_v govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n if_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n without_o any_o divine_a revelation_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o heathen_a as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n nor_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v more_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o in_o point_n of_o ignorance_n than_o other_o can_v have_v and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o merciful_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o to_o give_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o let_v they_o continue_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n without_o give_v they_o any_o warning_n against_o it_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a in_o a_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o come_v you_o near_o unto_o i_o hear_v you_o this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v there_o be_o i_o isa_n xlv_o 19_o 22._o &_o xlviii_o 16._o have_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o antiquity_n or_o promulgation_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o their_o authority_n this_o evidence_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n themselves_o in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n as_o we_o find_v they_o stand_v record_v or_o the_o life_n and_o personal_a qualification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v both_o that_o they_o be_v true_o relate_v and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v they_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o a_o revelation_n chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v relate_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a heathen_a writer_n and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man._n but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a man._n he_o frequent_o declare_v his_o own_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n exod._n iii._o 11._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13._o num._n xi_o 10._o &_o xx_o 12._o &_o xxvii_o 14._o and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n when_o it_o may_v become_v a_o prudent_a and_o modest_a man_n especial_o one_o divine_o inspire_v for_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o terminate_v in_o himself_o but_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n who_o instrument_n and_o servant_n he_o be_v and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n honour_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o favour_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o though_o some_o honour_n do_v redound_v
teach_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v exod._n 4.12_o 15._o and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n but_o when_o they_o deliver_v you_o up_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v matt._n 10.18_o 19_o and_o if_o moses_n be_v inspire_v upon_o that_o particular_a occasion_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v in_o thing_n which_o be_v personal_a as_o in_o the_o defence_n that_o they_o make_v for_o themselves_o they_o must_v much_o rather_o be_v inspire_v in_o their_o write_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n st_o luke_n have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o above_o luke_n 1.3_o so_o dr_n lightfoot_n render_v it_o with_o great_a probability_n for_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n joh._n 3.3_o 31.19.2_o jam._n 1.17.3.17_o and_o this_o the_o church_n of_o coriuth_v expect_v from_o st_n paul_n they_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 13.3_o as_o that_o apostle_n tell_v they_o he_o do_v and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o obscure_a but_o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a manner_n he_o write_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o you_o know_v what_o commandment_n we_o give_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o thess_n 4.2_o and_o he_o distinguish_v between_o his_o own_o judgement_n assist_v and_o enlighten_v though_o not_o infallible_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor_fw-la 7.10_o 12_o 25_o 40._o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n jo._n 14.26_o and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16.13_o and_o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o instruct_v they_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 11.20_o that_o be_v all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o salvation_n this_o be_v say_v of_o their_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o insomuch_o that_o the_o word_n themselves_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a 1_o cor._n 2.13_o for_o they_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o every_o word_n they_o use_v though_o not_o so_o as_o to_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o new_a style_n and_o dialect_n the_o word_n themselves_o be_v not_o always_o suggest_v but_o they_o be_v always_o inspire_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o word_n and_o expression_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o this_o limitation_n that_o they_o be_v never_o permit_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o will_v not_o full_o and_o infallible_o express_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o 1_o cor._n 14.13_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o direction_n wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v interpret_v that_o be_v let_v he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o express_v himself_o in_o a_o know_a tongue_n by_o which_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a one_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v infallible_a in_o render_v that_o in_o his_o own_o tongue_n which_o he_o infallible_o speak_v in_o another_o which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o when_o they_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n in_o their_o own_o language_n they_o have_v the_o guidance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o word_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o those_o that_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n dare_v not_o presume_v to_o interpret_v the_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dictate_v to_o they_o in_o that_o tongue_n so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o out_o for_o divine_a revelation_n unless_o they_o be_v particular_o empower_v to_o render_v they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n with_o the_o same_o exactness_n with_o which_o they_o be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n for_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v interpret_v can_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o inability_n to_o interpret_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o force_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o rapture_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o that_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o utter_v their_o conception_n in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o to_o retain_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o their_o mind_n afterward_o seem_v plain_a from_o verse_n 27._o if_o any_o man_n speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n let_v it_o be_v by_o two_o or_o at_o the_o most_o by_o three_o and_o that_o by_o course_n and_o let_v one_o interpret_v etc._n etc._n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v act_v by_o such_o rapturous_a heat_n and_o ecstasy_n they_o can_v have_v be_v as_o little_a able_a to_o refrain_v when_o the_o rapture_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v to_o deliver_v when_o their_o course_n come_v to_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v to_o remember_v what_o they_o be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o one_o language_n when_o they_o go_v to_o express_v it_o in_o another_o neither_o be_v they_o ignorant_a themselves_o of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o when_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 14._o for_o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a the_o meaning_n of_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v of_o no_o benefit_n to_o other_o though_o he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n edify_v himself_o vers_fw-la 4._o some_o man_n be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o strange_a tongue_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n and_o more_o exactness_n than_o they_o can_v do_v in_o their_o native_a language_n but_o this_o be_v insignificant_a to_o such_o as_o understand_v not_o the_o tongue_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o vers_fw-la 15._o i._n e._n i_o will_v pray_v by_o the_o guidance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o my_o own_o language_n in_o which_o my_o understanding_n be_v employ_v and_o the_o word_n be_v not_o all_o direct_o suggest_v to_o i_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o must_v be_v in_o a_o language_n which_o i_o speak_v mere_o by_o inspiration_n but_o i_o be_o only_o so_o far_o guide_v and_o assist_v in_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o my_o word_n as_o to_o speak_v infallible_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n else_o when_o thou_o shall_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 16._o those_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v it_o seem_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o it_o that_o they_o will_v worship_v god_n in_o no_o other_o but_o in_o those_o language_n though_o none_o of_o the_o assembly_n understand_v they_o and_o will_v be_v always_o unnecessary_o and_o unreasonable_o repeat_v the_o revelation_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o strange_a language_n the_o apostle_n tell_v such_o man_n that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o deliver_v their_o revelation_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o to_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o in_o a_o language_n not_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v interpret_v or_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o to_o ague_n unless_o before_o they_o who_o understand_v the_o tongue_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o edification_n for_o in_o their_o inspiration_n they_o be_v consign_v at_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o particular_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o it_o may_v have_v do_v great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o of_o themselves_o have_v venture_v to_o render_v that_o into_o their_o own_o language_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o permit_v those_o who_o speak_v with_o tongue_n to_o speak_v in_o any_o but_o that_o in_o which_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v to_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v it_o by_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o power_n of_o interpretation_n for_o to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o to_o interpret_v be_v distinct_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o 30._o and_o whatever_a
of_o the_o world_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n bring_v home_o to_o they_o by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o sojourn_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o man_n who_o travel_v so_o far_o and_o converse_v with_o so_o many_o nation_n and_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o have_v such_o frequent_a revelation_n and_o the_o immediate_a direction_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o most_o of_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n and_o who_o be_v so_o great_a and_o powerful_a and_o so_o numerous_a must_v needs_o mighty_o propagate_v religion_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o leave_v the_o idolater_n without_o excuse_n and_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v great_a success_n in_o all_o place_n for_o even_o out_o of_o egypt_n where_o they_o endure_v the_o great_a hardship_n and_o be_v in_o such_o contempt_n and_o hatred_n yet_o a_o mix_v multitude_n go_v up_o also_o with_o they_o beside_o the_o native_a israelite_n exod._n twelve_o 38._o and_o as_o chaldaea_n and_o egypt_n be_v famous_a for_o learning_n and_o commerce_n and_o proper_a place_n by_o their_o situation_n from_o whence_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v propagate_v both_o towards_o the_o east_n and_o west_n to_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o i_o must_v again_o observe_v that_o god_n mercy_n be_v particular_o manifest_v towards_o the_o canaanite_n before_o their_o destruction_n the_o example_n of_o melchizedeck_v who_o reign_v among_o they_o and_o the_o sojourn_v of_o abraham_n and_o lot_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n not_o to_o mention_v ishmael_n and_o esau_n with_o their_o numerous_a family_n afford_v they_o continual_a invitation_n and_o admonition_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o amendment_n especial_o the_o judgement_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o lot_n be_v enough_o to_o strike_v a_o awe_n and_o terror_n into_o the_o most_o obdurate_a but_o when_o they_o will_v not_o make_v any_o due_a use_n of_o these_o mercy_n when_o they_o persist_v still_o in_o their_o impiety_n and_o proceed_v in_o they_o till_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n god_n make_v they_o a_o example_n to_o other_o after_o they_o will_v take_v no_o warn_v themselves_o yet_o still_o execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a he_o give_v they_o place_n of_o repentance_n not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v a_o naughty_a generation_n and_o that_o their_o malice_n be_v breed_v in_o they_o and_o that_o their_o cogitation_n will_v never_o be_v change_v wisd_v twelve_o 10._o how_o much_o the_o true_a religion_n prevail_v by_o these_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n among_o other_o nation_n beside_o the_o hebrew_n we_o have_v a_o illustrious_a instance_n in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n who_o be_v prince_n in_o their_o several_a dominion_n they_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n job_n four_o 18._o and_o of_o the_o original_a corruption_n of_o man_n which_o be_v express_v with_o this_o emphasis_n that_o he_o can_v be_v clean_o or_o righteous_a who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n because_o by_o eve_n transgression_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n job_n fourteen_o 1._o xv_o 14._o and_o twenty-five_o 4._o adam_n be_v mention_v chap._n xxxi_o 33._o the_o resurrection_n be_v describe_v chap._n fourteen_o 12._o and_o it_o appear_v that_o revelation_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o these_o nation_n chap._n xxxiii_o 15._o it_o appear_v that_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v know_v doctrine_n among_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o mention_v both_o by_o job_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o friend_n in_o as_o plain_a term_n as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o full_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v poetical_a the_o nature_n whereof_o require_v that_o know_a thing_n shall_v be_v allude_v to_o but_o not_o so_o particular_o relate_v as_o in_o history_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v as_o evident_a if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o occasional_o only_a and_o in_o the_o course_n of_o other_o thing_n but_o of_o set_a purpose_n treat_v of_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o footstep_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a author_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o from_o the_o several_a allusion_n and_o representation_n in_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n express_v though_o obscure_o and_o confuse_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o scripture-story_n as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o divers_a learned_a men._n 2._o in_o succeed_a age_n after_o the_o give_v the_o law_n when_o the_o jew_n by_o their_o law_n concern_v religion_n and_o government_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v whole_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n confine_v to_o one_o nation_n there_o still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n give_v frequent_a commandment_n and_o encouragement_n concern_v it_o 2._o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o affair_n as_o to_o offer_v other_o nation_n frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o proselyte_n be_v make_v of_o all_o nation_n 1._o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n give_v frequent_a commandment_n and_o encouragement_n concern_v it_o the_o stranger_n or_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n for_o either_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v circumcise_a and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n who_o be_v style_v proselyte_n of_o righteousness_n or_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o they_o be_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o profess_v only_o to_o observe_v the_o precept_n give_v to_o noah_n which_o comprise_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o these_o be_v call_v proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n because_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v among_o they_o within_o their_o gate_n these_o be_v the_o stranger_n in_o their_o gate_n mention_v deut._n fourteen_o 21._o who_o may_v eat_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v as_o the_o israelite_n themselves_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v of_o if_o any_o will_v be_v circumcise_a and_o undertake_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n they_o have_v full_a liberty_n and_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o do_v it_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n not_o only_a abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n but_o his_o whole_a family_n and_o all_o that_o be_v buy_v with_o money_n of_o any_o stranger_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v gen._n xvii_o 12_o 27._o and_o at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o passover_n the_o stranger_n be_v command_v to_o observe_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o natural_a israelite_n exod._n twelve_o 19_o god_n make_v no_o distinction_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o both_o these_o sacrament_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o those_o other_o nation_n that_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o first_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o appoint_v circumcision_n and_o then_o to_o moses_n when_o the_o passover_n be_v institute_v particular_a order_n be_v give_v concern_v stranger_n or_o proselyte_n who_o will_v betake_v themselves_o to_o they_o one_o law_n shall_v be_v to_o he_o that_o be_v home-born_a and_o to_o the_o strange_a that_o sojourn_v among_o you_o exod._n twelve_o 49._o deut._n xxix_o 11._o and_o as_o the_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o admission_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o imply_v a_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o which_o be_v confirm_v and_o renew_v by_o their_o partake_n of_o the_o passover_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v not_o only_o that_o god_n do_v in_o general_n admit_v stranger_n and_o alien_n to_o the_o same_o worship_n with_o the_o jew_n but_o that_o throughout_o their_o whole_a law_n frequent_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o they_o and_o care_v take_v for_o their_o reception_n and_o behaviour_n for_o though_o what_o be_v but_o once_o say_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o any_o matter_n yet_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v often_o mention_v and_o every_o where_o inculcate_v it_o be_v a_o
the_o law_n and_o that_o so_o many_o shall_v die_v rather_o than_o depart_v from_o it_o upon_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n jeroboam_n will_v certain_o have_v discover_v it_o if_o he_o have_v but_o suspect_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o imposture_n or_o can_v but_o have_v hope_v to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o of_o humane_a invention_n and_o contrivance_n but_o he_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a whilst_o he_o tempt_v the_o people_n to_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o behold_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n 1_o king_n twelve_o 28._o he_o suppose_v they_o bring_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o two_o calf_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n be_v the_o god_n who_o deliver_v they_o and_o by_o who_o authority_n the_o law_n be_v give_v they_o and_o that_o therefore_o either_o of_o those_o place_n be_v as_o proper_a to_o sacrifice_v in_o as_o jerusalem_n which_o however_o absurd_v it_o be_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o think_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o their_o law_n itself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o imposture_n he_o have_v some_o hope_n to_o succeed_v in_o this_o project_n and_o the_o event_n show_v he_o understand_v the_o temper_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o people_n he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o but_o the_o other_o be_v too_o gross_a for_o he_o to_o attempt_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o israel_n be_v ever_o as_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o false_a pophet_n of_o either_o kingdom_n never_o dare_v deny_v its_o authority_n these_o false_a prophet_n affront_v and_o contradict_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o ever_o own_v the_o law_n and_o pretend_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v deliver_v it_o to_o moses_n and_o this_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n make_v it_o impossible_a afterward_o for_o either_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n or_o of_o judah_n to_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a emulation_n and_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o kingdom_n that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v agree_v to_o insert_v the_o same_o corruption_n and_o if_o either_o of_o they_o have_v attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n it_o will_v soon_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o samaritan_n with_o the_o hebrew_n pentateuch_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v but_o different_a copy_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o genuine_a the_o child_n of_o israel_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a proneness_n to_o idolatry_n never_o cast_v off_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v do_v be_v so_o often_o bring_v into_o bondage_n by_o their_o neighbour-nation_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o law_n which_o they_o transgress_v but_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o oppression_n of_o jolatrous_a nation_n they_o hope_v for_o deliverance_n upon_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o it_o and_o can_v by_o no_o temptation_n or_o torment_n be_v persuade_v or_o force_v to_o renounce_v it_o but_o the_o long_a captivity_n in_o babylon_n wrought_v a_o perfect_a cure_n in_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o their_o inclination_n to_o idolatry_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v unless_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n in_o see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o by_o other_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v sully_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n beyond_o all_o other_o if_o it_o have_v be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v their_o law_n in_o every_o respect_n more_o favourable_a to_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o have_v cloy_v it_o with_o burden_n some_o ceremony_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o neighbour-nation_n who_o idolatry_n they_o be_v so_o long_o prone_a to_o and_o which_o these_o ceremony_n be_v design_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o they_o who_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n so_o fond_a of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a will_v never_o have_v invent_v law_n so_o uneasy_a to_o themselves_o and_o so_o contrary_a and_o odious_a to_o other_o nation_n they_o will_v never_o have_v frame_v they_o themselves_o and_o then_o have_v pretend_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o law_n which_o they_o be_v so_o little_o please_v with_o they_o will_v never_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n through_o all_o age_n as_o a_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a people_n notwithstanding_o so_o many_o and_o so_o convince_a miracle_n so_o long_o wrought_v among_o they_o the_o miracle_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v most_o of_o they_o judgement_n upon_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o they_o will_v never_o have_v set_v down_o these_o miracle_n but_o will_v rather_o have_v lest_o they_o out_o though_o they_o be_v true_a as_o disgraceful_a to_o their_o nation_n for_o thus_o josephus_n have_v omit_v some_o thing_n to_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n which_o he_o be_v a_o ware_n will_v have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o heathen_a by_o a_o full_a and_o punctual_a relation_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o they_o can_v be_v as_o little_a ignorant_a as_o josephus_n what_o will_v prove_v disgraceful_a to_o they_o and_o what_o will_v make_v for_o their_o honour_n and_o renown_n and_o when_o the_o design_n of_o these_o suppose_a forgery_n and_o falsification_n must_v have_v be_v to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o as_o these_o no_o if_o they_o have_v make_v any_o alteration_n it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o strike_v out_o those_o numerous_a passage_n which_o be_v so_o reproachful_a to_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o have_v insert_v other_o which_o may_v raise_v the_o fame_n and_o glory_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o to_o have_v change_v those_o ceremony_n that_o be_v so_o burdensome_a and_o so_o singular_a for_o those_o which_o will_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a to_o themselves_o and_o may_v have_v recommend_v they_o to_o the_o good_a opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n but_o when_o so_o refractory_a a_o people_n become_v so_o zealous_a for_o such_o a_o law_n so_o uneasy_a at_o first_o and_o so_o distasteful_a to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o they_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o falsify_v it_o themselves_o nor_o sufter_o other_o to_o falsify_v it_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v unanimous_a to_o a_o man_n in_o the_o make_v these_o law_n if_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o make_n for_o if_o any_o one_o have_v dissent_v he_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o argument_n to_o draw_v other_o after_o he_o in_o make_v law_n the_o interest_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n be_v always_o the_o motive_n for_o the_o enact_v they_o and_o beside_o the_o public_a honour_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o too_o often_o be_v less_o consider_v the_o particular_a interest_n of_o every_o single_a man_n will_v have_v make_v he_o concern_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o such_o law_n no_o people_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o make_v law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o sow_v their_o land_n every_o seven_o year_n and_o be_v command_v to_o leave_v their_o habitation_n and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o capital_a city_n from_o every_o part_n of_o their_o country_n thrice_o in_o a_o year_n no_o people_n can_v agree_v to_o enact_v such_o law_n of_o their_o own_o contrivance_n because_o none_o can_v subsist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o without_o a_o miracle_n how_o can_v we_o conceive_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o people_n to_o subsist_v by_o such_o law_n if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o their_o own_o make_n or_o that_o any_o nation_n shall_v agree_v in_o the_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o must_v provoke_v all_o their_o neighbour_n nation_n to_o make_v war_n against_o they_o nay_o by_o which_o they_o actual_o declare_v a_o irreconcilable_a war_n against_o seven_o nation_n at_o once_o for_o one_o nation_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o their_o law_n and_o constitution_n from_o all_o other_o people_n to_o lay_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o government_n in_o the_o disgrace_n and_o infamy_n of_o all_o their_o neighbour_n
