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they_o i_o dispute_v not_o but_o he_o give_v his_o statute_n his_o divine_a law_n to_o israel_n and_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v so_o witâ—_n any_o nation_n beside_o and_o yet_o nothing_o more_o general_a than_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o more_o common_a than_o pretension_n to_o it_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o catholic_n maxim_n that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v he_o must_v be_v reveal_v from_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n seem_v to_o have_v concenter_v in_o this_o belief_n that_o divine_a revelation_n and_o a_o supernatural_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o present_a and_o future_a good_a of_o mankind_n it_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o learned_a camero_n omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la etiam_fw-la barbararum_fw-la consensu_fw-la receptum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la homini_fw-la bene_fw-la sit_fw-la praeter_fw-la eam_fw-la rationem_fw-la quam_fw-la 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we_o as_o appear_v evident_o sit_v and_o suit_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o after_o a_o admirable_a manner_n harmonise_v with_o the_o rational_a nature_n in_o which_o thing_n from_o above_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o thing_n below_o and_o every_o way_n so_o proportion_v to_o they_o as_o that_o truth_n supernatural_a which_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v appear_v justify_v to_o we_o by_o truth_n natural_a that_o we_o be_v perfect_o judge_n of_o and_o between_o both_o there_o appear_v a_o wonderful_a concord_n if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n write_v in_o god_n own_o name_n command_v the_o world_n upon_o that_o single_a account_n to_o bow_v before_o it_o and_o in_o a_o way_n peculiar_o proper_a to_o his_o own_o sovereignty_n and_o greatness_n with_o a_o positive_a claim_n to_o his_o immediate_a authority_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o claim_n establish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o eminent_a 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and_o man_n expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n thereby_o a_o beatitude_n infinite_o transcend_v whatever_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v contrive_v or_o invent_v which_o the_o rational_a soul_n the_o more_o it_o consider_v still_o the_o more_o it_o adore_v and_o admire_v and_o in_o which_o to_o the_o utmost_a it_o be_v delight_v and_o satisfy_v in_o short_a if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o have_v all_o those_o thing_n if_o we_o respect_v both_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o we_o appertinent_a to_o it_o that_o we_o can_v rational_o expect_v shall_v accompany_v a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n and_o such_o a_o supernatural_a law_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n will_v enlighten_v and_o rule_v the_o world_n a_o book_n that_o every_o way_n answer_v all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n propose_v most_o suitable_a remedy_n to_o all_o our_o natural_a defect_n leave_v not_o a_o disease_n in_o humane_a nature_n 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suppose_v a_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o world_n be_v rule_v by_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o what_o signify_v all_o their_o fiction_n about_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o their_o adoration_n of_o daemon_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o dead_a man_n soul_n which_o they_o make_v to_o be_v mediator_n to_o the_o god_n and_o various_o call_v they_o lemures_n lar_n manes_n larvae_n some_o of_o which_o if_o they_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o friend_n they_o fancy_v stay_v about_o their_o house_n and_o dwelling_n for_o their_o protection_n other_o be_v more_o at_o large_a some_o be_v good_a daemon_n and_o above_o other_o infernal_a and_o below_o as_o appear_v by_o that_o of_o the_o poet._n vos_fw-fr o_fw-fr mihi_fw-la manes_fw-la este_fw-la boni_fw-la quoniam_fw-la superis_fw-la aversa_n voluntas_fw-la whence_o come_v all_o this_o but_o from_o a_o obscure_a confuse_a notion_n of_o man_n existence_n after_o this_o life_n and_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n in_o the_o second_o place_n more_o express_o and_o explicit_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n among_o they_o who_o have_v utter_v here_o and_o there_o some_o fragment_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v sometime_o speak_v in_o justification_n of_o these_o main_a point_n so_o plato_n and_o other_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o one_o god_n though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o be_v of_o one_o god_n be_v never_o general_o and_o distinct_o acknowledge_v in_o any_o heathen_a country_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o law_n make_v in_o any_o heathen_a state_n to_o establish_v the_o be_v and_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n nay_o some_o have_v suppose_v that_o no_o particular_a person_n do_v ever_o pure_o by_o natural_a light_n determine_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o that_o such_o who_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o have_v it_o from_o a_o tradition_n originate_v in_o revelation_n so_o say_v a_o learned_a author_n in_o reproach_n of_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a learning_n that_o set_v aside_o what_o they_o learn_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o can_v never_o by_o themselves_o determine_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o god_n or_o but_o one_o cicero_n plutarch_n and_o other_o have_v speak_v full_o about_o providence_n and_o other_o of_o they_o have_v say_v much_o to_o justify_v the_o soul_n immortality_n so_o much_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o the_o spark_n of_o divine_a truth_n though_o under_o much_o rubbish_n have_v be_v there_o secret_o keep_v alive_a and_o so_o much_o as_o do_v sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a profession_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a nature_n do_v only_o rectify_v its_o depravation_n and_o have_v be_v some_o way_n witness_v unto_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o often_o make_v use_n of_o their_o testimony_n but_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v leave_v the_o world_n without_o any_o further_a discovery_n of_o himself_o their_o chief_a good_a or_o any_o further_a direction_n towards_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v man_n chief_a end_n than_o what_o we_o find_v the_o world_n without_o revelation_n have_v attain_v to_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o revelation_n than_o the_o condition_n the_o world_n have_v be_v in_o without_o it_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o heathen_a divinity_n have_v be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o taint_v and_o be_v reducible_a to_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n either_o erroneous_a uncertain_a or_o imperfect_a most_o of_o it_o erroneous_a much_o of_o it_o uncertain_a but_o all_o of_o it_o imperfect_a if_o we_o inquire_v how_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v benight_a as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o these_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n how_o such_o a_o flood_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n come_v to_o overslow_v the_o gentile-world_n two_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v
in_o themselves_o moral_o good_a and_o moral_o evil._n no_o man_n reason_n determine_v about_o the_o positive_a use_n of_o any_o such_o outward_a medium_n of_o worship_n nor_o can_v assure_v i_o of_o god_n distinguish_a acceptance_n in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v upon_o certain_a ground_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n in_o all_o our_o worship_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n by_o nature_n a_o clear_a and_o certain_a law_n to_o himself_o about_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v because_o there_o be_v no_o intrinsical_o religious_a good_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o worship_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o such_o goodness_n result_v pure_o from_o institution_n god_n have_v not_o sanctify_v any_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o his_o service_n in_o such_o a_o way_n by_o any_o unalterable_a obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o rational_a nature_n no_o such_o external_n medium_n of_o worship_n be_v found_v in_o reason_n but_o all_o in_o institution_n it_o be_v true_a the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v direct_v i_o to_o that_o behaviour_n of_o myself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o worship_n which_o i_o think_v most_o decent_a and_o reverent_a but_o for_o any_o external_n medium_n of_o worship_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v give_v i_o no_o certain_a direction_n at_o all_o if_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o worship_n as_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o have_v be_v declare_v necessary_a that_o some_o shall_v be_v we_o must_v then_o both_o for_o the_o choice_n and_o the_o use_v of_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o guide_v and_o steer_v by_o revelation_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v every_o man_n own_o reason_n be_v impregnate_v with_o obligation_n to_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o worship_n and_o divine_a homage_n than_o reason_n itself_o be_v able_a to_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o certain_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o and_o direct_v we_o to_o many_o duty_n which_o we_o want_v revelation_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o perform_v which_o have_v in_o all_o age_n make_v the_o world_n so_o inquisitive_a after_o it_o and_o show_v we_o how_o rational_o we_o tend_v upward_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o how_o great_o our_o own_o nature_n prepare_v we_o to_o expect_v and_o receive_v instruction_n from_o above_o second_o shall_v this_o be_v admit_v that_o divine_a worship_n may_v be_v confine_v simple_o to_o thought_n gesture_n and_o word_n yet_o will_v not_o our_o natural_a light_n enable_v we_o to_o acquit_v ourselves_o as_o we_o ought_v in_o this_o matter_n nor_o well_o to_o perform_v such_o a_o service_n as_o that_o without_o supernatural_a help_n there_o be_v two_o great_a end_n of_o all_o worship_n which_o though_o inseparable_a in_o their_o attainment_n be_v yet_o distinct_a in_o their_o application_n and_o if_o not_o attain_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n attempt_n that_o way_n will_v prove_v altogether_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a first_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n to_o give_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n due_a from_o we_o to_o he_o and_o second_o to_o provide_v sufficient_o for_o our_o own_o welfare_n by_o a_o acceptance_n with_o he_o for_o the_o first_o how_o can_v we_o honour_n god_n with_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o his_o be_v as_o may_v full_o inform_v and_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n about_o he_o which_o we_o never_o can_v have_v nor_o to_o this_o day_n the_o world_n never_o have_v without_o revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o honour_n god_n as_o we_o ought_v unless_o according_a to_o our_o measure_n we_o know_v he_o as_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o know_v what_o god_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o sufficient_a to_o capacitate_v i_o for_o a_o due_a address_n to_o the_o deity_n to_o know_v in_o the_o general_a that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o power_n above_o i_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o exist_v which_o be_v all_o my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o but_o i_o must_v have_v some_o direct_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o that_o be_v wherein_o all_o those_o attribute_n do_v exist_v upon_o which_o as_o the_o object_n of_o my_o worship_n my_o mind_n may_v terminate_v and_o without_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o form_v a_o idol_n to_o myself_o in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o be_v and_o then_o apply_v those_o attribute_n to_o it._n to_o which_o fatal_a mistake_n and_o idolatrous_a delusion_n the_o world_n have_v by_o nature_n no_o certain_a account_n what_o god_n be_v not_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o deity_n do_v exist_v in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v too_o apparent_o subject_a second_o how_o can_v we_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o welfare_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v safe_o assure_v of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o total_a removal_n of_o natural_a guilt_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v so_o assure_v unless_o we_o know_v the_o term_n of_o god_n forgiveness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n