in_o his_o hand_n the_o â—rint_n of_o the_o nail_n now_o our_o saviour_n condeseend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o satisfy_v the_o incredulity_n of_o thomas_n have_v make_v it_o thereby_o evident_a that_o the_o body_n which_o our_o saviour_n rise_v from_o the_o grave_n with_o be_v the_o same_o individual_a body_n which_o before_o be_v crucify_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o we_o sin_v all_o the_o apostle_n together_o upon_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n so_o far_o from_o be_v credulous_a in_o embrace_v a_o phantasm_n instead_o of_o christ_n that_o they_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v either_o a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o a_o evil_a spirit_n which_o appear_v among_o they_o upon_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v terrify_v 37._o and_o affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n can_v not_o beat_v they_o off_o from_o but_o by_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o sense_n handle_v i_o and_o see_v for_o a_o spirit_n 39_o have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v and_o afterward_o more_o full_o to_o convince_v they_o he_o do_v eat_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o now_o the_o more_o suspicious_a and_o incredulous_a the_o apostle_n themselves_o 43._o at_o first_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n be_v it_o how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o any_o design_n of_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o what_o they_o after_o preach_v unto_o it_o and_o what_o strong_a conviction_n there_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n which_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v such_o scrupulous_a and_o suspicious_a person_n 2._o when_o many_o witness_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n nothing_o can_v disparage_v more_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o testimony_n than_o the_o counter_a witness_n of_o such_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o action_n but_o when_o all_o the_o witness_n full_o agree_v not_o only_o in_o the_o substance_n but_o in_o all_o material_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n what_o ground_n or_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o suspect_v a_o forgery_n or_o design_n in_o it_o especial_o when_o the_o person_n can_v by_o any_o fear_n or_o threaten_n be_v bring_v to_o vary_v from_o each_o other_o in_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o find_v no_o real_a dissent_n at_o all_o mention_v either_o as_o to_o the_o birth_n miracle_n life_n death_n or_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o witness_n attest_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o write_v in_o different_a place_n and_o upon_o different_a occasion_n no_o alteration_n in_o any_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n out_o of_o any_o design_n of_o please_a or_o gratify_v any_o person_n by_o it_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n not_o only_o his_o apostle_n but_o the_o people_n and_o his_o very_a enemy_n be_v witness_n of_o who_o posterity_n to_o this_o day_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o strange_a work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o for_o his_o resurrection_n it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a that_o five_o hundred_o person_n shall_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o no_o torment_n or_o death_n can_v bring_v any_o of_o they_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v the_o great_a certainty_n in_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o eye-witness_n but_o either_o from_o question_v their_o knowledge_n 3._o of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o or_o their_o fidelity_n in_o report_v they_o now_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o doubt_n either_o of_o these_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o person_n who_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v intimate_o conversant_a both_o with_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v 1._o choose_v and_o train_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o qualify_v to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n concern_v himself_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o according_o they_o follow_v he_o up_o and_o down_o wheresoever_o he_o go_v they_o be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n and_o have_v thereby_o occasion_n to_o observe_v all_o his_o action_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o unspotted_a innocency_n of_o his_o life_n some_o of_o his_o disciple_n be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o transfiguration_n other_o in_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n they_o hear_v the_o expression_n which_o come_v from_o his_o mouth_n in_o all_o which_o he_o discover_v a_o wonderful_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n now_o therefore_o the_o first_o thing_n can_v at_o all_o be_v question_v their_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v neither_o second_o be_v there_o any_o reasâ—n_n to_o suspect_v their_o fidelity_n 1_o in_o report_v what_o they_o know_v for_o 1._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n wrought_v so_o far_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o part_v with_o all_o their_o worldly_a subsistence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o although_o their_o riches_n be_v not_o great_a yet_o their_o way_n of_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n be_v necessary_a they_o leave_v their_o house_n their_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o to_o gain_v any_o high_a preferment_n in_o this_o world_n which_o have_v they_o do_v it_o will_v have_v render_v their_o design_n suspicious_a to_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a world_n but_o they_o let_v go_v at_o least_o a_o quiet_a and_o easy_a life_n for_o one_o most_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o how_o much_o they_o part_v withal_o but_o how_o free_o they_o do_v it_o and_o with_o what_o cheerfulness_n they_o undergo_v disgrace_n persecution_n nay_o death_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o man_n be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o their_o ease_n and_o life_n as_o to_o throw_v both_o of_o they_o away_o upon_o a_o thing_n which_o themselves_o be_v not_o full_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o high_a folly_n imaginable_a to_o have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o they_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v because_o all_o their_o hope_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v non_fw-la fas_fw-la est_fw-la ulli_fw-la de_fw-fr suâ_fw-la religione_fw-la mentiri_fw-la for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o say_v he_o worship_v any_o thing_n be_v side_n what_o he_o do_v he_o deny_v what_o he_o do_v worship_n and_o transfer_v his_o worship_n upon_o another_o and_o thereby_o do_v not_o worship_n that_o which_o he_o thus_o deny_v beside_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o man_n shall_v lie_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o tell_v they_o that_o those_o which_o do_v so_o shall_v not_o receive_v the_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o cordial_o adhere_v unto_o it_o nay_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o person_n if_o their_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o present_a life_n can_v we_o now_o 19_o think_v that_o any_o who_o have_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v part_v with_o all_o the_o contentment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o continual_a hazard_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v death_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o something_o which_o be_v mere_o the_o fiction_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n what_o shall_v make_v they_o so_o sedulous_a and_o industrious_a in_o preach_v such_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v say_v necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o yea_o woe_n be_v unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o 16._o gospel_n when_o yet_o they_o see_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v they_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v some_o more_o powerful_a attractive_a in_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v than_o any_o can_v be_v in_o the_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o apostle_n manifest_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o no_o other_o witness_n be_v ever_o yet_o willing_a to_o hazard_v they_o and_o therefore_o origen_n deserve_o 127_o condemn_v celsus_n of_o a_o ridiculous_a impertinency_n when_o he_o will_v parallel_v the_o relation_n of_o herodotus_n and_o pindarus_n concern_v aristeus_n proconnesius_n with_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n for_o faith_n he_o do_v either_o of_o those_o two_o
conviction_n shall_v stick_v so_o fast_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o will_v fain_o pull_v out_o those_o pierce_a arrow_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a power_n in_o they_o then_o they_o be_v mnster_n of_o and_o they_o can_v stand_v against_o the_o force_n whereby_o they_o come_v upon_o they_o nor_o find_v any_o salve_n to_o cure_v the_o wound_n which_o be_v make_v within_o they_o but_o by_o those_o weapon_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o wicked_a person_n under_o conflict_n of_o conscience_n can_v ease_v themselves_o by_o direct_a atheism_n or_o find_v reason_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o conviction_n by_o discern_v any_o invalidity_n in_o the_o testimony_n whereon_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n depend_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a truth_n in_o that_o testimony_n when_o man_n will_v fain_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o can_v 5._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o consent_n appear_v from_o the_o unanimity_n of_o it_o among_o those_o person_n who_o have_v yet_o strange_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o in_o many_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o see_v thereby_o this_o unanimity_n be_v no_o force_a or_o design_v thing_n because_o we_o see_v the_o person_n agree_v in_o this_o do_v very_o much_o disagree_v from_o each_o other_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o they_o disagree_v as_o to_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v hold_v as_o to_o these_o too_o be_v there_o not_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n then_o of_o those_o they_o fall_v out_o about_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o become_v a_o question_n among_o those_o who_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n whether_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o very_a account_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o mean_a controversy_n all_o the_o divide_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v yet_o full_o agree_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o do_v many_o great_a miracle_n that_o he_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o these_o contain_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o multitude_n of_o other_o controversy_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o man_n of_o weak_a judgement_n and_o atheistical_a spirit_n preâ—end_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o it_o when_o we_o see_v person_n which_o so_o peevish_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o about_o some_o inferior_a and_o less_o weighty_a part_n of_o religion_n do_v yet_o unanimous_o consent_v in_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o such_o whereon_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n do_v more_o immediate_o depend_v and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o infinite_o wise_a god_n may_v suffer_v such_o lamentable_a contention_n and_o division_n to_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o thereby_o inquisitive_a person_n may_v see_v that_o if_o religion_n have_v be_v a_o mere_a design_n of_o some_o few_o politic_a person_n the_o quarrelsome_a world_n where_o it_o be_v not_o hold_v in_o by_o force_n will_v never_o have_v consent_v so_o long_o in_o the_o own_n such_o common_a principle_n which_o all_o the_o other_o controversy_n be_v build_v upon_o and_o although_o it_o be_v continual_o see_v that_o in_o divide_a party_n one_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o other_o and_o man_n general_o think_v they_o can_v never_o run_v far_o enough_o from_o they_o who_o error_n they_o have_v discover_v that_o yet_o this_o principle_n have_v not_o carry_v any_o considerable_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n out_o of_o their_o indignation_n against_o those_o great_a corruption_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o the_o world_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o disow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v â—artly_o impute_v to_o the_o signal_n hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o partly_o to_o those_o strong_a evidence_n which_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o convey_v to_o uâ—_n the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n thus_o we_o see_v now_o how_o great_a and_o uncontrolled_a this_o consent_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n deliver_v down_o from_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o concern_v the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o authentical_a record_n of_o they_o and_o what_o a_o sure_a foundation_n there_o be_v for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o so_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v now_o manifest_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n 20._o of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o propagate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v the_o admirable_a success_n which_o the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n upon_o its_o be_v preach_v to_o it_o of_o whâ—ch_n no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v unless_o the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v very_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a success_n upon_o its_o first_o preach_v have_v be_v partly_o discover_v already_o and_o be_v withal_o so_o plain_a from_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o it_o in_o these_o european_a part_n that_o none_o any_o way_n conversant_a in_o the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o but_o that_o this_o strange_a and_o admirable_a success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o oppose_v by_o all_o worldly_a power_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o to_o its_o credenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o to_o its_o agenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n both_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o former_a seem_v hard_a and_o incredible_a the_o latter_a harsh_a and_o impossible_a 1._o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o world_n be_v not_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v imagine_v the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o man_n will_v be_v very_o forward_o to_o run_v after_o nor_o very_o greedy_a to_o embrace_v 1._o because_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o 1._o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o tenacious_a of_o those_o principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v suck_v in_o in_o the_o time_n of_o infancy_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n shall_v believe_v they_o but_o only_o on_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o they_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n any_o religion_n have_v against_o another_o that_o it_o come_v to_o speak_v first_o and_o thereby_o insinuate_v such_o a_o apprehension_n of_o its_o self_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o remove_v it_o afterward_o the_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v communis_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o therefore_o primi_fw-la sunt_fw-la possidentis_fw-la when_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o get_v possession_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o usual_o keep_v out_o whatever_o come_v to_o disturb_v it_o now_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o all_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o under_o paganism_n and_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a potent_a prejudice_n against_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v whole_o irreconcilable_a with_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v devote_v to_o now_o the_o strong_a the_o prejudice_n be_v which_o be_v convey_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o the_o force_n of_o education_n the_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n must_v there_o needs_o be_v in_o
the_o advancement_n of_o the_o flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n and_o that_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o outward_a difficulty_n which_o the_o experience_n oâ—_n the_o primitive_a church_n give_v a_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n conjoin_v with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o that_o great_a antichrist_n the_o devil_n who_o have_v usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o world_n the_o last_o reason_n why_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v so_o necessary_a 9_o for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v propagate_v over_o the_o world_n without_o any_o other_o rational_a evidence_n than_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o now_o the_o admirable_a success_n which_o this_o doctrine_n find_v in_o the_o world_n consider_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o do_v make_v it_o clear_v what_o certainty_n there_o be_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v certain_a evidence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v from_o god_n now_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v undertake_v to_o publish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o have_v 1._o be_v undoubted_o certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o no_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v be_v give_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o propagation_n why_o it_o shall_v meet_v with_o so_o great_a acceptance_n in_o the_o world_n have_v there_o not_o be_v such_o convince_a evidence_n as_o may_v full_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o from_o the_o publisher_n of_o this_o doctrine_n 2._o in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o i_o here_o require_v by_o way_n of_o a_o postulatum_fw-la or_o supposition_n be_v onlythese_fw-mi two_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n right_a in_o his_o wit_n i_o suppose_v will_v deny_v 1._o that_o man_n be_v so_o far_o rational_a agent_n that_o they_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o any_o work_n of_o moment_n and_o difficulty_n without_o sufficient_a ground_n induce_v they_o to_o it_o and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a the_o work_n be_v the_o more_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a have_v the_o ground_n need_v to_o be_v which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n or_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o man_n distract_v or_o bereave_v of_o their_o wit_n but_o act_v by_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v which_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o beside_o his_o wit_n as_o to_o question_v if_o he_o have_v but_o patience_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o read_v and_o consider_v those_o admirable_a write_n of_o they_o which_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o as_o certain_a uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v and_o by_o that_o time_n he_o will_v see_v cause_n to_o alter_v his_o judgement_n and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o mad_a but_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n and_o soberness_n these_o thing_n suppose_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o prove_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n which_o will_v be_v do_v by_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o know_v how_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v to_o they_o second_o that_o no_o motive_n can_v be_v conceive_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v three_o that_o the_o great_a assurance_n they_o have_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v by_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o understand_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n notwithstanding_o which_o they_o cheerful_o undertake_v it_o that_o man_n arm_v with_o no_o external_a power_n nor_o cry_v up_o for_o their_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o carry_v a_o doctrine_n with_o they_o so_o contraâ—y_o to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o mankind_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o part_v with_o the_o religion_n they_o own_v and_o be_v settle_v by_o their_o law_n and_o to_o embrace_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o call_v they_o off_o from_o all_o the_o thing_n they_o love_v in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o by_o mortification_n &_o self-denial_n for_o another_o world_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o humane_a reason_n incredible_a unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o act_v by_o a_o high_a spirit_n than_o mankind_n be_v ordinary_o act_v by_o for_o what_o be_v there_o so_o desirable_a in_o continual_a reproach_n &_o contumely_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o rack_n and_o prison_n what_o agreeableness_n in_o flame_n and_o martyrdom_n to_o make_v man_n undergo_v some_o nay_o all_o of_o these_o rather_o than_o disow_v that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o come_v to_o publish_v yet_o these_o do_v the_o apostle_n cheerful_o undergo_v in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o though_o they_o do_v foresee_v they_o they_o be_v not_o discourage_v from_o this_o undertake_n by_o it_o i_o confess_v when_o man_n be_v upon_o hope_n of_o profit_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n engage_v upon_o a_o design_n which_o they_o promise_v themselves_o impunity_n in_o have_v power_n on_o their_o side_n though_o afterward_o thing_n shall_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o their_o expectation_n such_o person_n may_v die_v in_o such_o a_o cause_n because_o they_o must_v and_o some_o may_v carry_v it_o out_o with_o more_o resolution_n partly_o through_o a_o innate_a fortitude_n of_o spirit_n heighten_v with_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o enthusiastic_a temper_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o person_n will_v have_v undertake_v so_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n if_o beforehand_o they_o have_v foresee_v what_o they_o must_v have_v undergo_v for_o it_o but_o now_o the_o apostle_n do_v foreknow_v that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n nay_o death_n its_o self_n must_v be_v undergo_v in_o a_o violent_a manner_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v yet_o not_o withstand_v all_o this_o they_o go_v bold_o and_o with_o resolution_n on_o with_o their_o work_n and_o give_v not_o over_o because_o of_o any_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n they_o meet_v withal_o one_o of_o the_o chies_a of_o they_o s._n peter_n and_o as_o forward_o as_o any_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v the_o very_a manner_n of_o his_o death_n foretell_v he_o by_o christ_n himself_o 19_o before_o his_o ascension_n yet_o soon_o after_o we_o find_v he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o who_o have_v crucify_v he_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o appeal_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v among_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v if_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v save_v and_o this_o he_o do_v 5._o not_o only_o among_o the_o people_n who_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n but_o soon_o after_o be_v conventedâ—ogether_o â—ogether_z with_o john_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sanbedrin_n probable_o the_o very_a same_o which_o not_o long_o before_o have_v sentence_v christ_n to_o death_n for_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o with_o what_o incredible_a boldness_n do_v he_o to_o their_o face_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_a 12._o christ_n and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o all_o say_v peter_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n and_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_v who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o by_o he_o do_v this_o man_n stand_v here_o before_o you_o whole_a neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v what_o
more_o blind_a and_o wilful_a heathen_n deride_v they_o as_o such_o but_o who_o be_v the_o more_o infatuate_v let_v any_o sober_a person_n judge_n they_o who_o slight_v and_o reject_v a_o doctrine_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o or_o they_o who_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o die_v than_o deny_v it_o dicimus_fw-la &_o palam_fw-la dicimus_fw-la et_fw-la vobis_fw-la torquentibus_fw-la lacerati_fw-la et_fw-la cruenti_fw-la 2d_o vociferamur_fw-la deum_fw-la colimus_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o believe_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n even_o when_o their_o own_o blood_n run_v down_o besore_n their_o eye_n and_o confess_v christ_n with_o their_o mouth_n when_o their_o body_n be_v upon_o the_o rack_n certain_o then_o there_o be_v some_o very_a powerful_a and_o convince_a argument_n which_o buoy_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a christian_n in_o that_o deluge_n of_o suffering_n which_o they_o be_v to_o swim_v through_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strong_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n which_o will_v hold_v out_o under_o so_o great_a trial_n and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o most_o persuasive_a motive_n to_o faith_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o other_o of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o to_o persuade_v all_o other_o person_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o with_o what_o face_n and_o confidence_n otherwise_o can_v they_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n so_o dangerous_a as_o that_o be_v have_v there_o not_o be_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o weight_n of_o susfering_n and_o argument_n persuasive_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o encourage_v they_o to_o believe_v now_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o 13._o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v themselves_o eye-witness_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v they_o be_v such_o person_n who_o have_v be_v themselves_o present_a not_o only_o to_o hear_v most_o of_o our_o saviour_n admirable_a discourse_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o see_v all_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o he_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v immediate_o send_v from_o god_n let_v we_o now_o appeal_v to_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o examine_v a_o little_a what_o rational_a evidence_n can_v possible_o be_v desire_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a which_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v to_o the_o world_n what_o can_v the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o auditor_n of_o our_o saviour_n desire_v more_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n than_o his_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v certain_o above_o any_o create_a power_n either_o humane_a or_o diabolical_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v divine_a what_o can_v other_o person_n desire_v more_o who_o be_v not_o present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o these_o miracle_n but_o that_o the_o report_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v convey_v to_o they_o in_o a_o undoubted_a manner_n by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n they_o be_v far_o from_o any_o intention_n of_o deceive_v it_o now_o this_o make_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o write_n though_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v appeal_v to_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o there_o st._n peter_n speak_v thus_o to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o as_o some_o improbable_o conceive_v either_o his_o general_a come_n to_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n or_o his_o particular_a come_n upon_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o by_o a_o hendyade_n by_o his_o power_n and_o come_n be_v mean_v his_o powerful_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n whereby_o he_o mighty_o discover_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o like_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n concern_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o god_n among_o they_o which_o be_v so_o frequent_o believe_v among_o they_o that_o dionysin_n 128._o halycarnassaeus_n condemn_v the_o epicurean_o because_o they_o do_v deride_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o appearance_n of_o their_o god_n in_o the_o world_n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n assure_v yourselves_o this_o be_v no_o such_o appearance_n of_o a_o god_n on_o earth_n as_o that_o among_o the_o heathen_n be_v for_o say_v he_o we_o our_o self_n who_o declare_v these_o thing_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o full_o understand_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n for_o we_o see_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o great_a majesty_n which_o attend_v he_o in_o all_o which_o he_o speak_v or_o do_v we_o see_v all_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a 11._o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v manifest_a in_o he_o all_o those_o miraculous_a operation_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o therefore_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o that_o they_o see_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o we_o see_v it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o their_o belief_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n in_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o such_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n john_n speak_v ad_fw-la conciliandam_fw-la fidem_fw-la to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o true_a what_o they_o deliver_v be_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o epistle_n that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o 3._o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o life_n be_v manifest_v and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o and_o bear_v witness_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o we_o see_v what_o great_a force_n and_o weight_n the_o apostle_n lay_v upon_o this_o that_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v as_o they_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o st._n luke_n likewise_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o from_o such_o person_n who_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n 3._o and_o instrument_n themselves_o in_o part_n of_o what_o be_v write_v for_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v he_o say_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n which_o be_v abundant_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a for_o be_v matter_n of_o â—act_n there_o can_v be_v no_o strong_a proof_n of_o they_o then_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o very_o cautious_a about_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o new_a apostle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n wherefore_o of_o these_o 22._o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o because_o christ_n be_v mighty_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o that_o which_o
be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n so_o frequent_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o jesus_n say_v peter_n have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n and_o again_o and_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n who_o 32._o god_n have_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n and_o both_o peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o we_o can_v 15._o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o the_o 20._o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n afterward_o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n 32._o have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o in_o which_o word_n they_o give_v they_o that_o twofold_a rational_a evidence_n which_o do_v manifest_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o withal_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o upon_o believer_n afterward_o we_o read_v the_o sum_n oâ—_n the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o the_o manner_n use_v by_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n to_o cernâ—lius_n and_o his_o company_n how_o god_n anoint_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v 42._o oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o we_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n who_o they_o stew_n and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n him_n god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n even_o to_o we_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o command_v we_o to_o â—reach_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v be_v which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o care_n god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o world_n in_o point_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v discover_v concern_v our_o saviour_n christ_n because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o person_n to_o be_v the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o best_a able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n about_o they_o viz._n such_o as_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o they_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v it_o more_o full_o evident_a what_o 14._o strength_n there_o be_v in_o this_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_v the_o rational_a evidence_n which_o attend_v it_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_o prove_v in_o the_o high_a way_n it_o be_v capable_a 1._o of_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n that_o if_o the_o relation_n concern_v christ_n be_v true_a his_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n bear_v at_o bethlehem_n who_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o reason_n imaginable_a can_v i_o have_v to_o question_v but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o person_n be_v certain_o divine_a and_o consequent_o what_o ever_o he_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n we_o must_v likewise_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o such_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n which_o he_o have_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n no_o prince_n can_v think_v he_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o refuse_v audience_n to_o a_o ambassador_n when_o he_o find_v his_o credential_n such_o as_o he_o may_v rely_v upon_o although_o himself_o do_v not_o see_v the_o seal_n of_o they_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o those_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v the_o great_a evidence_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o be_v the_o attest_v of_o it_o by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o firm_a assent_n be_v build_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o although_o we_o conceive_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o story_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v convey_v only_o in_o a_o general_a way_n by_o a_o uncertain_a fame_n and_o tradition_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o credible_a person_n who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o cye-witness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v account_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o distrust_v any_o long_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v easy_o and_o clear_o perceive_v 2._o when_o many_o witness_n exact_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o perceive_v by_o those_o who_o see_v it_o i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o thus_o it_o certain_o be_v as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o mankind_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o we_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o visible_a miracle_n they_o can_v be_v no_o illusion_n of_o sense_n nor_o deceit_n of_o their_o eye_n the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o his_o cure_n be_v after_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blindness_n before_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o 26._o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o be_v do_v when_o christ_n raise_v up_o the_o dead_a man_n at_o naim_n it_o be_v before_o much_o people_n and_o such_o 12._o person_n in_o probability_n who_o be_v many_o of_o they_o present_a at_o his_o death_n but_o least_o there_o may_v be_v any_o suspicion_n as_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o person_n thereabouts_o dead_a four_o day_n here_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n at_o all_o 39_o when_o the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o and_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o further_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o plain_a object_n of_o sense_n do_v in_o presence_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n the_o soldier_n themselves_o be_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o his_o be_v real_o dead_a when_o they_o come_v to_o break_v his_o bone_n and_o spare_v he_o because_o they_o see_v he_o be_v dead_a already_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o no_o body_n find_v therein_o although_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v guard_v by_o soldier_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n all_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a place_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o real_a body_n which_o he_o rise_v withal_o and_o no_o aerial_a vehicle_n appear_v by_o thomas_n his_o serupulosity_n and_o unbelief_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o â—e_n may_v put_v his_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n and_o see_v 27._o
of_o rambam_n or_o r._n moses_n maimon_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n desire_v of_o he_o a_o sign_n and_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n and_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o which_o he_o cunning_o desire_v to_o avoid_v be_v torment_v which_o the_o king_n be_v resolve_v to_o try_v and_o according_o execute_v he_o but_o i_o suppose_v his_o resurrection_n and_o mahomet_n will_v be_v both_o in_o a_o day_n although_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o such_o fool_n as_o to_o expect_v his_o resurrection_n several_a other_o impostor_n maimonides_n dau._n mention_n in_o his_o epistle_n de_fw-fr australi_fw-la region_fw-la one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o he_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o leprosy_n in_o a_o night_n several_a other_o he_o mention_n in_o spain_n france_n and_o other_o part_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o all_o be_v only_o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o captivity_n of_o the_o poor_a jew_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a in_o follow_v impostor_n and_o yet_o such_o strange_a infidel_n where_o there_o be_v plain_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n we_o free_o grant_v then_o that_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o deceive_v man_n with_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n do_v in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o as_o origen_n yet_o further_o reply_v to_o celsus_n as_o a_o wolf_n do_v very_o much_o resemble_v a_o dog_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o a_o turtle_n dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o magic_n but_o as_o he_o argue_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v only_a deceit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o magical_a operation_n and_o can_v there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n at_o all_o wrought_v be_v humane_a nature_n only_o capable_a of_o imposture_n or_o can_v none_o work_v miracle_n but_o devil_n where_o there_o be_v a_o worse_o there_o may_v be_v a_o better_a and_o so_o from_o the_o imposture_n &_o counterfeit_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v true_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n otherwise_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v counterfeit_n but_o no_o jewel_n or_o there_o be_v sophism_n and_o paralogism_n but_o no_o legitimate_a demonstration_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o deceit_n there_o be_v true_a miracle_n too_o all_o the_o business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strict_o and_o severe_o to_o examine_v the_o pretâ—nders_n to_o do_v they_o and_o that_o from_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o that_o do_v they_o and_o from_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n in_o the_o world_n whâ—ther_o thâ—y_v correct_v man_n manner_n or_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o truth_n and_o on_o this_o account_n we_o be_v neither_o to_o reject_v all_o miracle_n nor_o embrace_v all_o pretence_n but_o careful_o and_o prudent_o examine_v the_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o those_o which_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v know_v from_o such_o which_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o diabolical_a and_o this_o now_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o this_o chapter_n 4._o viz._n what_o rule_v we_o have_v to_o procee_v by_o in_o judge_a miracle_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o may_v be_v these_o follow_v true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o some_o 1._o divine_a testimony_n because_o we_o have_v manifest_v by_o all_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o seal_v some_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o if_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n when_o no_o divine_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v confirm_v god_n will_v set_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o blank_a if_o it_o be_v say_v no_o because_o it_o will_v witness_v to_o we_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v deliver_v so_o many_o age_n since_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_o seal_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o we_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o charter_n of_o a_o corporation_n have_v the_o prince_n broad_a seal_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o every_o succâ—ssion_n of_o man_n in_o that_o corporation_n must_v have_v a_o new_a broad_a seal_n or_o else_o they_o ought_v to_o question_v their_o patent_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o that_o when_o the_o original_a seal_n and_o patent_n be_v preserve_v and_o be_v certain_o convey_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n so_o i_o say_v it_o be_v as_o to_o we_o god_n grand_a charter_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v seal_v by_o divine_a miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n the_o original_a patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o charter_n be_v contain_v be_v convey_v in_o a_o most_o certain_a manner_n to_o we_o to_o this_o patent_n the_o seal_n be_v annex_v and_o in_o it_o be_v contain_v those_o undoubted_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o so_o that_o a_o new_a seal_n of_o this_o patent_n be_v whole_o needless_a unless_o we_o have_v some_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o original_a patent_n itself_o be_v lose_v or_o the_o first_o seal_v be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o lat_a than_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v false_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o verity_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o wrought_v if_o the_o first_o be_v suspect_v viz._n the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n some_o certain_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o suspicion_n must_v be_v discover_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n especial_o when_o the_o great_a and_o many_o society_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v all_o consent_n unanimous_o in_o the_o contrary_n nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n can_v conceive_v that_o the_o patent_n which_o we_o now_o rely_v upon_o be_v supposititious_a or_o corrupt_v in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o from_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n can_v we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o to_o manifest_v his_o signal_n love_n to_o mankind_n shall_v not_o only_o grant_v a_o patent_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o then_o seal_v it_o by_o divine_a miracle_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n cause_v it_o by_o person_n employ_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v record_v in_o a_o language_n fit_a for_o its_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n all_o which_o i_o here_o suppose_v can_v we_o i_o say_v conceive_v that_o this_o god_n shall_v so_o far_o have_v cast_v off_o his_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n of_o the_o grant_v itself_o as_o to_o suffer_v any_o wicked_a man_n or_o malignant_a spirit_n to_o corrupt_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o those_o term_n in_o it_o on_o which_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n depend_v much_o less_o whole_o to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o to_o send_v forth_o one_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o supposititious_a instead_o of_o it_o and_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o that_o corrupt_a copy_n be_v set_v forth_o nor_o by_o any_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a christian_n ever_o since_o they_o who_o can_v give_v any_o the_o least_o entertainment_n to_o so_o wild_a absurd_a and_o irrational_a a_o imagination_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a disposition_n to_o atheism_n and_o next_o to_o the_o suspect_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v corrupt_v they_o may_v rational_o suspect_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o spirit_n most_o malignant_a and_o envious_a of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o suspicion_n only_o become_v those_o heathen_n among_o
to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n that_o serene_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o follow_v a_o good_a conscience_n wherever_o it_o dwell_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v man_n welcome_v that_o guest_n which_o bring_v such_o good_a entertainment_n with_o it_o whereas_o the_o amazement_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o haunt_v such_o who_o prostitute_v their_o conscience_n to_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o rectify_a reason_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o rational_a person_n that_o impiety_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o irreligion_n madness_n it_o can_v be_v then_o but_o matter_n of_o great_a pity_n to_o consider_v that_o any_o person_n who_o birth_n and_o education_n have_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o their_o own_o enemy_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o fashion_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o study_v compliment_n more_o than_o themselves_o and_o read_v romance_n more_o than_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n but_o sir_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o your_o choice_n in_o prefer_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n above_o the_o ceremony_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n go_v on_o sir_n to_o value_v and_o measure_v true_a religion_n not_o by_o the_o uncertain_a measure_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o what_o certain_a foundation_n can_v there_o be_v for_o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v on_o and_o who_o dare_v venture_v his_o soul_n as_o to_o its_o future_a condition_n upon_o any_o authority_n less_o than_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o what_o certain_a direction_n for_o practice_n shall_v we_o have_v what_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o opinion_n by_o have_v not_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n provide_v and_o preserve_v this_o authentic_a instrument_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n what_o a_o strange_a religion_n will_v christianity_n seem_v shall_v we_o frame_v the_o model_n of_o it_o from_o any_o other_o thing_n then_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o all_o controversy_n the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n and_o through_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n lead_v man_n at_o last_o into_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o atheism_n whereas_o the_o frequent_a and_o serious_a converse_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v incomparable_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o keep_v up_o in_o we_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v easy_o mistake_v when_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o in_o any_o other_o glass_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o for_o maintain_v a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o due_a valuation_n of_o it_o whatever_o its_o esteem_n or_o entertainment_n be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o the_o true_a genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o it_o shall_v grow_v never_o so_o much_o out_o of_o credit_n with_o the_o world_n yet_o none_o who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v therein_o be_v infallible_o true_a will_v ever_o have_v the_o less_o estimation_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n have_v much_o suffer_v in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o through_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o many_o to_o it_o who_o have_v only_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o private_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a logic_n of_o atheist_n crimine_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la disce_fw-la omnes_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrite_n all_o who_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n be_v such_o on_o which_o account_n the_o hypocrisy_n of_o one_o age_n make_v way_n for_o the_o atheism_n of_o the_o next_o but_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a that_o imputation_n be_v there_o need_v not_o much_o to_o discover_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n there_o be_v no_o true_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ape_n which_o imitate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o jewel_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n our_o age_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n of_o real_a goodness_n and_o unaffected_a piety_n there_o be_v some_o such_o generous_a spirit_n as_o dare_v love_n religion_n without_o the_o dowry_n of_o interest_n and_o manifest_v their_o affection_n to_o it_o in_o the_o plain_a dress_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o paint_n and_o set-offs_a which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o by_o the_o several_a contend_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v there_o more_o such_o noble_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n atheism_n will_v want_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plea_n which_o it_o now_o make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o nothing_o enlarge_v more_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n than_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o wide_a passage_n which_o lie_v between_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n or_o slight_v by_o any_o who_o own_o profess_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o can_v the_o profession_n of_o that_o be_v honourable_a who_o practice_n be_v not_o if_o the_o principle_n be_v true_a why_o be_v they_o not_o practise_v if_o they_o be_v not_o true_a why_o be_v they_o profess_v you_o see_v sir_n to_o what_o a_o unexpected_a length_n my_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v draw_v out_o this_o present_a address_n but_o i_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o your_o pardon_n in_o it_o then_o if_o i_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o paper_n after_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o dedication_n in_o represent_v you_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n sir_n i_o know_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o i_o have_v be_v commend_v to_o delight_v in_o your_o own_o deserve_a praise_n much_o less_o in_o flattery_n which_o so_o benign_a a_o subject_n may_v easy_o make_v one_o pen_n run_v over_o in_o and_o therein_o i_o may_v not_o much_o have_v digress_v from_o my_o design_n since_o i_o know_v few_o more_o exemplary_a for_o that_o rare_a mixture_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o high_a civility_n together_o in_o who_o that_o inestimable_a jewel_n of_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o most_o sweet_a affable_a and_o oblige_a temper_n but_o although_o none_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a on_o any_o occasion_n with_o all_o gratitude_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a obligation_n you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o far_o sensible_a of_o the_o common_a vanity_n of_o epistle_n dedicatory_a that_o i_o can_v so_o hearty_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a for_o your_o good_a and_o welfare_n and_o in_o subscribe_v myself_o sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a servant_n june_n 5._o 1662._o ed._n stillingfleet_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v neither_o to_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n nor_o to_o prevent_v false_a copy_n which_o and_o such_o like_a excuse_n i_o know_v be_v expect_v in_o usual_a preface_n that_o i_o have_v adventure_v abroad_o this_o follow_a treatise_n but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_n and_o indignity_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v on_o religion_n by_o such_o who_o account_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o judgement_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n to_o dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n when_o yet_o the_o more_o acute_a and_o subtle_a their_o argument_n be_v the_o great_a their_o strength_n be_v against_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v they_o not_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o they_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v and_o how_o contradictious_a be_v it_o for_o such_o person_n to_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o wit_n and_o reason_n who_o design_n be_v to_o degrade_v the_o rational_a soul_n so_o far_o below_o herself_o as_o to_o make_v she_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n
will_n unto_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o grand_a question_n propound_v how_o it_o may_v be_v know_v when_o prediction_n express_v god_n decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n for_o the_o first_o several_a rule_n lay_v down_o 1._o when_o the_o prediction_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o present_a miracle_n 2._o when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v exceed_v the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n 3._o when_o confirm_v by_o god_n oath_n 4._o when_o the_o blessing_n foretold_v be_v pure_o spiritual_a three_o rule_n for_o interpret_n the_o prophecy_n which_o respect_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v foretell_v 6._o when_o many_o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n prediction_n do_v not_o express_v god_n unalterable_a purpose_n when_o they_o only_o contain_v commination_n of_o judgement_n or_o be_v prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n hezekiah_n and_o other_o open_v of_o repentance_n in_o god_n what_o it_o imply_v the_o jewish_a objection_n â—bout_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n answer_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n instance_a in_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n elijah_n elishah_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o who_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o modern_a jew_n and_o their_o pretence_n answer_v p._n 177_o chap._n vii_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n discuss_v the_o second_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v when_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o the_o possibility_n in_o general_n of_o a_o repeal_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n assert_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n prove_v not_o to_o be_v immutable_o obligatory_a because_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n be_v require_v not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o some_o further_a end_n that_o prove_v from_o maimonides_n his_o confession_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n frequent_o dispense_v with_o while_n the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n of_o the_o passover_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o several_a other_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o repeal_v such_o a_o establish_a law_n abravanels_n argument_n answer_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n compare_v with_o the_o gospel_n whether_o god_n have_v ever_o declare_v he_o will_v never_o repeal_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n of_o add_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o expression_n seem_v to_o imply_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n reason_n assign_v why_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v though_o perpetuity_n be_v not_o employ_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o build_v upon_o immutable_a reason_n because_o many_o particular_a precept_n be_v found_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o zabii_n many_o ceremonial_a precept_n thence_o deduce_v out_o of_o maimonides_n and_o because_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v foretell_v with_o which_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a that_o large_o discover_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n chap._n viii_o general_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v the_o meaness_n of_o his_o appearance_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n some_o general_a hypothesis_n to_o clear_v the_o subserviency_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n but_o authority_n the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n to_o be_v infallible_a thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n what_o that_o be_v and_o on_o what_o it_o depend_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n the_o certainty_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n our_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n suppose_v something_o incomprehensible_a the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o knowledge_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o strong_a the_o consistency_n of_o rational_a evidence_n with_o faith_n yet_o object_n of_o faith_n exceed_v reason_n the_o absurdity_n follow_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v reason_n philosophical_a dictate_v no_o standard_n of_o reason_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n etc._n etc._n why_o reject_v as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o matter_n above_o reason_n which_o be_v infallible_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v way_n to_o know_v which_o be_v infallible_a prove_v 2._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o most_o infallible_a the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n into_o god_n veracity_n as_o its_o formal_a object_n 3._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v though_o god_n speak_v not_o immediate_o of_o inspiration_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divination_n among_o the_o heathen_n 4._o hyp._n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v clear_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o they_o the_o original_n of_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aeseulapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o belieuâ—_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o everthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniaek_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v pag._n 252_o chap._n x._o the_o difference_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o false_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o reject_v the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n because_o of_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a prove_v from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o take_v
