they_o only_o guess_v at_o they_o and_o their_o conclusion_n of_o they_o be_v fickle_a and_o unsteady_a a_o short_a perusal_n of_o stobaeus_n and_o of_o plutarch_n treatise_n of_o the_o placit_v of_o philosophy_n or_o diogenes_n laertius_n of_o their_o life_n be_v sufficient_a i_o think_v to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n both_o of_o their_o physics_n and_o ethic_n it_o fare_v with_o philosopher_n as_o it_o do_v with_o those_o mutineir_v at_o ephesus_n some_o cry_n one_o thing_n and_o some_o another_o varro_n reckon_v 188_o opinion_n of_o the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la or_o the_o chief_a good_a of_o man_n and_o their_o opinion_n of_o other_o thing_n labour_v under_o vast_a uncertainty_n the_o world_n sure_o have_v very_o mistake_v and_o disorder_a conception_n of_o thing_n when_o every_o thing_n be_v a_o god_n with_o they_o when_o as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v of_o that_o strange_a way_n of_o metamorphosis_n which_o their_o idolatrous_a fancy_n lead_v they_o to_o 23._o to_o rom._n 1_o 22_o 23._o they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o four_o footed_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o their_o wild_a imagination_n suggest_v the_o learned_a may_v satisfy_v themselves_o how_o uncertain_a notion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o god_n from_o the_o divers_a account_n which_o plutarch_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o intelligent_a person_n among_o they_o give_v of_o the_o egyptian_a deity_n isis_n and_o osiris_n and_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o their_o god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o have_v so_o little_a light_n in_o other_o thing_n this_o make_v hermias_n the_o old_a christian_a philosopher_n in_o his_o piece_n which_o he_o entitle_v the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d irrision_n of_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n cry_v out_o at_o last_o 〈◊〉_d last_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d truth_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n and_o the_o so_o much_o celebrate_v philosophy_n hunt_v rather_o after_o shadow_n than_o lay_v hold_v on_o any_o true_a knowledâ—_n of_o thing_n and_o again_o thus_o in_o very_o fine_a word_n 〈◊〉_d word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o this_o that_o the_o philosopher_n talk_v of_o be_v but_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o black_a fraud_n and_o endless_a error_n and_o imperfect_a imagination_n and_o incomprehensible_a ignorance_n indeed_o the_o first_o and_o best_a enquirer_n into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o particular_o pythagoras_n notwithstanding_o the_o seven_o celebrate_a man_n of_o greece_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o wise_a man_n assume_v to_o himself_o only_o the_o name_n of_o a_o lover_n of_o wisdom_n to_o he_o the_o philosopher_n owe_v that_o modest_a name_n whereby_o they_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v only_a well-willer_n to_o wisdom_n not_o perfect_a master_n of_o it_o and_o socrates_n who_o be_v vote_v by_o the_o oracle_n the_o wise_a man_n of_o his_o age_n be_v yet_o more_o self-denying_a when_o he_o sincere_o profess_v for_o why_o shall_v we_o take_v it_o as_o a_o compliment_n that_o all_o that_o he_o know_v be_v this_o that_o he_o know_v nothing_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n in_o philosophy_n i_o take_v to_o be_v these_o two_o especial_o 1._o because_o humane_a reason_n be_v corrupt_v and_o vitiate_a load_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n darken_v with_o sensuality_n and_o pervert_v in_o many_o by_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o sin_v hence_o it_o be_v disable_v from_o frame_v right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o direct_v man_n into_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o duty_n 2._o because_o they_o want_v supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o give_v man_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o a_o full_a representation_n of_o all_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v another_o reason_n of_o philosophic_a darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o which_o render_v the_o christian_a law_n so_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o institution_n which_o we_o be_v honour_v with_o this_o make_v our_o religion_n unquestionable_a and_o infallible_a and_o such_o as_o we_o can_v confident_o rely_v upon_o for_o divine_a testimony_n command_v assent_v and_o force_v a_o acknowledgement_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n to_o hang_v in_o uncertain_a doubt_n and_o hesitation_n this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n whereas_o the_o corrupt_a philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n discover_v its_o vanity_n in_o its_o great_a obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n 2._o another_o instance_n of_o the_o emptiness_n and_o vnsatisfactoriness_n of_o the_o gentile_a wisdom_n be_v that_o it_o be_v intolerable_o quarrelsome_a and_o vexatious_a and_o this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v uncertainty_n among_o the_o philosopher_n which_o make_v so_o many_o sect_n among_o they_o the_o two_o capital_a one_o be_v proaemio_fw-la be_v diog._n laert_n in_o proaemio_fw-la the_o italic_a and_o jonick_a of_o the_o former_a pythagoras_n who_o after_o his_o travel_n philosophize_v in_o italy_n be_v recknon_v the_o chief_a and_o next_o to_o he_o democritus_n and_o epicurus_n of_o the_o latter_a thales_n be_v the_o first_o author_n and_o institutor_n and_o this_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a sect_n as_o 1._o the_o socratic_a of_o which_o socrates_n be_v the_o head_n 2._o the_o platonic_a which_o take_v its_o rise_n as_o well_o as_o name_n from_o plato_n though_o the_o retainer_n to_o it_o be_v also_o call_v academic_n 3._o the_o peripatetic_a of_o which_o aristotle_n be_v the_o founder_n 4._o that_o of_o the_o cynic_n of_o who_o antisthenes_n be_v the_o father_n 5._o that_o of_o the_o stoic_n which_o be_v set_v up_o by_o zeno_n and_o chrysippus_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v the_o sceptic_n if_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o philosopher_n who_o question_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n deny_v all_o philosophy_n who_o be_v also_o call_v aporetick_n i._n e._n doubter_n and_o zetetick_n or_o seeker_n of_o who_o pyrrho_n be_v the_o head_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o and_o relate_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o barbaric_a philosopher_n as_o the_o magi_n among_o the_o persian_n the_o chasdim_n or_o chaldee_n among_o the_o assyrian_n the_o gymnosophist_n among_o the_o indian_n the_o druid_n among_o the_o old_a gall_n and_o celtae_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o account_n of_o these_o be_v imperfect_a and_o dark_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o that_o be_v eminent_a in_o their_o philosophy_n be_v translate_v into_o