of_o babylon_n and_o be_v carry_v to_o babylon_n ezekiel_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v babylon_n jeremiah_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o peace_n and_o be_v bury_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ancestor_n ezekiel_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v at_o babylon_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v all_o this_o with_o the_o history_n nothing_o ever_o be_v more_o punctual_o fulfil_v for_o zedekiah_n see_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n who_o command_v his_o eye_n to_o be_v put_v out_o before_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o babylon_n and_o he_o die_v there_o but_o die_v peaceable_o and_o be_v suffer_v to_o have_v the_o usual_a funeral_n solemnity_n 2_o king_n twenty-five_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o both_o prophecy_n prove_v true_a in_o the_o event_n which_o seem_v before_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o so_o critical_a a_o exactness_n in_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n in_o prophecy_n deliver_v by_o two_o person_n who_o be_v before_o think_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o be_v such_o a_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n after_o they_o have_v see_v they_o so_o punctual_o fulfil_v in_o their_o captivity_n that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n but_o that_o both_o be_v from_o god_n jeremiah_n foretell_v also_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v restore_v after_o a_o captivity_n of_o seventy_o year_n these_o nation_n shall_v serve_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n seventy_o year_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v when_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v that_o i_o will_v punish_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o that_o nation_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o iniquity_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n jer._n twenty-five_o 11_o 12._o for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o after_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v at_o babylon_n i_o will_v visit_v you_o and_o perform_v my_o good_a word_n towards_o you_o in_o cause_v you_o to_o return_v to_o this_o place_n jer._n xxix_o 10._o and_o this_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n the_o jew_n depend_v upon_o under_o the_o captivity_n dan._n ix_o 2._o zech._n i._n 12._o and_o it_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v to_o they_o the_o generation_n of_o nebuchadnezzar_n posterity_n that_o shall_v succeed_v he_o till_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o monarchy_n be_v foretell_v jer._n xxvii_o 7._o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o take_v the_o city_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v and_o describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n agree_v punctual_o with_o the_o account_n of_o it_o by_o 191._o by_o 〈◊〉_d â—odoâ—_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 191._o herodotus_n one_o post_n shall_v run_v to_o meet_v another_o and_o one_o messenger_n to_o meet_v another_o to_o show_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n that_o his_o city_n be_v take_v at_o one_o end_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n be_v stop_v and_o the_o reed_n they_o have_v burn_v with_o sire_n and_o the_o man_n of_o war_n be_v affright_v and_o this_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o memorable_a and_o solemn_a manner_n by_o write_v it_o down_o and_o by_o cast_v the_o book_n into_o euphrates_n jer._n li._n 31_o 32_o 62_o 63._o the_o destruction_n of_o tyre_n and_o zidon_n and_o of_o egypt_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n after_o forty_o year_n ezek._n xxviii_o 19_o &_o xxix_o 12_o 13._o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o of_o the_o sanctuary_n by_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n with_o the_o death_n of_o antiochus_n and_o a_o description_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o of_o his_o very_a countenance_n be_v clear_o deliver_v by_o daniel_n four_o hundred_o and_o eight_o year_n 11._o year_n joseph_n antiquit._n l._n 11._o c._n 11._o before_o the_o accomplishment_n dan._n viij_o daniel_n likewise_o describe_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o rebuilding_n of_o their_o city_n and_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o it_o and_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v say_v 8._o say_v ibid._n l._n 11._o c._n 8._o to_o have_v be_v encourage_v by_o daniel_n prophecy_n in_o his_o expedition_n indeed_o his_o prophecy_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n be_v so_o exact_o parallel_v that_o porphyry_n can_v find_v no_o other_o evasion_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v after_o the_o event_n which_o as_o grotius_n observe_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v maintain_v that_o the_o work_n of_o virgil_n be_v not_o write_v under_o augustus_n but_o after_o his_o time_n for_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v as_o public_a and_o as_o much_o disperse_v and_o as_o universal_o receive_v as_o ever_o any_o book_n can_v be_v last_o haggai_n and_o malachi_n prophesy_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n hag._n two_o 7_o 9_o mal._n iii._o 1._o and_o hosea_n foretell_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o those_o remarkable_a word_n they_o shall_v be_v night-wanderer_n among_o the_o nation_n hos_fw-la ix_o 17._o not_o to_o insist_v therefore_o upon_o other_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n or_o less_o remarkable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n these_o may_v suffice_v which_o be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n in_o they_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o prejudice_n or_o malice_n have_v prepare_v to_o make_v the_o utmost_a discovery_n be_v witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o both_o the_o prophecy_n themselves_o and_o the_o fulfil_v of_o they_o be_v notorious_a to_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n they_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath-day_n the_o jew_n have_v as_o good_a evidence_n for_o instance_n that_o elijah_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n as_o they_o can_v have_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o public_a transaction_n and_o council_n of_o prince_n the_o fate_n and_o revolution_n of_o empire_n with_o the_o prefix_v time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o person_n be_v so_o particular_o foretell_v two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o history_n as_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o revelation_n for_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o history_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v set_v down_o in_o the_o very_a circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o afterward_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v dispute_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o elijah_n or_o such_o a_o prince_n as_o josiah_n or_o cyrus_n he_o will_v but_o make_v himself_o ridiculous_a but_o if_o he_o deny_v that_o elijah_n wrought_v such_o miracle_n or_o that_o isaiah_n speak_v of_o cyrus_n and_o another_o prophet_n of_o josiah_n by_o inspiration_n perhaps_o he_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v make_v some_o great_a discovery_n and_o to_o know_v something_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o shall_v be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o applause_n instead_o of_o that_o contempt_n which_o such_o pretence_n deserve_v so_o strange_o partial_a be_v man_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o man_n to_o bring_v better_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o elijah_n and_o josiah_n and_o cyrus_n than_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o show_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v by_o name_n prophesy_v of_o long_a before_o their_o birth_n and_o that_o the_o first_o wrought_v all_o the_o miracle_n relate_v of_o he_o or_o to_o produce_v clear_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o reign_n of_o cyrus_n than_o we_o have_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o people_n with_o their_o restoration_n after_o seventy_o year_n be_v foretell_v by_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n do_v their_o miracle_n in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n and_o their_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v not_o in_o corner_n but_o open_o before_o all_o the_o people_n not_o in_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a word_n but_o in_o plain_a term_n with_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o person_n and_o time_n and_o place_n they_o be_v keep_v they_o be_v read_v and_o study_v by_o that_o very_a people_n who_o at_o first_o as_o little_o regard_v they_o as_o any_o man_n now_o among_o we_o can_v do_v but_o slay_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o reject_v their_o prophecy_n with_o rage_n and_o indignation_n but_o be_v afterward_o by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n so_o full_o convince_v which_o be_v likewise_o foretell_v ezek._n xxxiii_o 33._o of_o their_o
patience_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n that_o be_v to_o declare_v a_o ungrateful_a and_o despise_a truth_n among_o those_o who_o will_v think_v themselves_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o they_o have_v wrought_v no_o miracle_n their_o courage_n and_o resolution_n may_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o groundless_a confidence_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o stand_v so_o resolute_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v their_o miracle_n themselves_o may_v have_v become_v suspect_v but_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o be_v support_v in_o all_o their_o suffering_n by_o a_o supernatural_a constancy_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v so_o sudden_o change_v and_o raise_v above_o themselves_o in_o all_o they_o do_v or_o suffer_v and_o work_v the_o same_o change_n in_o other_o they_o give_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v and_o as_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n down_o upon_o their_o disciple_n so_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o affliction_n communicate_v to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o raise_v up_o any_o christian_a emperor_n till_o above_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v show_v that_o the_o religion_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n can_v need_v no_o human_a aid_n nor_o be_v suppress_v by_o any_o human_a force_n and_o that_o he_o may_v recommend_v the_o great_a virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o example_n man_n as_o eminent_a for_o these_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v and_o may_v instruct_v mankind_n in_o a_o suffer_a religion_n for_o to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o protection_n from_o christian_a emperor_n till_o most_o of_o the_o empire_n be_v become_v christian_a and_o christianity_n have_v diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o before_o the_o last_o persecution_n begin_v by_o dioclesian_n 1._o dioclesian_n euseb_n hist_o lib._n viij_o c._n 1._o the_o church_n flourish_v as_o much_o and_o have_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o court_n and_o of_o great_a man_n in_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n almost_o as_o under_o constantine_n himself_o till_o their_o prosperity_n cause_v their_o sin_n and_o these_o bring_v persecution_n but_o at_o last_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n be_v force_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n manifest_v in_o miraculous_a disease_n inflict_v on_o they_o to_o restore_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o former_a liberty_n in_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n need_v no_o patronage_n of_o man_n for_o god_n will_v compel_v its_o worst_a enemy_n to_o become_v its_o protector_n when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_v and_o 16._o and_o sozom_n lib._n v._o c._n 16._o when_o julian_n make_v it_o his_o great_a aim_n and_o business_n to_o restore_v paganism_n again_o in_o the_o world_n he_o see_v to_o his_o grief_n how_o ineffectual_a all_o his_o endeavour_n prove_v he_o observe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v a_o general_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n and_o that_o the_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o his_o own_o priest_n themselves_o be_v most_o of_o they_o christian_n if_o any_o one_o then_o upon_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o circumstance_n can_v withstand_v the_o conviction_n of_o so_o great_a evidence_n i_o will_v only_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o believe_v any_o history_n or_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o never_o see_v and_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v what_o degree_n of_o certainty_n he_o can_v discern_v in_o any_o of_o they_o which_o be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v here_o and_o beside_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o in_o a_o vicious_a and_o subtle_a age_n a_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n by_o so_o weak_a and_o incompetent_a mean_n can_v obtain_v so_o universal_o among_o man_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o profession_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n against_o so_o violent_a opposition_n without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o can_v be_v conceive_v either_o therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v propagate_v by_o miracle_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v propagate_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o propagate_v by_o miracle_n the_o propagation_n itself_o be_v a_o miracle_n and_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v just_o esteem_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o credibility_n of_o any_o history_n if_o it_o be_v write_v by_o man_n of_o integrity_n man_n who_o have_v no_o suspicion_n upon_o they_o of_o dishonesty_n and_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o deceive_v and_o who_o relate_v nothing_o but_o of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o within_o their_o own_o knowledge_n though_o the_o author_n never_o suffer_v any_o loss_n nor_o run_v any_o hazard_n in_o assert_v what_o they_o deliver_v but_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o many_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o history_n to_o future_a age_n be_v rather_o a_o appeal_n to_o that_o age_n whether_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v true_a or_o not_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v attest_v by_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o face_n of_o his_o very_a crucifier_n and_o they_o all_o remain_v upon_o the_o place_n where_o what_o they_o witness_v have_v be_v do_v for_o several_a year_n afterward_o declare_v and_o preach_v to_o all_o people_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o soon_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o all_o the_o proceed_n against_o he_o be_v fresh_a in_o memory_n they_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o write_v in_o greek_a which_o be_v the_o most_o common_a language_n and_o general_o know_v at_o that_o time_n st._n matthew_n who_o first_o pen_v his_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v it_o in_o hebrew_n or_o syriack_n though_o it_o be_v soon_o after_o translate_v into_o greek_n so_o that_o whover_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o greek_a tongue_n may_v read_v the_o gospel_n in_o their_o own_o language_n not_o long_o after_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v pen_v and_o they_o be_v all_o in_o a_o short_a time_n disperse_v into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o translate_v into_o all_o language_n it_o be_v particular_o relate_v ebion_n relate_v eâ—iphan_n haerâ—â—_n ebion_n that_o st._n john_n gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v soon_o translate_v into_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o evangelist_n give_v such_o a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o must_v suppose_v they_o record_v at_o rome_n for_o there_o the_o censual_a table_n be_v keep_v where_o by_o st._n luke_n account_n the_o name_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v have_v be_v register_v and_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o they_o relate_v they_o that_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n use_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a province_n the_o emperor_n must_v have_v a_o relation_n send_v he_o of_o they_o and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n appeal_v to_o the_o roman_a record_n for_o the_o truth_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o massacre_n of_o the_o infant_n by_o herod_n be_v preserve_v to_o we_o by_o a_o say_n of_o augustus_n concern_v herod_n upon_o it_o 4._o it_o macrobius_n saturnal_a lib._n two_o c._n 4._o which_o be_v mention_v in_o macrobius_n a_o heathen_a author_n for_o augustus_n be_v tell_v that_o among_o other_o herod_n have_v cause_v his_o own_o child_n to_o be_v slay_v which_o whether_o true_a or_o no_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o emperor_n to_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v herod_n swine_n than_o his_o son_n tacitus_n mention_n our_o saviour_n suffering_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o 21._o his_o tertul._n apol._n c._n 21._o apology_n tell_v the_o heathen_n that_o the_o miraculous_a eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v at_o christ_n death_n stand_v upon_o record_n in_o their_o own_o register_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o course_n
when_o he_o propose_v rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o caution_n to_o arm_v man_n against_o vice_n and_o temptation_n how_o much_o short_a do_v he_o fall_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o tell_v you_o that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v speak_v ill_o of_o you_o make_v no_o apology_n for_o yourself_o but_o answer_v he_o do_v not_o know_v my_o other_o fault_n or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v charge_v i_o with_o these_o only_a cap_n xlviii_o this_o be_v a_o sine_fw-la say_v a_o pretty_a turn_n of_o thought_n but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o comparable_a to_o that_o awful_a and_o sacred_a promise_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mat._n v._n 11_o 12._o again_o when_o a_o man_n value_v himself_o say_v epictetus_n for_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o explain_v the_o book_n of_o chrysippus_n say_v you_o to_o yourself_o unless_o chrysippus_n have_v write_v obscure_o this_o man_n will_v have_v have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o what_o do_v i_o design_n to_o study_v nature_n and_o follow_v it_o cap._n lxxiii_o this_o be_v no_o ill_a satyr_n upon_o the_o vanity_n of_o man_n but_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o like_o that_o piety_n and_o authority_n with_o which_o st._n paul_n reprove_v the_o same_o vice_n 1_o cor._n viij_o 1.2_o 3._o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o frequent_o confess_v the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o place_v their_o great_a wisdom_n in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o sensible_a than_o other_o of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o socrates_n profess_v that_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n because_o he_o know_v how_o ignorant_a he_o be_v better_o than_o other_o man_n do_v as_o to_o the_o chinese_n philosophy_n we_o know_v little_a of_o it_o their_o declar._n their_o confuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o par._n 4._o p._n 36._o &_o philippi_n couplet_n prooem_n declar._n book_n of_o philosophy_n be_v all_o destroy_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o tyrant_n who_o reign_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n from_o the_o fragment_n which_o be_v afterward_o gather_v up_o and_o yet_o remain_v among_o they_o we_o can_v only_o perceive_v that_o confucius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o best_a philosopher_n teach_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o when_o they_o forsake_v this_o tradition_n they_o fall_v into_o the_o gross_a error_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o at_o this_o day_n ii_o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v discover_v the_o more_o common_a and_o obvious_a precept_n of_o morality_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v discover_v most_o of_o they_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n which_o we_o find_v as_o to_o some_o particular_n in_o the_o best_a system_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n and_o from_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o offer_v up_o man_n for_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n and_o of_o cast_v away_o and_o expose_v their_o child_n in_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o heathen_n be_v not_o leave_v destitute_a of_o many_o help_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o scripture_n which_o divers_a of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v read_v and_o many_o thing_n which_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v deduction_n from_o natural_a reason_n may_v have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n for_o thing_n once_o discover_v seem_v easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o man_n 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reason_n than_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o he_o and_o yet_o spartianas_n a_o heathen_a historian_n say_v that_o alexander_n severus_n have_v this_o excellent_a rule_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n either_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contain_v plain_a and_o more_o obvious_a thing_n than_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n and_o 2._o and_o ld._n bacon_n advance_v of_o learning_n b._n viij_o c._n 2._o yet_o a_o author_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n have_v give_v a_o essay_n how_o a_o considerable_a defect_n of_o learning_n may_v be_v supply_v out_o of_o this_o very_a book_n produce_v such_o caution_n instruction_n and_o axiom_n from_o thence_o relate_v to_o the_o business_n and_o government_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o all_o variety_n of_o occasion_n as_o be_v not_o where_o else_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o far_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v proceed_v without_o revelation_n since_o it_o never_o be_v without_o it_o but_o always_o argue_v from_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o noah_n and_o be_v propagate_v among_o his_o posterity_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n though_o they_o be_v more_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v in_o some_o age_n and_o nation_n than_o in_o other_o 1._o other_o plat._n de_fw-fr legib._n dialog_n 1._o plato_n derive_v the_o original_a of_o all_o law_n from_o revelation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o morality_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o cabbala_n consist_v of_o general_a maxim_n and_o proverb_n without_o argument_n or_o deduction_n from_o principle_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o this_o day_n in_o those_o country_n where_o aristotle_n philosophy_n have_v not_o prevail_v who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o undertake_v to_o argue_v close_o from_o principle_n in_o morality_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o philosophy_n i_o shall_v prove_v by_o some_o remarkable_a instance_n that_o humane_a reason_n fail_v they_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o and_o unanswerable_o demonstrate_v by_o tully_n and_o 1._o and_o tull._n de_fw-fr legib._n lib._n 1._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v as_o plain_o assert_v by_o he_o with_o what_o strength_n of_o reason_n with_o what_o plainness_n with_o what_o assurance_n do_v two_o do_v tull._n de_fw-fr natur._n deor._n lib._n 2_o two_o balbus_n the_o stoic_a speak_v concern_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o when_o he_o will_v explain_v the_o divine_a nature_n he_o describe_v a_o mere_a anima_fw-la mundi_fw-la and_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n of_o his_o adversary_n which_o show_v that_o humane_a reason_n can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o to_o discover_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o can_v know_v little_a of_o his_o nature_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o true_a and_o just_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n must_v be_v chief_o ascribe_v to_o that_o that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v the_o philosopher_n before_o aristotle_n general_o assert_v and_o that_o water_n be_v the_o first_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v form_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o 3._o by_o arist_n de_fw-fr coelo_fw-la lib._n i._n c._n 10._o metaphys_n lib._n i_o c._n 3._o aristotle_n to_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o ancient_a opinion_n but_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o argue_v the_o point_n he_o conclude_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a which_o according_a to_o modern_a philosophy_n be_v as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v deliver_v down_o from_o all_o