away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochebas_n david_n el_fw-es david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n pag._n 334_o book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n pag._n 360_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancïent_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o fonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n pag._n 421_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epicurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o persian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o seneca_n plutarch_n and_o other_o pag._n 470_o chap._n iv._o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n all_o mankind_n derive_v from_o adam_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o contrary_a supposition_n a_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n the_o possibility_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n prove_v the_o flood_n universal_a as_o to_o mankind_n whether_o universal_a as_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o animal_n no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v either_o yet_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v without_o creation_n of_o new_a water_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o proportion_n which_o the_o height_n of_o mountain_n bear_v to_o the_o diameter_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o mountain_n much_o above_o three_o mile_n perpendicular_a of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n the_o opinion_n of_o aristotle_n and_o other_o concern_v it_o discuss_v the_o true_a account_n of_o they_o from_o the_o vapour_n arise_v from_o the_o mass_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o receive_v the_o animal_n from_o buteo_n and_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deluge_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o nation_n from_o noah_n posterity_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a empire_n the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o
the_o general_a defect_n for_o want_n of_o timely_a record_n among_o heathen_a nation_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o manner_n of_o they_o discover_v the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n of_o hieroglyphic_n the_o use_n of_o letter_n among_o the_o greek_n no_o elder_a than_o cadmus_n his_o time_n inquire_v into_o no_o elder_a than_o joshua_n the_o learning_n bring_v into_o greece_n by_o he_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n have_v that_o peculiar_a commendation_n 1_o above_o all_o other_o design_n that_o they_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o gratify_v the_o most_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o do_v most_o immediate_o tend_v to_o re-advance_a the_o high_a perfection_n of_o our_o rational_a being_n for_o all_o our_o most_o laudable_a endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n now_o be_v only_o the_o gather_n up_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o what_o be_v once_o a_o entire_a fabric_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o some_o precious_a jewel_n which_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o sink_v in_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o say_v of_o plato_n that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v remembrance_n and_o all_o ignorance_n forgetfulness_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n if_o by_o forgetfulness_n be_v mean_v the_o loss_n and_o by_o remembrance_n the_o recovery_n of_o those_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n once_o have_v in_o its_o pure_a and_o primitive_a state_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o true_a microcosm_n in_o which_o all_o the_o being_n of_o the_o inferior_a world_n be_v faithful_o represent_v according_a to_o their_o true_a native_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n god_n create_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o only_o capable_a of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o furnish_v he_o with_o a_o sufficient_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o touchstone_n to_o discover_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n by_o a_o light_n set_v up_o in_o his_o understanding_n which_o if_o he_o have_v attend_v to_o he_o may_v have_v secure_v himself_o from_o all_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n as_o all_o other_o being_n be_v create_v in_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o agreeable_a perfection_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n so_o be_v man_n too_o else_o god_n will_v have_v never_o close_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n with_o those_o word_n and_o god_n see_v all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v suitable_a 31_o to_o their_o several_a being_n which_o man_n have_v be_v most_o defective_a in_o if_o his_o understanding_n have_v not_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o intellectual_a knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n belong_v to_o his_o rational_a be_v for_o reason_n be_v the_o most_o raise_a faculty_n of_o humane_a nature_n if_o that_o have_v be_v defective_a in_o its_o discovery_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n it_o will_v have_v argue_v the_o great_a maim_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o be_v itself_o for_o if_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v pleasant_a from_o what_o be_v hurtful_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a to_o find_v out_o the_o difference_n of_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n not_o as_o though_o the_o soul_n can_v then_o have_v have_v any_o more_o than_o now_o a_o actual_a notion_n of_o all_o the_o being_n in_o the_o world_n ocexi_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o all_o deceit_n in_o its_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o cause_v through_o inadvertency_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o several_a aspect_n man_n knowledge_n 2._o ledge_n have_v which_o be_v either_o upward_o towards_o his_o maker_n or_o abroad_o on_o his_o fellow-creature_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o contemplation_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o fix_v its_o self_n on_o that_o infinite_a be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o will_v be_v find_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v create_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o because_o of_o man_n immediate_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o he_o which_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o will_n must_v be_v his_o rule_n for_o if_o man_n be_v not_o full_o convince_v in_o the_o first_o moment_n after_o his_o creation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o he_o who_o he_o be_v to_o obey_v his_o first_o work_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o have_v be_v actual_a obedience_n but_o a_o search_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o supreme_a infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v or_o no_o and_o whereon_o his_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v found_v and_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o law_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v regulate_v his_o obedience_n the_o take_v off_o all_o which_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n must_v suppose_v he_o full_o satisfy_v upon_o the_o first_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n and_o be_v which_o produce_v he_o and_o on_o that_o account_n have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v he_o in_o whatsoever_o he_o please_v and_o that_o those_o command_n of_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o in_o so_o certain_a a_o way_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v further_o appear_v most_o necessary_a to_o man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n create_v he_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o enjoy_v converse_n and_o a_o humble_a familiarity_n with_o himself_o he_o have_v then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o language_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n converse_v with_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a 63._o to_o he_o as_o his_o be_v be_v for_o man_n as_o he_o come_v first_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n be_v the_o reflection_n of_o god_n himself_o on_o a_o dark_a cloud_n the_o iris_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o similitude_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o substance_n different_a thence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n his_o knowledge_n then_o have_v be_v more_o 26._o intellectual_a than_o discursive_a not_o so_o much_o employ_v his_o faculty_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la deduction_n of_o reason_n the_o pleasant_a toil_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n since_o the_o fall_n but_o have_v immediate_o employ_v they_o about_o the_o sublimest_n object_n not_o about_o quiddity_n and_o formality_n but_o about_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n there_o be_v not_o then_o so_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o angelical_a and_o humane_a life_n the_o angel_n and_o man_n both_o feed_v on_o the_o same_o dainty_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v they_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o upper_a room_n in_o heaven_n and_o man_n in_o the_o summer_n parlour_n in_o paradise_n if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o man_n knowledge_n as_o it_o respect_v his_o fellow-creature_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o be_v so_o full_o know_v to_o he_o on_o 3_o his_o first_o creation_n that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o go_v to_o school_n to_o the_o wide_a world_n to_o gather_v up_o his_o conception_n of_o they_o for_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o dominion_n which_o he_o be_v instate_v in_o over_o the_o inferior_a world_n do_v imply_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n be_v and_o property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o without_o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v improve_v they_o for_o their_o peculiar_a end_n and_o from_o this_o knowledge_n do_v proceed_v the_o give_v the_o creature_n those_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a name_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o as_o plato_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o imposition_n cratylo_n of_o name_n on_o thing_n belong_v not_o to_o every_o one_o but_o only_o to_o he_o that_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n into_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o name_n shall_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o suitableness_n to_o the_o thing_n they_o express_v for_o word_n be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o express_v our_o conception_n of_o thing_n and_o our_o conception_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o same_o philosopher_n speak_v the_o resemblance_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a knowledge_n the_o conception_n must_v agree_v with_o the_o thing_n and_o word_n be_v to_o express_v our_o conception_n none_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o as_o those_o which_o
be_v expressive_a of_o the_o several_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v use_v to_o represent_v for_o otherwise_o all_o the_o use_n of_o word_n be_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a vocabulary_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o a_o index_n to_o memory_n and_o of_o no_o further_a use_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o knowledge_n then_o to_o let_v we_o know_v what_o word_n man_n be_v agree_v to_o call_v thing_n by_o but_o something_o further_a seem_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o their_o first_o imposition_n whence_o the_o jew_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o mercer_n tell_v we_o a_o separation_n and_o distinction_n 19_o of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o thing_n and_o kircher_n thus_o paraphrase_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n and_o whatsoever_o adam_n call_v every_o live_a creature_n that_o be_v the_o name_n thereof_o i_o e._n say_v 1._o he_o fuerunt_fw-la illis_fw-la vera_fw-la &_o germane_a nomina_fw-la &_o rerum_fw-la naturis_fw-la propriè_fw-la accommodata_fw-la but_o however_o this_o be_v we_o have_v this_o further_a evidence_n of_o that_o height_n of_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o first_o man_n that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o his_o kind_n so_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o want_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o due_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o as_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v if_o not_o double_a to_o other_o as_o man_n ordinary_o mistake_v yet_o of_o a_o full_a and_o exact_a weight_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n for_o all_o other_o weight_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o its_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o temple_n so_o if_o the_o first_o man_n have_v not_o double_a the_o proportion_n and_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o his_o posterity_n have_v if_o it_o be_v not_o run_v over_o in_o regard_n of_o abundance_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v press_v down_o and_o shake_v together_o in_o regard_n of_o weight_n else_o he_o will_v be_v a_o very_a unfit_a standard_n for_o we_o to_o judge_v by_o concern_v the_o due_a and_o suitable_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o we_o need_v not_o have_v run_v so_o far_o back_o as_o the_o first_o man_n to_o 4._o evince_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o even_o among_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o humane_a nature_n we_o may_v find_v some_o such_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n that_o discern_v so_o much_o beauty_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n that_o to_o such_o as_o shall_v inquire_v what_o they_o find_v so_o attractive_a in_o it_o their_o answer_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o aristotle_n in_o a_o like_a case_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o question_n of_o those_o who_o never_o see_v it_o for_o so_o please_a be_v the_o enquiry_n and_o so_o satisfactory_a the_o find_n of_o truth_n after_o the_o search_n that_o the_o relish_n of_o it_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o great_a epicurism_n of_o apicius_n or_o the_o most_o costly_a entertainment_n of_o cleopatra_n there_o be_v no_o gust_n so_o exquisite_a as_o that_o of_o the_o mind_n nor_o any_o jewel_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o truth_n nor_o do_v any_o person_n certain_o better_a deserve_v the_o name_n of_o man_n than_o such_o who_o allow_v their_o reason_n a_o full_a employment_n and_o think_v not_o the_o erectness_n of_o man_n stature_n a_o sufficient_a distinction_n of_o he_o from_o brute_n of_o which_o those_o may_v be_v account_v only_o a_o high_a species_n who_o can_v patient_o suffer_v the_o imprisonment_n of_o their_o intellectual_n in_o a_o dungeon_n of_o ignorance_n and_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n only_o by_o those_o character_n by_o which_o alexander_n know_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o god_n by_o their_o proneness_n to_o intemperance_n and_o sleep_n so_o strange_a a_o metempsychosis_n may_v there_o be_v without_o any_o change_n of_o body_n and_o euphorbus_n his_o soul_n may_v become_v a_o brute_n without_o ever_o remove_v its_o lodging_n into_o the_o body_n of_o a_o ass._n so_o much_o will_v the_o soul_n degenerate_a from_o its_o self_n if_o not_o improve_v and_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o sullenness_n scarce_o appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o improve_v to_o what_o it_o may_v be_v but_o if_o this_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a so_o natural_a so_o object_n valuable_a a_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n whence_o come_v so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v overrun_v with_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n whence_o come_v so_o many_o pretender_n to_o knowledge_n to_o court_v a_o cloud_n instead_o of_o juno_n to_o pretend_v a_o love_n to_o truth_n and_o yet_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n error_n if_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sympathy_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o truth_n there_o will_v be_v a_o impatient_a desire_n after_o it_o and_o a_o most_o ready_a embrace_v and_o close_v with_o it_o we_o see_v the_o magnet_n do_v not_o draw_v the_o iron_n with_o great_a force_n than_o it_o seem_v to_o run_v with_o impatience_n into_o its_o close_a embrace_n if_o there_o have_v be_v former_o so_o intimate_v a_o acquaintance_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o truth_n as_o socrates_n fancy_v of_o friend_n in_o the_o other_o world_n there_o will_v be_v a_o harmonious_a closure_n upon_o the_o first_o appearance_n and_o no_o divorce_n to_o be_v after_o make_v between_o they_o true_o but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v there_o be_v a_o intermediate_v state_n between_o the_o former_a acquaintance_n and_o the_o renewal_a of_o answ._n it_o wherein_o all_o those_o remain_a character_n of_o mutual_a knowledge_n be_v sink_v so_o deep_a and_o lie_v so_o hide_v that_o there_o need_v a_o new_a fire_n to_o be_v kindle_v to_o bring_v forth_o those_o latent_fw-la figure_n and_o make_v they_o again_o appear_v legible_a and_o when_o once_o those_o token_n be_v produce_v of_o the_o former_a friendship_n there_o be_v not_o more_o impatient_a long_n nor_o more_o close_a embrace_n between_o the_o touch_v needle_n and_o the_o magnet_n then_o there_o be_v between_o the_o understanding_n and_o discover_v truth_n but_o then_o withal_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o soul_n be_v awaken_v out_o of_o that_o lethargy_n they_o be_v fall_v into_o in_o this_o degenerate_a condition_n the_o most_o be_v so_o please_v with_o their_o sleep_n that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o disturb_v their_o rest_n and_o set_v a_o high_a price_n upon_o a_o lazy_a ignorance_n then_o upon_o a_o restless_a knowledge_n and_o even_o of_o those_o who_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v between_o sleep_v and_o wake_v what_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o remain_a confusion_n of_o the_o species_n in_o their_o brain_n what_o by_o the_o present_a dimness_n of_o their_o sight_n and_o the_o hover_v uncertain_a light_n they_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o there_o be_v few_o that_o can_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o mere_a phantasm_n and_o a_o real_a truth_n of_o which_o these_o rational_a account_n may_v be_v give_v viz._n why_o so_o few_o pretender_n to_o knowledge_n do_v light_n on_o truth_n first_o want_v of_o a_o impartial_a diligence_n in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o 6._o truth_n now_o must_v be_v seek_v and_o that_o with_o care_n and_o dilgence_n before_o we_o find_v it_o jewel_n do_v not_o use_v to_o lie_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n highway_n be_v seldom_o pave_v with_o gold_n what_o be_v most_o worth_a our_o find_v call_v for_o the_o great_a search_n if_o one_o that_o walk_v the_o street_n shall_v find_v some_o inestimable_a jewel_n or_o one_o that_o travel_v the_o road_n meet_v with_o a_o bag_n of_o gold_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o silly_a design_n of_o any_o to_o walk_v the_o street_n or_o travel_v the_o road_n in_o hope_n to_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o purchase_n to_o make_v they_o rich_a if_o some_o have_v happy_o light_a on_o some_o valuable_a truth_n when_o they_o mind_v nothing_o less_o than_o they_o must_v this_o render_v a_o diligence_n useless_a in_o inquiry_n after_o such_o no_o truth_n though_o she_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o please_a as_o to_o draw_v our_o affection_n be_v yet_o so_o modest_a as_o to_o admit_v of_o be_v court_v and_o it_o may_v be_v deny_v the_o first_o suit_n to_o heighten_v our_o importunity_n and_o certain_o nothing_o have_v often_o forbid_v the_o bane_n between_o the_o understanding_n and_o truth_n inquire_v after_o than_o partiality_n and_o preoccupation_n of_o judgement_n which_o make_v man_n inquire_v more_o diligent_o after_o the_o dowry_n than_o the_o beauty_n of_o truth_n its_o correspondency_n to_o their_o interest_n than_o its_o evidence_n to_o their_o understanding_n a_o useful_a error_n have_v often_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o free_a admission_n when_o important_a
truth_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o pre-conception_n or_o interest_n have_v be_v forbid_a entrance_n prejudice_n be_v the_o wrong_a bias_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o effectual_o keep_v it_o from_o come_v near_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n nay_o set_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o there_o be_v few_o in_o the_o world_n that_o look_v after_o truth_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n most_o make_v use_n of_o spectacle_n of_o other_o make_v which_o make_v they_o so_o seldom_o behold_v the_o proper_a lineament_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o several_a tincture_n from_o education_n authority_n custom_n and_o predisposition_n do_v exceed_o hinder_v man_n from_o discern_v of_o another_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o who_o find_v truth_n when_o so_o many_o pretend_v to_o seek_v it_o be_v that_o near_a resemblance_n which_o 7._o error_n often_o bear_v to_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o error_n seldom_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n in_o her_o own_o raiment_n she_o always_o borrow_v something_o of_o truth_n to_o make_v she_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o subtlety_n of_o grand_a deceiver_n to_o graft_v their_o great_a error_n on_o some_o material_a truth_n to_o make_v they_o pass_v more_o undiscernible_a to_o all_o such_o who_o look_v more_o at_o the_o root_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v then_o on_o the_o fruit_n which_o they_o bring_v forth_o it_o will_v hereafter_o appear_v how_o most_o of_o the_o gross_a of_o the_o heathen_a error_n have_v as_o plutarch_n say_v of_o the_o egyptian_a fable_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o faint_a and_o obscure_a resemblance_n of_o truth_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o as_o most_o pernicious_a weed_n be_v breed_v in_o the_o fat_a soyl_n their_o most_o destructive_a principle_n have_v be_v found_v on_o some_o necessary_a and_o important_a truth_n thus_o idolatry_n do_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o superstition_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o devil_n can_v never_o have_v build_v his_o chapel_n but_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n whereon_o god_n temple_n stand_v which_o make_v i_o far_o less_o wonder_n than_o many_o do_v at_o the_o meeting_n with_o many_o expression_n concern_v these_o two_o grand_a truth_n in_o the_o write_n of_o ancient_a heathen_n know_v how_o willing_a the_o devil_n may_v be_v to_o have_v such_o principle_n still_o own_v in_o the_o world_n which_o by_o his_o deprave_v of_o they_o may_v be_v the_o nourisher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n do_v only_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o erect_v his_o idolatrous_a temple_n upon_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n after_o death_n without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o attain_v happiness_n do_v make_v man_n more_o eager_a of_o embrace_v those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o canie_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o show_v the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n which_o may_v be_v a_o most_o probable_a reason_n why_o philosophy_n and_o idolatry_n do_v increase_v so_o much_o together_o as_o they_o do_v for_o 8._o though_o right_a reason_n full_o improve_v will_v have_v overthrow_v all_o those_o curse_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n among_o the_o heathen_n yet_o reason_n only_o discern_v some_o general_a notion_n without_o their_o particular_a application_n and_o improvement_n do_v only_o dispose_v the_o most_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o a_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n for_o hereby_o they_o discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n but_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o greedy_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o do_v withal_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o humane_a nature_n nay_o and_o those_o person_n themselves_o who_o be_v the_o great_a maintainer_n of_o these_o sublime_a notion_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v either_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o advance_v that_o horrid_a superstition_n among_o they_o as_o orpheus_n &_o apollonius_n or_o very_o forward_a complyer_n with_o it_o as_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v although_o withal_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v a_o wonderful_a discovery_n of_o divine_a providence_n by_o these_o general_a notion_n to_o keep_v wake_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o man_n soul_n that_o thereby_o it_o may_v appear_v when_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o they_o that_o it_o bring_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o do_v only_o rectify_v the_o depravation_n of_o it_o and_o clear_o show_v man_n that_o way_n which_o they_o have_v long_o be_v ignorant_o seek_v after_o which_o be_v the_o excellent_a advantage_n the_o apostle_n make_v of_o the_o inscription_n on_o the_o altar_n at_o athens_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n who_o say_v he_o you_o ignorant_o serve_v he_o i_o declare_v 23._o unto_o you_o and_o which_o be_v the_o happy_a use_n the_o primitive_a learned_a christian_n make_v of_o all_o those_o passage_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n thereby_o to_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o main_a postulata_fw-la or_o supposition_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v grant_v by_o their_o own_o most_o admire_a man_n and_o that_o christianity_n do_v not_o race_n out_o but_o only_o build_v upon_o those_o common_a foundation_n which_o be_v entertain_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o name_n for_o reason_n though_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o build_a 9_o error_n on_o common_a truth_n to_o all_o that_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o as_o to_o other_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o this_o twofold_a great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o first_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o apparent_a rottenness_n of_o the_o superstructure_n to_o question_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o considerative_a heathen_n who_o observe_v that_o monstrous_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o worship_n obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o not_o be_v able_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n through_o the_o want_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o deduce_v any_o certain_a institute_v worship_n they_o be_v shrewd_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v those_o principle_n when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o abhor_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a then_o for_o man_n who_o exceed_o detest_v some_o absurd_a consequence_n they_o see_v may_v be_v draw_v from_o a_o principle_n suppose_v to_o reject_v the_o principle_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o consequence_n which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v from_o it_o but_o through_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o thus_o when_o the_o intelligent_a heathen_a do_v apparent_o see_v that_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n do_v flow_v all_o those_o unnatural_a and_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n all_o those_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a rite_n all_o those_o execrable_a and_o profane_a mystery_n out_o of_o a_o loathe_n the_o immorality_n and_o impiety_n which_o attend_v these_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o question_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v thus_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o very_o prone_a to_o suspect_v the_o apology_n usual_o make_v for_o protagoras_n diagoras_n and_o such_o other_o of_o they_o 10._o who_o be_v account_v atheist_n to_o be_v more_o favourable_a than_o true_a viz._n that_o they_o only_o reject_v those_o heathen_a deity_n and_o not_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o account_n of_o their_o repute_a atheism_n rational_a be_v it_o any_o way_n evident_a that_o they_o do_v build_v their_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o those_o who_o worship_n they_o so_o much_o deride_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o heathen_n accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o atheism_n i_o have_v full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n that_o no_o more_o can_v be_v mean_v thereby_o then_o the_o rejection_n of_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o i_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o institute_v religion_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o most_o common_a receive_v notion_n
which_o yet_o have_v be_v do_v to_o very_o good_a purpose_n by_o joseph_n scaliger_n and_o 20._o bochartus_n and_o many_o other_o from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o letter_n the_o order_n and_o the_o name_n of_o they_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o at_o first_o they_o may_v use_v the_o form_n of_o the_o phoenician_n letter_n in_o which_o herodotus_n tell_v we_o the_o three_o old_a inscription_n be_v extant_a and_o diodorus_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o brass_n pot_n which_o cadmus_n offer_v to_o minerva_n lyndia_n have_v a_o inscription_n on_o it_o in_o the_o phoenician_n letter_n but_o afterward_o the_o form_n of_o the_o letter_n come_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v change_v when_o for_o their_o great_a expedition_n in_o writing_n they_o leave_v the_o old_a way_n of_o write_v towards_o the_o left_a hand_n for_o the_o more_o natural_a and_o expedite_a way_n of_o write_v towards_o the_o right_n by_o which_o they_o exchange_v the_o site_n of_o the_o streke_n in_o several_a letter_n as_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o forecited_a learned_a author_n not_o that_o the_o old_a jonick_a letter_n be_v near_a the_o phoenician_n and_o distinct_a from_o the_o modern_a as_o jos._n scaliger_n in_o his_o learned_a discourse_n on_o the_o original_n of_o the_o greek_a letter_n conceive_v 1617._o for_o the_o jonick_a letter_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o full_a alphabet_n of_o 24._o with_o the_o addition_n of_o palamedes_n and_o simonides_n cous_fw-la as_o pliny_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o the_o greek_n consent_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jonick_a letter_n but_o the_o old_a attic_a 57_o letter_n come_v near_a the_o phoenician_n because_o the_o athenian_n long_o after_o the_o alphabet_n be_v increase_v to_o 24._o continue_v still_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o old_a 16._o which_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o cadmus_n which_o must_v needs_o much_o alter_v the_o way_n of_o writing_n for_o in_o the_o old_a letter_n they_o write_v theoâ—_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o make_v pliny_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n and_o truth_n say_v that_o the_o old_a greek_a letter_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o roman_a thence_o the_o greek_n call_v their_o ancient_a letter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o 30._o appear_v by_o harpocration_n and_o hesychius_n not_o that_o they_o be_v so_o much_o distinct_a from_o other_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o other_o eight_o letter_n which_o difference_n of_o writing_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o different_a dialect_n between_o the_o athenian_n and_o jonians_n proper_o so_o call_v we_o see_v then_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v no_o elder_a 21._o than_o cadmus_n and_o for_o any_o considerable_a learning_n among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o near_o so_o old_a some_o assert_v indeed_o that_o history_n begin_v from_o the_o time_n of_o cadmus_n but_o it_o be_v by_o a_o mistake_n of_o he_o for_o a_o young_a cadmus_n which_o be_v cadmus_n milesius_n who_o pliny_n make_v to_o be_v the_o first_o writer_n in_o prose_n but_o that_o he_o after_o attribute_n to_o pherecydes_n syrius_n and_o history_n to_o cadmus_n 56._o milesius_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o far_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v some_o writing_n of_o this_o latter_a cadmus_n which_o be_v transcribe_v and_o epitomise_v by_o bion_n proconesius_fw-la although_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n seem_v to_o attribute_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n 6._o we_o see_v how_o unable_a then_o the_o grecian_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o elder_a time_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o much_o infancy_n and_o nonage_n as_o to_o begin_v to_o learn_v their_o letter_n almost_o in_o the_o noontide_a of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o long_o after_o this_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o olympiad_n all_o their_o relation_n be_v account_v fabulous_a a_o fair_a account_n than_o we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v from_o they_o of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v not_o speak_v plain_a truth_n till_o the_o world_n be_v above_o 3000._o year_n old_a for_o so_o it_o be_v when_o the_o olympiad_n begin_v so_o true_a be_v the_o observation_n of_o justin_n martyr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o greek_n have_v no_o exact_a history_n of_o themselves_o before_o the_o olympiad_n but_o of_o that_o more_o afterward_o this_o be_v now_o the_o first_o defect_n which_o do_v infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o these_o history_n which_o be_v the_o want_n of_o timely_a and_o early_o record_v to_o digest_v their_o own_o history_n in_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o phoenician_n and_o egyptian_a history_n the_o particular_a defect_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a heathen_a nation_n first_o the_o phoenician_n of_o sanchoniathon_n his_o antiquity_n and_o fidelity_n of_o jerombaal_a baal-berith_a the_o antiquity_n of_o tyre_n scaliger_n vindicate_v against_o bochartus_fw-la abibalus_n the_o vanity_n of_o phoenician_n theology_n the_o imitation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gnostic_n of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o hermes_n trismegistus_n of_o his_o inscription_n on_o pillar_n transcribe_v by_o manetho_n his_o fabulousness_n thence_o discover_v terra_fw-la seriadica_n of_o seth_n pillar_n in_o josephus_n and_o a_o account_n whence_o they_o be_v take_v have_v already_o show_v a_o general_a defect_n in_o the_o ancient_a 1_o heathen_a history_n as_o to_o a_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n we_o now_o come_v to_o a_o close_o and_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o several_a nation_n which_o have_v bear_v the_o great_a name_n in_o the_o world_n for_o learning_n and_o antiquity_n there_o be_v four_o nation_n chief_o which_o have_v pretend_v the_o most_o to_o antiquity_n in_o the_o learned_a world_n and_o who_o historian_n have_v be_v think_v to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o holy_a writ_n in_o their_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n who_o on_o that_o account_n we_o be_v oblige_v more_o particular_o to_o consider_v and_o those_o be_v the_o phoenician_n chaldean_n egyptian_n and_o grecian_n we_o shall_v therefore_o see_v what_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n there_o can_v be_v in_o any_o of_o these_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n of_o their_o record_n or_o the_o history_n take_v from_o they_o and_o the_o credibility_n of_o a_o historian_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o certainty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o record_n he_o make_v use_v of_o we_o shall_v both_o consider_v of_o what_o value_n and_o antiquity_n the_o pretend_a record_n be_v and_o particular_o look_v into_o the_o age_n of_o the_o several_a historian_n as_o to_o the_o grecian_n we_o have_v see_v already_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o have_v any_o ancient_a record_n among_o they_o because_o they_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v they_o have_v so_o late_o borrow_v their_o letter_n from_o other_o nation_n unless_o as_o to_o their_o account_n of_o time_n they_o have_v be_v as_o careful_a as_o the_o old_a roman_n be_v to_o number_v their_o year_n by_o the_o several_a clavi_fw-la or_o nail_n which_o they_o fix_v on_o the_o temple_n door_n which_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o capacity_n to_o do_v not_o grow_v up_o in_o a_o entire_a body_n as_o the_o roman_a empire_n do_v but_o lie_v so_o much_o seatter_v and_o divide_v into_o so_o many_o petâ—y_a republic_n that_o they_o mind_v very_o little_a of_o concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o other_o three_o nation_n have_v deserve_o a_o name_n of_o far_o great_a antiquity_n than_o any_o the_o grecian_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o who_o yet_o be_v unmeasurable_o guilty_a of_o a_o impotent_a affectation_n of_o antiquity_n and_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o as_o grow_v on_o their_o own_o ground_n what_o be_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o industry_n gather_v but_o as_o the_o glean_n from_o the_o full_a harvest_n of_o those_o nation_n they_o resort_v to_o which_o be_v not_o only_o true_a as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o learning_n but_o as_o to_o the_o account_n likewise_o they_o give_v of_o ancient_a time_n the_o chief_a and_o most_o ancient_a history_n among_o they_o be_v only_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o elder_a nation_n especial_o phoenicia_n and_o egypt_n for_o of_o these_o two_o philo_n biblius_n the_o translator_n of_o the_o ancient_a phoenician_n historian_n sanchoniathon_n say_v they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d st._n the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o the_o barbarian_n from_o who_o the_o other_o derive_v their_o theology_n which_o he_o there_o particular_o instance_v in_o we_o begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o phoenician_n history_n who_o most_o ancient_a and_o famous_a historian_n be_v sanchoniathon_n so_o much_o 2._o admire_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o shrewd_a antagonist_n ever_o christianity_n meet_v with_o the_o philosopher_n porphyrius_n but_o therein_o be_v see_v
ochus_n which_o say_v vossius_fw-la be_v in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o 107._o olympiad_n this_o manetho_n gebenyta_n be_v high_a priest_n of_o heliopolis_n in_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n at_o who_o 14._o request_n he_o write_v his_o history_n which_o he_o digest_v into_o three_o tome_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o 11._o dynastye_n of_o the_o god_n and_o hero_n the_o second_o 8._o dynasty_n the_o 3_o d._n 12._o all_o contain_v according_a to_o his_o fabulous_a computation_n the_o sum_n of_o 53535._o year_n these_o dynasty_n be_v yet_o preserve_v be_v first_o epitomise_v by_o julius_n africanus_n from_o he_o transcribe_v by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o chronica_fw-la from_o eusebius_n by_o georgius_n syncellus_n out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v produce_v by_o jos._n scaliger_n and_o may_v be_v see_v both_o in_o eusebius_n and_o his_o canon_n isagogici_fw-la now_o manetho_n as_o appear_v by_o eusebius_n vouch_v this_o as_o the_o main_a testimony_n of_o his_o credibility_n that_o he_o take_v his_o history_n 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o some_o pillar_n in_o the_o land_n of_o seriad_n in_o which_o they_o be_v inscribe_v in_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n by_o the_o first_o mercury_n tithe_n and_o after_o the_o stand_v be_v translate_v out_o of_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n in_o hieroglyphic_n character_n and_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o book_n among_o the_o revestrye_n of_o the_o egyptian_a temple_n by_o agathodaemon_n the_o second_o mercury_n the_o father_n of_o tat._n certain_o this_o fabulous_a author_n can_v not_o in_o few_o word_n have_v more_o full_o manifest_v his_o own_o imposture_n nor_o blast_v his_o own_o credit_n more_o than_o he_o have_v do_v in_o these_o which_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n so_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v take_v so_o little_a notice_n of_o which_o have_v find_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o manetho_n and_o his_o dynastye_n this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o great_a improbability_n and_o other_o plain_a impossibility_n which_o be_v couch_v in_o they_o the_o improbability_n be_v first_o such_o pillar_n be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n as_o seriad_n and_o that_o place_n no_o more_o speak_v of_o either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o any_o other_o egyptian_n nor_o any_o use_n make_v of_o these_o insâ—riptions_n by_o any_o other_o but_o himself_o as_o to_o this_o terra_fw-la seriadica_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a joseph_n scaliger_n plain_o give_v out_o and_o ingenuous_o profess_v his_o ignorance_n for_o in_o his_o note_n on_o the_o fragment_n of_o manetho_n in_o eusebius_n when_o he_o come_v to_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o only_o say_v quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la ignota_fw-la quaerant_fw-la studiosi_fw-la but_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la in_o his_o late_a discourse_n de_fw-la aetate_fw-la mundi_fw-la 10._o cry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o confident_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o seirath_n mention_v judg._n 3._o 16._o indeed_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o affinity_n of_o name_n it_o may_v well_o be_v the_o same_o but_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v the_o stone-quarry_n shall_v signify_v these_o pillar_n of_o mercury_n be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o conceive_v the_o seventy_o render_v it_o as_o himself_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o they_o understand_v grave_v image_n so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v 2_o chron._n 33._o 19_o deut._n 7._o 5._o isai._n 10._o 19_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a render_v it_o ad_fw-la locum_fw-la idolorum_fw-la which_o be_v the_o certain_a interpretation_n if_o chytraeus_n his_o conjecture_n be_v true_a that_o eglon_n have_v late_o set_v up_o idol_n there_o but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o pillar_n i_o can_v but_o approve_v of_o junius_n his_o interpretation_n which_o i_o conceive_v bid_v fair_a to_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n viz._n that_o these_o stone_n here_o be_v the_o 12_o stone_n pitch_v by_o joshua_n in_o gilgal_n after_o the_o israelite_n pass_v over_o jordan_n and_o these_o stone_n be_v say_v 21._o to_o be_v by_o gilgal_n judg._n 3._o 19_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o handsome_a conjecture_n we_o be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o pillar_n of_o mercury_n as_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o may_v be_v so_o to_o the_o world_n end_n second_o the_o stand_n of_o these_o pillar_n during_o the_o stand_v which_o must_v be_v suppose_v certain_o to_o have_v some_o singular_a virtue_n in_o they_o to_o resist_v such_o a_o torrent_n of_o water_n which_o overthrow_v the_o strong_a build_v house_n and_o most_o compact_a city_n the_o plain_a impossibility_n be_v first_o that_o manetho_n shall_v transcribe_v his_o dynastye_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o history_n of_o egypt_n to_o almost_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n out_o of_o sacred_a inscription_n of_o thoyth_fw-mi who_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o very_a first_o dynasty_a according_a to_o his_o own_o computation_n sure_o this_o thoyth_fw-mi be_v a_o excellent_a prophet_n to_o write_v a_o history_n for_o above_o 0000_o year_n to_o come_v as_o manetho_n reckon_v it_o second_o it_o be_v as_o well_o still_o that_o this_o history_n after_o the_o flood_n shall_v be_v translate_v into_o hieroglyphic_n character_n what_o kind_n of_o translation_n be_v that_o we_o have_v think_v hieroglyphic_n have_v be_v representation_n of_o thing_n and_o not_o of_o sound_n and_o letter_n or_o word_n how_o can_v this_o history_n have_v at_o first_o be_v write_v in_o any_o tongue_n when_o it_o be_v in_o hieroglyphic_n do_v hieroglyphic_n speak_v in_o several_a language_n and_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o change_v their_o tongue_n but_o three_o it_o be_v as_o good_a still_o that_o the_o second_o mercury_n or_o agathodaemon_n do_v translate_v this_o history_n so_o soon_o after_o the_o flood_n into_o greek_a be_v the_o greek_a tongue_n so_o much_o in_o request_n so_o soon_o after_o the_o flood_n that_o the_o egyptian_a history_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o greek_n must_v be_v translate_v into_o their_o language_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a from_o herodotus_n and_o diodorus_n that_o the_o grecian_n be_v not_o permit_v so_o much_o 67._o as_o any_o commerce_n with_o the_o egyptian_n till_o the_o time_n of_o psammet_n hicus_fw-la which_o sell_v out_o in_o the_o 26._o dynesty_n of_o manetho_n and_o about_o a_o century_n after_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o olympiad_n we_o see_v then_o how_o credible_a a_o author_n manetho_n be_v and_o what_o truth_n there_o be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n give_v by_o the_o egyptian_a historian_n when_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o so_o lamentable_o and_o ominous_o stumble_v in_o his_o very_a entrance_n into_o it_o and_o yet_o as_o fabulous_a as_o this_o account_n be_v which_o manetho_n give_v of_o his_o take_v his_o history_n from_o these_o pillar_n before_o the_o 12._o flood_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o josephus_n a_o author_n otherwise_o of_o good_a credit_n take_v his_o famous_a story_n of_o seth_n pillar_n concern_v astronomical_a observation_n before_o the_o flood_n from_o this_o story_n of_o manetho_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o as_o jealous_a a_o eye_n as_o on_o the_o other_o although_o i_o know_v how_o fond_a the_o world_n have_v be_v upon_o that_o most_o ancient_a monument_n as_o be_v pretend_v of_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n du_n bartas_n have_v write_v a_o whole_a poem_n on_o these_o pillar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v fit_a subject_n for_o poet_n then_o any_o else_o as_o will_v appear_v on_o these_o consideration_n first_o how_o strange_o improbable_a be_v it_o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o seth_n who_o as_o be_v pretend_v do_v foreknow_v a_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v by_o a_o flood_n shall_v busy_v themselves_o to_o write_v astronomical_a observation_n on_o pillar_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v live_v after_o it_o can_v they_o think_v their_o pillar_n shall_v have_v some_o peculiar_a exemption_n above_o strong_a structure_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o rough_a and_o furious_a water_n if_o they_o believe_v the_o flood_n absolute_o universal_a for_o who_o do_v they_o intend_v their_o observation_n if_o not_o to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o make_v they_o when_o the_o person_n survive_v may_v communicate_v their_o invention_n to_o they_o but_o second_o if_o either_o one_o or_o both_o these_o pillar_n remain_v whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o neither_o the_o chaldean_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o elder_a pretender_n to_o astronomy_n shall_v neither_o mention_v they_o nor_o make_v any_o use_n of_o they_o nay_o three_o whence_o come_v the_o study_n of_o astronomy_n to_o be_v so_o lamentable_o defective_a in_o those_o ancient_a time_n if_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a observation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n gather_v
of_o nabonasser_n which_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o greedy_a of_o all_o empty_a conjecture_n which_o tend_v to_o our_o purpose_n as_o to_o take_v they_o for_o truth_n will_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o chaldean_n in_o their_o great_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v in_o reference_n to_o their_o history_n we_o find_v more_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n to_o assert_v their_o just_a antiquity_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v out_o of_o any_o undoubted_a record_n of_o their_o own_o which_o yet_o have_v be_v endeavour_v by_o a_o author_n both_o of_o some_o credit_n and_o antiquity_n the_o true_a berosus_n not_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o annius_n who_o vizard_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o pull_v off_o afterward_o this_o berosus_n be_v as_o josephus_n and_o tatianus_n assure_v we_o a_o priest_n of_o belus_n and_o a_o babylonian_a graecor_fw-la bear_v but_o afterward_o flourish_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o co_n and_o be_v the_o first_o who_o bring_v the_o chaldean_a astrology_n in_o request_n among_o the_o greek_n in_o honour_n to_o who_o name_n and_o memory_n the_o athenian_n who_o be_v never_o backward_o in_o applaud_v those_o who_o bring_v they_o the_o great_a news_n especial_o i_o suitable_a to_o their_o former_a superstition_n erect_v a_o statue_n for_o he_o with_o a_o guild_a tongue_n a_o good_a emblem_n of_o his_o history_n which_o make_v a_o fair_a and_o specious_a show_n but_o be_v not_o that_o within_o which_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v especial_o where_o he_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a time_n and_o reckon_v up_o his_o two_o dynastye_n before_o the_o time_n of_o belus_n but_o of_o they_o afterward_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o some_o fragment_n of_o his_o history_n which_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o ruin_n by_o the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o josephus_n tatianus_n eusebius_n and_o other_o have_v be_v very_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o heathen_n but_o also_o for_o illustrate_v some_o passage_n concern_v the_o babylonian_a empire_n as_o make_v nabopolasser_n the_o father_n of_o nebucadonosor_n of_o which_o scaliger_n have_v full_o temp._n speak_v in_o his_o note_n upon_o his_o fragment_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o derogate_v any_o thing_n even_o from_o profane_a history_n where_o they_o do_v not_o enterfere_v with_o the_o sacred_a 5._o history_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a improvement_n of_o these_o to_o make_v they_o draw_v water_n to_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o to_o serve_v as_o small_a star_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n when_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o great_a light_n of_o sacred_a history_n but_o that_o which_o i_o impeach_v these_o profane_a history_n of_o be_v only_o a_o insufficiency_n as_o to_o that_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v light_n to_o sacred_a record_n that_o the_o design_n of_o set_v of_o they_o up_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o they_o which_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o the_o more_o probable_a in_o that_o those_o monstrous_a account_n of_o the_o egyptian_a and_o chaldean_a dynastye_n do_v never_o public_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n till_o the_o time_n that_o our_o sacred_a record_n be_v translate_v into_o greek_a at_o alexandria_n for_o till_o that_o time_n when_o this_o authentic_a history_n of_o the_o world_n be_v draw_v forth_o from_o its_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v look_v up_o before_o among_o the_o israelite_n at_o judea_n into_o the_o public_a notice_n of_o the_o world_n about_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n these_o vain_a pretender_n to_o antiquity_n think_v not_o themselves_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n for_o till_o that_o time_n the_o onedulous_a world_n not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o any_o certain_a report_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v apt_a to_o swallow_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o those_o who_o be_v have_v in_o so_o great_a esteem_n as_o the_o chaldean_a and_o egyptian_a priest_n be_v because_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v free_v from_o other_o avocation_n have_v more_o leisure_n to_o inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o their_o mysterious_a hide_v what_o they_o have_v from_o the_o vulgar_a be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o have_v but_o now_o when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v approach_v this_o horizon_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o the_o sacred_a history_n like_o the_o daystar_n be_v to_o give_v the_o world_n notice_n of_o it_o by_o which_o the_o former_a shadow_n and_o mist_n begin_v to_o fly_v away_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o interest_n lie_v in_o the_o former_a ignorance_n of_o mankind_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o raise_v all_o their_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la and_o whatever_n may_v tend_v to_o obscure_v that_o approach_a light_n by_o invalidate_v the_o credit_n of_o that_o which_o come_v to_o bespeak_v its_o acceptance_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a to_o consider_v what_o gradation_n and_o step_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o that_o grand_a light_n 6._o which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n thither_o how_o the_o world_n not_o long_o before_o be_v awaken_v into_o a_o great_a inquisitiveness_n than_o ever_o before_o how_o knowledge_n grow_v into_o repute_n and_o what_o method_n divine_a providence_n use_v to_o give_v the_o inquisitive_a world_n a_o taste_n of_o truth_n at_o present_a to_o stay_v their_o stomach_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o further_a discovery_n of_o it_o afterward_o in_o order_n to_o this_o that_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v a_o enclose_a garden_n before_o be_v now_o throw_v open_a and_o many_o of_o the_o plant_n remove_v and_o set_v in_o foreign_a country_n not_o only_o in_o babylon_n where_o even_o after_o their_o return_n be_v leave_v three_o famous_a school_n of_o learning_n sora_n pombeditha_n and_o neharda_n but_o in_o egypt_n too_o where_o multitude_n of_o they_o by_o alexander_n favour_n be_v settle_v at_o alexandria_n where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o season_v those_o two_o great_a fountain_n whence_o the_o current_n of_o knowledge_n run_v into_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o now_o it_o be_v not_o in_o jewry_n only_o that_o god_n be_v know_v but_o he_o who_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n do_v make_v way_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o allwise_o god_n who_o direct_v the_o magi_n by_o a_o star_n to_o christ_n make_v use_n of_o their_o former_a skill_n in_o astronomy_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o star_n which_o come_v now_o on_o a_o peculiar_a errand_n to_o they_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o their_o saviour_n the_o great_a god_n condescend_v so_o far_o to_o mankind_n as_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o particular_a inclination_n and_o to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o they_o for_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o he_o appear_v in_o another_o way_n to_o the_o wiseman_n then_o to_o the_o poor_a shepherd_n the_o same_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o curiosity_n and_o inquisitiveness_n after_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n â—_o which_o he_o be_v so_o much_o applaud_v for_o by_o athenaeus_n and_o other_o to_o bring_v to_o light_v the_o most_o advantageous_a knowleage_v which_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o great_a library_n of_o his_o erect_n at_o alexandria_n do_v never_o deserve_v that_o title_n till_o it_o have_v lodge_v those_o sacred_a record_n and_o then_o it_o do_v far_o better_a than_o the_o old_a one_o of_o osymanduas_n of_o which_o historian_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o inscription_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o shop_n of_o the_o soul_n physic_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o concernment_n in_o order_n to_o our_o better_a understanding_n the_o original_n of_o these_o vast_a account_n 7._o of_o time_n among_o the_o chaldaean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o a_o subject_n not_o yet_o touch_v by_o any_o we_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o improve_v the_o probability_n of_o it_o by_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v first_o translate_v and_o the_o occasion_n may_v thereby_o be_v give_v to_o these_o egyptian_n &_o chaldaean_n to_o produce_v their_o fabulous_a account_n into_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v ever_o before_o translate_v into_o the_o greek_a