to_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a satisfy_a account_n give_v we_o by_o any_o dictate_v of_o nature_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v find_v out_o until_o they_o be_v tell_v we_o from_o above_o man_n must_v needs_o make_v strange_a prayer_n and_o have_v very_o wild_a and_o uncertain_a meditation_n about_o god_n and_o their_o own_o condition_n that_o be_v benight_a with_o ignorance_n in_o such_o thing_n prayer_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v itself_o a_o part_n of_o natural_a worship_n will_v be_v very_o lame_o perform_v without_o some_o revelation_n to_o guide_v it_o the_o pagan_a devotion_n be_v a_o medley_n of_o strange_a sentiment_n found_v in_o horrible_a ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o the_o way_n of_o man_n restoration_n have_v plato_n or_o aristotle_n or_o the_o wise_a among_o they_o but_o leave_v we_o a_o liturgy_n of_o their_o own_o composition_n it_o will_v with_o great_a effect_n have_v convince_v we_o what_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o some_o revelation_n to_o guide_v even_o the_o best_a understanding_n in_o all_o divine_a address_n two_o thing_n about_o worship_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v teach_v we_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n first_o that_o mankind_n have_v general_o acknowledge_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o supernatural_a direction_n shall_v be_v give_v for_o the_o manage_n of_o that_o intercourse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v subscribe_v to_o the_o shortness_n and_o defficiency_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n about_o it_o and_o second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o certain_a complete_a systeme_n of_o worship_n that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n do_v uniform_o agree_v in_o the_o one_o result_v from_o their_o constant_a recourse_n to_o supernatural_a inquiry_n and_o the_o many_o enthusiastic_a pretension_n thereupon_o the_o other_o from_o their_o great_a and_o eminent_a disagreement_n among_o themselves_o for_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o be_v only_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o naturallight_n and_o have_v in_o truth_n no_o revelation_n at_o all_o but_o be_v still_o abuse_v with_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o fall_v by_o that_o guidance_n into_o endless_a diversity_n in_o practice_n and_o into_o a_o numberless_a variety_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v and_o approach_v the_o deity_n and_o be_v universal_o engage_v in_o multiply_v medium_n and_o method_n of_o worship_n no_o way_n prescribe_v by_o any_o natural_a law_n connate_a with_o man_n being_n or_o any_o general_a uniform_a issue_n of_o right_a reason_n nor_o indeed_o be_v they_o under_o any_o direction_n at_o all_o either_o for_o their_o choice_n or_o their_o use_n further_o than_o what_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o best_a guess_n or_o some_o enthusiastic_a impostor_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o which_o plain_o declare_v there_o be_v not_o a_o ability_n in_o nature_n sufficient_o to_o guide_v man_n in_o divine_a worship_n so_o far_o as_o their_o own_o devotion_n do_v natural_o steer_v they_o and_o we_o that_o indeed_o have_v revelation_n be_v instruct_v by_o that_o revelation_n itself_o sufficient_o to_o know_v the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o revelation_n for_o we_o find_v that_o god_n by_o his_o reveal_v law_n do_v not_o only_o revive_v in_o general_a the_o whole_a of_o nature_n law_n about_o worship_n and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a extent_n thereof_o which_o he_o do_v and_o much_o inlighten_v our_o natural_a knowledge_n therein_o which_o we_o find_v be_v great_o defective_a even_o about_o natural_a duty_n and_o give_v we_o a_o complete_a view_n of_o our_o natural_a obligation_n
perfect_a attribute_n the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n must_v come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o how_o god_n shall_v forgive_v he_o or_o to_o to_o chalk_n out_o the_o track_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o himself_o nor_o will_v his_o guilt_n be_v remove_v nor_o his_o thought_n be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o know_v god_n mind_n about_o it_o nothing_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n but_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certain_a direction_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o shall_v if_o humane_a nature_n have_v no_o absolute_a security_n in_o itself_o of_o its_o first_o state_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v restore_v itself_o when_o once_o degenerate_v what_o do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v much_o more_o unlikely_a to_o recover_v again_o out_o of_o imperfection_n to_o be_v so_o every_o man_n may_v know_v he_o be_v degenerate_v from_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o may_v reasonable_o collect_v from_o what_o he_o once_o be_v but_o no_o man_n can_v reason_v himself_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o recovery_n the_o whole_a world_n have_v subscribe_v to_o their_o own_o apostasy_n but_o can_v never_o agree_v upon_o any_o certain_a remedy_n how_o miserable_o have_v mankind_n tire_v themselves_o and_o to_o how_o little_a purpose_n in_o find_v out_o what_o will_v appease_v divine_a anger_n and_o compensate_a for_o their_o disobedience_n no_o man_n ever_o yet_o worsâ—_n ip_v any_o god_n but_o he_o make_v some_o offer_n to_o he_o in_o hope_n that_o may_v indemnisie_v he_o and_o be_v take_v in_o lieu_n of_o his_o own_o punishment_n man_n have_v at_o a_o venture_n offer_v up_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o sacrifice_n have_v try_v all_o experiment_n victimis_fw-la &_o lavacris_fw-la and_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v their_o best_a guess_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o to_o obliterate_v their_o own_o gild_n and_o to_o procure_v d_o uâ—â—e_a favour_n but_o never_o be_v upon_o any_o suâ—er_a ground_n than_o their_o own_o vain_a fancy_n for_o acceptance_n agaâ—hias_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o the_o persian_a war_n that_o the_o persian_n be_v wont_a to_o solemnize_v a_o great_a holiday_n once_o a_o year_n which_o they_o call_v the_o death_n of_o vice_n in_o which_o as_o a_o eminent_a piece_n of_o devotion_n they_o slay_v multitude_n of_o serpent_n &_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o thereby_o think_v they_o shall_v execute_v all_o their_o corruption_n &_o safe_o bury_v their_o sin_n the_o philosopher_n abound_v with_o remedy_n foâ—_n this_o epidemical_a disease_n some_o thought_n to_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n some_o in_o a_o way_n mathematical_a and_o some_o by_o religious_a ceremony_n but_o alas_o the_o right_a way_n of_o do_v it_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n till_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o know_v and_o reveal_v it_o from_o heaven_n what_o a_o trifle_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o ox_n to_o satisfy_v for_o a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a justice_n at_o how_o easy_a and_o cheap_a a_o rate_n may_v man_n sin_n and_o god_n be_v satisfy_v and_o what_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o evil_n be_v it_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n may_v take_v away_o sin_n and_o the_o life_n of_o unreasonable_a creature_n commute_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v direct_o steer_v we_o upward_o and_o point_v we_o to_o a_o dependence_n upon_o revelation_n to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o satisfy_a knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o this_o whole_a world_n how_o man_n come_v to_o rebel_n and_o sin_n first_o to_o enter_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v indemnity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v be_v again_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o accept_v this_o precious_a discourse_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v it_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o general_a some_o divine_a revelation_n some_o law_n supernatural_a promulge_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o mankind_n shall_v not_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v no_o way_n ungrateful_a to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v assent_v to_o their_o verity_n because_o it_o be_v to_o reinforce_v one_o of_o the_o great_a support_n to_o all_o scripture-belief_n nor_o will_v it_o seem_v impertinent_a to_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n ingenious_a in_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n about_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v natural_o &_o necessary_o the_o first_o step_n that_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o may_v be_v very_o well_o offensive_a to_o such_o who_o shall_v design_n to_o themselves_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o their_o province_n to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n and_o render_v all_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o insufficient_a because_o it_o go_v far_o towards_o a_o evident_a and_o apparent_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n against_o they_o do_v indeed_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o virtual_o break_v the_o very_a backbone_n of_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n mâ—de_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o want_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o call_v for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n a_o law_n supernatural_a where_o be_v this_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o somewhere_o or_o other_o upon_o record_n this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v it_o and_o will_v 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not_o only_o upon_o the_o christian_n and_o jewish_a but_o general_o upon_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v throughout_o the_o world_n revelation_n either_o real_a or_o pretend_a have_v be_v the_o universal_a foundation_n in_o all_o age_n of_o that_o constitution_n we_o call_v religion_n all_o nation_n have_v respective_o attribute_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o their_o mystery_n to_o their_o go_n which_o though_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o the_o world_n have_v general_o have_v revelation_n nor_o justify_v any_o one_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n upon_o which_o any_o one_o particular_a religion_n be_v found_v yet_o it_o prove_v thus_o much_o that_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o expect_v revelation_n and_o that_o thereupon_o mankind_n have_v live_v either_o in_o the_o real_a or_o imaginary_a possession_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v universal_o agree_v in_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n thereupon_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o shall_v neither_o be_v in_o the_o general_n any_o real_a or_o rational_a ground_n for_o the_o expectance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n for_o if_o there_o be_v we_o can_v then_o without_o impeach_v divine_a justice_n &_o goodness_n refuse_v in_o the_o general_a to_o suppose_v it_o nor_o the_o least_o truth_n any_o where_n in_o the_o fact_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n second_o if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v none_o he_o will_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o god_n who_o have_v make_v man_n the_o noble_a of_o all_o earthly_a creature_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o world_n have_v leave_v he_o to_o a_o worse_a condition_n in_o the_o present_a posture_n we_o sin_v he_o than_o the_o mean_a creature_n he_o have_v subject_v to_o his_o use_n which_o be_v great_o unreasonable_a to_o conceive_v the_o mean_a creature_n that_o god_n have_v make_v even_o to_o the_o ant_n he_o 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can_v be_v admit_v as_o such_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d they_o find_v peculiar_o appertinent_a to_o the_o â—iblâ—_n and_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o other_o book_n or_o write_n or_o to_o any_o other_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o have_v thus_o establish_v these_o two_o general_a point_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n some_o supernatural_a law_n promulge_v as_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o man_n life_n here_o and_o god_n judgement_n hereafter_o and_o that_o these_o law_n shall_v be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o extant_a upon_o record_n that_o mankind_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v and_o ascertain_v about_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v great_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n and_o second_o 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and_o when_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o book_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attend_v it_o do_v eminent_o relate_v itself_o to_o god_n as_o its_o author_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o