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truth_n great_a know_v word_n 4,458 5 3.8471 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61107 A discourse concerning prodigies wherein the vanity of presages by them is reprehended, and their true and proper ends asserted and vindicated / by John Spencer. Spencer, John, 1630-1693. 1663 (1663) Wing S4947; ESTC R24605 129,689 118

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credit_v by_o apostolical_a citation_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n who_o speak_v 36._o of_o jerusalem_n thus_o deliver_v himself_o it_o happen_v that_o through_o all_o the_o city_n for_o the_o space_n of_o almost_o 40._o day_n there_o be_v see_v horseman_n run_v in_o the_o air_n in_o cloth_n of_o gold_n and_o arm_v with_o 2._o lance_n like_o a_o band_n of_o soldier_n and_o troop_n of_o horseman_n in_o array_n encounter_v one_o against_o another_o with_o shake_v of_o shield_n and_o multitude_n of_o pike_n and_o draw_v of_o sword_n and_o cast_v of_o dart_n and_o glitter_a of_o golden_a ornament_n and_o harness_n of_o all_o sort_n after_o the_o mention_n of_o which_o apparition_n we_o may_v read_v there_o what_o a_o scene_n of_o woe_n and_o tragedy_n the_o city_n be_v make_v by_o the_o army_n of_o antiochus_n now_o i_o think_v we_o may_v discover_v some_o probable_a and_o dark_a character_n of_o divine_a sign_n upon_o these_o example_n but_o especial_o the_o first_o 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but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o much_o concern_v myself_o to_o throw_v out_o a_o relation_n which_o
a_o discourse_n concern_v prodigy_n wherein_o the_o vanity_n of_o presage_n by_o they_o be_v reprehend_v and_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a end_n assert_v and_o vindicate_v by_o john_n spencer_n b.d._n fellow_n of_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la college_n in_o cambridge_n liv._o hist._n l._n 24._o 9_o prodigia_fw-la multa_fw-la nunciata_fw-la sunt_fw-la quae_fw-la quò_fw-la magis_fw-la credebant_fw-la simplices_fw-la &_o religiosi_fw-la homines_fw-la eo_fw-la etiam_fw-la plura_fw-la nunciabantur_fw-la baron_fw-fr sapient_a vet._n fab._n 6._o pan_n sive_fw-la natura_fw-la natura_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnibus_fw-la viventibus_fw-la indidit_fw-la metum_fw-la ac_fw-la formidinem_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la atque_fw-la essentiae_fw-la suae_fw-la conservatricem_fw-la ac_fw-la mala_fw-la ingruentia_fw-la vitantem_fw-la ac_fw-la depellentem_fw-la veruntamen_fw-la eadem_fw-la natura_fw-la modum_fw-la tenere_fw-la nescia_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la timoribus_fw-la salutaribus_fw-la semper_fw-la vanos_fw-la 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beyond_o possibility_n of_o proof_n to_o deliver_v over_o himself_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o captivity_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o confident_a dictate_v of_o the_o son_n of_o imagination_n to_o determine_v of_o thing_n by_o measure_n fantastical_a rule_n which_o can_v maintain_v themselves_o in_o credit_n by_o any_o sober_a and_o severe_a discourse_n both_v inure_v the_o mind_n rather_o to_o divine_v then_o to_o judge_v to_o dispute_v from_o maxim_n rather_o vehement_a then_o folid_a and_o place_v a_o man_n if_o he_o chance_v to_o mistake_v beyond_o possibility_n of_o conviction_n veneratio_fw-la it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o press_v a_o argument_n upon_o he_o that_o think_v he_o can_v confront_v a_o revelation_n a_o miracle_n or_o some_o strange_a judgement_n upon_o his_o adversary_n against_o your_o conclusion_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a evil_n than_o wickedness_n establish_v by_o a_o law_n and_o error_n by_o religion_n and_o a_o ignorant_a devotion_n towards_o god_n and_o 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have_v their_o collegia_fw-la vatum_fw-la
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altitude_n of_o these_o unwonted_a appearence_n 〈…〉_z marshal_n they_o in_o the_o low_a place_n assign_v they_o very_o near_o the_o 〈…〉_z now_o how_o weak_a &_o feeble_a a_o impression_n can_v a_o few_o exhalation_n kindle_v at_o so_o vast_a a_o distance_n make_v upon_o this_o low_a world_n especial_o consider_v there_o be_v the_o middle_a region_n interpose_v by_o its_o coldness_n fit_v to_o temper_n and_o qualify_v the_o heat_a and_o exciccate_a air_n before_o it_o mingle_v with_o that_o which_o we_o here_o breath_n in_o beside_o how_o little_a able_a be_v those_o weak_a impression_n upon_o the_o air_n to_o stand_v before_o those_o more_o sensible_a and_o vigorous_a alteration_n which_o the_o succeed_a season_n of_o the_o year_n continual_o make_v upon_o it_o the_o opinion_n which_o assert_n comet_n to_o be_v incense_v exhalation_n will_v carry_v in_o my_o eye_n more_o fair_a appearance_n of_o truth_n if_o owe_v they_o rather_o the_o presage_n of_o season_n healthful_a and_o desirable_a in_o regard_n it_o suppose_v so_o many_o noxious_a and_o impure_a exhalation_n consume_v at_o so_o vast_a a_o distance_n from_o earth_n by_o fire_n the_o most_o potent_a corrective_a of_o a_o infectious_a air_n these_o reason_n seem_v sufficient_a to_o reach_v the_o proof_n of_o our_o first_o assertion_n that_o comet_n be_v not_o signa_fw-la operativa_fw-la malorum_fw-la i_o be_o next_o to_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v signa_fw-la indicantia_fw-la of_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v from_o the_o indifferency_n and_o universality_n of_o their_o aspect_n and_o motion_n they_o often_o pass_v over_o the_o head_n of_o many_o and_o different_a country_n that_o in_o 1618._o be_v successive_o vertical_a to_o arabia_n persia_n turkey_n barbary_n morocco_n china_n spain_n france_n italy_n germany_n poland_n muscovie_n etc._n etc._n now_o which_o of_o these_o can_v it_o be_v presume_v to_o level_v its_o malign_a aspect_n at_o which_o of_o these_o be_v most_o concern_v in_o its_o presage_n sure_o none_o of_o they_o but_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n be_v design_v to_o declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n their_o line_n therefore_o be_v go_v forth_o through_o all_o the_o earth_n 4._o so_o possible_o god_n intend_v these_o wonderful_a appearance_n in_o heaven_n not_o so_o much_o the_o monitor_n of_o his_o anger_n as_o of_o his_o glory_n will_v have_v they_o thus_o catholic_n in_o their_o motion_n and_o show_v themselves_o to_o such_o variety_n of_o people_n and_o language_n 2_o i_o argue_v against_o they_o from_o the_o airy_a weakness_n of_o that_o foundation_n the_o art_n of_o presage_v by_o they_o be_v bottom_v upon_o which_o we_o may_v take_v in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o great_a master_n in_o all_o curious_a art_n portendunt_fw-la cometae_fw-la juxta_fw-la 70._o saturnum_n pest_n &_o pr●ditiones_n &_o sterilitatem_fw-la circa_n jovem_n legum_fw-la mutationem_fw-la mortem_fw-la pontificum_fw-la juxta_fw-la mars_fw-la bella_fw-la juxta_fw-la solemn_a toti_fw-la or_o by_o magnam_fw-la cladem_fw-la juxta_fw-la lunam_fw-la magnas_fw-la inundationes_fw-la aliquando_fw-la siccitates_fw-la etc._n etc._n juxta_fw-la coronam_fw-la &_o in_fw-la tropicis_fw-la aequinoctiisque_fw-la regum_fw-la interitum_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o crack_n and_o flaw_n of_o which_o discourse_n appear_v so_o wide_a and_o visible_a that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o strike_v it_o with_o any_o reason_n to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a discovery_n of_o they_o the_o astrologer_n like_o child_n set_v up_o in_o their_o soft_a imagination_n some_o fantastical_a image_n of_o thing_n and_o then_o fear_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v great_a reality_n very_o solicitous_a they_o have_v ever_o appear_v to_o lengthen_v their_o cord_n to_o draw_v all_o kind_n of_o person_n and_o event_n within_o the_o line_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o art_n but_o very_o careless_a to_o strengthen_v their_o stake_n to_o borrow_v the_o expression_n of_o 2._o of_o the_o prophet_n to_o ratify_v and_o make_v
good_a the_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v proceed_v all_o the_o image_n they_o speak_v of_o in_o heaven_n and_o the_o signification_n apply_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d ●ll_v their_o credit_n sole_o to_o the_o courtesy_n of_o imagination_n 3._o from_o the_o contradiction_n 〈…〉_z how_o many_o sore_a evil_n have_v 17._o the_o world_n travail_v under_o 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o signify_v by_o any_o forego_n comet_n sometime_o not_o happen_v for_o many_o year_n together_o and_o how_o many_o comet_n have_v there_o happen_v sometime_o in_o a_o short_a compass_n not_o second_v by_o any_o notable_a alteration_n in_o the_o place_n to_o which_o they_o seem_v especial_o to_o have_v respect_n commendable_a herein_o be_v the_o diligence_n of_o gemma_fw-la frisius_n in_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o many_o good_a as_o bad_a event_n consequent_a to_o the_o appearance_n of_o they_o particular_o so_o happy_a be_v that_o comet_n which_o happen_v under_o nero_n that_o seneca_n tell_v we_o cometis_n detraxit_fw-la infamiam_fw-la it_o clear_v the_o credit_n of_o comet_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o good_a thought_n they_o seem_v indeed_o the_o presage_n of_o approach_a evil_n either_o because_o their_o interpreter_n be_v so_o well_o advise_v as_o to_o assign_v they_o a_o competent_a period_n of_o time_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n in_o and_o to_o take_v in_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o the_o scene_n to_o act_v their_o tragedy_n upon_o and_o common_o put_v into_o their_o almanac_n only_o die_v nefastos_fw-la day_n mark_v with_o some_o black_a and_o sad_a accident_n which_o we_o natural_o retain_v a_o very_a quick_a sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o after_o the_o appearance_n of_o they_o or_o else_o the_o world_n will_v appear_v to_o treat_v ●ts_n inhabitant_n with_o as_o much_o courtesy_n after_o as_o before_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o comet_n the_o opinion_n i_o now_o contest_v be_v so_o receptive_a of_o argument_n against_o it_o that_o there_o be_v the_o less_o need_n of_o any_o to_o press_v it_o further_o especial_o consider_v the_o great_a advocate_n thereof_o be_v so_o much_o under_o the_o command_n of_o a_o mighty_a imagination_n which_o delight_v in_o conjugate_v and_o parallel_n and_o symbolise_v instance_n so_o much_o that_o it_o usual_o make_v they_o or_o find_v they_o in_o nature_n now_o we_o shall_v ever_o find_v that_o all_o person_n which_o take_v up_o opinion_n from_o their_o own_o poetical_a genius_n and_o busy_a fancy_n be_v impregnable_a to_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o reason_n the_o rosycrucians_a act_v so_o huge_o by_o imagination_n in_o philosophy_n some_o kind_n of_o chemist_n in_o medic_n the_o cabalist_n in_o scripture-exposition_n enthusiast_n in_o religion_n figure-caster_n in_o astrology_n be_v so_o invincible_o resolve_v upon_o their_o hypothesis_n that_o like_o he_o in_o the_o story_n when_o their_o hand_n those_o little_a reason_n where_o with_o they_o hold_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o they_o will_v mordicus_fw-la defendere_fw-la hold_v they_o with_o their_o tooth_n bite_v and_o revile_v language_n throw_v upon_o their_o opposer_n and_o neglecter_n they_o be_v entertain_v with_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a dream_n and_o therefore_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o which_o attempt_n to_o awaken_v and_o discompose_v they_o as_o for_o sen._n ourselves_o let_v we_o be_v content_a rather_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o a_o humble_a ignorance_n then_o to_o follow_v a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la the_o pretend_v light_n of_o divination_n by_o a_o comet_n which_o lead_v but_o to_o the_o bog_n and_o precipice_n of_o a_o superstitious_a fear_n and_o a_o abuse_a mind_n god_n have_v seal_v up_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o hide_v pride_n from_o man_n he_o will_v have_v some_o mystery_n in_o every_o science_n past_o our_o search_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o first_o mind_n from_o who_o these_o depth_n come_v forth_o and_o who_o can_v fathom_v and_o comprehend_v they_o all_o i_o have_v nothing_o further_o to_o superadd_a in_o this_o argument_n but_o this_o there_o be_v some_o unusual_a appearance_n in_o this_o elementary_a region_n the_o last_o endeavour_n of_o fire_n to_o imitate_v and_o copy_n out_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o celestial_a region_n upon_o which_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o philosopher_n have_v bestow_v the_o title_n of_o comet_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o touch_v one_o another_o in_o some_o similar_v property_n of_o light_n bigness_n continuance_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v bestow_v a_o few_o word_n upon_o a_o more_o proper_a occasion_n this_o part_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o my_o argument_n concern_v comet_n exceed_v thus_o its_o just_a measure_n and_o proportion_n must_v necessary_o starve_v and_o shrink_v those_o which_o in_o my_o first_o thought_n grow_v next_o unto_o it_o concern_v earthquake_n the_o apparition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o sun_n at_o once_o and_o monstrous_a production_n for_o to_o redeem_v my_o former_a prolixity_n i_o shall_v choose_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o sparsim_fw-la as_o the_o necessary_a return_n of_o the_o argument_n shall_v give_v occasion_n add_v in_o this_o only_o concern_v birth_n which_o go_v off_o from_o the_o common_a figure_n of_o their_o kind_n that_o as_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n with_o our_o holy_a endeavour_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o weakness_n attendant_a on_o christian_a practice_n because_o he_o act_v we_o ad_fw-la modum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la so_o neither_o do_v the_o co-assistance_n of_o god_n the_o father_n with_o all_o natural_a agent_n quite_o remove_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o error_n of_o nature_n all_o thing_n be_v assist_v according_a to_o their_o proper_a measure_n power_n and_o capacity_n and_o with_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o action_n appoint_v to_o some_o other_o intervening_a second_v cause_n which_o perhaps_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o or_o attend_v not_o much_o unto_o sect_n iii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n the_o first_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n propose_v some_o general_n answer_v return_v unto_o it_o a_o enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o resolve_v 1._o into_o a_o ignorance_n of_o cause_n ignorance_n note_v to_o beget_v confidence_n in_o the_o head_n and_o diffidence_n in_o the_o heart_n 2._o into_o guilt_n quick_o awaken_v into_o a_o fear_n of_o a_o approach_a evil_n and_o why_o 3._o the_o application_n of_o a_o humane_a measure_n to_o the_o divine_a act_n the_o commonness_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o usage_n note_v in_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n 4._o a_o great_a propension_n in_o man_n to_o close_v with_o any_o flatter_a medium_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n future_a this_o note_v in_o all_o nation_n some_o account_n give_v thereof_o 5_o the_o agency_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o advantage_n this_o persuasion_n give_v he_o his_o design_n to_o work_v base_a and_o servile_a fear_n in_o man_n note_v 6_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o traditional_a superstition_n prodigy_n observe_v in_o our_o time_n observe_v in_o former_a 7_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o some_o contemplative_a person_n incline_v to_o this_o persuasion_n some_o of_o they_o touch_v upon_o 8_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n great_o impressive_a to_o a_o conceit_n of_o parallel_n equality_n and_o similitude_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n strange_a judgement_n and_o change_n in_o earth_n describe_v by_o poet_n and_o prophet_n usual_o by_o some_o mighty_a change_n in_o nature_n 9_o the_o natural_a aptness_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o entertain_v thing_n vehement_a and_o extraordinary_a with_o great_a opinion_n argument_n from_o general_a consent_n when_o considerable_a before_o we_o can_v have_v peaceable_a possession_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o which_o so_o much_o evidence_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v give_v in_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o remove_v those_o objection_n with_o which_o our_o title_n thereunto_o be_v a_o little_a encumber_v now_o these_o be_v take_v from_o a_o fivefold_a topick_n 1._o from_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n 2._o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o learned_a writer_n 3._o the_o attestation_n of_o common_a experience_n 4._o the_o seem_a evidence_n of_o reason_n 5._o the_o testimony_n of_o sacred_a writ_n the_o four_o former_a have_v weight_n enough_o to_o incline_v the_o scale_n the_o other_o way_n the_o latter_a seem_v to_o weigh_v it_o quite_o down_o first_o we_o be_v urge_v with_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o world_n in_o 1._o all_o age_n he_o that_o have_v but_o look_v into_o the_o history_n of_o time_n past_a shall_v ready_o observe_v all_o age_n great_o propense_a to_o observe_v nature_n straying_n from_o her_o more_o usual_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o operation_n and_o to_o entertain_v all_o