language_n though_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o questionable_a chief_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n can_v be_v assign_v of_o undertake_v a_o new_a translation_n at_o alexandria_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o extant_a before_o especial_o if_o all_o those_o circumstance_n of_o that_o translation_n be_v true_a which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o with_o almost_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o such_o thing_n than_o we_o can_v have_v at_o this_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n and_o therefore_o certain_o every_o petty_a conjecture_n of_o some_o modern_a though_o learned_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o bear_v sway_n against_o so_o unanimous_a a_o tradition_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a age_n and_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o one_o hermippus_n in_o diogenes_n laertius_n who_o age_n and_o authority_n be_v somewhat_o demetrii_n doubtful_a concern_v only_o one_o particular_a refer_v to_o demetrius_n phalcrous_a shall_v be_v think_v of_o force_n enough_o among_o person_n of_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o learning_n to_o infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o whole_a story_n deliver_v with_o so_o much_o consent_n not_o only_o by_o christian_a but_o jewish_a writer_n the_o testimony_n of_o one_o of_o which_o every_o whit_n as_o considerable_a as_o 13._o hermippus_n viz._n aristobulus_n judaeus_fw-la a_o peripatetical_a philosopher_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o ptolemy_n philometor_n do_v plain_o assert_v that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o question_v concern_v demetrius_n phalereus_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n 8._o be_v which_o i_o here_o inquire_v not_o after_o nor_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o aristeus_n from_o who_o the_o story_n be_v receive_v nor_o whether_o this_o translation_n be_v make_v by_o jew_n send_v out_o of_o judea_n or_o by_o jew_n reside_v at_o alexandria_n it_o suffice_v for_o our_o purpose_n that_o this_o translation_n be_v make_v before_o either_o the_o chaldaean_a dynasty_n of_o bâ—rosus_n or_o the_o egyptian_a of_o manetho_n be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o show_v in_o what_o time_n this_o translation_n be_v effect_v and_o herein_o that_o channel_n of_o tradition_n which_o convey_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o one_o certain_a course_n run_v not_o with_o so_o even_o a_o stream_n concern_v the_o exact_a time_n of_o it_o all_o indeed_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v about_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n but_o in_o what_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v very_o dubious_a joseph_n scaliger_n who_o have_v trouble_v 5_o the_o water_n so_o much_o concern_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o this_o translation_n yet_o full_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n only_o he_o contend_v with_o africanus_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o 132._o olympiad_n which_o be_v in_o the_o 33._o year_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n but_o eusebius_n and_o jerom_n place_n it_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o i_o think_v be_v far_o more_o probable_a and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n when_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n reign_v with_o his_o father_n ptolomaeus_n lagi_n for_o so_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o do_v for_o two_o year_n before_o his_o father_n death_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o scaliger_n concern_v demetrius_n phalereus_n be_v quite_o take_v off_o for_o hermippus_n speak_v nothing_o of_o demetrius_n his_o be_v out_o of_o favour_n with_o philadelphus_n during_o his_o father_n â—hr_n life_n but_o that_o upon_o his_o father_n death_n he_o be_v banish_v by_o he_o and_o die_v in_o his_o banishment_n so_o that_o demetrius_n may_v have_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o library_n at_o alexandria_n and_o be_v the_o main_a instrument_n of_o promote_a this_o translation_n and_o yet_o those_o thing_n be_v after_o true_a which_o hermippus_n speak_v viz._n when_o ptolomaeus_n lagi_n or_o soter_n be_v now_o dead_a for_o it_o stand_v not_o to_o reason_n that_o during_o his_o father_n life_n philadelphus_n shall_v discover_v his_o displeasure_n against_o demetrius_n it_o be_v conceive_v upon_o the_o advice_n give_v to_o his_o father_n for_o prefer_v the_o son_n of_o arsinoe_n to_o the_o crown_n before_o the_o son_n of_o berenice_n most_o likely_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o this_o translation_n may_v be_v begin_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o demetrius_n phalereus_n in_o the_o time_n of_o philadelphus_n his_o reign_v with_o his_o father_n but_o it_o may_v be_v not_o finish_v till_o after_o the_o death_n of_o soter_n when_o philadelphus_n reign_v alone_o and_o by_o this_o now_o we_o can_v perfect_o reconcile_v that_o difference_n which_o be_v among_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o time_n when_o this_o translation_n be_v make_v for_o irenaeus_n attribute_n it_o to_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n lagi_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n question_n whether_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lagi_n or_o philadelphus_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o chorus_n carry_v it_o for_o philadelphus_n but_o the_o word_n of_o anatolius_n in_o eusebius_n cast_v it_o full_o for_o both_o for_o there_o speak_v of_o aristobulus_n he_o say_v he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seventy_o who_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n 26._o to_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n and_o his_o father_n and_o dedicate_v his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o law_n to_o both_o those_o king_n haec_fw-la sane_fw-la omnem_fw-la scrupulum_fw-la eximunt_fw-la say_v vossius_fw-la upon_o produce_v this_o testimony_n this_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o to_o the_o same_o 9_o purpose_n speak_v the_o learned_a jesuite_n petavius_n in_o his_o note_n on_o epiphanius_n have_v thus_o far_o clear_v the_o time_n when_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o greck_n be_v make_v we_o shall_v find_v our_o conjecture_n much_o strengthen_v by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o age_n of_o the_o forementioned_a historian_n manetho_n and_o berosus_n manetho_n we_o have_v already_o make_v appear_v to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n and_o that_o say_v vossius_fw-la after_o the_o death_n of_o soter_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o remain_v of_o he_o in_o eusebius_n his_o chronica_fw-la that_o he_o not_o only_o flourish_v in_o the_o time_n of_o philadelphus_n but_o write_v his_o history_n at_o the_o special_a command_n of_o philadelphus_n as_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o remain_a epistle_n of_o manetho_n to_o he_o still_o extant_a in_o eusebius_n this_o command_n of_o philadelphus_n may_v very_o 6_o probable_o be_v occasion_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o that_o account_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v then_o translate_v into_o greek_a do_v give_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n upon_o which_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o so_o inquisitive_a a_o person_n as_o philadelphus_n be_v will_v be_v very_o earnest_a to_o have_v his_o curiosity_n satisfy_v as_o to_o what_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n who_o have_v boast_v so_o much_o of_o antiquity_n can_v produce_v to_o confront_v with_o the_o scripture_n whereupon_o the_o task_n be_v undertake_v by_o this_o manetho_n highpriest_n of_o heliopolis_n whereby_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n have_v to_o that_o time_n keep_v secret_a in_o their_o cloister_n be_v now_o divulge_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a world_n but_o what_o satisfaction_n they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v inquisitive_a mind_n as_o to_o the_o main_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o matter_n inquire_v after_o may_v partly_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o manetho_n already_o and_o by_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o his_o dynastye_n afterward_o but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o persuade_v kircher_n for_o whatever_o scaliger_n nay_o what_o manetho_n himself_o say_v to_o the_o coutrary_a he_o with_o the_o confidence_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o jesuite_n affirm_v that_o this_o manetho_n be_v elder_a than_o alexander_n the_o great_a for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n frequens_fw-la apud_fw-la priscos_fw-la historicos_fw-la dynaestiarum_fw-la aegyptiacarum_fw-la fit_a mentio_fw-la quarum_fw-la tamen_fw-la alium_fw-la 9_o authorem_fw-la non_fw-la habemus_fw-la nisi_fw-la manethonem_fw-la sebennytam_fw-la sacerdotem_fw-la aegyptium_fw-la quem_fw-la ante_fw-la tempor_fw-la a_o alexandri_fw-la quicquid_fw-la dicat_fw-la scaliger_n in_o aegypto_n floruisse_fw-la comperio_fw-la certain_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n may_v be_v expect_v after_o so_o confident_a a_o affirmation_n but_o whatever_o that_o person_n be_v in_o other_o undertake_n he_o be_v as_o unhappy_a a_o person_n in_o philology_n as_o any_o that_o have_v pretend_v so_o much_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o one_o will_v think_v he_o that_o have_v be_v twenty_o year_n as_o
and_o what_o be_v not_o suitable_a be_v reject_v as_o monstrous_a and_o anomalous_a so_o it_o be_v in_o their_o history_n wherein_o they_o have_v some_o fabulous_a hypothesis_n they_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o and_o to_o these_o they_o suit_n whatever_o light_n they_o gain_v in_o after_o time_n of_o the_o state_n of_o foreign_a nation_n which_o have_v make_v truth_n and_o antiquity_n wrestle_v so_o much_o with_o the_o corruption_n which_o eat_v into_o they_o through_o the_o pride_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o greek_n hence_o they_o have_v always_o suit_v the_o history_n of_o other_o nation_n with_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o their_o own_o and_o where_o nothing_o can_v serve_v out_o of_o their_o own_o history_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o original_n of_o other_o nation_n they_o who_o be_v never_o backward_o at_o fiction_n have_v make_v a_o founder_n of_o they_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o language_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n useful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n but_o they_o have_v make_v shift_n to_o find_v the_o author_n of_o it_o among_o themselves_o if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o original_n of_o agriculture_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o ceres_n and_o triptolemus_n if_o of_o pasturage_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o a_o arcadian_a pan_n if_o of_o wine_n we_o present_o hear_v of_o a_o libre_fw-la pater_fw-la if_o of_o iron_n instrument_n than_o who_o but_o vulcan_n if_o of_o music_n none_o like_o to_o apollo_n if_o we_o press_v they_o then_o with_o the_o history_n of_o other_o nation_n they_o be_v as_o well_o provide_v here_o if_o we_o inquire_v a_o account_n of_o europe_n asia_n or_o lybia_n for_o the_o first_o we_o be_v tell_v a_o fine_a story_n of_o cadmus_n his_o sister_n for_o the_o second_o of_o promethâ—us_n his_o mother_n of_o that_o name_n and_o for_o the_o three_o of_o a_o daughter_n of_o epaphus_n if_o we_o be_v yet_o so_o curious_a as_o to_o know_v the_o original_n of_o particular_a country_n then_o italia_n must_v find_v its_o name_n from_o a_o calf_n of_o hercules_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o greek_a will_v signify_v some_o such_o thing_n sardinia_n and_o africa_n must_v be_v from_o sardo_n and_o afer_n two_o son_n of_o hercules_n but_o yet_o if_o these_o will_v not_o serve_v hercules_n shall_v not_o want_v for_o child_n to_o people_n the_o world_n for_o we_o hear_v of_o scythes_n galatas_n lydus_n some_o other_o son_n of_o he_o that_o give_v name_n to_o scythia_n lydia_n galatia_n with_o the_o same_o probability_n that_o media_n have_v its_o name_n from_o medea_n and_o spain_n and_o lusitania_n from_o pan_n and_o lusus_fw-la two_o companione_fw-la of_o bacchus_n if_o persia_n want_v a_o founder_n they_o have_v one_o perseus_n a_o argive_a ready_a for_o it_o if_o syria_n babylonia_n and_o arabia_n want_v reason_n of_o their_o name_n the_o prodigal_a greek_n will_v give_v apollo_n three_o son_n syrus_n babylon_n and_o arab_n rather_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v heretical_a acephalist_n this_o vanity_n of_o they_o be_v universal_a not_o confine_v to_o any_o place_n or_o age_n but_o as_o any_o nation_n or_o people_n come_v into_o their_o knowledge_n their_o god_n be_v not_o so_o decrepit_a but_o they_o may_v father_n one_o son_n more_o upon_o they_o rather_o than_o any_o nation_n shall_v be_v filia_fw-la populi_fw-la and_o want_v a_o father_n only_o the_o grave_a athenian_n think_v scorn_v to_o have_v any_o father_n assign_v they_o their_o only_a ambition_n be_v to_o be_v account_v aborigines_n &_o genuini_fw-la terrae_fw-la to_o be_v the_o elder_a son_n of_o their_o teem_v mother_n the_o earth_n and_o to_o have_v be_v bear_v by_o the_o same_o aequivocal_a generation_n that_o mouse_n and_o frog_n be_v from_o the_o impregnated_a slime_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v we_o not_o like_a to_o have_v a_o wonderful_a account_n of_o ancient_a time_n from_o those_o who_o can_v arrogate_v to_o themselves_o so_o much_o knowledge_n from_o such_o slender_a and_o thin_a account_n of_o the_o original_n of_o people_n which_o they_o give_v and_o will_v have_v the_o world_n to_o entertain_v with_o the_o great_a veneration_n upon_o their_o naked_a word_n have_v we_o not_o indeed_o great_a reason_n to_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o do_v so_o frequent_o discover_v their_o affection_n to_o fable_n and_o manifest_v their_o ignorance_n when_o ever_o they_o venture_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o other_o nation_n the_o truth_n be_v herodotus_n himself_o who_o tully_n call_v the_o father_n of_o history_n which_o title_n he_o deserve_v at_o least_o in_o regard_n of_o 10._o antiquity_n be_v the_o elder_a of_o the_o extant_a greek_a historian_n have_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o compurgator_n who_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o acquit_v he_o of_o fabulousness_n but_o have_v seek_v to_o make_v good_a his_o credit_n by_o recrimination_n or_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o herodotus_n do_v not_o full_o believe_v the_o story_n he_o tell_v but_o take_v they_o upon_o trust_v himself_o and_o so_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o world_n some_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o herodotus_n that_o he_o call_v his_o book_n of_o history_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o muse_n on_o purpose_n to_o tell_v his_o reader_n they_o must_v not_o look_v for_o mere_a history_n in_o he_o but_o a_o mixture_n of_o such_o relation_n which_o though_o not_o true_a may_v yet_o please_v and_o entertain_v his_o reader_n though_o other_o think_v they_o be_v not_o so_o inscribe_v by_o himself_o but_o the_o name_n be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o greek_n from_o the_o admiration_n his_o history_n have_v among_o they_o however_o this_o be_v this_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o herodotus_n be_v not_o first_o suspect_v of_o falsehood_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o even_o among_o the_o greek_n themselves_o there_o have_v be_v find_v some_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o make_v good_a that_o charge_n against_o he_o for_o so_o suidas_n tell_v we_o of_o one_o harpocration_n aelius_n who_o write_v a_o book_n on_o purpose_n to_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o herodotus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plutarch_n his_o book_n be_v well_o know_v of_o the_o spite_n or_o malignity_n of_o herodotus_n but_o the_o occasion_n of_o that_o be_v sufficient_o know_v likewise_o because_o herodotus_n have_v give_v no_o very_o favourable_a character_n of_o plutarch_n country_n strabo_n likewise_o seem_v to_o accuse_v herodotus_n much_o of_o nugacity_n and_o mix_v prodigious_a fable_n with_o his_o 17._o history_n but_o i_o confess_v observe_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o plutarch_n insist_o against_o herodotus_n i_o be_o very_o prone_a to_o think_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o great_a pique_n in_o some_o of_o the_o greek_a writer_n against_o herodotus_n be_v that_o he_o tell_v too_o many_o tale_n out_o of_o school_n and_o have_v discover_v too_o much_o of_o the_o infancy_n of_o greece_n and_o how_o much_o the_o grecian_n borrow_v of_o the_o egyptian_a superstition_n which_o plutarch_n express_o speak_v of_o that_o herodotus_n be_v too_o much_o lead_v aside_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d although_o therefore_o herodotus_n may_v not_o be_v much_o 857._o too_o blame_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o grecian_n most_o charge_v he_o with_o yet_o those_o who_o favour_v he_o most_o can_v excuse_v his_o palpable_a mistake_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o ignorance_n in_o other_o josephus_n think_v he_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o their_o affair_n of_o which_o jos._n 3_o scaliger_n give_v many_o account_n either_o say_v he_o the_o person_n who_o give_v he_o his_o intelligence_n be_v ignorant_a themselves_o or_o else_o like_o true_a egyptian_n they_o be_v cunning_a enough_o but_o impose_v upon_o herodotus_n be_v a_o stranger_n and_o unacquainted_a with_o their_o artifices_fw-la or_o else_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v his_o interpreter_n or_o be_v deceive_v by_o he_o or_o last_o herodotus_n may_v have_v so_o much_o of_o a_o grecian_a in_o he_o as_o to_o adulterate_a the_o true_a history_n with_o some_o fable_n of_o his_o own_o wherefore_o he_o rather_o adhere_v to_o manetho_n then_o herodotus_n as_o to_o the_o egyptian_a history_n who_o yet_o elsewhere_o i_o will_v not_o say_v with_o what_o constancy_n to_o himself_o vouchsafe_v he_o this_o high_a elogium_fw-la that_o he_o be_v scrinium_fw-la originum_fw-la graecarum_fw-la &_o barbararum_fw-la auctor_fw-la à _fw-la doctis_fw-la nunquam_fw-la deponendus_fw-la 157â—_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o very_o useful_a history_n may_v be_v fetch_v out_o of_o he_o yet_o who_o can_v excuse_v his_o 11._o ignorance_n when_o he_o not_o only_o deny_v there_o be_v a_o ocean_n compass_v the_o land_n but_o condemn_v the_o geographer_n for_o assert_v 4_o it_o unless_o this_o may_v be_v
elder_a than_o christianity_n among_o they_o among_o the_o roman_n be_v use_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o nundinae_fw-la return_v every_o nine_o day_n the_o mexican_n as_o scaliger_n tell_v we_o reckon_v all_o by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o system_fw-la of_o thirteen_o day_n next_o to_o these_o be_v their_o month_n which_o be_v either_o lunar_a or_o solar_a the_o lunar_a be_v either_o from_o the_o moon_n return_v to_o the_o same_o point_n of_o the_o zodiac_n again_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v less_o than_o twenty_o eight_o day_n but_o this_o be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o civil_a computation_n or_o else_o from_o one_o conjunction_n of_o the_o moon_n with_o the_o sun_n to_o another_o which_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o else_o from_o the_o first_o phasis_n of_o the_o moon_n the_o second_o day_n after_o its_o coitus_fw-la call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o as_o the_o grecian_n reckon_v their_o lunar_a month_n from_o the_o coitus_fw-la as_o scaliger_n prove_v out_o of_o vitruvius_n other_o from_o the_o phasis_n as_o some_o eastern_a nation_n do_v as_o the_o jew_n begin_v their_o observation_n of_o the_o new_a moon_n from_o the_o first_o phasis_n or_o appearance_n of_o she_o after_o the_o coitus_fw-la the_o solar_a month_n be_v either_o natural_a such_o as_o be_v define_v by_o the_o sun_n passage_n from_o one_o sign_n of_o the_o zodiac_n to_o another_o or_o civil_a whereby_o the_o month_n be_v equal_o divide_v into_o 30_o day_n apiece_o as_o in_o the_o grecian_a and_o egyptian_a year_n have_v thus_o far_o see_v of_o what_o the_o year_n consist_v we_o now_o 2._o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o the_o ancient_a nation_n do_v not_o observe_v one_o constant_a certain_a form_n of_o year_n among_o they_o but_o have_v several_a in_o use_n to_o which_o their_o account_n may_v be_v refer_v and_o because_o the_o egyptian_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v best_o skill_v as_o to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o year_n according_a to_o that_o of_o macrobius_n anni_fw-la certus_fw-la modus_fw-la apud_fw-la solos_fw-la semper_fw-la aegyptios_n fuit_fw-la we_o shall_v particular_o demonstrate_v the_o variety_n of_o 12._o year_n in_o use_n among_o they_o by_o which_o we_o shall_v see_v what_o great_a uncertainty_n there_o be_v in_o their_o account_n of_o their_o dynastye_n for_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o time_n of_o 30_o day_n be_v among_o the_o ancient_a egyptian_n account_v a_o year_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o plutarch_n in_o numa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o egyptian_n at_o first_o have_v a_o year_n consist_v of_o one_o month_n and_o after_o of_o four_o and_o this_o if_o we_o believe_v alexander_n ab_fw-la alexandro_n be_v the_o year_n most_o 〈◊〉_d frequent_o in_o use_n among_o they_o so_o varro_n in_o lactantius_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a age_n of_o some_o man_n in_o ancient_a time_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v live_v 1000_o year_n ait_fw-fr enim_fw-la apud_fw-la aegyptios_n pro_fw-la annis_fw-la menses_fw-la haberi_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la solis_fw-la per_fw-la 12_o signa_fw-la 〈◊〉_d circaitus_fw-la faciat_fw-la annum_fw-la sed_fw-la luna_fw-la quae_fw-la orbem_fw-la illum_fw-la signiferum_fw-la 30_o dierum_fw-la spatio_fw-la illustrate_v it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o this_o year_n of_o thirty_o day_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o egyptian_n the_o only_a scruple_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v use_v in_o their_o sacred_a account_n or_o no_o and_o that_o it_o be_v we_o have_v a_o pregnant_a testimony_n in_o plutarch_n in_o the_o forecited_n place_n speak_v of_o the_o egyptian_n great_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n he_o give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o reckon_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o year_n in_o their_o account_n because_o they_o reckon_v their_o month_n in_o stead_n of_o year_n according_a to_o this_o computation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o reduce_v the_o vast_a account_n of_o the_o egyptian_a antiquity_n to_o some_o proportion_n and_o to_o reconcile_v their_o exorbitant_a dynastye_n with_o sobriety_n and_o truth_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o by_o diodorus_n siculus_n for_o so_o diodorus_n give_v in_o their_o account_n that_o the_o god_n and_o hero_n reign_v in_o egypt_n for_o 1._o the_o space_n of_o near_o 18000_o year_n and_o the_o last_o of_o they_o be_v orus_n the_o son_n of_o isis_n from_o the_o reign_n of_o man_n in_o egypt_n he_o reckon_v about_o 9500_o year_n to_o the_o time_n if_o we_o admit_v of_o jacob_n capellus_n his_o correction_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o diodorus_n with_o his_o entrance_n into_o egypt_n which_o be_v in_o the_o 180_o olympiad_n now_o as_o the_o foresay_a learned_a author_n observe_v diodorus_n come_v into_o egypt_n a._n m._n 3940._o v._o c._n 694._o the_o mortal_a man_n than_o have_v reign_v in_o egypt_n 9500_o 1682._o year_n which_o take_v it_o for_o these_o lunar_a year_n of_o 30_o day_n make_v of_o julian_n year_n 780._o the_o hero_n and_o god_n 18000_o month_n that_o be_v of_o julian_n year_n 1478_o from_o these_o two_o sum_n together_o be_v gather_v 2258_o year_n which_o be_v deduct_v from_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3940_o fall_n in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 1682._o about_o which_o time_n misraim_n who_o be_v the_o great_a historical_a o_o siris_n of_o egypt_n so_o call_v by_o a_o light_a variation_n of_o his_o former_a name_n may_v be_v well_o suppose_v to_o be_v bear_v for_o that_o be_v in_o the_o year_n of_o noah_n 630._o and_o so_o orus_n may_v be_v bear_v who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o osiris_n about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 1778._o between_o who_o time_n and_o alexander_n the_o great_a his_o conquest_n of_o egypt_n the_o egyptian_n as_o the_o same_o diodorus_n tell_v we_o reckon_v little_o less_o than_o 23000_o year_n now_o according_a to_o this_o computation_n of_o 30_o day_n for_o a_o year_n we_o may_v reconcile_v this_o to_o truth_n too_o for_o from_o 1778_o to_o 3667_o of_o the_o world_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o 417_o year_n of_o nabonassar_n there_o be_v a_o interval_n of_o 1889_o year_n which_o make_v of_o these_o lunar_a year_n of_o 30_o day_n say_v cappellus_n 22996._o and_o 15_o day_n which_o come_v very_o near_o if_o not_o altogether_o up_o to_o the_o egyptian_a computation_n so_o when_o the_o egyptian_n according_a to_o diodorus_n make_v no_o less_o than_o 10000_o year_n distance_n between_o their_o hercules_n and_o hercules_n baeotius_n the_o son_n of_o alcmene_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o these_o lunar_a year_n for_o grant_v what_o the_o egyptian_n say_v that_o hercules_n baeotius_n live_v but_o one_o generation_n before_o the_o trojan_a war_n and_o so_o his_o time_n to_o fall_v out_o about_o 2783._o reckon_v now_o backward_o from_o thence_o and_o deduct_v from_o that_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 10000_o month_n of_o 30_o day_n or_o julian_n year_n 831._o and_o 130_o day_n the_o time_n of_o the_o egyptian_a hercules_n will_v fall_v about_o the_o first_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 1962._o about_o which_o time_n we_o may_v well_o suppose_v he_o to_o live_v or_o die_v and_o according_a to_o this_o computation_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v what_o the_o egyptian_n tell_v herodotus_n that_o from_o their_o first_o king_n or_o priest_n of_o vulcan_n till_o the_o time_n of_o sethoes_n in_o who_o time_n sennacherib_n attempt_v the_o conquest_n of_o egypt_n that_o there_o have_v be_v pass_v 341_o generation_n and_o as_o many_o king_n and_o high-priest_n and_o 11340_o year_n reckon_v three_o generation_n to_o make_v up_o a_o century_n but_o now_o if_o we_o understand_v this_o prodigious_a computation_n according_a to_o this_o form_n of_o year_n we_o may_v suspect_v the_o egyptian_n of_o a_o intention_n to_o deceive_v herodotus_n and_o the_o credulous_a greek_n but_o yet_o not_o impeach_v they_o of_o direct_a falsehood_n it_o be_v thus_o reconcilable_a to_o truth_n for_o according_a to_o this_o account_n 100_o year_n make_v 3000_o day_n and_o a_o generation_n 1000_o so_o many_o day_n the_o king_n or_o priest_n of_o vulcan_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o reign_v so_o 340_o generation_n of_o a_o 8000_o day_n apiece_o make_v up_o 340000_o day_n to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v the_o 200_o day_n which_o sethos_n have_v now_o reign_v upon_o sennacherib_n invasion_n we_o have_v 340200_o day_n which_o make_v up_o of_o these_o year_n of_o 30_o day_n apiece_o 11340_o which_o be_v the_o number_n assign_v by_o herodotus_n jacobus_n cappellus_n think_v the_o epocha_n from_o whence_o these_o year_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v be_v from_o a._n m._n 2350._o when_o mephres_n begin_v 198._o to_o reign_v in_o egypt_n from_o whence_o
reason_n of_o this_o diversity_n but_o that_o they_o think_v they_o not_o so_o authentic_a but_o they_o may_v cut_v off_o alter_z and_o transpose_v as_o they_o see_v occasion_n which_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o eusebius_n who_o make_v no_o difficulty_n of_o â—utting_v of_o one_o whole_a dynasty_a and_o divide_v another_o into_o two_o only_o to_o reconcile_v the_o distance_n between_o thuoris_fw-la the_o egyptian_a king_n and_o tentamus_fw-la the_o assyrian_a emperor_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n and_o therefore_o leave_v out_o 4._o assyrian_a king_n and_o a_o whole_a dynasty_a of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o make_v a_o synchronisme_n between_o those_o three_o but_o yet_o there_o have_v be_v something_o very_o fair_o offer_v to_o the_o world_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n if_o not_o manetho_n in_o order_n to_o his_o 6._o dynastye_n viz._n that_o the_o subtle_a egyptian_n to_o enhance_v the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o own_o country_n do_v take_v implicit_a year_n for_o solid_a and_o place_v those_o in_o a_o succession_n which_o be_v cotemporary_a one_o with_o another_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a compendious_a way_n to_o advance_v a_o great_a sum_n of_o year_n with_o a_o very_a little_a charge_n wherein_o he_o have_v do_v say_v cappellus_n as_o if_o a_o spaniard_n in_o the_o indies_n shall_v glory_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o dynastye_n of_o 3308._o spain_n and_o shall_v attribute_v to_o the_o earl_n of_o barcinona_n 337._o year_n to_o the_o king_n of_o arragon_n 498._o to_o the_o king_n of_o portugal_n 418._o to_o the_o king_n of_o leo_n 545._o of_o castille_n 800._o year_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o dynastye_n rise_v from_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 717._o when_o the_o saracen_n first_o enter_v spain_n there_o be_v very_o few_o nation_n but_o will_v go_v near_o to_o vie_v antiquity_n with_o the_o egyptian_n if_o they_o may_v thus_o be_v allow_v to_o reckon_v successive_o all_o those_o petty_a royalty_n which_o ancient_o be_v in_o most_o nation_n as_o may_v be_v particular_o instance_a in_o most_o great_a empire_n that_o they_o gradual_o rise_v from_o the_o subdue_a and_o incorporate_n of_o those_o petty_a royalty_n into_o which_o the_o several_a nation_n be_v cantonize_v before_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o strong_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o some_o such_o thing_n be_v design_v by_o manetho_n from_o the_o 32._o dynasty_a which_o be_v of_o the_o diospolitan_a theban_n for_o this_o dynasty_n be_v say_v to_o begin_v from_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o the_o 15._o dynasty_a of_o the_o phaenician_a pastor_n in_o the_o time_n of_o saites_n now_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a he_o that_o begin_v this_o dynasty_a be_v of_o the_o very_a same_o name_n with_o he_o who_o begin_v the_o very_a first_o dynasty_n of_o manetho_n who_o be_v menes_n and_o so_o likewise_o his_o son_n athothis_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o which_o have_v make_v many_o think_v because_o menes_n be_v reckon_v first_o not_o only_o in_o both_o these_o but_o in_o diodorus_n eratosthenes_n and_o other_o that_o this_o menes_n be_v he_o who_o first_o begin_v the_o kingdom_n of_o egypt_n after_o who_o time_n it_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a dynastye_n which_o make_v scaliger_n say_v illa_fw-la vet_n ustissima_fw-la regna_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la instar_fw-la latrociniorum_fw-la ubi_fw-la vis_fw-la non_fw-la lex_fw-la aut_fw-la successio_fw-la aut_fw-la suffragia_fw-la 3._o populi_fw-la reges_fw-la in_o solio_fw-la regni_fw-la collocabant_fw-la this_o opinion_n of_o the_o coexistence_n of_o these_o dynastye_n be_v much_o embrace_v by_o vossius_fw-la 10._o both_o father_n and_o son_n and_o by_o the_o father_n make_v use_v of_o to_o justify_v scaliger_n from_o calumniatour_n who_o make_v as_o though_o scaliger_n do_v in_o effect_n overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o mention_v with_o some_o applause_n the_o dynastye_n of_o manetho_n but_o to_o this_o opinion_n how_o plausible_a soever_o it_o seem_v i_o offer_v these_o exception_n first_o as_o to_o that_o menes_n who_o be_v suppose_v 7._o to_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o egyptian_a kingdom_n after_o who_o death_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o egypt_n be_v divide_v into_o all_o these_o dynastye_n i_o demand_v therefore_o who_o this_o menes_n be_v be_v he_o the_o same_o with_o he_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v misraim_n who_o be_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o egypt_n this_o be_v not_o probable_a for_o in_o all_o probability_n his_o name_n must_v be_v seek_v among_o the_o god_n and_o not_o the_o mortal_n that_o reign_v if_o we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v any_o other_o after_o he_o it_o will_v be_v hard_o give_v a_o account_n how_o he_o come_v to_o have_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o egypt_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o so_o soon_o after_o he_o it_o shall_v be_v divide_v for_o kingdom_n be_v ofttimes_o make_v up_o of_o those_o petty_a royalty_n before_o but_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_o find_v instance_n of_o one_o person_n enjoy_v the_o whole_a power_n and_o so_o many_o dynastye_n to_o arise_v after_o his_o decease_n and_o to_o continue_v coexistent_a in_o peace_n and_o full_a power_n so_o long_o as_o these_o several_a dynastye_n be_v suppose_v to_o do_v beside_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a that_o no_o historian_n shall_v mention_v such_o a_o former_a distribution_n of_o several_a principality_n so_o ancient_o in_o egypt_n but_o that_o which_o to_o i_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o coexistence_n of_o these_o dynastye_n in_o egypt_n be_v by_o compare_v with_o they_o what_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n of_o great_a antiquity_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o egypt_n which_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o none_o of_o these_o learned_a man_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o when_o the_o egyptian_a kingdom_n be_v first_o found_v be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n to_o inquire_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o abraham_n time_n there_o be_v a_o pharaoh_n king_n of_o egypt_n who_o â—_o archbishop_n usher_n think_v to_o have_v be_v apophis_n not_o abimelech_n the_o first_o king_n of_o egypt_n as_o constantinus_n manasses_n report_v in_o his_o annal_n by_o a_o ridiculous_a mistake_n of_o the_o king_n of_o gerar_n for_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n this_o pharaoh_n be_v then_o certain_o king_n of_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o still_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o land_n of_o misraim_n from_o the_o first_o plant_a of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v of_o very_o great_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o funccius_n though_o improbable_o think_v this_o pharaoh_n to_o have_v be_v osiris_n and_o rivet_n think_v misraim_n may_v have_v be_v alive_a till_o that_o time_n here_o than_o we_o find_v no_o dynastye_n coexi_v but_o one_o kingdom_n under_o one_o king_n if_o we_o descend_v somewhat_o low_o to_o the_o time_n of_o jacob_n and_o joseph_n the_o evidence_n be_v so_o undoubted_a of_o egypt_n be_v a_o entire_a kingdom_n under_o one_o king_n that_o he_o may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v the_o â—yes_n either_o of_o his_o body_n or_o his_o mind_n that_o distrust_v it_o for_o what_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o pharaoh_n who_o prefer_v joseph_n be_v king_n of_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n be_v not_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o famine_n over_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n gen._n 41._o 55._o be_v not_o joseph_n set_v by_o pharaoh_n over_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n gen._n 41._o 41_o 43_o 45._o and_o do_v not_o joseph_n go_v over_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o gather_v corn_n gen._n 41._o 46._o nay_o do_v not_o he_o buy_v all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n for_o pharaoh_n gen._n 47._o 20._o can_v there_o possible_o be_v give_v any_o full_a evidence_n of_o a_o entire_a kingdom_n than_o these_o be_v that_o egypt_n be_v such_o then_o afterward_o we_o read_v of_o one_o king_n after_o another_o in_o egypt_n for_o the_o space_n of_o nigh_o two_o hundred_o year_n during_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n slavery_n in_o egypt_n and_o be_v not_o he_o think_v we_o king_n over_o all_o egypt_n in_o who_o time_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v out_o thence_o and_o in_o all_o the_o follow_a history_n of_o scripture_n be_v there_o not_o mention_v make_v of_o egypt_n still_o as_o a_o entire_a kingdom_n and_o of_o one_o king_n over_o it_o where_o then_o be_v there_o any_o place_n for_o these_o co-temporary_a dynastye_n in_o egypt_n nowhere_o that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o in_o the_o sancy_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n indeed_o there_o be_v one_o place_n that_o seem_v to_o give_v some_o countenance_n 8._o to_o this_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v in_o far_o late_a time_n than_o the_o first_o dynastye_n of_o manetho_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o which_o be_v in_o isai._n 19_o 2._o where_o god_n say_v he_o will_v set_v the_o egyptian_n against_o the_o egyptian_n and_o they_o shall_v fight_v every_o one_o against_o his_o brother_n city_n against_o city_n and_o kingdom_n
which_o account_n we_o may_v just_o reject_v all_o those_o pretend_a succession_n of_o king_n hâ—re_v in_o britain_n from_o gomer_n to_o brute_n as_o fabulous_a and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o less_o wonder_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o those_o then_o account_v barbarous_a nation_n when_o even_o among_o those_o who_o be_v the_o planter_n of_o knowledge_n and_o civility_n among_o other_o the_o account_n of_o their_o ancient_a time_n be_v so_o dark_a confuse_a and_o uncertain_a as_o it_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o two_o first_o dynastye_n among_o the_o latin_n the_o first_o before_o aeneas_n his_o come_n into_o italy_n and_o the_o second_o of_o the_o aeneadae_n after_o and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o question_v the_o account_n of_o time_n before_o if_o in_o the_o three_o dynasty_a when_o the_o succession_n seem_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o certain_a a_o epocha_n as_o the_o build_n of_o rome_n to_o deduce_v their_o account_n from_o their_o chronology_n be_v uncertain_a which_o i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v to_o for_o although_o porcius_n cato_n have_v in_o dionysius_n the_o honour_n of_o find_v out_o the_o first_o palilia_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o feast_n observe_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n pales_n in_o the_o time_n of_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o rome_n be_v lay_v yet_o there_o appear_v no_o great_a certainty_n in_o his_o undertake_n for_o therein_o he_o be_v after_o contradict_v by_o the_o learned_a roman_a varro_n dionysius_n tell_v we_o that_o cato_n find_v by_o the_o censor_n table_n the_o exact_a time_n from_o the_o expulsion_n of_o the_o king_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o city_n be_v take_v by_o the_o gaul_n from_o which_o time_n to_o his_o own_o he_o can_v not_o miss_v of_o it_o from_o the_o fasti_fw-la consulares_fw-la so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o cato_n may_v have_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o time_n from_o the_o regifugium_fw-la to_o the_o time_n he_o write_v his_o origines_fw-la but_o what_o certainty_n cato_n can_v have_v from_o the_o first_o palilia_n of_o the_o city_n to_o the_o expulsion_n of_o tarquin_n we_o can_v understand_v for_o the_o succession_n of_o king_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o uncertain_a unless_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o some_o public_a monument_n or_o certain_a record_n or_o some_o public_a action_n certain_o know_v to_o have_v fall_v out_o precise_o in_o such_o a_o year_n of_o their_o several_a reign_n now_o none_o of_o these_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o roman_a history_n in_o all_o that_o interval_n from_o the_o palilia_n to_o the_o regifugium_fw-la so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o whole_a interval_n but_o the_o time_n of_o every_o particular_a king_n reign_n be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o therefore_o varro_n be_v destitute_a of_o any_o demonstration_n of_o that_o time_n have_v recourse_n to_o l._n tarrutius_fw-la firmanus_n to_o see_v if_o by_o his_o skill_n in_o astronomy_n he_o can_v certain_o find_v out_o the_o first_o palilia_n of_o rome_n his_o answer_n be_v that_o he_o find_v that_o the_o city_n be_v build_v in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o the_o six_o olympiad_n according_a to_o which_o account_n varro_n proceed_v and_o thence_o arise_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o palilia_n catoniana_n and_o varroniana_n the_o latter_a fall_v out_o in_o the_o 23_o of_o iphitus_n the_o other_o in_o the_o 24._o but_o if_o we_o believe_v joseph_n scaliger_n there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o the_o time_n affirm_v by_o tarrutius_fw-la but_o yet_o 388._o grant_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n then_o what_o certainty_n can_v we_o have_v of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o several_a king_n afterward_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a computation_n ab_fw-la urbe_fw-la condita_fw-la if_o then_o the_o roman_n who_o have_v so_o great_a advantage_n of_o know_v time_n and_o be_v withal_o so_o inquisitive_a concern_v the_o build_n of_o their_o city_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o very_o remote_a distacne_n can_v attain_v to_o no_o absolute_a certainty_n without_o it_o what_o certainty_n can_v we_o expect_v as_o to_o a_o account_n of_o far_o ancient_a time_n either_o from_o they_o or_o other_o when_o they_o have_v no_o censor_n table_n nor_o fasti_fw-la consulares_fw-la to_o be_v guide_v by_o and_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o heathen_a chronology_n as_o to_o the_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o yet_o be_v it_o only_o a_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o chronology_n we_o may_v better_o bear_v with_o it_o for_o the_o mistake_n mere_o in_o 5._o computation_n of_o time_n be_v not_o so_o dangerous_a any_o further_a than_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o history_n depend_v on_o the_o computation_n as_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n if_o we_o be_v but_o certain_a that_o the_o person_n and_o action_n relate_v of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v report_v to_o be_v but_o that_o which_o add_v much_o to_o the_o confusion_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o heathen_a history_n be_v the_o frequency_n of_o imposture_n which_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v discover_v in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o authentic_a history_n of_o those_o time_n extant_a which_o have_v both_o give_v occasion_n to_o variety_n of_o imposture_n and_o much_o hinder_v their_o discovery_n for_o the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n lead_v they_o back_o into_o a_o search_n after_o ancient_a time_n it_o make_v they_o exceed_o credulous_a in_o embrace_v whatever_o pretend_v to_o give_v they_o any_o conduct_n through_o those_o dark_a and_o obscure_a path_n of_o ancient_a history_n and_o the_o world_n have_v never_o be_v want_v of_o such_o as_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o abuse_v the_o simple_a credulity_n of_o well-meaning_a but_o less_o wary_a man_n but_o those_o age_n have_v be_v most_o feracious_a in_o the_o production_n of_o such_o person_n which_o have_v pretend_v to_o more_o learning_n than_o they_o have_v the_o pretence_n of_o learning_n make_v such_o person_n appear_v and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o make_v they_o not_o be_v discover_v thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o old_a among_o the_o chaldean_a and_o egyptian_a priest_n and_o the_o grecian_a poet_n and_o historian_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o but_o even_o among_o those_o who_o may_v have_v learn_v more_o truth_n from_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v then_o to_o think_v it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o lie_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a disparagement_n offer_v to_o truth_n then_o to_o defend_v it_o with_o any_o thing_n but_o itself_o nothing_o lay_v truth_n so_o open_a to_o suspicion_n as_o when_o falsehood_n come_v to_o be_v its_o advocate_n and_o a_o false_a testimony_n discover_v do_v more_o prejudice_n to_o a_o good_a cause_n than_o it_o can_v any_o way_n advantage_v it_o be_v it_o not_o discover_v and_o therefore_o their_o labour_n have_v be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o world_n who_o have_v discover_v impostor_n as_o those_o who_o have_v direct_o maintain_v truth_n against_o its_o open_a opposer_n those_o be_v so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o disguise_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o be_v with_o more_o difficulty_n discover_v such_o a_o one_o be_v that_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la that_o appear_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o twilight_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n between_o the_o former_a darkness_n of_o barbarism_n and_o the_o approach_a light_n of_o knowledge_n i_o mean_v annius_n viterbiensis_n who_o like_o hannibal_n in_o pass_v the_o alps_o not_o find_v a_o way_n ready_a to_o his_o mind_n set_v himself_o to_o burn_v the_o wood_n and_o fire_v the_o rock_n and_o dissolve_v they_o with_o vinegar_n to_o make_v a_o passage_n through_o they_o so_o annius_n be_v beset_v in_o those_o snowy_a and_o gray-headed_a alps_n of_o ancient_a history_n and_o find_v no_o way_n clear_a for_o he_o according_a to_o his_o fancy_n he_o labour_v to_o burn_v down_o all_o certain_a record_n to_o eat_v through_o the_o credit_n of_o undoubted_a author_n to_o make_v a_o more_o free_a passage_n for_o his_o own_o history_n which_o he_o deduce_v suitable_o to_o scripture_n from_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o elder_a historian_n to_o which_o purpose_n a_o new_a berosus_n manetho_n philo_n metasthenes_n as_o he_o mistake_v for_o megasthenes_n and_o xenophon_n must_v put_v on_o a_o grave_a disguise_n and_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n with_o a_o mantle_n of_o antiquity_n about_o their_o shoulder_n although_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o airy_a phantasm_n cover_v over_o with_o the_o cowl_n of_o the_o monk_n of_o viterbo_n for_o be_v himself_o somewhat_o more_o verse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o elder_a time_n then_o general_o person_n be_v
so_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n so_o much_o partiality_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o each_o other_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o credibility_n of_o that_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v report_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o will_v be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o task_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n several_a hypothesis_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o certain_a record_n from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o mere_a tradition_n or_o constant_a revelation_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o record_n under_o moses_n his_o name_n be_v undoubted_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n inquire_v into_o in_o general_a and_o prove_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a by_o universal_a consent_n and_o settle_v a_o commonwealth_n upon_o his_o law_n the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o imposture_n as_o to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n demonstrate_v the_o plea_n to_o the_o contrary_a large_o answer_v have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a 1_o time_n give_v by_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v make_v the_o great_a pretence_n to_o learning_n and_o antiquity_n in_o the_o world_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o evince_v the_o credibility_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o sacred_a screpture_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v premise_v these_o follow_a hypothesis_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o a_o account_n of_o thing_n so_o concern_v and_o remarkable_a shall_v not_o be_v always_o leave_v to_o the_o 1._o uncertainty_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o shall_v be_v timely_o enter_v into_o certain_a record_n to_o be_v preserve_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o posterity_n for_o it_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o belief_n as_o to_o future_a thing_n to_o be_v full_o settle_v in_o the_o belief_n that_o all_o thing_n past_a be_v manage_v by_o divine_a providence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o certain_a record_n of_o former_a age_n or_o else_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v perpetual_o hover_v in_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o concatenation_n of_o one_o thing_n with_o another_o as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o scripture-history_n for_o take_v away_o but_o any_o one_o of_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n all_o the_o superstructure_n will_v be_v exceed_o weaken_v if_o it_o do_v not_o fall_v quite_o to_o the_o ground_n for_o man_n obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o god_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v his_o original_n to_o be_v from_o he_o his_o harken_v to_o any_o proposal_n of_o favour_n from_o god_n do_v suppose_v his_o apostasy_n and_o fall_n god_n design_v to_o show_v mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o fall_v man_n do_v suppose_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n whereby_o the_o great_a creator_n must_v reveal_v himself_o as_o to_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o fall_v man_n may_v expect_v a_o recovery_n the_o reveal_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o such_o a_o way_n whereon_o a_o suspicious_a because_o guilty_a creature_n may_v firm_o rely_v do_v suppose_v so_o certain_a a_o record_v of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n or_o deceit_n for_o although_o nothing_o else_o be_v in_o its_o self_n necessary_a from_o god_n to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n but_o the_o bare_a reveal_n in_o a_o certain_a way_n the_o term_n on_o which_o he_o must_v expect_v it_o yet_o consider_v the_o unbounded_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o good_a of_o some_o particular_a person_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o revelation_n shall_v be_v so_o propound_v as_o may_v be_v with_o equal_a certainty_n convey_v to_o the_o community_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v not_o with_o any_o such_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n be_v do_v by_o private_a and_o particular_a revelation_n which_o give_v satisfaction_n only_o to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o partaker_n of_o they_o as_o by_o a_o public_a record_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v the_o world_n all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a design_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o that_o he_o be_v depute_v to_o it_o by_o no_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o where_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a require_v of_o assent_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v have_v a_o certain_a uniform_a conveyance_n to_o man_n mind_n rather_o than_o that_o perpetual_o new_a revelation_n shall_v be_v require_v for_o the_o make_v know_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v once_o record_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o imposture_n as_o the_o other_o way_n may_v have_v be_v under_o pretend_a revelation_n for_o than_o man_n be_v not_o put_v to_o a_o continual_a trial_n of_o every_o person_n pretend_v divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o the_o evidence_n which_o he_o bring_v of_o divine_a authority_n but_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o concernment_n be_v already_o record_v and_o attest_v by_o all_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n their_o mind_n therein_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o be_v under_o a_o continual_a hesitancy_n lest_o the_o revelation_n of_o one_o shall_v contradict_v another_o for_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n of_o divine_a 2._o revelation_n unrecord_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v discover_v in_o every_o age_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o croak_a enthusiast_n will_v be_v continual_o pretend_v commission_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v leave_v in_o continual_a distraction_n because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o certain_a infallible_a rule_n give_v they_o whereby_o to_o difference_n the_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n from_o each_o other_o but_o now_o suppose_v god_n to_o inspire_v some_o particular_a person_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v but_o to_o record_v divine_a truth_n than_o what_o ever_o evidence_n can_v be_v bring_v attest_v a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o they_o will_v likewise_o prove_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o those_o write_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o person_n employ_v by_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n shall_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n which_o give_v we_o a_o rational_a account_n why_o the_o wise_a god_n do_v not_o suffer_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n to_o lie_v still_o unrecord_v but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o person_n to_o record_v it_o who_o give_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o act_v no_o private_a design_n but_o be_v peculiar_o employ_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o beside_o we_o find_v by_o our_o former_a discourse_n how_o liable_a the_o most_o certain_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v corrupt_v in_o progress_n of_o time_n where_o there_o be_v no_o stand_a record_n though_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o person_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n for_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o old_a world_n the_o flood_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v at_o first_o spread_v over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o its_o first_o plantation_n yet_o we_o see_v how_o soon_o for_o want_n of_o certain_a conveyance_n all_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v into_o the_o great_a idolatry_n which_o may_v be_v less_o wonder_v at_o have_v it_o be_v only_o in_o those_o part_n which_o be_v further_a remote_a from_o the_o seat_n of_o those_o grand_a transaction_n but_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o be_v even_o among_o those_o family_n who_o have_v the_o near_a residence_n to_o the_o place_n of_o they_o and_o among_o those_o person_n who_o be_v not_o far_o off_o in_o a_o lineal_a descent_n from_o the_o person_n main_o concern_v in_o they_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o family_n out_o of_o which_o abraham_n come_v who_o be_v himself_o the_o ten_o from_o noah_n yet_o of_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o
serve_v other_o go_n how_o unlikely_a then_o be_v it_o that_o this_o tradition_n 2._o shall_v be_v afterward_o preserve_v entire_a when_o the_o people_n god_n have_v peculiar_o choose_v to_o himself_o be_v so_o mix_v among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o so_o prone_a to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o that_o even_o after_o god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o write_a law_n attest_v with_o the_o great_a miracle_n what_o will_v they_o have_v do_v then_o have_v they_o never_o be_v bring_v forth_o of_o egypt_n by_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o have_v no_o certain_a record_n leave_v to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o former_a age_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o much_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o so_o memorable_a thing_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o sacred_a record_n we_o have_v as_o great_a certainty_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o record_n go_v under_o his_o name_n as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o 2._o fact_n do_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o very_a distinct_a question_n to_o be_v think_v of_o concern_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o any_o person_n at_o a_o considerable_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o and_o those_o be_v what_o evidence_n can_v be_v give_v that_o the_o matter_n record_v be_v of_o a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n and_o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v record_v by_o such_o person_n they_o who_o do_v not_o careful_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o question_n will_v soon_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o inextricable_a labyrinth_n when_o they_o either_o seek_v to_o understand_v themselves_o or_o explain_v to_o other_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o first_o step_n in_o order_n to_o which_o must_v be_v the_o prove_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n that_o such_o person_n be_v real_o existent_a and_o do_v either_o do_v or_o record_v the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o after_o this_o succeed_v the_o other_o to_o prove_v not_o only_o the_o real_a existence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o that_o the_o person_n who_o record_v the_o thing_n be_v assist_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o doubt_v but_o those_o record_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o at_o present_a we_o inquire_v after_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o record_n under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n be_v undoubted_o he_o and_o here_o it_o will_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a for_o any_o to_o seek_v for_o further_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o it_o than_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v i_o suppose_v we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o folly_n of_o such_o a_o demand_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o whoever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o bring_v matter_n of_o fact_n into_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o think_v he_o have_v ground_n to_o 1._o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o prove_v in_o a_o mathematical_a way_n to_o he_o who_o will_v ever_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o archimedes_n be_v kill_v at_o syracuse_n by_o any_o of_o the_o demonstration_n he_o be_v then_o about_o or_o that_o euclid_n be_v the_o undoubted_a author_n of_o the_o geometry_n under_o his_o name_n or_o do_v man_n question_v these_o thing_n for_o want_n of_o such_o demonstration_n yet_o this_o be_v all_o we_o at_o present_a desire_n but_o the_o same_o liberty_n here_o which_o be_v use_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n 2._o i_o demand_v of_o the_o person_n who_o deny_v this_o moral_a certainty_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o assent_n whether_o he_o do_v question_v 2._o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o be_v not_o present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v peremptory_o resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o see_v he_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o a_o voyage_n to_o anticyrae_n or_o to_o be_v sound_o purge_v with_o hellebore_n to_o free_v he_o from_o those_o cloudy_a humour_n that_o make_v he_o suspect_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v a_o imposture_n but_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o man_n so_o destitute_a of_o reason_n as_o â—o_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v himself_o if_o he_o do_v then_o firm_o believe_v any_o thing_n there_o must_v be_v suppose_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o induce_v he_o to_o such_o a_o belief_n and_o then_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n as_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n have_v which_o he_o most_o firm_o believe_v and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v from_o he_o 3._o do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o the_o most_o concern_v and_o weighty_a 3._o action_n of_o man_n life_n be_v build_v on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o this_o moral_a certainty_n yet_o man_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o rely_v upon_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o title_n to_o estate_n derive_v from_o ancestor_n either_o by_o donation_n or_o purchase_n in_o all_o trade_n which_o go_v upon_o the_o moral_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o indies_n or_o france_n or_o spain_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o journeying_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o that_o i_o be_o go_v to_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n thither_o for_o these_o we_o have_v but_o this_o moral_a certainty_n for_o the_o contrary_a to_o both_o these_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o affirmative_n be_v indemonstrable_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v poison_v by_o every_o bit_n of_o meat_n or_o drop_n of_o drink_n do_v we_o therefore_o continual_o doubt_v whether_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o or_o no_o chief_o this_o be_v see_v in_o all_o natural_a affection_n and_o piety_n in_o child_n towards_o parent_n which_o undoubted_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v witness_n of_o themselves_o viz._n their_o come_n out_o of_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o do_v any_o one_o think_v this_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o question_v his_o mother_n because_o the_o contrary_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o he_o in_o short_a then_o either_o we_o must_v destroy_v all_o historical_a faith_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o believe_v nothing_o though_o never_o so_o much_o attest_v but_o what_o we_o see_v ourselves_o or_o else_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o moral_a certainty_n be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n not_o such_o a_o one_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la but_o such_o a_o one_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la subest_fw-la dubium_fw-la i._n e._n a_o assent_n undoubted_a though_o not_o infallible_a by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o little_a reason_n the_o atheist_n on_o one_o side_n can_v have_v to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o history_n of_o it_o and_o what_o little_a ground_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v to_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n as_o to_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o thing_n where_o moral_a certainty_n be_v sufficient_a that_o be_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o fâ—ct_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o prove_v as_o to_o the_o subject_n in_o hand_n 4._o viz._n that_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n be_v undoubted_o he_o which_o i_o prove_v by_o a_o twofold_a argument_n 1._o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o person_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n 2._o the_o settle_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n upon_o the_o law_n deliver_v by_o moses_n 1._o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o person_n most_o capable_a of_o judge_v in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n i_o know_v nothing_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n can_v possible_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o satisfaction_n concern_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n beyond_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o such_o person_n who_o have_v a_o great_a capacity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o then_o we_o can_v have_v and_o those_o be_v all_o such_o person_n who_o have_v live_v near_a those_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o have_v best_a understand_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v can_v we_o possible_o conceive_v that_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o exceed_o prone_a to_o transgress_v the_o law_n