that_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o reduce_v into_o some_o form_n and_o make_v more_o intelligible_a for_o which_o reason_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v conclude_v by_o laertius_n in_o his_o proem_n to_o the_o life_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o philosophy_n have_v its_o beginning_n from_o the_o greek_n and_o not_o from_o the_o barbarian_n wherefore_o i_o will_v whole_o speak_v of_o the_o former_a only_o i_o will_v make_v bold_a to_o insert_v the_o epicurean_o name_v so_o from_o their_o master_n epicurus_n though_o their_o philosophy_n most_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o italic_a but_o even_o this_o may_v be_v call_v part_n of_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n because_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o be_v grecian_n these_o be_v the_o several_a sect_n of_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n which_o as_o they_o differ_v in_o name_n so_o in_o opinion_n nay_o they_o fight_v with_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o with_o one_o another_o tully_n be_v observe_v to_o be_v sometime_o of_o one_o sect_n and_o another_o time_n of_o another_o he_o often_o delight_v in_o the_o academic_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o when_o he_o speak_v his_o own_o mind_n he_o defend_v plato_n opinion_n yet_o so_o that_o he_o favour_v the_o peripatetic_n and_o he_o be_v also_o a_o friend_n of_o the_o stoic_n when_o he_o please_v witness_v his_o paradox_n there_o be_v a_o perpetual_a squabble_n among_o these_o philosopher_n about_o their_o divers_a placit_n and_o opinion_n they_o grow_v angry_a and_o waspish_a they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o brawl_v and_o wrangle_v to_o cavil_v and_o scuffle_n to_o start_v objection_n and_o to_o make_v everlasting_a repartee_n socrates_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o act_v a_o part_n that_o dissemble_v and_o prevaricate_v he_o affect_v all_o his_o life_n ironical_a dissimulation_n this_o be_v his_o way_n of_o rhetoric_n and_o his_o philosophy_n be_v taint_v with_o it_o for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o his_o dispute_v be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o
reconciliation_n be_v inseparable_a and_o they_o be_v both_o purchase_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v our_o shiloh_n i._n e._n both_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o peacemaker_n hear_v how_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o bless_a name_n be_v proclaim_v by_o the_o inspired_a writer_n of_o old_a 24_o old_a dan._n 9_o 24_o he_o shall_v make_v reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n say_v the_o prophet_n daniel_n and_o other_o foretell_v that_o 5._o that_o mic._n 5._o 5._o this_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o peace_n and_o that_o 13_o that_o zech._n 6._o 13_o the_o council_n of_o peace_n shall_v be_v between_o they_o both_o viz._n between_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o branch_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n for_o a_o eternal_a council_n be_v hold_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n concern_v the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o be_v a_o council_n of_o peace_n i._n e._n of_o reconciliation_n towards_o lost_n sinner_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o bless_a consult_v from_o eternity_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o to_o pacify_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o so_o to_o become_v our_o shiloh_n but_o this_o be_v more_o especial_o the_o glorious_a theme_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o be_v abundant_o assure_v that_o 20._o that_o col._n 1._o 20._o he_o make_v peace_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o câ—oss_n and_o that_o the_o great_a design_n and_o end_v of_o his_o be_v incarnate_a be_v to_o make_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o man_n to_o reconcile_v heaven_n and_o earth_n 14._o earth_n eph._n 2._o 14._o he_o be_v ouâ—_n peace_n who_o have_v make_v both_o one_o and_o have_v break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n between_o we_o have_v abolish_v in_o his_o flâ—sh_n the_o enmity_n so_o make_v peace_n and_o that_o he_o may_v reconcile_v both_o unto_o god_n in_o one_o body_n by_o the_o cross_n have_v slay_v the_o enmity_n thereby_o anâ—_n come_v and_o preach_v peace_n to_o you_o which_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v nigh_o i._n e._n both_o to_o gentile_n and_o jew_n this_o 5._o this_o 1_o tiâ—_n 2_o 5._o be_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n that_o middle_a person_n who_o interpose_v between_o we_o and_o the_o offend_a majesty_n and_o by_o his_o powerful_a mediation_n reconcile_v we_o unto_o god_n therefore_o even_o the_o hebrew_n master_n and_o cabalist_n call_v the_o messiah_n 〈◊〉_d messiah_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n between_o one_o who_o undertake_v to_o appease_v the_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o man._n iacob_n shiloh_n be_v the_o same_o with_o this_o mediator_n this_o reconciler_n this_o peacemaker_n this_o be_v his_o office_n and_o his_o name_n be_v suitable_a to_o it_o again_o aben_n ezra_n and_o other_o rabbi_n grant_v that_o this_o name_n shiloh_n be_v give_v to_o the_o messiah_n because_o he_o be_v peaceable_a and_o the_o author_n of_o peace_n to_o mankind_n this_o be_v the_o very_a character_n of_o our_o jesus_n our_o saviour_n and_o this_o viz._n peaceableness_n be_v the_o very_a genius_n and_o proper_a nature_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o he_o found_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n do_v most_o effectual_o conduce_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o peace_n among_o man_n it_o strict_o command_v they_o to_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o they_o to_o put_v away_o all_o bitterness_n and_o wrath_n and_o anger_n to_o choose_v in_o some_o case_n to_o take_v wrong_a without_o look_v for_o redress_v to_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o men._n and_o to_o commend_v and_o encourage_v this_o excellent_a temper_n our_o lord_n have_v pronounce_v the_o peacemaker_n bless_v if_o there_o be_v quarrel_n and_o dissension_n animosity_n and_o persecution_n among_o christian_n and_o who_o see_v not_o that_o these_o too_o frequent_o abound_v they_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o christianity_n but_o of_o the_o evil_a disposition_n lust_n and_o corruption_n of_o men._n christ_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o these_o neither_o be_v christianity_n itself_o to_o be_v blame_v that_o any_o such_o thing_n happen_v in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v peace_n as_o the_o prophet_n set_v forth_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o gospel_n isa._n 2._o 4_o 5._o they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v up_o sword_n against_o nation_n neither_o shall_v they_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o it_o be_v one_o grand_a end_n