strange_a occurrence_n with_o a_o kind_n of_o prophetic_a fear_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n impendent_a of_o which_o they_o be_v presume_v but_o the_o harbinger_n and_o praecones_fw-la and_o sure_o this_o alone_a may_v serve_v sufficient_o to_o vindicate_v the_o observation_n of_o prodigy_n at_o least_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n to_o deal_v plain_o there_o be_v more_o of_o truth_n in_o this_o objection_n than_o i_o answ._n can_v wish_v there_o be_v to_o which_o to_o return_v magister_fw-la errorum_fw-la populus_fw-la and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o learn_v not_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o multitude_n but_o from_o it_o and_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v the_o great_a of_o prodigy_n will_v be_v think_v but_o the_o best_a of_o evasion_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o answer_n though_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o myself_o when_o press_v with_o the_o same_o objection_n in_o a_o like_a case_n at_o omnes_fw-la populi_n nationes_fw-la utuntur_fw-la auspiciis_fw-la etc._n etc._n judge_v 2._o it_o beneath_o any_o better_a answer_n than_o this_o quasi_fw-la verò_fw-la quidquam_fw-la sit_fw-la ●am_fw-la valdè_fw-la quam_fw-la nihil_fw-la sapere_fw-la vulgar_a i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o so_o catholic_n a_o persuasion_n for_o truth_n be_v best_a strengthen_v and_o error_n refute_v per_fw-la reductionem_fw-la ad_fw-la principia_fw-la by_o call_v man_n to_o a_o view_n of_o those_o principle_n and_o ground_n from_o which_o they_o grow_v and_o into_o which_o they_o final_o do_v resolve_v now_o then_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o so_o general_a usage_n and_o persuasion_n be_v i_o conceive_v some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o follow_v 1._o man_n for_o the_o great_a part_n be_v whole_o stranger_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o prodigious_a accident_n now_o as_o fear_n have_v torment_n so_o ignorance_n have_v fear_n 19_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n nihil_fw-la aequè_fw-la facit_fw-la hominem_fw-la multa_fw-la suspicari_fw-la a●_n nihil_fw-la scire_fw-la where_o we_o be_v unprovided_a of_o any_o prenotion_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o object_n or_o person_n nature_n have_v make_v we_o all_o very_a suspicious_a and_o metuunt_fw-la fearful_a to_o touch_v taste_n and_o trust_v person_n in_o the_o dark_a be_v full_a of_o monstrous_a conceit_n every_o shadow_n be_v a_o devil_n and_o every_o bush_n a_o thief_n to_o they_o and_o the_o more_o man_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o cause_n still_o the_o more_o jealous_a and_o fearful_a of_o event_n now_o the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o therefore_o superstitious_o fearful_a upon_o any_o such_o irregular_a event_n in_o nature_n formido_fw-la mortales_fw-la continet_fw-la omnes_fw-la quòd_fw-la multa_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la fieri_fw-la coelóque_fw-la tuentur_fw-la quorum_fw-la operum_fw-la causas_fw-la nullâ_fw-la ratione_fw-la videre_fw-la possunt_fw-la lucret._n the_o fool_n purgatory_n be_v as_o familiar_a as_o the_o fool_n paradise_n ignorance_n sacro_fw-la call_v every_o unaccountable_a symptom_n in_o the_o patient_n witchcraft_n and_o every_o strange_a accident_n a_o prodigy_n beside_o it_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o ignorance_n especial_o where_o the_o object_n be_v great_a vehement_a and_o extraordinary_a which_o fall_v before_o it_o to_o conceit_v a_o kind_n of_o divinity_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o to_o regard_v they_o as_o example_n of_o some_o virtue_n and_o power_n superior_a to_o natural_a hypocrates_n tell_v we_o that_o sad_a disease_n in_o physic_n style_v morbus_fw-la sacer_fw-la the_o holy_a or_o divine_a disease_n take_v its_o appellation_n hence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d man_n call_v it_o divine_a from_o ignorance_n and_o a_o blind_a wonderment_n at_o the_o strange_a and_o vehement_a symptom_n thereof_o moreover_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o ignorance_n to_o produce_v as_o diffidence_n in_o the_o heart_n so_o withal_o confidence_n in_o the_o head_n for_o those_o which_o know_v least_o of_o thing_n past_a or_o present_a be_v usual_o the_o most_o confident_a determiner_n concern_v thing_n future_a upon_o this_o account_n the_o multitude_n to_o which_o knowledge_n be_v never_o very_o friendly_a can_v but_o be_v great_o impressive_a to_o any_o great_a and_o religious_a persuasion_n concern_v prodigy_n especial_o if_o much_o force_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o importunity_n of_o bold_a man_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o guilt_n to_o be_v quick_o awaken_v into_o a_o fear_n of_o a_o approach_a evil_n it_o sleep_v as_o they_o say_v of_o the_o hare_n with_o its_o eye_n open_a quick_o a_o wake_n to_o see_v or_o fancy_n a_o impendent_a evil_n how_o secure_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o itself_o or_o other_o gild_n be_v upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n dei_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d never_o prophesy_v good_a concern_v man_n but_o evil_a it_o will_v fly_v when_o none_o pursue_v there_o go_v usual_o along_o with_o a_o guilty_a breast_n when_o fair_a colour_n hang_v out_o in_o the_o face_n black_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o vengeance_n and_o therefore_o like_a belshazzar_n where_o it_o can_v distinct_o expound_v god_n strange_a character_n it_o yet_o conclude_v the_o general_a intention_n to_o be_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n have_v therefore_o well_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o guilt_n thus_o wickedness_n condemn_v of_o she_o own_o witness_n be_v very_o timorous_a and_o be_v press_v with_o conscience_n always_o foreca_v terrible_a thing_n gild_n have_v a_o injure_a god_n always_o present_v to_o it_o now_o where_o our_o life_n and_o fortune_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o offend_a greatness_n we_o think_v more_o frequent_o what_o it_o may_v than_o what_o it_o will_v do_v with_o we_o where_o man_n mistrust_v as_o guilt_n general_o do_v every_o nutus_fw-la word_n good_a or_o bad_a all_o action_n but_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v to_o we_o obscure_a and_o unaccountable_a be_v the_o seed_n of_o jealousy_n gild_n can_v spell_v death_n out_o of_o god_n sweet_a promise_n much_o more_o out_o of_o his_o dark_a and_o intricate_a providence_n 3._o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o prodigy_n have_v rise_v from_o the_o application_n of_o a_o humane_a measure_n to_o divine_a act_n all_o action_n of_o consequence_n do_v in_o the_o world_n by_o humane_a agent_n come_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o observation_n they_o be_v usual_o prefaced_a with_o somewhat_o which_o may_v raise_v expectation_n and_o give_v notice_n seneca_n speak_v of_o a_o pompa_fw-la mortis_fw-la there_o be_v also_o a_o pompa_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la man_n use_v not_o cadere_fw-la in_o negotia_fw-la sed_fw-la descendere_fw-la and_o their_o action_n of_o moment_n though_o they_o have_v sometime_o abruptos_fw-la fine_n yet_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o they_o have_v abrupta_fw-la principia_fw-la now_o it_o be_v according_o think_v that_o all_o god_n action_n of_o remark_n must_v be_v stamp_v with_o a_o humane_a signature_n be_v usher_v with_o the_o pomp_n and_o solemnity_n of_o some_o 3_o prodigious_a and_o preternatural_a occurrence_n whereas_o god_n have_v threaten_v not_o only_o to_o destroy_v bad_a man_n by_o his_o judgement_n but_o to_o surprise_v 37._o they_o to_o storm_v they_o without_o a_o precedent_a summons_n we_o read_v of_o nothing_o in_o the_o rev._n to_o be_v conceal_v from_o man_n but_o what_o judgement_n 4._o the_o seven_o thunder_n utter_v god_n often_o by_o prophecy_n and_o mighty_a sign_n warn_v former_a age_n &_o expect_v now_o that_o former_a age_n shall_v warn_v we_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n which_o have_v set_v up_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o idol_n vain_a and_o fantastical_a conceit_n as_o the_o excellent_a verulam_n observe_v in_o philosophy_n quam_fw-la naturalium_fw-la operationum_fw-la ad_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la actionum_fw-la humanarum_fw-la reductio_fw-la the_o reduce_n of_o all_o natural_a operation_n to_o a_o likeness_n with_o the_o act_n of_o man_n and_o the_o prefer_n of_o man_n the_o lesser_a world_n as_o the_o great_a glass_n of_o nature_n in_o who_o fabric_n and_o action_n the_o similar_v image_n &_o imitation_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o great_a world_n shall_v be_v represent_v and_o to_o as_o many_o vain_a imagination_n in_o divinity_n have_v the_o make_n as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n after_o their_o own_o image_n and_o fasten_v upon_o he_o either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o propose_v of_o the_o custom_n reason_n and_o counsel_n of_o man_n as_o the_o jacob_n staff_n to_o estimate_v the_o height_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o action_n of_o god_n who_o 9_o way_n and_o thought_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v be_v not_o lay_v by_o any_o of_o those_o short_a line_n which_o we_o be_v expose_v man_n 4._o man_n be_v great_o propense_a to_o close_v with_o any_o flatter_a medium_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o much_o desire_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n to_o
which_o conceive_v it_o most_o proper_a that_o there_o appear_v no_o smile_n in_o the_o face_n of_o nature_n but_o that_o she_o come_v forth_o clothe_v with_o terror_n and_o amazement_n when_o some_o great_a vengeance_n and_o destruction_n be_v present_a or_o at_o hand_n this_o disposition_n of_o soul_n do_v never_o more_o strong_o exert_v itself_o then_o when_o the_o prodigy_n be_v no_o unfitting_a emblem_n of_o the_o judgement_n do_v impregnate_n imagination_n and_o offer_v a_o mighty_a assistance_n thereunto_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o rain_v of_o blood_n which_o be_v but_o water_n tincture_v by_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soil_n whence_o it_o arise_v or_o rather_o where_o it_o fall_v shall_v strong_o solicit_v the_o fear_n of_o some_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n in_o the_o state_n the_o appearance_n of_o two_o sun_n at_o once_o which_o be_v but_o the_o figure_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n draw_v by_o its_o own_o beam_n upon_o a_o dispose_a cloud_n do_v great_o encourage_v the_o fancy_n of_o two_o competitor_n for_o royalty_n in_o a_o nation_n some_o great_a eclipse_n seem_v to_o a_o soft_a imagination_n to_o hang_v the_o world_n with_o black_a against_o the_o approach_a funeral_n of_o some_o great_a person_n the_o casual_a part_n of_o the_o river_n ouse_n in_o bedfordshire_n seem_v after_o the_o event_n a_o presage_n of_o the_o succeed_a division_n between_o the_o house_n of_o york_n and_o lancaster_n these_o and_o many_o more_o where_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o imagination_n strong_a enough_o to_o supply_v and_o relieve_v their_o weakness_n shall_v prove_v a_o event_n beyond_o geometry_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o man_n and_o time_n 9_o humane_a nature_n be_v great_o propense_a to_o entertain_v thing_n vehement_a and_o extraordinary_a with_o a_o opinion_n of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sacredness_n in_o and_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n thing_n more_o vulgar_a and_o accommodate_v to_o a_o humane_a size_n and_o measure_n have_v the_o name_n of_o man_n call_v upon_o they_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o rod_n of_o a_o man._n 2_o sam._n 7._o 14._o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n hos._n 11._o 4._o the_o pen_n of_o a_o man._n is._n 8._o 1._o that_o be_v gentle_a and_o usual_a on_o the_o other_o side_n thing_n rare_a and_o which_o hardly_o admit_v their_o pattern_n be_v attribute_v unto_o god_n horeb_n the_o mount_n of_o god_n exod._n 3._o 1._o the_o river_n of_o god_n ps._n 65_o 9_o the_o tree_n of_o god_n ps._n 104._o 16._o the_o fire_n of_o god_n job_n 1._o 6._o that_o be_v great_a and_o extraordinary_a now_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n to_o who_o law_n of_o speak_v the_o holy_a ghost_n accommodate_v himself_o in_o their_o custom_n and_o language_n seem_v to_o make_v the_o true_a report_n of_o the_o easy_a sentiment_n of_o simple_a nature_n according_o these_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a alteration_n in_o nature_n appear_v to_o man_n because_o not_o of_o familiar_a occurrence_n stamp_v with_o some_o character_n and_o touch_n of_o divinity_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o raise_v a_o great_a 77._o opinion_n of_o themselves_o in_o man_n as_o if_o send_v forth_o upon_o no_o less_o errand_n then_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o expectation_n of_o some_o strange_a work_n from_o god_n from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourt_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v the_o fallacy_n of_o that_o first_o argument_n against_o we_o take_v from_o the_o common_a persuasion_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n very_o general_a indeed_o but_o grow_v not_o from_o natural_a but_o casual_a or_o abusive_a principle_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o more_o common_a and_o prevalent_a the_o persuasion_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a because_o it_o derive_v a_o great_a credit_n upon_o error_n and_o give_v it_o the_o colour_n of_o a_o oracle_n vox_fw-la populi_fw-la be_v a_o fallacious_a topic_a to_o conclude_v from_o except_o the_o opinion_n general_o maintain_v across_o the_o ease_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n like_o uriah_n carry_v the_o letter_n the_o principle_n which_o judge_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o as_o the_o common_a notion_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_a of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n a_o future_a judgement_n the_o soul_n immortality_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o sign_n that_o the_o truth_n be_v seal_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o rather_o