a_o crocodile_n for_o impudence_n and_o all_o to_o express_v this_o venerable_a apothegm_n o_o you_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o go_v out_o of_o it_o god_n hate_v impudence_n and_o therefore_o certain_o this_o kind_n of_o learning_n deserve_v the_o high_a form_n among_o the_o difficiles_fw-la nugae_fw-la and_o all_o these_o hieroglyphic_n put_v together_o will_v make_v but_o one_o good_a one_o and_o that_o shall_v be_v for_o labour_v lose_v there_o be_v yet_o one_o part_n of_o learning_n more_o among_o they_o 7._o which_o the_o egyptian_n be_v esteem_v for_o which_o be_v the_o political_a and_o civil_a part_n of_o it_o which_o may_v better_a be_v call_v wisdom_n then_o most_o of_o the_o foregoing_a two_o thing_n speak_v much_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o nation_n good_a law_n and_o a_o prudent_a management_n of_o they_o their_o law_n be_v high_o commend_v by_o strabo_n and_o diodorus_n and_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o commendation_n of_o they_o that_o solon_n and_o lycurgus_n borrow_v so_o many_o of_o their_o constitution_n from_o they_o and_o for_o the_o prudent_a management_n of_o their_o government_n as_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o state_n so_o long_o in_o peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v a_o invincible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o the_o report_n give_v of_o they_o in_o scripture_n add_v a_o further_a testimony_n to_o it_o for_o therein_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o the_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o the_o son_n of_o ancient_a king_n and_o his_o counsellor_n be_v call_v wise_a counsellor_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o 12._o the_o wise_a man_n whereby_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a prudence_n and_o policy_n must_v be_v understand_v can_v we_o now_o imagine_v such_o a_o person_n as_o moses_n be_v breed_v up_o in_o all_o the_o ingenucus_fw-la literature_n of_o egypt_n conversant_a among_o their_o wise_a person_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n have_v thereby_o all_o advantage_n to_o improve_v himself_o and_o to_o understand_v the_o utmost_a of_o all_o that_o they_o know_v shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n between_o a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o imposture_n and_o real_a and_o important_a â—_z can_v we_o think_v that_o one_o who_o have_v interest_n in_o so_o great_a a_o court_n all_o advantage_n of_o raise_v himself_o therein_o shall_v willing_o forsake_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n at_o present_a all_o his_o hope_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o future_a be_v he_o not_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v in_o his_o book_n be_v it_o possible_a a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a wisdom_n shall_v venture_v himself_o upon_o so_o hazardous_a unlikely_a and_o dangerous_a employment_n â—s_n that_o be_v moses_n undertake_v which_o can_v have_v no_o probability_n of_o success_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o belief_n that_o that_o god_n who_o appear_v unto_o he_o be_v great_a than_o all_o the_o god_n of_o egypt_n and_o can_v carry_v on_o his_o own_o design_n by_o his_o own_o power_n maugre_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o what_o possible_a ground_n can_v we_o have_v to_o think_v that_o such_o a_o person_n who_o do_v very_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o god_n reveal_v unto_o he_o shall_v dare_v to_o write_v any_o otherwise_o then_o as_o it_o be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o common_a reason_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o universal_a deluge_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n the_o history_n of_o the_o patriarch_n have_v not_o moses_n rational_a faculty_n as_o well_o as_o we_o nay_o have_v he_o they_o not_o far_o better_o improve_v then_o any_o of_o we_o be_v and_o be_v not_o he_o then_o able_a to_o judge_v what_o be_v suitable_a to_o reason_n and_o what_o not_o and_o can_v we_o think_v he_o will_v then_o deliver_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o reason_n or_o undoubted_a tradition_n then_o when_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n may_v so_o ready_o and_o plain_o have_v triumph_v over_o he_o by_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o what_o he_o write_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o moses_n be_v as_o high_o qualify_v as_o any_o of_o the_o acute_a heathen_a philosopher_n can_v be_v for_o discern_a truth_n from_o falsehood_n nay_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o far_o excel_v the_o most_o renown_a of_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n in_o that_o very_a kind_n of_o learning_n wherewith_o they_o make_v so_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v original_o egyptian_a as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o the_o grecian_a philospher_n who_o go_v age_n after_o age_n to_o egypt_n to_o get_v some_o scrap_n of_o that_o learning_n there_o which_o moses_n can_v not_o have_v but_o full_a meal_n of_o because_o of_o his_o high_a place_n great_a interest_n and_o power_n in_o egypt_n and_o must_v those_o hungry_a philosopher_n than_o become_v the_o only_a master_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o their_o dictate_v be_v receive_v as_o the_o sâ—nse_n and_o voice_n of_o nature_n which_o they_o either_o receive_v from_o uncertain_a tradition_n or_o else_o deliver_v in_o opposition_n to_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n must_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v confront_v with_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o a_o few_o pitiful_a symbol_n vie_v authority_n with_o divine_a command_n and_o exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a be_v soon_o believe_v then_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n what_o irrefragable_a evidence_n of_o reason_n be_v that_o so_o confident_a a_o presumption_n build_v upon_o when_o it_o can_v signify_v nothing_o without_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v this_o first_o be_v prove_v and_o we_o will_v never_o stick_v to_o grant_v the_o other_o i_o may_v confident_o say_v the_o great_a gullery_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v take_v philosophical_a dictate_v for_o the_o standard_n of_o reason_n and_o unproved_a hypothesis_n for_o certain_a foundation_n for_o our_o discourse_n to_o rely_v upon_o and_o the_o seek_v to_o reconcile_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o these_o have_v be_v that_o which_o have_v almost_o destroy_v it_o and_o turn_v our_o religion_n into_o a_o mere_a philosophical_a speculation_n but_o of_o this_o elsewhere_o we_o see_v then_o that_o insist_v mere_o on_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o rational_a perfection_n of_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o yield_v credit_n to_o moses_n in_o his_o history_n then_o to_o any_o philosopher_n in_o their_o speculation_n and_o that_o which_o in_o the_o next_o place_n speak_v moses_n to_o be_v a_o person_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n and_o ability_n to_o find_v out_o 8._o truth_n be_v his_o age_n and_o experience_n when_o he_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n he_o vent_v no_o crude_a and_o indigested_a conception_n no_o sudden_a and_o temerarious_a fancy_n the_o usual_a issue_n of_o teem_a and_o juvenile_a wit_n he_o live_v long_o enough_o to_o have_v experience_n to_o try_v and_o judgement_n to_o distinguish_v a_o mere_a outside_n and_o varnish_n from_o what_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a we_o can_v then_o have_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o moses_n be_v any_o way_n unfit_a to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o therefore_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o though_o person_n be_v never_o so_o high_o accomplish_v for_o part_n learning_n and_o experience_n yet_o if_o they_o want_v due_a information_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o deliver_v they_o may_v be_v still_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o preserve_v it_o for_o posterity_n be_v guilty_a of_o deceive_v other_o let_v we_o now_o therefore_o see_v whether_o moses_n have_v not_o as_o great_a advantage_n for_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o history_n as_o he_o have_v judgement_n to_o discern_v it_o and_o concern_v all_o those_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o he_o to_o his_o own_o death_n it_o be_v impossible_a any_o shall_v have_v great_a than_o himself_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o be_v pars_fw-la magna_fw-la himself_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v and_o can_v any_o testimony_n be_v desire_v great_a than_o his_o who_o action_n they_o be_v or_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o they_o and_o that_o not_o in_o any_o private_a way_n but_o in_o the_o most_o public_a capacity_n for_o although_o private_a person_n may_v be_v present_a at_o great_a action_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o misrepresent_v they_o for_o want_v of_o understand_v all_o circumstance_n precedent_n and_o
now_o if_o we_o prove_v that_o moses_n have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v in_o his_o history_n and_o have_v all_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o his_o law_n we_o shall_v abundant_o evince_v the_o undoubted_a fidelity_n of_o moses_n in_o every_o thing_n record_v by_o he_o we_o begin_v then_o with_o his_o fidelity_n as_o a_o historian_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o any_o person_n where_o we_o can_v discern_v some_o peculiar_a interest_n that_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a bias_n upon_o he_o then_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o moral_n then_o in_o natural_n for_o in_o natural_n we_o see_v that_o every_o thing_n will_v leave_v its_o proper_a interest_n to_o preserve_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o moral_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o desert_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n to_o set_v up_o a_o peculiar_a interest_n against_o it_o it_o be_v the_o true_a description_n of_o a_o politician_n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o make_v himself_o the_o centre_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n his_o circumference_n that_o he_o regard_v not_o how_o much_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v abuse_v if_o any_o advantage_n do_v accrue_v to_o himself_o by_o it_o where_o we_o see_v it_o then_o the_o design_n of_o any_o person_n to_o advance_v himself_o or_o his_o posterity_n or_o to_o set_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o history_n he_o write_v we_o may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v his_o partiality_n because_o we_o then_o find_v a_o sufficient_a inducement_n for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o leave_v the_o common_a road_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o path_n of_o deceit_n but_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o suspect_v any_o such_o partiality_n in_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o ambitious_a design_n of_o advance_v himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a honour_n he_o enjoy_v himself_o be_v content_a to_o leave_v his_o posterity_n in_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o attendance_n upon_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o as_o little_o have_v we_o ground_n to_o think_v he_o intend_v to_o flatter_v that_o nation_n which_o he_o so_o lively_a describe_v that_o one_o will_v think_v he_o have_v rather_o a_o interest_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o frowardness_n unbelief_n unthankfulness_n and_o disobedience_n of_o a_o nation_n towards_o a_o gracious_a god_n than_o any_o way_n to_o enhance_v their_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n or_o to_o ingratiate_v himself_o with_o they_o by_o write_v this_o history_n of_o they_o nay_o and_o he_o set_v forth_o so_o exact_o the_o lesser_a fail_n and_o grosser_n enormity_n of_o all_o the_o ancestor_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o act_n he_o record_v that_o any_o impartial_a reader_n will_v soon_o acquit_v he_o of_o a_o design_n of_o flattery_n when_o after_o he_o have_v record_v those_o fault_n he_o seek_v not_o to_o extenuate_v they_o or_o bring_v any_o excuse_n or_o pretence_n to_o palliate_v they_o so_o that_o any_o observe_a reader_n may_v easy_o take_v notice_n that_o he_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o a_o high_a design_n than_o the_o common_a people_n of_o historian_n be_v and_o that_o his_o drift_n and_o scope_n be_v to_o exalt_v the_o goodness_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o a_o rebellious_a and_o obstinate_a people_n of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a nor_o more_o lively_a demonstration_n than_o the_o history_n of_o all_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n from_o their_o come_n forth_o of_o egypt_n to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o desolation_n and_o moses_n tell_v they_o as_o from_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v neither_o for_o their_o number_n nor_o their_o goodness_n that_o god_n set_v his_o love_n upon_o they_o but_o he_o love_v they_o because_o he_o love_v they_o i._n e._n no_o other_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v 8._o of_o his_o gracious_a deal_n with_o they_o but_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o own_o bonnty_n and_o the_o exuberancy_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o they_o nay_o have_v we_o not_o cause_n to_o admire_v the_o ingenuity_n as_o well_o as_o veracity_n of_o this_o excellent_a personage_n who_o not_o only_o lay_v so_o notorious_a a_o blot_n upon_o the_o stock_n of_o his_o own_o family_n levi_n record_v so_o punctual_o the_o inhumanity_n and_o cruelty_n of_o he_o and_o simeon_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o the_o shechemite_n 7._o but_o likewise_o insert_v that_o curse_n which_o be_v leave_v upon_o their_o memory_n for_o it_o by_o their_o own_o father_n at_o his_o decease_n and_o that_o he_o may_v not_o leave_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o partiality_n behind_o he_o he_o have_v not_o do_v as_o the_o statuary_n do_v who_o engrave_v his_o own_o name_n so_o artificial_o in_o the_o statue_n of_o jupiter_n that_o one_o shall_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o other_o but_o what_o the_o other_o intend_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o skill_n moses_n have_v do_v for_o his_o ingenuity_n that_o he_o have_v so_o interweave_v the_o history_n of_o his_o own_o fail_n and_o disobedience_n with_o those_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o his_o spot_n be_v like_a to_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o whole_a web_n of_o his_o history_n be_v like_a to_o do_v have_v it_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o design_n to_o have_v his_o memory_n preserve_v with_o a_o superstitious_a veneration_n among_o the_o jew_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o have_v leave_v out_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o entrench_v upon_o his_o reputation_n but_o we_o find_v he_o very_o secure_a and_o careless_a in_o that_o particular_a nay_o on_o the_o other_o side_n very_o studious_a and_o industrious_a in_o depress_v the_o honour_n and_o desert_n of_o man_n and_o advance_v the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v not_o in_o a_o affect_a strain_n of_o rhetoric_n who_o proper_a work_n be_v impetrare_fw-la fidem_fw-la mendacio_fw-la and_o as_o tully_n somewhere_o confess_v to_o make_v thing_n seem_v otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v but_o with_o that_o innate_a simplicity_n and_o plainness_n and_o yet_o withal_o with_o that_o imperatoria_fw-la brevit_fw-la as_o that_o majesty_n and_o authority_n that_o it_o be_v thereby_o evident_a he_o seek_v not_o to_o court_v acceptance_n but_o to_o demand_v belief_n nor_o have_v any_o such_o pitiful_a design_n of_o please_v his_o reader_n with_o some_o affect_a phrase_n but_o think_v that_o truth_n itself_o have_v presence_n enough_o with_o it_o to_o command_v the_o submission_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o it_o especial_o when_o all_o these_o be_v deliver_v by_o such_o a_o one_o 2._o who_o come_v sufficient_o arm_v with_o all_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o inducement_n to_o assent_v by_o that_o evidence_n which_o he_o give_v that_o he_o be_v no_o pretender_n to_o divine_a revelation_n but_o be_v real_o employ_v as_o a_o peculiar_a instrument_n of_o state_n under_o the_o god_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o if_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a than_o all_o our_o further_a doubt_n must_v present_o cease_v and_o all_o impertinent_a dispute_n be_v silence_v when_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n appear_v impowr_v any_o person_n to_o dictate_v to_o the_o world_n the_o law_n they_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v repugnant_a to_o our_o rational_a faculty_n that_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v dictate_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a or_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v prescribe_v any_o law_n but_o such_o as_o be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a if_o we_o suppose_v a_o god_n we_o can_v question_v veracity_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o chief_a attribute_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o god_n of_o truth_n shall_v employ_v any_o to_o reveal_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o he_o but_o what_o be_v undoubted_o true_a so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o unreasonable_a incredulity_n to_o distrust_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o we_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o thereby_o we_o show_v our_o distrust_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o all_o that_o we_o can_v desire_v then_o be_v only_o reasonable_a satisfactisn_a concern_v the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o person_n who_o word_n we_o be_v to_o credit_v and_o this_o our_o gracious_a god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v man_n that_o he_o have_v give_v all_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o imply_v no_o incongruity_n at_o all_o to_o any_o notion_n of_o
be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o must_v be_v immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o one_o to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o do_v 2._o not_o this_o make_v the_o fair_a plea_n for_o man_n unbelief_n for_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o want_v that_o immediate_a illumination_n to_o believe_v or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n unbelief_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n when_o they_o want_v the_o only_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o will_v god_n condemn_v they_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v unless_o god_n give_v it_o they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a who_o want_v so_o much_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n for_o of_o these_o i_o now_o speak_v and_o not_o of_o efficacious_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n for_o faith_n propound_v but_o last_o 3._o i_o suppose_v the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_v when_o we_o take_v notice_n what_o course_n god_n have_v always_o take_v to_o give_v all_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v employ_v in_o either_o of_o the_o forementioned_a case_n first_o for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v employ_v upon_o some_o special_a message_n and_o service_n for_o god_n he_o have_v send_v they_o forth_o sufficient_o provide_v with_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n whereby_o they_o act_v as_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o moses_n put_v the_o case_n to_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o debate_v of_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o tell_v they_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o send_v i_o to_o deliver_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o i_o how_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v they_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v this_o objection_n of_o moses_n as_o favour_v of_o unbelief_n but_o present_o show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o by_o cause_v a_o miracle_n before_o his_o face_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o god_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 5._o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o it_o seem_v god_n himself_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o their_o face_n nay_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v one_o single_a miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a god_n in_o the_o immediate_a follow_a verse_n adjoin_v two_o more_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o further_o verse_n 21._o god_n give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n before_o pharaoh_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o according_o we_o find_v pharaoh_n present_o demand_v a_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 7._o 9_o which_o according_o moses_n do_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o he_o may_v suppose_v pharoahs_n demand_n not_o to_o proceed_v from_o desire_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o from_o some_o hope_n that_o for_o want_n of_o it_o he_o may_v have_v render_v his_o credit_n suspect_v among_o the_o israelite_n indeed_o after_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o people_n and_o have_v settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n deliver_v 6._o by_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o caution_n lay_v in_o by_o moses_n himself_o against_o those_o which_o shall_v pretend_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o under_o the_o gospel_n after_o 3._o that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o unparalleled_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o find_v frequent_a caution_n against_o be_v deceive_v by_o those_o who_o come_v with_o pretence_n of_o do_v great_a miracle_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n that_o it_o yield_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o now_o assert_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o miracle_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o pretender_n now_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o when_o a_o religion_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n we_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o every_o whiffle_a conjurer_n that_o will_v pretend_v to_o do_v great_a feat_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o the_o truth_n establish_v in_o which_o case_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n be_v to_o compare_v his_o pretend_a miracle_n with_o those_o true_a and_o real_a one_o which_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v because_o every_o person_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o power_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o deceive_v all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o he_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o oertainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o moses_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n establish_v by_o those_o miracle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o my_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o person_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o work_v miracle_n because_o 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v give_v man_n over_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o lie_a wonder_n 1._o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o that_o think_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n sufficient_o confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o it_o god_n in_o justice_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o go_v further_o than_o otherwise_o he_o can_v and_o leave_v such_o person_n to_o their_o own_o credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o imposture_n and_o illusion_n of_o their_o sense_n for_o true_a miracle_n 2._o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a miracle_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o come_n of_o lie_v 2._o wonder_n whereby_o many_o shall_v be_v deceive_v now_o this_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o same_o miracle_n that_o the_o other_o be_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a come_n of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v foretell_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o now_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o be_o i_o certain_a the_o intent_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o that_o those_o be_v deceive_v who_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n then_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v they_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n do_v these_o miracle_n serve_v be_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 3._o but_o what_o need_v they_o any_o confirmation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n ever_o since_o be_v these_o truth_n sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v from_o god_n before_o or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o all_o former_a age_n have_v believe_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o now_o certain_o god_n who_o never_o do_v anything_o but_o for_o very_o great_a purpose_n will_v never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n mere_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n vain_a curiosity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v something_o not_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n but_o 7._o where_o have_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o anything_o not_o full_o reveal_v
they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n the_o heathen_n as_o appear_v by_o celsus_n and_o other_o think_v it_o very_o strange_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n with_o so_o little_a grandeur_n and_o have_v no_o great_a train_n than_o twelve_o such_o obscure_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o say_v celsus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o sun_n which_o enlighten_v all_o other_o thing_n dâ—th_v 2._o first_o discover_v himself_o so_o it_o be_v fit_v the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v do_v when_o he_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o we_o say_v he_o do_v to_o all_o such_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o blind_v through_o obstinacy_n and_o wilful_a ignorance_n for_o although_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v please_v for_o the_o better_a carry_v on_o his_o design_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wrap_v up_o himself_o in_o a_o cloud_n yet_o his_o glory_n can_v not_o be_v confine_v within_o it_o but_o do_v break_v through_o that_o dark_a vail_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n and_o do_v discover_v its_o self_n in_o a_o most_o clear_a and_o convince_a manner_n his_o appearance_n indeed_o be_v not_o like_o those_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n because_o his_o design_n be_v not_o to_o amuse_v man_n with_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o terrify_v they_o from_o idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o great_a reason_n of_o those_o dreadful_a phaenomena_fw-la at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n but_o he_o come_v to_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o he_o by_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o afford_v they_o all_o rational_a conviction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v considerable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o the_o intent_n of_o they_o all_o be_v to_o do_v good_a and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v the_o world_n off_o from_o its_o sin_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o he_o come_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n 2._o now_o that_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o great_a subserviency_n to_o the_o give_v full_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v thereby_o so_o clear_o attest_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o obstinacy_n which_o can_v withhold_v assent_n will_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v it_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o 1._o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o there_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a several_a thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v prove_v for_o the_o clear_n this_o proposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n by_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o understand_v so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o perception_n of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n can_v but_o upon_o the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o the_o term_n yield_v a_o certain_a assent_n to_o it_o as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o part_n that_o if_o we_o take_v away_o equal_a thing_n from_o equal_a the_o remainder_n must_v be_v equal_a now_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o as_o to_o all_o these_o common_a notice_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o carry_v such_o evidence_n with_o they_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o proposition_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n abstract_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o these_o do_v not_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n or_o no_o as_o whole_a or_o part_n the_o understanding_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o whole_a carry_v more_o in_o its_o representation_n then_o that_o of_o a_o part_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o mathematical_a truth_n not_o as_o some_o imagine_v because_o man_n have_v no_o interest_n or_o design_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o never_o question_v they_o but_o because_o they_o proceed_v not_o upon_o sensible_a but_o abstract_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o doubt_n as_o the_o other_o be_v for_o that_o a_o triangle_n have_v three_o angle_n no_o man_n question_n but_o whether_o such_o sensible_a part_n of_o matter_n make_v a_o triangle_n may_v be_v very_o questionable_a now_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o being_n or_o the_o certainty_n of_o existence_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v so_o certain_a as_o mathematical_a demonstration_n appear_v from_o hence_o because_o the_o manner_n of_o conveyance_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o my_o mind_n can_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a as_o in_o pure_o intellectual_a operation_n abstract_v from_o existent_a matter_n for_o the_o high_a evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v either_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n or_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o proceed_v in_o a_o mere_a natural_a way_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o either_o of_o these_o for_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n be_v cause_v so_o much_o through_o those_o idea_n or_o phantasm_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o understanding_n through_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n if_o these_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v fallacious_a i_o may_v well_o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o which_o i_o be_o certain_a i_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o suppose_v than_o i_o shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v convey_v in_o a_o uncertain_a way_n to_o my_o mind_n i_o may_v soon_o out-go_v even_o pyrrho_n himself_o in_o real_a scepticism_n neither_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o any_o thing_n though_o not_o come_v through_o the_o sense_n do_v necessary_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o it_o only_o imply_v a_o non-repugnancy_n of_o it_o to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o consequent_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o any_o thing_n any_o long_a than_o it_o exist_v nay_o then_o we_o know_v it_o to_o exist_v for_o existence_n or_o nonexistence_n be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o understanding_n while_o it_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o either_o and_o it_o be_v withal_o evident_a that_o thing_n imaginary_a may_v clear_o affect_v the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o real_a for_o i_o may_v have_v as_o real_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o a_o phoenix_n in_o my_o mind_n as_o of_o a_o partridge_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o one_o be_v real_o existent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o assign_v a_o certain_a difference_n between_o imagination_n and_o pure_a intellection_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o though_o not_o actual_o existent_a yet_o imply_v no_o repugnancy_n at_o all_o to_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n mind_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o there_o can_v be_v so_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n as_o there_o may_v be_v of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o if_o that_o principle_n be_v suppose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o physical_a certainty_n as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n viz._n that_o there_o 3_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a will_v not_o suffer_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o without_o which_o supposition_n we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o we_o can_v know_v but_o we_o be_v so_o make_v that_o we_o may_v be_v then_o most_o deceive_v when_o we_o think_v our_o self_n most_o sure_o if_o this_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a knowledge_n then_o from_o it_o i_o infer_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o much_o advantageous_a to_o our_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n lie_v in_o the_o necessary_a existence_n 1._o of_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a so_o that_o unless_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n i_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o i_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o certain_a manner_n and_o if_o i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o
else_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n but_o what_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a though_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o a_o immediate_a way_n by_o 3._o be_v know_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o a_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n ex_fw-la parte_fw-la rei_fw-la to_o convince_v man_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a i._n e._n that_o the_o ground_n of_o unbelief_n in_o any_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o defect_n of_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o faith_n but_o to_o their_o own_o perverseness_n and_o prejudice_n in_o not_o discern_v they_o now_o that_o god_n may_v reveal_v and_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n not_o in_o a_o immediate_a way_n but_o by_o some_o instrument_n he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o end_n be_v not_o only_o evident_a from_o the_o great_a suitableness_n of_o such_o a_o way_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n he_o speak_v to_o but_o from_o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o inspiration_n the_o jew_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o we_o god_n discover_v the_o most_o of_o his_o will_n to_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n or_o by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o other_o nation_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o principle_n as_o divination_n in_o the_o world_n do_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o carry_v no_o repugnancy_n at_o all_o to_o natural_a light_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v his_o mind_n by_o some_o particular_a person_n unto_o the_o world_n for_o which_o purpose_n the_o testimony_n of_o tully_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o book_n the_o divinatione_n be_v very_o considerable_a vetus_fw-la opinio_fw-la est_fw-la jam_fw-la usque_fw-la ab_fw-la heroicis_fw-la ducta_fw-la temporibus_fw-la eáque_fw-la diu._n &_o populi_fw-la romani_fw-la &_o omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la firmata_fw-la consensu_fw-la versari_fw-la quandam_fw-la inter_fw-la homines_fw-la divinationem_fw-la quam_fw-la graeci_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appellant_n i._n e._n praesensionem_fw-la &_o scientiam_fw-la rerum_fw-la futurarum_fw-la and_o soon_o after_o add_v gentem_fw-la quidem_fw-la nullam_fw-la video_fw-la neque_fw-la tam_fw-la humanam_fw-la at_o que_fw-la doctam_fw-la neque_fw-la tam_fw-la immanem_fw-la atque_fw-la barbaram_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la significari_fw-la futura_fw-la et_fw-la à _fw-la quibusdam_fw-la intelligi_fw-la praedicique_fw-la posse_fw-la censeat_fw-la he_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a sentiment_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o instance_v particular_o in_o the_o assyrian_n egyptian_n cilician_o pisidian_n pamphilian_o grecian_n roman_n etrurian_o and_o other_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o after_o mention_n some_o philosopher_n who_o deny_v it_o but_o they_o be_v most_o part_v the_o follower_n of_o epicurus_n who_o deny_v any_o providence_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o take_v away_o divination_n but_o if_o xenophanes_n colophonius_n have_v any_o follower_n who_o assert_v the_o one_o and_o deny_v the_o other_o as_o tully_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o he_o be_v alone_o in_o that_o persuasion_n yet_o we_o may_v probable_o suppose_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o reject_v it_o may_v be_v the_o imposture_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o divination_n among_o they_o which_o be_v excellent_o discover_v by_o that_o prince_n of_o roman_a philosopher_n as_o well_o as_o orator_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o same_o author_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o philosopher_n consent_v with_o the_o people_n in_o this_o persuasion_n as_o the_o follower_n of_o those_o three_o great_a sect_n of_o socrates_n pythagoras_n and_o aristotle_n be_v all_o approver_n of_o it_o but_o of_o all_o person_n the_o stoic_n be_v the_o most_o zealous_a contender_n for_o it_o especial_o chrysippus_n diogenes_n babylonius_n antipater_n and_o possidonius_fw-la some_o indeed_o reject_v some_o way_n of_o divination_n yet_o embrace_v other_o as_o dicaearchus_n and_o cratippus_n who_o reject_v all_o but_o dream_n and_o ecstasy_n but_o in_o the_o general_n we_o find_v these_o two_o principle_n go_v together_o among_o they_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divination_n so_o that_o from_o divination_n they_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o from_o a_o deity_n divination_n si_fw-mi sunt_fw-la genera_fw-la divinandi_fw-la vera_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la vicissimque_fw-la si_fw-la dii_fw-la sint_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la divinent_fw-la as_o quintus_z cicero_z there_o speak_v and_o at_o last_o thus_o triumph_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o witness_n a_o dum_fw-la bestiae_fw-la loquantur_fw-la expectamus_fw-la hominum_fw-la consentiâ—nte_fw-la auctoritate_fw-la contenti_fw-la non_fw-la simus_fw-la it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o produce_v the_o chief_a argument_n on_o which_o the_o stoic_n insist_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o divination_n suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n if_o there_o be_v god_n say_v they_o and_o they_o do_v not_o reveal_v to_o man_n thing_n to_o come_v it_o either_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o love_v they_o or_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v or_o they_o think_v it_o be_v of_o no_o concernment_n to_o man_n to_o know_v future_a thing_n or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v their_o majesty_n to_o reveal_v they_o or_o that_o they_o can_v reveal_v they_o to_o man_n if_o they_o will_v but_o neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o they_o do_v not_o love_v man_n for_o the_o god_n be_v of_o a_o bountiful_a nature_n and_o friend_n to_o mankind_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o future_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o decree_v by_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o of_o no_o concernment_n to_o man_n to_o know_v future_a thing_n for_o that_o make_v they_o more_o cautious_a if_o they_o know_v they_o neither_o be_v it_o repugnant_a to_o their_o majesty_n to_o reveal_v they_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o bounty_n and_o do_v good_a and_o they_o must_v needs_o know_v these_o thing_n therefore_o they_o may_v make_v they_o know_v to_o other_o and_o if_o they_o do_v make_v they_o know_v there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n whereby_o to_o know_v that_o they_o do_v so_o or_o else_o they_o signify_v they_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o now_o instead_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o god_n they_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o discovery_n and_o revelation_n by_o the_o true_a god_n of_o those_o way_n which_o may_v lead_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o argument_n have_v be_v strong_a and_o convince_a which_o as_o it_o stand_v be_v sophistical_a and_o fallacious_a so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o not_o only_o a_o possibility_n of_o divination_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o want_v divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o this_o divination_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o mere_a natural_a cause_n but_o from_o a_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la and_o a_o concitatio_fw-la quaedam_fw-la animi_fw-la as_o they_o there_o speak_v which_o import_v nothing_o short_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n nay_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o be_v so_o common_a among_o they_o that_o they_o think_v any_o extraordinary_a person_n have_v something_o of_o divine_a enthusiasm_n in_o they_o as_o tully_n elsewhere_o tell_v we_o nemo_fw-la vir_fw-la deorum_n magnus_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la unquam_fw-la fuit_fw-la although_o then_o these_o heathen_n be_v great_o mistake_v as_o to_o those_o thing_n they_o take_v for_o a_o divine_a afflatus_fw-la and_o divination_n yet_o we_o can_v conceive_v so_o general_a a_o sense_n shall_v be_v imprint_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o that_o be_v be_v it_o not_o a_o thing_n high_o consonant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o some_o person_n and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o cicero_n and_o his_o brother_n quintus_n who_o manage_v that_o excellent_a dispute_n of_o divination_n between_o they_o have_v divide_v the_o truth_n between_o they_o too_o for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n quintus_n evident_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o consequence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o own_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n tully_n himself_o excellent_o lay_v open_v the_o vanity_n folly_n and_o uncertainty_n not_o only_o of_o the_o common_a way_n of_o divination_n but_o of_o the_o oracle_n which_o be_v in_o such_o great_a esteem_n among_o the_o heathen_n and_o although_o tully_n do_v so_o sharp_o and_o
of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o cheerful_o embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o cordial_o yield_v up_o its_o self_n in_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o mere_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o as_o to_o the_o production_n of_o this_o faith_n i_o acknowledge_v mere_a rational_a evidence_n to_o be_v insufficient_a because_o they_o proceed_v in_o 2d_o very_o different_a way_n the_o one_o be_v to_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o other_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o effectual_o to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o one_o therefore_o do_v no_o more_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o other_o than_o the_o say_n that_o a_o telescope_n will_v help_v we_o to_o discover_v very_o much_o of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n do_v imply_v that_o a_o blind_a man_n may_v see_v they_o if_o he_o make_v but_o use_v of_o they_o although_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v saving_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v so_o much_o rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o divine_a revelation_n that_o suppose_v reason_n to_o be_v pure_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o steep_v in_o sense_n as_o now_o it_o be_v it_o will_v discover_v spiritual_a evidence_n to_o be_v the_o most_o real_a and_o convince_a evidence_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o infallible_a testimony_n there_o be_v sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o it_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aesculapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o believe_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniack_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v of_o all_o rational_a evidence_n which_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a than_o 5._o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n for_o confirmation_n that_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v reveal_v be_v infallible_a the_o possibility_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o assert_v a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o thing_n be_v either_o at_o first_o produce_v or_o be_v still_o conserve_v which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o other_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v alter_v and_o thing_n cause_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o inferior_a cause_n for_o though_o that_o be_v a_o immutable_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o physical_a being_n that_o every_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o course_n and_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v at_o the_o creation_n yet_o that_o only_o hold_v till_o the_o same_o power_n which_o set_v it_o in_o that_o order_n shall_v otherwise_o dispose_v of_o it_o grant_v then_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v 1._o not_o of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a only_o to_o raise_v admiration_n in_o we_o because_o of_o our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n which_o be_v thence_o call_v wonder_n much_o less_o of_o mere_a juggle_v and_o imposture_n whereby_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v deceive_v but_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o either_o contrary_n to_o or_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n that_o order_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o universe_n the_o devil_n no_o question_n may_v and_o do_v often_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o may_v by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o agility_n of_o his_o nature_n perform_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o put_v they_o to_o it_o to_o find_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o real_a miracle_n if_o they_o only_o make_v their_o sense_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o such_o kind_n of_o wonder_n though_o they_o be_v but_o spare_o do_v and_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o secrecy_n as_o though_o they_o be_v consult_v with_o catiline_n about_o the_o burn_a rome_n yet_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v some_o especial_o when_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v ascendant_n to_o keep_v up_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v dispossess_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o all_o he_o than_o try_v his_o utmost_a to_o keep_v as_o many_o to_o he_o as_o may_v be_v thus_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n he_o then_o conjure_v up_o all_o the_o infernal_a power_n to_o do_v something_o parallel_v to_o keep_v possession_n of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v thus_o we_o find_v simon_n magus_n dog_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o heel_n that_o by_o his_o magic_n he_o may_v stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o people_n concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o apollonius_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n but_o his_o wonder_n be_v such_o pitiful_a thing_n compare_v with_o those_o wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o malice_n in_o hierocles_n to_o mention_v he_o in_o competition_n with_o christ._n but_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o considerable_a then_o either_o of_o these_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n by_o vespasian_n in_o egypt_n 7._o mention_v by_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n cure_v the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o man_n tell_v vespasian_n restituturum_fw-la oculos_fw-la si_fw-la inspuisset_fw-la that_o he_o shall_v receive_v his_o sight_n by_o his_o spittle_n so_o spartianus_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v cure_v of_o her_o blindness_n by_o kiss_v the_o knee_n of_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n and_o boxhornius_n have_v produce_v a_o old_a fable_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o
ignes_fw-la theophylact_fw-mi be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n become_v daemon_n and_o thence_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o daemoniack_n 28_o among_o the_o tomb_n but_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a which_o grotius_n conceive_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n do_v hover_v up_o and_o down_o about_o their_o body_n and_o that_o these_o be_v so_o long_o under_o the_o devil_n power_n which_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n believe_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o pythonisse_fw-la raise_v samuel_n on_o which_o account_n the_o devil_n to_o favour_v a_o opinion_n so_o advantageous_a to_o their_o interest_n may_v appear_v with_o great_a terror_n and_o fury_n about_o their_o bury_a place_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o those_o possess_a person_n but_o on_o whatever_o account_n it_o be_v we_o find_v it_o evident_a that_o about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n and_o some_o time_n after_o the_o true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v very_o frequent_a whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n by_o such_o frequent_a possession_n of_o person_n and_o make_v they_o do_v such_o strange_a thing_n may_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o pharisee_n raise_v their_o calumny_n that_o christ_n do_v miracle_n by_o belzebub_n because_o they_o see_v so_o many_o strange_a appearance_n cause_v by_o possess_v person_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v through_o the_o admirable_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o may_v give_v satan_n the_o great_a liberty_n at_o that_o time_n on_o purpose_n to_o heighten_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o dispossess_v of_o he_o and_o thereby_o to_o give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n that_o his_o power_n be_v of_o god_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o hence_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v so_o much_o triumph_n and_o as_o it_o be_v insult_v over_o the_o devil_n where_o ever_o they_o find_v 5._o he_o make_v he_o to_o remove_v his_o lodging_n from_o possess_a person_n by_o a_o writ_n of_o ejection_n from_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n thence_o origen_n rational_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o power_n give_v he_o from_o above_o because_o at_o his_o very_a name_n the_o devil_n forsake_v the_o body_n which_o they_o have_v possess_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o and_o he_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o even_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o christian_n without_o any_o ceremony_n but_o mere_o by_o their_o prayer_n do_v ordinary_o eject_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o man_n body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 7._o ordinary_a christian_n say_v he_o most_o common_o do_v this_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n by_o its_o word_n thereby_o discover_v the_o contemptibleness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o in_o order_n to_o their_o ejection_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o want_v any_o learned_a or_o experience_a christian._n and_o for_o this_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o challenge_n of_o tertullian_n already_o mention_v but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o almost_o all_o of_o they_o who_o have_v write_v against_o the_o heathen_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n thence_o minutius_n felix_n haec_fw-la omne_fw-la sciunt_fw-la plerique_fw-la pars_fw-la vestrum_fw-la ipsos_fw-la ouz_n daemonas_fw-la de_fw-la semetipsis_fw-la confiteri_fw-la quoties_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la torment_n be_v verborum_fw-la &_o orationis_fw-la incendiis_fw-la de_fw-la coâ—poribus_fw-la exiguntur_fw-la ipse_fw-la saturnus_n &_o serapis_n et_fw-fr jupiter_n et_fw-la quiequid_fw-la daemonum_fw-la colitis_fw-la victi_fw-la dolore_fw-la quod_fw-la sunt_fw-la eloquuntur_fw-la nec_fw-la utique_fw-la in_o turpitudinem_fw-la svi_fw-la nonnullis_fw-la praesertim_fw-la vestrum_fw-la assistentibâ—s_fw-la mentiuntur_fw-la ipsis_fw-la testibus_fw-la eos_fw-la esse_fw-la daemonas_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la verum_fw-la confitentibus_fw-la credit_n adjuratienim_fw-la per_fw-la deum_fw-la verum_fw-la et_fw-la solum_fw-la inviti_fw-la miseri_fw-la corporibus_fw-la inhorrescunt_fw-la et_fw-la vel_fw-la exiliunt_fw-la statim_fw-la vel_fw-la evanesount_n gradatim_fw-la prout_fw-la fides_fw-la patientis_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la aut_fw-la gratia_fw-la curantis_fw-la aspirat_fw-la can_v we_o now_o think_v the_o devil_n shall_v not_o only_o forsake_v his_o tyranny_n over_o the_o body_n of_o man_n but_o let_v go_v so_o advantageous_a a_o pillar_n of_o his_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o idolatroius_fw-la worship_n as_o the_o conceal_n himself_o be_v have_v he_o not_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o a_o power_n far_o great_a than_o his_o own_o so_o cyprian_n ad_fw-la demetrianum_n appeal_v to_o he_o be_v the_o proconsul_n of_o africa_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n who_o have_v write_v sharp_o against_o the_o christian_n for_o speak_v of_o the_o devil_n who_o they_o worship_v in_o their_o idol_n o_o si_fw-la audire_fw-la eos_fw-la velles_fw-fr et_fw-la 12._o videre_fw-la quando_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la adjurantur_fw-la et_fw-la torquentur_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la flagris_fw-la et_fw-la verborum_fw-la tormentis_fw-la de_fw-la obsessis_fw-la corporibus_fw-la ejiciuntur_fw-la quando_fw-la ejulantes_fw-la et_fw-la gemente_n voce_fw-la humana_fw-la et_fw-la potestate_fw-la divina_fw-la flagella_fw-la et_fw-la verbera_fw-la sentientes_fw-la venturum_fw-la judicium_fw-la confitentur_fw-la veni_fw-la et_fw-la cognosce_fw-la vera_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la dicimus_fw-la and_o a_o little_a after_o videbis_fw-la sub_fw-la manu_fw-la nostra_fw-la stare_v vinctos_fw-la et_fw-la tremere_fw-la captivos_fw-la quos_fw-la tu_fw-la suspicis_fw-la et_fw-la veneraris_fw-la ut_fw-la dominos_fw-la do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a magician_n of_o which_o there_o be_v good_a store_n extort_v such_o thing_n from_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o christian_n do_v mere_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v they_o ever_o make_v they_o confess_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o only_o in_o possess_a body_n but_o in_o their_o temple_n too_o that_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o their_o ephesian_a letter_n or_o any_o of_o their_o magical_a incantation_n do_v the_o devil_n ever_o dread_a so_o much_o the_o name_n of_o socrates_n or_o aristides_n as_o they_o do_v that_o of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n of_o which_o lactantius_n thus_o speak_v quo_fw-la audito_fw-la 〈◊〉_d tremunt_fw-la exclamant_fw-la et_fw-la urise_fw-la verberarique_fw-la testantur_fw-la et_fw-la interrogati_fw-la qui_fw-la sint_fw-la quando_fw-la venerint_fw-la quando_fw-la in_o hominem_fw-la irrepserint_fw-la confitentur_fw-la sic_fw-la extorti_fw-la et_fw-la excruciati_fw-la virtate_fw-la divininuminis_fw-la exulant_fw-la propter_fw-la haec_fw-la verbera_fw-la et_fw-la minas_fw-la sanctos_fw-la et_fw-la justos_fw-la viros_fw-la semper_fw-la oderunt_fw-la and_o even_o apollo_n himself_o at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n tremble_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o the_o pythian_a prophetess_n do_v in_o her_o great_a fury_n so_o prudentius_n tell_v we_o torquetur_fw-la apollo_n nomine_fw-la percussus_fw-la christi_fw-la nec_fw-la fulmina_fw-la verbi_fw-la apothâ—os_fw-la ferre_n potest_fw-la agitant_fw-la miserum_fw-la tot_fw-la verbera_fw-la linguae_fw-la quot_fw-la laudata_fw-la dei_fw-la resonant_n miracula_fw-la christi_fw-la to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v what_o firmicus_n say_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ecce_fw-la daemon_n est_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la cum_fw-la dei_fw-la et_fw-la christi_fw-la ejus_fw-la nomen_fw-la audierit_fw-la contremiseit_n et_fw-la ut_fw-la interrogantibus_fw-la nob_n be_v respondeat_fw-la relig_n trepidantia_fw-la verba_fw-la vix_fw-la se_fw-la colligit_fw-la adhaerens_fw-la homini_fw-la laceratur_fw-la uritur_fw-la vapulat_fw-la et_fw-la statim_fw-la de_fw-fr commissis_fw-la sceleribus_fw-la confitetur_fw-la by_o which_o testimony_n it_o appear_v what_o power_n over_o satan_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o christian_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o as_o though_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o christ_n have_v so_o great_a a_o efficacy_n in_o the_o ejection_n of_o devil_n as_o origen_n seemâ—_n to_o be_v of_o opinion_n in_o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o efficacy_n of_o name_n unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o philosopher_n but_o that_o god_n câ—ls_n may_v manifest_v to_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o name_n he_o do_v give_v a_o power_n to_o such_o as_o make_v use_v of_o it_o of_o work_a miracle_n by_o it_o and_o thence_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o some_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o christian_n but_o yet_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n through_o his_o name_n by_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n which_o may_v be_v 6._o produce_v out_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o our_o saviour_n promise_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o they_o and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v