of_o the_o evangelical_n institution_n to_o remove_v all_o quarrelsome_a distinction_n and_o antipathy_n between_o the_o different_a people_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o may_v be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n neither_o greek_a nor_o barbarian_a neither_o bond_n nor_o free_a but_o that_o all_o may_v become_v one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o a_o period_n be_v put_v to_o all_o their_o former_a grudge_n and_o dissension_n they_o may_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o brotherly_a affection_n that_o universal_a peace_n and_o amity_n may_v take_v place_n and_o that_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n may_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o design_n and_o work_v of_o our_o shiloh_n our_o peaceable_a messiah_n he_o have_v purchase_v the_o mean_n conduce_v to_o it_o and_o we_o may_v be_v in_o possession_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_n farther_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o name_n let_v we_o reflect_v on_o the_o remarkable_a time_n of_o our_o saviour_n visit_v the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o time_n of_o universal_a peace_n i_o grant_v this_o be_v a_o common_a observation_n and_o general_o know_v but_o here_o in_o our_o present_a subject_n it_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o more_o than_o ordinary_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o apply_v because_o it_o will_v let_v we_o into_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o this_o great_a and_o comprehensive_a name_n shiloh_n the_o noise_n of_o war_n and_o battle_n be_v cease_v all_o be_v calm_a and_o hush_a a_o catholic_n peace_n possess_v the_o world_n at_o christ_n appear_v in_o it_o for_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o a_o mild_a and_o peaceable_a prince_n who_o after_o five_o civil_a war_n and_o after_o infinite_a slaughter_n and_o bloodshed_n accompany_v they_o all_o reign_v peaceable_o many_o year_n at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v that_o the_o parthian_n and_o several_a nation_n which_o before_o have_v continual_o infest_a the_o roman_a empire_n with_o their_o arm_n come_v and_o humble_o beseech_v its_o friendship_n and_o tame_o restore_v those_o banner_n and_o other_o ensign_n of_o war_n which_o they_o have_v former_o take_v from_o the_o roman_n in_o battle_n and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o augustus_n foot_n when_o thus_o this_o emperor_n have_v vanquish_v the_o world_n and_o settle_v the_o nation_n and_o all_o kingdom_n be_v bring_v under_o his_o dominion_n when_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v at_o peace_n of_o which_o the_o shut_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o ianus_n temple_n as_o it_o be_v shut_v up_o peace_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a token_n and_o whereof_o there_o be_v very_o rare_o a_o example_n as_o nuâ—ae_fw-la as_o in_o vit_fw-mi nuâ—ae_fw-la plutarch_n observe_v till_o this_o time_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o our_o saviour_n choose_v to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o his_o presence_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o shiloh_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n as_o the_o 6._o the_o isa_n 9_o 6._o evangelical_n prophet_n have_v style_v he_o the_o true_a solomon_n the_o pacifick_n king_n who_o bring_v peace_n with_o he_o into_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v a_o religion_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o great_a friend_n and_o advancer_n of_o peace_n iii_o this_o appellation_n give_v to_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n jacob_n denote_v not_o only_a salvation_n and_o peace_n but_o prosperity_n lexic_fw-la prosperity_n shiloh_n h._n e._n ille_fw-la fortunatus_fw-la aveâ—â—â—_n lexic_fw-la shiloh_n be_v as_o much_o as_o prosperous_a happy_a triumphant_a which_o be_v yet_o a_o far_a accession_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o name_n therefore_o it_o immediate_o follow_v after_o the_o mention_v of_o shiloh_n in_o this_o prophecy_n unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v all_o nation_n shall_v own_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o empire_n the_o people_n shall_v be_v obedient_a unto_o he_o as_o onkelos_n targum_fw-la render_v it_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o he_o as_o the_o jerusalem-paraphrase_n have_v it_o and_o from_o both_o we_o be_v acquaint_v that_o this_o be_v a_o
speak_v as_o heraclitus_n plato_n and_o socrates_n do_v and_o thereby_o give_v scope_n for_o the_o arian_n heresy_n more_o especial_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o origen_n borrow_v his_o divinity_n from_o plato_n and_o that_o corrupt_a he_o as_o gaâ—dâ—ntius_n prove_v in_o several_a particular_n it_o be_v from_o his_o follow_v of_o plato_n that_o he_o propagate_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o cease_n of_o hell_n torment_v though_o this_o i_o must_v say_v we_o learn_v rather_o from_o other_o father_n than_o from_o the_o work_n of_o origen_n himself_n but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v so_o many_o father_n and_o to_o think_v that_o they_o represent_v he_o false_o especial_o when_o we_o know_v that_o origen_n be_v a_o great_a platonist_n and_o in_o other_o thing_n follow_v his_o step_n so_o likewise_o he_o borrow_v the_o preexistence_n of_o soul_n from_o plato_n school_n and_o therefore_o one_o say_v right_o 9_o right_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d harmenopul_n de_fw-fr sect._n 9_o he_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o greek_n mean_v the_o platonist_n that_o soul_n do_v exist_v before_o their_o body_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v well_o know_v origen_n justin_n clemens_n and_o other_o father_n be_v platonic_a philosopher_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o bring_v some_o of_o their_o philosophical_a error_n into_o christianity_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o church_n in_o its_o first_o time_n explain_v and_o defend_v its_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o way_n of_o plato_n philosophy_n beside_o that_o i_o may_v suggest_v this_o which_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o platonism_n of_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o philosophy_n come_v near_o to_o christianity_n hence_o the_o platonist_n who_o read_v the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n say_v that_o barbarian_a have_v steal_v from_o his_o master_n yea_o i_o can_v add_v what_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o stromata_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o make_v the_o christian_a divinity_n as_o like_v gentile_a philosophy_n as_o they_o well_o can_v and_o they_o cause_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o approach_v to_o the_o receive_a notion_n of_o philosopher_n and_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v platonism_n that_o they_o may_v by_o that_o mean_n gain_v