lay_n hold_v of_o they_o than_o they_o of_o it_o and_o this_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o first_o objection_n chap._n iu._n the_o objection_n ground_v on_o humane_a authority_n answer_v the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_n father_n modern_a writer_n allege_v against_o the_o truth_n contend_v for_o answer_v first_o more_o general_o some_o account_n give_v why_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v give_v countenance_n to_o the_o contrary_a persuasion_n a_o particular_a return_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o herodotus_n heathen_n great_o fond_a of_o this_o notion_n and_o why_o the_o father_n no_o great_a favourer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n the_o testimony_n of_o tertullian_n unserviceable_a to_o our_o adversaty_n s._n austin_n express_v against_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o machiavelli_n disable_v by_o a_o three_o fold_v consideration_n d._n jackson_n whence_o in_o probability_n so_o inclinable_a to_o the_o regard_n of_o prodigy_n some_o account_n of_o his_o lose_a book_n of_o prodigy_n the_o ill_a use_n the_o heathen_n make_v of_o prodigy_n the_o observation_n of_o they_o unbecoming_a our_o religion_n and_o a_o dishonour_n to_o god_n argument_n from_o humane_a authority_n general_o show_v bet●er_n in_o rhetoric_n then_o logic_n and_o press_v the_o modesty_n of_o man_n more_o than_o their_o judgement_n yet_o because_o the_o most_o judge_n altogether_o by_o their_o proxy_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v fallacy_n in_o strong_a reason_n but_o none_o in_o great_a name_n i_o shall_v next_o make_v answer_n to_o a_o second_o objection_n with_o 27._o which_o this_o truth_n be_v assault_v viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o learned_a writer_n heathen_n father_n modern_a author_n to_o the_o contrary_a where_o two_o of_o each_o kind_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o take_v as_o the_o representative_n of_o the_o rest._n among_o heathen_a writer_n herodotus_n seem_v to_o our_o adversary_n of_o especial_a remark_n in_o this_o argument_n enter_v it_o as_o a_o try_a case_n quoties_fw-la ingentes_fw-la eventurae_fw-la sunt_fw-la calamitates_fw-la vel_fw-la civitati_fw-la vel_fw-la nationi_fw-la solent_fw-la signis_fw-la praenunciari_fw-la and_o valerius_n maximus_n seem_v to_o subscribe_v the_o opinion_n in_o that_o whole_a chapter_n which_o he_o have_v write_v de_n prodigiis_fw-la and_o the_o regard_v 23._o due_a to_o they_o among_o the_o father_n we_o find_v tertullian_n tell_v the_o heathen_n deride_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o a_o everlasting_a fire_n of_o some_o prodigious_a mountain_n always_o burn_v upon_o occasion_n whereof_o he_o add_v hoc_fw-la erit_fw-la testimonium_fw-la ignis_fw-la aeterni_fw-la hoc_fw-la exemplum_fw-la jugis_fw-la judicii_fw-la poenam_fw-la nutrientes_fw-la montes_n uruntur_fw-la &_o durant_fw-mi and_o s._n austin_n have_v note_v that_o a_o little_a before_o the_o bellum_n sociale_a in_o the_o roman_a empire_n dog_n horse_n ox_n ass_n and_o such_o like_a creature_n usual_o the_o most_o submissive_a subject_n to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n to_o man_n all_o on_o a_o sudden_a put_v off_o their_o gentle_a and_o tractable_a nature_n run_v away_o from_o their_o owner_n grow_v fierce_a and_o hurtful_a and_o approach_v as_o near_o to_o lion_n and_o wolf_n as_o their_o shape_n and_o figure_n will_v permit_v of_o which_o strange_a occurrence_n he_o thus_o deliver_v his_o sense_n quòd_fw-la si_fw-la hoc_fw-la signum_fw-la fuit_fw-la quòd_fw-la tantum_fw-la malum_fw-la fuit_fw-la quantum_fw-la malum_fw-la fuit_fw-la illud_fw-la cujus_fw-la hoc_fw-la fignum_fw-la fuit_fw-la among_o modern_a writer_n machiavelli_n a_o person_n general_o think_v a_o more_o fast_o retainer_n to_o atheism_n then_o superstition_n have_v thus_o abet_v the_o observation_n of_o prodigy_n ut_fw-la causam_fw-la facile_fw-la confitebor_fw-la i_o ignorare_fw-la ita_fw-la rem_fw-la ipsam_fw-la cûm_fw-la ex_fw-la antiquis_fw-la tum_fw-la novis_fw-la exemplis_fw-la agnoscere_fw-la oportet_fw-la &_o confiteri_fw-la omnes_fw-la magnos_fw-la motus_fw-la quicunque_fw-la aut_fw-la urbi_fw-la aut_fw-la regioni_fw-la evenerunt_fw-la vel_fw-la à_fw-la conjectoribus_fw-la vel_fw-la à_fw-la revelatione_fw-la aliqua_fw-la prodigiis_fw-la aut_fw-la coelestibus_fw-la signis_fw-la praedici_fw-la &_o praenunciari_fw-la solere_fw-la to_o who_o may_v be_v add_v to_o pass_v by_o luther_n melancton_n camerarius_fw-la and_o other_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o reverend_n d._n jackson_n the_o manner_n say_v 8._o he_o of_o god_n forewarn_n be_v very_o various_a sometime_o ●e_n forewarn_v by_o sign_n in_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n sometime_o by_o apparition_n in_o the_o a●r_n sometime_o by_o monstrous_a birth_n sometime_o he_o make_v the_o murrain_n of_o cattle_n and_o mortality_n of_o ●easts_n of_o the_o field_n or_o bird_n of_o
the_o air_n forerunner_n of_o plague_n and_o war_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o 1653._o far_o receive_v he_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o eu●ebius_n style_v the_o portenta_fw-la precede_v the_o overthrow_n of_o jerusalem_n god_n visible_a sermon_n of_o repentance_n that_o as_o we_o be_v inform_v he_o write_v a_o just_a treatise_n lose_v in_o his_o life-time_n concern_v prodigy_n or_o divine_a foremarning_n betoken_v blood_n to_o all_o which_o testimony_n my_o answer_n shall_v be_v first_o more_o general_n that_o it_o be_v ●o_o wonder_n to_o see_v this_o opinion_n credit_v by_o some_o great_a name_n in_o regard_n that_o as_o in_o heresy_n populus_fw-la sequitur_fw-la doctiores_fw-la the_o people_n usual_o follow_v the_o learned_a as_o be_v in_o a_o matter_n more_o abstract_a and_o subtle_a more_o apt_a to_o believe_v then_o to_o judge_v so_o in_o superstition_n doctiores_fw-la sequuntur_fw-la populum_fw-la the_o learned_a be_v not_o seldom_o observe_v to_o follow_v the_o people_n because_o easy_o surprise_v into_o a_o opinion_n that_o can_v enter_v so_o valuable_a a_o plea_n for_o itself_o as_o common_a consent_n this_o notion_n of_o presage_n by_o prodigy_n be_v so_o popular_a and_o catholic_a wise_a man_n in_o their_o first_o and_o unwary_a year_n when_o they_o be_v discipuli_fw-la plebis_fw-la may_v entertain_v conceit_n thereof_o which_o shall_v plead_v prescription_n against_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o dispossess_v they_o as_o iron_n in_o a_o great_a and_o more_o massy_a body_n sequitur_fw-la naturam_fw-la communem_fw-la follow_v the_o law_n of_o common_a nature_n in_o all_o heavy_a body_n and_o move_v to_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o small_a piece_n sequitur_fw-la naturam_fw-la privatam_fw-la it_o follow_v its_o own_o private_a nature_n and_o direct_v itself_o to_o the_o loadstone_n thus_o learned_a man_n where_o they_o be_v press_v by_o the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o education_n and_o a_o common_a prejudice_n general_o follow_v common_a nature_n in_o man_n which_o incline_v to_o embrace_v society_n and_o therefore_o move_v in_o judgement_n secundum_fw-la viam_fw-la t●rrae_fw-la but_o in_o matter_n out_o of_o vulgar_a ken_n and_o where_o they_o can_v be_v tempt_v by_o a_o common_a agreement_n they_o move_v secundum_fw-la viam_fw-la consilii_fw-la and_o perive_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o private_a light_n and_o understanding_n even_o wise_a man_n in_o many_o instance_n hold_v a●●●_n &_o focos_fw-la their_o faith_n and_o their_o estate_n by_o the_o same_o tenure_n tradition_n from_o ancestor_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v receive_v their_o judgement_n tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la gathed●●●_n as_o engagement_n to_o consider_v not_o always_o tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la triple_a as_o obligation_n to_o believe_v i_o proceed_v next_o to_o a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o several_a authority_n allege_v and_o first_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_n the_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o 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roof_n of_o the_o schol-house_n fall_v so_o sudden_o that_o of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o child_n but_o one_o escape_v with_o life_n of_o w●ich_a he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o sign_n god_n foreshow_v their_o approach_a fate_n withal_o now_o with_o this_o so_o shallow_a and_o contract_v a_o foundation_n he_o venture_v the_o build_n of_o his_o catholic_n assertion_n quoties_fw-la ingentes_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o thing_n not_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o because_o where_o man_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o a_o assume_v principle_n any_o single_a example_n which_o speak_v favour_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o attend_v unto_o than_o a_o hundred_o which_o disparage_n and_o refute_v it_o beside_o one_o affirmative_a especial_o if_o plausible_a as_o this_o be_v do_v far_o moie_v affect_v and_o engage_v our_o mind_n than_o many_o more_o evident_a negative_n because_o they_o be_v infinite_a disperse_v our_o sight_n and_o deliver_v we_o to_o uncertainty_n 2._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o assertion_n among_o heathen_n and_o any_o little_a accident_n blow_v out_o by_o a_o superstitious_a fancy_n into_o th●_n show_v and_o app●●●●nce_n of_o strange_a omen_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o god_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o fairy_n which_o will_v throw_v firebrand_n and_o fury_n about_o the_o house_n for_o the_o omission_n of_o some_o petty_a criticism_n in_o their_o rite_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o give_v forth_o frequent_a intimation_n of_o these_o impotency_n and_o distaste_v they_o think_v they_o be_v lose_v with_o a_o trifle_n and_o win_v again_o to_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o they_o by_o pay_v they_o the_o homage_n of_o a_o little_a crouch_v and_o circumstantial_a devotion_n 2._o the_o hope_n and_o fortune_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v lay_v up_o general_o in_o this_o fel._n world_n and_o therefore_o their_o fear_n in_o reference_n to_o it_o be_v easy_o awaken_v the_o heathen_a caecilius_n true_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o religious_a rite_n institute_v by_o their_o ancestor_n be_v level_v to_o no_o high_a a_o end_n than_o the_o good_a of_o this_o low_a life_n be_v either_o intend_a as_o grateful_a return_n to_o the_o divine_a bounty_n forsome_a temporal_a favour_n receive_v ●●de●_n ou●_n address_v to_o divert_v a_o fear_v or_o appease_v a_o feel_v displeasure_n of_o the_o d●ity_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n they_o be_v soon_o awaken_v into_o a_o great_a fear_n when_o any_o strange_a occurrence_n of_o who_o end_n and_o cause_n they_o be_v unresolved_a fall_v before_o their_o notice_n lest_o it_o shall_v abode_n the_o run_n of_o that_o vessel_n upon_o rock_n wherein_o thei●_n hope_n and_o happiness_n be_v embark_v man_n be_v ap●_n to_o entertain_v great_a fear_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o wherein_o they_o apprehend_v themselves_o great_o concern_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n i_o answer_v in_o general_n that_o '_o t●ere_o no_o wonder_n to_o find_v they_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o gentilism_n speak_v in_o favour_n sometime_o for_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o the_o main_a trunk_n and_o body_n of_o the_o gentile_a superstition_n be_v indeed_o hew●_n down_o in_o their_o mind_n but_o still_a there_o be_v some_o small_a root_n and_o fibre_n remain_v which_o be_v observe_v to_o spring_v up_o ever_o and_o anon_o and_o trouble_v their_o write_n but_o however_o we_o shall_v i_o believe_v seldom_o find_v they_o express_v any_o great_a regard_n to_o this_o grand_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gentile_a theology_n as_o for_o tertullian_n howsoever_o he_o may_v seem_v like_o some_o carve_a image_n about_o house_n to_o support_v and_o grace_v our_o adversary_n build_v yet_o he_o will_v prove_v in_o truth_n to_o be_v like_o they_o bare_o force_v and_o fasten_v on_o and_o to_o lend_v no_o strength_n at_o all_o thereunto_o for_o 1._o the_o father_n write_v to_o the_o heathen_n there_o may_v lawful_o discourse_v with_o they_o exit_fw-la hypothesi_fw-la eth●icae_fw-la theologiae_n for_o they_o regard_v those_o mighty_a vulc●nos_n as_o the_o court_n of_o pluto_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n or_o fit_a emblem_n of_o the_o fire_n and_o vengeance_n in_o another_o state_n 2._o he_o style_v these_o fire_n eruption_n but_o testimonium_fw-la &_o exemplum_fw-la a_o testimony_n and_o example_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n which_o in_o a_o lax_n sense_n he_o may_v well_o do_v these_o seem_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o glass_n and_o picture_n to_o convey_v to_o the_o dull_a world_n some_o weak_a image_n of_o the_o horror_n of_o those_o everlasting_a burn_n in_o another_o world_n 3._o these_o durable_a fire_n be_v allege_v not_o as_o any_o sign_n of_o a_o everlasting_a burn_a but_o as_o the_o best_a argument_n nature_n afford_v to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o burn_a against_o the_o son_n of_o nature_n who_o think_v a_o fire_n which_o consume_v not_o to_o be_v a_o great_a contradiction_n and_o to_o a_o like_a
purpose_n we_o find_v the_o very_a same_o instance_n allege_v against_o they_o by_o another_o of_o the_o ancient_n sicut_fw-la ignes_fw-la fulminum_fw-la corpora_fw-la tangunt_fw-la nec_fw-la absumunt_fw-la ficut_fw-la ignes_fw-la fel._n aetnae_n &_o vesuvii_fw-la &_o ardentium_fw-la ubique_fw-la ter●rarum_fw-la flagrant_a nec_fw-la erogantur_fw-la it●_n poenale_n illud_fw-la incendium_fw-la non_fw-la damnis_fw-la ardentium_fw-la pascetur_fw-la sed_fw-la inexesacorporum_fw-la laceratione_n nutritur_fw-la to_o the_o testimony_n of_o s._n austin_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o strange_a occurrence_n by_o he_o mention_v may_v possible_o appear_v to_o he_o clothe_v in_o more_o significant_a circumstance_n then_o to_o we_o it_o do_v who_o can_v but_o look_v at_o the_o sudden_a mania_n of_o so_o many_o creature_n but_o as_o the_o natural_a though_o more_o unusual_a effect_n which_o in_o those_o hot_a climate_n the_o unfitting_a season_n of_o the_o year_n may_v possible_o have_v upon_o they_o 2._o he_o speak_v but_o doubtful_o thereof_o hoc_fw-la si_fw-la signum_fw-la fuit_fw-la 3._o but_o if_o our_o adversary_n appeal_v to_o s._n austin_n to_o s._n austin_n shall_v they_o go_v who_o in_o his_o more_o awaken_v thought_n thus_o deliver_v himself_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o such_o ominous_a observation_n monstra_fw-la dicta_fw-la sunt_fw-la à_fw-la monstrando_fw-la quod_fw-la aliquid_fw-la significando_fw-la demonstrent_fw-la &_o oste●●_n ab_fw-la ostendendo_fw-la portenta_fw-la à_fw-la portendendo_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la praeostendendo_fw-la &_o prodigy_n 〈◊〉_d porro_fw-la dicant_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la futura_fw-la praedicant_fw-la sed_fw-la viderint_fw-la eorum_fw-la 8._o conjectores_fw-la quomodo_fw-la ex_fw-la iis_fw-la sive_fw-la fallantur_fw-la sive_fw-la instinctu_fw-la spirituum_fw-la quibus_fw-la curae_fw-la est_fw-la tali_fw-la poena_fw-la dignos_fw-la animos_fw-la hominum_fw-la noxiae_fw-la curiofitatis_fw-la retibus_fw-la implicare_fw-la vera_fw-la praedicant_fw-la sive_fw-la multa_fw-la dicendo_fw-la aliquando_fw-la in_o aliquid_fw-la veritatis_fw-la incurrant_fw-la the_o testimony_n of_o machiavelli_n will_v appear_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n in_o this_o argument_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v 1._o those_o sign_n which_o he_o have_v note_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n as_o the_o praecursour_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n be_v vain_a beyond_o the_o vision_n of_o a_o fever_n and_o the_o whisper_v of_o