antiquity_n as_o tully_n assure_v we_o but_o the_o ancient_n give_v no_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o they_o only_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n plato_n be_v the_o first_o who_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n for_o though_o pherecydes_n syrus_n and_o pythagoras_n have_v assert_v it_o yet_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o tradition_n by_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o eastern_a nation_n but_o plato_n as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v converse_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o egypt_n or_o at_o his_o come_n into_o italy_n be_v there_o acquaint_v i._n acquaint_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n among_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n begin_v to_o argue_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o full_o out_o have_v only_o show_v how_o far_o reason_n can_v proceed_v upon_o those_o ground_n which_o be_v then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n from_o revelation_n seneca_n 54.102_o seneca_n epist_n 54.102_o though_o he_o sometime_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n doubt_n of_o it_o and_o even_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o subsistence_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n and_o yet_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o great_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v not_o certain_o prove_v from_o reason_n be_v firm_o believe_v even_o among_o anot._n among_o grot._n de_fw-fr verit_fw-la lib._n i_o anot._n barbarian_n 36._o barbarian_n consuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o part._n 4._o p._n 36._o confucius_n the_o famous_a chinese_n philosopher_n profess_v himself_o not_o the_o author_n but_o the_o relater_n only_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o deliver_v down_o from_o all_o antiquity_n and_o 8._o and_o arist_n metaph._n lib._n twelve_o c._n 8._o aristotle_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o ancient_n leave_v many_o tradition_n which_o their_o posterity_n have_v corrupt_v but_o from_o the_o remain_v of_o those_o traditiwe_v know_v that_o they_o be_v original_o derive_v from_o revelation_n the_o first_o of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o teach_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v i._n be_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n pherecydes_n and_o he_o leave_v his_o write_n to_o thales_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o notion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v produce_v from_o water_n pythagoras_n be_v a_o scholar_n of_o pherecydes_n and_o pythagoras_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n converse_v with_o the_o learned_a jew_n phaed._n jew_n plat._n phaed._n socrates_n dispute_v of_o a_o future_a state_n from_o tradition_n and_o phileb_n and_o plat._n phileb_n profess_v that_o he_o always_o follow_v the_o tradition_n which_o have_v descend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whenever_o that_o fail_v he_o timae_fw-la he_o plat._n timae_fw-la and_o this_o tradition_n can_v not_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v confess_v to_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o antiquity_n the_o notion_n in_o philosophy_n of_o the_o latter_a heathen_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o ammonius_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o teacher_n of_o philosophy_n at_o alexandria_n and_o we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n moral_a philosophy_n in_o a_o few_o year_n attain_v to_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v do_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o work_n of_o seneca_n epictetus_n plutarch_n m._n antoninus_n maximus_n tyrius_n and_o other_o we_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o morality_n which_o philosopher_n all_o along_o teach_v have_v their_o original_n from_o revelation_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o sagacity_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n because_o they_o err_v in_o thing_n no_o less_o obvious_a to_o natural_a reason_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o spare_v no_o pain_n either_o by_o read_v or_o conversation_n in_o their_o own_o or_o in_o foreign_a country_n in_o their_o search_n and_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n iii_o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o 1._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o large_a and_o learned_a work_n mix_v with_o many_o wrong_n and_o absurd_a notion_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v in_o great_a measure_n useless_a how_o certain_a and_o excellent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o they_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o life_n to_o we_o no_o perfect_a rule_n of_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o one_o author_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o compile_v such_o a_o rule_n out_o of_o they_o all_o yet_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o collect_v they_o 7._o they_o lact._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr beat_v c._n 7._o lanctantius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o all_o the_o truth_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n can_v be_v collect_v together_o into_o one_o system_n they_o will_v make_v up_o a_o body_n of_o philosophy_n agreeable_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o then_o he_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v such_o a_o collection_n without_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o this_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o find_v i._n find_v tull._n de_fw-fr orat._n lib._n i._n the_o xii_o table_n prefer_v before_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a as_o tully_n say_v but_o the_o philosopher_n have_v teach_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o absurdity_n of_o philosophy_n for_o though_o some_o few_o of_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o such_o extravagancy_n yet_o their_o notion_n be_v no_o rule_n or_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o best_a be_v not_o without_o many_o great_a error_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n be_v no_o better_o than_o good_a advice_n and_o carry_v no_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n in_o conscience_n they_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n and_o fail_v in_o this_o necessary_a point_n whatever_o their_o intrinsic_a worth_n have_v be_v they_o never_o can_v have_v have_v that_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v virtue_n be_v propound_v by_o philosopher_n rather_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o honour_n and_o decency_n than_o of_o strict_a duty_n those_o be_v esteem_v and_o admire_v indeed_o that_o observe_v it_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o want_v that_o commendation_n some_o philosopher_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n but_o they_o pass_v rather_o for_o wise_a say_n than_o for_o law_n of_o nature_n their_o own_o reputation_n which_o be_v great_a or_o less_o with_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a authority_n they_o have_v it_o may_v be_v prudence_n to_o do_v as_o they_o teach_v but_o there_o appear_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o it_o they_o common_o represent_v virtue_n as_o very_o lovely_a with_o many_o very_a great_a and_o powerful_a charm_n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n do_v not_o know_v a_o true_a beauty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o intolerable_a disgrace_n the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n be_v little_o insist_v upon_o by_o they_o they_o recommend_v virtue_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n not_o as_o it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o the_o contrary_n punish_v and_o those_o who_o can_v not_o soar_v to_o their_o height_n be_v rather_o the_o worse_a than_o the_o better_a for_o such_o doctrine_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o impracticable_a speculation_n of_o some_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o speak_v great_a thing_n and_o they_o often_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o which_o they_o have_v from_o tradition_n or_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o genius_n but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o any_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v wont_v to_o influence_n and_o govern_v humane_a action_n according_o we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n suit_v to_o the_o temper_n and_o humour_n of_o particular_a man_n so_o far_o they_o prevail_v and_o no_o far_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o academic_n the_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a to_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o morose_n to_o the_o stoic_n man_n apply_v themselves_o to_o what_o ever_o opinion_n they_o like_v best_a and_o find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o a_o severe_a and_o haughty_a gravity_n make_v up_o the_o
but_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o he_o have_v take_v care_n to_o insert_v such_o particular_n concern_v himself_o as_o to_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n by_o which_o he_o be_v guide_v in_o pen_v it_o he_o blasphemous_o introduce_v god_n thus_o speak_v to_o he_o xxxiii_o he_o alcor_fw-la c._n xxxiii_o o_o prophet_n we_o permit_v thou_o to_o know_v the_o woman_n to_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v dowry_n the_o woman_n slave_n which_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o the_o daughter_n of_o thy_o uncle_n and_o of_o thy_o aunt_n that_o have_v abandon_v with_o thou_o the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o true_a believe_a wife_n that_o shall_v be_v give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v marry_v she_o and_o that_o she_o be_v not_o the_o wife_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n it_o seem_v he_o give_v himself_o the_o liberty_n to_o take_v away_o the_o wife_n of_o any_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o religion_n thou_o shall_v retain_v who_o of_o thy_o wife_n thou_o shall_v desire_v to_o retain_v and_o shall_v repudiate_v such_o as_o thou_o shall_v desire_v to_o repudiate_v and_o shall_v lie_v with_o they_o that_o shall_v please_v thou_o by_o this_o mean_v his_o family_n of_o wife_n become_v pretty_a numerous_a some_o say_v they_o be_v fifteen_o other_o say_v one_o and_o twenty_o beside_o concubine_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v take_v some_o care_n to_o keep_v they_o true_a to_o he_o and_o so_o he_o bespeak_v they_o after_o this_o manner_n ib._n manner_n ib._n oh_o you_o wife_n of_o the_o prophet_n such_o of_o you_o as_o shall_v be_v unchaste_a shall_v be_v punish_v double_o more_o than_o other_o woman_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n easy_a to_o god_n such_o among_o you_o as_o shall_v obey_v god_n and_o his_o prophet_n and_o shall_v do_v good_a work_n shall_v be_v reward_v more_o than_o other_o woman_n a_o exceed_a great_a reward_n be_v prepare_v for_o you_o oh_o you_o wife_n of_o the_o prophet_n you_o be_v not_o like_o other_o woman_n of_o the_o world_n fear_v god_n and_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o such_o as_o have_v a_o design_n to_o seduce_v you_o speak_v with_o civility_n abide_v in_o your_o house_n go_v not_o forth_o to_o make_v your_o beauty_n appear_v and_o to_o make_v a_o show_n as_o do_v the_o ignorant_a of_o old_a this_o explain_v what_o be_v mention_v before_o of_o a_o revelation_n mahomet_n pretend_v to_o have_v concern_v something_o that_o one_o of_o his_o wife_n be_v to_o say_v to_o he_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o he_o know_v whatever_o they_o do_v or_o say_v that_o so_o he_o may_v keep_v they_o in_o a_o we_o that_o they_o may_v not_o dare_v to_o prove_v false_a to_o he_o his_o pride_n be_v evident_a in_o this_o which_o follow_v ib._n follow_v ib._n you_o that_o believe_v enter_v not_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o prophet_n without_o permission_n except_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o repast_n and_o that_o by_o chance_n and_o without_o 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and_o such_o prophecy_n deliver_v as_o give_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o full_a evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o concur_v with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n requisite_a in_o a_o revelation_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o know_v that_o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o effectual_a and_o not_o feign_v or_o insufficient_a i_o answer_v because_o we_o have_v they_o so_o relate_v and_o attest_v that_o consider_v bare_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o safe_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v ourselves_o see_v or_o hear_v if_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o for_o all_o 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will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o attribute_n of_o justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n but_o it_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o attribute_n not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o body_n for_o they_o will_v be_v provide_v for_o as_o well_o though_o our_o sense_n be_v delude_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o taste_v just_a as_o we_o do_v now_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o much_o deceive_v in_o these_o sensation_n therefore_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v not_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o respect_n to_o our_o soul_n not_o in_o regard_n to_o our_o body_n and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v such_o a_o cheat_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v intelligent_a and_o rational_a being_n we_o have_v the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o lie_v under_o such_o a_o delusion_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n unavoidable_o to_o lie_v under_o a_o temporal_a delusion_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n have_v we_o not_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o unavoidable_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n for_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v deceive_v be_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o to_o suffer_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o mankind_n at_o once_o not_o only_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o sense_n but_o to_o be_v poison_v by_o that_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o the_o special_a providence_n and_o particular_a care_n of_o god_n must_v be_v concern_v to_o prevent_v it_o
if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n but_o the_o imperfection_n of_o human_a nature_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o god_n that_o this_o shall_v never_o mislead_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n whether_o the_o imperfection_n be_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o in_o short_a the_o miracle_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v as_o effectual_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o we_o as_o they_o can_v to_o those_o that_o see_v they_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v upon_o their_o evidence_n as_o they_o can_v have_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sense_n let_v we_o consider_v history_n as_o a_o medium_n by_o which_o these_o miracle_n become_v know_v to_o we_o and_o compare_v this_o medium_n with_o that_o of_o sight_n if_o a_o man_n will_v be_v sceptical_a he_o may_v 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scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o many_o more_o and_o great_a motive_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o believe_v these_o of_o the_o new_a must_v therefore_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o those_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n and_o all_o the_o faith_n which_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v that_o i_o myself_o be_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o maker_n or_o create_v without_o a_o creator_n and_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o this_o 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modern_a way_n of_o use_v they_o together_o with_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o period_n of_o disease_n in_o which_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o some_o caution_n relate_v to_o the_o disorder_n they_o sometime_o occasion_n the_o medicine_n be_v range_v in_o their_o proper_a class_n according_a to_o their_o virtue_n and_o draw_v up_o in_o table_n for_o the_o reader_n conveniency_n with_o their_o just_a dose_n annex_v write_a original_o in_o french_a by_o m._n tavury_n m._n d._n member_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n there_o be_v in_o the_o press_n and_o will_v speedy_o be_v publish_a howell_n abridgement_n of_o his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n epitomise_v by_o himself_o sub_fw-la praelo_fw-la compendium_n michaclis_n etmulleris_n opera_fw-la medica_fw-la tam_fw-la praxis_fw-la quam_fw-la chimia_fw-it cui_fw-la subjiciuntur_fw-la institutiones_fw-la medicae_fw-la the_o history_n of_o polybius_n the_o megalopolitan_a contain_v a_o general_n account_v of_o the_o 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socrates_n euripides_n etc._n etc._n and_o aesop_n fable_n by_o dr._n bentley_n a_o italian_a voyage_n or_o a_o complete_a journey_n through_o italy_n in_o two_o part_n with_o the_o character_n of_o the_o people_n and_o description_n of_o the_o chief_a town_n church_n monastery_n tomb_n library_n palace_n villa_n garden_n picture_n statue_n and_o antiquity_n as_o also_o of_o the_o interest_n government_n riches_n force_n etc._n etc._n of_o all_o the_o prince_n with_o instruction_n concern_v travel_n by_o richard_n lassel_n gent._n the_o second_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n by_o a_o modern_a hand_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o contain_v discourse_n upon_o such_o subject_n as_o be_v think_v most_o liable_a to_o objection_n by_o robert_n jenkin_n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n and_o late_a fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o peter_n buck_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o temple_n near_o the_o inner-temple-gate_n in_o fleet_n street_n 1700._o the_o preface_n there_o never_o appear_v i_o believe_v among_o christian_n so_o general_a a_o disaffection_n as_o in_o the_o present_a age_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o man_n pretend_v at_o least_o to_o reason_n and_o learning_n and_o natural_a religion_n and_o moral_a virtue_n and_o though_o i_o can_v have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o hope_n that_o i_o shall_v write_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v much_o prevail_v with_o man_n of_o these_o accomplishment_n yet_o i_o be_v persuade_v that_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n though_o but_o in_o weak_a hand_n can_v not_o fail_v of_o some_o effect_n upon_o all_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consider_v it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o think_v the_o best_a way_n will_v be_v not_o to_o read_v lecture_n as_o it_o be_v of_o anatomy_n upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o represent_v it_o piecemeal_n like_o a_o lifeless_a carcase_n divide_v and_o dissect_v though_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o show_v never_o so_o much_o skill_n in_o the_o operation_n but_o to_o give_v a_o entire_a view_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o christianity_n the_o connexion_n of_o its_o part_n between_o themselves_o and_o the_o preference_n which_o it_o have_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n from_o whence_o i_o know_v it_o must_v appear_v in_o as_o true_a a_o light_n and_o with_o as_o much_o life_n and_o force_n as_o it_o can_v do_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o no_o better_o a_o pen._n there_o be_v a_o excellency_n in_o every_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n separately_z consider_v but_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o each_o part_n be_v in_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o several_a part_n must_v be_v take_v altogether_o if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o make_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o that_o which_o i_o make_v my_o more_o particular_a care_n and_o which_o i_o think_v the_o more_o require_v my_o pain_n because_o i_o have_v not_o observe_v it_o to_o be_v much_o insist_v upon_o by_o other_o be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o imperfection_n and_o error_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o manifest_a falsehood_n of_o the_o religion_n both_o of_o the_o heathen_n and_o of_o the_o mahometan_n and_o moreover_o to_o prove_v that_o beside_o all_o other_o thing_n requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n the_o religion_n deliver_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v receive_v a_o full_a promulgation_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o these_o foundation_n thus_o lay_v and_o secure_v we_o have_v no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n we_o be_v often_o tell_v by_o those_o that_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o must_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v great_a care_n of_o not_o be_v deceive_v through_o the_o prejudices_fw-la derive_v from_o our_o education_n but_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v upon_o enquiry_n that_o such_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o their_o prejudices_fw-la lie_v extreme_o against_o it_o for_o beside_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n always_o incline_v to_o error_n and_o vice_n though_o they_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n instill_a into_o they_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n yet_o they_o can_v learn_v they_o then_o only_o as_o confess_v truth_n to_o be_v receive_v for_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n but_o the_o first_o thing_n probable_o to_o which_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o with_o any_o application_n be_v the_o read_n of_o heathen_a author_n and_o when_o perhaps_o they_o have_v study_v philosophy_n and_o other_o humane_a learning_n for_o many_o year_n but_o never_o consider_v 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hope_v i_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o expostulate_v with_o
error_n and_o both_o he_o and_o socrates_n practise_v the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o country_n they_o assert_v many_o excellent_a truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v as_o they_o profess_v from_o antiquity_n but_o whenever_o they_o argue_v any_o point_n they_o common_o fall_v into_o mistake_n which_o oftentimes_o be_v of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n so_o weak_a a_o thing_n be_v humane_a wisdom_n without_o the_o guidance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o of_o this_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o sensible_a that_o divers_a of_o they_o will_v have_v it_o think_v that_o they_o have_v some_o supernatural_a assistance_n though_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v no_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o deserve_v no_o regard_n their_o imposture_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o admit_v of_o any_o denial_n or_o excuse_n the_o genius_n of_o socrates_n may_v be_v suppose_v worthy_a of_o more_o consideration_n yet_o it_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o socrates_n declare_v that_o a_o certain_a genius_n have_v accompany_v he_o from_o his_o childhood_n which_o often_o forbid_v he_o to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v design_v but_o never_o put_v he_o upon_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o information_n of_o this_o genius_n he_o often_o forewarn_v his_o friend_n of_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o undertake_v but_o after_o the_o best_a search_n i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v concern_v this_o genius_n of_o socrates_n i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o intricate_a and_o perplex_a business_n it_o may_v suffice_v in_o this_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o 111._o that_o xenoph._n de_fw-fr exp_v cyri._fw-la lib._n 111._o xenophon_n acquaint_v we_o that_o when_o he_o advise_v with_o socrates_n whether_o he_o shall_v follow_v cyrus_n in_o his_o expedition_n socrates_n send_v he_o to_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n who_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v consult_v in_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a affair_n which_o afford_v no_o very_a advantageous_a character_n either_o of_o socrates_n himself_o or_o of_o his_o genius_n â—_o genius_n ciâ—â—dâ—_n diutâ—_n lib._n â—_o tully_n inform_v we_o that_o antipater_n the_o stoic_a have_v make_v a_o collection_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o socrates_n geniu_n have_v discover_v to_o he_o but_o whatever_o they_o be_v it_o appear_v that_o tully_n have_v little_a regard_n to_o they_o and_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o all_o the_o philosophy_n of_o socrates_n end_v in_o nothing_o but_o uncertainty_n for_o when_o he_o have_v just_a before_o his_o death_n discourse_v of_o the_o state_n after_o this_o life_n the_o most_o that_o he_o can_v say_v to_o his_o friend_n in_o conclusion_n be_v phaed._n be_v plato_n phaed._n that_o they_o have_v a_o noble_a prize_n before_o they_o great_a hope_n and_o a_o glorious_a venture_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o possess_v and_o charm_v their_o mind_n with_o those_o thought_n the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o genius_n signify_v little_a to_o he_o if_o it_o leave_v he_o no_o better_o instruct_v as_o to_o a_o future_a state_n in_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o his_o life_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o socrates_n make_v great_a improvement_n in_o the_o moral_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o philosophy_n he_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a understanding_n love_v and_o belove_v of_o honest_a man_n and_o have_v courage_n and_o resolution_n enough_o to_o bear_v the_o affront_v and_o withstand_v the_o malice_n of_o other_o he_o mind_v none_o but_o the_o practical_a doctrine_n of_o philosophy_n and_o though_o he_o never_o have_v travel_v in_o search_n after_o learning_n as_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n in_o those_o age_n for_o philosopher_n to_o do_v but_o scarce_o ever_o stir_v out_o of_o athens_n yet_o he_o know_v how_o to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o the_o notion_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o foreign_a country_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o if_o plato_n have_v not_o make_v socrates_n the_o author_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v never_o sâ—â—d_v as_o not_o only_a platon_n only_a a._n gell_n lib._n 14_o c._n 3._o diog._n laert._n in_o platon_n xenophon_n but_o socrates_n himself_o declare_v but_o have_v â—iven_v we_o as_o plain_v a_o account_n of_o socrates_n philosophy_n as_o arrian_n have_v of_o that_o of_o epictetus_n we_o may_v have_v know_v more_o of_o he_o than_o we_o now_o be_v able_a to_o do_v but_o from_o what_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n have_v say_v of_o socrates_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o do_v not_o reâ—â—ain_v from_o idolatrous_a