judge_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o first_o when_o we_o reslâ—ct_v upon_o the_o â—â—me_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a weight_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o relate_v to_o we_o and_o inform_v we_o of_o and_o second_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d iâ—â—â—lâ—_n since_o compose_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o with_o such_o a_o relation_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n â—â—ch_a aâ—_n far_o as_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n since_o his_o first_o mâ—â—â—_n and_o original_a and_o of_o a_o oral_a and_o â—erâ—all_a intâ—â—â—â—â—â—se_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o two_o thousand_o four_o hundred_o and_o old_a year_n before_o it_o be_v any_o where_o extant_a upon_o râ—â—â—â—d_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o write_v which_o no_o other_o bâ—â—â—_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o much_o as_o make_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—â—â—ce_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o revelation_n historical_o contain_v in_o this_o book_n it_o be_v wat_fw-mi be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o of_o the_o same_o 〈…〉_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o edition_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n and_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d this_o book_n aâ—â—ual_a publication_n with_o all_o the_o aâ—â—â—tional_a revelation_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o book_n to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o its_o kind_n to_o precede_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o truth_n to_o be_v extant_a while_n thales_n mileâ—â—us_n hamer_n hâ—rmes_n and_o the_o most_o primative_a writer_n the_o world_n have_v be_v unborn_a and_o unthought_a of_o moses_n write_v of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n have_v a_o write_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o god_n please_v so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o although_o the_o revelation_n he_o make_v to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o write_v from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o they_o be_v write_v long_o before_o any_o other_o write_n be_v extant_a and_o his_o own_o law_n be_v first_o record_v and_o all_o other_o write_n be_v of_o a_o subsequent_a date_n to_o this_o holy_a book_n first_o i_o will_v evidence_n this_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o due_a the_o right_n of_o primogeniture_n and_o that_o all_o other_o book_n be_v of_o a_o much_o after-edition_n and_o becond_o examine_v what_o reasonable_o result_v from_o thence_o towards_o that_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v about_o to_o all_o which_o this_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o thus_o ancient_n we_o intend_v actual_o no_o more_o of_o it_o then_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v above_o four_o thousand_o year_n in_o a_o gradual_a publication_n and_o the_o bible_n itself_o above_o a_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o year_n in_o writing_n for_o so_o long_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o moses_n write_v to_o st._n john_n the_o revealer_n nor_o need_v we_o intend_v more_o to_o justify_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o it_o be_v all_o there_o virtual_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v superstruct_v upon_o that_o as_o its_o â—oâ—ndation_n and_o every_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n after_o moses_n till_o the_o top-stone_n be_v lay_v appear_v evident_o to_o be_v write_v in_o direct_a pursuance_n of_o what_o moses_n at_o first_o deliver_v and_o so_o much_o st._n paul_n affirm_v before_o foelix_n that_o he_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v long_o before_o extant_a in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o first_o that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o fact_n the_o most_o ancient_a i_o find_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v be_v great_o concern_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a as_o judge_v it_o a_o point_n that_o do_v great_o credit_v their_o profession_n and_o high_o justify_v that_o religion_n they_o adhere_v to_o josephus_n and_o other_o of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n have_v much_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o among_o the_o christian_a writer_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n cyrill_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o book_n against_o julian_n st._n austin_n and_o other_o but_o most_o especial_o justin_n martyr_n and_o eusebius_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o parenaetick_n to_o the_o grecian_n because_o they_o use_v with_o great_a arrogance_n to_o boast_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o religion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o look_v with_o great_a contempt_n upon_o other_o prove_v against_o they_o out_o of_o pagan_a author_n and_o those_o chief_o their_o own_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n than_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n they_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o natural_a issue_n of_o those_o write_n found_v upon_o they_o and_o derive_v from_o they_o be_v no_o new_a or_o upstart_a invention_n but_o indeed_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a write_v and_o unwritten_a truth_n the_o world_n be_v possess_v of_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v afterward_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o prove_v and_o make_v good_a by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n who_o thus_o conclude_v quare_fw-la omnibus_fw-la diis_fw-la ac_fw-la heroibus_fw-la graecorum_n multo_fw-la vetustior_fw-la
and_o indeed_o well_o may_v he_o tell_v they_o so_o for_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n and_o isaiah_n be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o first_o olympiad_n which_o begin_v as_o scaliger_n prove_v aut_fw-la of_o eusebius_n and_o other_o but_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n ahaz_n who_o son_n hezekiah_n live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o numa_n in_o rome_n and_o eâ—dras_n himself_o and_o the_o late_a writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_v before_o socrates_n philosophize_v in_o athens_n who_o teach_v not_o there_o till_o some_o time_n after_o the_o captivity_n this_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o write_n and_o their_o precedency_n to_o all_o other_o write_v religion_n or_o learning_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o tolerable_a denial_n and_o as_o scaliger_n say_v in_o his_o discourse_n upon_o eusebius_n the_o proof_n of_o it_o result_v so_o plain_o from_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o heathen_a author_n themselves_o nihil_fw-la superesse_fw-la paganis_fw-la videtâ—r_fw-la nisi_fw-la aut_fw-la ut_fw-la ingeâ—ua_fw-la confessio_fw-la ab_fw-la this_fw-mi exprimcretur_fw-la aut_fw-la silentium_fw-la pertinacâ—ae_fw-la sinem_fw-la faceret_fw-la and_o he_o add_v quod_fw-la certe_fw-la faeliciter_fw-la câ—ssit_fw-la ut_fw-la &_o hac_fw-la in_o parte_fw-la porphrius_n manus_fw-la daret_fw-la it_o be_v not_o make_v out_o from_o any_o nice_a dispute_n between_o chronologer_n come_v not_o within_o any_o near_a compass_n of_o time_n but_o from_o a_o general_a concurrence_n of_o all_o history_n and_o be_v so_o far_o beyond_o the_o â—each_n of_o all_o contradiction_n that_o the_o worst_a enemy_n to_o our_o religion_n have_v agree_v it_o and_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n to_o it_o of_o this_o eusebius_n in_o the_o ten_o book_n of_o his_o praep._n evan._n chap._n 3._o take_v special_a notice_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o porphrie_n one_o of_o the_o most_o rage_a malicious_a enemy_n that_o ever_o the_o christian_n meet_v with_o have_v in_o his_o four_o book_n which_o he_o write_v against_o they_o give_v this_o testimony_n to_o moses_n and_o his_o antiquity_n that_o he_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n true_o which_o thing_n he_o have_v perceive_v by_o confer_v it_o with_o sanchoniathon_n the_o berutian_a who_o rehearse_v the_o very_a same_o circumstance_n and_o name_n and_o place_n that_o moses_n do_v the_o which_o he_o have_v learn_v out_o of_o the_o register_n of_o one_o hierumbalus_n a_o priest_n of_o the_o god_n of_o levi_n and_o out_o of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o city_n and_o out_o of_o holy_a book_n dedicate_v to_o temple_n and_o this_o sanchoniathon_n say_v he_o be_v after_o moses_n about_o the_o time_n of_o semiramis_n by_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v he_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o make_v he_o to_o be_v much_o early_o in_o the_o world_n than_o we_o affirm_v he_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n he_o live_v and_o write_v in_o a_o time_n long_o before_o any_o other_o author_n of_o book_n or_o any_o other_o write_v learning_n be_v know_v and_o this_o clear_a evidence_n we_o have_v so_o clear_a that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o clear_a can_v be_v expect_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o preeminence_n of_o his_o write_n above_o all_o other_o in_o that_o respect_n give_v we_o very_o probable_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o first_o introducer_n of_o letter_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o book_n whatever_o other_o nation_n have_v fabulous_o boast_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o notwithstanding_o pliny_n absurd_a supposition_n that_o letter_n be_v eternal_a because_o he_o imagine_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v if_o the_o world_n have_v enjoy_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n before_o but_o that_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o monument_n of_o it_o before_o his_o time_n remain_v at_o the_o least_o to_o the_o next_o after_o age_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v some_o credible_a account_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o diodorus_n siculus_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v no_o more_o ancient_a history_n and_o that_o the_o action_n of_o king_n be_v not_o record_v of_o old_a because_o the_o world_n want_v letter_n impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la say_v he_o primas_fw-la literas_fw-la aeque_fw-la ac_fw-la primos_fw-la reges_fw-la vetuslas_fw-la extitisse_fw-la and_o josephus_n give_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v no_o more_o ancient_a history_n than_o we_o have_v because_o the_o world_n ancient_o want_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n but_o especial_o we_o can_v suppose_v but_o that_o those_o revelation_n god_n make_v before_o of_o himself_o and_o his_o mind_n to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v safe_o preserve_v in_o write_v and_o leave_v upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n long_o before_o moses_n write_v nor_o can_v we_o well_o imagine_v that_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o who_o at_o any_o time_n god_n please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o shall_v not_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v and_o communicate_v so_o inestimable_a a_o treasure_n of_o this_o we_o hear_v not_o the_o least_o upon_o any_o tolerable_a ground_n of_o credit_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o write_n before_o moses_n but_o upon_o report_n that_o appear_v gross_o fictitious_a and_o fabulous_a it_o be_v a_o thing_n great_o probable_a that_o till_o moses_n his_o time_n the_o world_n know_v nothing_o of_o letter_n for_o we_o neither_o find_v any_o law_n of_o god_n or_o of_o man_n write_v before_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o most_o probable_a that_o we_o owe_v they_o not_o nor_o their_o use_n to_o humane_a invention_n but_o to_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a plato_n have_v learn_v so_o much_o from_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o cratilus_n that_o the_o original_a of_o letter_n be_v from_o the_o god_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n offer_v its_o self_n very_o fair_o to_o our_o belief_n that_o god_n himself_o when_o he_o give_v the_o ten_o commandment_n write_v by_o his_o own_o singer_n to_o moses_n introduce_v the_o first_o alphabet_n and_o that_o letter_n themselves_o and_o those_o divine_a precept_n be_v of_o a_o equal_a date_n i_o insist_v not_o on_o this_o as_o capable_a of_o any_o certain_a and_o positive_a proof_n nor_o if_o it_o be_v be_v it_o to_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o circumstance_n of_o very_a considerable_a weight_n and_o have_v very_o good_a probability_n for_o its_o belief_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v if_o we_o consult_v but_o what_o chrysostome_n theophilact_fw-mi and_o other_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v say_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o cyrill_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o seven_o book_n against_o julian_n insist_o much_o upon_o it_o vives_z upon_o the_o thirty_o nine_o chapter_n of_o st._n