the_o wind_n for_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o death_n of_o lorenzo_n de_fw-fr medici_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o dukedom_n of_o tuscany_n in_o his_o family_n be_v portend_v by_o the_o deface_a of_o their_o great_a temple_n in_o florence_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o banishment_n of_o petrus_n sod●●inus_n one_o of_o the_o pillar_n of_o state_n by_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o senate_n house_n by_o lightning_n tenterden_n steeple_n and_o goodwin_n sands_n we_o may_v conclude_v by_o these_o ear_n that_o the_o whole_a harvest_n of_o his_o other_o observation_n he_o ground_v his_o forementioned_a speech_n upon_o be_v little_a beside_o chaff_n and_o husk_n 2._o the_o suspicion_n of_o atheism_n render_v he_o also_o not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o superstition_n the_o heathen_n of_o old_a style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d atheist_n 12._o in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o most_o superstitious_a observer_n of_o presage_n and_o omen_n they_o which_o live_v most_o in_o neglect_n of_o god_n think_v they_o see_v token_n of_o a_o divine_a nemesis_n in_o every_o strange_a accident_n they_o behold_v superstition_n and_o atheism_n like_o water_n and_o ice_n produce_v one_o another_o slavish_a and_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o atheism_n as_o their_o cure_n and_o atheism_n lead_v to_o great_a fear_n of_o he_o as_o its_o deserve_a punishment_n it_o be_v a_o great_a justice_n that_o that_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v 36._o punish_v with_o false_a fear_n which_o have_v discard_v the_o true_a they_o which_o will_v not_o fear_v god_n and_o hell_n and_o sin_n shall_v fear_v a_o prodigy_n be_v therein_o like_o the_o horse_n to_o which_o they_o stand_v compare_v jer._n 8._o 6._o which_o will_v start_v at_o its_o shadow_n and_o yet_o rush_v furious_o and_o without_o fear_n into_o the_o battle_n 3._o man_n be_v bear_v to_o trouble_v as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o the_o wheel_n of_o providence_n be_v continual_o go_v over_o kingdom_n and_o person_n the_o world_n like_o mount_n calvary_n present_v we_o with_o nothing_o almost_o but_o cross_n and_o death_n spectacle_n of_o misery_n heaven_n only_a be_v a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o any_o unusual_a accident_n be_v soon_o second_v by_o some_o tragedy_n or_o other_o though_o never_o intend_v its_o prologue_n and_o precedent_a monitour_n the_o error_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o style_v it_o of_o the_o reverend_a doctor_n jackson_n in_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v easy_o pardon_v to_o his_o singular_a piety_n and_o learning_n the_o light_n and_o lustre_n of_o which_o like_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n may_v easy_o hide_v any_o of_o his_o spot_n and_o blemish_n from_o the_o severe_a eye_n and_o notice_n of_o the_o world_n great_a mind_n like_o the_o heavenly_a body_n though_o they_o be_v move_v for_o the_o main_a with_o the_o force_n of_o the_o primum_fw-la mobile_a the_o weight_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n yet_o they_o appear_v sometime_o to_o have_v their_o d●clinationes_fw-la proprias_fw-la some_o private_a motion_n and_o declination_n of_o their_o own_o to_o which_o their_o peculiar_a genius_n impression_n ●rom_o the_o age_n or_o their_o education_n may_v very_o fatal_o betray_v they_o this_o opinion_n concern_v prodigy_n and_o sign_n of_o event_n future_a ●hich_v the_o general_a strain_n of_o his_o write_n speak_v his_o mind_n huge_o poss●●●●nd_v die_v withal_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o reckon_v among_o those_o idola_fw-la spectis_fw-la false_a notion_n which_o the_o black_a and_o melancholy_a mansion_n his_o excellent_a soul_n plain_o appear_v to_o have_v dwell_v in_o do_v abuse_v his_o mind_n withal_o any_o event_n extraordinary_a in_o the_o world_n seem_v all_o along_o to_o have_v have_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o his_o soul_n and_o seem_v expound_v sometime_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o than_o their_o just_a value_n and_o moment_n will_v well_o warrant_v and_o allow_v melancholy_n be_v of_o a_o very_a impressive_a temper_n and_o poetic_a nature_n and_o be_v apt_a like_o a_o dark_a room_n to_o receive_v in_o the_o image_n of_o object_n without_o in_o very_o monstrous_a and_o antic_a figure_n and_o representation_n as_o for_o his_o book_n of_o prodigy_n mention_v i_o profess_v myself_o not_o great_o tempt_v to_o follow_v its_o casual_a loss_n with_o any_o deep_a sigh_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o man_n understanding_n have_v be_v too_o much_o undervalue_v by_o teratoscos_n book_n of_o that_o nature_n already_o extant_a to_o a_o number_n sufficient_a to_o a_o cure_n of_o the_o most_o troublesome_a curiosity_n in_o such_o inquiry_n bu●_n 1_o because_o the_o few_o prodigy_n and_o sign_n of_o time_n commend_v with_o a_o great_a 25._o seriousness_n to_o our_o notice_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o luke_n take_v for_o the_o great_a part_n out_o of_o herodotus_n livy_n valer._n max._n and_o machiavelli_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o do_v not_o use_v to_o start_v at_o shadow_n too_o thin_a and_o weak_a to_o bear_v up_o any_o such_o weighty_a and_o serious_a conclusion_n as_o he_o teach_v his_o reader_n to_o build_v upon_o they_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o i_o have_v rather_o shall_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o reader_n curiosity_n then_o to_o my_o rehearsal_n now_o i_o think_v we_o may_v make_v some_o judgement_n of_o the_o value_n of_o the_o whole_a piece_n by_o the_o coursness_n of_o a_o remnant_n thereof_o 2._o because_o it_o design_v a_o errorum_fw-la apotheosis_n a_o kind_n of_o consecration_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o error_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o gentile_a superstition_n as_o appear_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o probability_n from_o those_o word_n which_o fall_v from_o he_o in_o the_o forecited_n paper_n where_o speak_v of_o such_o kind_n of_o portenta_fw-la and_o sign_n of_o heaven_n at_o which_o the_o have_fw-mi then_o use_v to_o be_v dismay_v he_o thus_o deliver_v himself_o though_o to_o believe_v as_o 16._o much_o concern_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v though_o to_o make_v as_o good_a or_o better_a use_n of_o they_o then_o they_o do_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o acquit_v we_o from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n fore-signified_n yet_o not_o to_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v not_o to_o make_v so_o good_a a_o use_n as_o they_o do_v not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o affect_v as_o they_o be_v be_v enough_o and_o more_o then_o enough_o to_o condemn_v we_o enough_o to_o bring_v that_o ruin_n and_o calamity_n which_o they_o portend_v or_o foresignify_a inevitable_o and_o in_o full_a measure_n upon_o we_o a_o strange_a speech_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o set_v christian_n aurum_fw-la colligcre_fw-la exstercore_fw-la as_o
of_o shame_n or_o fear_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o public_a justice_n neglect_v to_o rub_v off_o that_o rust_n which_o be_v grow_v upon_o the_o iron_n age_n it_o may_v quick_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v his_o own_o work_n 15._o himself_o assert_v his_o own_o righteousness_n by_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n of_o some_o terrible_a judgement_n to_o refine_v and_o purify_v it_o so_o also_o such_o monstrous_a doctrine_n as_o these_o grow_v bold_a and_o public_a be_v a_o presage_n of_o some_o great_a distemper_n grow_v upon_o the_o common_a body_n that_o there_o be_v some_o inward_a and_o extraordinary_a call_v to_o a_o office_n which_o owe_v a_o account_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o reality_n soley_n to_o that_o spirit_n which_o feel_v they_o that_o only_a christ_n in_o person_n be_v the_o lawful_a and_o rightful_a governor_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o magistracy_n stand_v not_o with_o christian_a liberty_n that_o nullus_fw-la est_fw-la dominus_fw-la civilis_fw-la dum_fw-la est_fw-la in_o peccato_fw-la mortali_fw-la where_o the_o magistrate_n will_v not_o reform_v the_o church_n the_o people_n may_v every_o such_o doctrine_n as_o dull_a and_o wooden_a as_o it_o may_v seem_v contain_v like_o the_o trojane_n horse_n arm_a man_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o it_o 2._o extraordinary_a eclipse_n of_o the_o superior_a luminary_n the_o governor_n 24._o in_o church_n and_o state_n either_o as_o to_o the_o light_n of_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n or_o respect_n and_o reverence_n before_o the_o people_n before_o god_n petty_a day_n of_o judgement_n in_o a_o state_n the_o sun_n usual_o be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n and_o the_o moon_n into_o blood_n there_o be_v great_a contempt_n throw_v upon_o the_o person_n or_o government_n of_o the_o ruler_n by_o libel_n and_o seditious_a speech_n and_o his_o chief_a minister_n be_v require_v as_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v some_o popular_a fury_n and_o discontent_n 3._o earthquake_n in_o divers_a place_n i_o mean_v a_o great_a many_o commotion_n and_o petty_a tumult_n among_o the_o populacy_n these_o argue_v high_a dissatisfaction_n such_o frequent_a break_n out_o in_o the_o body_n politic_a argue_v many_o noxious_a and_o dangerous_a humour_n therein_o which_o without_o the_o wise_a interpose_v of_o state-physitian_n presage_v ruin_n to_o the_o whole_a these_o and_o more_o sign_n not_o proper_a for_o this_o place_n be_v there_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n as_o for_o folly_n it_o will_v not_o receive_v instruction_n though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a second_o we_o be_v further_o tell_v that_o by_o remove_v of_o the_o receive_a 2._o opinion_n of_o prodigy_n and_o sign_n we_o remove_v a_o main_a pillar_n whereupon_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n of_o a_o god_n concern_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o we_o hereby_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o atheism_n and_o few_o pillour_n under_o the_o elbow_n of_o secure_a and_o sleepy_a wickedness_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v rather_o the_o way_n to_o make_v man_n atheist_n to_o tell_v they_o these_o answer_n be_v god_n sign_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v seldom_o or_o never_o come_v to_o pass_v all_o argument_n bring_v in_o defence_n of_o a_o truth_n man_n be_v willing_a to_o free_v their_o mind_n of_o if_o they_o do_v not_o full_o prove_v do_v huge_o weaken_v and_o disparage_v it_o like_o weak_a physic_n which_o if_o it_o drive_v not_o forth_o the_o ill_a humour_n do_v by_o accident_n exasperate_v it_o and_o make_v the_o patient_a worse_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o way_n safe_a to_o trust_v so_o great_a and_o important_a a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o so_o feeble_a and_o airy_a a_o proof_n as_o this_o be_v if_o a_o atheist_n can_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n come_v by_o chance_n into_o all_o this_o beauty_n and_o elegant_a order_n and_o the_o several_a sphere_n of_o being_n to_o maintain_v so_o grateful_a a_o harmony_n in_o their_o motion_n without_o some_o great_a intelligence_n to_o give_v law_n and_o measure_n to_o they_o he_o will_v more_o easy_o persuade_v himself_o that_o thing_n run_v by_o chance_n sometime_o into_o discord_n monstrousness_n and_o deformity_n three_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o all_o the_o common_a and_o more_o 3._o familiar_a method_n of_o action_n appoint_v the_o creature_n give_v so_o excellent_a a_o account_n of_o themselves_o to_o a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a mind_n it_o can_v ready_o be_v conceive_v to_o what_o end_n any_o of_o these_o extraordinary_n in_o nature_n can_v minister_v but_o to_o that_o of_o divination_n of_o event_n future_a though_o this_o be_v a_o most_o inconsequent_a and_o presumptuous_a reason_n sol._n thing_n must_v be_v for_o this_o end_n for_o i_o know_v no_o other_o that_o they_o can_v serve_v yet_o because_o where_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n reach_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n or_o proper_a end_n of_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v easy_o tempt_v to_o take_v up_o in_o such_o vain_a and_o cheap_a resolve_n as_o a_o superstitious_a multitude_n or_o a_o guilty_a fear_n may_v tender_v to_o it_o and_o because_o most_o man_n be_v such_o gloriae_fw-la animalia_fw-la as_o like_a proteus_n to_o shift_v into_o any_o odd_a shape_n and_o form_n of_o opinion_n and_o conceit_n to_o free_v themselves_o when_o hold_v with_o the_o knot_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o perplex_a phaenomenon_n lay_v before_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o propose_v those_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a end_n of_o these_o irregular_a accident_n which_o may_v satisfy_v man_n mind_n and_o as_o a_o real_a diamond_n do_v its_o counterfeit_n most_o effectual_o detect_v and_o disparage_v that_o little_a and_o mean_a end_n which_o vulgar_a opinion_n make_v they_o servant_n to_o that_o of_o a_o unnecessary_a and_o often_o hurtful_a curiosity_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o time_n reserve_v soley_n in_o god_n power_n and_o counsel_n first_o then._n they_o serve_v to_o awaken_v more_o gross_a and_o heavy_a mind_n into_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o be_v providence_n and_o greatness_n of_o god_n 1_o of_o his_o be_v one_o account_n why_o atheist_n live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n 3._o and_o inobservance_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o constant_a and_o even_a harmony_n which_o nature_n make_v lull_v man_n into_o a_o dull_a and_o sleepy_a inadvertency_n whereas_o some_o harshness_n and_o discord_n now_o and_o then_o in_o the_o part_n thereof_o new_a and_o unwonted_a occurrence_n be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v their_o dull_a and_o sleepy_a mind_n into_o a_o sense_n of_o some_o mighty_a power_n which_o run_v through_o the_o world_n and_o command_v the_o force_n of_o nature_n which_o way_n he_o please_v since_o we_o lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n we_o be_v great_o propense_a to_o loose_v the_o ●eme_n of_o he_o for_o if_o he_o observe_v a_o constant_a method_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n the_o god_n of_o nature_n shall_v be_v lose_v and_o forget_v in_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n if_o as_o in_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n he_o proceed_v by_o no_o rule_a case_n never_o prescribe_v to_o himself_o than_o he_o shall_v be_v eclypse_v in_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o therefore_o perhaps_o sometime_o he_o act_v so_o accountable_o and_o consonant_o to_o our_o notion_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o man_n be_v force_v to_o say_v very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o judge_v in_o the_o earth●_n and_o sometime_o so_o irregular_o in_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n 11._o that_o man_n be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v the_o work_n in_o nature_n always_o lay_v out_o by_o the_o line_n of_o a_o even_o and_o every_o way_n immutable_a law_n and_o order_n man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v though_o they_o can_v not_o make_v sense_n of_o that_o thought_n that_o all_o be_v do_v by_o nature_n and_o shall_v monster_n comet_n earthquake_n etc._n etc._n turn_v quotidian_a man_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o conclude_v the_o world_n a_o great_a lottery_n and_o all_o effect_n owe_v soli_fw-la fortuito_fw-la causarum_fw-la concursui_fw-la whereas_o a_o wise_a intermixture_n of_o some_o irregularity_n put_v man_n upon_o reflection_n and_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o nature_n ill_a shape_a letter_n at_o one_o time_n be_v a_o assurance_n that_o she_o can_v not_o write_v so_o fair_o and_o even_o as_o general_o have_v she_o not_o some_o great_a master_n to_o guide_v her_o hand_n and_o bind_v in_o the_o power_n of_o some_o cause_n apt_a to_o exorbitate_fw-la and_o fly_v out_o 2._o of_o his_o providence_n shall_v not_o river_n sometime_o stand_v and_o spring_n fail_v man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o full_o assu●ed_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o send_v the_o 10._o spring_n into_o the_o valley_n that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o water_v the_o hill_n shall_v there_o