17._o they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n this_o power_n then_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v a_o twofold_a argument_n in_o it_o both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n when_o his_o name_n so_o long_o after_o his_o ascension_n have_v so_o great_a a_o command_n over_o all_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o that_o so_o evident_o that_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o christian_n do_v as_o it_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o satan_n so_o in_o his_o own_o territory_n yet_o then_o the_o great_a of_o his_o magician_n have_v no_o power_n to_o hurt_v the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n origen_n take_v much_o notice_n of_o for_o when_o celsus_n say_v from_o diogenes_n aegyptius_n that_o magic_n can_v only_o hurt_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o have_v no_o power_n over_o philosopher_n origen_n reply_v first_o that_o philosophy_n be_v no_o such_o charm_n against_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n as_o appear_v by_o maeragenes_n who_o write_v the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n the_o famous_a magician_n and_o philosopher_n who_o therein_o mention_n how_o euphrates_n and_o a_o epicurean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o vulgar_a philosopher_n be_v catch_v by_o the_o magic_n of_o apollonius_n and_o although_o philostratus_n disow_v this_o history_n of_o maeragenes_n as_o fabulous_a yet_o he_o that_o think_v philostratus_n for_o that_o to_o be_v of_o any_o great_a credit_n be_v much_o deceive_v of_o who_o lud._n vives_n give_v this_o true_a character_n that_o he_o do_v magna_fw-la homeri_fw-la mendacia_fw-la majoribus_fw-la mendaciis_fw-la 5._o corrigere_fw-la mend_v one_o hole_n and_o make_v three_o but_o say_v origen_n as_o to_o the_o christian_n this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 302._o this_o say_v he_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o and_o have_v find_v it_o by_o experience_n true_a that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n do_v worship_n god_n over_o all_o through_o jesus_n and_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v constant_a in_o their_o solemn_a prayer_n night_n and_o day_n be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o power_n of_o any_o magic_a or_o devil_n whatsoever_o now_o than_o if_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v then_o so_o much_o power_n over_o other_o have_v none_o upon_o the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o command_a power_n over_o the_o devil_n even_o in_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o his_o disadvantage_n not_o only_a dislodging_n he_o out_o of_o body_n â—â—t_v out_o of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o this_o power_n which_o be_v so_o efficacious_a for_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n must_v needs_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a maxim_n in_o natural_a reason_n that_o whatever_o be_v put_v out_o of_o its_o former_a place_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n be_v extrude_v by_o something_o strong_a than_o its_o self_n for_o if_o the_o force_n on_o either_o side_n be_v equal_a there_o can_v be_v no_o dispossess_v sing_v of_o either_o if_o any_o thing_n then_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o its_o former_a possession_n unwilling_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n there_o be_v some_o power_n great_a than_o his_o who_o be_v dispossess_v now_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o there_o be_v such_o malignant_a spirit_n as_o by_o many_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v willing_o quit_v their_o possession_n to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a ruin_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o power_n of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v overthrow_v the_o devil_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n wherever_o it_o have_v be_v true_o entertain_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o damn_a spirit_n now_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v it_o in_o the_o heathen_n to_o worship_v those_o for_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v if_o they_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n be_v under_o so_o great_a slavery_n to_o a_o power_n above_o they_o which_o can_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v most_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o great_a adorer_n neither_o ought_v the_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o kind_n since_o the_o establishment_n of_o 7._o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o advancer_n of_o particular_a interest_n and_o design_n make_v we_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o first_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o age_n of_o its_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o evidence_n be_v undoubted_a as_o to_o those_o first_o time_n we_o ought_v to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n as_o true_a whatever_o the_o imposture_n have_v be_v among_o those_o who_o have_v apparent_o go_v aside_o from_o that_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v so_o great_a power_n then_o second_o if_o all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o eject_v devil_n where_o christianity_n be_v own_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o imposture_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o real_a possession_n by_o the_o devil_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o dispossess_v he_o if_o the_o first_o than_o hereby_o will_v be_v see_v a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o former_a argument_n that_o where_o christianity_n be_v own_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v more_o curb_v and_o restrain_v then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o be_v much_o overrun_v with_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o latter_a the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o 10._o century_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 16._o current_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o first_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o place_n where_o paganism_n or_o gross_a idolatry_n do_v yet_o reign_v will_v bring_v in_o their_o creditable_a testimony_n how_o tyrannical_a the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v yet_o among_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o where_o careful_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v for_o retrive_v the_o ancient_a pâ—rity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n we_o ought_v to_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o be_v strong_a than_o satan_n who_o wherever_o he_o come_v to_o dwell_v do_v dispossess_v he_o of_o his_o former_a habitation_n if_o the_o second_o then_o be_v entertain_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o conclude_v all_o thing_n as_o imposture_n which_o be_v account_v dispossession_n of_o satan_n viz._n that_o he_o never_o be_v real_o dispossess_v than_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o where_o he_o be_v once_o seize_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o eject_v he_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o absolute_a and_o infinite_a power_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n great_a than_o he_o which_o be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o god_n or_o else_o that_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o tyrannize_v where_o and_o how_o he_o will_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n god_n take_v of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n or_o else_o last_o that_o those_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o such_o person_n who_o be_v arm_v so_o much_o with_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n nor_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o due_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v command_v over_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o this_o in_o the_o case_n pretend_v by_o the_o great_a juggler_n and_o impostor_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o popish_a priest_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_a that_o none_o of_o their_o own_o party_n of_o any_o great_a faith_n or_o credit_n will_v stand_v to_o vouch_v they_o and_o we_o have_v this_o impregnable_a argument_n against_o all_o such_o imposture_n that_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o by_o such_o action_n will_v give_v a_o evidence_n to_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a from_o if_o not_o in_o some_o thing_n diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o first_o delivery_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o way_n use_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o
it_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n by_o any_o real_a miracle_n for_o so_o it_o will_v invalidate_v the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o same_o argument_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a person_n be_v not_o deliver_v when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctriâ—e_n of_o christ_n be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v what_o unconceivable_a prejudice_n have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o stumbling-block_n have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o considerative_a person_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_o christian_a faith_n by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v the_o infallible_a director_n of_o man_n in_o it_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o broad-seal_a of_o heaven_n set_v only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v their_o unwritten_a and_o superstitious_a way_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o i_o once_o see_v that_o which_o i_o look_v on_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v to_o attest_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o must_v either_o conclude_v that_o god_n may_v contradict_v himself_o by_o seal_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v both_o blasphemous_a and_o impossible_a or_o that_o that_o society_n of_o man_n which_o own_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o all_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christain_n doctrine_n but_o seek_v to_o set_v up_o a_o interest_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o matter_n not_o what_o disadvantage_n be_v do_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o unworthy_a pretence_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o true_a let_v every_o one_o conscience_n judge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o have_v all_o such_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n discover_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disservice_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v such_o secret_a fomenter_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n but_o how_o far_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n may_v extend_v 17._o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o generous_a and_o primitive-spirited_n christian_n who_o out_o of_o a_o great_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v go_v among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o only_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o a_o secular_a interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n full_o to_o inquire_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o yet_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n employ_v such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n although_o there_o be_v not_o such_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a then_o as_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o force_v use_v against_o it_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o party_n in_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o yet_o disagree_v froâ—_n each_o other_o with_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o necessity_n now_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v conuâ—yed_v to_o we_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a manner_n yet_o god_n may_v please_v out_o of_o his_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o employ_v good_a man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v manifest_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v above_o the_o â—_z who_o they_o worship_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v far_o soon_o believe_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o xaverius_n and_o his_o brethren_n employ_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n than_o lipsius_n his_o virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n can_v it_o but_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n have_v more_o of_o christianity_n than_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o go_v more_o upon_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o heaven_n then_o to_o enlarge_v the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n or_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n be_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n 8._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n whereby_o christianity_n be_v first_o propagate_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n overthrow_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o power_n be_v great_a than_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v possession_n because_o he_o overcome_v he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v 22._o and_o divide_v his_o spoil_n i_o e._n dispossess_v he_o of_o man_n body_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n silence_v his_o oracle_n nonplus_v his_o magician_n and_o at_o last_o when_o christianity_n have_v overcome_v by_o suffering_n wrest_v the_o worldly_a power_n and_o empire_n out_o of_o the_o devil_n hand_n and_o employ_v it_o against_o himself_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v because_o since_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n have_v get_v some_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n again_o by_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o mahometism_n &_o the_o general_a corruption_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n because_o such_o a_o fall_v away_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o it_o and_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v threaten_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a de'usion_n do_v not_o this_o then_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n confirm_v it_o more_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o who_o god_n employ_v in_o the_o convert_n of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v neither_o without_o some_o fair_a hope_n even_o from_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o uncontrolled_a evidence_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o christ_n will_v recover_v his_o church_n to_o their_o pristine_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n but_o withal_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o future_a felicity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o outward_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o too_o many_o so_o strong_o fancy_v but_o by_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o breathe_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v for_o if_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o ease_n and_o riches_n be_v the_o first_o impairer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o true_a glory_n can_v be_v by_o the_o advance_n of_o that_o which_o give_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o suppose_v man_n free_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o continual_a experience_n still_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n be_v subject_a to_o neither_o may_v that_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o such_o uneveness_n of_o part_n be_v now_o discover_v in_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v find_v to_o have_v his_o maculae_fw-la as_o though_o the_o sun_n have_v a_o purple_a fever_n or_o as_o kiroher_n express_v it_o ipse_fw-la phoebus_n qui_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la in_o universo_fw-it naturae_fw-la theatro_fw-la aspectabilium_fw-la longè_fw-la pulcherrimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la opinion_n 2._o est_fw-la habitus_fw-la hoc_fw-la seculo_fw-la tandem_fw-la fumosa_fw-la fancy_n ac_fw-la infecto_fw-la vultu_fw-la maculis_fw-la prodiit_fw-la diceres_fw-la eum_fw-la variolis_fw-la laborare_fw-la senescentem_fw-la i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o though_o a_o outward_a flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o purity_n for_o then_o the_o way_n to_o refine_v it_o be_v to_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o persecution_n but_o that_o
a_o heroickfreedom_n of_o spirit_n appear_v in_o these_o word_n what_o magnanimity_n and_o courage_n be_v there_o now_o in_o that_o person_n who_o dare_v in_o the_o face_n of_o this_o court_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v well_o may_v they_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o the_o man_n who_o fear_v not_o the_o same_o death_n which_o they_o have_v so_o late_o bring_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o neither_o be_v this_o single_o the_o case_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n but_o all_o 10._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n undertake_v their_o work_n with_o the_o same_o resolution_n and_o preparation_n of_o spirit_n to_o under_o go_v the_o great_a hardship_n in_o the_o world_n sor_n the_o sake_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o preach_v and_o according_o as_o far_a as_o ecclesiastical_a history_n can_v ascertain_v we_o of_o it_o they_o do_v all_o but_o john_n and_o that_o to_o make_v good_a 22._o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n suffer_v violent_a death_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o persecute_v they_o mere_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a when_o christ_n design_v they_o first_o of_o all_o for_o this_o work_n he_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n of_o reproach_n persecution_n all_o manner_n of_o hardship_n nay_o of_o death_n its_o self_n which_o they_o must_v undergo_v for_o his_o sake_n all_o that_o he_o give_v they_o 28._o by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n be_v that_o they_o can_v only_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o not_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o shall_v fear_v he_o only_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o the_o support_n they_o have_v be_v a_o expectation_n in_o another_o world_n and_o that_o animate_v they_o to_o go_v through_o all_o the_o hardship_n of_o this_o where_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v of_o any_o such_o boldness_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o most_o know_v philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n with_o what_o saintness_n and_o misgive_n of_o mind_n do_v socrates_n speak_v in_o his_o famous_a discourse_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v by_o he_o before_o his_o death_n how_o phaed._n uncertain_o do_v he_o speak_v of_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o probability_n plato_n set_v it_o forth_o with_o all_o advantage_n imaginable_a where_o do_v we_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o great_a friend_n of_o socrates_n who_o be_v present_a at_o his_o death_n as_o phaedo_fw-la cebes_n crito_n and_o simmias_n dare_v enter_v the_o areopagus_n and_o condemn_v they_o there_o for_o the_o murder_n of_o socrates_n though_o this_o will_v be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v why_o be_v they_o not_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o inform_v the_o world_n better_o of_o those_o grand_a truth_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o they_o themselves_o why_o do_v not_o plato_n at_o least_o speak_v out_o and_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o truth_n and_o not_o disguise_v his_o discourse_n under_o feign_a name_n the_o better_a to_o avoid_v accusation_n and_o the_o fate_n of_o socrates_n how_o do_v he_o mince_v his_o excellent_a matter_n and_o play_v as_o it_o be_v at_o bo-peep_a with_o his_o reader_n sometime_o appear_v and_o then_o pull_v in_o his_o horn_n again_o it_o may_v not_o be_v a_o improbable_a conjecture_n that_o the_o death_n of_o socrates_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o academy_n i_o mean_v of_o that_o cautelous_a doctrine_n of_o withhold_v assent_n and_o be_v both_o pro_fw-la and_o con_v sometime_o of_o this_o side_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o for_o socrates_n his_o death_n have_v make_v all_o his_o friend_n very_o fearful_a of_o be_v too_o dogmatical_a and_o plato_n himself_o have_v too_o much_o riches_n and_o withal_o too_o much_o of_o a_o courtier_n in_o he_o to_o hazard_v the_o dear_a prison_n of_o his_o soul_n viz._n his_o body_n mere_o for_o a_o aethereal_a vehicle_n he_o have_v rather_o let_v his_o soul_n flutter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o a_o terrestrial_a matter_n or_o the_o cage_n it_o be_v pâ—nt_v up_o in_o then_o hazard_v too_o violent_a a_o open_n of_o it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o areopagus_n and_o the_o great_a roman_a orator_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o plato_n sentiment_n have_v learn_v this_o too_o for_o although_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o have_v many_o time_n sufficient_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o theology_n yet_o he_o know_v how_o to_o bring_v himself_o off_o safe_a enough_o with_o the_o people_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v dogmatical_a only_o in_o this_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v innovate_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v observe_v which_o principle_n have_v they_o be_v true_a as_o they_o be_v safe_a for_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v they_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v never_o gain_v any_o entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o where_o ever_o it_o come_v it_o meet_v with_o this_o potent_a prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o innovation_n and_o therefore_o be_v shrewd_o suspect_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o punish_v as_o factious_a and_o seditious_a person_n which_o be_v all_o the_o pretext_n the_o wise_a politician_n of_o the_o world_n have_v for_o their_o cruel_a and_o inhuman_a persecution_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o peaceable_a and_o innocent_a christian_n now_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o their_o go_v abroad_o so_o plain_o that_o with_o the_o same_o say_v they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v to_o be_v true_a they_o must_v believe_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n be_v it_o in_o they_o thus_o to_o encounter_v danger_n and_o as_o it_o be_v court_v the_o slame_n nay_o and_o before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o they_o must_v die_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a peregrination_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o job_n in_o pilgrimage_n encounter_v with_o peril_n and_o danger_n on_o every_o side_n of_o which_o one_o of_o the_o most_o painful_a and_o successful_a s._n paul_n have_v give_v in_o such_o a_o large_a inventory_n of_o his_o peril_n that_o the_o very_a read_n of_o they_o be_v 9_o enough_o to_o undo_v a_o poor_a epicurean_a philosopher_n and_o at_o once_o to_o spoil_v he_o of_o the_o two_o pillar_n of_o his_o happiness_n the_o quietness_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o ease_v of_o his_o body_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o hazardous_a employment_n that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n go_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o they_o very_o well_o understand_v the_o difficulty_n of_o before_o they_o set_v upon_o it_o second_o we_o can_v find_v out_o any_o rational_a motive_n which_o 11._o can_v carry_v they_o through_o so_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n but_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v we_o find_v before_o that_o no_o vulgar_a motive_n in_o the_o world_n can_v carry_v they_o upon_o that_o design_n which_o they_o go_v upon_o can_v they_o be_v lead_v by_o ambition_n and_o vain_a glory_n who_o meet_v with_o such_o reproach_n where_o ever_o they_o go_v and_o not_o only_a persecution_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o sharp_a one_o of_o the_o hand_n too_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o but_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v martyr_n and_o think_v long_o till_o they_o be_v in_o the_o flame_n which_o make_v arrius_n antoninus_n be_v proconsul_n of_o asia_n when_o christian_n in_o multitude_n beset_v his_o tribunal_n and_o throng_v in_o to_o be_v condemn_v say_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o miserable_a people_n have_v not_o you_o way_v enough_o to_o 5._o end_v your_o life_n at_o hâ—me_n but_o you_o must_v crowd_n for_o a_o execution_n this_o be_v a_o high_a ambition_n by_o far_o then_o any_o of_o those_o mancipia_fw-la gloriae_fw-la those_o chamaeleon_n that_o live_v on_o the_o breath_n of_o applause_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n ever_o reach_v to_o who_o be_v as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o homines_fw-la gloriae_fw-la &_o eloquentiae_fw-la solius_fw-la libidinosi_fw-la unsatiable_a thirster_n after_o the_o honour_n and_o eloquence_n of_o 47._o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v soar_v too_o high_a to_o quarry_n on_o so_o mean_v a_o prâ—y_n when_o the_o more_o sober_a heathen_n have_v take_v a_o strict_a notice_n of_o the_o carriage_n and_o life_n of_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o
their_o genuine_a follower_n they_o instead_o of_o the_o common_a and_o rude_a name_n of_o impostor_n give_v they_o a_o more_o civil_a title_n of_o philosopher_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n as_o a_o sublime_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n non_fw-la utique_fw-la divinum_fw-la negotium_fw-la existimant_fw-la sed_fw-la make_fw-mi be_v philosophiae_fw-la genus_fw-la as_o tertullian_n 46._o tell_v we_o because_o the_o philosopher_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o see_v the_o christian_n so_o excellent_a in_o but_o as_o tertullian_n there_o reply_v nomen_fw-la hoc_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la daemonia_fw-la non_fw-la fugat_fw-la the_o devil_n be_v never_o afraid_a of_o a_o philosopher_n beard_n nor_o be_v disease_n cure_v by_o the_o touch_n of_o a_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la there_o be_v something_o more_o divine_a in_o christian_n then_o in_o the_o grave_a philosopher_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o life_n and_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v see_v in_o they_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o true_a character_n give_v of_o both_o by_o that_o same_o excellent_a writer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n veritatem_fw-la philosophi_fw-la quidem_fw-la affâ—ctant_fw-la possident_fw-la autem_fw-la christiani_n what_o the_o philosopher_n desire_v only_o the_o christian_n enjoy_v 4._o which_o be_v truth_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o more_o full_o speak_v mimicè_fw-la philosophi_fw-la affectant_fw-la veritatem_fw-la &_o affectando_fw-la corrum_fw-la punt_n ut_fw-la qui_fw-la gloriam_fw-la captant_fw-la christianieam_fw-la necessariò_fw-la appetunt_fw-la 46._o &_o integri_fw-la praestant_fw-la ut_fw-la qui_fw-la saluti_fw-la suae_fw-la curant_fw-la truth_n be_v the_o philosopher_n mistress_n which_o by_o court_v he_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_v look_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o truth_n be_v the_o christian_n matron_n who_o direction_n he_o observe_v and_o follow_v because_o he_o regard_v no_o glory_n but_o that_o to_o come_v and_o to_o let_v they_o further_o see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o philosopher_n he_o conclude_v that_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n quid_fw-la adeo_fw-la simile_n philosophus_fw-la &_o christianus_n graeciae_fw-la discipulus_fw-la et_fw-la coeli_fw-la famae_fw-la negotiator_fw-la et_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la verborum_fw-la et_fw-fr factorum_fw-la operator_fw-la rerum_fw-la aedificator_n et_fw-la destructor_n amicus_fw-la et_fw-fr inimicus_fw-la erroris_fw-la veritatis_fw-la interpolator_n et_fw-la integrator_fw-la furator_fw-la ejus_fw-la et_fw-la custos_fw-la as_o much_o distance_n say_v he_o as_o there_o be_v between_o greece_n and_o heaven_n between_o applause_n and_o eternal_a glory_n between_o word_n and_o thing_n between_o building_n and_o destroy_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o a_o plagiary_n and_o corrupter_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o preserver_n and_o advancer_n of_o it_o so_o much_o be_v there_o between_o a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian._n the_o heathen_n may_v suspect_v indeed_o some_o kind_n of_o affinity_n between_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ancient_a sophist_n of_o greece_n because_o of_o their_o frequent_a go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o pretend_v a_o kind_n of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o do_v but_o as_o much_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o knight_n errant_a and_o hercules_n between_o a_o mountebank_n and_o hypocrates_n that_o and_o much_o great_a there_o be_v between_o a_o greek_a sophist_n and_o a_o apostle_n socrates_n in_o plato_n euthydemus_n have_v excellent_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o those_o person_n under_o the_o person_n of_o euthydemus_n and_o dionysodorus_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o protagoras_n their_o intent_n be_v only_o like_o the_o retiaries_n in_o the_o roman_a spectacle_n to_o catch_v their_o adversary_n in_o a_o net_n to_o entangle_v they_o with_o some_o captious_a question_n or_o other_o but_o how_o vast_o different_a from_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o abhor_v those_o endless_a contention_n which_o then_o be_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o come_v to_o show_v they_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v with_o a_o intent_n of_o make_v they_o better_a man_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carry_v forth_o by_o any_o mean_a 12._o and_o vulgar_a motive_n neither_o do_v they_o drive_v on_o any_o private_a end_n of_o their_o own_o all_o that_o they_o mind_v be_v the_o promote_a of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v nay_o they_o account_v no_o hazard_n comparable_a with_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n enjoy_v through_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o show_v a_o true_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o do_v the_o world_n good_a though_o they_o find_v so_o bad_a entertainment_n from_o it_o yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o great_a suffering_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n wherein_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o far_o imitate_v they_o that_o etiam_fw-la damnati_fw-la gratias_fw-la agunt_fw-la they_o give_v the_o judge_n 46._o thanks_o that_o they_o think_v they_o worthy_a to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v in_o though_o they_o die_v for_o it_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v apprehend_v they_o discover_v so_o little_a fear_n of_o punishment_n ut_fw-la unum_fw-la solummodo_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la ante_fw-la suerint_fw-la paeniteret_fw-la that_o nothing_o trouble_v they_o so_o much_o as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n no_o soon_o as_o one_o of_o fellix_fw-la their_o number_n speak_v and_o when_o the_o heathen_n usual_o scoff_v at_o they_o and_o call_v they_o sarmentitii_fw-la and_o semaxii_fw-la because_o they_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o cross_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n answer_v hic_fw-la est_fw-la habitus_fw-la victoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la haec_fw-la palmata_fw-la vestis_fw-la tali_fw-la curru_fw-la triumphamus_fw-la the_o cross_n be_v only_o 50._o their_o triumphant_a chariot_n which_o carry_v they_o soon_o to_o heaven_n now_o this_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n make_v all_o serious_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n look_v more_o narrow_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v man_n slight_a so_o much_o the_o common_a bugbear_n of_o humane_a nature_n suffering_n and_o death_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la contemplatione_fw-la ejus_fw-la concutitur_fw-la adrequirendum_fw-la â—_o quid_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o re_fw-la sit_fw-la quis_fw-la non_fw-la ubi_fw-la requisivit_fw-la accedit_fw-la ubi_fw-la accessit_fw-la patiexoptat_fw-la these_o suffering_n make_v man_n inquire_v this_o enquiry_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o belief_n make_v they_o as_o willing_a to_o suffer_v themselves_o as_o they_o have_v see_v other_o do_v it_o before_o they_o thus_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d qâ—â—que_fw-la crudelitas_fw-la illecebra_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la sectae_fw-la plures_fw-la â—fficimur_fw-la quâ—â—ties_fw-la metimur_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la semen_fw-mi est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la christianorum_fw-la the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o â—_z do_v but_o increase_v their_o number_n the_o harvest_n of_o their_o pretend_a justice_n be_v but_o the_o seedtime_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o seed_n be_v so_o fruitful_a as_o that_o which_o be_v steep_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n thence_o justin_n martyr_v ingenuous_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o while_o he_o be_v a_o platonic_a philosopher_n he_o deride_v and_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n but_o when_o he_o consider_v their_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o die_v for_o their_o profession_n he_o can_v not_o think_v those_o can_v possible_o be_v man_n wicked_a and_o voluptuous_a who_o when_o offer_v of_o life_n be_v make_v they_o will_v rather_o choose_v death_n then_o deny_v christ._n by_o which_o he_o find_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a spirit_n in_o christianity_n then_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o sublime_a notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o plato_n and_o that_o a_o poor_a ignorant_a christian_n will_v do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n then_o any_o of_o the_o academy_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o master_n plato_n now_o since_o all_o man_n natural_o abhor_v suffering_n what_o be_v it_o which_o shall_v so_o powerful_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o christian_n above_o all_o other_o person_n that_o they_o alone_o shall_v seem_v in_o that_o to_o have_v forget_v humanity_n that_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o joy_n they_o endure_v torment_n and_o abode_n the_o flame_n what!_o be_v they_o all_o possess_v with_o a_o far_o more_o than_o stoical_a apathy_n that_o no_o sense_n oâ—_n pain_n can_v work_v at_o all_o upon_o they_o or_o be_v they_o all_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v person_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v they_o undergo_v â—t_z be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o
venture_v their_o life_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o write_v concern_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v concern_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v evident_a in_o their_o manner_n of_o 16._o report_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o deliver_v for_o if_o ever_o there_o may_v be_v any_o thing_n gather_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n or_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d concern_v the_o particular_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o person_n from_o who_o it_o come_v we_o may_v certain_o read_v the_o great_a fidelity_n in_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o their_o express_a themselves_o to_o the_o world_n which_o they_o do_v 1._o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n not_o declare_v only_o what_o be_v glorious_a and_o admirable_a to_o the_o world_n but_o what_o they_o know_v will_v be_v account_v foolishness_n by_o it_o they_o who_o have_v seek_v only_o to_o have_v be_v admire_v for_o the_o rare_a discovery_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o the_o world_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o conceal_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v account_v ridiculous_a but_o the_o apostle_n fix_v themselves_o most_o on_o what_o be_v most_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v most_o mock_v and_o deride_v for_o that_o they_o delight_v most_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o which_o be_v the_o cross_n of_o christ._n paul_n be_v so_o much_o in_o love_n with_o this_o which_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n that_o he_o value_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nothing_o else_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v nay_o 14._o he_o elsewhere_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o that_o most_o which_o be_v most_o despicable_a to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o they_o see_v far_o â—reater_a truth_n and_o excellency_n in_o it_o then_o in_o the_o most_o sublime_a speculation_n concern_v god_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n or_o any_o other_o heathen_a philosopher_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n to_o believe_v in_o one_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o endeavour_v to_o have_v suit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n what_o rare_a person_n may_v they_o have_v be_v account_v among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n have_v they_o only_o in_o general_a term_n discourse_v of_o the_o benignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o a_o near_a participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o person_n of_o god_n and_o the_o resplendency_n of_o his_o glory_n have_v veil_v himself_o in_o humane_a nature_n and_o have_v everywhere_o scatter_v such_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o goodness_n as_o warm_v and_o invigorate_v the_o freeze_a spirit_n of_o man_n with_o high_a sentiment_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o raise_v they_o up_o above_o the_o feculency_n of_o this_o terrestrial_a matter_n to_o breath_n in_o a_o free_a air_n and_o converse_v with_o more_o noble_a object_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o fit_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o those_o more_o pure_a illapse_n of_o real_a goodness_n which_o may_v always_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n desire_n and_o yet_o always_o keep_v they_o up_o till_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v sun_v its_o self_n to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o immediate_a beam_n of_o light_n and_o love_n and_o that_o after_o this_o incarnate_a deity_n have_v spread_v abroad_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o love_n for_o a_o while_n upon_o this_o low_a world_n till_o by_o his_o gentle_a heat_n and_o incubation_n he_o have_v quicken_v the_o more_o pliable_a world_n to_o some_o degree_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n he_o then_o retreat_v himself_o back_o again_o into_o the_o superior_a world_n and_o put_v off_o that_o vail_n by_o which_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o those_o who_o be_v here_o confine_v to_o the_o prison_n of_o their_o body_n thus_o i_o say_v have_v the_o apostle_n mind_v applause_n among_o the_o admire_a philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o have_v make_v some_o considerable_a addition_n to_o their_o high_a speculation_n and_o have_v leave_v out_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a as_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o vanity_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n without_o christ_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o man_n believe_v in_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o discover_v very_o much_o infinite_o more_o than_o ever_o the_o most_o lofty_a pl_z tonist_n can_v do_v concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o that_o wherein_o they_o manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n be_v that_o he_o give_v his_o 16._o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n 8._o of_o god_n manifest_v that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a truth_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o 15._o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n they_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o divine_a goodness_n which_o shall_v make_v man_n happy_a without_o christ_n no_o it_o be_v their_o design_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v think_v otherwise_o unless_o plato_n know_v more_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n than_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o plotinus_n then_o saint_n paul_n can_v we_o think_v now_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v hazard_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n so_o much_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o world_n and_o be_v account_v babbler_n and_o fool_n and_o madman_n for_o preach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v only_o by_o a_o person_n crucify_v between_o two_o thief_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v they_o not_o be_v convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o concern_v man_n as_o much_o to_o believe_v it_o as_o it_o do_v to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n do_v saint_n paul_n preach_v ever_o the_o less_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n because_o he_o be_v tell_v to_o his_o face_n that_o his_o learning_n have_v make_v he_o mad_a but_o if_o he_o be_v beside_o himself_o it_o be_v for_o christ_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n shall_v make_v he_o willing_a to_o lose_v his_o reputation_n for_o he_o see_v christ_n make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v we_o good_a we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o know_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o neither_o in_o their_o preach_n or_o their_o write_n will_v they_o omit_v any_o of_o those_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n death_n which_o may_v be_v account_v the_o most_o dishonourable_a to_o his_o person_n which_o be_v certain_o as_o great_a a_o evidence_n of_o their_o sidelity_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v which_o make_v origen_n say_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n write_v all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o candour_n and_o cels._n love_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n those_o passage_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v be_v account_v most_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a 2._o with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o speech_n such_o who_o design_n be_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o some_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n love_v as_o much_o ambiguity_n as_o ever_o apollo_n do_v in_o his_o most_o wind_a oracle_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v ambage_n nexâ_fw-la delphico_n mos_fw-la est_fw-la dco_o arcana_fw-la tegere_fw-la servius_n tell_v we_o that_o jupiter_n ammon_n be_v therefore_o picture_v id_fw-la with_o rams-horn_n because_o his_o answer_n
have_v as_o many_o turn_n and_o wind_n as_o they_o have_v but_o the_o horn_n which_o moses_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v picture_v with_o do_v only_o note_v light_n and_o perspicuity_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o note_v the_o send_v forth_o of_o ray_n of_o light_n like_o a_o horn_n and_o yet_o moses_n himself_o be_v veil_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o openness_n and_o plainness_n of_o speech_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n impostor_n cast_v a_o mist_n of_o many_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a word_n before_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n their_o vizard_n fall_v off_o and_o their_o deformity_n appear_v such_o person_n delight_v in_o soar_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v they_o and_o never_o think_v themselves_o better_a recompense_v for_o their_o pain_n than_o when_o they_o be_v most_o admire_v and_o least_o understand_v but_o never_o be_v christianity_n more_o dishonour_v then_o when_o man_n bring_v it_o from_o its_o native_a simplicity_n and_o plainness_n into_o a_o company_n of_o cloudy_a and_o insignificant_a expression_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v man_n better_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o devil_n design_n by_o such_o obscure_a term_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o mystery_n to_o be_v advance_v but_o it_o be_v of_o iniquity_n and_o soon_o after_o we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o another_o oracle_n set_v up_o at_o rome_n instead_o of_o delphos_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v the_o obscurity_n suppose_v in_o scripture_n what!_o darkness_n come_v by_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o be_v the_o sun_n at_o last_o grow_v so_o beggarly_a that_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o borrow_v light_n of_o the_o earth_n must_v the_o scripture_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o church_n for_o its_o clearness_n and_o christ_n himself_o not_o speak_v intelligible_o unless_o the_o popâ—_n be_v his_o interpreter_n do_v christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o leave_v man_n to_o seâ—k_v which_o be_v it_o till_o a_o guide_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n come_v to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o what_o strange_a witness_n be_v the_o apostle_n if_o they_o do_v noâ—_n speak_v the_o truth_n with_o plainness_n how_o have_v man_n be_v to_o sâ—â—k_a as_o â—o_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o evidence_n and_o perspicuity_n who_o must_v we_o believe_v in_o this_o case_n the_o apostle_n or_o the_o roman_a oracle_n the_o apostle_n they_o tell_v we_o they_o speak_v 4._o with_o all_o plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o for_o that_o end_n purposely_o lay_v aside_o all_o excellency_n of_o word_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n that_o man_n may_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o their_o mâ—aning_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v and_o who_o eye_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n that_o the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o they_o be_v a_o light_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a property_n of_o light_a to_o be_v obscure_a and_o of_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v crooked_a but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a from_o the_o apostle_n own_o affirmation_n that_o they_o lay_v aside_o all_o affect_a obscurity_n ambiguous_a expression_n and_o philosophical_a term_n whereby_o the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v to_o seek_v for_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v but_o it_o be_v likewise_o clear_a from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o the_o design_n of_o their_o preach_n of_o it_o what_o need_v rhetoric_n in_o plain_a truth_n or_o affect_a phrase_n in_o give_v evidence_n how_o incongruous_a will_v obscure_v expression_n have_v be_v to_o the_o design_n of_o save_a soul_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v for_o if_o they_o have_v industrious_o speak_v in_o their_o preach_n above_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o they_o speak_v to_o they_o can_v never_o have_v convert_v a_o soul_n without_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n must_v be_v by_o the_o understanding_n and_o how_o can_v that_o work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v so_o much_o above_o it_o but_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n if_o they_o have_v seek_v themselves_o or_o their_o own_o credit_n and_o reputation_n there_o may_v 5._o have_v be_v some_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v use_v the_o way_n of_o the_o sophist_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o by_o declamatory_n speech_n to_o have_v inhancee_v their_o esteem_n among_o the_o uâ—lgar_a but_o the_o apostle_n disow_v and_o reject_v all_o these_o vulgar_a artifices_fw-la of_o mean_a and_o low-spirited_a man_n they_o lay_v aside_o all_o those_o entice_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heathen_a sophist_n and_o declare_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n with_o spiritual_a evidence_n 4._o they_o handle_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n 2._o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n now_o what_o can_v be_v so_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o design_n as_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o what_o they_o speak_v we_o find_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o origen_n 135._o speak_v nothing_o that_o be_v spurious_a or_o counterfeit_a nothing_o savour_v of_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o say_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o think_v that_o man_n never_o breed_v up_o in_o the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o greeks_n nor_o experience_v in_o the_o rhetorical_a insinuation_n use_v among_o they_o can_v ever_o be_v able_a so_o sudden_o to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o embrace_v that_o which_o have_v be_v a_o figment_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o apostle_n speak_v like_a man_n very_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v and_o not_o like_o such_o who_o be_v fain_o to_o fetch_v in_o the_o help_n of_o all_o their_o topic_n to_o find_v out_o some_o probable_a argument_n to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o which_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o which_o be_v most_o common_o the_o case_n of_o the_o great_a orator_n among_o the_o heathen_n we_o find_v no_o pedantic_a flourish_n no_o slatter_a insinuation_n no_o affect_a cadencye_n no_o such_o great_a care_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o word_n in_o the_o several_a sentence_n which_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o that_o which_o be_v account_v eloquence_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n these_o thing_n be_v too_o mean_v a_o prey_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o quarry_n upon_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a every_o word_n have_v its_o due_a weight_n every_o sentence_n brimful_a of_o spiritual_a matter_n their_o whole_a discourse_n most_o become_v the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o they_o speak_v by_o and_o therein_o be_v see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o propagate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a repute_n and_o fame_n in_o the_o world_n may_v easy_o draw_v whole_a multitude_n to_o embrace_v their_o dictate_v but_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v the_o least_o foundation_n for_o a_o implicit_a faith_n they_o be_v of_o so_o mean_a rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n their_o name_n have_v never_o be_v hard_o of_o have_v not_o their_o doctrine_n make_v they_o famous_a to_o this_o purpose_n origen_n excellent_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o of_o opinion_n say_v he_o that_o jesus_n do_v purposely_o make_v use_n of_o such_o preacher_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n for_o suspicion_n that_o they_o come_v instruct_v with_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n but_o that_o it_o be_v clear_o manifest_a to_o all_o that_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o design_n in_o those_o who_o discover_v so_o much_o simplicity_n in_o their_o write_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v more_o efficacious_a than_o the_o great_a volubility_n of_o expression_n or_o ornament_n of_o speech_n or_o the_o artifices_fw-la which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o
then_o these_o be_v have_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n why_o can_v not_o the_o jew_n prevail_v with_o judas_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o betray_v his_o person_n judas_n have_v do_v but_o a_o good_a work_n if_o christ_n have_v be_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v he_o be_v what_o make_v judas_n then_o so_o little_o satisfy_v with_o his_o work_n that_o he_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n upon_o it_o and_o throw_v himself_o away_o in_o the_o most_o horrid_a despair_n no_o person_n certain_o have_v be_v so_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v produce_v as_o a_o witness_n against_o christ_n as_o judas_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o with_o he_o and_o have_v hear_v his_o speech_n and_o observe_v his_o miracle_n but_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n enough_o to_o stay_v after_o that_o horrid_a fact_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n at_o that_o time_n for_o he_o when_o he_o who_o have_v betray_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sanhedrim_n when_o consult_v about_o his_o death_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n what_o possible_a evidence_n 5._o can_v have_v be_v give_v more_o in_o behalf_n of_o our_o saviour_n then_o that_o be_v when_o a_o person_n so_o covetous_a as_o to_o betray_v his_o master_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n be_v so_o weary_a of_o his_o bargain_n that_o he_o come_v and_o throw_v back_o the_o money_n and_o declare_v the_o person_n innocent_a who_o he_o have_v betray_v and_o this_o person_n too_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o know_v our_o saviour_n far_o better_o than_o any_o of_o the_o witness_n who_o afterward_o they_o suborn_v against_o he_o who_o yet_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o at_o last_o can_v produce_v nothing_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_a governor_n can_v make_v he_o judge_n christ_n worthy_a of_o death_n 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o design_n then_o any_o counterwitness_n at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v we_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o affirm_v what_o they_o do_v but_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o now_o if_o any_o among_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n have_v assert_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o it_o and_o what_o motive_n may_v induce_v they_o to_o it_o viz._n the_o preserve_n of_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n the_o uphold_v their_o tradition_n beside_o their_o open_a and_o declare_v enmity_n against_o christ_n without_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n at_o all_o for_o it_o now_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o have_v so_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o people_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v if_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a before_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o part_v with_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o venture_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n 4._o none_o ever_o do_v so_o much_o to_o attest_v the_o negative_a as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o prove_v their_o fidelity_n as_o to_o the_o affirmative_a have_v sufficient_a counterwitness_n be_v timely_o produce_v we_o can_v think_v the_o apostle_n will_v have_v run_v so_o many_o continual_a hazard_n in_o preach_v the_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o christ._n do_v ever_o any_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v guilty_a of_o abuse_v it_o 5._o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n have_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v all_o ready_a as_o most_o of_o they_o do_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o their_o life_n whence_o shall_v so_o many_o man_n grow_v so_o sudden_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o former_a persuasion_n interest_n education_n have_v they_o not_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o they_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v first_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o receive_v with_o a_o universal_a and_o uncontrolled_a 5._o assent_n by_o all_o such_o person_n who_o have_v think_v themselves_o concern_v in_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v yield_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v to_o question_v the_o evidence_n which_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o this_o present_a case_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o person_n who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n have_v liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o before_o they_o believe_v they_o therefore_o no_o reason_n or_o motive_n can_v be_v assign_v on_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o go_v along_o with_o they_o i_o confess_v in_o mahumetism_n a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o person_n have_v for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n continue_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahomet_n but_o then_o withal_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o that_o viz._n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n and_o strict_o forbid_v all_o the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n to_o dispute_v their_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o compare_v it_o with_o any_o other_o therefore_o i_o can_v no_o more_o wonder_n at_o this_o than_o i_o do_v to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o greâ—t_n turk_n neither_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v i_o wonder_v that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o profess_v christianity_n shall_v together_o with_o it_o believe_v a_o great_a number_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o gross_a superstition_n because_o i_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a prevalency_n education_n have_v upon_o soft_a spirit_n and_o more_o easy_a intellectual_n and_o what_o a_o awe_n a_o inquisition_n bear_v upon_o timorous_a and_o irresolved_a person_n but_o now_o when_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o person_n sober_a and_o inquisitive_a shall_v contrary_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o any_o humane_a force_n which_o they_o beforehand_o see_v will_v persecute_v they_o and_o after_o diligent_a enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o believe_v for_o sake_n all_o their_o former_a persuasion_n and_o resolve_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n if_o this_o give_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o think_v this_o doctrine_n true_a we_o must_v believe_v mankind_n to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a unhappy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n part_n with_o all_o advantage_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o to_o come_v if_o that_o be_v not_o undoubted_o certain_a and_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v it_o infallible_o true_a it_o be_v a_o observable_a circumstance_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o though_o god_n make_v choice_n at_o first_o of_o person_n general_o of_o mean_a rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v 27._o the_o strong_a yet_o soon_o afâ—er_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v person_n of_o great_a place_n and_o reputation_n of_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n engage_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n we_o read_v of_o sergius_n a_o proconsul_n of_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n many_o person_n of_o great_a esteem_n for_o their_o excellent_a learning_n and_o ability_n such_o be_v justin_n martyr_n one_o who_o before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a be_v conversant_a with_o all_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n stoic_n peripatetic_n pythagorean_n and_o at_o last_o be_v a_o profess_a platonist_n till_o he_o