worship_n nor_o reject_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n nor_o deliver_v his_o own_o doctrine_n without_o much_o uncertainty_n and_o diffidence_n plato_n carry_v his_o philosophy_n to_o far_o great_a height_n than_o socrates_n have_v do_v and_o the_o sublime_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o vulgar_a which_o be_v so_o difficult_a that_o he_o declare_v to_o 2._o to_o epist_n 2._o dionysius_n that_o man_n of_o great_a ability_n and_o as_o great_a application_n and_o industry_n after_o the_o study_n of_o thirty_o year_n at_o last_o with_o much_o ado_n understand_v they_o some_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v write_v at_o all_o or_o so_o obscure_o as_o not_o to_o be_v intelligible_a if_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o secret_a of_o they_o and_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o best_a and_o only_o sure_a argument_n for_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o all_o philosophy_n can_v be_v but_o of_o little_a worth_n be_v from_o 7._o from_o epist._n 7._o ancient_a and_o sacred_a tradition_n the_o notion_n and_o tradition_n which_o plato_n have_v bring_v from_o other_o country_n with_o his_o delightful_a way_n of_o set_v they_o forth_o gain_v he_o great_a reputation_n some_o attempt_n be_v make_v by_o himself_o and_o those_o of_o his_o sect_n to_o bring_v his_o law_n into_o practice_n and_o to_o erect_v a_o commonwealth_n after_o the_o model_n of_o they_o his_o name_n and_o memory_n be_v have_v in_o great_a esteem_n his_o birthday_n be_v keep_v and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o it_o be_v renew_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n ago_o by_o some_o of_o his_o admirer_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o 1._o by_o comment_fw-fr in_o conviv_n plat_v de_fw-fr amere_fw-la c._n 1._o ficinus_fw-la one_o of_o that_o society_n but_o there_o be_v too_o much_o alloy_n find_v in_o his_o philosophy_n for_o any_o endeavour_n to_o gain_v it_o a_o constant_a and_o general_a reception_n his_o error_n in_o some_o case_n be_v so_o notorious_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a that_o edit_fw-la that_o vid._n plat_v de_fw-fr repub_fw-la lib._n v._o serran_n edit_fw-la serranus_n set_v over_o against_o they_o in_o the_o margin_n prima_fw-la insania_fw-la hominis_fw-la delirantis_fw-la and_o portentosa_fw-la insania_fw-la 2._o insania_fw-la orig._n coâ—r_n cell_n glib_a 2._o aristotle_n have_v study_v twenty_o year_n under_o plato_n but_o he_o so_o often_o confute_v and_o contradict_v his_o master_n that_o he_o have_v be_v charge_v with_o ingratitude_n for_o it_o and_o if_o socrates_n and_o plato_n do_v not_o firm_o believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n aristotle_n believe_v the_o contrary_a as_o 3â—_n as_o vid._n jac._n billium_n in_o greg_n nariam_n orat_fw-la 3â—_n many_o have_v prove_v out_o of_o several_a place_n in_o his_o work_n leert_n work_n diog._n leert_n his_o will_n show_v that_o he_o be_v both_o in_o his_o practice_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o his_o country_n his_o book_n by_o a_o accident_n lie_v conceal_v till_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o rome_n upon_o the_o take_n of_o athens_n sylla_n athens_n strabo_n lib._n 13._o plut._n in_o sylla_n by_o sylla_n but_o they_o be_v know_v to_o few_o philosopher_n in_o topiâ—_n in_o lic_n topiâ—_n tully_n time_n and_o a_o learned_a author_n have_v give_v a_o account_n what_o their_o fate_n have_v be_v since_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o stoic_n be_v observe_v by_o josephus_n in_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o life_n to_o have_v be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o 23._o which_o grot._fw-la ad_fw-la mat._n xxii_o 23._o grotius_n say_v be_v no_o wonder_n since_o in_o cyprus_n which_o be_v zeno_n native_a country_n there_o be_v always_o many_o jew_n but_o if_o the_o stoic_n be_v at_o first_o indebt_v to_o the_o jew_n they_o certain_o afterward_o borrow_a much_o more_o from_o the_o christian_n this_o sect_n be_v very_o numerous_a and_o have_v man_n of_o great_a note_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n who_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o opportunity_n offer_v they_o of_o improve_n it_o but_o the_o philosopher_n than_o begin_v to_o carry_v on_o a_o joint-interest_n and_o those_o who_o denominate_v themselves_o from_o any_o particular_a sect_n be_v no_o long_o strict_a in_o adhere_v nice_o to_o its_o principle_n for_o
v._o aristot_n polit_n lib._n viij_o c._n 16_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n who_o contradict_v he_o in_o most_o other_o thing_n follow_v he_o in_o this_o indeed_o this_o be_v so_o general_a a_o practice_n 7_o practice_n aeâ—ian_n lib._n iâ—_n c_o 7_o that_o it_o be_v take_v particular_a notice_n of_o that_o the_o theban_n have_v a_o law_n to_o forbid_v it_o 2._o it_o diony_n halicarn_n lib_n 2._o romulus_n make_v a_o law_n to_o regulate_v this_o practice_n and_o to_o hinder_v it_o in_o some_o case_n â—ips_n case_n taciâ—_n hist_o lib_n v._o &_o 〈◊〉_d morib_n germ._n cum_fw-la notis_fw-la â—ips_n tacitus_n observe_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n deserve_v his_o remark_n that_o this_o be_v not_o practise_v either_o by_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o german_n though_o the_o latter_a have_v a_o custom_n of_o cast_v their_o child_n into_o the_o rhine_n for_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o legitimacy_n but_o that_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a be_v lyeurg_n be_v senâ—â—_n de_fw-fr iâ—a_fw-fr lib._n 1._o c._n 15._o plut._n in_o lyeurg_n that_o senecaâ—â—d_n â—â—d_z plutarch_n who_o live_v since_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v approve_v of_o such_o barbarous_a cruelty_n 73._o cruelty_n fragm_n apud_fw-la stobae_fw-la serm._n 73._o hierocles_n who_o as_o lactantius_n inform_v we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n be_v content_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o answerable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o marriage_n to_o bring_v up_o all_o or_o at_o least_o most_o child_n which_o be_v a_o great_a concession_n in_o a_o philosopher_n solon_n be_v as_o famous_a for_o his_o philosophy_n as_o for_o his_o law_n and_o the_o legislator_n to_o that_o state_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o proper_a soil_n as_o it_o be_v of_o philosophy_n by_o a_o express_a law_n 24._o law_n sext._n empiric_n pyrrh_n hypot_n lib._n 3._o c._n 24._o indemnify_v all_o that_o kill_v their_o child_n and_o the_o philosopher_n be_v ever_o true_a to_o these_o principle_n i_o have_v insist_v upon_o this_o the_o more_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a instance_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n but_o because_o some_o reader_n may_v be_v as_o difficult_a to_o believe_v a_o thing_n which_o must_v needs_o seem_v very_o monstrous_a to_o christian_n as_o 85._o as_o al_n pelgas_n cent._n 1._o epist_n 85._o lipsius_n friend_n be_v to_o who_o he_o write_v a_o long_a epistle_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o heathen_a nation_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o philosopher_n so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v perhaps_o owe_v their_o life_n to_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o blaspheme_n i_o have_v purposely_o avoid_v too_o curious_a a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o rather_o choose_v to_o cast_v a_o veil_n over_o what_o not_o only_o their_o enemy_n but_o their_o friend_n have_v say_v of_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n be_v general_o worse_a than_o they_o confess_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v they_o never_o live_v above_o their_o rule_n and_o profession_n it_o be_v well_o if_o in_o most_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o fall_v much_o short_a of_o it_o and_o if_o their_o principle_n be_v bad_a what_o must_v we_o expect_v from_o their_o example_n but_o the_o action_n of_o the_o philosopher_n concern_v those_o with_o who_o they_o live_v our_o business_n be_v with_o their_o write_n and_o i_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o censure_n of_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v of_o they_o for_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v tell_v so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o willing_a to_o change_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o work_n of_o philosopher_n which_o they_o common_o read_v and_o understand_v as_o little_a as_o they_o do_v the_o bible_n itself_o the_o utmost_a that_o philosophy_n can_v reach_v be_v no_o far_a than_o to_o uncertain_a hope_n and_o doubtful_a argument_n but_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v with_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o do_v the_o philosopher_n the_o word_n which_o they_o speak_v they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n they_o come_v with_o full_a power_n and_o have_v their_o credential_n from_o heaven_n to_o produce_v which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o we_o now_o allege_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v clear_o prove_v by_o undeniable_a circumstance_n and_o by_o witness_n beyond_o exception_n and_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o fetch_v their_o infidelity_n from_o the_o depth_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o any_o float_a confuse_a notion_n may_v not_o serve_v for_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n to_o involve_v it_o in_o tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n to_o make_v digression_n into_o doubtful_a point_n of_o criticism_n and_o philosophy_n to_o amuse_v the_o reader_n and_o draw_v he_o off_o from_o the_o main_a question_n whereas_o a_o good_a cause_n may_v common_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o short_a issue_n the_o present_a controversy_n will_v admit_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n but_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o my_o business_n therefore_o have_v be_v to_o free_v this_o matter_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o all_o the_o intricacy_n of_o learning_n to_o reduce_v it_o to_o plain_a circumstance_n of_o fact_n whereof_o every_o man_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o very_a case_n in_o which_o st._n john_n argue_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n v._n 10._o and_o how_o can_v we_o forbear_v to_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o by_o the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n have_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v without_o witness_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n if_o idolatry_n spread_v itself_o from_o egypt_n into_o many_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o 1._o as_o herod_n lib._n two_o c._n 43._o etc._n etc._n diod_n sic._n lib._n 1._o herodotus_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n have_v show_v we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o appoint_v egypt_n to_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v so_o long_o sojourn_v and_o where_o so_o many_o signal_n miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o give_v a_o check_n and_o stop_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o very_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v beyond_o all_o measure_n obstinate_a in_o their_o folly_n and_o disobedience_n and_o the_o same_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o dei_fw-la for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d st._n athan._n the_o incarnation_n verbi_fw-la dei_fw-la though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v peculiar_o design_v for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o become_v partaker_n of_o it_o to_o the_o observation_n even_o of_o their_o ceremonial_a and_o typical_a service_n none_o beside_o the_o israelite_n be_v require_v to_o observe_v it_o but_o neither_o be_v any_o exclude_v from_o it_o and_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o government_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o that_o people_n effectual_a care_n be_v take_v that_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o concern_v mankind_n in_o general_n shall_v by_o they_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o its_o original_a institution_n and_o design_n equal_o extend_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o be_v soon_o propagate_v all_o over_o the_o world_n nation_n but_o late_o know_v to_o we_o have_v be_v constant_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o have_v early_a discovery_n make_v to_o they_o of_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o protestant_n as_o well_v as_o of_o papist_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a which_o 5._o which_o varen_n de_fw-fr relig_n in_o regn._n japan_n c._n 5._o varenius_n have_v remark_v that_o the_o jesuit_n in_o some_o place_n at_o least_o have_v preach_v the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o many_o of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o he_o own_v that_o their_o success_n
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imply_v that_o there_o be_v much_o less_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o thing_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n because_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o sufficient_a explication_n of_o they_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o at_o a_o loss_n about_o the_o most_o common_a and_o obvious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n joh._n 3.8_o and_o s._n paul_n confute_v all_o objection_n against_o the_o resurrection_n by_o a_o like_a argument_n allege_v that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v intolerable_o absurd_a to_o deny_v or_o doubt_v of_o the_o growth_n of_o corn_n because_o it_o can_v perfect_o be_v explain_v so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o absurd_a to_o deny_v or_o doubt_v of_o the_o resurrection_n for_o no_o better_a reason_n since_o supernatural_a thing_n must_v be_v more_o obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o than_o natural_a 1_o cor._n 15.36_o indeed_o infidelity_n can_v never_o be_v more_o inexcusable_a than_o in_o the_o present_a age_n when_o so_o many_o discovery_n have_v be_v make_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n which_o will_v have_v be_v think_v as_o incredible_a to_o former_a age_n as_o any_o thing_n perhaps_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v which_o be_v not_o a_o downright_a contradiction_n that_o gravitate_v or_o attractive_a force_n by_o which_o all_o body_n act_v one_o upon_o another_o at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n even_o through_o a_o vacuum_n of_o prodigious_a extent_n late_o demonstrate_v by_o mr_n newton_n the_o earth_n together_o with_o the_o planet_n and_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n be_v place_v at_o such_o distance_n and_o dispose_v of_o insuch_n order_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o maintain_v a_o perpetual_a balance_n and_o poise_n throughout_o the_o universe_n be_v such_o a_o discovery_n as_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n can_v have_v gain_v it_o any_o belief_n and_o this_o system_fw-la of_o nature_n be_v so_o late_o discover_v and_o so_o wonderful_a that_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o any_o hypothesis_n in_o philosophy_n but_o it_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n may_v be_v a_o caution_n against_o all_o attempt_n of_o estimate_v the_o divine_a work_n and_o dispensation_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o vastness_n of_o the_o world_n extent_n be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o prodigious_a that_o it_o will_v exceed_v the_o belief_n not_o only_o of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o of_o the_o great_a philosopher_n if_o undoubted_a experiment_n do_v not_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o man_n of_o the_o best_a art_n and_o skill_n in_o those_o thing_n god_n thing_n see_v mr_n boyle_n of_o the_o high_a vencration_n man_n intellect_n owe_v to_o god_n that_o every_o fix_a star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n be_v above_o a_o hundred_o
watch_n for_o animal_n and_o can_v not_o imagine_v how_o man_n can_v hold_v correspondence_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o a_o little_a piece_n of_o paper_n what_o man_n be_v there_o among_o the_o vulgar_a that_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o dimension_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n can_v be_v take_v and_o how_o the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o of_o the_o satellite_n of_o jupiter_n can_v be_v calculate_v and_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n upon_o earth_n infinite_o more_o surpass_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o his_o knowledge_n can_v excel_v that_o of_o the_o great_a idiot_n iii_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a god_n must_v believe_v matter_n to_o be_v eternal_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a something_o must_v be_v eternal_a because_o nothing_o can_v produce_v nothing_o and_o unless_o there_o always_o have_v be_v something_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n but_o this_o eternal_a matter_n must_v either_o have_v be_v once_o without_o motion_n or_o always_o with_o it_o if_o it_o be_v once_o without_o motion_n than_o matter_n must_v move_v itself_o that_o be_v motion_n must_v be_v produce_v without_o any_o thing_n to_o produce_v it_o if_o it_o be_v always_o in_o motion_n than_o there_o must_v have_v be_v a_o eternal_a succession_n since_o motion_n can_v be_v all_o at_o once_o for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o motion_n suppose_v progression_n and_o no_o body_n can_v move_v in_o this_o space_n and_o the_o next_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v in_o two_o place_n at_o once_o but_o all_o succession_n of_o duration_n be_v gradual_a and_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v number_v and_o to_o suppose_v a_o eternal_a succession_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o infinite_a number_n that_o be_v a_o number_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v and_o from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v substract_v or_o a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n motion_n therefore_o can_v not_o be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o the_o world_n can_v not_o exist_v from_o eternity_n but_o since_o there_o must_v be_v something_o eternal_a there_o must_v be_v something_o the_o duration_n whereof_o be_v indivisible_a or_o which_o have_v all_o its_o existence_n together_o so_o as_o to_o have_v exi_v now_o no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v before_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n that_o it_o have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n and_o therefore_o thing_n eternal_a never_o have_v a_o less_o or_o short_a duration_n than_o they_o now_o have_v and_o can_v never_o have_v a_o long_o after_o million_o of_o age_n than_o they_o have_v the_o first_o year_n or_o day_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o begin_v the_o computation_n of_o those_o age_n for_o a_o long_o or_o short_a duration_n must_v suppose_v a_o beginning_n from_o whence_o the_o computation_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o have_v no_o beginning_n can_v have_v neither_o a_o long_o nor_o a_o short_a duration_n but_o always_o the_o same_o and_o by_o consequence_n time_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o eternity_n because_o that_o which_o have_v a_o beginning_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o that_o which_o have_v none_o yet_o eternity_n must_v coexi_v with_o time_n in_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o succession_n of_o it_o and_o must_v be_v present_a with_o every_o part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o eternal_a be_v exist_v the_o space_n suppose_v of_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o temporal_a or_o create_v be_v exist_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o long_o and_o the_o temporal_a be_v become_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a than_o it_o be_v but_o the_o eternal_a no_o old_a than_o it_o be_v before_o because_o though_o it_o coexi_v with_o time_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o division_n of_o it_o into_o past_a present_a and_o future_a there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n more_o difficult_a and_o perplex_v than_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o every_o one_o though_o he_o be_v a_o deist_n or_o a_o atheist_n must_v acknowledge_v to_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v but_o consider_v it_o 2._o whoever_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o believe_v no_o revelation_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o by_o revelation_n from_o he_o must_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o divine_a attribute_n he_o must_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 8._o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cyrill_n alex._n contr_n julian_n lib._n 8._o who_o be_v not_o essential_o just_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o believe_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o former_a book_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v upon_o so_o copious_a a_o subject_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o more_o humble_a and_o modest_a in_o judge_v of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n for_o shall_v poor_a mortal_n who_o know_v so_o little_a and_o that_o little_a so_o imperfect_o presume_v to_o censure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o they_o contain_v thing_n which_o they_o can_v understand_v shall_v he_o that_o can_v full_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o vile_a infect_v reject_v what_o god_n have_v deliver_v concern_v himself_o because_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o the_o thought_n of_o mortal_a man_n be_v miserable_a and_o our_o device_n be_v but_o uncertain_a for_o the_o corruptible_a body_n press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n weigh_v down_o the_o mind_n that_o muse_v upon_o many_o thing_n and_o hardly_o do_v we_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o with_o labour_n do_v we_o find_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o have_v search_v out_o wisd_v 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o but_o 2._o but_o ld_n bacon_n '_o be_v advancement_n of_o learning_n b._n 3._o c._n 2._o out_o of_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o out_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o discourse_v or_o earnest_o to_o urge_v a_o point_n touch_v the_o mystery_n or_o faith_n and_o again_o to_o be_v curious_o speculative_a into_o those_o secret_n to_o ventilate_v they_o and_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a into_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o mystery_n be_v in_o my_o judgement_n not_o safe_a dam_fw-la fidei_fw-la quae_fw-la fidei_fw-la sunt_fw-la for_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o conclude_v as_o much_o in_o the_o excellent_a and_o divine_a fable_n of_o the_o golden_a chain_n that_o man_n and_o god_n be_v not_o able_a to_o draw_v jupiter_n down_o to_o the_o earth_n but_o contrariwise_o jupiter_n be_v able_a to_o draw_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n wherefore_o he_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o shall_v attempt_v to_o draw_v down_o heavenly_a mystery_n to_o our_o reason_n it_o rather_o become_v we_o to_o raise_v and_o advance_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o adore_a throne_n of_o divine_a truth_n chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o the_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o the_o best_a account_n which_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o study_a the_o nature_n of_o motion_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n manifest_v itself_o according_a to_o certain_a law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o prescribe_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o motion_n from_o one_o body_n to_o another_o and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o conceivable_a by_o we_o that_o god_n do_v act_n upon_o the_o immaterial_a as_o that_o he_o act_n upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o high_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o concern_v himself_o with_o our_o soul_n much_o more_o than_o with_o our_o body_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o separate_a and_o unbodied_a spirit_n have_v way_n of_o of_o converse_v or_o communicate_v their_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o indeed_o all_o the_o communication_n and_o discourse_n that_o be_v among_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v proper_o between_o their_o soul_n which_o use_v their_o body_n as_o instrument_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o notion_n from_o one_o to_o anoand_a as_o their_o body_n be_v more_o or_o less_o fit_a and_o serviceable_a to_o this_o end_n so_o their_o discourse_n be_v more_o or_o less_o easy_o convey_v and_o therefore_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n from_o these_o body_n must_v have_v a_o power_n to_o communicate_v their_o