entertain_v their_o come_n god_n may_v appoint_v the_o crow_n of_o a_o cock_n at_o such_o a_o instant_n of_o time_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o sign_n so_o when_o the_o disciple_n have_v ask_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o lord_n when_o all_o his_o prediction_n 7._o concern_v the_o temple_n and_o nation_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o have_v mention_v among_o other_o great_a earthquake_n they_o be_v then_o prefer_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrament_n and_o prophetic_a symbol_n of_o the_o terrible_a shake_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n and_o polity_n now_o approach_v and_o indeed_o when_o the_o great_a wickedness_n and_o security_n of_o that_o generation_n have_v merit_v that_o that_o fatal_a time_n shall_v fall_v as_o a_o snare_n upon_o all_o they_o that_o then_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n such_o sign_n as_o have_v a_o natural_a cause_n seem_v the_o most_o proper_a indication_n thereof_o as_o which_o because_o happen_v at_o that_o time_n may_v sufficient_o warn_v and_o alarm_n the_o christian_n and_o lull_v fast_o asleep_o the_o more_o atheistical_a and_o incredulous_a part_n of_o that_o age_n appear_v to_o they_o but_o the_o more_o unusual_a work_n of_o interrupt_a nature_n to_o conclude_v now_o that_o because_o some_o earthquake_n of_o god_n appoint_v be_v his_o sign_n therefore_o all_o be_v be_v as_o inconsequent_a a_o inference_n as_o this_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v sign_n and_o seal_n in_o the_o sacrament_n because_o stamp_v with_o a_o divine_a institution_n therefore_o all_o bread_n and_o wine_n may_v challenge_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o reverence_n and_o regard_n from_o we_o second_o these_o earthquake_n have_v such_o character_n upon_o they_o as_o may_v sufficient_o enclose_v and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o common_a issue_n of_o disturb_a nature_n as_o 1._o their_o greatness_n the_o text_n style_v they_o great_a earthquake_n it_o be_v likely_a 11._o there_o appear_v in_o they_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a force_n and_o impatience_n of_o some_o crude_a and_o imprison_a vapour_n we_o read_v of_o a_o earthquake_n in_o the_o day_n of_o uzziah_n so_o great_a and_o terrible_a that_o we_o find_v it_o make_v a_o epocha_n in_o the_o jewish_a history_n josephus_n report_n that_o some_o furlong_n of_o the_o mountain_n about_o jerusalem_n be_v rend_v asunder_o and_o city_n swallow_v up_o by_o it_o if_o aristotle_n style_v the_o celtae_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mad_a man_n because_o a_o earthquake_n will_v soon_o make_v a_o mountain_n tremble_v then_o they_o certain_o the_o title_n be_v too_o little_a for_o those_o which_o be_v not_o impressive_a to_o some_o fear_n of_o god_n when_o they_o see_v he_o thus_o let_v loose_v the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o natural_a agent_n upon_o they_o 2._o their_o multitude_n there_o be_v earthquake_n in_o divers_a place_n nature_n run_v often_o against_o her_o bias_n in_o the_o same_o instance_n that_o so_o the_o effect_n may_v not_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o rub_n of_o some_o casual_a impediment_n but_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o heaven_n overrule_a and_o direct_v it_o and_o shall_v i_o here_o grant_v which_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v that_o many_o and_o great_a earthquake_n in_o a_o continent_n especial_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o some_o approach_a evil_n our_o adversary_n can_v advance_v little_a upon_o the_o concession_n both_o because_o the_o example_n will_v i_o believe_v be_v find_v a_o heteroclite_n and_o to_o stand_v alone_o in_o the_o history_n of_o nature_n as_o also_o because_o i_o conceive_v they_o will_v not_o adventure_v to_o compare_v a_o monster_n or_o fiery_a meteor_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o so_o many_o earthquake_n general_o single_v out_o in_o scripture_n as_o the_o monitor_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o majesty_n 3._o their_o dismal_a attendant_n the_o creature_n will_v not_o nourish_v such_o rebel_n against_o heaven_n as_o be_v then_o upon_o earth_n there_o be_v f●nines_n the_o air_n refuse_v to_o cherish_v and_o refresh_v they_o there_o be_v pestilence_n the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n shrink_v away_o from_o such_o hate_a object_n the_o light_n of_o heaven_n be_v darken_v the_o earth_n groan_v and_o stagger_v in_o a_o sort_n under_o her_o vile_a burden_n there_o be_v earthquake_n in_o divers_a place_n so_o that_o these_o sign_n may_v as_o letter_n do_v speak_v that_o to_o a_o pious_a fear_n in_o conjunction_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v in_o separation_n 4._o their_o divine_a prediction_n there_o shall_v be_v earthquake_n and_o each_o earthquake_n be_v a_o sign_n not_o as_o eventus_fw-la mirabilis_fw-la but_o as_o eventus_fw-la praedictus_fw-la 7._o saul_n his_o meeting_n of_o three_o man_n carry_v three_o kid_n and_o three_o loaf_n and_o a_o bottle_n of_o wine_n when_o he_o part_v from_o samuel_n may_v have_v be_v receive_v with_o the_o slight_a and_o pass_a notice_n of_o a_o casual_a and_o common_a accident_n have_v it_o not_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o a_o sign_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o he_o and_o thus_o any_o of_o these_o earthquake_n may_v perhaps_o have_v be_v receive_v but_o with_o the_o common_a wonder_n which_o any_o rare_a and_o prodigious_a occurrence_n call_v forth_o but_o because_o foretold_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n when_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o that_o eye_n of_o prescience_n which_o can_v foresee_v a_o event_n which_o hold_v of_o no_o certain_a cause_n do_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n and_o certainty_n foresee_v that_o fearful_a desolation_n approach_v whereof_o it_o be_v appoint_v a_o sign_n and_o symbol_n so_o that_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n appear_v to_o lend_v as_o little_a strength_n and_o support_v to_o that_o weak_a and_o fall_a cause_n which_o seek_v for_o confidence_n and_o assistance_n from_o it_o as_o the_o forego_n from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o speak_v concern_v prodigy_n natural_a it_o may_v appear_v that_o howsoever_o they_o may_v possible_o serve_v as_o a_o pretty_a ground_n for_o the_o fancy_n of_o a_o poet_n or_o orator_n which_o be_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o do_v parùm_fw-la sapere_fw-la they_o be_v too_o sandy_a and_o sink_v a_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o religious_a conclusion_n upon_o we_o must_v not_o introduce_v scenam_fw-la in_o vitam_fw-la nec_fw-la fabulas_fw-la in_o fidem_fw-la pious_a fraud_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o foot_n of_o clay_n which_o will_v at_o last_o deceive_v and_o si●k_v under_o that_o weighty_a body_n of_o religion_n which_o ever_o rely_v upon_o they_o for_o support_v chap._n iii_o concern_v prodigy_n preternatural_a prodigy_n preternatural_a what_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o prove_v a_o hurtful_a vanity_n the_o profane_a opinion_n the_o heathen_a have_v of_o god_n upon_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o of_o they_o note_v from_o their_o write_n the_o evil_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o a_o double_a account_n give_v of_o the_o prevalence_n of_o this_o persuasion_n the_o conceit_n of_o god_n give_v forth_o some_o shadow_n and_o picture_n of_o his_o great_a work_n before_o he_o set_v about_o they_o touch_v upon_o the_o author_n judgement_n of_o apparition_n deliver_v in_o five_o conclusion_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prodigy_n mention_v in_o josephus_n the_o wonderful_a prodigy_n mention_v in_o ovid_n and_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n whence_o take_v all_o the_o extraordinary_n in_o the_o world_n which_o fall_v out_o by_o no_o steady_a and_o certain_a rule_n and_o cause_n such_o as_o be_v the_o approach_n of_o a_o strange_a and_o unknown_a kind_n of_o fish_n to_o the_o shore_n the_o fire_n of_o house_n by_o lightning_n disorderly_a ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n some_o spot_n as_o it_o be_v of_o blood_n appear_v in_o stone_n or_o statue_n and_o a_o hundred_o such_o like_a to_o serve_v as_o i_o can_v the_o distinctness_n of_o the_o discourse_n i_o style_v prodigy_n preternatural_a all_o which_o as_o soon_o as_o fasten_v upon_o my_o hand_n i_o shall_v shake_v off_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o venomous_a beast_n and_o deliver_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o to_o that_o smoke_n and_o darkness_n whence_o it_o do_v at_o first_o proceed_v that_o my_o reader_n nor_o myself_o derive_v no_o infection_n from_o so_o hurtful_a and_o headless_a a_o vanity_n 1._o i_o style_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n a_o very_a hurtful_a vanity_n the_o regard_v of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a occurrence_n as_o presage_n of_o evil_a serve_v heretofore_o but_o to_o cherish_v in_o man_n this_o deform_a thought_n of_o god_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_n to_o the_o law_n of_o a_o insuperable_a faté_fw-fr and_o a_o blind_a necessity_n all_o he_o can_v do_v be_v only_o to_o foresee_v a_o evil_a and_o so_o to_o piece_n out_o his_o power_n with_o his_o courtesy_n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a accident_n to_o awaken_v man_n to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o as_o they_o can_v to_o get_v
some_o contemplative_a person_n may_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o lay_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o surface_n as_o i_o will_v make_v my_o reader_n to_o believe_v for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o pretty_a conceit_n among_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o more_o mystical_a sort_n of_o philosopher_n that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o upper_a and_o intelligible_a world_n be_v limn_v forth_o in_o some_o parallel_a instance_n and_o fimilar_v figure_n here_o below_o and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d matter_n intelligible_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o true_a filling_n up_o of_o thing_n sensible_a which_o carry_v but_o some_o general_a and_o rude_a line_n and_o image_n of_o they_o thus_o some_o person_n seem_v strong_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n be_v portray_v and_o shadow_v out_o first_o in_o some_o little_a picture_n and_o image_n of_o they_o and_o that_o therefore_o many_o strange_a accident_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v &_o as_o a_o sort_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exemplar_n and_o type_n of_o some_o great_a and_o unusual_a work_n to_o follow_v after_o thus_o the_o sink_n of_o the_o lambeth_n ferry-boat_n with_o the_o arch-bishop_n coach-horse_n and_o coachman_n to_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o thames_n sept._n 19_o 1633._o the_o very_a 35._o first_o day_n he_o remove_v from_o fulham_n to_o lambeth_n be_v say_v one_o no_o doubt_n a_o presage_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o archbishopric_n sink_v through_o his_o pride_n and_o violence_n with_o as_o good_a reason_n may_v i_o add_v that_o their_o swim_v again_o at_o last_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o function_n shall_v at_o last_o appear_v above_o water_n but_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o the_o most_o altogether_o unnecessary_a to_o bestow_v much_o breath_n to_o break_v this_o pretty_a bubble_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o wind_n therein_o and_o will_v break_v and_o refute_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o airy_a unstable_a and_o transparent_a principle_n though_o perhaps_o with_o some_o that_o know_v not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o argument_n and_o a_o similitude_n the_o conceit_n may_v appear_v of_o more_o value_n and_o moment_n apparition_n whether_o in_o the_o air_n of_o army_n of_o city_n or_o by_o any_o particular_a application_n of_o angel_n good_a or_o bad_a in_o a_o way_n of_o counsel_n and_o conference_n reckon_v among_o prodigy_n preternatural_a no_o power_n transcendent_a to_o create_v be_v exert_v in_o they_o may_v perhaps_o appear_v in_o this_o place_n argument_n big_a enough_o to_o deserve_v a_o more_o serious_a and_o particular_a examination_n in_o which_o undertake_v i_o may_v hope_v for_o pardon_n if_o stand_v in_o no_o better_a light_n i_o hit_v the_o butt_n though_o not_o the_o white_a and_o deliver_v what_o may_v seem_v most_o consistent_a with_o so_o briety_n and_o approach_n near_o to_o the_o truth_n all_o that_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o offer_v in_o this_o argument_n shall_v be_v dispose_v under_o these_o five_o proposition_n first_o there_o have_v be_v some_o such_o apparition_n as_o these_o mention_v i_o ready_o 1_o grant_v that_o this_o argument_n like_o a_o enchant_a house_n be_v full_a of_o phantasm_n and_o delusive_a image_n and_o that_o many_o story_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v which_o like_a spectre_n be_v fill_v out_o in_o show_n with_o body_n and_o substance_n which_o when_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v and_o examine_v by_o make_v search_n into_o their_o ground_n and_o evidence_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o vanish_v into_o the_o air_n of_o common_a report_n or_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o some_o superstitious_a or_o melancholy_a imaginant_fw-la and_o therefore_o i_o know_v many_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o impressive_a to_o any_o such_o relation_n but_o look_v upon_o they_o all_o but_o as_o apparition_n indeed_o thing_n which_o never_o advance_v near_o to_o reality_n than_o the_o image_n of_o a_o dream_n look_v as_o in_o religion_n some_o man_n to_o present_a god_n but_o with_o a_o flatter_a faith_n take_v great_a pleasure_n to_o invent_v new_a mystery_n there_o in_o to_o fancy_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o what_o inexplicable_a in_o every_o article_n thereof_o till_o they_o have_v make_v it_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o most_o natural_a maxim_n and_o easy_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o a_o scandal_n to_o man_n that_o can_v discourse_v so_o other_o be_v very_o busy_a in_o fill_v up_o every_o depth_n and_o remove_v every_o real_a mystery_n therein_o till_o they_o have_v leave_v no_o image_n or_o footstep_n of_o its_o unsearchable_a author_n thereupon_o thus_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o providence_n some_o man_n be_v huge_o take_v with_o mystery_n therein_o delight_v to_o hear_v and_o relate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d somewhat_o new_a and_o strange_a their_o pia_fw-la mater_fw-la be_v always_o big_a with_o some_o religious_a legend_n or_o prophecy_n to_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o easy_a world_n as_o a_o divine_a discovery_n other_o again_o will_v remove_v all_o prodigy_n apparition_n and_o what_o ever_o go_v off_o from_o the_o figure_n and_o measure_n of_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o know_v not_o to_o admit_v a_o persuasion_n of_o any_o thing_n of_o who_o cause_n end_n or_o example_n they_o be_v not_o