proselyte_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o appeal_v to_o you_o now_o upon_o these_o thing_n whether_o these_o good_a man_n be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v spoil_v through_o philosophy_n second_o leave_v the_o platonist_n i_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o false_a and_o pernicious_a principle_n of_o the_o epicurean_o with_o who_o we_o be_v 18._o be_v act_n 17._o 18._o inform_v our_o apostle_n encounter_v their_o philosophical_a deceit_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o they_o hold_v that_o chance_n and_o fortune_n be_v the_o rise_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o make_v or_o create_v by_o a_o understanding_n be_v but_o commence_v by_o a_o strong_a juncto_fw-la of_o atom_n which_o club_a together_o though_o without_o counsel_n and_o intelligence_n to_o erect_v this_o great_a and_o stately_a fabric_n these_o man_n have_v no_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o a_o creation_n for_o their_o old_a saw_n be_v epicuro_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d laert._n in_o epicuro_n nothing_o be_v make_v of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o according_a to_o their_o master_n democritus_n and_o epieurus_n they_o agree_v to_o give_v the_o world_n its_o date_n from_o those_o caper_a democrito_n caper_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d laert._n in_o democrito_n atom_n as_o if_o that_o will_v solve_v the_o business_n but_o indeed_o according_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n it_o have_v no_o date_n at_o all_o for_o all_o this_o atomick_a bustle_n be_v from_o eternity_n as_o the_o platonist_n hold_v the_o world_n be_v eternal_a by_o necessity_n so_o the_o epicurean_o assert_v its_o eternity_n but_o say_v it_o be_v by_o chance_n the_o world_n according_a to_o they_o be_v a_o strange_a by-blow_n of_o nature_n beget_v by_o mere_a fortune_n these_o be_v the_o wild_a conceit_n they_o take_v up_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v be_v behold_v to_o god_n for_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v rather_o than_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v a_o wise_a omnipotent_a be_v that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v own_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o world_n beginning_n and_o that_o by_o a_o power_n divine_a as_o for_o their_o notion_n it_o be_v so_o poor_a and_o precarious_a that_o no_o man_n of_o any_o consistency_n of_o thought_n can_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o so_o excellent_a order_n and_o composition_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o can_v never_o arise_v from_o a_o fortuitous_a confluence_n from_o a_o casual_a jumble_v of_o matter_n and_o motion_n without_o any_o guide_n but_o must_v needs_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o infinite_a and_o superlative_a wisdom_n that_o thin_a and_o subtle_a particle_n blind_o tilt_v against_o one_o another_o without_o any_o mover_n to_o set_v they_o on_o work_n shall_v at_o last_o jump_v into_o so_o exact_a a_o order_n be_v a_o assertion_n unworthy_a even_o of_o a_o rational_a pagan_n and_o fit_v only_o for_o such_o a_o christian_a philosopher_n as_o he_o of_o malmsbury_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o monstrous_a absurdity_n which_o follow_v upon_o assert_v the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o matter_n nay_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o what_o be_v make_v can_v be_v from_o eternity_n i._n e._n can_v it_o be_v without_o a_o beginning_n for_o its_o be_v make_v necessary_o suppose_v one_o that_o make_v it_o to_o have_v be_v before_o it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v before_o it_o than_o it_o be_v not_o from_o eternity_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o eternity_n but_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o this_o epicurean_a doctrine_n be_v confront_v by_o the_o christian_a philosophy_n through_o faith_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o â—od_n so_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v not_o make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v appear_v heb._n 11._o 3._o and_o as_o the_o same_o inspired_a author_n argue_v in_o another_o place_n every_o house_n be_v build_v by_o some_o maâ—_n but_o he_o that_o build_v all_o thing_n be_v god_n heb._n 3_o â—_o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v as_o great_a reason_n nay_o great_a to_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o vast_a structure_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v build_v and_o erect_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o stately_a habitation_n and_o palace_n which_o we_o see_v be_v make_v by_o some_o artist_n the_o world_n be_v the_o fabric_n of_o divinity_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n mundi_fw-la magnum_fw-la &_o versatile_a templum_n so_o far_o lucretius_n go_v but_o we_o may_v go_v far_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a system_fw-la contrive_v by_o a_o alwise_a and_o omnipotent_a be_v it_o be_v a_o temple_n make_v by_o god_n and_o dedicate_v to_o he_o as_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n so_o it_o have_v its_o beginning_n of_o exist_v from_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o beginning_n therefore_o the_o world_n be_v not_o from_o eternity_n god_n create_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o chance_n 2._o as_o the_o epicurean_o affirm_v the_o world_n be_v by_o chance_n so_o consistent_o enough_o with_o that_o principle_n they_o hold_v it_o be_v leave_v to_o shift_v for_o itself_o and_o true_o this_o be_v no_o absurd_a consequence_n from_o the_o former_a assertion_n for_o if_o the_o world_n make_v itself_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v think_v to_o look_v after_o itself_o these_o man_n in_o their_o most_o sober_a determination_n will_v not_o suffer_v god_n to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n they_o complemented_a the_o godhead_n out_o of_o its_o jurisdiction_n over_o mankind_n and_o thing_n here_o below_o by_o say_v he_o shall_v not_o give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o have_v any_o resentment_n of_o thing_n on_o earth_n and_o take_v care_n of_o human_a affair_n epicurus_n his_o god_n as_o 4._o as_o de_fw-fr benefic_n l._n 4._o seneca_n describe_v he_o be_v reserve_v and_o careless_a he_o turn_v his_o back_n on_o the_o world_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o he_o either_o do_v something_o else_o or_o be_v whole_o idle_a and_o therefore_o he_o afterward_o call_v such_o god_n as_o these_o dâ—os_fw-la these_o surda_fw-la numina_fw-la inefficaces_fw-la dâ—os_fw-la deaf_a deity_n god_n of_o no_o virtue_n and_o power_n thus_o tully_n tell_v we_o of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o alteri_fw-la who_o qui_fw-la deum_fw-la