be_v convert_v from_o plato_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o find_v that_o true_a which_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n that_o after_o all_o his_o inquiry_n into_o philosophy_n speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o find_v this_o at_o last_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a par._n and_o profitable_a philosophy_n and_o when_o trypho_n after_o deride_v he_o as_o a_o man_n of_o very_o easy_a faith_n who_o will_v leave_v the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n for_o that_o of_o christ_n for_o it_o seem_v by_o he_o the_o jew_n than_o have_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o platonist_n then_o christian_n justin_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v move_v with_o such_o reproach_n that_o he_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o christian_n do_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o empty_a fable_n and_o unprovable_a assertion_n but_o to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o be_v full_a of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o power_n and_o flourish_v with_o grace_n the_o prove_v of_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o discourse_n at_o alexandria_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o succession_n of_o excellent_a person_n all_o which_o be_v not_o only_a embracer_n themselves_o but_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o set_v aside_o there_o abilius_n justus_n cerdo_n eumenes_n marcus_n celadion_n agrippinus_n julianus_n demetrius_n and_o other_o who_o flourish_v about_o the_o second_o century_n i_o shall_v only_o fix_v on_o those_o person_n who_o be_v famous_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n and_o note_v for_o excellency_n in_o heathen_a learning_n yet_o these_o person_n after_o all_o their_o inquiry_n find_v nothing_o to_o fix_v on_o but_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o value_v no_o other_o discovery_n of_o truth_n in_o comparison_n with_o that_o such_o be_v pantaenus_n who_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o excellent_a stoic_a before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o be_v after_o so_o eminent_a a_o one_o that_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o wenâ—_n into_o india_n to_o convert_v the_o inhabitant_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o at_o his_o return_n be_v make_v rector_n of_o the_o school_n at_o alexandria_n which_o as_o the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v much_o frequent_v by_o such_o who_o be_v 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_o skill_v in_o humane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a learning_n how_o excellent_a pantaenus_n be_v in_o 20._o humane_a learning_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o origen_n and_o hierome_n both_o make_v his_o example_n their_o plea_n for_o the_o study_v of_o it_o after_o he_o succeed_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n pantaenus_n his_o scholar_n a_o person_n of_o great_a depth_n of_o learning_n and_o exquisite_o skill_v in_o all_o heathen_a antiquity_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o remain_a write_n the_o learning_n of_o origen_n be_v sufficient_o know_v which_o be_v in_o such_o great_a reputation_n in_o his_o own_o time_n that_o not_o only_a christian_n 18._o but_o philosopher_n flock_v to_o his_o lecture_n at_o alexandria_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o wherein_o he_o read_v the_o mathematics_n and_o other_o part_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o author_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v dedicate_v their_o book_n to_o he_o and_o sometime_o choose_v he_o as_o arbitrator_n between_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o porphyry_n himself_o in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n vouchsafe_v a_o high_a encomium_fw-la of_o origen_n for_o his_o excellent_a learning_n in_o origen_n time_n heraclas_n a_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n for_o five_o year_n together_o frequent_v the_o school_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o put_v on_o the_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 20._o be_v very_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o grecian_a learning_n beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o pierius_n and_o achillas_n two_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 35._o as_o nicephorus_n callistus_n speak_v person_n well_o skill_v in_o the_o grecian_a learning_n and_o philosophy_n if_o from_o alexandria_n we_o go_v to_o caesarea_n there_o we_o not_o only_o meet_v with_o a_o school_n of_o learning_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o with_o person_n very_o eminent_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n such_o be_v the_o famous_a pamphilus_n and_o eusebius_n so_o great_a a_o admirer_n of_o he_o that_o ever_o since_o he_o be_v call_v eusebius_n pamphili_n at_o antioch_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nicephorus_n 35._o speak_v a_o person_n verse_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o ingenuous_a literature_n anatclius_fw-la bishop_n of_o laodicea_n one_o verse_v in_o geometry_n astronomy_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o 36._o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v how_o in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n what_o excellent_a person_n many_o of_o those_o be_v who_o be_v zealous_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o concern_v those_o of_o the_o latin_a church_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v that_o speech_n of_o st._n austin_n who_o be_v himself_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o a_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n among_o they_o nun_n aspicimus_fw-la quanto_fw-la auro_fw-la &_o argento_fw-la &_o uâ—ste_fw-la sâ—ffarcinatus_fw-la exierit_fw-la de_fw-fr 40._o aegypto_n cyprian's_n doctor_a suavissimus_fw-la &_o martyr_n beatissimus_fw-la quanto_fw-la lactantius_n quanto_fw-la victorinus_n optatus_n hilarius_n ut_fw-la de_fw-fr vivis_fw-la taceam_fw-la quanto_fw-la innumerabiles_fw-la graeci_fw-la quod_fw-la prio_fw-la ipse_fw-la fidelissimus_fw-la dei_fw-la servus_n moses_n fecerat_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la scriptum_n est_fw-la quod_fw-la eruditus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la omni_fw-la sapientia_fw-la aegyptiorum_n to_o who_o catalogue_n of_o learned_a person_n among_o the_o latin_a christian_n tertullian_n arnobius_n and_o several_a other_o may_v be_v deserve_o add_v but_o as_o st._n austin_n there_o well_o observe_v though_o the_o israclite_n go_v rich_a out_o of_o egypt_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o eat_v the_o passover_n which_o save_v they_o from_o destruction_n so_o though_o these_o be_v accomplish_v with_o those_o perfection_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o ornament_n of_o learning_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o eat_v the_o true_a passover_n which_o be_v christ_n by_o their_o adhere_n to_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o which_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o they_o than_o all_o their_o accomplishment_n will_v be_v now_o then_o since_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o find_v not_o only_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o person_n of_o great_a integrity_n and_o sobriety_n in_o their_o life_n embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o so_o many_o person_n that_o be_v curious_a enquirer_n after_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v certain_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v receive_v in_o so_o unanimous_a a_o manner_n by_o person_n as_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o fearful_a of_o be_v deceive_v in_o reference_n to_o they_o as_o any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v 2._o as_o this_o testimony_n be_v receive_v by_o person_n inquisitive_a after_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n so_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o be_v a_o 19_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o person_n ordinary_o inquisitive_a about_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o then_o ordinary_o so_o about_o this_o because_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o all_o person_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a must_v at_o least_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v person_n very_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v dislodge_v from_o their_o body_n and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o grant_v this_o can_v we_o in_o any_o reason_n think_v that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o person_n in_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v continue_v venture_v their_o soul_n upon_o a_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o that_o none_o of_o all_o these_o person_n though_o man_n otherwise_o rational_a and_o judicious_a shall_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o go_v upon_o if_o at_o least_o any_o upon_o consideration_n of_o it_o can_v imagine_v it_o to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o general_a presumption_n of_o humane_a nature_n concern_v divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n god_n take_v of_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n to_o suffer_v so_o many_o person_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o way_n which_o be_v most_o please_a to_o he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o such_o a_o continual_a delusion_n and_o never_o have_v it_o at_o all_o discover_v to_o they_o if_o all_o than_o who_o
have_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n have_v be_v deceive_v either_o we_o must_v deny_v altogether_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o say_v the_o devil_n have_v more_o power_n to_o deceive_v man_n then_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o former_a or_o else_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o either_o god_n or_o devil_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o inexplicable_a why_o such_o multitude_n of_o rational_a and_o serious_a man_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n shall_v all_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o profane_a wicked_a and_o ignorant_a any_o person_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a they_o be_v to_o mock_v and_o deride_v they_o if_o such_o man_n than_o see_v more_o into_o truth_n and_o reason_n then_o the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a part_n of_o mankind_n let_v we_o bid_v adieu_o to_o humanity_n and_o adore_v the_o brute_n since_o we_o admire_v their_o judgement_n most_o who_o come_v the_o near_a to_o they_o 3._o the_o multitude_n of_o these_o person_n thus_o consent_v in_o this_o testimony_n can_v have_v no_o other_o engagement_n to_o this_o consent_n but_o only_o their_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o because_o those_o who_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o this_o thing_n be_v such_o person_n who_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n do_v if_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o consent_n of_o jew_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o probable_a pretence_n to_o have_v suspect_v a_o matter_n of_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o as_o to_o this_o thing_n we_o find_v the_o jew_n divide_v among_o themselves_o about_o it_o and_o the_o stiff_a denier_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v yet_o inviolable_o preserve_v those_o sacred_a record_n among_o they_o from_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v undoubted_o prove_v have_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v enforce_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o first_o promulgation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o suspicion_n of_o particular_a design_n in_o it_o but_o it_o come_v with_o no_o other_o strength_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n yet_o it_o find_v sudden_a and_o strange_a entertainment_n among_o person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o a_o short_a time_n it_o have_v eat_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o make_v so_o large_a a_o spread_v therein_o that_o it_o make_v tertullian_n say_v hesterni_fw-la sumus_fw-la &_o vestra_fw-la omne_fw-la implevimus_fw-la urbes_fw-la insulas_fw-la castella_fw-la municipia_fw-la conciliabula_fw-la castraipsa_fw-la tribus_fw-la decurias_fw-la 36._o palatium_fw-la senatum_fw-la forum_n sola_fw-la vobis_fw-la relinquimus_fw-la templa_fw-la we_o have_v but_o new_o appear_v say_v he_o &_o yet_o we_o have_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o our_o company_n but_o only_o your_o temple_n and_o before_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_n obsessam_fw-la vociferantur_fw-la civitatem_fw-la in_fw-la agris_fw-la in_fw-la castellis_fw-la in_fw-la insulis_fw-la christianos_n omnem_fw-la sexum_fw-la aetatem_fw-la conditionem_fw-la etiam_fw-la dignitatem_fw-la transgredi_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la nomen_fw-la 3._o quasi_fw-la detrimento_fw-la moerent_fw-la all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o all_o place_n be_v sudden_o become_v christian_n what_o common_a tie_n can_v there_o be_v now_o to_o unite_v all_o these_o person_n together_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n action_n and_o have_v leave_v sacred_a record_n behind_o they_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o admirable_a instruction_n which_o be_v their_o only_a certain_a guide_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n 4._o because_o many_o person_n do_v join_v in_o this_o consent_n with_o true_a christian_n who_o yet_o can_v hearty_o with_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a such_o be_v all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v sensual_a in_o their_o life_n and_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o dare_v not_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o such_o who_o can_v hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n nor_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n without_o fear_n of_o another_o yet_o their_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o and_o awe_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o raise_v many_o perplexity_n and_o anxiety_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o they_o will_v most_o willing_o be_v rid_v of_o which_o they_o can_v never_o thorough_o be_v till_o instead_o of_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n they_o come_v to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christian_n and_o become_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o withal_o we_o find_v that_o the_o more_o man_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o be_v more_o full_o and_o rational_o persuade_v of_o it_o to_o such_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v such_o powerful_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o soul_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n as_o to_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o these_o as_o to_o which_o those_o verse_n of_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v render_v into_o latin_a by_o f._n s._n be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o significant_a for_o when_o he_o have_v introduce_v the_o apostle_n peter_n ask_v he_o what_o it_o be_v which_o his_o faith_n be_v found_v on_o he_o answer_v deinde_fw-la exivit_fw-la ex_fw-la luce_fw-fr profundâ_fw-la quae_fw-la illic_fw-la splendebat_fw-la pretiosa_fw-la gemma_fw-la super_fw-la quam_fw-la omnis_fw-la virtus_fw-la fundatur_fw-la i_o e._n that_o god_n be_v please_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o discover_v that_o divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o faith_n do_v stand_v as_o on_o its_o sure_a foundation_n but_o when_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o to_o inquire_v how_o he_o know_v this_o come_v at_o first_o from_o god_n his_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v larga_fw-la pluvia_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la diffusa_fw-la super_fw-la veteres_fw-la &_o super_fw-la novas_fw-la membranas_fw-la est_fw-la syllogismus_fw-la ille_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la mihi_fw-la conclusit_fw-la adâ—ò_fw-la acutè_fw-la ut_fw-la prae_fw-la illâ_fw-la demonstratione_fw-la omnis_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la alia_fw-la mihi_fw-la videatur_fw-la obtusa_fw-la i_o e._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o full_o discover_v its_o self_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v but_o dull_a and_o heavy_a if_o compare_v with_o this_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v so_o to_o a_o true_o enlighten_v conscience_n which_o discover_v so_o much_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o ravish_v the_o soul_n although_o it_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o this_o unto_o other_o who_o want_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o beauty_n with_o which_o a_o heart_n true_o gracious_a have_v we_o see_v ordinary_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o attraction_n of_o beauty_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a thing_n and_o one_o may_v discern_v that_o which_o ravish_v he_o which_o another_o look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o ordinary_a and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v much_o more_o thus_o in_o divine_a object_n which_o want_v spiritual_a eye_n to_o discover_v they_o therefore_o i_o grant_v that_o good_a man_n enjoy_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o yet_o i_o say_v that_o such_o do_v likewise_o see_v the_o most_o strong_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n which_o do_v induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o evidence_n be_v then_o most_o convince_a when_o it_o be_v second_v by_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o great_a even_o upon_o such_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o mould_v into_o the_o fashion_n of_o true_a goodness_n that_o it_o may_v awe_v with_o its_o light_n and_o clearness_n where_o it_o do_v not_o soften_v and_o alter_v by_o its_o heat_n and_o influence_n now_o whence_o can_v it_o be_v that_o such_o
who_o contend_v for_o the_o corruption_n creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o pretence_n for_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o the_o father_n tantaque_fw-la est_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la vetustatis_fw-la ut_fw-la inquirere_fw-la in_o eam_fw-la scelus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la who_o be_v we_o who_o will_v see_v further_o than_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o antiquity_n be_v accompany_v with_o dimness_n of_o sight_n and_o so_o it_o be_v undoubted_o as_o to_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a too_o when_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o heathenism_n come_v into_o it_o and_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o pleader_n for_o christianity_n do_v justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n notwithstanding_o this_o pretend_a antiquity_n will_v with_o equal_a force_n hold_v for_o a_o reformation_n of_o such_o inveterate_a abuse_n which_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la symmach_n meliora_fw-la transire_fw-la say_v ambrose_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o symmachus_n what_o shame_n be_v it_o to_o grow_v better_o quid_fw-la facies_fw-la say_v lactantius_n majores_fw-la ne_fw-la potius_fw-la a_o rationem_fw-la sequeris_fw-la sirationem_fw-la mavis_fw-la 6._o discedere_fw-la te_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la institutis_fw-la &_o auctoritate_fw-la majorum_fw-la quoniam_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la rectum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la ratio_fw-la praescribit_fw-la sin_n autem_fw-la â—ietas_fw-la majores_fw-la sequi_fw-la suadet_fw-la sateris_fw-la igitur_fw-la &_o stultos_fw-la illos_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la excogitatis_fw-la contra_fw-la rationem_fw-la religionibus_fw-la servierint_fw-la &_o te_fw-la ineptum_fw-la qui_fw-la id_fw-la colas_fw-la quod_fw-la falsum_fw-la esse_fw-la conviceris_fw-la where_o reason_n and_o mere_a authority_n of_o forefather_n stand_v in_o competition_n he_o be_v more_o a_o child_n then_o a_o man_n that_o know_v not_o on_o which_o side_n to_o give_v his_o suffrage_n but_o with_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o clear_a reason_n arnobius_n speak_v in_o this_o case_n 2._o itaque_fw-la cum_fw-la nobis_fw-la intenditis_fw-la aversionem_fw-la à _fw-la religione_fw-la priorum_fw-la causam_fw-la convenit_fw-la ut_fw-la inspiciat_fw-la be_v non_fw-la sactum_fw-la nec_fw-la quid_fw-la reliquerimus_fw-la opponere_fw-la sed_fw-la secuti_fw-la quid_fw-la simus_fw-la potissimum_fw-la contueri_fw-la when_o you_o charge_v we_o say_v he_o that_o we_o be_v revolt_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o forefather_n you_o ought_v not_o present_o to_o condemn_v the_o fact_n but_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o neither_o ought_v you_o so_o much_o to_o look_v at_o what_o we_o have_v leave_v as_o what_o it_o be_v we_o have_v embrace_v nam_fw-la simutare_fw-la sententiam_fw-la culpa_fw-la est_fw-la ulla_fw-la vel_fw-la crimen_fw-la &_o i_fw-it veteribus_fw-la institutis_fw-la in_o alius_fw-la res_fw-la novas_fw-la voluntatesque_fw-la migrare_fw-la criminatio_fw-la ista_fw-la &_o vos_fw-la spectat_fw-la qui_fw-la totic_n vitam_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la que_fw-la mutasti_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o mores_fw-la alios_fw-la atque_fw-la alios_fw-la ritus_fw-la priorum_fw-la condemnatione_fw-la transistis_fw-la if_o mere_a depart_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v the_o great_a salt_n all_o those_o who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n be_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o it_o when_o they_o revolt_v from_o heathenism_n if_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o case_n be_v different_a because_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v not_o as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o so_o than_o all_o the_o dispute_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o the_o revolt_n to_o the_o cause_n induce_v to_o it_o and_o if_o the_o protestant_a be_v not_o able_a as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a let_v he_o then_o be_v triumph_v over_o by_o the_o romanist_n and_o not_o before_o i_o affert_fw-la then_o and_o that_o with_o much_o assurance_n of_o mind_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v justifiable_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o embrace_a christianity_n be_v when_o man_n of_o heathen_n become_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o romanist_n against_o our_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v have_v justify_v a_o pagan_a philosopher_n in_o not_o embrace_v christianity_n for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o party_n of_o man_n to_o divide_v from_o other_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o pretend_v antiquity_n and_o universality_n it_o have_v be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o philosopher_n to_o have_v desert_v paganism_n as_o well_o as_o for_o a_o protestâ—nt_n to_o depart_v from_o rome_n for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o romanist_n the_o judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o separation_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o that_o party_n from_o which_o we_o depart_v if_o we_o do_v now_o but_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o old_a roman_a senate_n or_o emperor_n in_o the_o case_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o divide_v from_o heathen_a worship_n we_o shall_v quick_o see_v how_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v to_o make_v christianity_n its_o self_n a_o schism_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a here_o sie_a but_o as_o strong_a as_o those_o pretence_n be_v then_o or_o have_v be_v since_o the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conquer_v they_o and_o thereby_o to_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n when_o such_o potent_a prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o able_a to_o withstand_v it_o of_o which_o antiquity_n be_v the_o first_o 2._o the_o large_a and_o universal_a spread_v of_o pagan_a religion_n when_o christianity_n come_v into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a catholicism_n as_o in_o heathen_a worship_n when_o the_o apostle_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o gentile_a world_n ind_n adeo_fw-la per_fw-la universa_fw-la imperia_fw-la provincias_fw-la oppida_fw-la videmus_fw-la singulos_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la ritus_fw-la 6._o gentile_n babere_fw-la &_o dcos_fw-la colere_fw-la municipes_fw-la say_v caecilius_n in_o minutius_n fellix_fw-la the_o great_a charge_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v novellism_n that_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o religion_n the_o common_a question_n be_v where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n which_o serve_v then_o will_v stand_v unmovable_a now_o there_o where_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o primitive_a christian_n defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o paganism_n and_o the_o evidence_n they_o bring_v that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v original_o from_o god_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o overthrow_v paganism_n notwithstanding_o its_o pretend_a universality_n 3._o settlement_n by_o law_n of_o heathen_a worship_n this_o be_v so_o much_o pretend_v and_o plead_v for_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o pretence_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n suffer_v be_v sedition_n and_o oppose_v the_o establish_a law_n the_o christian_n be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la illicitas_fw-la factiones_fw-la as_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n among_o unlawful_a corporation_n the_o 38._o politician_n and_o statesman_n be_v all_o for_o preserve_v the_o law_n they_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o much_o about_o any_o religion_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v settle_v by_o law_n they_o seek_v to_o uphold_v because_o the_o act_n contrary_a to_o it_o may_v bring_v some_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n there_o be_v several_a law_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v then_o bring_v under_o and_o condemn_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o 1._o the_o law_n against_o hetaeriae_fw-la or_o conventicle_n as_o they_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o style_v the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n together_o thence_o the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v for_o worship_n be_v common_o call_v conventicula_fw-la 4._o it_o a_o appellabant_fw-la loca_fw-la say_v heraldus_n ubi_fw-la congregabantur_fw-la christiani_n oraturi_fw-la &_o verbi_fw-la divini_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la accepturi_fw-la ac_fw-la sacras_fw-la synaxes_n habituri_fw-la but_o elmenhorstius_n more_o short_o conventicula_fw-la loca_fw-la sunt_fw-la ubi_fw-la christiani_n congregati_fw-la orare_fw-la consucverunt_fw-la the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n do_v meet_v and_o pray_v together_o be_v call_v conventicle_n in_o basiâ—ica_n siciunini_fw-la ubi_fw-la ritus_fw-la christiani_n est_fw-la conventiculum_fw-la say_v 4._o ammianus_n marccllinus_fw-la cur_n immaniter_fw-la conventicula_fw-la dirui_fw-la say_v arnobius_n qui_fw-la universum_fw-la populum_fw-la cum_fw-la ipso_fw-la pariter_fw-la conventiculo_fw-la concremavit_fw-la as_o lactantius_n likewise_o speak_v now_o 11._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n be_v
eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la non_fw-la putamus_fw-la in_o manibus_fw-la esse_fw-la plumbatis_fw-la the_o accusation_n for_o treason_n lie_v in_o their_o refuse_v to_o supplicate_v the_o idol_n for_o the_o emperor_n welfare_n 2._o because_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n thence_o 29._o saturnius_n say_v to_o the_o martyr_n tantum_n jura_fw-la per_fw-la genium_fw-la caesaris_fw-la nostri_fw-la if_o he_o will_v but_o swear_v by_o the_o genius_n of_o caesar_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o though_o they_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n they_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o testify_v their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n safety_n sed_fw-la &_o juramus_fw-la say_v tertullian_n sicut_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la genio_n caesarum_fw-la it_o ae_z 32._o per_fw-la salutem_fw-la corum_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la augustior_fw-la omnibus_fw-la geniis_fw-la 3._o because_o they_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o emperor_n as_o god_n which_o be_v then_o grow_v a_o common_a custom_n non_fw-la enim_fw-la deum_fw-la imperatorem_fw-la dicam_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la mentirinescio_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la illum_fw-la deridere_fw-la non_fw-la audeo_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la necipse_n se_fw-la deum_fw-la volet_fw-la dici_fw-la si_fw-la homo_fw-la sit_fw-la as_o the_o same_o author_n speak_v nay_o the_o primitive_a christian_n 33._o be_v very_o scrupulous_a of_o call_v the_o emperor_n dominus_fw-la hoc_fw-la enim_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la cognomen_fw-la because_o the_o name_n lord_n be_v a_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v as_o his_o name_n to_o he_o in_o scripture_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o scrupulosity_n be_v not_o from_o any_o question_n they_o make_v of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o prince_n or_o their_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o they_o be_v very_o free_a in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o but_o from_o a_o jealousy_n and_o just_a suspicion_n that_o something_o of_o divine_a honour_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o it_o when_o the_o adoration_n of_o prince_n be_v grow_v a_o custom_n therefore_o tertullian_n to_o prevent_v misunderstanding_n say_v dicam_fw-la plane_n imperatorem_fw-la dominum_fw-la sed_fw-la more_fw-it communi_fw-la sed_fw-la 34._o quando_fw-la non_fw-la cogor_fw-la ut_fw-la dominum_fw-la dei_fw-la vice_fw-la dicam_fw-la they_o refuse_v not_o the_o name_n in_o a_o common_a sense_n but_o as_o it_o employ_v divine_a honour_n 4._o because_o they_o will_v not_o observe_v the_o public_a festival_n of_o the_o emperor_n in_o the_o way_n that_o other_o do_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v observe_v with_o abundance_n of_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o as_o tertullian_n smart_o say_v malorum_fw-la 35._o morum_fw-la licentia_fw-la piet_fw-la as_o erit_fw-la &_o occasio_fw-la luxuriae_fw-la religio_fw-la deputabitur_fw-la debauchery_n be_v account_v a_o piece_n of_o loyalty_n and_o intemperance_n a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v the_o christian_n rather_o hazard_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o loyalty_n then_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o so_o much_o rudeness_n as_o be_v then_o use_v and_o thence_o they_o abhor_v all_o the_o solemn_a spectacle_n of_o the_o roman_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n dictu_fw-la visu_fw-la auditu_fw-la cum_fw-la insania_fw-la circi_fw-la cum_fw-la impudicitia_fw-la theatri_fw-la cum_fw-la atrocitate_fw-la arenae_fw-la cum_fw-la 38._o xysti_fw-la vanitate_fw-la they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o with_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o cirque_fw-la or_o the_o immodesty_n of_o the_o theatre_n or_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o amphitheatre_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o public_a wrestle_n we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o hard_a province_n the_o christian_n have_v when_o so_o many_o law_n be_v lay_v as_o birdlime_n in_o their_o way_n to_o catch_v they_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o not_o run_v into_o a_o praemunire_n by_o their_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o many_o out_o of_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n shall_v then_o declare_v themselves_o christian_n when_o so_o great_a hazard_n be_v run_v upon_o the_o profess_v of_o it_o few_o soft-spirited_n man_n and_o lover_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n but_o will_v have_v find_v some_o fine_a distinction_n and_o nice_a evasion_n to_o have_v reconcile_v themselves_o to_o the_o public_a law_n by_o such_o thing_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o unaenimous_o refuse_v when_o tend_v to_o profaneness_n or_o idolatry_n and_o from_o this_o discourse_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n encounter_v the_o heathen_a world_n be_v not_o 5._o fleshly_a or_o weak_a but_o exceed_v strong_a and_o powerful_a in_o that_o they_o obtain_v so_o great_a a_o conquest_n over_o the_o imagination_n and_o carnal_a reason_n of_o man_n which_o be_v their_o strong_a hold_n they_o secure_v themselves_o in_o as_o to_o make_v they_o ready_o to_o forsake_v their_o heathen_a worship_n and_o become_v cheerful_a servant_n to_o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o prevail_v over_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n though_o back_v with_o pretend_a antiquity_n universality_n and_o establishment_n by_o civil_a law_n but_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n 2._o but_o because_o many_o of_o they_o seem_v incredible_a to_o man_n natural_a reason_n that_o we_o can_v think_v person_n will_v be_v over_o forward_o to_o believe_v such_o thing_n every_o one_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o a_o religion_n which_o do_v so_o little_o flatter_v corrupt_a nature_n either_o as_o to_o its_o power_n or_o capacity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o those_o who_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n declare_v open_o to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o person_n who_o will_v judge_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o such_o principle_n which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v proceed_v upon_o such_o one_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v who_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o own_v nothing_o but_o 14._o natural_a reason_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n can_v not_o entertain_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o such_o thing_n will_v seem_v but_o folly_n to_o he_o that_o own_v no_o high_a principle_n than_o philosophy_n or_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o divine_a inspiration_n neither_o can_v such_o a_o one_o know_v they_o because_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o through_o understanding_n of_o they_o and_o a_o person_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n so_o that_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v upon_o a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v these_o deep_a mystery_n to_o the_o world_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o although_o they_o go_v beyond_o our_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n but_o we_o see_v general_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n how_o few_o of_o those_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n who_o be_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o philosophy_n and_o way_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v then_o cry_v up_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o christianity_n not_o only_o contain_v far_o deep_a mystery_n than_o any_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o deliver_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n command_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n of_o it_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proposal_n of_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o which_o on_o that_o account_n they_o deride_v as_o not_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o exact_a method_n which_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o no_o doubt_n have_v the_o apostle_n come_v among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o ostentation_n and_o have_v feed_v man_n curiosity_n with_o vain_a and_o unnecessary_a speculation_n they_o may_v have_v have_v as_o many_o follower_n among_o the_o greek_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o christ_n have_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o loaf_n but_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o of_o inward_a worth_n and_o moment_n then_o of_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n the_o vain_a and_o empty_a greek_n present_o find_v a_o quarrel_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o propose_v they_o that_o they_o come_v not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o faith_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v thence_o celsus_n and_o galen_n think_v they_o have_v
who_o it_o be_v very_o frequent_a who_o worship_v the_o devil_n instead_o of_o go_n 2._o because_o of_o the_o general_a dispersion_n of_o copy_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o they_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o that_o record_n contain_v so_o weighty_a and_o important_a thing_n will_v be_v transcribe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n which_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o we_o see_v how_o far_o curiosity_n will_v carry_v man_n as_o to_o the_o care_n of_o transcribe_v ancient_a mss._n of_o old_a author_n which_o contain_v only_o some_o history_n of_o thing_n past_o that_o be_v of_o no_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o can_v we_o then_o imagine_v those_o who_o venture_v estate_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n will_v not_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o authentic_a instrument_n whereby_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o beside_o this_o for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o original_n themselves_o of_o the_o apostolical_a write_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n which_o make_v tertullian_n in_o his_o time_n appeal_v to_o they_o age_fw-la jam_fw-la qui_fw-la voles_fw-fr curiositatem_fw-la melius_fw-la exercere_fw-la in_o negotio_fw-la salutis_fw-la tuus_fw-la 36._o percurre_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la apud_fw-la quasipsae_fw-la adhuc_fw-la cathedrae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la suis_fw-la locis_fw-la praesidentur_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la authenticae_fw-la corum_fw-la literae_fw-la recitantur_fw-la sonantes_fw-la vocem_fw-la &_o representantes_fw-la faciem_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o in_o that_o time_n the_o scripture_n can_v be_v corrupt_v when_o in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n the_o original_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v preserve_v in_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o person_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o from_o these_o original_n so_o many_o copy_n be_v transcribe_v as_o be_v convey_v almost_o all_o the_o world_n over_o through_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o a_o copy_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v in_o one_o church_n when_o it_o will_v so_o speedy_o be_v discover_v by_o another_o especial_o consider_v these_o three_o circumstance_n 1._o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o copy_n wh_z ch_z will_v speedy_o be_v take_v both_o consider_v the_o moment_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o easiness_n of_o do_v it_o god_n probable_o for_o that_o very_a end_n not_o load_v the_o world_n with_o pandâ—cts_n and_o code_o of_o his_o law_n but_o contrive_v the_o whole_a instrument_n of_o man_n salvation_n in_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o preserve_v and_o transcribe_v by_o such_o who_o be_v passionate_a admirer_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o the_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n who_o soon_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o great_a care_n be_v to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n can_v we_o then_o think_v that_o all_o these_o watchman_n shall_v be_v asleep_a together_o when_o the_o â—vil_a one_o come_v to_o sow_v his_o tare_n which_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v when_o in_o the_o write_n of_o all_o these_o learned_a man_n which_o be_v very_o many_o and_o voluminous_a so_o much_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v insert_v that_o have_v there_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o copy_n themselves_o yet_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o write_n the_o corruption_n will_v be_v soon_o discover_v 3._o the_o great_a veneration_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o place_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n can_v we_o then_o think_v these_o will_v suffer_v any_o material_a alteration_n to_o creep_v into_o these_o record_n without_o their_o observe_n and_o discover_v it_o can_v we_o now_o think_v when_o all_o person_n be_v so_o exceed_o careful_a of_o their_o deed_n and_o the_o record_n whereon_o their_o estate_n depend_v that_o the_o christian_n who_o value_v not_o this_o world_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o to_o come_v shall_v suffer_v the_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la of_o that_o to_o be_v lose_v corrupt_a or_o imbezzele_v away_o especial_o consider_v what_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v use_v by_o many_o primitive_a christian_n to_o compare_v copy_n together_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o pantaenus_n who_o bring_v the_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o matthew_n out_o of_o the_o indies_n to_o alexandria_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o in_o pamphilus_n and_o the_o library_n he_o errect_v at_o caesarâ—a_n but_o especial_o in_o origen_n admirable_a hexapla_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v for_o this_o end_n 3._o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o of_o the_o great_a difference_n which_o be_v all_o along_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n between_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a so_o that_o if_o one_o party_n of_o they_o have_v foist_v in_o or_o take_v out_o any_o thing_n another_o party_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o tell_v the_o world_n of_o it_o and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o god_n in_o his_o wise_a providence_n may_v permit_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o thereby_o christian_n may_v be_v force_v to_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o to_o have_v a_o special_a eye_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o the_o great_a eyesore_n of_o heretic_n and_o from_o this_o great_a wariness_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v so_o long_o abroad_o before_o they_o find_v general_a entertainment_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o in_o those_o epistle_n which_o be_v doubt_v for_o some_o tâ—me_n there_o be_v some_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o favour_v some_o of_o the_o heresy_n then_o abroad_o but_o when_o upon_o severe_a enquiry_n they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v what_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v receive_v in_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o because_o of_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n appear_v with_o their_o full_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o new_a which_o we_o have_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o think_v the_o new_a shall_v be_v corrupt_v unless_o the_o old_a be_v too_o which_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v when_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v the_o great_a conservator_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v all_o along_o the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n so_o that_o we_o can_v at_o all_o conceive_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n shall_v creep_v into_o the_o scripture_n much_o less_o that_o the_o true_a copy_n shall_v be_v lose_v and_o a_o new_a one_o forge_v suppose_v then_o that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o authentic_a record_n preserve_v and_o hand_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o care_n of_o all_o christian_a 5â—_n church_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o necessity_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v work_v new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a way_n to_o we_o as_o be_v seâ—led_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a in_o the_o first_o promulgation_n and_o pen_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n need_v not_o now_o be_v seal_v by_o new_a miracle_n 2._o another_o may_v be_v because_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v appoint_v other_o thing_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n to_o be_v as_o seal_n to_o his_o people_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v outward_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o be_v as_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n towards_o we_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o inward_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o be_v as_o a_o witness_n within_o they_o that_o by_o its_o work_n and_o strengthen_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n it_o may_v confirm_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n of_o scripture_n when_o they_o find_v the_o counter_a part_n of_o they_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o singer_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o can_v then_o be_v with_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o suppose_a
that_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a that_o new_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o church_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o chrysostome_n full_o express_v himself_o concern_v miracle_n speak_v of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a eton._n church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d miracle_n be_v very_o useful_a then_o and_o not_o at_o all_o useful_a now_o for_o now_o we_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o which_o that_o excellent_a author_n there_o full_o manifest_v in_o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n why_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v not_o now_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n austin_n speak_v where_o he_o discourse_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n accepimus_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la visibilia_fw-la miracula_fw-la secutos_fw-la esse_fw-la 25._o per_fw-la quos_fw-la id_fw-la actum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la necessaria_fw-la non_fw-la essent_fw-la posteris_fw-la because_o the_o world_n believe_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o miracle_n be_v no_o long_o necessary_a for_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o first_o induce_v to_o believe_v without_o manifest_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n for_o as_o chrysostome_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v believe_v without_o miracle_n which_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v have_v well_o express_v in_o the_o twenty_o four_o canto_n of_o paradise_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o bring_v in_o ask_v the_o poet_n upon_o what_o account_n he_o take_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o answer_n be_v probatio_fw-la quae_fw-la verum_fw-la hoc_fw-la mihi_fw-la recludit_fw-la sunt_fw-la opera_fw-la quae_fw-la secuta_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la quae_fw-la natura_fw-la non_fw-la candefecit_fw-la ferrum_fw-la unquam_fw-la aut_fw-la percussit_fw-la incudem_fw-la i_o e._n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n catechise_v he_o further_o how_o he_o know_v those_o miracle_n be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a his_o answer_n be_v si_fw-mi orbis_fw-la terrae_fw-la seize_v convertit_fw-la ad_fw-la christianismum_fw-la inquiebam_fw-la ego_fw-la sine_fw-la miraculis_fw-la hoc_fw-la unum_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n ut_fw-la reliqua_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la ejus_fw-la cente_fw-la sima_fw-la pars_fw-la i_o e._n if_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o miracle_n this_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n that_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o i_o conclude_v this_o then_o with_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quisquis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la prodigia_fw-la ut_fw-la credat_fw-la inquirit_fw-la magnum_fw-la est_fw-la ipse_fw-la prodigium_fw-la qui_fw-la mundo_fw-la credente_fw-la 8._o non_fw-la credit_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o miracle_n still_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o faith_n when_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o prodigy_n abroad_o he_o want_v only_o a_o look_a glass_n to_o discover_v one_o for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o unde_fw-la temporibus_fw-la erudit_fw-la be_v &_o omne_fw-la quod_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la respuentibus_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la miraculis_fw-la nimium_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la incredibiliter_fw-la credidit_fw-la mundus_fw-la whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o so_o learned_a and_o wary_a a_o age_n as_o that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n without_o miracle_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v thing_n so_o strange_o incredible_a as_o those_o be_v which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v that_o appear_v credible_a which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v seem_v incredible_a but_o to_o what_o end_n now_o when_o this_o divine_a testimony_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v miracle_n be_v continue_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v both_o to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n then_o the_o huge_a outery_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o ambition_n that_o church_n be_v of_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o come_n be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n 10._o of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o have_v they_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o have_v go_v about_o by_o their_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n in_o stead_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o miracle_n when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n then_o popish_a priest_n be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n as_o there_o be_v then_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o those_o miracle_n can_v be_v divine_a which_o be_v do_v now_o for_o 2._o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o uncontrolled_a divine_a miracle_n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o now_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o than_o though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n yet_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o divine_a because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o there_o be_v many_o prophecy_n which_o can_v not_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n but_o under_o a_o new_a state_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n that_o now_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a respect_n only_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o further_a revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o now_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n or_o miracle_n and_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v by_o any_o person_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o under_o the_o law_n after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n its_o self_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n the_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n if_o there_o arise_v 3._o among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o after_o the_o true_a doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a miracle_n god_n may_v give_v the_o devil_n or_o false_a prophet_n power_n to_o work_v if_o not_o real_a miracle_n yet_o such_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v by_o the_o thing_n themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o no_o and_o
pimple_n any_o the_o most_o trivial_a thing_n with_o a_o word_n speak_v or_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o hand_n upon_o this_o arnobius_n challenge_v the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o heathen_a magician_n zoroastres_n armenius_n pamphilus_n apollonius_n damigero_fw-la dardanus_n velus_n julianus_n and_o baebulus_fw-la or_o any_o other_o renown_a magician_n to_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o to_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v or_o bring_v life_n into_o a_o dead_a body_n or_o if_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a with_o all_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o incantation_n but_o to_o do_v that_o quod_fw-la à _fw-la rusticis_fw-la christianis_fw-la jussienibus_fw-la factitatum_fw-la est_fw-la nudis_fw-la which_o ordinary_a christian_n do_v by_o their_o mere_a word_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o magic_n and_o the_o least_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_o divine_a god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o 6_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n do_v exceed_v all_o create_a power_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o though_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n may_v go_v far_o the_o power_n of_o magician_n further_o when_o god_n permit_v they_o yet_o when_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n do_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o all_o this_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n first_o moses_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v some_o miracle_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v pharaoh_n at_o all_o amaze_v at_o it_o but_o send_v present_o for_o the_o magician_n to_o do_v the_o same_o who_o do_v it_o whether_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o purpose_n but_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o they_o the_o next_o time_n 12_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n by_o moses_n the_o magician_n they_o do_v so_o too_o after_o this_o moses_n bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n 22._o so_o do_v the_o magician_n so_o that_o here_o now_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_o contest_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n between_o 7._o moses_n and_o the_o magician_n and_o they_o try_v for_o victory_n over_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o moses_n do_v no_o more_o than_o they_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o he_o but_o as_o a_o magician_n but_o if_o moses_n do_v that_o which_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o magician_n themselves_o can_v be_v only_o by_o divine_a power_n than_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o magic_a as_o god_n be_v above_o the_o devil_n according_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a next_o miracle_n in_o turn_v the_o dust_n into_o ciniphes_n which_o we_o render_v lice_n the_o magician_n be_v nonplus_v and_o give_v 19_o out_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o great_a acknowledgement_n can_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n then_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o contest_v with_o it_o and_o to_o imitate_v it_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a after_o this_o we_o find_v not_o the_o magician_n offer_v to_o contest_v with_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o plague_n of_o boil_v we_o particular_o read_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o 11._o moses_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n above_o all_o power_n of_o magic_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o although_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n or_o other_o may_v do_v some_o small_a thing_n or_o make_v some_o great_a show_n and_o noise_n by_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o come_v near_o the_o do_v thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v cure_v the_o bear_v blind_a restore_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o four_o day_n and_o so_o as_o to_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n after_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o word_n a_o touch_n with_o that_o frequency_n and_o openness_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n as_o well_o as_o follower_n and_o in_o such_o a_o uncontrolled_a manner_n that_o neither_o jew_n or_o heathen_n ever_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o after_o all_o these_o when_o he_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n exact_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n appear_v frequent_o among_o his_o disciple_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o after_o which_o in_o their_o presence_n he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o soon_o after_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o by_o which_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n wrought_v miracle_n go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o great_a boldness_n cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o after_o undergo_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n in_o it_o they_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o they_o speak_v with_o their_o blood_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o thus_o abundant_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o good_a man_n have_v god_n give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o concern_v the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n from_o the_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v to_o deliver_v god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o have_v i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o both_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v come_v with_o sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v person_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n have_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n large_o give_v a_o rational_a 1_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o can_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o sacred_a record_n which_o we_o embrace_v as_o divine_o inspire_v contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o name_n or_o unbecoming_a person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o justify_v our_o religion_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o revelation_n to_o be_v divine_a for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v unless_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o question_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o uncertain_a or_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o those_o general_a foundation_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o