aware_a lucian_n commend_v this_o temper_n in_o epicurus_n democritus_n metrodorus_n alexand._n that_o if_o any_o thing_n rare_a and_o wonderful_a fall_v before_o their_o consideration_n they_o have_v put_v on_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o resolution_n as_o inflexible_a as_o adamant_n to_o endeavour_v a_o solution_n thereof_o and_o its_o reduction_n to_o the_o proper_a end_n and_o cause_n which_o if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v well_o and_o good_a but_o if_o not_o to_o arrest_v all_o further_a search_n and_o wonder_n with_o this_o sentence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o lie_n and_o impossible_a to_o be_v at_o all_o a_o easy_a art_n to_o maintain_v the_o repute_n of_o understand_a man_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o seldom_o find_v man_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v arrive_v at_o no_o great_a experience_n of_o themselves_o or_o thing_n advance_v the_o length_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o experience_n like_a as_o our_o einglish_a king_n do_v his_o arm_n the_o common_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n a_o instance_n of_o which_o temper_n appear_v in_o their_o slow_a and_o heavy_a motion_n to_o a_o faith_n of_o such_o thing_n apparition_n among_o the_o rest_n who_o nature_n cause_n end_n or_o pattern_n fall_v not_o within_o their_o compass_n but_o certain_o as_o to_o be_v of_o a_o waxen_a faith_n impressive_a to_o any_o narration_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o softness_n and_o superstition_n so_o a_o obstinate_a and_o pertinacious_a incredulity_n retain_v a_o little_a to_o atheism_n because_o remove_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o pregnant_a argument_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o give_v cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o person_n have_v ingenium_fw-la difficulter_fw-la sanabile_fw-la in_o religion_n which_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v be_v so_o manage_v as_o to_o suppose_v man_n candid_a and_o ingenuous_a such_o as_o will_v sit_v down_o with_o high_a probability_n where_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v admit_v not_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n the_o story_n of_o all_o time_n be_v full_a of_o relation_n of_o such_o 12._o thing_n as_o these_o and_o therefore_o unbelief_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v guilty_a of_o the_o rudeness_n of_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o world_n they_o which_o have_v itch_a ear_n for_o such_o story_n may_v have_v they_o sufficient_o scratch_v by_o cardanus_n grosius_n and_o other_o writer_n in_o this_o curious_a argument_n second_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o some_o apparition_n in_o the_o air_n have_v be_v intend_v the_o monitor_n of_o some_o judgement_n approach_v i_o shall_v instance_n but_o in_o two_o example_n one_o mention_v by_o josephus_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o little_a before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_a army_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o appear_v among_o other_o prodigy_n chariot_n and_o arm_a company_n of_o horseman_n issue_v out_o of_o the_o cloud_n and_o intercept_n the_o heaven_n with_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o troop_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o he_o and_o other_o not_o so_o drink_v with_o pride_n and_o opinion_n as_o the_o rest_n a_o representation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o march_v forth_o of_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o host_n with_o all_o warlike_a appointment_n to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o that_o rebellious_a city_n and_o nation_n our_o other_o example_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o a_o author_n
have_v have_v peaceable_a possession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n for_o so_o many_o age_n for_o to_o say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v in_o many_o regard_n a_o example_n extraordinary_a and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a maxim_n example_n extraordinary_a neither_o break_v a_o rule_n nor_o make_v one_o upon_o which_o account_n alone_o i_o have_v no_o great_a fear_n that_o the_o other_o instance_n will_v much_o prejudice_v our_o cause_n though_o i_o allow_v both_o a_o truth_n and_o a_o significancy_n to_o that_o apparition_n though_o perhaps_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v judge_v so_o much_o in_o favour_n thereof_o have_v i_o not_o be_v bribe_v by_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o suffrage_n of_o so_o many_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o author_n seem_v to_o drive_v upon_o that_o apocryphal_a writing_n wherein_o it_o be_v find_v three_o there_o appear_v not_o now_o any_o ground_n at_o all_o to_o receive_v any_o such_o apparition_n 3_o in_o the_o air_n as_o the_o certain_a sign_n and_o monitor_n of_o any_o calamity_n to_o ensue_v upon_o a_o nation_n and_o that_o first_o because_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o the_o book_n of_o god_n so_o to_o regard_v they_o have_v no_o precept_n at_o all_o to_o oblige_v we_o nor_o yet_o any_o example_n therein_o to_o encourage_v we_o the_o sign_n of_o future_a event_n which_o we_o sometime_o find_v god_n make_v use_n of_o be_v such_o as_o out_o of_o their_o institution_n be_v no_o way_n apt_a to_o foreshow_v any_o any_o such_o event_n they_o be_v most_o common_o signa_fw-la ad_fw-la placitum_fw-la such_o as_o carry_v no_o similitude_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v sign_n as_o the_o apparition_n of_o army_n in_o the_o air_n seem_v to_o do_v of_o some_o succeed_a battle_n that_o so_o none_o may_v be_v encourage_v afterward_o to_o regard_v they_o as_o omen_n when_o again_o occur_v and_o fancy_n that_o they_o minister_v at_o all_o to_o the_o vanity_n of_o any_o such_o observation_n now_o a_o negative_a argument_n from_o scripture_n seem_v conclusive_a enough_o in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o divine_a prescience_n and_o providence_n and_o man_n dutiful_a observance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o judgement_n appear_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o assist_v as_o we_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v in_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o second_o such_o kind_n of_o sign_n will_v lay_v man_n naked_a and_o expose_v to_o perpetual_a delusion_n and_o imposture_n for_o how_o often_o do_v the_o antic_a shape_n of_o the_o cloud_n serve_v the_o imagination_n of_o dragon_n and_o army_n in_o the_o air_n that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d zech._n 10._o 1._o which_o we_o render_v cloud_n the_o lxx_o by_o a_o verbal_a mistake_n of_o the_o radix_fw-la translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apparitiones_fw-la and_o a_o melancholy_a fancy_n be_v as_o subject_v to_o this_o real_a mistake_n the_o translate_n of_o cloud_n into_o apparition_n of_o church_n or_o castle_n or_o army_n can_v any_o serious_a person_n then_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o such_o a_o proteus_n as_o a_o cloud_n be_v for_o a_o solution_n of_o any_o doubt_n de_fw-fr futuro_fw-la which_o can_v shift_v into_o any_o shape_n and_o form_n of_o thing_n have_v he_o not_o all_o along_o appear_v to_o value_v our_o understanding_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n then_o to_o require_v they_o to_o a_o regard_n of_o thing_n so_o expose_v to_o suspicion_n and_o the_o conceit_n of_o some_o imposture_n three_o such_o kind_n of_o apparition_n in_o the_o air_n have_v be_v know_v not_o succeed_v by_o any_o black_a and_o tragical_a event_n the_o truth_n be_v wisdom_n which_o use_v to_o draw_v her_o line_n by_o the_o steady_a and_o even_a rule_n of_o some_o well_o assume_v principle_n have_v not_o appear_v so_o critical_a a_o observer_n of_o such_o accident_n and_o their_o event_n as_o folly_n have_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o so_o well_o provide_v of_o example_n to_o reprehend_v this_o vanity_n as_o 291._o otherwise_o we_o may_v be_v i_o must_v therefore_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o a_o single_a instance_n which_o occurr_v in_o a_o learned_a and_o sober_a writer_n who_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n report_v to_o he_o by_o person_n of_o good_a credit_n how_o that_o in_o the_o year_n before_o he_o record_v that_o relation_n there_o be_v 1629._o see_v two_o opposite_a battalion_n in_o the_o air_n lance_v out_o their_o spear_n and_o discharge_v as_o it_o be_v their_o musket_n victory_n now_o reel_v and_o in_o the_o end_n one_o side_n give_v chase_n to_o the_o other_o whereas_o all_o these_o thing_n prove_v but_o è_fw-la vitro_fw-la fulgura_fw-la be_v follow_v only_o with_o jubilee_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o our_o dwelling_n for_o many_o year_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n presume_v to_o foreshow_v our_o succeed_a civil_a war_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o many_o year_n now_o one_o negative_a instance_n in_o such_o case_n be_v of_o more_o force_n to_o unfix_v and_o discredit_v a_o pretend_v rule_n than_o two_o affirmative_n to_o establish_v it_o because_o the_o latter_a the_o world_n be_v so_o full_a of_o evil_n may_v fall_v out_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o chance_n or_o the_o agency_n of_o seduce_a spirit_n whereas_o the_o former_a seem_v to_o proclaim_v some_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n in_o nature_n and_o the_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o of_o god_n to_o give_v notice_n of_o any_o of_o his_o counsel_n by_o any_o such_o emergency_n as_o these_o four_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o these_o airy_a apparition_n may_v be_v solve_v by_o a_o natural_a cause_n to_o let_v pass_v the_o conceit_n of_o real_a army_n somewhere_o fight_v on_o earth_n reflect_v in_o the_o cloud_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n as_o at_o best_o but_o a_o ingenuous_a vanity_n the_o suppose_a fire_v of_o ordinance_n and_o musket_n be_v i_o believe_v general_o nothing_o but_o the_o coruscation_n of_o some_o incense_a exhalation_n break_v forth_o by_o pause_n and_o interval_n from_o the_o cloud_n and_o as_o thunder_n do_v with_o the_o noise_n and_o terror_n of_o those_o military_a engine_n the_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o of_o horseman_n and_o company_n may_v be_v represent_v to_o a_o active_a fancy_n by_o the_o cloud_n carry_v by_o the_o unconstant_a force_n of_o the_o wind_n to_o very_o giddy_a and_o unequal_a figure_n and_o motion_n the_o stand_v of_o pike_n and_o spear_n may_v be_v but_o the_o ragged_a and_o deform_a protuberance_n of_o the_o disturb_a cloud_n only_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o nature_n draw_v the_o image_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o such_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a figure_n that_o man_n be_v force_v much_o to_o assist_v and_o quicken_v the_o dulness_n and_o defectiveness_n of_o the_o type_n by_o the_o fiction_n of_o imagination_n five_o some_o of_o these_o airy_a apparition_n and_o noise_n be_v manage_v with_o that_o method_n and_o artifice_n come_v forth_o in_o such_o choose_a season_n if_o we_o credit_v relation_n that_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o airy_a principality_n impure_a spirit_n like_o juggler_n may_v oft_o do_v strange_a trick_n to_o call_v upon_o themselves_o the_o regard_n of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o they_o see_v cause_n big_a with_o their_o effect_n may_v by_o such_o sign_n foreshow_v they_o to_o derive_v upon_o themselves_o either_o the_o opinion_n of_o prescience_n or_o of_o some_o great_a affection_n to_o man_n who_o they_o awaken_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o as_o delilah_n do_v samson_n when_o the_o philistine_n some_o great_a evil_n be_v just_a upon_o they_o or_o else_o as_o s._n austin_n speak_v noxiae_fw-la curiositatis_fw-la retibus_fw-la implicare_fw-la to_o fly-blow_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a inquiry_n into_o time_n to_o come_v sure_o i_o be_o we_o find_v the_o appearance_n of_o army_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o arm_n and_o trumpet_n in_o the_o air_n find_v among_o such_o bad_a company_n so_o many_o hateful_a omen_n and_o prodigy_n observe_v by_o the_o heathen_a as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o blemish_v they_o and_o to_o give_v suspicion_n that_o the_o observation_n and_o production_n of_o both_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o same_o father_n of_o lie_n ovid_n have_v mention_v the_o noise_n of_o army_n and_o trumpet_n hear_v in_o supr_n the_o cloud_n relate_v as_o presage_n of_o equal_a place_n and_o repute_v the_o weep_v of_o statue_n the_o wander_a of_o ghost_n the_o odd_a figure_n and_o colour_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o like_a do_v virgil_n in_o that_o place_n so_o often_o cite_v the_o devil_n well_o know_v that_o without_o the_o maintain_n of_o some_o opinion_n of_o his_o foresight_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o
fire_n on_o his_o altar_n will_v quick_o go_v out_o and_o therefore_o he_o appoint_v all_o the_o change_n in_o the_o exta_fw-la in_o the_o face_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o birth_n of_o creature_n in_o the_o fly_n of_o bird_n etc._n etc._n as_o a_o kind_n of_o sign_n from_o the_o god_n of_o some_o great_a and_o strange_a effect_n which_o when_o he_o see_v their_o cause_n to_o swell_v out_o withal_o and_o just_o ready_a to_o be_v deliver_v of_o they_o he_o can_v easy_o bring_v about_o all_o these_o little_a change_n fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n that_o on_o which_o side_n soever_o the_o die_n of_o affair_n fall_v be_v the_o success_n of_o a_o undertake_n on_o this_o side_n or_o that_o he_o may_v still_o secure_v the_o repute_n of_o his_o prescience_n by_o hold_v his_o easy_a votary_n in_o hand_n that_o the_o precede_a prodigy_n be_v a_o warning_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o fall_v out_o and_o therefore_o he_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o imposture_n much_o better_a upon_o these_o dumb_a and_o doubtful_a than_o his_o speak_a oracle_n wherein_o he_o hazard_v his_o credit_n great_o by_o return_v doubtful_a or_o false_a solution_n to_o the_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o de_fw-fr futuro_fw-la well_o therefore_o may_v the_o devil_n be_v presume_v upon_o a_o easy_a foresight_n of_o some_o great_a disaster_n to_o cause_v the_o entrail_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n to_o put_v on_o a_o sad_a and_o unusual_a face_n and_o therefore_o the_o poet_n upon_o such_o a_o accident_n speak_v more_o truth_n than_o he_o be_v aware_a caesique_fw-la in_o viscera_fw-la tauri_n inferni_fw-la venêre_fw-la dei._n so_o also_o upon_o his_o sight_n of_o a_o approach_a battle_n he_o may_v easy_o give_v forth_o a_o prophetic_a emblem_n thereof_o in_o some_o such_o martial_a image_n and_o impression_n upon_o the_o airy_a region_n his_o proper_a province_n if_o all_o this_o satisfy_v not_o i_o shall_v ready_o deliver_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o reference_n to_o such_o thing_n for_o myself_o when_o i_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a host_n not_o call_v forth_o but_o to_o wait_v upon_o some_o great_a and_o important_a service_n the_o protection_n of_o a_o patriarch_n or_o a_o great_a prophet_n the_o declaration_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o perhaps_o to_o attend_v god_n great_a act_n of_o justice_n upon_o jerusalem_n i_o know_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o such_o cheap_a and_o little_a thought_n of_o they_o as_o once_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v ever_o send_v forth_o to_o run_v a_o tilt_n in_o the_o air_n to_o find_v the_o vain_a world_n talk_v and_o to_o tell_v it_o news_n or_o that_o god_n will_v ever_o confer_v the_o honour_n of_o so_o solemn_a and_o great_a a_o presage_n upon_o a_o paltry_a