daystar_n from_o on_o high_a even_o before_o it_o actual_o visit_v we_o and_o bless_v our_o horizon_n dart_v such_o a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v though_o in_o a_o imperfect_a manner_n the_o gross_a foolery_n of_o that_o superstitious_a religion_n which_o be_v among_o they_o and_o when_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n shine_v forth_o unto_o a_o perfect_a day_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o flesh_n than_o the_o dark_a and_o dismal_a night_n of_o superstition_n whole_o vanish_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o folly_n which_o they_o once_o embrace_v grow_v odious_a and_o abominable_a and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n do_v eminent_o overthrow_v the_o fond_a surmise_n and_o frightful_a observation_n of_o superstitious_a men._n nothing_o indeed_o can_v do_v it_o so_o effectual_o as_o the_o gospel_n for_o now_o under_o the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n and_o christian_a dispensation_n our_o adoration_n be_v confine_v and_o determine_v and_o we_o know_v who_o we_o worship_n and_o therefore_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o gentile_n can_v have_v no_o foot_n here_o and_o as_o for_o the_o dread_a of_o future_a occurrence_n christianity_n have_v utter_o remove_v it_o by_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n which_o it_o bless_v we_o with_o and_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o place_v religion_n in_o that_o which_o be_v true_o religion_n it_o effectual_o extirpate_v all_o superstition_n by_o stifle_v the_o principle_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o fanaticism_n by_o suppress_v false_a fear_n and_o childish_a and_o groundless_a terror_n by_o supersede_v all_o fantastic_a devotion_n by_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o foolish_a rite_n and_o idle_a ceremony_n all_o superfluous_a and_o needless_a observance_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o causeless_o timorousness_n in_o religion_n and_o from_o false_a representation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n all_o this_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o though_o considerable_a discovery_n be_v make_v by_o some_o wise_a and_o serious_a person_n among_o the_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o follow_v when_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o as_o for_o divination_n and_o sooth-saying_n wherein_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o gentile_a religion_n consist_v as_o they_o be_v reckon_v to_o be_v fanciful_a and_o groundless_a thing_n and_o not_o found_v on_o any_o true_a reason_n and_o bottom_n even_o by_o some_o of_o the_o pagan_n themselves_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v so_o they_o be_v much_o more_o reject_v confute_v and_o baffle_v by_o christianity_n which_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n and_o require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o accountable_a and_o every_o way_n correspondent_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o rational_a nature_n this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o all_o those_o superstitious_a omen_n be_v real_o what_o some_o of_o they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o pagan_n themselves_o bruta_n fulmina_fw-la insignificant_a flash_n mere_a mormoe_n to_o fright_v child_n and_o fool_n thing_n that_o have_v no_o other_o existence_n than_o imagination_n actuate_v by_o the_o devil_n the_o author_n of_o delusion_n especial_o of_o all_o superstitious_a cheat_n which_o christ_n jesus_n come_v to_o discover_v and_o destroy_v second_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o understand_v by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o devil_n the_o pagan_a oracle_n which_o be_v so_o famous_a of_o old_a at_o delphos_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o greece_n as_o the_o trophonian_n oracle_n at_o thebes_n and_o lebadia_n both_o in_o boeotia_n and_o those_o other_o more_o remote_a one_o in_o lybia_n and_o egypt_n and_o other_o country_n where_o be_v these_o habitation_n of_o the_o devil_n those_o den_n of_o satan_n who_o love_v to_o be_v inquire_v of_o and_o court_v by_o the_o ignorant_a and_o besotted_a pagan_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o diabolical_a spirit_n in_o these_o oracle_n but_o that_o they_o be_v only_o for_o gain_n caelius_n rhodiginus_fw-la profess_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n but_o yet_o before_o he_o end_v the_o chapter_n where_o he_o assert_v it_o he_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o 12._o that_o lect._n antiq_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 12._o this_o business_n be_v not_o altogether_o manage_v without_o some_o correspondence_n with_o and_o help_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o there_o be_v a_o essay_n a_o sir_n tho._n p._n b_n essay_n gentleman_n of_o late_a very_o much_o concern_v and_o move_v because_o we_o attribute_v it_o to_o he_o the_o set_v up_o of_o oracle_n say_v he_o be_v mere_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o be_v a_o juggle_v to_o get_v money_n and_o repute_n especial_o among_o the_o reat_fw-la man_n and_o prince_n therefore_o he_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v superstitious_a christian_n who_o think_v they_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n but_o who_o see_v not_o the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o inference_n as_o this_o as_o if_o the_o oracle_n can_v not_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o priest_n interest_n too_o these_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a and_o therefore_o whilst_o this_o gentleman_n make_v one_o exclude_v the_o other_o he_o use_v a_o fallacy_n but_o no_o argument_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o be_v interest_n in_o the_o case_n yea_o double_a interest_n that_o of_o the_o devil_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o of_o the_o priest_n i_o grant_v he_o that_o oracle_n be_v a_o juggle_v but_o a_o devilish_a one_o and_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o if_o he_o please_v to_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v sometime_o such_o thing_n foretell_v by_o they_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v foresee_v and_o know_v by_o humane_a skill_n but_o the_o knowledge_n and_o sagacity_n of_o the_o evil_a angel_n may_v reach_v they_o because_o these_o invisible_a and_o active_a spirit_n can_v fly_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n with_o infinite_a swiftness_n and_o inform_v themselves_o of_o all_o occurrence_n whatsoever_o and_o be_v present_a at_o the_o most_o private_a consult_v and_o have_v learn_v by_o long_a experience_n and_o observation_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o design_n of_o man_n and_o to_o see_v the_o very_a disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o cause_n before_o they_o begin_v to_o act_v beside_o that_o they_o be_v always_o cabal_n together_o and_o hold_v correspondence_n with_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a what_o one_o of_o they_o know_v the_o whole_a herd_n of_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o that_o in_o a_o few_o