own_o thought_n in_o a_o way_n much_o more_o free_a and_o unconfined_a than_o in_o this_o life_n as_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n so_o they_o must_v have_v fit_a mean_n to_o communicate_v it_o and_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n god_n certain_o can_v as_o well_o act_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n though_o we_o be_v less_o capable_a of_o receive_v or_o observe_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n since_o finite_a spirit_n can_v act_v one_o upon_o another_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n do_v move_v and_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o he_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o incline_v their_o will_n by_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o method_n of_o his_o ordinary_a grace_n and_o he_o can_v likewise_o act_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o the_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o powerful_a light_n and_o force_n than_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v upon_o other_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o render_v they_o infallible_a in_o receive_v and_o deliver_v his_o pleasure_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n he_o can_v so_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o and_o as_o infallible_o assure_v other_o of_o it_o which_o kind_n of_o revelation_n be_v style_v inspiration_n because_o god_n do_v not_o only_o move_v and_o actuate_v the_o mind_n of_o such_o man_n but_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o the_o extraordinary_a communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n then_o more_o especial_o may_v be_v liken_v to_o the_o wind_n to_o which_o it_o be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n for_o by_o strong_a conviction_n and_o forcible_a but_o gracious_a impressious_a he_o breathe_v upon_o their_o soul_n and_o infuse_v his_o divine_a truth_n into_o they_o but_o upon_o those_o to_o who_o god_n do_v thus_o reveal_v himself_o by_o inward_a light_n and_o knowledge_n he_o do_v moreover_o bestow_v a_o power_n of_o give_v external_a evidence_n by_o miraculous_a work_n that_o their_o pretence_n be_v real_a and_o that_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v not_o of_o they_o but_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o from_o god_n this_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n profess_v to_o have_v both_o in_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n and_o this_o evidence_n they_o give_v of_o it_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o inspiration_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v ii_o i_o shall_v from_o thence_o make_v such_o inference_n as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n the_o matter_n be_v either_o concern_v thing_n reveal_v and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n or_o it_o be_v something_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o when_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v crucify_v and_o rise_v again_o or_o last_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reason_n as_o discourse_n upon_o moral_a subject_n and_o inference_n make_v from_o thing_n reveal_v or_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n can_v speak_v as_o intelligible_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o man_n can_v speak_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n the_o notion_n be_v suggest_v and_o infuse_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o put_v they_o into_o their_o owe_v 〈◊〉_d 29._o 〈◊〉_d praeterea_fw-la scito_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la prophetam_fw-la pecuâ—iare_fw-la quid_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o ea_fw-la lingua_fw-la eaque_fw-la loquendi_fw-la ratione_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsi_fw-la est_fw-la familiaris_fw-la &_o consueta_fw-la ipsum_fw-la impelli_fw-la à _fw-la prophetia_fw-la sva_fw-la ad_fw-la loquendum_fw-la ei_fw-la qui_fw-la intelligit_fw-la ipsum_fw-la maimon_n more_n nevoch_n part_n 2._o c._n 29._o word_n be_v so_o direct_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o as_o to_o give_v infallible_o the_o sense_n and_o full_a importance_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n their_o memory_n be_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n assist_v and_o confirm_v in_o matter_n of_o discourse_n or_o reason_v either_o from_o their_o own_o natural_a notion_n or_o from_o thing_n reveal_v or_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o their_o judgement_n strengthen_v and_o still_o in_o all_o case_n their_o natural_a faculty_n be_v so_o support_v and_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o notion_n and_o word_n as_o that_o nothing_o shall_v come_v into_o their_o write_n but_o what_o be_v infallible_o true_a they_o have_v always_o the_o use_n of_o their_o faculty_n though_o under_o the_o infallible_a direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o their_o faculty_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v only_o support_v and_o guide_v they_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n and_o memory_n and_o in_o their_o word_n and_o style_n to_o express_v all_o these_o but_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n which_o be_v above_o their_o faculty_n and_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o but_o from_o revelation_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v infuse_v though_o the_o word_n in_o most_o case_n may_v be_v their_o own_o but_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o error_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o by_o that_o spirit_n who_o be_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o though_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n yet_o it_o be_v under_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n or_o manner_n of_o write_v but_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o orthography_n by_o one_o who_o dictate_v to_o he_o or_o assist_v he_o with_o his_o help_n where_o it_o be_v needful_a prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n hebr._n 3.7_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o i_o and_o his_o word_n be_v in_o my_o tongue_n 2_o sam._n 23.2_o and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o speak_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o servant_n ahijah_n the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 8.53.14.18_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o use_v the_o prophet_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o reveal_v his_o will_n for_o as_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n though_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n so_o the_o revelation_n be_v of_o god_n though_o speak_v or_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o though_o god_n use_v they_o as_o his_o instrument_n yet_o not_o as_o mechanical_a but_o as_o rational_a instrument_n and_o as_o in_o work_v their_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_o determine_v to_o the_o place_n or_o to_o the_o person_n on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v but_o in_o general_n be_v guide_v to_o work_v they_o when_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o seasonable_a and_o the_o action_n by_o which_o they_o wrought_v they_o be_v their_o own_o though_o the_o power_n that_o accompany_v they_o be_v of_o god_n so_o in_o their_o doctrine_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o prudential_a motive_n as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n with_o a_o directive_n power_n only_o over_o they_o to_o speak_v and_o write_v nothing_o but_o infallible_a truth_n upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o mission_n with_o which_o they_o be_v entrust_v god_n promise_v moses_n when_o he_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o his_o mouth_n and_o with_o aaron_n mouth_n and_o will_v
the_o greek_n as_o the_o scripture_n mention_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o other_o greek_a author_n say_v the_o child_n of_o the_o physician_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n and_o the_o child_n of_o light_n initio_fw-la light_n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la 4._o reg._n 19.2_o &_o ad_fw-la ezech._n initio_fw-la grotius_n compare_v isaiah_n to_o demosthenes_n a_o sublime_a but_o a_o most_o natural_a and_o judicious_a writer_n the_o same_o author_n compare_v ezekiel_n to_o homer_n for_o the_o beauty_n and_o nobleness_n of_o his_o style_n 34._o style_n pref._n to_o pindaric_a ode_n and_o note_n upon_o pind._n ode_n â—n_n isai_n 34._o mr_n cowley_n compare_v the_o prophet_n especial_o isaiah_n to_o pindar_n but_o of_o pindar_n he_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o translate_v he_o word_n for_o word_n it_o will_v be_v think_v that_o one_o mad_a man_n have_v translate_v another_o for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n that_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o pindar_n the_o great_a difference_n of_o time_n betwixt_o his_o age_n and_o we_o which_o change_v we_o in_o picture_n at_o least_o the_o colour_n of_o poetry_n the_o no_o less_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o religion_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n and_o a_o thousand_o particularity_n of_o place_n person_n and_o manner_n which_o do_v but_o confuse_o appear_v to_o our_o eye_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o last_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o ear_n be_v stranger_n to_o the_o music_n of_o his_o number_n which_o sometime_o especial_o in_o song_n and_o ode_n almost_o without_o any_o thing_n else_o make_v a_o excellent_a poet._n and_o of_o david_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o best_a translator_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v honour_n or_o at_o least_o justice_n to_o that_o divine_a poet_n that_o methinks_v say_v he_o they_o revile_v he_o worse_o than_o shimei_n and_o buchanan_n himself_o come_v in_o his_o opinion_n no_o less_o short_a of_o david_n than_o his_o country_n do_v of_o judea_n yet_o isaiah_n and_o the_o râ—â—â—_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n be_v translate_v into_o our_o language_n word_n for_o word_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o language_n to_o be_v thus_o render_v into_o another_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o custom_n and_o person_n no_o sensible_a man_n read_v they_o in_o the_o english_a tongue_n but_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o style_n with_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n be_v true_o great_a and_o excellent_a whereas_o euseb_n whereas_o quod_fw-la sicui_fw-la non_fw-la videtur_fw-la linguae_fw-la gratiam_fw-la interpretatione_n mutari_fw-la homerum_fw-la ad_fw-la verbum_fw-la exprimat_fw-la in_o latinum_fw-la plus_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la dicam_fw-la eundem_fw-la in_o fuâ_fw-la linguâ_fw-la prosae_fw-la verbis_fw-la interpretetur_fw-la videbit_fw-la ordinem_fw-la ridiculum_fw-la &_o poetam_fw-la eloquentissimum_fw-la vix_fw-la loquentem_fw-la hieron_n praef._n in_o chron._n euseb_n there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o heathen_a author_n that_o be_v so_o much_o esteem_v which_o if_o they_o be_v literal_o translate_v as_o the_o scripture_n be_v will_v bear_v the_o read_n but_o they_o will_v appear_v ridiculous_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n and_o peculiar_a idiom_n of_o most_o tongue_n be_v so_o very_o different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o custom_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o people_n of_o several_a country_n it_o be_v the_o evident_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o cause_v great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o write_v by_o so_o many_o different_a man_n and_o at_o such_o distant_a time_n and_o some_o book_n of_o they_o in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v pen_v in_o such_o a_o language_n and_o style_n as_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o which_o without_o any_o want_n of_o art_n exceed_v the_o most_o artificial_a and_o study_a eloquence_n in_o sublime_a and_o noble_a thought_n and_o expression_n and_o in_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o speech_n and_o yet_o which_o in_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v under_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o verbal_a translation_n by_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n can_v be_v read_v or_o hear_v or_o think_v of_o without_o be_v move_v by_o they_o with_o what_o life_n then_o with_o what_o zeal_n and_o flame_n must_v they_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o what_o a_o mighty_a blessing_n be_v such_o a_o prophet_n to_o his_o own_o age_n and_o to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n of_o royal_a blood_n and_o of_o a_o style_n and_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o his_o birth_n of_o divine_a virtue_n and_o of_o divine_a eloquence_n he_o declare_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v till_o many_o age_n afterward_o as_o plain_o as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v they_o before_o his_o eye_n and_o will_v make_v all_o other_o to_o see_v they_o he_o speak_v of_o christ_n as_o clear_o as_o if_o with_o simeon_n he_o have_v have_v his_o saviour_n in_o his_o arm_n or_o with_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v be_v kneel_v down_o before_o he_o and_o present_v he_o with_o more_o precious_a gift_n than_o any_o they_o have_v to_o offer_v and_o describe_v his_o passion_n as_o full_o as_o if_o he_o have_v follow_v he_o through_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v be_v crucify_a with_o he_o have_v be_v just_a enter_v with_o he_o into_o paradise_n if_o this_o be_v think_v a_o digression_n from_o my_o subject_n i_o hope_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v excuse_v for_o who_o can_v speak_v of_o isaiah_n without_o a_o digression_n when_o man_n choose_v the_o food_n of_o swine_n and_o trample_v upon_o pearl_n as_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n as_o if_o he_o and_o the_o other_o prophet_n have_v always_o the_o hard_a fate_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o ruler_n of_o sodom_n and_o the_o people_n of_o gomorrha_n but_o if_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o excellent_a and_o exact_a let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o 1._o the_o same_o stile_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o all_o subject_n and_o the_o stile_n and_o dialect_n be_v different_a according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o of_o the_o person_n for_o who_o use_n it_o be_v immediate_o design_v what_o concern_v the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n be_v in_o the_o chaldee_n tongue_n and_o what_o relate_v direct_o to_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n part_v of_o ezra_n be_v in_o chaldee_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o chaldee_n chronicle_n and_o jer._n 10.11_o be_v in_o the_o same_o tongue_n that_o the_o jew_n may_v reject_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o chaldean_n in_o their_o language_n and_o open_o profess_v their_o own_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o and_o as_o upon_o these_o occasion_n the_o language_n of_o scripture_n be_v change_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o the_o style_n must_v be_v sometime_o alter_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n 2._o artificial_a strain_n of_o rhetoric_n whereby_o the_o passion_n be_v move_v to_o the_o utmost_a height_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o gain_v a_o present_a point_n and_o carry_v a_o cause_n by_o a_o violent_a and_o sudden_a transport_n before_o reason_n can_v interpose_v but_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v upon_o reasonable_a motive_n there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o rhetoric_n when_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v afford_v so_o many_o other_o more_o certain_a and_o powerful_a mean_n of_o persuasion_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o have_v be_v without_o any_o advantage_n of_o eloquence_n as_o need_v no_o such_o help_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a and_o impartial_a mind_n and_o though_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n as_o to_o convey_v very_o much_o of_o his_o reveal_v will_v to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o style_n as_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n be_v high_o to_o be_v esteem_v and_o admire_v yet_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o other_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v the_o bare_a force_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n only_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v propagate_v not_o by_o any_o art_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n but_o by_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o excellency_n for_o eloquence_n be_v not_o use_v where_o it_o will_v have_v be_v most_o necessary_a if_o any_o humane_a mean_n can_v be_v so_o in_o assert_v and_o propagate_a the_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o
main_a they_o be_v aâ—â—eed_o and_o whoever_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consulâ—â—â—em_v may_v be_v great_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v less_o difference_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o principal_a prophecy_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o comment_n upon_o most_o history_n and_o that_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o other_o matter_n must_v have_v the_o great_a evidence_n for_o that_o in_o which_o they_o do_v agree_v though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n and_o variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o calculation_n of_o the_o precise_a time_n when_o some_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v because_o it_o be_v dispute_v where_o the_o computation_n be_v to_o begin_v or_o how_o some_o other_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v yet_o all_o expositor_n be_v agree_v concern_v these_o very_a prophecy_n that_o they_o be_v fulfil_v for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v depart_v from_o judah_n whether_o that_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n or_o the_o jewish_a nation_n denominate_v from_o that_o tribe_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n take_v away_o though_o interpreter_n do_v not_o agree_v about_o the_o precise_a time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o every_o particular_a plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n show_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n but_o about_o a_o circumstance_n and_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n because_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v the_o exact_a time_n when_o every_o particular_a be_v fulfil_v though_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o must_v have_v be_v all_o long_a since_o fulfil_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o history_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o chronology_n what_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o homer_n because_o it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o he_o live_v or_o whether_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o trojan_a war_n because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o troy_n have_v be_v various_o determine_v and_o yet_o be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o or_o any_o other_o history_n which_o have_v occasion_v dispute_v in_o point_n of_o time_n as_o there_o can_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o daniel_n prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o there_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o explain_v his_o seventy_o week_n the_o prophecy_n itself_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o accomplishment_n certain_a however_o man_n may_v differ_v in_o assign_v the_o epocha_n of_o time_n history_n relate_v what_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o prophecy_n foretell_v what_o shall_v come_v and_o our_o uncertainty_n in_o point_n of_o time_n no_o more_o affect_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o one_o than_o of_o the_o other_o we_o may_v be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n mention_v by_o the_o historian_n but_o when_o all_o other_o circumstance_n agree_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o the_o single_a circumstance_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o credibility_n of_o either_o of_o they_o but_o the_o obscurity_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n 2._o some_o prophecy_n be_v purposely_o obscure_a because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v but_o be_v design_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o information_n of_o precede_a age_n as_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o posterity_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o see_v they_o fulfil_v god_n do_v not_o send_v revelation_n to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n in_o acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o shall_v befall_v their_o posterity_n but_o rather_o conceal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n from_o man_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o may_v have_v a_o ill_a effect_n in_o make_v they_o proud_a or_o careless_a and_o negligent_a or_o else_o too_o solicitous_a and_o concern_v about_o what_o be_v to_o befall_v their_o posterity_n the_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n of_o parent_n will_v be_v so_o much_o abate_v if_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o their_o posterity_n that_o they_o will_v lose_v that_o effect_n which_o god_n design_n by_o send_v his_o judgement_n and_o a_o perfect_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o posterity_n of_o the_o most_o happy_a parent_n will_v render_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o less_o blessing_n to_o they_o so_o that_o both_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o this_o life_n will_v very_o much_o lose_v their_o force_n and_o effect_n if_o prophecy_n be_v less_o obscure_a than_o they_o be_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o obscure_a and_o mysterious_a deliver_v of_o some_o prophecy_n that_o they_o thereby_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o excite_v the_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o man_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o day_n of_o every_o man_n death_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o because_o the_o particular_a and_o distinct_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v cause_v security_n in_o some_o and_o despair_v in_o other_o and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o church_n and_o nation_n we_o be_v command_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v watch_v you_o therefore_o lest_o come_v sudden_o he_o find_v you_o sleep_v and_o what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n mark_v xiii_o 35._o which_o in_o the_o direct_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n concern_v jerusalem_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o will_v extend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o any_o other_o city_n or_o to_o any_o other_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v foretell_v but_o have_v conceal_v the_o time_n or_o other_o circumstance_n either_o by_o silence_n or_o by_o uncertain_a and_o mysterious_a form_n of_o speech_n a_o full_a prospect_n of_o prosperity_n to_o come_v oftentimes_o have_v prove_v fatal_a to_o man_n jeroboam_n hazael_n and_o jehu_n be_v the_o worse_a probable_o for_o the_o declaration_n make_v to_o they_o as_o achithophel_n if_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v plain_o what_o will_v befall_v he_o will_v in_o all_o likelihoe_v soon_o have_v hasten_v his_o own_o death_n whether_o therefore_o the_o event_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o whether_o it_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o our_o posterity_n it_o be_v fit_v most_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o because_o this_o will_v in_o great_a measure_n exclude_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o patience_n in_o man_n under_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v now_o most_o obscure_a such_o a_o continue_a train_n and_o series_n of_o aftair_n with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o particularity_n may_v appear_v in_o so_o full_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n as_o may_v convince_v infidel_n and_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n by_o who_o the_o event_n be_v foretell_v 3._o obscurity_n be_v necessary_a in_o some_o prophecy_n at_o the_o praef._n the_o euseb_n demonst_a evan._n â—ib_o vi_fw-la 〈…〉_o châ—â—â—â—n_v c._n 〈◊〉_d isai_n 〈◊〉_d theodoret_n in_o ezech_n praef._n father_n observe_v because_o without_o a_o constant_a miracle_n to_o preserve_v they_o they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o will_v never_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v some_o of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n state_n of_o humiliation_n his_o poverty_n and_o crucifixion_n and_o death_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o by_o the_o circumstance_n be_v manifest_a to_o we_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n but_o be_v write_v with_o some_o obscurity_n to_o conceal_v they_o from_o the_o obstinate_a and_o malicious_a jew_n that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v for_o if_o they_o have_v full_o understand_v the_o scope_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o they_o will_v have_v endeavour_v rather_o to_o have_v suppress_v and_o destroy_v they_o than_o they_o will_v have_v suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v to_o be_v urge_v against_o themselves_o a_o people_n who_o be_v so_o whole_o possess_v with_o the_o notion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n will_v have_v reject_v those_o prophecy_n which_o set_v forth_o his_o humiliation_n and_o crucifixion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v express_v in_o plain_a term_n they_o will_v have_v spare_v christ_n no_o more_o in_o the_o