battle_n at_o sea_n or_o land_n which_o be_v general_o intend_v but_o to_o serve_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n which_o have_v break_v all_o those_o cord_n of_o love_n precept_n of_o charity_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v one_o unto_o another_o four_o the_o apparition_n of_o evil_a angel_n in_o what_o place_n form_n company_n 4._o and_o their_o premonition_n by_o what_o voice_n and_o sign_n soever_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v attend_v unto_o as_o the_o prognostic_n of_o any_o event_n whatsoever_o many_o relation_n there_o be_v current_a in_o writer_n and_o common_a converse_n of_o such_o apparition_n in_o very_o terrible_a form_n and_o that_o before_o some_o great_a plague_n 2._o and_o war_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o once_o attempt_v to_o build_v my_o cause_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o credit_n of_o they_o all_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o fall_n of_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n foretell_v by_o the_o apparition_n of_o a_o evil_a angel_n such_o apparition_n have_v happen_v though_o general_o in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o great_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o that_o perhaps_o as_o be_v say_v that_o these_o lie_a spirit_n may_v maintain_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o foresight_n of_o thing_n though_o the_o matter_n signify_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v discover_v in_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a cause_n or_o to_o derive_v a_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o story_n of_o angelical_a apparition_n in_o sacred_a writ_n or_o to_o get_v such_o a_o stock_n of_o credit_n whereby_o they_o may_v set_v up_o cheater_n with_o the_o less_o suspicion_n for_o the_o future_a or_o perhaps_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o petty_a triumph_n over_o those_o man_n who_o sin_n together_o with_o their_o temptation_n have_v betray_v they_o to_o such_o fearful_a judgement_n or_o perhaps_o evil_a angel_n be_v often_o the_o executioner_n of_o his_o judgement_n god_n will_v have_v these_o apollyon_n see_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o stage_n before_o execution_n 44._o that_o man_n may_v know_v and_o consider_v into_o who_o hand_n in_o all_o likelihood_n their_o iniquity_n have_v betray_v they_o but_o admit_v the_o depth_n of_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o such_o apparition_n past_o our_o fathom_v sure_o i_o be_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n at_o all_o to_o give_v any_o evil_a spirit_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o least_o trust_n and_o regard_n by_o a_o observance_n of_o any_o word_n action_n or_o sign_n of_o he_o god_n will_v disow_v one_o of_o his_o royal_a title_n when_o once_o black_v and_o profane_v by_o the_o devil_n usurpation_n hos._n 2._o 16_o 17._o our_o saviour_n refuse_v a_o just_a and_o true_a testimony_n to_o his_o divinity_n when_o give_v in_o by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n mark_v 1._o 24._o god_n servant_n refuse_v his_o good_a creature_n when_o once_o set_v upon_o the_o devil_n table_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 21._o we_o be_v allow_v no_o fellowship_n with_o devil_n by_o who_o truth_n be_v never_o tell_v but_o to_o serve_v some_o delusion_n and_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o read_v psal._n 78._o 49._o that_o god_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o evil_a angel_n as_o the_o executioner_n of_o his_o judgement_n yet_o never_o that_o he_o commissionated_a any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o denouncers_n of_o they_o to_o receive_v therefore_o the_o apparition_n voice_n drumming_n or_o antic_a noise_n of_o spirit_n in_o any_o place_n whatsoever_o as_o presage_n of_o some_o approach_a evil_n as_o if_o like_o some_o strange_a creature_n in_o the_o sea_n they_o use_v to_o show_v themselves_o and_o play_v in_o sight_n against_o a_o storm_n be_v to_o consult_v shame_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n to_o ourselves_o because_o render_v ourselves_o thereby_o to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o have_v a_o great_a credulity_n and_o curiosity_n pregnant_a argument_n of_o a_o soft_a vain_a and_o unfurnished_a mind_n to_o our_o religion_n derive_v upon_o it_o a_o appearance_n of_o falsehood_n in_o those_o many_o assurance_n it_o offer_v we_o of_o the_o treachery_n and_o imposture_n of_o those_o forsake_a spirit_n such_o apparition_n report_v nothing_o to_o we_o with_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o what_o they_o tempt_v man_n lest_o to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o so_o as_o the_o viper_n flesh_n cure_v its_o own_o bite_n enable_v we_o to_o quote_v the_o devil_n against_o satan_n and_o to_o cast_v he_o out_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v therefore_o our_o wisdom_n not_o to_o invite_v the_o devil_n so_o far_o to_o be_v our_o oracle_n as_o to_o vouchsafe_v the_o least_o credit_n or_o regard_n to_o any_o of_o his_o prophetic_a speech_n posture_n action_n but_o to_o resolve_v to_o take_v the_o goodness_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o security_n sufficient_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o composure_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o his_o keep_n and_o so_o make_v way_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o distrustful_a fear_n arise_v from_o any_o sign_n whatsoever_o give_v forth_o by_o so_o swear_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o man_n five_o the_o appearance_n of_o good_a angel_n be_v now_o rare_o give_v hardly_o 5._o discover_v never_o to_o be_v expect_v i_o say_v rare_o give_a i_o do_v not_o say_v never_o lest_o i_o speak_v without_o book_n to_o omit_v some_o very_a probable_a relation_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o apparition_n be_v usual_o think_v a_o herald_n from_o heaven_n which_o advise_v james_n the_o four_o of_o scotland_n in_o who_o counsel_n at_o that_o time_n the_o concern_v of_o a_o nation_n be_v wrap_v up_o to_o historian_n forbear_v some_o vicious_a practice_n but_o especial_o the_o fight_n of_o his_o intend_a battle_n with_o the_o english_a in_o those_o word_n rex_fw-la ego_fw-la ad_fw-la te_fw-la missus_fw-la sum_fw-la ut_fw-la te_fw-la admoneam_fw-la ne_fw-la quò_fw-la instituisti_fw-la progrediaris_fw-la quam_fw-la admonitionem_fw-la si_fw-la neglexeris_fw-la non_fw-la erit_fw-la è_fw-it re_fw-mi tua_fw-la nec_fw-la eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la
receive_v they_o how_o strange_a soever_o with_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o very_a passive_a soul_n and_o submissive_a faith_n but_o if_o we_o once_o put_v right_a reason_n which_o be_v janitor_fw-la animae_fw-la thus_o by_o its_o office_n and_o place_n our_o inward_a house_n will_v soon_o lie_v open_a and_o free_a for_o any_o vile_a and_o vagrant_a opinion_n to_o take_v up_o and_o dwell_v therein_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a maxim_n of_o those_o son_n of_o mystery_n the_o cabalist_n and_o some_o chemist_n that_o intellectus_fw-la perficitur_fw-la patiendo_fw-la the_o mind_n of_o man_n like_o matter_n be_v render_v most_o capable_a of_o be_v well_o inform_v by_o become_a pura_fw-la potentia_fw-la a_o passive_a power_n and_o that_o truth_n offer_v herself_o sole_o to_o such_o passionate_a and_o humble_a suitor_n which_o can_v be_v content_a even_o to_o forgo_v themselves_o to_o gain_v she_o but_o sure_o i_o be_o god_n have_v no_o where_o require_v we_o to_o a_o faith_n which_o can_v satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n which_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n thereof_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o prove_v before_o we_o hold_v fast_o to_o chew_v before_o we_o swallow_v to_o sound_a as_o well_o as_o sail_v and_o therefore_o till_o we_o see_v some_o better_a reason_n offer_v to_o acquit_v our_o own_n of_o they_o as_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n counsel_n beside_o the_o imagination_n and_o dictate_v of_o dogmatical_a man_n which_o will_v venture_v to_o break_v open_a god_n cabinet_n while_o they_o want_v any_o sure_a key_n to_o unlock_v it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o just_a respect_n to_o ourselves_o to_o maintain_v our_o freedom_n of_o dissent_n and_o to_o believe_v such_o strange_a work_n level_v to_o some_o other_o white_a than_o what_o they_o imagine_v as_o for_o the_o seem_a reason_n which_o this_o opinion_n lean_v unto_o they_o will_v appear_v like_o the_o staff_n of_o egypt_n either_o to_o break_v under_o or_o by_o a_o easy_a retortion_n to_o pierce_v and_o wound_v it_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o except_o we_o admit_v this_o end_n of_o these_o semi-miracle_n the_o most_o quick-sented_n will_v be_v at_o a_o fault_n whole_o at_o a_o loss_n what_o end_n of_o they_o to_o assign_v and_o pitch_v upon_o i_o answer_v be_v it_o so_o great_a a_o inconvenience_n to_o admit_v of_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o scholar_n good_a enough_o to_o make_v a_o right_a and_o proper_a construction_n be_v there_o not_o some_o work_n of_o providence_n which_o god_n have_v make_v deep_a and_o mystical_a on_o set_a purpose_n that_o man_n may_v be_v humble_v by_o they_o into_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o shortness_n see_v isai._n 48._o 7._o eccles_n 7._o 17._o 14._o and_o be_v it_o a_o strange_a thing_n to_o hear_v of_o some_o work_n in_o the_o compass_n of_o nature_n out_o of_o our_o reach_n such_o as_o we_o must_v behold_v as_o child_n do_v the_o moon_n only_o with_o a_o ignorant_a wonderment_n yea_o but_o the_o world_n will_v be_v always_o surprise_v by_o judgement_n if_o we_o admit_v not_o such_o prodigy_n the_o sign_n of_o they_o and_o have_v not_o god_n tell_v even_o those_o who_o profession_n it_o be_v to_o look_v after_o and_o expound_v the_o pretend_a sign_n of_o time_n the_o monthly_a prognosticatour_n that_o desolation_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o sudden_o and_o they_o 13._o shall_v not_o know_v and_o be_v not_o man_n express_o say_v not_o to_o know_v his_o time_n but_o to_o be_v snare_v in_o a_o evil_a time_n fall_v sudden_o upon_o he_o eccles_n 9_o 1●_n in_o sum_n the_o great_a confidence_n of_o the_o opinion_n we_o contend_v with_o seem_v to_o lie_v for_o aught_o i_o can_v perceive_v but_o in_o a_o series_n of_o many_o assertor_n which_o like_o person_n in_o the_o dark_a shut_v their_o eye_n and_o take_v care_n only_o to_o hold_v fast_o by_o those_o which_o go_v before_o they_o 2._o these_o heteroclita_n naturae_fw-la thing_n which_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o common_a and_o usual_a nature_n minister_v to_o big_a end_n than_o presage_v for_o 1._o they_o teach_v we_o to_o pay_v the_o tribute_n of_o admiration_n to_o he_o who_o though_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o second_o cause_n do_v these_o great_a wonder_n deliberate_a wonder_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o sudden_o surprise_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o a_o height_n be_v as_o one_o say_v part_n of_o adoration_n and_o can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o creature_n without_o some_o sacrilege_n such_o wonder_v consist_v of_o reverence_n and_o ignorance_n which_o best_o become_v even_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n in_o their_o search_n after_o god_n his_o way_n god_n have_v his_o wonder_n of_o justice_n such_o wherein_o he_o cause_v a_o strange_a coincidence_n of_o blind_a and_o contingent_a agent_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o work_v together_o for_o the_o detection_n and_o punishment_n of_o some_o great_a criminal_n that_o man_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o wheel_n bring_v over_o they_o be_v full_a of_o eye_n conduct_v by_o some_o great_a intelligence_n he_o have_v also_o his_o wonder_n of_o mercy_n such_o wherein_o he_o walk_v in_o way_n not_o cast_v up_o to_o accomplish_v the_o well-being_n and_o preservation_n of_o those_o which_o honour_v he_o by_o a_o great_a faith_n such_o whereof_o every_o pious_a breast_n be_v the_o office_n wherein_o they_o be_v register_v and_o record_v to_o these_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o add_v his_o wonder_n in_o nature_n the_o commonness_n of_o his_o other_o work_n be_v apt_a to_o soil_n they_o and_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o attend_v to_o all_o that_o wisdom_n and_o unsearchable_a greatness_n display_v in_o they_o 2._o these_o thing_n show_v we_o all_o the_o creature_n to_o be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o easy_o command_v like_o the_o clay_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o potter_n to_o what_o figure_n and_o use_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a at_o any_o time_n to_o appoint_v they_o unto_o according_a to_o that_o of_o job._n c._n 9_o 5_o 6_o 7._o who_o remove_v the_o mountain_n and_o they_o know_v not_o which_o overturn_v they_o in_o his_o anger_n which_o shake_v the_o earth_n out_o of_o her_o place_n and_o the_o pillar_n thereof_o tremble_v which_o command_v the_o sun_n and_o it_o rise_v not_o and_o seal_v up_o the_o star_n the_o other_o great_a argument_n against_o or_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o such_o occasion_n of_o wonder_n as_o be_v last_o mention_v as_o ominous_a be_v the_o same_o which_o fill_v out_o the_o forego_n paper_n i_o shall_v not_o hear_v offer_v the_o reader_n the_o taedium_fw-la of_o any_o repetition_n chap._n v._o remedy_n advise_v against_o the_o superstition_n of_o prodigy_n signal_n some_o man_n great_o propense_a to_o judge_v by_o measure_n vehement_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o why_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o common_a superstition_n of_o prodigy_n further_o note_v 5_o remedy_n advise_v against_o it_o 1._o the_o discard_n of_o all_o 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be_v first_o call_v christian_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o colossian_n and_o laodicea_n to_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n direct_v particular_a letter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o s._n john_n perish_v by_o a_o earthquake_n of_o god_n forsake_v the_o levantine_n church_n of_o the_o sea_n sudden_a break_n of_o its_o sandy_a girdle_n and_o overwhelm_a city_n or_o country_n of_o the_o many_o thousand_o which_o perish_v upon_o the_o second_o terrible_a eruption_n of_o fire_n from_o mount_n vesuvius_n or_o the_o like_a judgement_n great_a enough_o for_o a_o epocha_n 1631._o we_o be_v not_o to_o afflict_v their_o misery_n by_o charge_v a_o great_a guilt_n upon_o their_o person_n and_o memory_n then_o on_o other_o man_n but_o rather_o with_o the_o apostle_n stand_v and_o behold_v the_o severity_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o which_o fall_v and_o adore_v his_o goodness_n to_o we_o who_o be_v not_o thus_o surprise_v in_o our_o wickedness_n or_o visit_v with_o some_o strange_a affliction_n which_o may_v make_v we_o infamous_a as_o well_o as_o miserable_a and_o encourage_v uncharitable_a man_n to_o clap_v 23._o their_o hand_n at_o we_o and_o to_o hiss_v we_o out_o of_o our_o place_n second_o neither_o be_v any_o such_o extraordinary_a judgement_n in_o destitution_n of_o any_o other_o evidence_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o conclusive_a argument_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o cause_n civil_a or_o sacred_a doctrine_n and_o cause_n change_v colour_n and_o appearance_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o multitude_n according_a as_o heaven_n shine_v more_o or_o less_o upon_o they_o by_o success_n our_o history_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o very_a hot_a contest_v about_o the_o marriage_n of_o priest_n whether_o be_v more_o acceptable_a with_o god_n they_o which_o vow_v single_a 133._o life_n or_o they_o which_o be_v marry_v at_o last_o the_o contender_n agree_v to_o remit_v the_o controversy_n to_o the_o debate_n of_o a_o