moment_n time_n hence_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o oracle_n speak_v such_o shrewd_a thing_n sometime_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o unless_o we_o assert_v that_o this_o office_n be_v set_v up_o and_o maintain_v by_o those_o invisible_a demon_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o most_o cunning_a and_o subtle_a priest_n of_o they_o all_o can_v never_o have_v foretell_v those_o thing_n again_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o ill_a spirit_n be_v manager_n here_o because_o we_o be_v ascertain_v from_o those_o who_o describe_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o oracle_n that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o man_n in_o it_o the_o place_n be_v fill_v with_o amaze_a noise_n and_o horror_n loud_a shriek_n and_o howl_n be_v hear_v and_o sometime_o the_o temple_n be_v tear_v with_o thunderclaps_a the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o so_o do_v the_o priest_n these_o now_o appear_v with_o erect_a hair_n with_o distort_a eye_n with_o foam_a mouth_n and_o unusual_a but_o frightful_a voice_n they_o beat_v and_o knock_v their_o breast_n with_o a_o inhuman_a fury_n they_o rage_v and_o rave_v and_o run_v about_o like_o possess_v person_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o subterraneous_a demon_n who_o they_o consult_v and_o deal_v with_o put_v both_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o body_n into_o this_o motion_n and_o disorder_n this_o look_n like_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o assert_v that_o those_o pagan_a priest_n be_v act_v by_o those_o evil_a spirit_n who_o general_o bring_v they_o their_o intelligence_n and_o help_v they_o to_o give_v answer_n and_o this_o be_v do_v if_o i_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o offer_v my_o conjecture_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o celebrate_a oracle_n of_o urim_n and_o thummim_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o true_a prophetic_a spirit_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v of_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n do_v in_o many_o particular_n emulate_v the_o thing_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v in_o
greedy_a desire_n of_o have_v a_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n to_o satisfy_v their_o revenge_n from_o that_o infallible_a and_o inspire_a testimony_n in_o deut._n 18._o 10_o 11._o we_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v enchanter_n witch_n charmer_n consulter_n with_o familiar_a spirit_n wizard_n and_o necromancer_n for_o these_o person_n and_o their_o practice_n will_v not_o have_v be_v condemn_v and_o pronounce_v a_o abomination_n as_o they_o be_v there_o unless_o there_o have_v be_v real_o such_o this_o i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o unanswerable_a and_o true_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o so_o many_o different_a word_n here_o on_o purpose_n to_o obviate_v and_o refute_v the_o vain_a cavil_n of_o the_o man_n of_o our_o day_n who_o be_v infidel_n as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o witchcraft_n and_o with_o great_a confidence_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o viz._n a_o compact_a with_o evil_a spirit_n be_v a_o mere_a forgery_n here_o be_v six_o word_n to_o press_v and_o inculcate_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o if_o we_o be_v critical_a there_o may_v be_v find_v some_o difference_n because_o one_o word_n may_v be_v more_o expressive_a of_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o that_o curse_a art_n than_o another_o but_o i_o speak_v now_o of_o the_o general_n notion_n and_o import_n of_o they_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v and_o be_v enchanter_n witch_n etc._n etc._n person_n hold_v correspondence_n with_o infernal_a agent_n and_o by_o their_o help_n and_o assistance_n effect_v strange_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o last_o in_o mosesâ—s_n â—s_z catalogue_n be_v necromancer_n such_o who_o by_o magic_a enchantment_n raise_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o deâ—d_n or_o the_o devil_n rather_o to_o represent_v those_o soul_n and_o then_o consult_v with_o he_o and_o inquire_v concern_v some_o future_a event_n which_o they_o be_v exceed_o desirous_a to_o know_v of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o ancient_n and_o famous_a instance_n in_o the_o sacred_a record_n viz._n the_o witch_n of_o endor_n who_o by_o this_o devilish_a art_n cause_v the_o appearance_n of_o samuel_n i._n e._n of_o some_o evil_a spirit_n in_o his_o shape_n and_o of_o these_o hellish_a necromancer_n perhaps_o that_o of_o ilb_n ch._n 3._o v._n 8._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v they_o curse_v the_o day_n for_o the_o night_n be_v the_o time_n proper_a for_o their_o black_a work_n and_o raise_v up_o â—eviathan_n i._n e._n the_o devil_n who_o most_o fit_o be_v compare_v to_o devil_n to_o no_o less_o person_n than_o grâ—gory_n the_o great_a hugo_n 〈◊〉_d and_o m._n luther_n 〈◊〉_d leviathan_n to_o be_v the_o devil_n or_o rather_o apply_v what_o 〈…〉_o of_o he_o to_o the_o devil_n the_o leviathan_n or_o in_o a_o more_o liâ—eral_a sense_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o leviathan_n may_v signify_v to_o charm_v and_o tame_v that_o sea-monster_n and_o so_o it_o set_v forth_o the_o great_a buâ—_n devilish_a power_n of_o magic_n and_o incantation_n as_o plutarch_n say_v of_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n that_o by_o art_n magic_a they_o can_v tame_v the_o crocodile_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o come_v to_o their_o hand_n this_o necromantic_a practice_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o isa._n 8._o 19_o and_o be_v call_v seek_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n and_o unto_o wizard_n that_o peep_v and_o mutter_v to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o reprehension_n with_o a_o diâ—ection_n shall_v not_o a_o people_n seek_v unto_o their_o god_n yes_o sure_o for_o the_o live_n to_o the_o dead_a shall_v they_o go_v no_o certain_o that_o be_v abominable_a and_o execrable_a and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o idolatrous_a jew_n who_o use_v necromancy_n be_v mean_v by_o those_o who_o remain_v among_o the_o grave_n and_o lodge_v in_o the_o monument_n isa._n 65._o 4._o this_o and_o the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o science_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o the_o world_n heretofore_o especial_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o inquire_v beforehand_o what_o success_n they_o shall_v have_v in_o their_o affair_n and_o thus_o the_o practice_n of_o divination_n and_o magic_n be_v often_o coincident_a but_o their_o charm_n and_o spell_n and_o mystical_a character_n be_v the_o most_o frequent_a of_o all_o whereby_o they_o help_v and_o ease_v people_n in_o case_n of_o sickness_n bodily_a pain_n auxiliari_fw-la pain_n cato_n de_fw-fr re_fw-mi rustic_a cap._n 160._o plin._n nat._n hist._n l._n 28._o c._n 2._o cato_n