augustine_n 18_o book_n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o common_a opinion_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o christian_n that_o moses_n first_o give_v letter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n language_n which_o doubtless_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o all_o other_o and_o that_o eupolemus_n artapanus_n and_o many_o other_o profane_a author_n affirm_v it_o and_o that_o both_o the_o egyptian_n and_o also_o the_o phaenician_o from_o who_o the_o grecian_n first_o learn_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n have_v their_o letter_n from_o he_o and_o that_o moâ—es_n be_v that_o mercury_n to_o who_o the_o egyptian_n ascribe_v the_o first_o invention_n of_o they_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v usual_o make_v against_o this_o seem_v but_o of_o very_o little_a weight_n first_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o certain_a tractate_v of_o enoch_n that_o be_v write_v before_o the_o flood_n second_o of_o two_o pillar_n of_o the_o son_n of_o seth_n with_o observation_n astronomical_a engrave_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o set_v up_o to_o continue_v their_o learning_n and_o that_o it_o may_v remain_v beyond_o the_o flood_n which_o adam_n have_v foretell_v they_o of_o the_o one_o of_o which_o remain_v in_o the_o country_n of_o syria_n till_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n as_o he_o himself_o say_v three_o that_o moses_n in_o the_o 21_o of_o number_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o book_n extant_a before_o that_o time_n and_o fourthly_a that_o moses_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v learned_a in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n which_o learn_v probable_o be_v write_v for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v book_n of_o enoch_n write_v before_o the_o flood_n which_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n for_o so_o they_o must_v be_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o story_n whole_o fabulous_a we_o find_v not_o one_o word_n of_o they_o among_o
the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n nor_o before_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o book_n then_o extant_a in_o truth_n write_v by_o he_o they_o will_v have_v be_v in_o great_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v within_o their_o canon_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o and_o philo_n or_o josephus_n most_o diligent_a searcher_n of_o their_o antiquity_n will_v have_v make_v some_o eminent_a mention_n of_o they_o in_o who_o work_n we_o find_v altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la about_o any_o such_o book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o real_a book_n then_o extant_a but_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o after_o the_o apostle_n judas_n have_v in_o his_o epistle_n quote_v a_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n which_o prophecy_n without_o doubt_n he_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o either_o pure_o by_o revelation_n which_o i_o rather_o believe_v or_o else_o by_o a_o tradition_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v ascertain_v to_o he_o by_o revelation_n by_o which_o mean_n come_v other_o also_o of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n in_o aftertime_n to_o be_v ascertain_v of_o what_o they_o write_v about_o divers_a thing_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n for_o in_o the_o psalm_n we_o find_v mention_n of_o some_o thing_n do_v in_o moses_n his_o time_n that_o be_v not_o record_v in_o his_o book_n st._n paul_n in_o the_o 9_o to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v that_o when_o moses_n have_v speak_v every_o precept_n according_a to_o the_o law_n he_o take_v the_o blood_n of_o calf_n and_o goat_n with_o water_n and_o scarlet_a wool_n and_o hyssop_n and_o sprinkle_v bâ—th_v the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o people_n say_v this_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o testament_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v add_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o insert_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o selation_n of_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o 24_o of_o exodus_fw-la so_o stephen_n speech_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 7_o of_o the_o act_n tell_v we_o that_o moses_n in_o kill_v the_o egyptian_a suppose_a that_o his_o brethren_n will_v have_v understand_v how_o that_o god_n by_o his_o hand_n will_v deliver_v they_o but_o they_o understand_v not_o by_o which_o we_o have_v a_o reason_n give_v for_o moses_n kill_v the_o egyptian_a that_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o where_o set_v down_o and_o by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o understand_v that_o before_o moses_n go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o midian_a god_n reveal_v to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o that_o people_n which_o moses_n himself_o have_v not_o any_o where_n tell_v we_o i_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o some_o heretic_n in_o the_o church_n most_o likely_a the_o gnostic_n who_o much_o cry_v up_o those_o spurious_a write_n to_o promote_v their_o own_o corrupt_a 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bare_a report_n from_o other_o some_z late_a author_n think_v and_o perhaps_o not_o amiss_o from_o the_o fabulous_a relation_n of_o manetho_n who_o say_v he_o take_v his_o history_n from_o some_o pillar_n set_v up_o before_o the_o flood_n and_o be_v marvailous_o abuse_v in_o that_o countenance_n he_o seem_v to_o give_v to_o it_o nor_o ought_v it_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o we_o sin_v many_o of_o the_o best_a historian_n have_v take_v up_o thing_n upon_o trust_n and_o fall_v thereby_o into_o very_o great_a mistake_n suetonius_n and_o tacitus_n be_v both_o eminent_a historian_n among_o the_o roman_n yet_o both_o guilty_a of_o strange_a mistake_v tacitus_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o history_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v a_o ass_n head_n with_o the_o high_a veneration_n then_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o untrue_o and_o upon_o less_o ground_n affirm_v and_o suetonius_n so_o mistake_v that_o he_o think_v christ_n live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o claudius_n for_o he_o say_v in_o the_o time_n of_o claudius_n judaeos_fw-la impulsore_fw-la chresto_fw-la assidue_fw-la tumultuantes_fw-la civitate_fw-la expulit_fw-la that_o claudius_n expel_v the_o jew_n out_o of_o rome_n who_o be_v continual_o make_v uproar_n be_v stir_v up_o thereunto_o by_o christ_n then_o which_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o absurd_a mistake_n nor_o a_o great_a falsehood_n well_o utter_v for_o the_o three_o the_o mention_n that_o moses_n make_v in_o the_o 21_o of_o number_n and_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o book_n then_o extant_a his_o word_n be_v wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o didin_fw-mi the_o red_a sea_n and_o in_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n first_o divers_a probable_a sense_n be_v give_v of_o the_o place_n that_o render_v it_o no_o objection_n in_o this_o case_n the_o geneva_n translation_n not_o much_o differ_v from_o some_o other_o render_v it_o thus_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v be_v speak_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v prophetical_a and_o may_v relate_v to_o joshuah_n who_o be_v say_v to_o sight_n the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o relation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o joshuah_n or_o judge_n that_o be_v to_o be_v after_o junius_n read_v the_o word_n thus_o idcirco_fw-la dici_fw-la solet_fw-la in_o recensione_n bellorum_fw-la jehovae_fw-la etc._n etc._n wherefore_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o understand_v it_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a book_n but_o that_o among_o the_o war_n that_o god_n dispose_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v in_o those_o time_n a_o famous_a mention_n in_o the_o
mouth_n of_o most_o man_n concern_v those_o passage_n there_o express_v paulus_n fagius_n who_o seem_v to_o give_v the_o right_a account_n of_o it_o differ_v not_o much_o from_o this_o of_o junius_n only_o read_v it_o in_o the_o futuretense_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o intend_v a_o future_a relation_n his_o word_n be_v ideo_fw-la dicetur_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verbum_fw-la hebraicum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d futuri_fw-la temporis_fw-la in_o commemoratione_n bellorum_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la bella_fw-la deicommemorabuntur_fw-la recensebuntur_fw-la a_o posteris_fw-la quae_fw-la bella_fw-la pro_fw-la israel_n in_o mari_fw-fr rubro_fw-la gesscrit_fw-fr &_o quae_fw-la ad_fw-la hos_fw-la torrentes_fw-la quasi_fw-la dicat_fw-la hi_o avo_fw-la locitanquam_fw-la memorabiles_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la posteritate_fw-la repetentur_fw-la in_o quibus_fw-la deus_fw-la pro_fw-la israel_n dimicavit_fw-la ubi_fw-la prodigia_fw-la coeleslia_n ostâ—nsa_fw-la sunt_fw-la that_o be_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o famous_a mention_n among_o all_o posterity_n of_o what_o god_n do_v for_o israel_n in_o those_o two_o place_n wheresoever_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v speak_v of_o what_o god_n do_v in_o those_o two_o place_n shall_v have_v a_o eminent_a mention_n the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sepher_n signify_v proper_o any_o rehearsal_n or_o enarration_n recensionem_fw-la aut_fw-la enarrationem_fw-la quamcunâ—_n recensionem_fw-la scriptam_fw-la but_o per_fw-la accidens_fw-la if_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o to_o relate_v to_o any_o book_n but_o only_o to_o a_o relation_n verbal_a as_o it_o seem_v most_o probable_o to_o do_v because_o moses_n speak_v only_o of_o a_o rehearsal_n in_o general_n but_o not_o direct_o of_o a_o write_a rehearsal_n it_o reach_v not_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o by_o that_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v mean_v either_o some_o succeed_a book_n part_n of_o the_o bible_n or_o else_o that_o very_a book_n of_o number_n itself_o but_o second_o which_o way_n soever_o this_o text_n be_v take_v it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_o urge_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v letter_n or_o book_n before_o moses_n because_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o book_n relate_v a_o story_n of_o thing_n do_v in_o moses_n his_o own_o time_n for_o those_o war_n call_v the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n commence_v but_o at_o the_o people_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n under_o his_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o write_a story_n of_o they_o before_o moses_n himself_o be_v extant_a to_o the_o last_o objection_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o egyptian_n be_v a_o learned_a people_n probable_o the_o most_o learned_a the_o world_n than_o have_v the_o continue_a clearness_n of_o their_o sky_n and_o the_o constant_a overslow_v of_o nile_n natural_o tend_v to_o render_v they_o learned_a in_o those_o two_o noble_a science_n of_o astrology_n and_o geometry_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o have_v any_o use_n of_o alphabetical_a letter_n before_o moses_n his_o time_n or_o any_o other_o way_n to_o express_v or_o communicate_v their_o learning_n but_o what_o be_v symbolical_a and_o hycroglyphycal_a nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o record_n any_o where_o extant_a to_o evince_v the_o contrary_n aristotle_n say_v the_o ancient_a way_n of_o the_o egyptian_n write_v be_v per_fw-la hiâ—roglyphycas_n literas_fw-la saxis_fw-la incisas_fw-la and_o he_o add_v conceptus_fw-la aâ—imalium_fw-la scrâ—bunt_fw-la uti_fw-la occulata_fw-la side_n legimus_fw-la in_o lapidibus_fw-la per_fw-la figuras_fw-la idem_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la scientijs_fw-la artibusque_n sacientes_n quos_fw-la locabant_fw-la in_o templis_fw-la tanquam_fw-la paginas_fw-la perlegendas_fw-la talesque_fw-la illis_fw-la pro_fw-la libris_fw-la extant_a tacitus_n tell_v we_o primi_fw-la per_fw-la siguras_fw-la animaâ—ium_fw-la egypti_n sensus_fw-la mentis_fw-la efsingebant_fw-la &_o antiqâ—â—ssima_fw-la monumenta_fw-la memoriae_fw-la humanae_fw-la impressa_fw-la saxis_fw-la cernuntur_fw-la diodorus_n sicalus_fw-la long_v before_o in_o the_o four_o part_n of_o his_o history_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o this_o symbolical_a way_n of_o write_v among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o ethiopian_n which_o be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n imitativa_n tropica_fw-la &_o enigmatica_fw-la nor_o do_v we_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o any_o other_o write_v among_o they_o till_o moses_n his_o time_n who_o in_o all_o probability_n first_o discover_v to_o they_o that_o way_n of_o transfer_v their_o mind_n one_o to_o another_o by_o alphabetical_a letter_n and_o this_o artapanus_n a_o most_o ancient_a historian_n tell_v we_o who_o speak_v of_o moses_n say_v ut_fw-la