synod_n where_o they_o which_o assert_v the_o marriage_n of_o priest_n place_v themselves_o on_o one_o side_n of_o the_o room_n and_o they_o which_o appear_v against_o it_o on_o the_o other_o and_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o side_n of_o the_o house_n whereon_o the_o defendant_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o clergyman_n sit_v fall_v down_o and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v hurt_v and_o many_o lose_v their_o life_n which_o accident_n be_v construe_v god_n determination_n in_o the_o dispute_n and_o receive_v as_o a_o sign_n that_o he_o be_v better_o please_v with_o those_o which_o vow_v single_a life_n and_o the_o argument_n of_o their_o adversary_n be_v hereby_o long_o after_o knock_v at_o head_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o baronius_n to_o infer_v the_o piety_n of_o that_o payment_n 740._o take_v notice_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v even_o overspread_v with_o schism_n and_o heresy_n simul_fw-la ac_fw-la denarium_fw-la petri_n solvere_fw-la desierunt_fw-la as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o people_n leave_v off_o to_o pay_v peter_n penny_n and_o of_o late_a si_fw-la quid_fw-la humani●ùs_fw-la acciderit_fw-la any_o distemper_n incident_a to_o humanity_n have_v befall_v person_n in_o attendance_n on_o the_o public_a service_n they_o have_v be_v rash_o urge_v as_o caveat_n from_o heaven_n against_o the_o very_a prayer_n and_o thus_o in_o common_a life_n where_o man_n be_v at_o variance_n and_o see_v the_o rod_n of_o god_n lie_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o their_o adversary_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v god_n have_v espouse_v their_o cause_n and_o avenge_v their_o quarrel_n and_o so_o to_o kill_v their_o brother_n with_o god_n sword_n and_o make_v he_o a_o party_n in_o all_o their_o petty_a quarrel_n and_o animosity_n against_o all_o such_o unclean_a proof_n which_o like_o the_o crab_n go_v backward_o from_o event_n to_o rule_n i_o offer_v these_o consideration_n 1._o as_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v record_v some_o action_n of_o very_o eminent_a person_n as_o the_o equivocate_a of_o abraham_n with_o abimelech_n rachel_n her_o defeat_v of_o laban_n with_o a_o falsehood_n some_o action_n of_o samson_n etc._n etc._n not_o note_v like_o the_o jewish_a sepulcher_n with_o any_o visible_a sign_n of_o reproof_n and_o dislike_n that_o so_o man_n may_v not_o unwitting_o defile_v themselves_o by_o copy_v out_o the_o example_n in_o which_o he_o do_v but_o prove_v our_o constancy_n to_o his_o even_a and_o undoubted_a precept_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o have_v understanding_n to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o bright_a and_o dark_a side_n of_o that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n we_o be_v to_o eye_n in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n so_o also_o in_o his_o providence_n there_o be_v tentationes_fw-la divinae_fw-la god_n often_o blast_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n by_o adverse_a providence_n the_o cloud_n often_o rest_v upon_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o righreous_a the_o fire_n of_o heaven_n sometime_o strike_v a_o religious_a house_n the_o chief_a witness_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v force_v to_o know_v themselves_o by_o the_o title_n of_o victus_fw-la dei_fw-la populus_fw-la god_n hereby_o make_v trial_n whether_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a creature_n to_o move_v in_o the_o wheel_n whilst_o they_o describe_v such_o involve_a and_o perplex_v circle_n and_o motion_n whether_o we_o love_v truth_n and_o virtue_n or_o rather_o their_o fortune_n and_o felicity_n beside_o the_o divine_a relation_n and_o light_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n never_o make_v such_o clear_a report_n of_o themselves_o as_o when_o they_o break_v out_o and_o shine_v forth_o at_o last_o through_o all_o the_o cloud_n of_o persecution_n and_o heresy_n god_n often_o permit_v they_o for_o a_o time_n to_o be_v obscure_v withal_o 2._o prodigious_a evil_n upon_o its_o adversary_n be_v a_o plea_n which_o almost_o any_o cause_n be_v able_a to_o enter_v for_o itself_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o the_o israelite_n fall_v twice_o before_o the_o benjamite_n though_o engage_v in_o a_o war_n seldom_o 10._o unprosperous_a intend_v only_o ut_fw-la vindicte_fw-la publica_fw-la we_o ●inde_v the_o heathen_n often_o mention_v the_o judgement_n which_o be_v fall_v the_o contemptores_fw-la deorum_fw-la &_o religionis_fw-la among_o they_o and_o herodotus_n tell_v 37._o we_o that_o several_a barbarian_n as_o he_o style_v they_o adventure_v to_o rush_v rude_o upon_o the_o temple_n of_o minerva_n have_v the_o irreligion_n of_o the_o attempt_n avenge_v upon_o they_o by_o a_o fire_n from_o heaven_n a_o event_n to_o which_o i_o incline_v to_o entitle_v the_o especial_a agency_n of_o the_o devil_n among_o who_o stranger_n work_v the_o cause_v of_o fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n be_v especial_o instanced_a in_o rev._n 13._o 13._o to_o maintain_v thereby_o a_o reverence_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o his_o altar_n and_o rite_n and_o perhaps_o to_o imitate_v the_o fire_n which_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n under_o the_o old_a law_n to_o avenge_v the_o irreverend_a and_o unhallowed_a approach_n to_o his_o altar_n or_o which_o fall_v from_o heaven_n to_o chastise_v the_o rude_a and_o violent_a address_n of_o the_o captain_n and_o their_o fifty_n to_o a_o man_n of_o god_n however_o neither_o of_o these_o two_o example_n for_o i_o must_v rather_o crowd_n then_o leave_v out_o instance_n they_o be_v so_o many_o will_v encourage_v any_o man_n to_o acquit_v the_o benjamite_n or_o to_o bless_v a_o idol_n 3._o god_n have_v supply_v we_o with_o more_o even_n and_o steady_a rule_n to_o estimate_v the_o straightness_n or_o crookedness_n of_o any_o cause_n by_o than_o prodigy_n penal_a which_o a_o active_a fancy_n may_v easy_o tune_v to_o the_o air_n of_o any_o opinion_n and_o practice_n whatsoever_o we_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o counsel_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n the_o common_a principle_n which_o manage_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o world_n the_o law_n of_o a_o state_n and_o our_o own_o exercise_v reason_n which_o be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o plutarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a oracle_n of_o truth_n to_o resolve_v we_o in_o the_o emergent_a doubt_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v especial_o because_o man_n be_v under_o a_o quick_a sense_n how_o exact_a a_o eye_n be_v requisite_a to_o discern_v how_o near_o any_o of_o these_o rule_n touch_v the_o building_n any_o cause_n or_o doctrine_n of_o who_o evenness_n there_o may_v be_v a_o doubt_n and_o that_o this_o method_n of_o knowledge_n engage_v they_o to_o dig_v for_o understanding_n and_o require_v they_o to_o a_o industrious_a use_n of_o themselves_o in_o the_o acquist_n of_o true_a resolution_n in_o a_o case_n and_o perhaps_o may_v detain_v they_o some_o time_n but_o in_o the_o place_n of_o candidate_n and_o probationer_n for_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v so_o easy_o incline_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o suppose_v intimation_n of_o a_o revelation_n some_o strange_a prodigy_n or_o prophecy_n a_o mighty_a impulse_n which_o give_v they_o
figure_n and_o dimension_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o ignorance_n fingere_fw-la simul_fw-la &_o credere_fw-la 2._o religion_n seem_v much_o concern_v in_o such_o relation_n now_o man_n like_a jacob_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o venture_v upon_o a_o lie_n for_o a_o great_a blessing_n the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n beside_o as_o atheism_n give_v all_o event_n to_o the_o second_o so_o superstition_n religion_n scare_v out_o of_o its_o wit_n give_v all_o sole_o to_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o be_v therefore_o quick_o persuade_v to_o fill_v out_o its_o relation_n with_o all_o the_o example_n of_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a that_o effect_n may_v appear_v the_o more_o worthy_a of_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n moreover_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a fear_n of_o god_n make_v the_o mind_n impressive_a to_o any_o kind_n of_o religious_a legend_n never_o be_v the_o world_n more_o true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o philo_n style_v it_o a_o region_n of_o lie_n and_o fallacy_n then_o in_o the_o more_o dark_a and_o rude_a time_n of_o gentilism_n and_o popery_n when_o a_o ignorant_a devotion_n towards_o god_n have_v make_v religion_n almost_o nothing_o but_o a_o continue_a history_n of_o prodigy_n apparition_n miracle_n voice_n from_o the_o cloud_n and_o the_o like_a and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n bacon_n advise_v a_o just_a history_n of_o prodiges_fw-la to_o direct_v 29._o to_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o nature_n and_o knowledge_n of_o cause_n give_v in_o this_o prudent_a caveat_n maximè_fw-la habenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la pro_fw-la suspectis_fw-la quae_fw-la pendent_fw-la quomodocunque_fw-la à_fw-la religione_fw-la ut_fw-la prodigia_fw-la livii_n etc._n etc._n superstition_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o viper_n bite_v off_o that_o head_n weaken_v and_o soften_v that_o faculty_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o it_o do_v at_o first_o conceive_v and_o make_v it_o receptive_a of_o any_o odd_a fancy_n and_o impression_n 3._o the_o strength_n of_o these_o relation_n like_o that_o of_o nisus_n in_o the_o poet_n lie_v general_o in_o the_o weak_a hair_n of_o some_o single_a or_o double_a testimony_n now_o as_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o conceive_v a_o whole_a nation_n concern_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o one_o or_o two_o private_a person_n if_o they_o be_v true_a god_n sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v intend_v as_o lesson_n to_o a_o nation_n or_o posterity_n be_v general_o attest_v by_o number_n so_o as_o little_a reason_n to_o hang_v the_o weight_n of_o so_o serious_a a_o faith_n and_o great_a affection_n in_o religion_n upon_o so_o slender_a a_o wire_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o perhaps_o two_o or_o three_o man_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v the_o roman_n of_o old_a though_o as_o apt_a to_o swallow_v such_o prodigious_a story_n as_o any_o yet_o use_v to_o chew_v they_o fi●st_v by_o a_o serious_a examination_n sometime_o by_o the_o public_a magistrate_n make_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o attestour_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o livy_n prodigious_a accident_n sometime_o past_a by_o without_o any_o religious_a regard_n viz._n where_o the_o testimony_n appear_v incompetent_a and_o this_o lest_o what_o be_v intend_v a_o devotion_n to_o their_o deity_n may_v chance_v to_o prove_v a_o mockery_n 4._o some_o man_n seem_v even_o natural_o fabularum_fw-la proci_fw-la the_o very_a courter_n of_o fable_n and_o legend_n either_o out_o of_o a_o native_a vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o like_o the_o chameleon_n they_o be_v better_o please_v with_o 16._o airy_a then_o substantial_a nourishment_n or_o a_o mean_a kind_n of_o ambition_n of_o be_v look_v at_o and_o stare_v upon_o by_o the_o rude_a multitude_n who_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v neglect_v they_o if_o their_o book_n and_o discourse_n be_v not_o somewhat_o antic_a and_o extraordinary_a hence_o the_o man_n can_v scarce_o relate_v any_o matter_n especial_o if_o go_v a_o little_a off_o from_o common_a and_o quotidian_a but_o it_o must_v look_v big_a and_o borrow_v somewhat_o of_o a_o romance_n very_o observable_a therefore_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o any_o great_a wonder_n in_o sacred_a writ_n wherein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o most_o glorious_a display_v of_o the_o divine_a power_n deliver_v in_o that_o simplicity_n and_o coolness_n of_o style_n in_o that_o lax_n and_o general_a way_n with_o as_o little_a of_o ecstacy_n and_o emotion_n of_o mind_n appear_v in_o the_o relatour_n as_o if_o some_o vulgar_a and_o quotidian_a occurrence_n have_v fall_v before_o he_o that_o so_o there_o may_v not_o appear_v any_o symptom_n of_o that_o common_a itch_n in_o man_n to_o tell_v strange_a story_n or_o any_o affectation_n of_o strangeness_n and_o the_o common_a wonder_n or_o a_o great_a solicitousness_n to_o raise_v the_o esteem_n of_o that_o cause_n or_o party_n to_o which_o they_o be_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n second_o such_o a_o undertake_n will_v prove_v exceed_v difficult_a it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o believe_v many_o a_o strange_a story_n then_o to_o attempt_v its_o refute_v especial_o where_o the_o scene_n thereof_o be_v lay_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n off_o beside_o very_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o make_v any_o steady_a judgement_n of_o some_o prodigy_n without_o a_o actual_a presence_n to_o they_o such_o be_v the_o water_n of_o pond_n or_o fountain_n turn_v as_o it_o be_v pretend_v into_o blout_n the_o interruption_n of_o the_o current_n of_o river_n some_o spot_n as_o of_o blood_n discover_v upon_o stone_n or_o statue_n etc._n etc._n the_o cause_n of_o which_o appearance_n will_v scarce_o be_v ever_o hit_v by_o person_n which_o stand_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o understand_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o season_n climate_n water_n earth_n when_o and_o where_o the_o event_n fall_v out_o 3._o the_o undertake_n will_v have_v prove_v very_o unserviceable_a to_o our_o main_a 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that_o more_o word_n will_v have_v be_v but_o lose_v upon_o person_n which_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v have_v a_o great_a devotion_n for_o this_o ancient_a idol_n the_o opinion_n of_o presage_n by_o prodigy_n speculative_a 2._o error_n general_o scorn_v the_o truth_n practical_a error_n ●ate_z it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n to_o fear_v it_o because_o in_o the_o two_o former_a self_n only_o but_o in_o the_o latter_a god_n be_v presume_v especial_o concern_v all_o the_o image_n and_o fiction_n of_o the_o brai●_n like_o those_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o poet_n be_v translate_v present_o into_o heaven_n and_o god_n honour_n and_o counsel_n think_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v with_o they_o 6._o because_o as_o for_o person_n of_o more_o free_a and_o unengage_v min●s_n and_o that_o use_v not_o to_o believe_v without_o ask_v themselves_o why_o i_o be_v not_o without_o some_o hope_n that_o what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v in_o this_o argument_n may_v suffice_v to_o their_o resolution_n and_o satisfaction_n upon_o all_o which_o account_n i_o do_v not_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o concern_v myself_o in_o any_o solicitous_a inquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o particular_a relation_n or_o a_o tedious_a discovery_n of_o the_o lightness_n and_o insignificancy_n of_o they_o single_o and_o apart_o and_o so_o to_o kill_v this_o superstition_n as_o they_o do_v some_o kind_n of_o vermin_n by_o part_n and_o piece_n after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o say_v before_o i_o conclude_v the_o reader_n task_n and_o my_o own_o i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o call_v he_o to_o a_o notice_n of_o that_o strong_a and_o almost_o catholic_a propension_n in_o our_o nature_n against_o the_o reproach_n even_o of_o our_o understand_a part_n and_o the_o loud_a voice_n of_o a_o great_a experience_n to_o entertain_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o sacred_a regard_n person_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o ability_n to_o