prodidit_fw-la luxatis_fw-la membris_fw-la carmen_fw-la auxiliari_fw-la luxation_n of_o member_n and_o all_o outward_a calamity_n that_o befall_v they_o whereby_o also_o they_o be_v able_a to_o inflict_v disease_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o bodily_a evil_n and_o in_o brief_a to_o produce_v very_o surprise_v and_o astonish_v operation_n i_o be_o very_o ready_a to_o grant_v notwithstanding_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o many_o thing_n have_v be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n which_o he_o be_v never_o guilty_a of_o or_o be_v any_o way_n concern_v in_o i_o question_v not_o but_o many_o thing_n have_v pass_v for_o magic_a of_o the_o worst_a sort_n with_o vulgar_a and_o unthinking_a people_n which_o be_v the_o mere_a effect_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n improve_v and_o set_v forth_o by_o art_n the_o time_n have_v be_v such_o that_o a_o mathematician_n and_o a_o magician_n have_v be_v esteem_v the_o same_o but_o though_o we_o pity_v the_o mistake_v of_o the_o ignorant_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o perverse_a who_o avouch_v there_o be_v no_o diabolick_a magic_n and_o therein_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o history_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a the_o ancient_a great_a master_n in_o this_o impipious_a art_n and_o practice_n who_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o sacred_a story_n be_v the_o egyptian_a sorcerer_n of_o who_o jannes_n and_o jambres_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o according_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o talmud_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o magician_n gen._n 41._o 8._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 8._o baalam_fw-la the_o mesopotamian_a soothsayer_n numb_a 22._o 5._o the_o casdim_n or_o chaldean_a magi_n dan._n 2._o 2._o and_o the_o ancient_a practiser_n in_o this_o art_n mention_v in_o profane_a writer_n be_v zabulus_n zamolxis_n abbaris_n zoroaster_n pasetes_n pancrates_n and_o zachlas_n both_o of_o they_o egyptian_a magician_n speak_v of_o by_o lucian_n and_o apuleius_n numa_n pompilius_n etc._n etc._n pythagoras_n may_v be_v take_v into_o the_o number_n for_o from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o precept_n 〈◊〉_d precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o worship_v the_o infernal_a god_n he_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o magician_n and_o perhaps_o in_o this_o travel_n into_o egypt_n and_o chaldea_n he_o pick_v up_o this_o ill_a art_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o from_o those_o country_n the_o magical_a practice_n have_v their_o rise_n yea_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n the_o chief_a man_n especial_o be_v give_v to_o magic_n and_o even_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n study_v this_o art_n say_v our_o 24._o our_o hor._n hebr._n in_o maâ—_n 24._o 24._o learned_a lightfoot_n and_o he_o far_o observe_v that_o the_o near_a the_o jewish_a state_n approach_v to_o its_o ruin_n the_o more_o be_v they_o addict_v to_o it_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o this_o curse_a art_n of_o the_o main_a limb_n of_o it_o of_o the_o author_n that_o support_v it_o and_o of_o its_o spread_a and_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n but_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o make_v good_a by_o the_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n these_o wicked_a practice_n begin_v to_o decay_v sorcery_n and_o witchcraft_n lose_v their_o power_n christ_n by_o his_o appear_v and_o afterward_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o follower_n defeat_v such_o hellish_a work_n at_o what_o time_n say_v verbi_fw-la say_v orat._n the_o incarnate_a verbi_fw-la athanasius_n do_v the_o magic_a art_n and_o their_o school_n begin_v to_o be_v tread_v down_o but_o when_o god_n the_o word_n appear_v among_o man_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o early_o presage_v of_o christ_n power_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o eastern_a magi_n come_v to_o he_o and_o prostrate_v themselves_o at_o his_o foot_n in_o his_o very_a infancy_n for_o i_o can_v produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o ignatius_n and_o justin_n martyr_n of_o origen_n and_o tertullian_n of_o jerom_n and_o basil_n and_o other_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n to_o prove_v that_o these_o wise_a man_n as_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o sorcerer_n and_o enchanter_n the_o worst_a sort_n of_o magician_n who_o deal_v with_o the_o devil_n these_o submit_v to_o the_o babe_n jesus_n and_o own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n
madness_n of_o idolatry_n and_o impiety_n possess_v the_o world_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v banish_v to_o who_o do_v it_o belong_v to_o instruct_v the_o world_n aright_o concern_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o father_n but_o to_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o far_o set_v forth_o the_o vast_a spread_n of_o idolatry_n over_o the_o world_n and_o christian_n more_o powerful_a destroy_n of_o it_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o glorious_a achievement_n of_o christ_n in_o crush_a idolatry_n which_o be_v grow_v so_o prevalent_a every_o where_n be_v make_v the_o great_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v insist_v upon_o with_o mighty_a force_n and_o reason_n by_o all_o the_o ancient_a apologist_n for_o christianity_n and_o that_o this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n manifest_v himself_n in_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a from_o many_o promise_n and_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o kingdom_n as_o that_o of_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n â—0_n prophet_n isâ—_n 2._o â—0_n they_o shall_v cast_v their_o idol_n of_o silver_n and_o their_o idol_n of_o gold_n to_o the_o bat_n and_o to_o the_o mole_n to_o the_o mole_n fit_a company_n you_o will_v say_v for_o they_o that_o have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o as_o idol_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o psalmist_n the_o meaning_n of_o this_o prophetic_a writer_n be_v that_o the_o enlighten_v and_o convert_v gentile_n shall_v renounce_v their_o belove_a idolatry_n and_o with_o indignation_n throw_v their_o idol_n and_o image_n into_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n whereas_o before_o they_o place_v they_o in_o the_o light_n and_o set_v they_o up_o to_o be_v see_v now_o they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o shall_v hide_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o into_o those_o obscure_a holes_n where_o bat_n and_o mole_n lie_v hide_v under_o ground_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n 20._o prophet_n jer._n 16._o 19_o 20._o jeremiah_n the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v unto_o thou_o from_o the_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o shall_v say_v our_o father_n