quasi_fw-la deas_fw-la ab_fw-la egyptijs_fw-la coleretur_fw-la &_o propter_fw-la literarum_n inventionem_fw-la mercurium_fw-la appellatum_fw-la that_o he_o be_v reverence_v by_o the_o egyptian_n as_o a_o god_n and_o for_o his_o first_o invent_v of_o letter_n call_v mercury_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o clear_v it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o be_v consider_v what_o testimony_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o bible_n do_v in_o truth_n result_v from_o thence_o and_o herein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o one_o very_o remarkble_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o other_o first_o in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o a_o reverence_n to_o antiquity_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v universal_a all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n seem_v to_o have_v rise_v up_o and_o pay_v respect_n to_o the_o hoary_a head_n of_o antiquity_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o what_o be_v most_o ancient_a have_v undergo_v the_o great_a trial_n every_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o venerate_v what_o have_v endure_v the_o test_n of_o many_o generation_n and_o last_v through_o most_o age_n because_o nothing_o correct_v mistake_n like_o experience_n not_o distinguish_v falsehood_n and_o truth_n like_o time_n time_n we_o say_v and_o true_o say_v be_v index_n as_o well_o as_o edax_fw-la rerum_fw-la second_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o all_o secundary_a truth_n must_v needs_o lie_v near_a to_o the_o eternal_a truth_n and_o so_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n error_n of_o every_o kind_n be_v of_o a_o late_a edition_n than_o truth_n a_o apostasy_n from_o it_o and_o a_o corruption_n of_o some_o prime_a principle_n though_o error_n and_o falsehood_n may_v be_v very_o ancient_a yet_o truth_n be_v still_o the_o elder_a brother_n and_o have_v this_o still_a to_o say_v to_o all_o its_o opposer_n non_fw-la fuit_fw-la sic_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o therefore_o the_o far_a we_o wade_v into_o antiquity_n the_o near_a still_o we_o come_v to_o truth_n in_o religion_n most_o especial_o that_o maxim_n prevail_v antiquitate_fw-la nihil_fw-la verius_fw-la veritate_fw-la nihil_fw-la antiquus_fw-la in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o bible_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o very_a signal_n proof_n of_o its_o divinity_n that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a religion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o true_a great_a antiquity_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o eminent_a mark_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o very_a forcable_a consideration_n first_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n since_o the_o beginning_n and_o a_o supernatural_a inter_fw-la course_n since_o man_n first_o defection_n that_o god_n revelation_n be_v as_o early_o as_o man_n necessity_n that_o there_o be_v no_o time_n wherein_o man_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o supernatural_a instruction_n and_o help_n but_o that_o god_n afford_v it_o to_o he_o if_o the_o 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the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o christian-church_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o many_o so_o eminent_a so_o visible_a last_v so_o long_o for_o in_o the_o church_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n in_o some_o measure_n they_o last_v and_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o have_v descend_v down_o to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o public_o to_o gainsay_v they_o for_o the_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v bâ—â—ugâ—t_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v not_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a noâ—â—ons_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o to_o our_o reason_n dishonourable_a to_o h_n 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either_o natural_a effect_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n though_o secret_a and_o occult_a or_o else_o delusion_n some_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o we_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o i_o dissent_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o four_o ground_n first_o that_o which_o they_o say_v do_v no_o way_n answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n three_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n and_o fouthly_a because_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a nation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n aâ—trâ—butes_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n fi_n st_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o for_o if_o god_n suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o exert_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o
reach_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a trial_n even_o trial_n from_o a_o appearance_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n so_o long_o as_o he_o still_o afford_v a_o plain_o superior_a evidence_n to_o truth_n and_o so_o circumstantiate_n thing_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n of_o distinction_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v be_v of_o chief_a concern_n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n how_o god_n miracle_n can_v be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n if_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n be_v sometime_o enable_v for_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o by_o no_o inherent_a power_n of_o their_o own_o can_v they_o do_v it_o to_o act_v also_o in_o a_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a way_n for_o if_o a_o miracle_n by_o whosoever_o wrought_v be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o any_o doctrine_n it_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v say_v the_o testimony_n from_o miracle_n seem_v to_o to_o be_v much_o invalidated_n and_o mankind_n to_o be_v leave_v at_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o it_o that_o god_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o establish_v divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n do_v make_v that_o testimony_n unquestionable_a and_o clear_o distinguish_v the_o witness_n give_v by_o his_o miracle_n from_o any_o witness_n the_o devil_n or_o his_o instrument_n can_v give_v by_o any_o either_o seem_a or_o real_a operation_n of_o that_o kind_n will_v very_o evident_o appear_v these_o three_o way_n first_o from_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n second_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o three_o from_o the_o maâ—ter_n about_o which_o he_o proceed_v first_o god_n make_v the_o miracle_n he_o work_v from_o heaven_n a_o infallible_a testimony_n by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n he_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v have_v any_o such_o pretence_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n settle_v and_o fix_v his_o own_o truth_n and_o make_v that_o so_o settle_a a_o rule_n to_o we_o to_o try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n by_o god_n have_v be_v ever_o beforehand_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n nor_o have_v they_o ever_o be_v suffer_v to_o attempt_v the_o world_n this_o way_n till_o truth_n be_v first_o so_o unquestionable_o settle_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n to_o secure_a unbiased_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n from_o any_o seduction_n be_v the_o temptation_n to_o it_o never_o so_o great_a this_o be_v the_o case_n at_o first_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n by_o most_o eminent_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n from_o heaven_n establish_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n publish_v by_o moses_n and_o thereby_o fix_v that_o as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o religion_n before_o the_o devil_n have_v ever_o attempt_v to_o impose_v any_o systeme_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o that_o be_v so_o settle_v aâ—ter-propâ—ecie_a be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o single_o by_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n god_fw-we himself_o have_v direct_v the_o contrary_a but_o also_o by_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o establish_a rule_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o prophet_n arise_v though_o attend_v with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n and_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n destructive_a to_o whâ—t_n be_v so_o already_o establish_v and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o by_o moses_n his_o law_n they_o be_v primary_o subject_v they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o but_o to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n as_o a_o vile_a and_o wicked_a temptation_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n and_o a_o eminent_a justification_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o most_o that_o ever_o the_o devil_n be_v suffer_v to_o do_v be_v at_o first_o in_o opposition_n to_o moses_n when_o he_o by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n come_v to_o settle_v that_o divine_a law_n for_o never_o any_o false_a prophet_n after_o can_v reach_v to_o do_v what_o the_o magician_n than_o do_v and_o god_n in_o that_o very_a way_n plain_o and_o open_o to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n for_o ever_o after_o in_o this_o matter_n determine_v the_o cause_n against_o he_o and_o moses_n so_o far_o out_o go_v the_o magician_n in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o this_o confession_n this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n by_o which_o expression_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v mean_v that_o this_o particular_a work_n of_o turn_v dust_n into_o louse_n in_o which_o the_o magician_n faâ—led_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o power_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o all_o that_o be_v do_v before_o both_o by_o moâ—es_n and_o we_o which_o be_v work_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n meeâ—ly_o natural_a but_o this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o stop_v we_o that_o now_o we_o have_v try_v to_o do_v the_o like_a we_o find_v we_o can_v that_o we_o shall_v â—e_v able_a to_o go_v no_o â—â—â—ther_n that_o our_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v fail_v we_o and_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o moses_n shall_v be_v still_o able_a to_o proceed_v so_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v first_o eminent_o establish_v by_o uncoâ—â—ollable_a miracle_n as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o suture_a doctrine_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o further_a revelation_n to_o be_v expect_v before_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n of_o seducer_n be_v extant_a and_o when_o god_n have_v by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n once_o unquestionable_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n all_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n be_v they_o feign_v or_o real_a they_o come_v too_o late_o truth_n be_v in_o possession_n and_o by_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o whatever_o be_v find_v opposite_a to_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o trial_n and_o a_o temptation_n only_o to_o prove_v we_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n be_v already_o solemn_o and_o open_o set_v and_o let_v the_o devil_n bring_v what_o show_v he_o can_v of_o the_o same_o impression_n they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o whatever_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o do_v of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v but_o this_o second_o hand_n work_v and_o to_o seduce_v man_n from_o a_o truth_n beforehand_o unquestionable_o establish_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a whatever_o can_v be_v do_v to_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o adhere_v and_o this_o make_v st._n austin_n when_o the_o donatist_n much_o urge_v upon_o he_o in_o their_o justification_n a_o power_n they_o have_v of_o work_a miracle_n to_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o way_n full_o settle_v before_o and_o we_o have_v warning_n enough_o not_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o any_o such_o pretension_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n proceed_v in_o his_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o ascertain_v the_o world_n do_v sufficient_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o impostor_n that_o way_n and_o any_o miracle_n they_o can_v produce_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a occasion_n upon_o which_o god_n still_o work_v they_o of_o how_o vast_a concernment_n be_v the_o rear_n up_o of_o both_o testament_n and_o justify_v the_o descent_n of_o christ_n into_o humane_a nature_n second_o the_o number_n of_o they_o how_o far_o have_v divine_a miracle_n outgo_v all_o other_o in_o that_o kind_n three_o the_o eminency_n of_o they_o four_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o they_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n five_o their_o performance_n without_o the_o least_o outward_a mean_n wherein_o there_o may_v possible_o lie_v a_o deceit_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v divine_a miracle_n difference_v from_o all_o diabolical_a act_n that_o way_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v fictitious_a and_o discoverable_a so_o to_o be_v and_o when_o real_a comparative_o but_o few_o and_o in_o no_o sort_n bear_v any_o proportion_n to_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n wherewith_o divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v open_o accompany_v and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o very_o many_o of_o those_o miracle_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o among_o the_o heathen_n admit_v they_o true_a be_v not_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v or_o justify_v their_o religion_n but_o upon_o other_o occasion_n often_o for_o end_n conceal_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o we_o know_v not_o of_o and_o sometime_o for_o other_o end_n then_o to_o establish_v their_o religion_n visible_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o vespasian_n who_o god_n have_v design_v