well_o as_o themselves_o epâ—st_n themselves_o apocalypâ—is_fw-la joannis_n tot_fw-la habeat_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la quot_fw-la verba_fw-la parum_fw-la dixi_fw-la pramerito_fw-la volumiâ—â—s_fw-la laus_fw-la omnis_fw-la inferior_a est_fw-la in_o verbis_fw-la â—â—â—gulis_fw-la multiplicis_fw-la tatent_fw-la intellgentâ—e_fw-la hieton_n ad_fw-la paulin._n epâ—st_n and_o this_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v the_o temper_n of_o those_o age_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v when_o learn_v consist_v in_o type_n and_o parable_n and_o in_o dark_a and_o intricate_a discourse_n but_o it_o have_v be_v the_o study_n and_o delight_n of_o learned_a man_n in_o most_o age_n since_o and_o of_o many_o man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o search_v into_o hide_a and_o difficult_a truth_n st_o jerom_n extol_v the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n for_o the_o obscurity_n and_o hide_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o that_o age_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v no_o objection_n but_o the_o high_a character_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o revelation_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o condescension_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o to_o fit_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n have_v cause_v some_o of_o the_o prophecy_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o reader_n and_o other_o to_o be_v deliver_v as_o to_o employ_v the_o pious_a and_o humble_a labour_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o keep_v they_o in_o perpetual_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o take_v down_o the_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o pride_n of_o such_o as_o little_o concern_v themselves_o about_o the_o plain_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v whole_o busy_v in_o unfolding_a hide_a thing_n and_o in_o pretend_v to_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n the_o curse_n denounce_v against_o man_n upon_o his_o fall_n be_v that_o with_o labour_n and_o sweat_n he_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n as_o his_o punishment_n for_o have_v eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n after_o forbid_a knowledge_n which_o occasion_v his_o fall_n with_o make_v the_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n more_o difficult_a if_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o obscure_a they_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n if_o they_o be_v all_o obvious_a they_o will_v be_v despise_v for_o if_o obscurity_n be_v make_v a_o objection_n by_o some_o their_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n be_v object_v by_o other_o but_o god_n have_v so_o order_v and_o proportion_v the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o that_o no_o man_n may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v enough_o for_o his_o salvation_n nor_o any_o man_n cast_v they_o aside_o or_o read_v they_o with_o little_a care_n and_o diligence_n since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o may_v require_v the_o utmost_a study_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o learned_a man_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o prophet_n so_o obscure_a but_o some_o prophecy_n be_v very_o plain_o deliver_v by_o he_o which_o we_o know_v to_o have_v be_v fulfil_v and_o this_o be_v a_o warrant_n and_o assurance_n to_o we_o of_o his_o mission_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o whatever_o he_o have_v deliver_v concern_v other_o thing_n will_v as_o certain_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o be_v thorough_o understand_v they_o be_v exceed_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o particularevent_v because_o it_o comprehend_v so_o vast_a a_o series_n of_o time_n in_o which_o long_a course_n of_o year_n many_o event_n may_v be_v exact_o alike_o at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o gradual_a and_o repeat_v accomplishment_n of_o some_o of_o his_o prophecy_n but_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o other_o of_o these_o prophecy_n rev._n i_o 3._o xxii_o 6_o 7_o 10_o 12._o and_o we_o know_v they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n rev._n two_o 5_o 16_o 22_o 23._o iii._o 3_o 16._o which_o be_v propose_v for_o example_n to_o all_o other_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n rev._n two_o 7._o the_o seven_o church_n be_v speak_v to_o by_o name_n and_o what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o the_o rest_n which_o concern_v all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v in_o its_o due_a time_n though_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o yet_o understand_v but_o the_o obscure_a prophefy_v even_o before_o their_o accomplishment_n be_v of_o perpetual_a and_o inestimable_a use_n to_o we_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o parable_n be_v very_o proper_a and_o fit_a for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o ancient_a time_n their_o doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n because_o it_o be_v a_o more_o familiar_a and_o easy_a method_n of_o teach_v than_o by_o rule_n and_o precept_n and_o rational_a discourse_n without_o that_o illustration_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o suppose_v a_o particular_a case_n for_o then_o every_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o case_n his_o own_o when_o he_o see_v the_o precept_n reduce_v to_o example_n and_o clothe_v with_o circumstance_n and_o bring_v home_o as_o it_o be_v to_o his_o very_a sense_n which_o before_o lay_v more_o out_o of_o sight_n in_o abstract_a notion_n and_o speculative_a discourse_n and_o if_o feign_a case_n be_v so_o much_o more_o effectual_a than_o bare_a precept_n or_o exhortation_n a_o infallible_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n though_o we_o can_v point_v out_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o every_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o inestimable_a value_n and_o benefit_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o observe_v what_o error_n and_o fault_n be_v reprove_v and_o what_o virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v commend_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o praise_n and_o adoration_n ch_n four_o and_o the_o bliss_n of_o the_o righteous_a the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o martyr_n ch_n seven_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a day_n ch_n vi_fw-la the_o great_a apostasy_n that_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n ch_n xiii_o the_o patience_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o resurrection_n surrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ch.xx._fw-la the_o description_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n ch_n xxi_o xxii_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o st_n john_n revelation_n and_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a use_n and_o importance_n we_o have_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n present_v to_o our_o view_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o mark_v out_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o season_n mean_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o this_o be_v at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o use_n to_o we_o that_o all_o history_n be_v and_o beside_o may_v be_v of_o as_o much_o more_o benefit_n as_o it_o more_o near_o concern_v we_o for_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v fall_v into_o the_o worst_a time_n there_o prophesy_v of_o here_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n we_o see_v the_o care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o work_v for_o it_o the_o support_n which_o he_o afford_v his_o faithful_a servant_n under_o persecution_n and_o the_o reward_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n these_o thing_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o revelation_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o these_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o yield_v we_o comfort_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o trouble_n and_o to_o excite_v faith_n and_o hope_n and_o patience_n and_o all_o christian_a grace_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o history_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o chronology_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o exact_a and_o true_a history_n that_o can_v be_v pen_v of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o such_o as_o concern_v all_o mankind_n be_v of_o little_a value_n or_o consequence_n to_o the_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o our_o life_n
be_v more_o easy_o observe_v than_o this_o so_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v and_o for_o their_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o state_n of_o innocence_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o morality_n can_v then_o scarce_o have_v any_o place_n but_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o this_o or_o some_o such_o other_o instance_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v impose_v theft_n and_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o moral_a duty_n be_v then_o either_o impossible_a to_o be_v commit_v or_o so_o unnatural_a that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v how_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v commit_v when_o there_o be_v yet_o but_o two_o person_n in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a innocence_n and_o therefore_o in_o moral_a duty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n beside_o these_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o they_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o command_n concern_v they_o but_o god_n give_v they_o a_o command_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o their_o obedience_n in_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v both_o indifferent_a of_o itself_o and_o so_o easy_a to_o they_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o careless_a and_o perverse_a neglect_n can_v betray_v they_o into_o disobedience_n to_o suppose_v good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o and_o not_o in_o the_o commandment_n and_o prohibition_n of_o god_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o renounce_n of_o god_n authority_n but_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a for_o it_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o divine_a authority_n upon_o which_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a formal_o depend_v though_o matterial_o they_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n whatever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o command_v or_o forbid_v however_o indifferent_a it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o he_o as_o true_o good_a or_o evil_a as_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o moral_o so_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n whereby_o all_o moral_a precept_n become_v obligatory_a as_o law_n to_o we_o for_o all_o moral_a truth_n or_o precept_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n however_o certain_a and_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o yet_o receive_v the_o obligation_n of_o law_n from_o the_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a truth_n in_o morality_n and_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n to_o all_o other_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o that_o he_o command_v or_o forbid_v but_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v sole_o and_o pure_o concern_v in_o this_o commandment_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o transgression_n of_o this_o law_n it_o become_v notorious_a to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o unhappy_a posterity_n that_o both_o good_a and_o evil_a whatever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o speculation_n and_o abstract_a notion_n yet_o as_o they_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o life_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n god_n be_v our_o lawgiver_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o but_o by_o his_o enact_v and_o what_o he_o enact_v must_v be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o and_o of_o the_o same_o necessary_a indspensable_a obligation_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enjoin_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a precept_n or_o only_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v his_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o this_o commandment_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a upon_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a and_o that_o though_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o moral_a duty_n nor_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o command_v moral_a good_a and_o forbid_v moral_a evil_n yet_o his_o authority_n be_v arbitrary_a over_o we_o extend_v as_o far_o beyond_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n as_o he_o please_v which_o indeed_o be_v only_a truth_n and_o precept_n but_o not_o duty_n to_o we_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n this_o commandment_n therefore_o be_v give_v in_o assertion_n of_o god_n authority_n who_o it_o be_v always_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n good_a to_o obey_v and_o evil_a to_o disobey_v as_o our_o first_o parent_n find_v by_o sad_a experience_n 2._o experience_n maim_v more_o new_a voeh_n parâ—_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o maimonides_n observe_v that_o they_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n before_o but_o good_a and_o evil_n become_v know_v to_o they_o by_o their_o fall_n whereby_o they_o understand_v the_o value_n of_o that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o condition_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o they_o perceive_v how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o how_o evil_a to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o in_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o xxviâ—_n whatsoever_o lib._n 1._o disc_n xxviâ—_n mr._n mede_n have_v observe_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v sacrilege_n god_n have_v reserve_v that_o tree_n as_o holy_a to_o himself_o in_o token_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o appoint_v it_o to_o such_o use_n as_o he_o have_v design_v it_o for_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a profanation_n to_o eat_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o theft_n or_o robbery_n no_o less_o than_o the_o rob_v of_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n style_v sacrilege_n and_o a_o invasion_n of_o his_o right_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v behold_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o to_o know_v good_a and_o evil._n gen._n iii._o 22._o which_o word_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o a_o severe_a sarcasm_n or_o with_o a_o upbraid_a anger_n and_o indignation_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o easy_a sense_n if_o they_o be_v thus_o interpret_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v assume_v to_o himself_o a_o equality_n with_o we_o christ_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n phil._n two_o 6._o to_o be_v equal_a be_v there_o to_o claim_v a_o equality_n and_o so_o to_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o be_v to_o challenge_v or_o pretend_v to_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o according_a to_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n christ_n know_v it_o to_o be_v no_o injury_n or_o presumption_n in_o himself_o who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n and_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o a_o equality_n with_o the_o father_n but_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o be_v make_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o after_o his_o likeness_n be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o but_o affect_v something_o high_a than_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o creature_n and_o aim_v at_o a_o independent_a state_n of_o wisdom_n and_o immortality_n be_v seduce_v by_o the_o serpent_n who_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil._n gen._n iii._o 4_o 5._o this_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a crime_n to_o believe_v the_o serpent_n rather_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o and_o hope_v by_o his_o advice_n to_o procure_v to_o themselves_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o immortal_a happiness_n ii_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o crime_n and_o be_v either_o upon_o themselves_o or_o upon_o their_o posterity_n or_o upon_o the_o serpent_n and_o other_o creature_n i._o the_o curse_n upon_o the_o serpent_n be_v by_o a_o visible_a object_n and_o representation_n to_o denote_v that_o curse_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o the_o tempter_n himself_o who_o assume_v the_o body_n of_o a_o serpent_n the_o serpent_n before_o have_v a_o free_a and_o strong_a motion_n and_o can_v lift_v up_o himself_o and_o reach_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n but_o be_v since_o confine_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v his_o food_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o there_o be_v relation_n of_o serpent_n which_o carry_v part_n of_o their_o body_n erect_v this_o before_o the_o curse_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o whole_a kind_a of_o they_o in_o another_o manner_n than_o it_o do_v since_o to_o any_o one_o sort._n the_o basilisk_n be_v say_v to_o go_v with_o his_o head_n and_o breast_n erect_v and_o a_o serpent_n call_v 7._o call_v knexe_n hist_n of_o ceyl_n part_n 1._o
that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v ps_n lxv_o 2._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n be_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thy_o redeemer_n the_o mighty_a one_o of_o jacob_n isa_n xlix_o 26._o all_o flesh_n shall_v come_v to_o worship_n before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n isa_n lxvi_o 23._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n luke_n iii._o 6._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n act_v two_o 17._o joel_n two_o 28._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v justify_v galat._n two_o 16._o and_o we_o say_v in_o our_o own_o language_n any_o body_n think_v or_o any_o body_n understand_v though_o we_o all_o know_v it_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o not_o the_o body_n which_o think_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o other_o book_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o common_a speech_n and_o sense_n of_o man_n for_o those_o action_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o of_o the_o unite_a nature_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o union_n between_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o manhood_n be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o have_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n before_o his_o incarnation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o scripture_n the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n entitle_v the_o person_n consist_v of_o they_o both_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o either_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o other_o though_o as_o the_o humane_a nature_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o divine_a nature_n partake_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o humane_a but_o both_o nature_n be_v personal_o unite_v the_o person_n be_v sometime_o denote_v by_o one_o and_o sometime_o by_o the_o other_o nature_n all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n proceed_v upon_o the_o like_a mistake_n with_o they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o place_n to_o behold_v and_o be_v present_a at_o the_o worst_a of_o action_n as_o if_o the_o sun_n brightness_n will_v not_o be_v the_o more_o resplendent_a and_o glorious_a if_o it_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o obscure_a corner_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o if_o his_o ray_n can_v be_v sully_v and_o defile_v by_o the_o foulness_n of_o any_o object_n which_o they_o shine_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o god_n infinite_a glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v it_o can_v be_v none_o to_o be_v more_o near_o and_o even_o personal_o unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o extend_v his_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n as_o god_n be_v every_o where_o present_a so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n present_a in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o power_n or_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v a_o more_o especial_a presence_n to_o some_o person_n than_o to_o other_o and_o thus_o he_o be_v present_a with_o his_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prepare_v for_o and_o foretell_v christ_n come_v but_o he_o be_v personal_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o advancement_n to_o our_o nature_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o assume_v it_o but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n because_o god_n continue_v as_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n without_o any_o alteration_n only_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n and_o union_n with_o our_o humane_a nature_n he_o cause_v all_o the_o performance_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o to_o be_v meritorious_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o so_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o to_o be_v no_o long_o there_o but_o to_o forsake_v his_o father_n kingdom_n he_o still_o continue_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o bliss_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o enjoy_v with_o his_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n though_o he_o so_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o come_v and_o abide_v in_o it_o by_o assume_v our_o humane_a nature_n our_o saviour_n tell_v nicodemus_n joh._n iii._o 13._o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o who_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o presence_n be_v still_o in_o heaven_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o godhead_n though_o he_o make_v a_o more_o peculiar_a residence_n than_o he_o have_v before_o do_v on_o earth_n by_o dwell_v in_o our_o nature_n here_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o all_o time_n every_o where_o present_a be_v yet_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n present_a where_o ever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o peculiar_a act_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v in_o a_o most_o stupendous_a manner_n in_o that_o flesh_n which_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o it_o can_v be_v think_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o actuate_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v join_v in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o vital_a union_n with_o it_o suppose_v god_n only_o to_o act_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v act_v upon_o by_o it_o nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o misery_n and_o feel_v the_o pain_n which_o the_o humane_a nature_n endure_v which_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n to_o assert_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n still_o in_o his_o full_a power_n and_o majesty_n but_o some_o man_n will_v say_v how_o be_v this_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n make_v or_o wherein_o do_v it_o consist_v to_o who_o we_o may_v reply_v as_o our_o saviour_n sometime_o do_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o ask_v another_o question_n and_o inquire_v how_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o man_n be_v unite_v or_o how_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o how_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o if_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o these_o thing_n be_v though_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v how_o the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n be_v make_v or_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o a_o mystery_n which_o it_o be_v above_o any_o man_n capacity_n to_o explain_v but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o thither_o we_o appeal_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o put_v such_o question_n argue_v either_o a_o great_a mind_n to_o cavil_v or_o great_a inconsideration_n and_o shortness_n of_o thought_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o so_o little_a observation_n as_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o of_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o perceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o existence_n of_o very_a few_o or_o rather_o of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v full_o understand_v by_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a and_o that_o no_o material_a objection_n can_v be_v frame_v against_o it_o second_o no_o other_o way_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v can_v have_v be_v so_o proper_a and_o expedient_a as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v so_o well_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o reason_n for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v all_o comprehend_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n the_o abolish_n or_o take_v away_o of_o sin_n and_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o sin_n 1_o joh._n three_o 5._o we_o be_v
mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v of_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n than_o any_o can_v have_v be_v if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o become_v man_n to_o die_v for_o our_o sake_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n two_o 5._o he_o be_v to_o be_v man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n that_o come_v with_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o affability_n and_o accessibleness_n of_o a_o man_n he_o may_v in_o all_o respect_n be_v full_o qualify_v to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man._n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v god_n he_o can_v not_o have_v come_v with_o absolute_a authority_n to_o offer_v we_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o unless_o he_o have_v be_v man_n he_o can_v not_o have_v treat_v with_o man_n in_o so_o familiar_a and_o condescend_v a_o way_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n mediation_n and_o intercession_n in_o behalf_n of_o sinner_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o this_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n man_n that_o he_o may_v suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o god_n that_o his_o divine_a nature_n may_v give_v a_o infinite_a value_n to_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o render_v they_o satisfactory_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n may_v have_v pardon_v sinner_n without_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n yet_o if_o in_o mercy_n he_o may_v have_v forgive_v he_o may_v in_o justice_n have_v punish_v they_o unless_o satisfaction_n have_v be_v make_v and_o nothing_o can_v have_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n but_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o no_o create_v be_v can_v have_v be_v of_o that_o value_n as_o to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v redeem_a man_n or_o have_v become_v mediator_n for_o he_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o his_o own_o merit_n in_o man_n behalf_n so_o as_o to_o plead_v the_o price_n of_o redemption_n lay_v down_o for_o he_o god_n may_v grant_v the_o request_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n out_o of_o his_o free_a mercy_n and_o bounty_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o intercession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_a merit_n and_o satisfaction_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o intercessor_n but_o christ_n plead_v his_o merit_n on_o our_o account_n and_o mediate_v our_o cause_n with_o his_o father_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o strict_a justice_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o ransom_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o be_v so_o powerful_a a_o intercessor_n for_o we_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n but_o even_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v deny_v his_o intercession_n it_o be_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n but_o since_o he_o be_v please_v to_o admit_v of_o this_o commutation_n of_o the_o punishment_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o to_o tranferr_v it_o upon_o his_o own_o son_n his_o death_n be_v a_o full_a perfect_a and_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o the_o death_n of_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v be_v and_o therefore_o not_o create_v be_v can_v have_v become_v our_o mediator_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o merit_n and_o have_v satisfy_v the_o utmost_a justice_n of_o god_n much_o less_o can_v any_o creature_n have_v merit_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o iv_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o charity_n and_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o dispose_v and_o engage_v we_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o piety_n the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o compassion_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o his_o desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n god_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a in_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n but_o he_o never_o can_v give_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o we_o as_o by_o take_v it_o upon_o himself_o god_n be_v essential_a truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o yet_o willing_a more_o abundant_o to_o show_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n he_o confirm_v it_o with_o a_o oath_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o present_a case_n god_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v we_o all_o the_o ground_n for_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o deceive_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n both_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o from_o the_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o our_o own_o for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o highpriest_n who_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o be_v exhort_v in_o this_o confidence_n to_o come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n heb._n four_o 15_o 16._o vi_fw-la 17_o 18._o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v the_o great_a concern_v for_o that_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v take_v into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o himself_o and_o continual_o present_v before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o we_o be_v likewise_o assure_v of_o the_o father_n love_n towards_o we_o for_o now_o we_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o see_v he_o have_v not_o withhold_v his_o son_n his_o only_a son_n from_o we_o but_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o our_o salvation_n he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o rom._n viij_o 32_o 33_o 34._o and_o as_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v peculiar_o adapt_v and_o design_v to_o raise_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o confidence_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n so_o it_o be_v above_o all_o the_o most_o prevail_a motive_n to_o engage_v our_o love_n the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o we_o must_v needs_o require_v and_o even_o extort_v from_o we_o all_o possible_a return_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o adoration_n 7._o adoration_n chrysost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tom._n 7._o st._n chrysostome_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v incarnate_a to_o become_v the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n because_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a for_o a_o creature_n to_o undertake_v and_o effect_v our_o redemption_n man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v they_o can_v have_v have_v esteem_n enough_o for_o he_o or_o have_v make_v due_a expression_n of_o their_o gratitude_n unless_o they_o have_v deify_v he_o and_o commit_v idolatry_n in_o worship_v he_o and_o pay_v he_o all_o divine_a honour_n and_o to_o prevent_v this_o in_o moses_n who_o be_v but_o a_o temporal_a deliverer_n and_o but_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n his_o sepulchre_n be_v conceal_v from_o the_o israelite_n so_o dear_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a benefactor_n wont_a to_o be_v that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o never_o can_v be_v sufficient_o grateful_a to_o they_o unless_o they_o even_o adore_v and_o worship_v they_o which_o be_v one_o chief_a occasion_n of_o idolatry_n among_o the_o heathen_n therefore_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o love_n and_o reverence_n all_o worship_n and_o adoration_n be_v due_a and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n upon_o principle_n of_o love_n the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v which_o can_v have_v so_o powerful_o prevail_v upon_o man_n to_o love_n god_n as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n