be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o tully_n say_v epicurus_n do_v only_o nomine_fw-la poncre_n re_fw-la tollere_fw-la deos_fw-la because_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v repugnant_a to_o natural_a light_n so_o that_o if_o this_o idea_n do_v whole_o abstract_a from_o corporeal_a phantasm_n it_o thereby_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a faculty_n in_o man_n soul_n then_o mere_a imagination_n and_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a whence_o a_o faculty_n which_o thus_o extend_v its_o self_n to_o a_o infinite_a object_n shall_v come_v but_o from_o a_o infinite_a be_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o that_o the_o understanding_n in_o form_v this_o idea_n of_o god_n do_v not_o by_o distinct_a act_n first_o collect_v one_o perfection_n and_o then_o another_o and_o at_o last_o unite_v these_o together_o but_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unity_n of_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v as_o necessary_o conceive_v as_o any_o of_o they_o grant_v then_o that_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o observe_n of_o several_a perfection_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v able_a to_o abstract_n these_o several_o from_o each_o be_v wherein_o they_o be_v yet_o whence_o shall_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o inseparability_n of_o all_o these_o perfection_n come_v the_o mind_n may_v it_o be_v true_a knit_v some_o thing_n together_o in_o fictitious_a idea_n but_o then_o those_o be_v so_o far_o from_o unity_n with_o each_o other_o that_o in_o themselves_o they_o speak_v mutual_a repugnancy_n to_o one_o another_o which_o make_v they_o proper_a entia_fw-la rationis_fw-la but_o these_o several_a perfection_n be_v so_o far_o from_o speak_v repugnancy_n to_o each_o other_o that_o the_o unity_n and_o inseparability_n of_o they_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o this_o idea_n as_o any_o other_o perfection_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n be_v only_o a_o occasion_n give_v to_o the_o mind_n to_o help_v it_o in_o its_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o not_o that_o the_o idea_n its_o self_n depend_v upon_o those_o perfection_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a truth_n the_o manner_n of_o demonstration_n may_v be_v necessary_a to_o help_v the_o understanding_n to_o its_o clear_a assent_n though_o the_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v undoubted_o true_a for_o all_o mind_n be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o truth_n some_o be_v of_o quick_a apprehension_n than_o other_o be_v now_o although_o to_o slow_a apprehension_n a_o more_o particular_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v thing_n be_v necessary_a yet_o the_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v equal_a though_o they_o have_v not_o equal_a evidence_n to_o several_a person_n 3._o it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v no_o mere_a fictitious_a idea_n from_o the_o uniformity_n of_o it_o in_o all_o person_n who_o have_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o corporeal_a phantasm_n those_o we_o call_v entia_fw-la rationis_fw-la we_o find_v by_o experienee_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v form_v ad_fw-la placitum_fw-la we_o may_v imagine_v they_o as_o many_o way_n as_o we_o please_v but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o this_o idea_n of_o god_n for_o in_o those_o attribute_n or_o perfection_n which_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n we_o attribute_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o uniform_a consent_n in_o all_o those_o who_o have_v devest_v their_o mind_n of_o corporeal_a phantasm_n in_o their_o conception_n of_o god_n for_o while_o man_n have_v agree_v that_o the_o object_n of_o their_o idea_n be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a there_o have_v be_v no_o dissent_n in_o the_o perfection_n which_o have_v be_v attribute_v to_o it_o none_o have_v question_v but_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n join_v with_o necessity_n of_o existence_n have_v be_v all_o employ_v in_o this_o idea_n so_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o pâ—ssible_a to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o idea_n no_o not_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n wherein_o there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o uniformity_n of_o man_n conception_n as_o in_o this_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o gross_a corporeal_a idea_n of_o the_o most_o sensible_a matter_n have_v be_v more_o liable_a to_o heat_n and_o dispute_v among_o philosopher_n than_o this_o idea_n of_o a_o be_v infinite_a and_o pure_o spiritual_a which_o strong_o prove_v my_o present_a proposition_n that_o this_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v very_a consonant_n to_o natural_a light_n for_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o universal_a a_o consent_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o idea_n be_v it_o not_o a_o natural_a result_n from_o the_o free_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o faculty_n and_o that_o which_o add_v further_a weight_n tâ—_n this_o argument_n be_v that_o although_o infinity_o be_v so_o necessary_o employ_v in_o this_o idea_n of_o god_n yet_o man_n do_v not_o attribute_v all_o kind_n of_o infinite_a thing_n to_o god_n for_o there_o be_v conceivable_a infinite_a number_n infinite_a longitude_n as_o well_o as_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n our_o mind_n ready_o attribute_v the_o latter_a to_o god_n and_o as_o ready_o abstract_a the_o other_o from_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n this_o idea_n be_v not_o fictitious_a but_o argue_v reality_n in_o the_o thing_n correspondent_a to_o our_o conception_n of_o it_o so_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o clear_v the_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o to_o that_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o they_o proceed_v by_o in_o form_v the_o conception_n of_o thing_n those_o who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v assert_v other_o thing_n 2._o on_o far_o less_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o must_v by_o their_o own_o principle_n deny_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v apparent_o true_a one_o will_v expect_v that_o such_o person_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a world_n of_o folly_n in_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v fain_o be_v admire_v as_o man_n of_o a_o deep_a reach_n and_o great_a wit_n and_o sagacity_n than_o other_o will_v when_o they_o have_v explode_v a_o deity_n at_o least_o give_v we_o some_o more_o rational_a and_o consistent_a account_n of_o thing_n than_o we_o can_v give_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o find_v the_o reason_n on_o which_o they_o reject_v a_o deity_n so_o lamentable_o weak_a and_o so_o easy_o retort_v upon_o themselves_o and_o the_o hypothesis_n they_o substitute_v instead_o of_o a_o deity_n so_o precarious_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o evince_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n then_o from_o the_o manifest_a folly_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n of_o those_o who_o oppose_v it_o which_o we_o shall_v make_v evident_a by_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o while_o they_o deny_v a_o deity_n they_o assert_v other_o thing_n on_o far_o less_o reason_n 2._o that_o by_o those_o principle_n on_o which_o they_o deny_v a_o deity_n they_o must_v deny_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v apparent_o true_a 1._o that_o they_o assert_v some_o thing_n on_o far_o less_o reason_n than_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o infinite_o powerful_a god_n who_o produce_v the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v according_a to_o the_o different_a principle_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n that_o either_o the_o world_n be_v as_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n or_o else_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o person_n who_o have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o whether_o either_o of_o these_o two_o hypothesis_n urge_v with_o the_o same_o or_o great_a difficulty_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o far_o more_o weak_o prove_v than_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v or_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n by_o he_o 1._o they_o run_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o difficulty_n which_o they_o will_v avoid_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o entangle_a mind_n then_o this_o be_v to_o deny_v a_o thing_n because_o of_o some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o instead_o of_o it_o to_o assert_v another_o thing_n which_o be_v chargeable_a with_o the_o very_a same_o difficulty_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n thus_o when_o they_o reject_v a_o deity_n because_o they_o can_v understand_v what_o infinity_n mean_v both_o these_o hypothesis_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o intricacy_n in_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o something_o infinite_a for_o according_a to_o the_o epicurean_o
its_o self_n a_o common_a and_o universal_a effect_n must_v flow_v from_o some_o common_a and_o universal_a cause_n so_o the_o stoic_a argue_v in_o tully_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n 2._o non_fw-la tam_fw-la stabilis_fw-la opinio_fw-la permaneret_fw-la nec_fw-la confirmaretur_fw-la diuturnitate_fw-la remporis_fw-la nec_fw-la una_fw-la cum_fw-la seculis_fw-la aetatibusque_fw-la hominum_fw-la inveterare_fw-la potuisset_fw-la it_o be_v strange_a to_o think_v that_o mankind_n in_o so_o many_o age_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o grow_v wise_a enough_o to_o rid_v its_o self_n of_o so_o troublesome_a a_o opinion_n as_o that_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n have_v it_o not_o be_v true_a we_o see_v in_o all_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o world_n other_o vain_a opinion_n have_v be_v detect_v refute_v and_o shake_v off_o if_o this_o have_v be_v such_o how_o come_v it_o to_o remain_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n opinionum_fw-la commenta_fw-la delet_fw-la dies_fw-la naturae_fw-la judicia_fw-la confirmat_fw-la it_o be_v a_o great_a discredit_n to_o time_n to_o make_v it_o like_o a_o river_n in_o that_o sense_n that_o it_o bear_v up_o only_o light_a thing_n when_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n be_v sink_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o past_a recovery_n this_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o handsome_a allusion_n as_o to_o the_o opinion_n and_o write_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n for_o these_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v so_o suit_v to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o pass_v down_o the_o strong_a current_n of_o time_n with_o the_o same_o facility_n that_o a_o well_o build_v ship_n though_o of_o good_a burden_n do_v furrow_v the_o ocean_n so_o that_o if_o we_o must_v adhere_v to_o the_o allegory_n it_o be_v easy_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o weight_n of_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o sink_v but_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o their_o superficies_n to_o that_o of_o the_o water_n so_o we_o see_v a_o small_a piece_n of_o wood_n will_v sink_v when_o a_o stately_a ship_n be_v bear_v up_o so_o such_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o that_o agreeableness_n in_o they_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n may_v soon_o be_v lose_v but_o such_o as_o lie_v so_o even_o upon_o the_o superficies_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v still_o float_v above_o the_o water_n and_o never_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o swift_a current_n of_o time_n thus_o we_o assert_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o consonant_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n that_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v continue_v but_o now_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o epicurus_n how_o mankind_n shall_v universal_o agree_v in_o 11._o some_o common_a sentiment_n much_o less_o how_o it_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o anticipation_n as_o himself_o grant_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o more_o active_a and_o vigorous_a particle_n of_o matter_n as_o diogenes_n laertius_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o systeme_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o most_o smooth_a and_o round_a atom_n if_o so_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o apprehend_v how_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o anticipation_n or_o commction_n can_v be_v lodge_v in_o the_o soul_n for_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o small_a spherical_a corpuscle_n which_o move_v up_o and_o down_o the_o body_n as_o the_o epicurean_a philosophy_n suppose_v than_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o perception_n must_v depend_v on_o motion_n which_o motion_n must_v be_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o external_a object_n which_o lucretius_n acknowledge_v and_o contend_v for_o inuenies_fw-la primis_fw-la à _fw-la sensibus_fw-la esse_fw-la creatam_fw-la notitiam_fw-la very_fw-la 4._o if_o then_o our_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n come_v in_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o sensation_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o impression_n of_o outward_a object_n what_o become_v of_o all_o common_a notion_n and_o of_o the_o prolepsis_n of_o a_o deity_n unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n come_v in_o by_o sense_n which_o epicurus_n himself_o deny_v when_o he_o attribute_n to_o the_o deity_n not_o corpus_fw-la but_o quasi_fw-la corpus_fw-la as_o 1._o tully_n tell_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a object_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o natural_a notion_n which_o may_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o universal_a consent_n among_o man_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o epicurus_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v to_o all_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o if_o our_o sense_n be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n of_o truth_n man_n shall_v differ_v about_o nothing_o more_o than_o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v try_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n such_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v for_o where_o shall_v man_n be_v more_o uncertain_a in_o their_o judgement_n then_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o to_o go_v by_o in_o the_o judge_n of_o but_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o find_v it_o so_o that_o man_n be_v nothing_o so_o much_o agree_v about_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n as_o they_o be_v about_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n concern_v a_o god_n can_v be_v salve_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o according_a to_o which_o no_o account_n at_o all_o can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o universal_a or_o common_a notion_n neither_o can_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n be_v enervate_v 12._o with_o any_o great_a probability_n by_o those_o atheist_n who_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o resolve_v this_o consent_n whole_o into_o mere_a tradition_n such_o as_o the_o fable_n of_o poet_n be_v convey_v in_o from_o one_o to_o another_o for_o i_o demand_v concern_v this_o tradition_n whether_o ever_o it_o have_v any_o beginning_n or_o no_o if_o it_o have_v no_o beginning_n it_o can_v be_v no_o tradition_n for_o that_o must_v run_v up_o to_o some_o person_n from_o who_o it_o first_o come_v again_o if_o it_o have_v no_o beginning_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v on_o the_o same_o account_n on_o which_o they_o make_v the_o world_n eternal_a and_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o must_v be_v antecedent_n to_o any_o free_a act_n of_o man_n will_n which_o tradition_n suppose_v and_o so_o some_o false_a opinion_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o by_o consequence_n the_o world_n be_v eternal_a may_v be_v a_o necessary_a false_a opinion_n but_o if_o any_o false_a opinion_n be_v once_o grant_v necessary_a it_o than_o follow_v that_o our_o faculty_n be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o nature_n be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n of_o some_o notorious_a falsity_n which_o be_v the_o high_a impeachment_n the_o atheist_n can_v have_v lay_v upon_o his_o only_a adore_a nature_n which_o must_v then_o have_v do_v that_o which_o aristotle_n be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v ever_o nature_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o which_o be_v something_o in_o vain_a for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v man_n have_v rational_a faculty_n if_o he_o be_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o be_v deceive_v if_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o tradition_n have_v once_o a_o beginning_n either_o it_o begin_v with_o humane_a nature_n or_o humane_a nature_n do_v exist_v long_o before_o it_o if_o it_o begin_v with_o mankind_n than_o mankind_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o so_o the_o world_n be_v not_o eternal_a if_o mankind_n do_v exist_v before_o this_o tradition_n i_o then_o inquire_v in_o what_o time_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n come_v this_o tradition_n first_o to_o be_v embrace_v if_o it_o do_v not_o supppse_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n can_v any_o age_n be_v mention_v in_o history_n wherein_o this_o tradition_n be_v not_o universal_o receive_v and_o which_o be_v most_o to_o our_o purpose_n the_o further_o we_o go_v back_o in_o history_n the_o full_a the_o world_n be_v of_o deity_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o heathen_a history_n but_o however_o no_o age_n can_v be_v instance_a in_o wherein_o this_o tradition_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n we_o can_v trace_v the_o poetic_a fable_n to_o their_o true_a original_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o we_o know_v the_o particular_a author_n of_o they_o and_o what_o course_n they_o take_v in_o divulge_v of_o they_o we_o find_v great_a
diversity_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o many_o nation_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o they_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o this_o tradition_n we_o have_v none_o to_o fix_v on_o as_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n fabulous_a we_o can_v understand_v by_o what_o artifice_n a_o fabulous_a tradition_n can_v come_v to_o be_v so_o universal_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n that_o no_o nation_n of_o old_a can_v be_v instance_a in_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n but_o however_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a it_o be_v yet_o it_o own_v a_o deity_n how_o can_v such_o a_o tradition_n be_v spread_v so_o far_o but_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n it_o can_v not_o be_v by_o force_n because_o embrace_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n where_o no_o force_n at_o all_o have_v be_v use_v and_o have_v be_v so_o root_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o those_o people_n who_o have_v be_v most_o tender_a of_o their_o liberty_n that_o they_o have_v resent_v no_o indignity_n so_o high_o as_o any_o affront_v they_o conceive_v to_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o god_n nay_o and_o where_o any_o person_n will_v seem_v to_o quit_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n we_o find_v what_o force_n and_o violence_n they_o have_v use_v to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o atheism_n which_o they_o can_v not_o subdue_v their_o mind_n to_o any_o long_a than_o the_o will_n can_v command_v the_o understanding_n which_o when_o it_o gain_v but_o a_o little_a liberty_n to_o examine_v itself_o or_o view_v the_o world_n or_o be_v alarm_a with_o thunder_n earthquake_n or_o violent_a sickness_n do_v bring_v back_o again_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n with_o great_a force_n and_o power_n than_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o off_o with_o now_o have_v this_o tradition_n come_v by_o force_n into_o the_o world_n there_o will_v have_v be_v a_o secret_a exultation_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o as_o we_o see_v nature_n rejoice_v to_o shake_v off_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v violent_a and_o to_o settle_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o its_o due_a order_n it_o be_v only_a fraud_n then_o which_o can_v be_v with_o any_o reason_n imagine_v in_o this_o case_n and_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o imagine_v it_o here_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o do_v consider_v how_o extreme_o jealous_a the_o world_n be_v of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o such_o who_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o great_a politician_n for_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o their_o subtlety_n make_v man_n apt_a to_o suspect_v a_o design_n in_o every_o thing_n they_o speak_v or_o do_v so_o that_o nothing_o do_v more_o general_o hinder_v the_o entertain_n of_o any_o motion_n so_o much_o among_o vulgar_a people_n as_o that_o it_o come_v from_o a_o person_n repute_v very_o politic_a so_o that_o the_o most_o politic_a way_n of_o gain_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v by_o take_v upon_o one_o the_o great_a appearance_n of_o simplicity_n and_o integrity_n and_o this_o now_o can_v not_o be_v do_v by_o such_o politician_n which_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o but_o by_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o people_n which_o be_v so_o consonant_a to_o their_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v suspect_v no_o design_n at_o all_o in_o the_o matter_n propound_v to_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n in_o all_o those_o politic_a governor_n who_o at_o first_o bring_v the_o world_n into_o both_o civil_a and_o religious_a society_n after_o they_o be_v grow_v rude_a and_o barbarous_a for_o as_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o civil_a society_n unless_o there_o have_v be_v suppose_v a_o inclination_n to_o society_n in_o they_o so_o it_o have_v be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o embrace_v any_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n unless_o there_o have_v be_v a_o natural_a propensity_n to_o religion_n implant_v in_o they_o and_o found_v in_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o we_o never_o find_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a founder_n of_o commonwealth_n go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o this_o they_o suppose_v and_o make_v their_o advantage_n of_o it_o the_o better_a to_o draw_v the_o people_n on_o to_o embrace_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o they_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o design_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o evident_a in_o the_o vast_a difference_n of_o design_n and_o interest_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n upon_o this_o general_a apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n how_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v so_o easy_o abuse_v into_o religion_n of_o all_o shape_n and_o fashion_n have_v not_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a inclination_n in_o man_n soul_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o indelible_a idea_n of_o a_o deity_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v then_o this_o propensity_n groundless_a and_o this_o idea_n fictitious_a it_o be_v the_o great_a slur_n imaginable_a which_o can_v be_v cast_v upon_o nature_n that_o when_o the_o instinct_n of_o irrational_a agent_n argue_v something_o real_a in_o they_o only_a man_n the_o most_o noble_a be_v of_o the_o visible_a world_n must_v be_v fatal_o carry_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o never_o be_v which_o yet_o have_v so_o great_a a_o force_n and_o awe_n upon_o man_n that_o nothing_o create_v so_o great_a anxiety_n in_o his_o life_n as_o this_o do_v nothing_o lay_v he_o more_o open_a to_o the_o design_n of_o any_o who_o have_v a_o intent_n to_o abuse_v he_o but_o yet_o further_o these_o politician_n who_o first_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v they_o themselves_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v than_o they_o have_v no_o such_o end_n as_o abuse_v the_o world_n into_o such_o a_o belief_n if_o they_o do_v not_o upon_o what_o account_n do_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o when_o the_o people_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o be_v that_o as_o certain_a a_o tradition_n before_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o afterward_o they_o make_v it_o to_o be_v that_o there_o be_v if_o so_o than_o all_o those_o people_n who_o they_o persuade_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v before_o all_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o and_o how_o can_v it_o possible_o enter_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o people_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o nor_o any_o state_n after_o this_o life_n shall_v all_o unanimous_o quit_v the_o principle_n of_o education_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n here_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n and_o thereby_o to_o fill_v themselves_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o disquietment_n mere_o because_o their_o ruler_n tell_v they_o so_o again_o if_o these_o ruler_n themselves_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v a_o deity_n can_v we_o imagine_v there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o happy_o that_o only_o the_o ruler_n be_v wise_a and_o all_o the_o subject_n fool_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o all_o who_o be_v wise_a themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o deity_n but_o yet_o consent_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v so_o useful_a for_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n but_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o all_o these_o wise_a man_n which_o we_o must_v suppose_v of_o several_a rank_n and_o degree_n for_o philosopher_n be_v not_o always_o statesman_n nor_o statesman_n philosopher_n shall_v so_o ready_o concur_v in_o such_o a_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o to_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o world_n will_v none_o of_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o assert_v the_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v but_o to_o make_v a_o party_n of_o their_o own_o and_o discover_v to_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o ambition_n and_o design_n of_o their_o governor_n which_o seek_v to_o bring_v the_o people_n to_o slavery_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o will_v make_v their_o life_n if_o they_o believe_v they_o continual_o troublesome_a and_o unquiet_a or_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v thing_n shall_v hit_v thus_o in_o one_o nation_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o the_o atheist_n here_o suppose_v eternal_a
their_o soul_n compound_v of_o who_o first_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v immaterial_a what_o strange_a agitation_n of_o matter_n be_v those_o which_o first_o make_v man_n think_v of_o a_o eternal_a state_n which_o thought_n have_v ever_o since_o so_o stick_v upon_o these_o little_a spherical_a body_n that_o they_o can_v never_o yet_o disburden_v themselves_o of_o they_o whence_o come_v such_o amaze_a fear_n such_o dreadful_a apprehension_n such_o sink_a thought_n of_o their_o future_a condition_n in_o mind_n that_o will_v fain_o ease_v themselves_o by_o believe_v that_o death_n will_v put_v a_o period_n both_o to_o soul_n and_o body_n whence_o on_o the_o other_o side_n come_v such_o encourage_v hope_n such_o confident_a expectation_n such_o comfortable_a prepossession_n of_o their_o future_a state_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n when_o their_o body_n be_v near_a to_o the_o grave_n seneca_n who_o be_v somewhat_o dubious_a sometime_o as_o to_o the_o future_a condition_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o can_v tell_v his_o dear_a lucilius_n with_o what_o pleasure_n he_o can_v think_v of_o it_o and_o can_v elsewhere_o say_v of_o the_o soul_n eâ—_n hoc_fw-la habet_fw-la argumentum_fw-la natur._n divinitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la quod_fw-la illum_fw-la divina_fw-la delectant_fw-la nec_fw-la ut_fw-la alienis_fw-la interest_n sed_fw-la ut_fw-la suis_fw-la the_o soul_n have_v that_o mark_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v most_o please_v with_o divine_a speculation_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o as_o with_o matter_n which_o near_o concern_v it_o and_o when_o it_o have_v once_o view_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o heaven_n contemnit_fw-la domicilii_fw-la prioris_fw-la angustias_fw-la it_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o cottage_n it_o dwell_v in_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o speculation_n non_fw-la fuerat_fw-la operae_fw-la prâ—tium_fw-la nasci_fw-la it_o have_v not_o be_v worth_a while_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o as_o he_o go_v on_o detrahe_fw-la hoc_fw-la inaestimabile_fw-la bonum_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la vita_fw-la tanti_fw-la ut_fw-la sudem_fw-la ut_fw-la aestuem_fw-la can_v there_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o epicurism_n in_o contemplation_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n of_o epicurus_n his_o mould_n a_o mere_a complexion_n of_o atom_n will_v dull_a and_o heavy_a matter_n ever_o have_v delight_v to_o have_v search_v so_o much_o into_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n to_o have_v go_v over_o the_o world_n in_o its_o speculation_n and_o find_v more_o sweetness_n in_o knowledge_n than_o the_o little_a epicure_n the_o bee_n taste_v in_o his_o choice_a flower_n epicurus_n his_o own_o philosophy_n be_v a_o demonstration_n against_o himself_o if_o his_o soul_n have_v not_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a nature_n than_o he_o fancy_v he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v his_o study_n of_o philosophy_n a_o part_n of_o his_o epicurism_n have_v his_o soul_n be_v such_o atom_n as_o he_o fancy_v when_o his_o brain_n have_v be_v well_o heat_v at_o his_o study_n those_o more_o vivid_n and_o spirituous_a particle_n like_o the_o spirit_n of_o wine_n have_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o evaporation_n and_o leave_v the_o more_o lumpish_a matter_n to_o complete_a his_o work_n of_o all_o person_n i_o most_o admire_v that_o philosopher_n who_o make_v so_o much_o use_v of_o their_o understanding_n shall_v so_o ungrateful_o requite_v they_o and_o serve_v they_o like_o old_a horse_n when_o they_o have_v make_v they_o do_v all_o the_o service_n they_o can_v turn_v they_o into_o the_o highway_n and_o let_v they_o die_v in_o a_o ditch_n but_o yet_o all_o philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v so_o unthankful_a some_o have_v understand_v the_o worth_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o assert_v it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o use_v too_o high_a i._n e._n platonical_a expression_n of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o particle_n not_o of_o matter_n but_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n its_o self_n a_o little_a deity_n in_o a_o cottage_n that_o stay_v here_o a_o while_n and_o return_n to_o that_o upper_a region_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v as_o manilius_n speak_v a_o dubium_fw-la est_fw-la habitare_fw-la deum_fw-la sub_fw-la pectore_fw-la nostro_fw-la in_o coelum_fw-la que_fw-la redire_fw-la animas_fw-la caelóque_fw-la venire_fw-la 4._o and_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v here_o in_o its_o cage_n it_o be_v continual_o flutter_v up_o and_o down_o and_o delight_v to_o look_v out_o now_o at_o this_o part_n and_o then_o at_o another_o to_o take_v a_o view_n by_o degree_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n as_o the_o same_o poet_n go_v on_o quid_fw-la mirum_fw-la noscere_fw-la mundum_fw-la si_fw-la possunt_fw-la homines_fw-la quibus_fw-la est_fw-la &_o mundus_fw-la in_o ip_n sis_fw-la exemplumque_fw-la dei_fw-la cuique_fw-la est_fw-la in_o imagine_v paruâ_fw-la the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o more_o delightful_a to_o it_o then_o knowledge_n and_o no_o knowledge_n so_o please_v and_o satisfactory_a as_o of_o he_o who_o image_n and_o superscription_n it_o bear_v who_o make_v himself_o most_o know_v to_o such_o as_o inquire_v after_o he_o seque_fw-la ipsum_fw-la inculcat_fw-la &_o offer_v ut_fw-la bene_fw-la cognosci_fw-la possit_fw-la i_o conclude_v this_o with_o that_o of_o seneca_n in_o that_o excellent_a preface_n to_o his_o natural_a question_n o_o quam_fw-la contempta_fw-la res_fw-la est_fw-la homo_fw-la nisi_fw-la supra_fw-la humana_fw-la se_fw-la erexerit_fw-la what_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v man_n be_v it_o not_o that_o his_o soul_n be_v apt_a to_o soar_v above_o these_o earthly_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o aptness_n to_o soar_v so_o high_a above_o these_o terrene_a object_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o so_o much_o freedom_n with_o spiritual_a being_n as_o well_o as_o abstract_a notion_n we_o may_v certain_o infer_v that_o our_o rational_a soul_n be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a and_o refine_a nature_n than_o that_o more_o feculent_a principle_n of_o imagination_n which_o always_o converse_v in_o faece_fw-la romuli_n and_o can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o our_o sense_n carry_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v make_v good_a the_o first_o proof_n that_o there_o be_v something_o above_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v from_o that_o immaterial_a be_v which_o be_v in_o man_n 2._o the_o next_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o be_v above_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v from_o the_o extraordinary_a effect_n which_o have_v be_v in_o nature_n i_o speak_v not_o now_o mere_o of_o such_o thing_n which_o by_o their_o nature_n and_o effect_n be_v manifest_v to_o proceed_v from_o some_o being_n which_o bear_v ill-will_n to_o mankind_n multitude_n of_o which_o be_v relate_v by_o man_n philosophical_a and_o inquisitive_a with_o such_o enumeration_n of_o circumstance_n and_o particular_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a imposture_n that_o one_o may_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n question_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o himself_o do_v not_o see_v as_o such_o relation_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o person_n without_o interest_n or_o design_n and_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o circumstance_n such_o be_v both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a philosopher_n physician_n statesman_n and_o other_o neither_o shall_v i_o insist_v on_o such_o prodigy_n which_o ofttimes_o presage_v revolution_n in_o state_n if_o we_o believe_v machiavelli_n himself_o who_o in_o a_o whole_a chapter_n design_o prove_v it_o and_o profess_v himself_o utter_o 56._o to_o seek_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o some_o â—_z and_o intelligence_n in_o the_o air_n which_o give_v the_o world_n notice_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o come_v but_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o suppose_v have_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o true_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v affirm_v by_o eye-witness_n who_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o their_o life_n be_v those_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n to_o evade_v either_o by_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o suppose_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n we_o have_v prove_v with_o as_o much_o rational_a evidence_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o else_o that_o the_o thing_n therein_o record_v may_v be_v salve_v without_o a_o deity_n for_o which_o only_o two_o way_n have_v be_v excogitated_a by_o atheistical_a spirit_n either_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n the_o foundation_n of_o which_o fond_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n have_v be_v take_v away_o by_o those_o many_o writer_n who_o have_v rational_o consute_v the_o whole_a art_n of_o judicial_a astrology_n or_o 17._o else_o that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o imagination_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o avicenna_n and_o some_o other_o arabic_a writer_n which_o be_v so_o wild_a a_o effect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n that_o nothing_o do_v so_o much_o demonstrate_v the_o irregular_a motion_n of_o it_o as_o such_o
a_o opinion_n do_v and_o be_v sufficient_o deride_v and_o refute_v by_o pomponatius_n himself_o now_o than_o it_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n in_o nature_n that_o every_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o course_n it_o be_v in_o till_o something_o more_o powerful_a put_v it_o out_o if_o then_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v real_a alteration_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n then_o there_o must_v be_v something_o above_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o jonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v thus_o establish_v in_o 1_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o now_o come_v to_o erect_v our_o supper_n structure_n upon_o they_o by_o assert_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o account_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o world_n its_o self_n lead_v we_o to_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o which_o have_v very_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o although_o we_o shall_v assert_v with_o epicurus_n the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n if_o yet_o with_o he_o we_o add_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n all_o that_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o lie_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v unavoidable_o destroy_v all_o that_o be_v leave_v be_v only_o a_o kind_n of_o veneration_n of_o a_o bâ—ing_n more_o excellent_a than_o our_o own_o which_o reach_v not_o to_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n and_o so_o will_v have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v only_o allure_v by_o hope_n or_o awe_v by_o fear_n to_o that_o which_o of_o their_o choice_n they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v free_v from_o beside_o what_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n can_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n for_o his_o goodness_n if_o he_o interpose_v not_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n what_o dependence_n can_v there_o be_v on_o divine_a goodness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n what_o apprehension_n can_v we_o have_v of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n if_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o epicurus_n destroy_v religion_n so_o do_v that_o of_o aristotle_n which_o attribute_n eternity_n to_o the_o universe_n and_o a_o necessary_a emanation_n of_o it_o from_o the_o first_o cause_n as_o light_n come_v from_o the_o sun_n for_o if_o so_o as_o maimonides_n well_o observe_v the_o whole_a religion_n of_o moses_n be_v overthrow_v all_o his_o miracle_n be_v but_o 25._o imposture_n all_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o if_o the_o world_n do_v of_o necessity_n exist_v than_o god_n be_v no_o free_a agent_n and_o if_o so_o then_o all_o institute_v religion_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o expectation_n of_o reward_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n from_o he_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o set_v the_o great_a wheel_n of_o the_o heaven_n go_v so_o much_o be_v it_o our_o concernment_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o on_o what_o evidence_n of_o reason_n those_o opinion_n be_v build_v which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o that_o account_n give_v of_o it_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o the_o bâ—oks_n of_o moses_n wherein_o we_o read_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o production_n of_o it_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v then_o the_o plain_a assertion_n of_o moses_n we_o come_v to_o compare_v it_o in_o point_n of_o reason_n with_o all_o those_o several_a hypothesis_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o which_o have_v be_v embrace_v in_o several_a age_n by_o the_o philosopher_n of_o great_a esteem_n in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o 1._o such_o as_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v exi_v as_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n 2._o such_o as_o attribute_v the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o god_n but_o withal_o assert_v the_o praeexistence_n and_o eternity_n of_o matter_n 3._o such_o as_o deny_v any_o eternity_n to_o the_o world_n but_o assert_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n 4._o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n and_o all_o appearance_n of_o nature_n mere_o by_o the_o mechanical_a law_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o matter_n i_o begin_v with_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o 2._o it_o be_v among_o who_o aristotle_n have_v bear_v the_o great_a name_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v arrogate_a this_o opinion_n to_o himself_o for_o when_o he_o inquire_v into_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o have_v writ-before_a he_o he_o say_v of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 10._o all_o the_o philosopher_n assert_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v though_o some_o one_o way_n some_o another_o and_o be_v this_o true_a which_o aristotle-saith_a it_o will_v be_v the_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o his_o opinion_n for_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v eternal_a how_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o elder_a philosopher_n shall_v so_o ready_o and_o unanimous_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n which_o assert_v the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o strong_a presumption_n of_o the_o novity_n of_o the_o universe_n that_o all_o nation_n to_o who_o the_o philosopher_n resort_v have_v memorial_n leave_v among_o they_o of_o the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o the_o humour_n of_o philosophize_v begin_v to_o take_v the_o greek_n about_o the_o xl._o olympiad_n when_o we_o may_v suppose_v thales_n to_o flourish_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v the_o enquiry_n be_v out_o of_o what_o material_a principle_n the_o universe_n be_v form_v of_o which_o thales_n thus_o deliver_v his_o opinion_n in_o tully_n aquam_fw-la 25._o dixit_fw-la esse_fw-la initium_fw-la rerum_fw-la deum_fw-la autem_fw-la eam_fw-la mentem_fw-la quae_fw-la ex_fw-la aqua_fw-la cuncta_fw-la fingeret_fw-la wherein_o he_o plain_o distinguish_v the_o efficient_a from_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prime_a efficient_a be_v god_n the_o material_a principle_n water_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o first_o
plato_n in_o his_o timaeus_n come_v very_o near_o who_o philosophy_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o with_o the_o pythagorean_n when_o he_o have_v before_o ficini_n ascribe_v the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o goodness_n of_o his_o do_v incline_v he_o to_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n like_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o most_o excellent_a be_v can_v but_o produce_v the_o most_o excellent_a effect_n and_o as_o to_o the_o material_a principle_n out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v there_o appear_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o thales_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n for_o plato_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o thing_n the_o material_a principle_n be_v he_o describe_v it_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o as_o chalcidius_n meurs_fw-fr render_v it_o be_v motis_fw-la importuno_fw-it fluctuans_fw-la neque_fw-la unquam_fw-la quiescens_fw-la it_o be_v a_o visible_a corporeal_a thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v never_o at_o rest_n but_o in_o continual_a disorderly_a motion_n and_o agitation_n which_o be_v a_o full_a explication_n i_o suppose_v of_o what_o thales_n mean_v by_o his_o water_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o mixture_n of_o mud_n and_o water_n together_o which_o other_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o orphius_fw-la in_o athenagoras_n and_o the_o scholiast_n on_o apollonius_n cite_v by_o grotius_n and_o reli._n other_o which_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v because_o the_o successor_n of_o thales_n anaximander_n and_o anaxagoras_n express_v themselves_o to_o that_o purpose_n anaximander_n call_v the_o sea_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o remainder_n of_o the_o primitive_a moisture_n and_o anaxagoras_n say_v before_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o god_n set_v thing_n in_o their_o order_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o thing_n be_v at_o first_o confuse_v together_o which_o must_v needs_o make_v that_o which_o chalcidius_n tell_v we_o numenius_n attribute_n to_o pythagoras_n which_o his_o translator_n call_v sylvam_fw-la fludiam_fw-la or_o fluid_a matter_n 394._o which_o be_v the_o same_o likewise_o with_o the_o phaenician_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o as_o appear_v by_o eusebius_n some_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o mud_n or_o slime_n other_o the_o putrefaction_n of_o watery_a 10._o mixture_n which_o they_o say_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o seedplot_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o generation_n of_o thing_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o thales_n with_o the_o phaenician_o from_o who_o he_o be_v derive_v as_o laertius_n tell_v we_o and_o pythagoras_n with_o the_o egyptian_n and_o other_o concur_v with_o moses_n not_o only_o in_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o wherein_o be_v express_v a_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n be_v form_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o earth_n be_v without_o form_n and_o void_a and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v upon_o 2._o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n i._n e._n that_o all_o at_o first_o be_v but_o fluid_a matter_n for_o p._n fagius_n from_o r._n kimchi_n render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o fluid_a matter_n be_v agitate_a and_o move_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o the_o vis_fw-la plastica_fw-la mundi_fw-la so_o chrysostom_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o drusirt_n and_o p._n fagius_n explain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o motion_n or_o agitation_n and_o herein_o we_o have_v likewise_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o forenamed_n excellent_a philosopher_n who_o attribute_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o particular_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o agitation_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n for_o chalcidius_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o thales_n pythagoras_n plato_n but_o of_o anaximenes_n heraclitus_n and_o other_o say_v thus_o of_o they_o omnesigitur_fw-la hi_o in_o motu_fw-la positam_fw-la rerum_fw-la 378._o originem_fw-la censuërunt_fw-la they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n so_o the_o phaenician_o call_v this_o motion_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o dark_a and_o bluster_a wind_n and_o how_o suitable_a this_o explication_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n from_o the_o motion_n of_o fluid_a matter_n be_v to_o the_o history_n of_o nature_n appear_v by_o those_o many_o experiment_n by_o which_o mix_a body_n be_v show_v to_o spring_v from_o no_o other_o material_a principle_n than_o the_o particle_n of_o fluid_a matter_n of_o which_o you_o may_v read_v a_o discourle_n of_o that_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a gentleman_n mr._n boyle_n in_o his_o sceptical_a chemist_n only_o thus_o much_o may_v here_o suffice_v to_o have_v make_v it_o etc._n appear_v that_o all_o those_o philosopher_n who_o be_v most_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o ancient_a and_o genuine_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o only_o concur_v with_o moses_n in_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o its_o beginning_n be_v from_o god_n but_o in_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o fluid_a matter_n and_o the_o motion_n thereof_o concern_v which_o i_o may_v yet_o add_v if_o it_o be_v material_a the_o testimony_n of_o homer_n in_o plutarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ξ._n and_o in_o chalcidius_n inque_fw-la eadem_fw-la sententia_fw-la homerus_fw-la esse_fw-la invenitur_fw-la cum_fw-la oceanum_n &_o thetim_fw-la dicat_fw-la parent_n esse_fw-la geniturae_fw-la 378._o cumque_fw-la jusjurandum_fw-la deorum_fw-la constituat_fw-la aquam_fw-la quam_fw-la quidem_fw-la ipse_fw-la appellat_fw-la stygem_fw-la antiquitati_fw-la tribuens_fw-la reverentiam_fw-la &_o jure_fw-la 37._o jaranao_fw-la nihil_fw-la constituens_fw-la reverentius_fw-la to_o which_o purpose_n likewise_o aristotle_n speak_v in_o his_o metaphysic_n that_o the_o reason_n 3._o why_o styx_n be_v make_v the_o oath_n of_o the_o god_n be_v because_o water_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n and_o tell_v we_o before_o that_o some_o be_v of_o opinion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o remote_a person_n and_o first_o writer_n of_o theology_n hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o water_n be_v the_o first_o material_a principle_n of_o thing_n have_v thus_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o a_o consent_n there_o be_v between_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o write_n of_o 4._o moses_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v upon_o what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n this_o tradition_n come_v to_o be_v contradict_v and_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o former_a philosopher_n of_o the_o jonick_a sect_n after_o the_o time_n of_o thales_n as_o to_o the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o world_n one_o substitute_v air_n another_o fire_n instead_o of_o water_n render_v the_o tradition_n its_o self_n suspect_v among_o other_o philosopher_n especial_o when_o the_o humour_n of_o innovate_a in_o philosophy_n be_v get_v among_o they_o and_o they_o think_v they_o do_v nothing_o unless_o they_o contradict_v their_o master_n thence_o come_v that_o multiplicity_n of_o sect_n present_o among_o they_o and_o that_o philosophy_n which_o at_o first_o go_v much_o on_o the_o original_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n be_v turn_v into_o dispute_n and_o altercation_n which_o help_v as_o much_o to_o the_o find_v out_o of_o truth_n as_o the_o fight_n of_o two_o cock_n on_o a_o dunghill_n do_v the_o find_v out_o the_o jewel_n that_o lie_v there_o for_o which_o scrape_v and_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n have_v be_v far_o more_o proper_a than_o contention_n &_o wrangling_n with_o each_o other_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o litigious_a humour_n philosophy_n from_o be_v a_o design_n grow_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a art_n and_o he_o be_v account_v the_o best_a philosopher_n not_o that_o search_v further_o into_o the_o bowel_n of_o nature_n but_o that_o dress_v and_o trick_v up_o the_o notion_n he_o have_v in_o the_o best_a posture_n of_o defence_n against_o all_o who_o come_v to_o oppose_v he_o from_o hence_o those_o opinion_n be_v most_o plausible_a not_o which_o be_v most_o true_a but_o which_o be_v most_o defensible_a and_o which_o like_o des-cartes_n his_o second_o element_n have_v all_o the_o angle_n cut_v
wise_a and_o free_a who_o dispense_v this_o goodness_n of_o he_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v best_a please_v to_o himself_o though_o ever_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o so_o whatever_o he_o do_v be_v suitable_a to_o this_o nature_n of_o he_o but_o the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o act_n of_o god_n beneficence_n belong_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o most_o free_a and_o independent_a agent_n so_o that_o goodness_n as_o it_o import_v the_o necessary_a rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n imply_v a_o perfection_n inseparable_a from_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o god_n but_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o expression_n of_o divine_a bounty_n to_o somewhat_o without_o as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o employ_v in_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n as_o to_o his_o nature_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o his_o will._n we_o can_v then_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o particular_a way_n of_o god_n bounty_n towards_o the_o whole_a universe_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o any_o further_a than_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o we_o now_o we_o see_v the_o world_n exist_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o adore_v that_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o not_o only_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o universe_n but_o continual_o uphold_v it_o and_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v in_o it_o which_o the_o heathen_a be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o abundant_a provision_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o for_o z._n man_n necessity_n but_o for_o delight_n and_o ornament_n cry_v out_o ut_fw-la interdum_fw-la pronaea_n nostra_fw-la epicurea_fw-la esse_fw-la videatur_fw-la god_n providence_n do_v abundant_o exceed_v man_n necessity_n we_o see_v then_o from_o this_o discourse_n how_o unsafe_a and_o unsatisfactory_a that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a those_o argument_n be_v which_o be_v draw_v from_o a_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o goodness_n without_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o will_n as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v certain_o then_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a force_n with_o any_o candid_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n and_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v late_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o that_o pythagorean_n hypothesis_n of_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n viz._n that_o if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v at_o all_o the_o soon_o they_o be_v the_o better_a but_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n will_v do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a and_o therefore_o if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o terrestrial_a body_n it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o enjoy_v themselves_o than_o not_o they_o must_v be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o body_n wherefore_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o can_v no_o more_o fail_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a than_o he_o can_v to_o understand_v it_o i_o now_o serious_o inquire_v of_o such_o who_o love_n reason_n above_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n whether_o if_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v put_v into_o the_o argument_n instead_o of_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n this_o argument_n will_v not_o hold_v as_o strong_o for_o that_o as_o it_o do_v for_o praeexistence_n and_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v praeexistence_n on_o this_o ground_n i_o be_v not_o likewise_o bind_v to_o believe_v at_o least_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n eternal_a if_o not_o the_o universe_n but_o how_o reconcileable_a the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n of_o the_o creation_n i_o be_o yet_o to_o understand_v but_o if_o this_o argument_n do_v not_o at_o all_o infer_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v show_v it_o do_v not_o much_o less_o do_v it_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n we_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o first_o hypothesis_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o moses_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n 8._o which_o be_v that_o which_o assert_n the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o which_o attribute_n the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o god_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n but_o attribute_n eternity_n to_o the_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o who_o will_v be_v take_v for_o the_o master_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o conceive_v this_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n that_o they_o 4._o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o preaexistent_a matter_n out_o of_o which_o god_n form_v the_o world_n but_o i_o will_v willing_o understand_v how_o moses_n will_v have_v express_v that_o matter_n its_o self_n be_v create_v suppose_v it_o have_v be_v his_o intention_n to_o have_v speak_v it_o for_o although_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v not_o of_o its_o self_n imply_v necessary_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o i._n e._n out_o of_o no_o preaexistent_a matter_n yet_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o no_o word_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n be_v more_o proper_a to_o that_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o p._n fagius_n cite_v it_o from_o r._n nachmani_n that_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v no_o other_o word_n to_o signify_v such_o a_o production_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v therefore_o a_o very_a weak_a manner_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o the_o world_n be_v create_v out_o of_o preaexistent_a matter_n all_o that_o can_v rational_o be_v infer_v be_v that_o from_o the_o mere_a force_n and_o importance_n of_o that_o word_n the_o contrary_n can_v be_v collect_v but_o if_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v and_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n do_v make_v it_o clear_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o preaexistent_a matter_n which_o be_v uncreated_a than_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o creation_n must_v be_v take_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_a jew_n and_o christian_n but_o even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o understand_v moses_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o galen_n where_o he_o compare_v the_o opinion_n 11._o of_o moses_n with_o that_o of_o epicurus_n and_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o of_o moses_n which_o attribute_v the_o production_n of_o thing_n to_o god_n to_o be_v far_o more_o rational_a and_o probable_a then_o that_o of_o epicurus_n which_o assign_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n to_o a_o mere_a casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n but_o withal_o add_v that_o he_o must_v dissent_v from_o both_o and_o side_n with_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o such_o thing_n as_o depend_v on_o generation_n but_o assert_n the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n and_o withal_o that_o god_n power_n can_v not_o extendit_n self_n beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o wrought_v upon_o atque_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o in_o quo_fw-la ratio_fw-la nostra_fw-la ac_fw-la platonis_fw-la tum_fw-la aliorum_fw-la qui_fw-la apud_fw-la graecos_n de_fw-la rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la recte_fw-la conscripserunt_fw-la à _fw-la mose_n dissidet_fw-la how_o true_a these_o word_n be_v will_v appear_v afterward_o chaleidius_fw-la in_o his_o commentary_n on_o plato_n timaeus_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o he_o be_v still_o translate_v sylva_fw-la and_o inquire_v into_o the_o different_a opinion_n of_o all_o philosopher_n about_o it_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o according_a to_o moses_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v its_o production_n from_o god_n hebraei_n sylvam_fw-la generatam_fw-la esse_fw-la confitentur_fw-la quorum_fw-la 372._o sapientissimus_fw-la moses_n non_fw-la humana_fw-la facundia_fw-la sed_fw-la divina_fw-la ut_fw-la ferunt_fw-la inspiratione_n vegetatus_fw-la in_fw-la eo_fw-la libro_fw-la qui_fw-la de_fw-la genitura_fw-la mundi_fw-la censetur_fw-la ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la sic_fw-la est_fw-la profatus_fw-la juxta_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la lxx_o prudentium_fw-la initio_fw-la deus_fw-la fecit_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la terra_fw-la autem_fw-la erat_fw-la invisibilis_fw-la &_o incompta_fw-la ut_fw-la vero_fw-la ait_fw-la aquila_n caput_fw-la rerum_fw-la condidit_fw-la deus_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la terra_fw-la porro_fw-la inanis_fw-la erat_fw-la &_o nihil_fw-la vel_fw-la nt_v symachus_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la condidit_fw