as_o his_o minister_n to_o execute_v so_o many_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v he_o by_o those_o extraordinary_a act_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o against_o much_o probability_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o obtain_v and_o as_o suetonâ—us_n say_v of_o he_o after_o he_o have_v obtain_v it_o want_v personal_a authority_n and_o majesty_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o dominion_n a_o clear_a instance_n concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n god_n give_v we_o at_o first_o in_o the_o magician_n opposition_n to_o moses_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v that_o although_o divine_a truth_n may_v by_o miracle_n be_v oppose_v yet_o the_o superior_a luster_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n shall_v be_v so_o visible_a to_o all_o as_o perfect_o to_o silence_n and_o vanquish_v the_o rest_n and_o both_o in_o number_n continuance_n and_o quality_n as_o then_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o eye_n obvious_a and_o apparent_a three_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o which_o divine_a miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v afford_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o that_o god_n of_o who_o we_o have_v a_o notion_n imprint_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n reveal_v he_o further_o to_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o holy_a virtue_n and_o excellent_a way_n of_o live_v that_o most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o evident_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o most_o happy_a here_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a reward_n hereafter_o whatever_o miracle_n we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n see_v wrought_v to_o justify_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v reject_v as_o a_o temptation_n and_o assure_v i_o that_o in_o the_o one_o case_n a_o miracle_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o ascertain_v i_o and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o enable_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o try_v i_o and_o these_o three_o way_n in_o the_o case_n of_o miracle_n be_v we_o sufficient_o secure_v against_o all_o the_o attempt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o seduce_v we_o that_o way_n and_o may_v hereby_o rest_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n give_v to_o divine_a truth_n by_o whatever_o way_n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v a_o contrary_a interest_n now_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v attend_v with_o miracle_n in_o their_o conveyance_n be_v not_o as_o before_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o deny_v and_o that_o those_o miracle_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n circumstance_n be_v likewise_o very_o evident_a the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o bâ—rn_n of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n settle_v and_o consecrate_v that_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n before_o any_o other_o systeme_n of_o religion_n be_v extant_a and_o give_v it_o therein_o the_o precedency_n of_o all_o false_a prophet_n and_o impostor_n and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n oppose_v it_o withal_o and_o so_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o the_o old_a be_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n at_o the_o first_o and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n after_o upon_o the_o validity_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v secure_v against_o all_o opposition_n that_o can_v that_o way_n be_v make_v against_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v those_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v his_o word_n have_v eminent_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o operation_n of_o that_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n when_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o magician_n go_v further_a that_o way_n then_o ever_o he_o do_v after_o how_o far_o do_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exceed_v his_o more_o miracle_n great_a miracle_n more_o continue_a miracle_n undeniable_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o a_o way_n far_o superior_a to_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v about_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o miracle_n have_v be_v such_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v of_o god_n intention_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o heaven_n â—â—ereby_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o â—â—â—â—rine_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a â—â—â—â—sion_n of_o they_o to_o fullfil_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o establish_v the_o new_a and_o this_o by_o private_a man_n respect_v the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o clothing_n of_o humane_a power_n or_o authority_n who_o can_v imagine_v less_o than_o that_o a_o commission_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v seal_v from_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n in_o extroardinary_a way_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o do_v this_o second_o the_o admirable_a nature_n of_o those_o miracle_n raise_v dead_a person_n cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n command_v wind_n and_o sea_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o multitude_n three_o their_o number_n be_v exceed_o many_o do_v in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n where_o they_o come_v four_o their_o visibility_n open_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o present_a by_o multitude_n five_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o secondary_a mean_n or_o the_o least_o show_n of_o diabolical_a enchantment_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v sine_fw-la â—lla_fw-la vi_fw-la carminum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la sâ—ccis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o most_o frequent_a in_o heathenish_a sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o not_o only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o one_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n john_n live_v till_o trajan_n time_n which_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n from_o christ_n birth_n but_o also_o for_o very_o many_o year_n after_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o miraracle_n do_v the_o world_n pretend_v to_o that_o can_v compare_v themselves_o with_o these_o miracle_n upon_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o account_n no_o man_n noâ—_n devil_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n nor_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o these_o be_v what_o lamentable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v those_o of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n esculapius_n or_o any_o other_o compare_v with_o these_o and_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a partiality_n do_v appear_v in_o hierocles_n and_o porphiry_n who_o design_v thereby_o to_o incense_v the_o emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o much_o justify_v themselves_o upon_o the_o power_n oâ—_n miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o persecution_n have_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o apollonius_n we_o find_v by_o eusebius_n that_o hierocles_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v since_o lose_v compare_v apollonius_n and_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v our_o saviour_n story_n and_o philostratus_n the_o writer_n of_o apollonius_n his_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n together_o and_o prefer_v apollonius_n and_o philostâ—atus_n before_o the_o other_o but_o with_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n be_v eaâ—y_o to_o be_v see_v by_o any_o that_o wilâ—_n consult_v eusebius_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o one_o chieâ—_n miracle_n philostratus_n tell_v we_o off_o be_v that_o appollonius_n sit_v at_o meat_n be_v serve_v after_o wonderful_a manner_n with_o man_n of_o brass_n and_o another_o be_v that_o a_o elm_n three_fw-mi speak_v to_o he_o and_o salute_v he_o with_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o to_o every_o common_a understanding_n appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o capable_a of_o deceit_n and_o delusion_n the_o sun_n be_v not_o in_o lustre_n more_o superior_a to_o the_o dim_a star_n than_o christ_n miracle_n be_v to_o all_o pretension_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o operation_n either_o of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n visible_a in_o this_o world_n that_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n can_v all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v put_v in_o balance_n with_o those_o eminent_o miraculous_a act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n three_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o be_v most_o evident_o from_o god_n most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o he_o and_o
a_o word_n that_o famous_a and_o venerable_a senate_n in_o which_o the_o last_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v present_a all_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v complete_v and_o the_o whole_a prophecy_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n deliver_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o punctual_a collection_n of_o the_o several_a part_n together_o and_o secure_v the_o original_a text_n against_o any_o corruption_n or_o alteration_n exact_o settle_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o the_o jew_n keep_v punctual_o to_o till_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o full_o approve_v the_o scripture_n as_o he_o then_o find_v the_o jew_n in_o possession_n of_o they_o second_o that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n or_o any_o book_n dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v whole_o lose_v we_o utter_o deny_v the_o affirmation_n of_o it_o be_v neither_o consist_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o general_n nor_o can_v any_o particular_a proof_n be_v bring_v to_o make_v it_o good_a those_o who_o insist_v upon_o this_o as_o bellarmine_n and_o some_o of_o the_o papist_n do_v thereby_o to_o gain_v a_o advantage_n to_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v put_v in_o balance_n with_o the_o bible_n and_o other_o with_o design_n by_o prove_v the_o loss_n of_o any_o part_n to_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a instance_n in_o the_o three_o thousand_o parable_n or_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n and_o a_o thousand_o and_o five_o song_n speak_v of_o 1_o king_n 4.32_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o gad_n the_o seer_n mention_v in_o the_o second_o of_o chronicle_n the_o prophecy_n of_o ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n and_o the_o vision_n of_o iddo_n or_o addo_n the_o seer_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 9_o and_o some_o other_o and_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n write_v as_o they_o suppose_v to_o the_o laodicaean_n mention_v colos_n 4.16_o although_o very_o many_o of_o these_o write_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n seem_v to_o refer_v to_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v probable_a that_o nathan_n and_o gad_n write_v some_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samâ—â—_n and_o the_o king_n so_o much_o at_o least_o as_o concern_v the_o action_n of_o david_n of_o which_o they_o be_v exact_o know_v if_o they_o write_v not_o the_o whole_a second_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o first_o of_o the_o king_n which_o some_o upon_o probable_a ground_n suppose_v yet_o admit_v all_o these_o be_v other_o writing_n than_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o will_v no_o way_n follow_v they_o be_v ever_o any_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n