life_n have_v be_v the_o soul_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o self_n same_o body_n so_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v to_o affect_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o life_n only_o with_o infinite_o great_a more_o exquisite_a and_o more_o last_a degree_n of_o pain_n or_o of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n yet_o without_o any_o mixture_n of_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n in_o the_o righteous_a but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o spiritual_a body_n and_o this_o disposition_n of_o body_n depend_v upon_o the_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a action_n and_o habit_n of_o man_n here_o for_o a_o body_n by_o vicious_a practice_n and_o custom_n prone_a to_o rage_v and_o furious_a passion_n insatiable_a appetite_n and_o torment_a inclination_n and_o desire_n without_o any_o thing_n to_o gratify_v or_o assuage_v they_o must_v have_v quite_o another_o effect_n upon_o a_o soul_n than_o a_o body_n subdue_v to_o the_o mild_a and_o calm_a and_o obedient_a temper_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o though_o god_n can_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n form_v another_o body_n to_o that_o frame_n and_o disposition_n which_o the_o body_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n be_v in_o when_o his_o soul_n depart_v out_o of_o it_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o purity_n by_o his_o immediate_a power_n to_o frame_v a_o new_a body_n to_o the_o deprave_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o a_o vicious_a man._n and_o we_o be_v so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v a_o soul_n can_v be_v unite_v only_o to_o its_o proper_a body_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o know_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n all_o beside_o be_v only_a conjecture_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v probable_a even_o to_o our_o reason_n though_o indeed_o it_o ought_v to_o over-rule_v reason_n especial_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o obscure_a and_o so_o little_o understand_v by_o we_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v raise_v these_o body_n to_o life_n again_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o whatever_o we_o may_v think_v of_o it_o to_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o do_v as_o to_o say_v it_o chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n do_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n st_n peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n say_v he_o 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 act_v x._o 40_o 41._o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o be_v show_v open_o but_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n he_o be_v see_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o open_a manner_n yet_o not_o so_o public_o as_o to_o make_v all_o the_o people_n witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o we_o of_o all_o his_o action_n especial_o in_o act_n of_o mercy_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a return_v make_v but_o to_o a_o man_n for_o any_o favour_n receive_v to_o be_v captious_a and_o quarrelsome_a about_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o bestow_n it_o instead_o of_o be_v grateful_a to_o he_o for_o it_o but_o beside_o this_o general_a reason_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o force_n with_o we_o in_o all_o case_n there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o the_o present_a case_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o even_o according_a to_o our_o own_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n i._o there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o dispensation_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n why_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a ii_o it_o have_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o other_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o iii_o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v over_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n iv_o if_o they_o have_v believe_v their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v v._o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v 1._o there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o dispensation_n of_o his_o resurrection_n why_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n not_o according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n and_o condescension_n of_o the_o humane_a the_o time_n of_o his_o converse_v with_o man_n be_v at_o a_o end_n at_o his_o death_n and_o then_o another_o method_n and_o manner_n of_o dispensation_n be_v to_o begin_v he_o be_v then_o to_o converse_v only_o with_o his_o particular_a friend_n and_o favourite_n to_o satisfy_v they_o of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o enable_v they_o both_o by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o satisfy_v other_o it_o can_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o majesty_n which_o he_o have_v assume_v after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o his_o enemy_n he_o have_v suffer_v enough_o from_o they_o already_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o must_v he_o never_o be_v above_o the_o suspicion_n and_o scrutiny_n of_o their_o malice_n shall_v not_o his_o resurrection_n free_v he_o from_o it_o when_o they_o see_v he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n they_o cry_v out_o with_o upbraid_v and_o insolent_a scorn_n that_o they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o thence_o but_o neither_o do_v they_o deserve_v such_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v at_o their_o pleasure_n who_o thus_o call_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v wrought_v it_o be_v neither_o fit_v that_o he_o shall_v save_v himself_o from_o death_n nor_o that_o he_o shall_v appear_v to_o they_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v to_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n and_o as_o we_o have_v want_v the_o argument_n from_o his_o resurrection_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n so_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v want_v other_o evidence_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v at_o least_o amount_n to_o all_o the_o proof_n which_o that_o can_v have_v give_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n our_o saviour_n be_v please_v to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o all_o their_o affront_v and_o injury_n but_o when_o this_o their_o hour_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v once_o past_a they_o be_v to_o see_v he_o no_o more_o but_o with_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o terror_n of_o mind_n yet_o his_o mercy_n be_v still_o the_o same_o towards_o they_o one_o of_o the_o great_a persecutor_n be_v convert_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o son_n of_o man_n speak_v to_o he_o from_o thence_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o happy_a instrument_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o and_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o of_o the_o long_a suffering_n of_o christ_n 1_o tim._n i_o 16._o but_o his_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o st._n paul_n at_o his_o conversion_n be_v with_o dreadful_a awe_n and_o majesty_n not_o in_o that_o mild_a and_o gracious_a glory_n in_o which_o he_o be_v see_v by_o st._n stephen_n and_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o those_o who_o persecute_v and_o pierce_v he_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o with_o consternation_n and_o anguish_n at_o the_o last_o day_n rev._n i_o 7._o 2._o it_o have_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o other_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n for_o christ_n to_o be_v show_v open_o to_o all_o the_o people_n god_n may_v work_v such_o astonish_a miracle_n and_o strike_v such_o terror_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o one_o to_o doubt_v of_o his_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n but_o he_o do_v not_o all_o which_o he_o can_v do_v but_o what_o he_o in_o his_o wisdom_n see_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v he_o do_v not_o use_v all_o the_o
mean_n which_o some_o man_n may_v conceit_n he_o may_v use_v but_o leave_v man_n without_o excuse_n and_o then_o require_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n at_o their_o peril_n to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v appear_v promiscuous_o unto_o all_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o alike_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o man_n without_o the_o message_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n for_o when_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v no_o long_o to_o act_v like_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o in_o his_o glorify_a state_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o as_o god_n in_o our_o humane_a nature_n now_o no_o long_o subject_n to_o any_o of_o its_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v no_o more_o to_o come_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n but_o to_o send_v his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n among_o they_o as_o he_o have_v before_o his_o incarnation_n send_v the_o prophet_n 3._o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n those_o who_o when_o they_o have_v see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n have_v vilify_v they_o and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v have_v their_o heart_n harden_v that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o this_o number_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v who_o hire_v the_o solider_n to_o contradict_v and_o stifle_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n with_o a_o false_a story_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o chief_a priest_n before_o have_v consult_v to_o put_v lazarus_n to_o death_n when_o he_o be_v undeniable_o know_v to_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o grave_a john_n twelve_o 10._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o belief_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o lazarus_n that_o they_o full_o verify_v that_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a lazarus_n be_v show_v open_o to_o all_o the_o people_n and_o live_v among_o they_o for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o when_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n and_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o they_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o but_o be_v the_o more_o enrage_a at_o it_o christ_n himself_o therefore_o after_o his_o resurrection_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n but_o use_v other_o mean_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a 4._o if_o the_o jew_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v foretell_v 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gospel_n 5._o the_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v our_o saviour_n show_v himself_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_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 act_v x._o 39_o 41._o these_o man_n know_v his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o have_v forsake_v all_o for_o he_o and_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o see_v he_o but_o have_v often_o converse_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o one_o of_o their_o chief_a qualification_n be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a man_n without_o force_n or_o policy_n without_o any_o art_n or_o contrivance_n they_o can_v tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n but_o can_v neither_o feign_v nor_o dissemble_v if_o they_o have_v be_v more_o in_o number_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o miraculous_a and_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o elder_n who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o artifices_fw-la and_o falshood_n but_o have_v they_o all_o along_o their_o enemy_n and_o oppose_v to_o their_o craft_n and_o power_n a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n that_o neither_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o deceit_n nor_o fear_v any_o in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o the_o least_o discourage_v to_o see_v their_o own_o and_o all_o other_o nation_n against_o they_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a 1_o cor._n i_o 27._o these_o man_n under_o all_o necessity_n and_o persecution_n and_o danger_n and_o torment_n both_o live_n and_o die_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n alive_a after_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o enemy_n yet_o consider_v as_o witness_n they_o be_v many_o for_o he_o be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o which_o be_v a_o vast_a number_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o evidence_n and_o if_o so_o many_o man_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n no_o number_n of_o man_n can_v have_v be_v that_o which_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o in_o one_o way_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a in_o never_o so_o many_o method_n and_o he_o who_o see_v a_o thing_n plain_o with_o his_o two_o eye_n may_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o so_o many_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o withal_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a or_o credible_a and_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o for_o truth_n john_n viij_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a number_n of_o sufficient_a witness_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o if_o these_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n speak_v and_o act_v and_o suffer_v as_o no_o man_n will_v or_o can_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o assist_v from_o above_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o infallible_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o their_o testimony_n as_o it_o can_v have_v be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o never_o so_o many_o more_o for_o all_o that_o never_o so_o many_o other_o can_v have_v do_v will_v have_v be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o which_o these_o man_n certify_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n and_o what_o be_v once_o infallible_o prove_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v agree_v in_o declare_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n but_o the_o character_n and_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o but_o a_o few_o man_n can_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v by_o undeniable_a miracle_n that_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a and_o that_o god_n himself_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o they_o then_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n be_v own_o sense_n before_o who_o they_o work_v their_o miracle_n and_o make_v every_o one_o that_o see_v they_o a_o
of_o they_o must_v cease_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v bestow_v cease_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n must_v of_o consequence_n cease_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deliver_v down_o with_o undeniable_a certainty_n and_o the_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o drown_v the_o old_a world_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o when_o a_o new_a institution_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n miraculous_a gift_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o to_o oppose_v those_o false_a and_o lie_a wonder_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o other_o place_n in_o the_o former_a age_n prediction_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v man_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o authority_n and_o can_v have_v no_o need_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o those_o time_n and_o when_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o long_o divers_a prophecy_n of_o the_o same_o person_n have_v be_v verify_v by_o the_o event_n but_o moses_n have_v a_o new_a law_n to_o deliver_v and_o both_o he_o and_o the_o prophet_n have_v a_o a_o stubborn_a people_n to_o deal_v with_o to_o who_o the_o message_n they_o be_v charge_v withal_o be_v common_o very_o unwelcome_a so_o that_o till_o this_o institution_n be_v full_o settle_v miracle_n become_v necessary_a but_o when_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v sufficient_o authorize_v and_o establish_v by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o when_o by_o the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o prophet_n become_v know_v among_o so_o many_o other_o nation_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v reduce_v from_o idolatry_n which_o they_o never_o practise_v after_o their_o return_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o when_o they_o have_v make_v numerous_a conversion_n among_o the_o heathen_n than_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v no_o long_o continue_v as_o they_o have_v be_v before_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n insomuch_o that_o it_o become_v a_o 18._o a_o lightf_n glean_v out_o of_o exod._n §._o vi_fw-it harm_n of_o the_o evang_n luke_n i_o 18._o joh._n two_o 18._o maxim_n among_o they_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o zechariah_n and_o malachi_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o return_v from_o babylon_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n depart_v from_o israel_n and_o ascend_v and_o for_o above_o four_o hundred_o year_n together_o the_o gift_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v from_o they_o before_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o there_o be_v gross_a error_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n among_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n and_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o since_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o revelation_n from_o whence_o these_o error_n may_v have_v be_v confute_v have_v be_v so_o thorough_o confirm_v all_o their_o corruption_n and_o error_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o sect_n who_o be_v most_o fond_a and_o zealous_a of_o their_o several_a tenet_n and_o tradition_n yet_o never_o dare_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n but_o endeavour_v to_o support_v themselves_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n what_o they_o sometime_o speak_v of_o lxxiii_o of_o id_fw-la fall_v of_o jerus_n §._o ix_o harm_n of_o the_o n._n t._n §._o lxxiii_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n deserve_v but_o little_a credit_n and_o amount_v but_o to_o a_o confession_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v fail_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o express_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v do_v 41._o do_v more_o nevock_n part._n 2._o c._n 36_o 41._o maimonides_n declare_v that_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr do_v not_o denominate_v man_n prophet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reckon_v by_o he_o among_o the_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a 1._o book_n 1._o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n afford_v as_o much_o certainty_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v and_o our_o saviour_n plain_o say_v notwithstanding_o his_o work_n which_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o his_o own_o word_n shall_v be_v rather_o believe_v than_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n joh._n v._o 46_o 47._o and_o when_o once_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n as_o the_o law_n have_v be_v and_o render_v as_o certain_a to_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n can_v have_v make_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o bestow_v miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n make_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o decide_v any_o controversy_n arise_v among_o those_o by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v for_o to_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o dispute_n ought_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v sometime_o manifest_v among_o v._o among_o ad_fw-la orthodox_n inter_fw-la justin_n martyr_n oper._n respon_n v._o heretic_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n and_o design_n of_o miracle_n and_o not_o to_o be_v any_o note_n of_o distinction_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o heretic_n the_o learned_a etc._n learned_a in_o irenae_n dissert_n 11._o §._o 28._o etc._n etc._n mr._n dodwell_n by_o a_o historical_a account_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o age_n next_o succeed_v have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v always_o adapt_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o or_o less_o frequent_a as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v till_o they_o at_o last_o whole_o cease_v when_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o for_o the_o only_a end_n and_o use_v of_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v the_o confirmation_n and_o establishment_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o be_v once_o full_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o can_v be_v no_o long_o needful_a but_o it_o seem_v rather_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v afterward_o cease_v than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v continue_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n reside_v in_o the_o church_n for_o though_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v some_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o manifest_v a_o miraculous_a power_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o that_o those_o gift_n shall_v cease_v when_o religion_n have_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o perpetual_a course_n of_o miracle_n for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n together_o because_o i._o miracle_n when_o they_o become_v common_a will_v lose_v the_o design_n and_o end_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n not_o that_o they_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o god_n and_o miracle_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o miracle_n be_v his_o wonderful_a work_n they_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v our_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n for_o we_o wonder_v at_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n and_o suppose_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a reason_n for_o they_o but_o if_o miracle_n have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n this_o effect_n of_o miracle_n will_v have_v cease_v and_o they_o will_v no_o long_o have_v be_v miracle_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o different_a course_n of_o nature_n for_o according_a to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o accurate_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o the_o settle_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o