inherit_v liâ—s_n and_o vanity_n which_o be_v term_n in_o the_o 25._o the_o isa._n 28._o 15_o &_o 44._o 20._o jer._n 13._o 25._o hoâ—_n â—_o 1._o am._n 2._o 4._o rom._n 1._o 25._o scripture-stile_n to_o express_v false_a god_n but_o we_o will_v reject_v they_o for_o shall_v a_o man_n make_v god_n to_o himself_o that_o be_v no_o god_n and_o in_o several_a place_n both_o isaiah_n and_o this_o prophet_n insist_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v bring_v the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o idolatry_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o true_a god_n in_o ezek._n 37._o 23._o there_o be_v another_o prediction_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n israel_n shall_v not_o defile_v themseluâ—â—_o any_o â—ore_o with_o idol_n nor_o with_o their_o detestable_a thing_n which_o latter_a clause_n be_v but_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o foâ—meâ—_n for_o shikkuâ—zim_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a and_o the_o septuagint_n be_v frequent_o use_v to_o signify_v idol_n which_o be_v detestable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o zephaniah_n foretell_v that_o â—â—_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 2._o â—â—_o the_o lord_n will_v famish_v all_o the_o god_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a passage_n and_o allude_v to_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o the_o pagan_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o deut._n 32._o 38._o that_o their_o god_n do_v eat_v the_o fat_a of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o drink_v the_o wine_n of_o their_o drink-offering_n to_o which_o it_o be_v probable_a god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o allude_v in_o psal._n 50._o 13._o will_v i_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n and_o in_o isa._n 43._o 24._o neither_o have_v thou_o fill_v i_o with_o the_o fat_a of_o thy_o sacrifice_n it_o be_v a_o notion_n among_o the_o heathen_a worshipper_n that_o the_o god_n be_v nourish_v with_o the_o steam_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o the_o prophet_n prediction_n be_v that_o those_o god_n shall_v be_v famish_v they_o shall_v not_o according_a to_o the_o fond_a notion_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n be_v any_o long_o â—ed_v from_o the_o altar_n they_o shall_v be_v starve_v when_o christianity_n take_v place_n among_o man_n for_o the_o pagan_a sacrifice_n shall_v then_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o idolatry_n cashier_v all_o these_o prophecy_n be_v plain_o accomplish_v when_o our_o saviour_n come_v and_o commission_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n this_o throw_v down_o the_o idolatrous_a image_n and_o in_o many_o place_n the_o very_a idol_n themselves_o â—ell_o down_o prostrate_a on_o the_o ground_n and_o as_o it_o be_v worship_v the_o holy_a jesus_n but_o as_o christ_n give_v a_o fatal_a blow_n to_o idolatrous_a worship_n so_o i_o be_o more_o particular_o to_o prove_v under_o this_o head_n thâ—t_o he_o do_v conâ—ound_v the_o worship_v of_o devil_n which_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n very_o fashionable_a in_o the_o world_n before_o christ_n come_v into_o it_o i_o say_v the_o worship_v of_o devil_n the_o high_a strain_n of_o idolatry_n be_v confound_v by_o our_o saviour_n appear_v for_o it_o seem_v the_o devil_n can_v not_o be_v content_a to_o cheat_v the_o world_n with_o his_o oracle_n to_o enter_v into_o man_n body_n and_o to_o make_v league_n and_o contract_n with_o person_n but_o as_o a_o effort_n above_o all_o these_o he_o affect_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v as_o a_o god_n this_o be_v confess_v by_o porphyrius_n in_o his_o book_n of_o abstinence_n from_o animal_n and_o eusebius_n and_o st._n augustin_n and_o other_o father_n make_v use_v of_o what_o he_o say_v there_o against_o the_o pagan_n who_o they_o undertake_v to_o confute_v that_o the_o god_n who_o the_o gentile_n sometime_o worship_v be_v devil_n be_v also_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o trismegistus_n in_o his_o asclepius_n and_o it_o be_v own_v by_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o understanding_n head_n among_o they_o that_o the_o service_n pay_v to_o many_o of_o their_o god_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o adore_v the_o devil_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o these_o worshipper_n can_v by_o certain_a magic_a spell_n make_v these_o infernal_a fiend_n come_v to_o their_o image_n when_o they_o please_v and_o when_o they_o have_v bring_v they_o thither_o they_o worship_v these_o wicked_a ghost_n to_o appease_v their_o fury_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v they_o no_o harm_n beside_o the_o particular_n which_o i_o insist_v on_o before_o do_v sufficient_o evince_v the_o present_a point_n for_o the_o consult_v the_o devil_n when_o he_o speak_v in_o oracle_n and_o deal_v with_o he_o by_o practise_v witchcraft_n and_o sorcery_n be_v a_o palpable_a forsake_v of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o set_v up_o the_o devil_n for_o a_o god_n these_o be_v give_v divine_a honour_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o which_o be_v most_o convince_a do_v not_o the_o infallible_a oracle_n of_o scripture_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o idolatrous_a jew_n sacrifice_v unto_o devil_n not_o to_o god_n deut._n 32._o 17._o which_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o it_o be_v repeat_v in_o psal._n 106._o 37._o they_o sacrifice_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n unto_o devil_n and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v the_o psalmist_n have_v before_o refer_v to_o this_o abominable_a practice_n ver_fw-la 28._o they_o eat_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n as_o i_o conceive_v the_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o mane_n and_o to_o the_o stygian_a jupiter_n or_o pluto_n the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a these_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o zibche_n methim_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o dead_a i_o know_v some_o writer_n have_v lessen_v and_o mince_v this_o idolatry_n as_o well_o as_o that_o before_o speak_v of_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o pagan_n all_o along_o worship_v god_n though_o under_o a_o false_a representation_n it_o be_v partly_o true_a that_o the_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_n do_v so_o but_o other_o do_v not_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o defend_v the_o contrary_a they_o be_v confute_v by_o downright_a authority_n from_o scripture_n which_o acquaint_v we_o that_o they_o worship_v even_o devil_n for_o sacrifice_v to_o they_o be_v worship_v they_o if_o they_o can_v evade_v this_o let_v they_o i_o can_v add_v that_o the_o hebrew_n master_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o devil_n in_o shape_n of_o a_o goat_n in_o wood_n and_o desert_n because_o the_o word_n sagnir_fw-fr be_v both_o daemon_n and_o hircus_fw-la leu._n 17._o