when_o the_o scripture_n mention_n book_n write_v by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o man_n and_o relate_v historical_o to_o the_o matter_n oâ—_n they_o as_o st_n paul_n sometime_o quote_v heathy_a author_n will_v that_o infer_v they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o bible_n by_o no_o mean_n nay_o the_o very_a writer_n of_o the_o bible_n themselves_o such_o as_o david_n solâ—mon_n and_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n may_v and_o without_o all_o doubt_n some_o of_o they_o do_v write_v many_o thing_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o be_v true_a without_o any_o divine_a or_o infallible_a direction_n and_o which_o be_v never_o incorporate_v with_o the_o bible_n and_o so_o say_v st._n austin_n in_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civ_o dei_fw-la say_v be_v those_o prophet_n who_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o inspire_v write_v some_o thing_n as_o man_n and_o those_o work_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d in_o our_o canon_n nor_o have_v the_o jew_n in_o they_o and_o other_o thing_n as_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o these_o work_n be_v real_o distinct_a some_o be_v hold_v their_o own_o as_o man_n and_o some_o the_o lord_n as_o speak_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v prove_v from_o hence_o that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v lose_v must_v first_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v now_o possess_v of_o and_o second_o that_o admit_v they_o be_v not_o that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o ence_n within_o the_o canon_n of_o which_o latter_a we_o be_v well_o assure_v the_o least_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v for_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o faithful_a preserver_n of_o those_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v unto_o their_o change_n nor_o be_v they_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o once_o blame_v by_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n for_o any_o miscarriage_n that_o way_n as_o for_o a_o epistle_n suppose_v to_o be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o laodicaeons_n which_o be_v since_o lose_v the_o supposition_n be_v frivolous_a and_o groundless_a for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greck_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o from_o laodicaea_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o laodicae_fw-la but_o of_o one_o write_v from_o laodicaea_n either_o to_o the_o colossian_n themselves_o which_o they_o then_o have_v by_o they_o or_o else_o to_o st._n paul_n which_o he_o send_v they_o and_o require_v they_o to_o read_v it_o as_o contain_v something_o expedient_a for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o mistake_a opinion_n from_o this_o place_n of_o a_o epistle_n from_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o laodiceans_n have_v most_o probable_o arisen_a from_o the_o ill_a rendition_n in_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a where_o the_o word_n be_v render_v &_o illa_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la laodicentium_n but_o without_o any_o ground_n from_o the_o original_a catherinus_n confess_v that_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o chrisostome_n and_o oecumenius_n non_fw-la hic_fw-la nominari_fw-la epistolam_fw-la a_o paulo_n scriptam_fw-la ad_fw-la laodicenses_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la co_fw-la loco_fw-la scriptam_fw-la that_o here_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o epistle_n write_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o laodicaean_n but_o of_o some_o epistle_n write_v from_o laodicaea_n that_o there_o be_v ancient_o a_o counterfeit_n epistle_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o laodicaean_n which_o be_v since_o lose_v be_v most_o true_a but_o in_o those_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v extant_a it_o be_v universal_o reject_v as_o spurious_a and_o know_v so_o to_o be_v st._n i_o speak_v of_o it_o but_o say_v abomnibus_fw-la exploditur_fw-la the_o second_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o their_o six_o canon_n say_v thus_o of_o it_o inter_fw-la epistolas_fw-la pauli_n apostoli_fw-la quaedam_fw-la fertur_fw-la ad_fw-la laodicenses_fw-la quam_fw-la patres_fw-la nostri_fw-la tanquam_fw-la alienam_fw-la reprobaverunt_fw-la tertullian_n against_o martion_n and_o theophilact_fw-mi both_o reject_v it_o with_o great_a contempt_n and_o say_v it_o be_v apostolico_fw-la nomine_fw-la planâ—_n indigna_fw-es and_o bellarmine_n himself_o though_o he_o have_v former_o affirm_v there_o be_v such_o a_o epistle_n which_o be_v certain_o lose_v yet_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o book_n which_o he_o call_v his_o recognition_n or_o after-view_n of_o his_o work_n retract_v it_o say_v he_o be_v mistake_v and_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o such_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o st._n paul_n so_o that_o all_o the_o insinuation_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n any_o book_n write_v by_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n lose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o weak_o and_o ill_o ground_v and_o in_o truth_n the_o foot_n step_v of_o divine_a providence_n have_v be_v eminent_o visible_a in_o secure_v those_o holy_a writing_n upon_o this_o threefold_a account_n from_o destruction_n addition_n and_o alteration_n first_o no_o accident_n of_o time_n nor_o design_n of_o its_o worst_a enemy_n have_v total_o obliterated_a the_o whole_a or_o any_o part._n second_o though_o many_o have_v attempt_v to_o piece_n in_o and_o add_v to_o it_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a fragment_n and_o some_o whole_a gospel_n yet_o in_o defiance_n to_o all_o those_o essay_n the_o scripture_n have_v remain_v entire_a and_o stand_v like_o a_o rock_n impenetrable_a no_o spurious_a write_n have_v be_v able_a to_o incorporate_v with_o this_o holy_a book_n such_o who_o have_v go_v about_o to_o forge_v scripture_n have_v but_o make_v the_o lustre_n of_o the_o bible_n more_o eminent_a and_o more_o evident_o show_v we_o the_o difference_n of_o god_n reâ—ealing_v from_o heaven_n and_o man_n counterfeit_v upon_o earth_n man_n write_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a ability_n and_o man_n writing_n as_o they_o be_v move_v thereunto_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o from_o alteration_n no_o man_n have_v be_v suffer_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o heretic_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o pollute_v or_o corrupt_v it_o all_o
such_o attempt_n have_v still_o be_v discover_v and_o open_o shame_v how_o many_o heretic_n have_v carry_v about_o their_o own_o confutation_n while_o they_o possess_v this_o book_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o change_v or_o alter_v such_o passage_n as_o have_v be_v most_o cogent_n against_o themselves_o the_o bible_n pass_v through_o the_o arian-world_n with_o all_o those_o plain_a evidence_n it_o contain_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o emperor_n council_n and_o indeed_o upon_o the_o matter_n the_o whole_a christian-world_n wâ—â—etainted_v with_o that_o heresy_n the_o bible_n escape_v the_o infection_n when_o the_o alteration_n of_o two_o or_o three_o plain_a text_n will_v have_v do_v they_o more_o service_n than_o all_o the_o volume_n they_o write_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o great_a design_n be_v on_o foot_n that_o way_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o disappoint_v as_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o we_o find_v in_o st._n ambrose_n the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n need_v no_o other_o confutation_n than_o their_o own_o bible_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o who_o they_o trust_v be_v theiâ—_n great_a accuser_n all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o this_o day_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o uriaâ—_n be_v of_o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n which_o contain_v his_o own_o ruin_n and_o as_o goliaâ—_n be_v of_o hiâ—_n sword_n which_o serve_v at_o last_o to_o cut_v off_o his_o own_o head_n second_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o book_n since_o its_o conveyance_n give_v in_o a_o signal_n and_o most_o undeniable_a evidence_n to_o its_o divinity_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o have_v introduce_v itself_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n the_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o have_v gain_v that_o reception_n we_o find_v it_o have_v have_v among_o mankind_n it_o be_v of_o admirable_a consideration_n that_o a_o religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corrupt_a interest_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o call_v man_n to_o the_o high_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o invisible_a world_n to_o come_v naked_o propose_v by_o man_n upon_o a_o worldly_a account_n always_o inconsiderable_a without_o any_o the_o least_o earthly_a support_n a_o religion_n period_v the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o total_o subvert_v all_o other_o religion_n a_o religion_n oppose_v &_o disow_v to_o the_o utmost_a by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o though_o it_o derive_v itself_o whole_o from_o they_o and_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o true_a completion_n of_o all_o they_o believe_v and_o expect_v a_o religion_n in_o oppostion_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o be_v agree_v and_o indeed_o both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n perfect_o concur_v i_o say_v it_o be_v of_o admirable_a consideration_n that_o such_o a_o religion_n so_o circumstance_v against_o all_o the_o religion_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v at_o first_o make_v its_o entrance_n and_o be_v embrace_v by_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n and_o within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o after_o its_o first_o publication_n for_o so_o it_o be_v be_v spread_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n and_o remote_a heathen_n to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o it_o be_v own_o innate_a worth_n and_o the_o divine_a evidence_n from_o heaven_n attend_v it_o can_v it_o with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n of_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v the_o zeal_n man_n have_v for_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v educate_v sufficient_o prompt_v they_o to_o hate_v abhor_v and_o persecute_v it_o the_o learning_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v employ_v to_o render_v it_o despicable_a and_o to_o bring_v it_o under_o contempt_n and_o all_o the_o force_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v every_o where_o violent_o at_o work_n for_o its_o total_a suppression_n and_o extirpation_n and_o yet_o against_o all_o these_o seem_a invincible_a opposition_n do_v the_o bible_n prevail_v the_o power_n of_o that_o great_a empire_n can_v not_o withstand_v the_o naked_a proposal_n of_o a_o simple_a truth_n and_o both_o judaisme_n in_o the_o main_a of_o it_o as_o a_o national_a establismment_n and_o heathenism_n final_o fall_v before_o it_o this_o book_n and_o the_o religion_n it_o contain_v as_o it_o avow_v itself_o to_o be_v sole_o from_o god_n and_o come_v to_o we_o with_o a_o command_a voice_n from_o heaven_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o god_n own_o name_n and_o upon_o that_o single_a account_n require_v our_o obedience_n and_o those_o that_o write_v it_o neither_o have_v nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v any_o other_o authority_n but_o what_o be_v divine_a and_o from_o above_o so_o it_o have_v introduce_v itself_o by_o mean_n suitable_a thereunto_o never_o be_v there_o at_o first_o any_o force_n use_v to_o compel_v man_n nor_o any_o art_n practise_v to_o deceive_v man_n about_o this_o matter_n no_o man_n can_v prove_v out_o of_o any_o story_n that_o ever_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a professor_n of_o this_o religion_n raise_v arm_n to_o introduce_v or_o promote_v it_o or_o that_o any_o humane_a authority_n do_v countenance_n or_o assist_v it_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o itself_o above_o all_o other_o that_o it_o be_v to_o debtor_n to_o the_o sword_n either_o in_o a_o civil_a or_o military_a way_n neither_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n nor_o the_o sword_n of_o war_n can_v lay_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o as_o a_o product_n of_o they_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n â—ad_v embrace_v it_o and_o be_v become_v criâ—tians_n before_o constantine_n public_o own_v it_o it_o owe_v nothing_o to_o any_o violent_a course_n for_o its_o primitive_a reception_n nor_o indeed_o to_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n neither_o the_o subtlety_n of_o philosopher_n nor_o the_o eloquence_n of_o orator_n assist_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o never_o advance_v one_o step_n further_o in_o its_o first_o publication_n than_o its_o own_o innate_a excellency_n &_o the_o divine_a evidence_n attend_v it_o