and_o who_o shall_v betray_v he_o and_o he_o say_v therefore_o say_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o except_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o of_o my_o father_n john_n vi_fw-la 64_o 65._o so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v style_v a_o divine_a faith_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n but_o of_o its_o efficient_a cause_n in_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o proceed_v in_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o truth_n but_o reason_n when_o it_o come_v up_o to_o the_o evidence_n even_o of_o demonstration_n though_o it_o satisfy_v the_o understanding_n yet_o do_v not_o necessary_o gain_v that_o firm_a and_o last_a assent_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v require_v in_o faith_n but_o when_o the_o thing_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a be_v unacceptable_a against_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n and_o against_o the_o former_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o present_a conviction_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v soon_o stifle_v and_o overpower_v by_o the_o prevail_a force_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o carry_v the_o mind_n off_o to_o other_o and_o contrary_a object_n which_o it_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o think_v of_o and_o believe_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o academic_n and_o sceptic_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o other_o clear_a truth_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n have_v whilst_o they_o think_v of_o they_o and_o attend_v strict_o to_o they_o but_o by_o a_o constant_a practice_n to_o amuse_v themselves_o with_o subtlety_n they_o have_v wrought_v themselves_o to_o a_o persuasion_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o this_o general_a and_o habitual_a opinion_n soon_o stifle_v the_o evidence_n of_o any_o particular_a truth_n which_o can_v be_v represent_v never_o so_o clear_o to_o their_o mind_n to_o as_o many_o therefore_o as_o lay_v under_o long_a and_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o their_o former_a opinion_n and_o of_o their_o pride_n and_o vanity_n in_o contend_v for_o they_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o of_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n or_o else_o though_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o present_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o some_o miracle_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o last_a or_o wellgrounded_n faith_n john_n two_o 23_o 24._o and_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o faith_n be_v deny_v to_o some_o for_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v john_n twelve_o 40._o so_o that_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n may_v still_o continue_v unbeliever_n and_o not_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o their_o habitual_a thought_n and_o inclination_n there_o be_v something_o necessary_a to_o convert_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o former_a habit_n which_o have_v be_v root_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o frequent_a act_n and_o length_n of_o time_n and_o which_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o any_o conviction_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o consist_v but_o in_o transient_a act_n and_o be_v soon_o lose_v and_o vanish_v through_o the_o prevail_a contrary_a habit_n both_o of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_v and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o faith_n must_v necessary_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o of_o reason_n and_o where_o because_o of_o former_a sin_n and_o provocation_n this_o grace_n be_v not_o vouchsafe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o transient_a conviction_n of_o mind_n some_o faint_a glimmering_n which_o be_v soon_o damp_a and_o extinguish_v be_v overpower_v by_o former_a contrary_a persuasion_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n those_o who_o have_v less_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o habitual_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o they_o be_v once_o convince_v be_v likewise_o the_o more_o easy_o convert_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n become_v unfruitful_a and_o so_o little_o prevail_v with_o many_o man_n be_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sower_n declare_v to_o be_v either_o inconsiderate_a negligence_n and_o ignorance_n and_o the_o advantage_n take_v from_o thence_o by_o satan_n or_o want_v of_o constancy_n in_o time_n of_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n or_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n matth._n xiii_o 18._o mark_v four_o 9_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o to_o become_v a_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o natural_a so_o much_o as_o moral_a accomplishment_n not_o so_o much_o part_n and_o learning_n as_o a_o honest_a and_o humble_a mind_n which_o be_v the_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o man_n to_o become_v christian_n because_o as_o god_n the_o more_o free_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o man_n thus_o qualify_v so_o they_o be_v the_o better_o dispose_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o it_o whereas_o other_o though_o they_o want_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n yet_o have_v less_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a thus_o much_o in_o the_o general_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o unbelief_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n i._o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a christ_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a and_o almost_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v so_o general_o reject_v he_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n which_o they_o have_v above_o other_o nation_n of_o be_v convert_v but_o 1._o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n be_v convert_v in_o vast_a number_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n simon_n and_o anna_n the_o prophetess_n acknowledge_v and_o adore_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infancy_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n luke_n two_o 25_o 36._o and_o it_o be_v probable_o hebr._n probable_o buxtorf_n de_fw-fr abbreu._n hebr._n suppose_v that_o this_o be_v rabban_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o hillel_n and_o father_n of_o gamaliel_n the_o title_n of_o rabban_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o title_n signify_v a_o prince_n rather_o than_o a_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n as_o rabbi_n do_v and_o there_o be_v but_o seven_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o hillel_n who_o be_v dignify_v with_o it_o nicodemus_n joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o many_o other_o of_o note_n and_o eminency_n receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n about_o three_o thousand_o be_v convert_v at_o one_o time_n act_v two_o 41._o great_a number_n be_v convert_v not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o of_o the_o priest_n also_o act_n vi_fw-la 7._o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n act_v ix_o 35._o many_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o religious_a proselyte_n follow_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v xiii_o 43._o at_o iconium_n a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n believe_v act_v fourteen_o 1._o crispus_n chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v on_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n act_v xviii_o 8._o and_o sosâ—henes_n another_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xviii_o 19_o 1_o cor._n i_o 1._o apollo_n a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o christian_a act_n xviii_o 24._o many_o thousand_o or_o myriad_o in_o the_o greek_a act_n xxi_o 20._o and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o which_o be_v seal_v be_v a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rev._n seven_o 4._o the_o people_n be_v general_o well-disposed_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n will_v have_v persecute_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o be_v often_o force_v to_o desist_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o people_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o depart_v 18._o depart_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n v._o c._n 18._o from_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o space_n of_o twelve_o year_n as_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o number_n of_o convert_v in_o all_o that_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o great_a the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v exceed_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o city_n be_v of_o
well_o assure_v of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o it_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n may_v serve_v to_o prove_v to_o we_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v it_o since_o christian_n agree_v in_o assert_v their_o divine_a authority_n and_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o at_o unity_n among_o themselves_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o agree_v to_o corrupt_v they_o but_o have_v certain_o deliver_v they_o down_o entire_a to_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n only_o which_o man_n dispute_v about_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o disagree_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o want_v of_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v man_n into_o more_o inconvenience_n than_o want_v of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o a_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o the_o debate_n and_o contention_n in_o philosophy_n will_v soon_o cure_v most_o man_n of_o their_o infidelity_n than_o any_o argument_n can_v do_v those_o who_o raise_v objection_n against_o religion_n if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o almost_o every_o thing_n else_o have_v as_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o reject_v religion_n upon_o pretence_n which_o if_o they_o hold_v must_v force_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o other_o thing_n with_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v just_a nothing_o at_o all_o there_o have_v be_v dispute_n in_o all_o age_n concern_v light_n and_o motion_n the_o wind_n and_o sea_n and_o other_o wonder_n of_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a for_o this_o reason_n to_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o motion_n and_o whatever_o beside_o man_n have_v dispute_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o absurd_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o allow_v that_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o religion_n but_o against_o nothing_o else_o if_o the_o sun_n yield_v his_o light_n and_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o constant_a course_n though_o man_n differ_v never_o so_o much_o in_o their_o philosophy_n about_o it_o what_o can_v religion_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o their_o dispute_n no_o body_n think_v that_o he_o see_v ever_o the_o less_o for_o any_o difficulty_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v concernning_a vision_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o the_o less_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o man_n may_v dispute_v any_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n but_o it_o have_v be_v dispute_v but_o nothing_o be_v the_o less_o credible_a for_o be_v dispute_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o be_v rather_o confirm_v and_o advance_v by_o it_o truth_n be_v nevertheless_o truth_n for_o meeting_n with_o opposition_n but_o be_v the_o more_o try_v and_o the_o more_o approve_a as_o strength_n and_o courage_n be_v by_o the_o sharp_a conflict_n since_o than_o there_o will_v be_v vice_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o religion_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v vice_n since_o they_o can_v be_v hinder_v but_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v any_o uncertainty_n in_o religion_n that_o they_o rather_o prove_v a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v in_o divers_a respect_n make_v useful_a and_o expedient_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n it_o must_v be_v great_a inconsideration_n and_o weakness_n to_o produce_v they_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o religion_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v true_a unless_o these_o thing_n shall_v happen_v which_o be_v foretell_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n behold_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matt._n xxiv_o 25._o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o surprise_v thing_n to_o christian_n to_o see_v heresy_n arise_v though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v to_o expect_v they_o and_o they_o serve_v to_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o fulfil_v the_o prediction_n of_o it_o they_o help_v to_o prove_v the_o religion_n which_o they_o will_v destroy_v for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o heresy_n that_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v true_a which_o have_v foretell_v they_o but_o since_o there_o be_v heresy_n our_o religion_n be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o true_a as_o to_o contain_v express_a prophecy_n concern_v they_o which_o we_o see_v daily_o fulfil_v and_o as_o they_o evident_o prove_v our_o religion_n true_a in_o this_o particular_a so_o they_o invalidate_v it_o in_o no_o other_o which_o be_v the_o dial._n the_o just_a mart._n dial._n answer_n that_o the_o christian_n ancient_o return_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o make_v this_o objection_n against_o it_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o plain_a the_o know_v and_o and_o confess_v duty_n of_o religion_n humility_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n and_o when_o once_o we_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o wish_v religion_n untrue_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v so_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o for_o if_o man_n will_v impartial_o consider_v thing_n that_o religion_n which_o have_v now_o for_o so_o many_o age_n stand_v out_o all_o the_o assault_n and_o attempt_n with_o enemy_n from_o without_o and_o party_n within_o can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o have_v approve_v it_o much_o better_o and_o more_o glorious_o than_o it_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v either_o heresy_n or_o schism_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_a be_v assure_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o shall_v only_o serve_v to_o add_v to_o its_o victory_n and_o adorn_v its_o triumph_n the_o malice_n o_o lord_n and_o fierceness_n of_o man_n shall_v turn_v to_o thy_o praise_n and_o the_o fierceness_n of_o they_o shall_v thou_o refrain_v ps_n lxxvi_o 10._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o objection_n which_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n be_v allege_v have_v be_v consider_v and_o answer_v by_o divers_a man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o several_a objection_n which_o have_v make_v most_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o about_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o other_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v groundless_a and_o frivolous_a but_o though_o all_o difficulty_n can_v not_o be_v account_v for_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a or_o sufficient_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o objection_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o effect_n the_o evidence_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o be_v pertinent_a yet_o unless_o they_o can_v confute_v that_o evidence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v we_o against_o they_o he_o that_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o revelation_n inquire_v into_o it_o shall_v first_o consider_v impartial_o what_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o afterward_o consider_v the_o objection_n raise_v against_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v compare_v the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o the_o objection_n together_o and_o determine_v himself_o on_o that_o side_n which_o appear_v to_o have_v most_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o to_o insist_v upon_o particular_a objection_n collect_v out_o of_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o will_v likewise_o observe_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v which_o few_o of_o our_o objector_n have_v patience_n to_o do_v but_o run_v away_o with_o the_o objection_n without_o stay_v for_o a_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o allege_v particular_a objection_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o motive_n
which_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a deceitful_a way_n of_o argue_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a revelation_n which_o may_v have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o invalidate_v that_o evidence_n then_o all_o the_o objection_n beside_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v be_v but_o objection_n and_o no_o more_o for_o if_o those_o argument_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a remain_v still_o in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v those_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o objection_n but_o to_o reject_v the_o objection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n because_o if_o those_o can_v be_v disprove_v all_o the_o which_o can_v be_v think_v of_o must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o once_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n i_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n that_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o must_v be_v vain_a and_o false_a which_o i_o have_v that_o that_o thing_n be_v true_a because_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v false_a which_o be_v opposite_a to_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o take_v off_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a can_v ever_o prove_v it_o false_a but_o all_o objection_n must_v be_v false_a themselves_o or_o insignificant_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v if_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v can_v be_v disprove_v that_o be_v 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commentary_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n and_o not_o julius_n celsus_n or_o any_o other_o author_n unless_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o caesar_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o his_o objection_n will_v never_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v thing_n which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o to_o enact_v law_n especial_o concern_v the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n enjoin_v a_o people_n so_o many_o age_n past_a the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v not_o be_v full_o to_o understand_v and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o chronology_n and_o that_o the_o text_n may_v in_o divers_a place_n have_v a_o different_a read_n and_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o reasonable_a man_n by_o several_a expositor_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v at_o present_a to_o gratify_v these_o objector_n and_o this_o will_v gratify_v they_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o that_o the_o law_n be_v utter_o unaccountable_a that_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v no_o way_n adjust_v that_o the_o divers_a readins_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v reconcile_v yet_o what_o do_v all_o this_o prove_v that_o moses_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o egyptian_n be_v not_o witness_n to_o they_o that_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o saviour_n never_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a do_v it_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o or_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v to_o prove_v it_o if_o it_o can_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o it_o can_v then_o all_o the_o evidence_n produce_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n stand_v firm_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o mighty_a noise_n of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o will_v be_v not_o how_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v from_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v from_o henceforth_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v till_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v how_o these_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v or_o reconcile_v with_o other_o place_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o reason_n thus_o in_o any_o case_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n and_o whether_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o any_o other_o case_n how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o we_o thorough_o unstand_v in_o natural_a thing_n and_o yet_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o because_o we_o may_v puzzle_v and_o perplex_v ourselves_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n we_o discern_v the_o light_n and_o feel_v the_o warmth_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o constant_a return_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o of_o the_o several_a season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o all_o this_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o approach_n or_o withdraw_n of_o the_o sun_n influence_n but_o whoever_o will_v go_v about_o to_o explain_v all_o this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o it_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a task_n and_o such_o objection_n have_v be_v urge_v against_o every_o hypothesis_n in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o as_o perhaps_o no_o man_n be_v able_a full_o to_o answer_v but_o do_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o heat_n as_o day_n and_o night_n though_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n move_v or_o do_v man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o can_v see_v or_o not_o till_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v how_o vision_n be_v make_v and_o must_v none_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v but_o mathematician_n or_o do_v man_n refuse_v to_o eat_v till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v nourish_v yet_o if_o we_o must_v be_v sway_v by_o objection_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a point_n nor_o affect_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n about_o they_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o comprehend_v in_o every_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o concern_v it_o that_o may_v it_o seem_v be_v object_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o may_v be_v a_o just_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o it_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o be_v too_o confident_a that_o we_o move_v before_o we_o can_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o the_o great_a philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o eat_v till_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o digestion_n and_o nourishment_n be_v make_v in_o short_a this_o will_v run_v we_o into_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o scepticism_n for_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v that_o some_o doubt_v whether_o snow_n be_v white_a or_o honey_n sweet_a or_o any_o
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o scripture_n come_v confirm_v down_o to_o we_o by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o confirmation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o revelation_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o have_v if_o it_o real_o be_v what_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v why_o then_o do_v some_o man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v authentic_a can_v they_o disprove_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o can_v they_o produce_v any_o other_o revelation_n more_o authentic_a or_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n than_o that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v be_v he_o no_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n but_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v will_v not_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v never_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n for_o any_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o which_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n nor_o touch_v these_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a that_o that_o may_v be_v most_o true_a which_o may_v have_v many_o exception_n frame_v against_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v that_o as_o incredible_a which_o come_v recommend_v by_o our_o belief_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v beside_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o who_o most_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v they_o but_o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o become_v false_a there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o its_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o theology_n be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o reject_v this_o as_o a_o science_n of_o no_o value_n nor_o certainty_n and_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o can_v square_a the_o circle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o and_o know_v nothing_o if_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o its_o operation_n nor_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n unless_o we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o part_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v our_o sense_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v to_o sensation_n but_o what_o we_o perfect_o understand_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o object_n in_o the_o world_n till_o we_o know_v the_o exact_a manner_n how_o we_o perceive_v they_o and_o can_v solve_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v incredulous_a to_o this_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n if_o he_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o and_o true_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o can_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o difficulty_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o whilst_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n remain_v unanswered_a and_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v against_o the_o scripture_n can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o uncertainty_n and_o no_o man_n that_o profess_a and_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_a ever_o disbelieved_a the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v visible_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o these_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o life_n that_o he_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a before_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a some_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o intolerable_a spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contradiction_n that_o mere_a vanity_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o make_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o the_o great_a fault_n which_o these_o man_n can_v find_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v heavy_a complaint_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o hindrance_n which_o ingenuous_a mind_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o may_v have_v talk_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n for_o christianity_n as_o they_o now_o talk_v against_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o their_o education_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v and_o think_v like_o other_o man_n and_o they_o may_v almost_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n still_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v singular_a in_o be_v so_o for_o the_o mere_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n make_v they_o despise_v and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o allow_v and_o esteem_v but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o learned_a man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n and_o virtue_n and_o