procure_v it_o acceptance_n nor_o do_v it_o ever_o gain_v a_o convert_n but_o where_o it_o can_v approve_v itself_o by_o divine_a evidence_n to_o the_o reason_n &_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o be_v divine_a i_o make_v a_o peremptory_a demand_n to_o all_o antiscriptural_a man_n to_o grant_v i_o this_o as_o a_o truth_n not_o capable_a of_o any_o denial_n that_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o the_o gospel_n by_o its_o own_o divine_a strength_n withstand_v the_o most_o furious_a and_o violent_a wind_n &_o tide_n of_o all_o humane_a opposition_n and_o by_o no_o other_o assistance_n but_o what_o be_v pure_o divine_a travel_v most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n over_o it_o offer_v itself_o to_o man_n reception_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n but_o by_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n and_o be_v content_v to_o stand_v and_o fall_v by_o the_o rational_a determination_n of_o every_o man_n own_o breast_n and_o sâ—_n prevail_v such_o who_o embrace_v it_o haâ—_n no_o other_o way_n of_o contest_v but_o holiness_n oâ—_n live_v and_o patience_n in_o suffer_v 〈◊〉_d both_o which_o they_o be_v very_o eminent_a to_o the_o first_o their_o very_a enemy_n the_o heathen_n bear_v testimony_n pliny_n and_o other_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n harmless_a and_o holy_a behaviour_n for_o the_o latter_a never_o be_v any_o religion_n so_o begin_v and_o propagate_v by_o such_o indefatigable_a suffering_n how_o few_o martyr_n for_o religion_n can_v the_o heathen_a world_n boast_v of_o if_o we_o admit_v socrates_n for_o one_o how_o few_o successor_n have_v he_o and_o those_o few_o they_o pretend_v to_o seem_v by_o all_o circumstance_n to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o own_o name_n to_o posterity_n by_o 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speak_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o first_o and_o invisible_a rise_n of_o disobedience_n there_o two_o thing_n upon_o this_o account_n be_v very_o considerable_a from_o what_o we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n first_o that_o it_o be_v throughout_o equal_o direct_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o outward_a act_n forbid_v inward_a covet_v and_o lust_a upon_o the_o same_o penalty_n that_o it_o do_v the_o gross_a practice_n of_o evil_n this_o as_o it_o be_v never_o do_v in_o any_o heathen_a law_n so_o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o any_o humane_a authority_n to_o attempt_v it_o because_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v only_o connizable_a by_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n second_o this_o book_n do_v not_o only_o pretend_v to_o a_o invisible_a dominion_n in_o that_o kind_n but_o it_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o we_o of_o the_o inside_n of_o the_o world_n speak_v so_o exact_o to_o what_o we_o find_v within_o ourselves_o do_v so_o effectual_o command_v we_o have_v such_o a_o justification_n from_o every_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n that_o we_o can_v but_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o but_o he_o that_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n can_v have_v encompass_v he_o round_o with_o such_o a_o law_n a_o law_n that_o divide_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n who_o but_o he_o can_v have_v give_v such_o a_o exact_a rule_n to_o the_o manifold_a thought_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n there_o be_v not_o a_o private_a closet_n in_o any_o man_n soul_n into_o which_o the_o force_n of_o this_o law_n do_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o extend_v itself_o there_o be_v not_o a_o mental_a case_n can_v happen_v that_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a but_o fall_v under_o some_o regulation_n or_o other_o from_o this_o book_n in_o short_a here_o be_v a_o book_n that_o tell_v we_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o all_o our_o thought_n become_v a_o perfect_a law_n to_o our_o inward_a part_n punctual_o speak_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n nay_o tell_v we_o more_o than_o we_o before_o know_v of_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o find_v to_o be_v true_a be_v not_o this_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n none_o but_o he_o that_o make_v we_o that_o see_v within_o we_o and_o from_o a_o supreme_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o judge_n upon_o the_o whole_a that_o belong_v to_o we_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v can_v have_v promulge_v such_o a_o law_n three_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o humane_a life_n do_v great_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n the_o evident_a tendency_n of_o it_o be_v to_o
we_o have_v now_o contain_v in_o our_o babble_n all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o intend_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v how_o can_v we_o now_o be_v safe_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o say_v what_o be_v canonical_a and_o what_o be_v not_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a a_o truth_n that_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o excellency_n have_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v contempt_n and_o reproach_n from_o the_o unruly_a will_n and_o debauch_a mind_n of_o corrupt_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n the_o bible_n have_v meet_v with_o its_o share_n in_o this_o kind_n some_o upon_o fanatical_a pretence_n have_v despise_v and_o reject_v the_o whole_a other_o have_v mangle_v and_o sever_v it_o as_o themselves_o think_v good_a receive_v some_o part_n only_o as_o divine_a and_o reject_v the_o rest_n as_o they_o please_v of_o this_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n epiphanius_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n the_o manichee_n reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o come_v from_o a_o evil_a god_n the_o ptolemaite_v as_o epiphamus_n tell_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o gnostic_n with_o some_o other_o heretic_n reject_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n cerdon_n and_o after_o he_o martion_n reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o find_v by_o tertullian_n the_o valentimans_fw-la reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n john_n as_o we_o see_v in_o irenaeus_n other_o reject_v all_o that_o st._n john_n write_v the_o ebionite_n receive_v no_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n matthen_n and_o reject_v in_o gross_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o that_o have_v escape_v the_o reprobation_n of_o some_o bad_a men._n but_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v soon_o blow_v away_o expire_v in_o the_o birth_n bear_v about_o they_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o reproach_n make_v no_o considerable_a battery_n upon_o the_o truth_n in_o any_o age_n nor_o do_v they_o reach_v further_o than_o the_o vitiate_a mind_n and_o corrupt_a breast_n of_o such_o profligate_v heretic_n as_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o in_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o those_o book_n now_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o protestant_a church_n as_o such_o be_v all_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o two_o thing_n only_o will_v occur_v that_o be_v of_o any_o seem_a moment_n in_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o which_o all_o will_v be_v say_v that_o be_v needful_a about_o this_o matter_n first_o how_o we_o come_v to_o reject_v out_o of_o our_o canon_n those_o book_n common_o call_v apocryphal_a which_o be_v write_v at_o least_o all_o but_o one_o of_o they_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o second_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o now_o receive_v some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v sometime_o lie_v under_o question_n if_o we_o mistake_v in_o the_o first_o we_o have_v less_o in_o our_o bibles_n than_o we_o ought_v if_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v much_o more_o than_o we_o shall_v about_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n themselves_o a_o present_a disagreement_n but_o concern_v the_o other_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o reject_v those_o book_n common_o call_v the_o apocrypha_fw-la that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o any_o divine_a inspiration_n nor_o send_v we_o from_o god_n as_o any_o part_n of_o those_o supreme_a law_n by_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v within_o the_o canon_n will_v be_v make_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o reasonable_a judge_n upon_o these_o consideration_n follow_v first_o after_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o the_o most_o ancient_a jew_n and_o christian_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n among_o they_o nor_o do_v god_n raise_v up_o any_o man_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n from_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n who_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o last_o prophet_n till_o john_n the_o baptist_n which_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n now_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v all_o write_v after_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n and_o so_o can_v be_v of_o no_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v write_v before_o and_o have_v be_v extant_a in_o ezra_n time_n which_o they_o be_v not_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a reason_n for_o their_o rejection_n now_o because_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v then_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o none_o of_o these_o book_n now_o in_o question_n be_v by_o he_o incorporate_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o be_v within_o the_o canon_n at_o that_o time_n settle_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n by_o who_o all_o part_n of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v write_v for_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v call_v prophecy_n nor_o any_o man_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n among_o they_o after_o the_o captivity_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n general_o agree_v josephus_n be_v express_v in_o it_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n though_o certain_a book_n have_v be_v write_v yet_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o same_o credit_n and_o belief_n that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v because_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n of_o propher_n among_o they_o saint_n austin_n in_o the_o 45th_o chapter_n of_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophecy_n after_o ezra_n time_n and_o the_o same_o eusebius_n affirm_v in_o his_o demonstrationes_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la post_fw-la zachartam_fw-la &_o malachiam_fw-la non_fw-la fuâ—sse_fw-la amplius_fw-la apud_fw-la judaeos_fw-la prophetam_fw-la et_fw-la a_fw-la reditu_fw-la ex_fw-la captivitate_fw-la ad_fw-la tempora_fw-la servatoris_fw-la nullum_fw-la babucrint_fw-la judaei_n sacrum_fw-la volumen_fw-la the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n after_o zachary_n and_o malachi_n nor_o any_o sacred_a write_n after_o the_o captivity_n till_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o some_o of_o these_o very_a book_n tell_v we_o as_o much_o themselves_o for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n chap._n 9_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o great_a tribulation_n in_o israel_n such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o day_n that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n in_o israel_n relate_v to_o ezra_n time_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a write_n publish_v between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o malachi_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o evangelist_n take_v thing_n up_o just_a where_o he_o leave_v they_o and_o begin_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o end_n of_o malachi_n prophecy_n for_o he_o end_v his_o prophecy_n at_o john_n the_o baptist_n under_o the_o type_n and_o title_n of_o elias_n and_o the_o evangelist_n begin_v the_o gospel_n with_o he_o for_o st._n mark_v express_o declare_v the_o end_n of_o that_o prophecy_n to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a combination_n from_o thence_o from_o that_o period_n of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o second_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v prophet_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o write_n and_o prophecy_n be_v direct_v chief_o to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n except_o some_o passage_n in_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldee_n dialect_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v in_o their_o captivity_n be_v much_o accustom_v in_o their_o own_o native_a language_n the_o language_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n but_o these_o book_n be_v confess_o most_o of_o they_o first_o write_v in_o greek_a and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o to_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o