unavoidable_a on_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o god_n be_v corporeal_a and_o confine_v to_o the_o world_n as_o his_o proper_a place_n and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o second_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n which_o suppose_v the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n as_o coexi_v with_o god_n i_o come_v now_o to_o that_o which_o make_v most_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o atomical_a or_o epicurean_a hypothesis_n but_o will_v appear_v 11._o to_o be_v as_o irrational_a as_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n for_o otherwise_o suppose_v a_o deity_n which_o produce_v the_o world_n and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o order_n it_o be_v now_o in_o and_o supreme_o govern_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o many_o of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v far_o more_o intelligible_o explain_v by_o matter_n and_o motion_n then_o by_o substantial_a form_n and_o real_a quality_n few_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n do_v now_o scruple_n but_o because_o these_o little_a particle_n of_o matter_n may_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o many_o appearance_n of_o nature_n that_o therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n shall_v be_v from_o no_o wise_a principle_n than_o the_o casual_a concourse_n of_o these_o atom_n be_v one_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o be_v intoxicate_v with_o those_o opinion_n they_o be_v once_o in_o love_n with_o when_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o allow_v a_o hypothesis_n its_o due_a place_n and_o subserviency_n to_o god_n and_o providence_n but_o think_v these_o atom_n have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o in_o they_o unless_o they_o can_v extrude_v a_o deity_n quite_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n which_o have_v give_v it_o entertainment_n among_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n epicurus_n himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o pythocles_n urge_v that_o as_o a_o considerable_a circumstance_n in_o his_o opinion_n that_o he_o bring_v no_o god_n down_o upon_o the_o stage_n to_o put_v thing_n in_o order_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o his_o paraphra_v lucretius_n have_v thus_o render_v 5._o nequaquam_fw-la nobis_fw-la divinitus_fw-la esse_fw-la paratam_fw-la naturam_fw-la rerum_fw-la if_o this_o opinion_n then_o be_v true_a the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n quite_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o account_n we_o be_v oblige_v more_o particular_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o hypothesis_n then_o of_o epicurus_n be_v that_o before_o the_o world_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o form_n and_o order_v it_o be_v now_o in_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a empty_a space_n in_o which_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o solid_a particle_n or_o atom_n of_o different_a size_n and_o shape_n which_o by_o their_o weight_n be_v in_o continual_a motion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o various_a occursion_n of_o these_o all_o the_o body_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v frame_v into_o that_o order_n they_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v full_o express_v by_o dionysius_n in_o eusebius_n and_o very_o agreeable_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o epicurus_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o herodotus_n and_o pythocles_n and_o to_o what_o plutarch_n provide_v report_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o epicurus_n though_o he_o name_v he_o not_o if_o at_o least_o that_o book_n be_v he_o which_o muretus_n deny_v the_o word_n of_o dionysius_n be_v these_o concern_v the_o epicurean_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n be_v from_o this_o general_a rendezvous_a of_o atom_n in_o this_o infinite_a space_n in_o which_o after_o many_o encounter_n and_o face_n about_o they_o fall_v into_o their_o several_a troop_n and_o make_v up_o that_o order_a battalion_n which_o now_o the_o world_n be_v the_o scheme_n of_o it_o be_v not_o imprudent_o do_v of_o epicurus_n to_o make_v the_o world_n infinite_a as_o well_o as_o his_o space_n and_o atom_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o his_o atom_n will_v make_v one_o world_n they_o may_v make_v a_o thousand_o and_o who_o will_v spare_v for_o world_n when_o he_o may_v make_v they_o so_o easy_o lucretius_n give_v we_o in_o so_o exact_a a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a course_n the_o atom_n take_v up_o in_o dispose_n themselves_o into_o body_n as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v muster-master-general_n at_o that_o great_a rendezvous_a for_o thus_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o atom_n quae_fw-la quia_fw-la multimodis_fw-la multis_fw-la mutata_fw-la per_fw-la omne_fw-la exit_fw-la infinito_fw-la vexantur_fw-la percita_fw-la plagis_fw-la 1._o omne_fw-la genus_fw-la motus_fw-la &_o caetus_fw-la experiundo_fw-la tandem_fw-la deveniunt_fw-la in_o taleis_fw-la disposituras_fw-la qualibus_fw-la haec_fw-la rebus_fw-la consistit_fw-la summa_fw-la creata_fw-la and_o more_o particular_o afterward_o sed_fw-la quia_fw-la multa_fw-la modis_fw-la multis_fw-la primordia_fw-la rerum_fw-la 5._o exit_fw-la infinito_fw-la jam_fw-la tempore_fw-la percita_fw-la plagis_fw-la ponderibusque_fw-la suis_fw-la consuërunt_fw-la concita_fw-la ferri_fw-la omnimodisque_fw-la coire_fw-la atque_fw-la omne_fw-la pertentare_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la possunt_fw-la congressa_fw-la creare_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la mirum_fw-la si_fw-la in_o taleis_fw-la disposituras_fw-la deciderunt_fw-la queque_fw-la &_o in_o taleis_fw-la venere_fw-la meatus_fw-la qualibus_fw-la haec_fw-la rerum_fw-la â—enitur_fw-la nunc_fw-la summa_fw-la novando_fw-la thus_o we_o see_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o epicurean_a hypothesis_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o atom_n which_o by_o their_o frequent_a occursion_n do_v at_o last_o meet_v with_o those_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o and_o these_o be_v conjoin_v together_o make_v up_o those_o body_n which_o we_o see_v so_o that_o all_o the_o account_n we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v from_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o the_o atom_n in_o the_o first_o form_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o different_a contexture_n of_o they_o in_o body_n and_o this_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_a epicurean_o not_o with_o any_o doubt_n or_o hesitation_n but_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n imaginable_a so_o tully_n observe_v of_o velleius_n the_o epicurean_a begin_v his_o discourse_n fidenter_fw-la 1._o sane_fw-la ut_fw-la solent_fw-la isti_fw-la nihil_fw-la tam_fw-la verens_fw-la quam_fw-la ne_fw-la dubitare_fw-la de_fw-fr aliqua_fw-la re_fw-la videretur_fw-la tanquam_fw-la modo_fw-la ex_fw-la deorum_fw-la concilio_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la epicuri_fw-la intermundiis_fw-la descendisset_fw-la confidence_n be_v the_o peculiar_a genius_n of_o that_o sect_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o they_o to_o be_v accompany_v with_o very_o little_a reason_n for_o those_o two_o thing_n which_o make_v any_o principle_n in_o philosophy_n 12._o to_o be_v reject_v this_o atomical_a hypothesis_n be_v unavoidable_o charge_v with_o and_o those_o be_v if_o the_o principle_n be_v take_v up_o without_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v give_v any_o sufficient_a account_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v therefore_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o hypothesis_n as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n be_v first_o mere_o precarious_a and_o build_v on_o no_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o reason_n second_o that_o it_o can_v give_v any_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o precarious_a hypothesis_n and_o have_v no_o evidence_n of_o reason_n on_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v up_o and_o that_o will_v be_v prove_v by_o two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v such_o a_o hypothesis_n as_o the_o epicurean_o themselves_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n 2._o that_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n its_o self_n be_v repugnant_a to_o those_o catholic_n law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o universe_n 1._o the_o epicurean_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n 2._o because_o their_o way_n of_o prove_v it_o be_v insufficient_a 1._o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o prove_v from_o those_o criteria_fw-la which_o epicurus_n lay_v down_o as_o the_o only_a certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n by_o and_o those_o be_v sense_n anticipation_n and_o passion_n let_v sense_n be_v never_o so_o infallible_a a_o ruie_a of_o judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o evidence_n to_o
sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o let_v he_o extend_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o long_o as_o he_o please_v which_o be_v his_o great_a help_n for_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o sense_n viz._n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a court_n when_o the_o case_n be_v not_o clear_a ampliandum_fw-la est_fw-la so_o epicurus_n will_v have_v the_o object_n represent_v every_o way_n it_o can_v be_v before_o he_o pass_v his_o judgement_n yet_o this_o prudent_a caution_n will_v do_v he_o no_o good_a for_o this_o hypothesis_n unless_o he_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o stay_v till_o this_o world_n be_v crumble_v into_o atom_n again_o that_o by_o that_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n leave_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n inevident_a to_o sense_n as_o by_o epicurus_n his_o own_o confession_n all_o these_o atom_n be_v which_o be_v now_o the_o component_a particle_n of_o body_n much_o more_o those_o which_o by_o their_o fortuitous_a concourse_n give_v be_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v if_o something_o evident_a to_o sense_n do_v apparent_o prove_v it_o which_o be_v his_o way_n of_o prove_v a_o vacuity_n in_o nature_n from_o motion_n but_o though_o that_o be_v easy_o answer_v by_o principle_n different_a from_o those_o of_o epicurus_n and_o more_o rational_a yet_o that_o very_a way_n of_o probation_n fail_v he_o in_o his_o present_a hypothesis_n for_o what_o be_v there_o evident_a to_o sense_n which_o prove_v a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n for_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n nay_o if_o we_o grant_v he_o that_o the_o composition_n of_o body_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o contexture_n of_o these_o insensible_a particle_n yet_o this_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o evidence_n to_o sense_n that_o these_o particle_n without_o any_o wise_a and_o direct_a providence_n shall_v make_v up_o such_o body_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n we_o may_v well_o ask_v as_o the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n do_v whether_o ever_o epicurus_n find_v a_o poem_n make_v by_o the_o casual_a throw_v of_o letter_n together_o and_o if_o a_o concourse_n of_o atom_n do_v produce_v the_o world_n cur_n porticum_fw-la cur_n templum_fw-la cur_n domum_fw-la cur_n urbem_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la why_o do_v it_o never_o produce_v 2._o a_o cloister_n a_o temple_n a_o house_n a_o city_n which_o be_v far_o easy_a thing_n than_o the_o world_n i_o know_v epicurus_n will_v soon_o reply_v that_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o world_n now_o then_o when_o it_o be_v first_o produce_v i_o grant_v it_o and_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o because_o no_o such_o thing_n ever_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n now_o as_o a_o mere_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n to_o produce_v any_o thing_n epicurus_n can_v have_v no_o evidence_n from_o sense_n at_o all_o to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o hypothesis_n by_o and_o as_o little_a relief_n can_v he_o find_v from_o his_o second_o criterium_fw-la viz._n anticipation_n for_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n all_o anticipation_n depend_v on_o the_o sense_n and_o man_n have_v it_o only_o one_o of_o these_o four_o way_n 1._o by_o 7._o incursion_n as_o the_o species_n of_o a_o man_n be_v preserve_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o 2._o by_o proportion_n as_o we_o can_v enlarge_v or_o contract_v that_o species_n of_o a_o man_n either_o into_o a_o giant_n or_o pygmy_n 3._o by_o similitude_n as_o we_o may_v fancy_v the_o image_n of_o a_o city_n by_o resemblance_n to_o one_o which_o we_o have_v see_v 4._o by_o composition_n whereby_o we_o may_v join_v different_a image_n together_o as_o of_o a_o horse_n and_o man_n to_o make_v a_o centaur_n now_o though_o it_o be_v very_o questionable_a how_o some_o of_o these_o way_n belong_v to_o a_o criterium_fw-la of_o truth_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o reach_v our_o case_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o incursion_n of_o insensible_a particle_n as_o such_o upon_o our_o sense_n we_o may_v indeed_o by_o proportion_n imagine_v the_o parvitude_n of_o they_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n similitude_n can_v do_v no_o good_a unless_o epicurus_n have_v ever_o see_v a_o world_n make_v so_o the_o only_a relief_n must_v be_v from_o composition_n and_o that_o will_v prove_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n by_o atom_n to_o be_v as_o true_a as_o that_o there_o be_v centaur_n in_o the_o world_n which_o we_o very_o believe_v these_o be_v the_o only_a criteria_n by_o which_o epicurus_n will_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o natural_a thing_n by_o for_o the_o three_o passion_n relate_v whole_o to_o thing_n moral_a and_o not_o physical_a and_o now_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n by_o atom_n can_v ever_o be_v prove_v true_a either_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n or_o by_o anticipation_n the_o way_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v this_o hypothesis_n be_v insufficient_a 2._o and_o that_o be_v by_o prove_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o world_n be_v compound_v of_o such_o insensible_a particle_n now_o grant_v the_o thing_n i_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o what_o though_o the_o composition_n of_o body_n be_v from_o the_o contexture_n of_o atom_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o these_o particle_n do_v casual_o produce_v these_o body_n nay_o do_v it_o at_o all_o follow_v that_o because_o body_n upon_o their_o resolution_n do_v fall_v into_o insensible_a particle_n of_o different_a size_n figure_n and_o motion_n therefore_o these_o particle_n must_v be_v preaexistent_a to_o all_o body_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v now_o a_o universal_a lump_n of_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o these_o insensible_a particle_n arise_v and_o whether_o they_o return_v on_o the_o dissolution_n of_o body_n and_o all_o these_o various_a corpuscle_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o uniform_a substance_n only_o with_o the_o alteration_n of_o size_n shape_n and_o motion_n but_o what_o then_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o because_o particular_a body_n do_v now_o emerge_n out_o of_o the_o various_a configuration_n and_o motion_n of_o insensible_a paerticle_n of_o that_o matter_n which_o exist_v in_o the_o world_n that_o therefore_o this_o whole_a matter_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o casual_a occursion_n of_o these_o atom_n it_o will_v ask_v more_o time_n and_o pain_n than_o be_v usual_o take_v by_o the_o philosopher_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a to_o prove_v that_o those_o thing_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v whether_o element_n or_o particle_n out_o of_o which_o body_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v compound_v do_v exist_v separately_z from_o such_o compound_a body_n and_o antecedent_o to_o they_o we_o find_v no_o aristotelian_a element_n pure_a in_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o particle_n of_o matter_n destitute_a of_o such_o a_o size_n figure_n and_o motion_n as_o do_v make_v some_o body_n or_o other_o from_o whence_o then_o can_v we_o infer_v either_o the_o existence_n of_o aristotle_n materia_fw-la prima_fw-la without_o quiddity_n quantity_n or_o quality_n or_o the_o epicurean_a atom_n without_o such_o a_o contexture_n as_o make_v up_o some_o body_n in_o the_o world_n our_o profound_a naturalist_n dr._n harvey_n after_o his_o most_o accurate_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o generation_n of_o thing_n deliver_v this_o as_o his_o experience_n and_o judgement_n concern_v the_o common_o repute_a element_n or_o principle_n of_o body_n for_o speak_v of_o the_o different_a opinion_n 72._o of_o empedocles_n and_o hypocrates_n and_o democritus_n and_o epicurus_n concern_v the_o composition_n of_o body_n he_o add_v ego_fw-la vero_fw-la neque_fw-la in_o animalium_fw-la productione_fw-la nec_fw-la omnino_fw-la in_o ulla_fw-la corporum_fw-la similarium_fw-la generatione_n sive_fw-la ea_fw-la partium_fw-la animalium_fw-la sive_fw-la plantarum_fw-la lapidum_fw-la mineralium_fw-la etc._n etc._n fuerit_fw-la vel_fw-la congregationem_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la vel_fw-la miscibilia_fw-la diversa_fw-la in_o generation_n be_v opere_fw-la unienda_fw-la praeexistere_fw-la observare_fw-la unquam_fw-la potui_fw-la and_o after_o explain_v the_o way_n which_o he_o conceive_v most_o rational_a and_o consonant_a to_o experience_n in_o the_o generation_n of_o thing_n he_o conclude_v his_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n idemque_fw-la in_o omni_fw-la generatione_n furi_fw-la crediderim_fw-la adeo_fw-la ut_fw-la corpora_fw-la similaria_fw-la mista_fw-la elementa_fw-la sua_fw-la tempore_fw-la priora_fw-la non_fw-la habeant_fw-la sed_fw-la illa_fw-la potius_fw-la element_n be_v suis_fw-la prius_fw-la existant_fw-la nempe_fw-la empedoclis_fw-la atque_fw-la aristotel_n be_v igne_fw-la aqua_fw-la aëre_fw-la terra_fw-la vel_fw-la chymicorum_fw-la sale_n sulphur_n &_o mercurio_n aut_fw-la democriti_n atomis_fw-la utpote_fw-la natura_fw-la quoque_fw-la ipsis_fw-la perfectiora_fw-la sunt_fw-la inquam_fw-la mista_fw-la &_o composita_fw-la etiam_fw-la tempore_fw-la priora_fw-la element_n be_v
plato_n and_o pythagoras_n attribute_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o the_o malignity_n of_o matter_n and_o so_o they_o make_v evil_n to_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a upon_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n for_o thus_o he_o deliver_v express_o the_o opinion_n of_o pythagoras_n qui_fw-fr ait_fw-fr existente_fw-la providentia_fw-la mala_fw-la quoque_fw-la necessario_fw-la substitisse_fw-la propterea_fw-la quod_fw-la sylva_fw-la sit_fw-la &_o eadem_fw-la sit_fw-la malitia_fw-la praedita_fw-la platonemque_fw-la idem_fw-la numenius_n laudat_fw-la quod_fw-la dvas_fw-la mundi_fw-la â—â—mas_fw-la autumet_fw-la unam_fw-la beneficentissimam_fw-la malignam_fw-la alteram_fw-la sc_n sylvam_fw-la igitur_fw-la juxta_fw-la platonem_fw-la mundo_fw-la bona_fw-la sua_fw-la dei_fw-la tanquam_fw-la patris_fw-la liberalitate_fw-la collata_fw-la sunt_fw-la mala_fw-la vero_fw-la matris_fw-la sylvae_fw-la vitio_fw-la cohaeserunt_fw-la but_o plutarch_n timaeâ—_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v that_o plato_n attribute_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a mere_o to_o matter_n but_o he_o make_v the_o principle_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v something_o distinct_a from_o matter_n which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o confuse_a infinite_a selfmoving_a stir_v principle_n which_o say_v he_o he_o else_o where_o call_v necessity_n and_o in_o his_o de_fw-la legibus_fw-la plain_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o disorderly_a and_o malignant_a soul_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o mere_a matter_n when_o he_o make_v his_o hyle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o form_n or_o figure_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o quality_n and_o power_n of_o operation_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a say_v he_o that_o that_o which_o be_v of_o its_o self_n such_o a_o inert_a principle_n as_o matter_n be_v shall_v by_o plato_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o principle_n of_o evil_n which_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d necessity_n which_o often_o resist_v god_n and_o cast_v off_o his_o reins_o so_o that_o according_a to_o plutarch_n plato_n acquit_v both_o god_n and_o hyle_n from_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o attribute_n it_o to_o that_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o move_v the_o matter_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o disorderly_a motion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o this_o spirit_n shall_v be_v neither_o he_o nor_o any_o one_o else_o can_v ever_o understand_v what_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n than_o be_v there_o among_o the_o wise_a of_o philosopher_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a when_o they_o be_v so_o consuse_v and_o obscure_a in_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o it_o that_o their_o great_a admirer_n can_v not_o understand_v they_o but_o though_o plato_n seem_v so_o ambiguous_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a whether_o he_o shall_v attribute_v it_o to_o the_o 12._o hyle_n or_o some_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o it_o the_o stoic_n be_v more_o dogmatical_a and_o plain_o impute_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a to_o the_o perversity_n of_o matter_n so_o chalcidius_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o stoic_n make_v matter_n not_o to_o be_v evil_a in_o its_o self_n as_o pythagoras_n but_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o either_o perrogati_fw-la igitur_fw-la unde_fw-la mala_fw-la 39â—_n perversitatem_fw-la seminarium_fw-la malorum_fw-la causati_fw-la sunt_fw-la they_o make_v the_o perversity_n of_o matter_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a but_o as_o he_o well_o observe_v nec_fw-la expediunt_fw-la adhuâ—_n undeâ—â—psa_fw-la perversitas_fw-la cum_fw-la juxta_fw-la ipsos_fw-la duo_fw-la sint_fw-la initia_fw-la rerum_fw-la dâ—â—â—â—_n &_o sylva_fw-la deus_fw-la summum_fw-la &_o praecellens_fw-la bonum_fw-la sylva_fw-la ut_fw-la censent_fw-la nec_fw-la bonum_fw-la nec_fw-la malum_fw-la they_o give_v no_o rational_a account_n whence_o this_o perversity_n of_o matter_n shall_v arise_v when_o according_a to_o the_o stoic_n there_o be_v but_o two_o principle_n of_o thing_n god_n and_o matter_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v perfect_o good_a the_o other_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o this_o perversity_n they_o tell_v we_o be_v something_o necessary_o consequent_a upon_o the_o generation_n of_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o be_v affection_n viz._n the_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n which_o follow_v the_o generation_n of_o thing_n as_o rust_n come_v upon_o brass_n and_o filth_n upon_o the_o body_n as_o the_o counterfeit_a trismegistus_n speak_v so_o maximus_n tyrius_n say_v that_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o any_o work_n of_o art_n but_o the_o affection_n of_o 5._o matter_n non_fw-la potest_fw-la artifex_fw-la mutare_fw-la materiam_fw-la say_v seneca_n when_o he_o be_v give_v a_o account_n why_o god_n suffer_v evil_n in_o the_o world_n and_o elsewhere_o give_v thâ—s_a account_n why_o evil_n come_v into_o he_o world_n non_fw-la quia_fw-la cessat_fw-la ars_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la id_fw-la in_o quo_fw-la exercetur_fw-la quaest_n inobsequens_fw-la arti_fw-la est_fw-la so_o that_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a by_o this_o account_n of_o it_o lie_v whole_o upon_o the_o perversity_n of_o matter_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v put_v into_o better_a order_n by_o that_o god_n who_o produce_v the_o world_n out_o of_o that_o matter_n which_o the_o stoic_n suppose_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o avoid_v the_o attribute_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a to_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o make_v it_o matter_n necessary_a and_o coexistent_a with_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a plausible_a pretence_n which_o hermogenes_n have_v for_o follow_v the_o platonist_n and_o stoic_n in_o this_o opinion_n that_o he_o may_v set_v god_n far_o enough_o off_o from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n but_o i_o can_v sâ—e_v what_o advantage_n come_v at_o all_o by_o this_o hypothesis_n but_o it_o be_v chargeable_a with_o as_o many_o difficulty_n as_o any_o other_o for_o 1._o it_o either_o destroy_v god_n omnipotency_n or_o else_o make_v he_o the_o 1._o approver_n of_o evil_n so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o auctor_fw-la he_o must_v be_v assentator_n mali_fw-la as_o tertullian_n speak_v against_o hermogenes_n because_o he_o suffer_v evil_a to_o be_v in_o matter_n for_o as_o he_o argue_v aut_fw-la 10._o enim_fw-la potuit_fw-la emendare_fw-la sed_fw-la noluit_fw-la aut_fw-la voluit_fw-la quidem_fw-la verum_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la infirmus_fw-la deus_fw-la si_fw-la potuit_fw-la &_o noluit_fw-la malus_fw-la &_o ipse_fw-la quia_fw-la malâ—_n savit_fw-la &_o fic_z jam_fw-la habetur_fw-la ejus_fw-la licet_fw-la non_fw-la instituerit_fw-la quia_fw-la tamen_fw-la si_fw-la noluisset_fw-la illud_fw-la essâ—_n non_fw-la esset_fw-la ipse_fw-la jam_fw-la fecit_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la noluit_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la quo_fw-la quid_fw-la â—st_fw-la â—urpius_fw-la si_fw-mi voluit_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la ipse_fw-la noluit_fw-la fecisse_fw-la adversum_fw-la semetipsum_fw-la egit_fw-la cum_fw-la &_o voluit_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la noluit_fw-la fecisse_fw-la &_o noluit_fw-la fecisse_fw-la quod_fw-la voluit_fw-la esse_fw-la so_o that_o little_a advantage_n be_v gain_v for_o the_o clear_n the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o evil_a by_o this_o opinion_n for_o either_o god_n can_v have_v take_v away_o evil_a out_o of_o matter_n but_o will_v not_o or_o else_o will_v but_o can_v not_o this_o latter_a destroy_v god_n omnipotency_n the_o former_a his_o good-ness_a for_o by_o that_o mean_v evil_a be_v in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o consent_n and_o approbation_n for_o if_o god_n will_v not_o remove_v it_o when_o he_o may_v the_o be_v of_o it_o will_v come_v from_o he_o when_o if_o he_o will_v have_v hinder_v it_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v and_o so_o god_n by_o not_o root_a out_o of_o evil_a will_v be_v find_v a_o assertor_n of_o it_o male_a si_fw-la per_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la turpiter_fw-la si_fw-la per_fw-la necessitatem_fw-la aut_fw-la famulus_fw-la erit_fw-la mali_fw-la deus_fw-la aut_fw-la amicus_fw-la if_o god_n will_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o sin_n be_v it_o reflect_v on_o his_o goodness_n if_o god_n power_n can_v not_o hinder_v it_o it_o destroy_v his_o omnipotency_n so_o that_o by_o this_o opinion_n god_n must_v either_o be_v a_o slave_n or_o a_o friend_n to_o evil_n 2._o this_o principle_n 2._o overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n soul_n in_o order_n to_o their_o welfare_n because_o it_o make_v evil_a to_o be_v necessary_o existent_a in_o the_o world_n which_o appear_v from_o hence_o in_o that_o evil_n do_v result_v from_o the_o be_v of_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v as_o matter_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v for_o whatever_o result_v from_o the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n must_v be_v coexistent_a with_o it_o and_o so_o what_o flow_v from_o what_o do_v necessary_o exist_v must_v have_v the_o same_o mode_n of_o existence_n which_o the_o be_v its_o self_n have_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o have_v the_o same_o immutability_n with_o his_o nature_n now_o than_o if_o evil_a do_v exist_v
the_o greek_n receive_v from_o the_o barbarian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o put_v it_o into_o epinom_n a_o better_a fashion_n i._n e._n they_o disguise_v it_o alter_z and_o change_v it_o as_o they_o please_v and_o put_v it_o into_o a_o greek_a habit_n that_o it_o may_v never_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v be_v a_o foreigner_n thence_o tertullian_n speak_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n and_o freedom_n of_o such_o philosopher_n who_o do_v ingenii_fw-la sitim_fw-la de_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la fonte_fw-la irrigare_fw-la as_o he_o express_v it_o that_o quench_v their_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n with_o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n though_o they_o do_v not_o like_o 47._o naaman_n cure_v the_o leproâ—ic_n of_o the_o head_n by_o wash_v in_o they_o for_o as_o tertullian_n say_v theâ—_n come_v only_o ex_fw-la negotio_fw-la curiositatis_fw-la more_o to_o please_v the_o i_o tch_n oâ—_n their_o curiosity_n then_o to_o cure_v it_o and_o wherein_o they_o seem_v most_o to_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n their_o difference_n be_v beyond_o their_o agreement_n siquidem_fw-la 2._o vera_fw-la quaeque_fw-la &_o consonantia_fw-la prophetis_fw-la aut_fw-la aliunde_fw-la commendant_fw-la aut_fw-la aliorsum_fw-la subornant_fw-la cum_fw-la maxima_fw-la injuria_fw-la veritatis_fw-la quam_fw-la efficiunt_fw-la aut_fw-la adjuvari_fw-la falsis_fw-la aut_fw-la patrocinari_fw-la whatever_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n either_o they_o do_v not_o own_v whence_o they_o have_v it_o or_o turn_v it_o quite_o another_o way_n whereby_o they_o have_v do_v the_o truth_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o injury_n by_o mix_v it_o with_o their_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o make_v that_o little_a truth_n a_o plea_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o error_n neither_o be_v this_o only_a among_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n but_o the_o primitive_a christian_n begin_v to_o discern_v the_o underhand_a work_n of_o such_o who_o seek_v to_o blend_v philosophy_n and_o christianity_n together_o for_o tertullian_n himself_o take_v great_a notice_n of_o such_o who_o do_v veritatis_fw-la dogmata_fw-la ad_fw-la philosophicas_fw-la sententias_fw-la adulterare_fw-la suborn_v christianity_n to_o maintain_v philosophy_n which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o viderint_fw-la qui_fw-la stoicum_fw-la &_o platonicum_n &_o dialecticum_fw-la christianismum_fw-la protulerunt_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o tamper_n there_o be_v betimes_o rather_o to_o bring_v christianity_n 7._o down_o to_o philosophy_n rather_o than_o to_o make_v philosophy_n truckle_n under_o the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o ammonius_n himself_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o school_n of_o alexandria_n may_v be_v guilty_a in_o this_o kind_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n to_o inquire_v though_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n of_o some_o that_o they_o rather_o seek_v to_o accommodate_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n then_o to_o reform_v that_o by_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o say_v however_o it_o be_v with_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n yet_o those_o who_o be_v not_o but_o only_a philosopher_n make_v their_o great_a advantage_n by_o it_o for_o when_o they_o find_v what_o be_v reconcileable_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v already_o to_o their_o hand_n by_o the_o endeavour_n chief_o of_o ammonius_n and_o origen_n they_o greedy_o embrace_v those_o improvement_n of_o their_o philosophy_n which_o will_v tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o and_o as_o contemptuous_o reject_v what_o they_o find_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o philosophy_n now_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n be_v it_o when_o what_o ever_o be_v noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v derivative_a from_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n as_o the_o sacred_a fountain_n of_o it_o that_o the_o meeting_n with_o such_o thing_n shall_v in_o the_o least_o redound_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v original_o derive_v when_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o who_o be_v profess_v philosopher_n and_o admirer_n only_o of_o reason_n do_v so_o ready_o embrace_v some_o of_o those_o grand_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o need_v no_o other_o instance_n then_o that_o before_o 14._o we_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a the_o make_v out_o of_o which_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o clear_v the_o last_o thing_n mention_v concern_v it_o which_o be_v that_o the_o most_o material_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o and_o this_o honey_n which_o be_v gain_v out_o of_o the_o lion_n mouth_n must_v needs_o taste_v sweet_a than_o any_o other_o do_v for_o it_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o groundless_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o be_v the_o second_o which_o arise_v from_o meet_v thing_n consonant_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o write_n of_o philosopher_n present_o to_o conclude_v from_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v say_v some_o have_v late_o do_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o hierocles_n for_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a account_n give_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o grand_a difficulty_n and_o perplexity_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v trouble_v with_o when_o these_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o who_o be_v of_o philosophic_a and_o inquisitive_a head_n we_o can_v but_o think_v they_o will_v meet_v with_o acceptation_n among_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o may_v be_v make_v consistent_a with_o their_o former_a speculation_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a we_o have_v already_o behold_v the_o lamentable_a perplexity_n the_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v in_o about_o it_o what_o maeander_n they_o be_v lose_v in_o for_o want_v of_o a_o clue_n to_o guide_v they_o through_o they_o now_o it_o please_v god_n after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flâ—shâ—o_o â—o_z declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o recovery_n 〈◊〉_d soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o news_n of_o which_o be_v spread_v so_o far_o that_o it_o soon_o get_v among_o the_o philosopher_n can_v not_o but_o make_v they_o more_o inquisitive_a concern_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o when_o they_o have_v search_v what_o the_o philosopher_n have_v former_o discover_v of_o it_o their_o curiosity_n will_v present_o prompt_v they_o to_o see_v what_o account_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o soul_n of_o 〈◊〉_d deliver_v by_o the_o preacher_n of_o this_o new_a doctrine_n bâ—_n 〈◊〉_d they_o can_v not_o but_o present_o understand_v that_o they_o declare_v all_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v in_o a_o most_o degenerate_a and_o low_a condition_n by_o be_v so_o continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a and_o unruly_a passion_n that_o they_o be_v estrange_v from_o god_n and_o prone_a to_o fix_v on_o thing_n very_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o nature_n as_o to_o all_o which_o their_o own_o inward_a sense_n and_o experience_n can_v but_o tell_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v notorious_o true_a and_o therefore_o they_o inquire_v further_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v so_o which_o they_o receive_v a_o full_a account_n of_o in_o scripture_n that_o man_n soul_n be_v at_o first_o create_v pure_a and_o holy_a and_o in_o perfect_a friendship_n with_o god_n that_o god_n deal_v bountiful_o and_o favourable_o with_o man_n only_o expect_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n that_o man_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n do_v abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o disobey_v his_o maker_n and_o thence_o come_v the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o feather_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o soar_v up_o to_o heaven_n moult_v away_o and_o the_o soul_n sink_v below_o its_o self_n into_o a_o degenerate_a and_o apostate_n condition_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v recover_v without_o some_o extraordinary_a expression_n of_o divine_a favour_n now_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o account_n but_o what_o be_v huge_o suitable_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v try_v by_o it_o and_o those_o philosopher_n who_o be_v any_o thing_n ingenuous_a and_o lover_n of_o truth_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o viz._n that_o man_n soul_n be_v in_o a_o very_a degenerate_a condition_n that_o the_o most_o rational_a account_n of_o it_o be_v that_o man_n by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o own_o will_n bring_v himself_o into_o it_o and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n soul_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o recovery_n out_o of_o this_o condition_n as_o to_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o
not_o to_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o evil_n in_o they_o and_o as_o they_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o evil_n so_o they_o have_v but_o a_o mixture_n of_o punishment_n none_o lie_v under_o so_o great_a misery_n here_o but_o withal_o they_o have_v some_o share_n in_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v less_o wonder_n that_o this_o part_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n have_v not_o want_v some_o among_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o vindicate_v it_o which_o set_v aside_o what_o simplicius_n on_o epictetus_n and_o many_o other_o have_v do_v be_v full_o perform_v by_o seneca_n in_o his_o tract_n on_o this_o very_a sâ—â—â—â—ct_n â—â—ur_fw-la bonis_fw-la male_a sit_fw-la cum_fw-la sit_fw-la providentia_fw-la as_o muretuâ—â—_n restore_v the_o title_n of_o that_o book_n wherein_o these_o follow_a account_n be_v give_v of_o it_o 1._o god_n bring_v they_o up_o as_o his_o child_n under_o sharp_a discipline_n for_o their_o future_a benefit_n a_o good_a man_n in_o seneca_n language_n be_v discipulus_fw-la dei_fw-la aemulatorque_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la progeny_n which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v one_o teach_v of_o god_n a_o follower_n of_o 1_o god_n and_o one_o bear_v of_o he_o now_o say_v he_o parens_fw-la ille_fw-la magnificus_fw-la virtutum_fw-la non_fw-la lenis_fw-la exactor_n sicut_fw-la severi_fw-la patres_fw-la durius_fw-la educat_fw-la god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a father_n of_o good_a man_n keep_v they_o under_o discipline_n while_o under_o age_n and_o by_o hardship_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n thence_o he_o bid_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o different_a indulgence_n of_o father_n and_o mother_n to_o their_o child_n the_o father_n he_o hasten_v they_o to_o school_v suffer_v they_o not_o to_o be_v idle_a on_o their_o playdaye_n make_v they_o toil_n and_o sometime_o cry_v the_o mother_n she_o be_v all_o for_o hold_v they_o in_o her_o lap_n keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o from_o catch_v cold_a will_v not_o willing_o have_v they_o either_o cry_n or_o take_v pain_n patrium_fw-la habet_fw-la deus_fw-la adversus_fw-la bonos_fw-es animum_fw-la &_o illos_fw-la fortius_fw-la amat_fw-la god_n bear_v the_o indulgence_n of_o a_o father_n towards_o his_o child_n and_o love_n they_o with_o great_a severity_n 2._o good_a man_n receive_v benefit_n by_o their_o suffering_n quicquid_fw-la evenit_fw-la in_o suum_fw-la colorem_fw-la trahit_fw-la say_v seneca_n of_o a_o good_a man_n which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v every_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a the_o sea_n lose_v nothing_o say_v he_o of_o its_o saltness_n by_o the_o river_n run_v into_o it_o neither_o do_v a_o good_a man_n by_o the_o current_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o of_o all_o benefit_n which_o he_o receive_v that_o of_o the_o exercise_n and_o trial_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o patience_n be_v most_o discernible_a marcet_n sine_fw-la adversario_fw-la virtus_fw-la as_o soon_o as_o carthage_n be_v destroy_v rome_n fall_v to_o luxury_n true_a wrestler_n desire_v to_o have_v some_o to_o try_v their_o strength_n upon_o they_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la industrio_fw-la otium_fw-la poena_fw-la est_fw-la a_o active_a spirit_n hate_v idleness_n and_o cowardice_n for_o etiamsi_fw-la ceciderit_fw-la de_fw-la genus_fw-la pugnat_fw-la though_o his_o leg_n be_v cut_v off_o he_o will_v fight_v on_o his_o knee_n 3._o it_o redound_v to_o god_n honour_n when_o good_a man_n bear_v up_o under_o suffering_n ecce_fw-la par_fw-fr deo_fw-la dignum_fw-la vir_fw-la fortis_fw-la cum_fw-la mala_fw-la fortuna_fw-la compositus_fw-la it_o be_v a_o spectacle_n god_n delight_v to_o see_v a_o good_a man_n combat_n with_o calamity_n god_n do_v in_o seneca_n phrase_n quosdam_fw-la fastidio_fw-la transire_fw-la pass_v they_o by_o in_o a_o slight_a a_o old_a wrestler_n scorn_v to_o contend_v with_o a_o coward_n one_o who_o be_v vinci_fw-la paratus_fw-la ready_a to_o yield_v up_o present_o calamitates_fw-la sub_fw-la jugum_fw-la mittere_fw-la proprium_fw-la magni_fw-la viri_fw-la est_fw-la it_o argue_v a_o noble_a spirit_n to_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v misery_n 4._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o strength_n seneca_n high_o extol_v that_o speech_n of_o the_o philosopher_n demetrius_n nihil_fw-la infelicius_fw-la eo_fw-la cui_fw-la nihil_fw-la unquam_fw-la evenit_fw-la adversi_fw-la non_fw-la licuit_fw-la enim_fw-la illi_fw-la se_fw-la experiri_fw-la he_o be_v the_o most_o unhappy_a man_n who_o never_o know_v what_o misery_n mean_v for_o he_o can_v never_o know_v what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o as_o he_o say_v to_o pass_v one_o life_n away_o sine_fw-la morsu_fw-la animi_fw-la without_o any_o trouble_n it_o be_v ignorare_fw-la rerum_fw-la naturae_fw-la alteram_fw-la partem_fw-la not_o to_o know_v what_o be_v upon_o the_o reverse_n of_o nature_n idem_fw-la licet_fw-la fecerint_fw-la qui_fw-la integri_fw-la revertuntur_fw-la ex_fw-la acie_n magis_fw-la spectatur_fw-la qui_fw-la sancius_fw-la redit_fw-la though_o he_o that_o come_v home_o sound_a may_v fight_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o be_v wound_v yet_o the_o wound_a person_n have_v the_o more_o pity_n and_o be_v most_o cry_v up_o for_o his_o valour_n the_o pilot_n be_v see_v in_o a_o tempest_n a_o soldier_n in_o battle_n and_o a_o good_a man_n in_o suffering_n god_n do_v by_o such_o as_o master_n do_v by_o scholar_n qui_fw-la plus_fw-la laboris_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la exigunt_fw-la quibus_fw-la certior_fw-la spes_fw-la est_fw-la who_o set_v the_o best_a wit_n the_o hard_a task_n 5._o god_n exercise_v good_a man_n with_o suffering_n to_o discover_v the_o indifferency_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n value_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o deny_v they_o to_o good_a man_n blindness_n will_v be_v hateful_a if_o none_o be_v blind_a but_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v put_v out_o and_o therefore_o appius_n and_o metellus_n be_v blind_a riches_n be_v no_o good_a thing_n therefore_o the_o worst_a as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a have_v they_o nullo_n modo_fw-la magis_fw-la potest_fw-la deus_fw-la concupita_fw-la traducere_fw-la quam_fw-la si_fw-la illa_fw-la ad_fw-la turpissimos_fw-la defert_fw-la ab_fw-la optimis_fw-la abigit_fw-la god_n can_v not_o traduce_v or_o defame_v those_o thing_n more_o which_o man_n desire_v so_o much_o then_o by_o take_v they_o away_o from_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o worst_a 6._o that_o they_o may_v be_v example_n to_o other_o of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o as_o seneca_n conclude_v nati_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o exemplar_n they_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v pattern_n to_o other_o if_o to_o these_o thing_n we_o add_v what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n discover_v concern_v the_o nature_n ground_n and_o end_n of_o affliction_n and_o that_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o comparison_n with_o which_o exceed_v weight_n of_o glory_n these_o light_n and_o momentany_a affliction_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v value_v than_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a vindication_n of_o divine_a providence_n as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o impunity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a but_o how_o ever_o from_o hence_o we_o see_v how_o far_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o reason_n have_v carry_v man_n in_o resolve_v these_o difficulty_n concern_v god_n providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o a_o rational_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o they_o suppose_v evil_a of_o punishment_n to_o arise_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o to_o reward_v the_o good_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n all_o mankind_n derive_v from_o adam_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o contrary_a supposition_n a_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n the_o possibility_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n prove_v the_o flood_n universal_a as_o to_o mankind_n whether_o universal_a as_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o animal_n no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v either_o yet_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v without_o creation_n of_o new_a water_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o proportion_n which_o the_o height_n of_o mountain_n bear_v to_o the_o diameter_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o mountain_n much_o above_o three_o mile_n perpendicular_a of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n the_o opinion_n of_o aristotle_n and_o other_o concern_v it_o discuss_v the_o true_a account_n of_o they_o from_o the_o vapour_n arise_v from_o the_o mass_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o receive_v the_o animal_n from_o buteo_n and_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deluge_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o nation_n from_o noah_n posterity_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a empire_n the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n
after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o reject_v the_o helen_n not_o the_o first_o inhabitant_n of_o greece_n but_o the_o pelasgi_n the_o large_a spread_v of_o they_o over_o the_o part_n of_o greece_n of_o their_o language_n different_a from_o the_o greek_n whence_o these_o pelasgi_n come_v that_o phaleg_n be_v the_o pelasgus_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o colony_n prove_v from_o epiphanius_n the_o language_n of_o the_o pelasgi_n in_o greece_n oriental_n thence_o a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o many_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n in_o the_o island_n of_o greece_n both_o which_o not_o from_o the_o phaenician_o as_o bochartus_n think_v but_o from_o the_o old_a pelasgi_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o affinity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o lacedaemonian_n of_o the_o people_n of_o amercia_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n 1._o of_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fiâ—â—t_a age_n of_o the_o world_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n from_o adam_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v not_o only_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o curiosity_n as_o to_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o nation_n but_o also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o universal_a effect_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v without_o this_o for_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o effect_n of_o man_n fall_n shall_v extend_v to_o all_o mankind_n unless_o all_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v from_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n give_v in_o scripture_n shall_v be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v person_n existent_a in_o the_o world_n long_o before_o adam_n be_v since_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o plain_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n for_o to_o dwell_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n some_o greek_a copy_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d leave_v 26._o out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a follow_v the_o arabic_a version_n to_o explain_v both_o reads_z it_o ex_fw-la homine_fw-la or_o as_o de_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr render_v it_o ex_fw-la adamo_n uno_fw-la there_o be_v but_o the_o difference_n of_o one_o letter_n in_o the_o eastern_a language_n between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o one_o denote_v blood_n and_o the_o other_o man_n but_o if_o we_o take_v it_o as_o our_o more_o ordinary_a copy_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o thereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o all_o mankind_n be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o praeadamite_n weak_o imagine_v for_o by_o that_o reason_n not_o only_a mankind_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o same_o blood_n since_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o form_v out_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v there_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o occur_v in_o the_o best_a greek_a author_n for_o the_o stock_n out_o of_o which_o man_n come_v so_o homer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o thence_o those_o who_o be_v near_a relation_n be_v call_v in_o sophocles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thence_o the_o name_n of_o consanguinity_n for_o nearness_n of_o relation_n and_o virgil_n use_v sanguis_fw-la in_o the_o same_o sense_n trojano_n à _fw-la sanguine_fw-la duci_fw-la so_o that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v that_o however_o man_n now_o be_v so_o disperse_v in_o their_o habitation_n and_o differ_v so_o much_o in_o language_n and_o custom_n from_o each_o other_o yet_o they_o all_o be_v original_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n and_o do_v derive_v their_o succession_n from_o that_o first_o man_n who_o god_n create_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v on_o what_o account_n adam_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o first_o man_n and_o that_o he_o be_v make_v a_o live_a soul_n and_o of_o the_o 47._o earth_n earthy_a unless_o it_o be_v to_o denote_v that_o he_o be_v absolute_o the_o first_o of_o his_o kind_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o when_o our_o saviour_n will_v reduce_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o beginning_n he_o instance_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v pronounce_v after_o eve_n be_v form_v but_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n god_n make_v they_o male_a and_o 7._o female_a for_o this_o cause_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o cleave_v unto_o his_o wife_n now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a then_o from_o hence_o to_o argue_v thus_o those_o of_o who_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v be_v the_o first_o male_a and_o female_a which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o adam_n say_v this_o be_v now_o bone_n of_o my_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o my_o flesh_n 24._o therefore_o shall_v a_o man_n leave_v his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o shall_v cleave_v unto_o his_o wife_n if_o the_o scripture_n then_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a it_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o mankind_n be_v descend_v from_o adam_n and_o no_o less_o conspicuous_a be_v it_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o deliver_v by_o moses_n for_o how_o necessary_a have_v it_o be_v for_o moses_n when_o he_o be_v 2._o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n to_o have_v discover_v by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v first_o plant_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o plantation_n before_o adam_n but_o to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o design_n of_o moses_n be_v only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o that_o adam_n be_v only_o the_o first_o of_o that_o stock_n be_v manifest_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o not_o only_o from_o adam_n and_o noah_n but_o from_o sem_fw-mi abraham_n and_o isaac_n come_v other_o nation_n beside_o that_o of_o jew_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n only_o speak_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n in_o the_o history_n of_o adam_n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o make_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n which_o be_v over_o it_o when_o he_o describe_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o six_o day_n work_n for_o why_o may_v not_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o second_o ver_fw-la of_o genesis_n be_v as_o well_o understand_v of_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o light_n and_o production_n of_o animal_n and_o vegetable_n refer_v only_o to_o that_o as_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o many_o other_o passage_n relate_v to_o those_o elder_a time_n but_o the_o author_n of_o that_o hypothesis_n answer_v that_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n may_v relate_v to_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o people_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o second_o moses_n begin_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n very_o probable_a but_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o put_v asunder_o those_o which_o god_n have_v join_v together_o nothing_o be_v for_o do_v not_o moses_n plain_o at_o first_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o formation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o first_o six_o day_n and_o of_o his_o rest_n on_o the_o seven_o but_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v rest_v then_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n if_o after_o this_o follow_v the_o formation_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n beside_o if_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mention_v gen._n 2._o 7._o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o mention_v gen._n 1._o 27._o then_o by_o all_o parity_n of_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o generation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mention_v gen._n 2._o 4._o must_v be_v distinct_a from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mention_v gen._n 1._o 1._o and_o so_o if_o there_o be_v another_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n belong_v to_o
the_o jew_n in_o gen._n 2._o we_o may_v likewise_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a creation_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o that_o chapter_n distinct_a from_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o former_a again_o further_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n before_o adam_n no_o doubt_n adam_n himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v a_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o name_n of_o his_o wife_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n not_o of_o all_o live_a thing_n for_o that_o 20._o have_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a description_n of_o a_o ceres_n or_o magna_fw-la mater_fw-la or_o diana_n multimammia_n of_o our_o grandmother_n the_o earth_n but_o certain_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o of_o the_o kind_n that_o all_o live_a creature_n that_o be_v of_o humane_a nature_n come_v from_o she_o so_o the_o chaldeâ—_n paraphra_v understand_v it_o she_o be_v call_v hava_n because_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o arabic_a version_n quia_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fuit_fw-la mater_fw-la omnis_fw-la viventis_fw-la rationalis_fw-la to_o which_o 65_o purpose_n our_o learned_a selden_n cite_v the_o version_n of_o the_o mauritanian_a jew_n and_o the_o persic_a of_o tawasius_fw-la but_o what_o ever_o the_o credit_n or_o authority_n of_o these_o version_n be_v this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o adam_n have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o have_v give_v this_o name_n to_o his_o wife_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o of_o mankind_n exist_v in_o the_o world_n from_o other_o mother_n which_o have_v be_v long_o before_o eve_n be_v form_v so_o that_o we_o find_v it_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o if_o the_o report_n give_v of_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o hypothesis_n of_o praeadamite_n be_v undoubted_o false_a and_o certain_o who_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o frequent_a reflection_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v cast_v by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o fiction_n and_o his_o endeavour_v on_o all_o occasion_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o it_o may_v easy_o suspect_v the_o design_n of_o that_o author_n be_v not_o to_o gain_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o opinion_n from_o those_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o he_o make_v show_v of_o which_o be_v pitiful_o weak_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o have_v by_o the_o help_n of_o such_o argument_n make_v his_o opinion_n more_o plausible_a his_o hope_n be_v that_o his_o opinion_n will_v in_o time_n undermine_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o when_o he_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o account_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unsatisfactory_a since_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n which_o the_o scripture_n to_o please_v the_o jewish_a nation_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o so_o that_o after_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o prostitute_v the_o scripture_n to_o his_o opinion_n his_o next_o work_n have_v be_v to_o have_v turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n as_o not_o of_o credit_n to_o be_v rely_v on_o by_o any_o when_o they_o be_v so_o common_a to_o every_o opinion_n but_o how_o impious_a absurd_a and_o rude_a that_o attempt_n be_v upon_o the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v so_o full_o discover_v by_o his_o very_o many_o not_o unlearned_a adversary_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v needless_a so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o weak_o ground_v and_o infirm_o prove_v a_o opinion_n have_v it_o not_o thus_o far_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o main_a foundation_n of_o which_o fabulous_a opinion_n lie_v chief_o in_o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n egyptian_n and_o other_o have_v be_v full_o take_v away_o in_o our_o first_o bsok_n where_o our_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o those_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o heathen_a nation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o scripture_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o adam_n to_o the_o flood_n which_o seem_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o that_o figment_n but_o only_o what_o may_v be_v easy_o resolve_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a conciseness_n of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n in_o report_v that_o long_a interval_n of_o time_n which_o be_v between_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o flood_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o conciseness_n such_o thing_n be_v report_v as_o speedy_o do_v because_o immediate_o succeed_v in_o the_o story_n which_o ask_v a_o very_a considerable_a time_n before_o they_o can_v be_v effect_v and_o beside_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v before_o the_o flood_n be_v all_o quite_o obliterated_a by_o it_o and_o all_o the_o numerous_a posterity_n of_o adam_n be_v then_o destroy_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o family_n except_v to_o what_o purpose_n have_v it_o be_v any_o further_a to_o have_v report_v the_o passage_n before_o the_o flood_n otherwise_o then_o thereby_o to_o let_v we_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o person_n from_o adam_n and_o such_o action_n in_o those_o time_n which_o may_v be_v remarkable_a discovery_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o man_n wickedness_n in_o it_o which_o be_v most_o apparent_a at_o first_o in_o cain_n and_o his_o posteriry_n do_v by_o degree_n so_o spread_v its_o self_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o then_o inhabit_a world_n that_o the_o just_a god_n be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o send_v a_o deluge_n among_o they_o to_o sweep_v away_o the_o present_a inhabitant_n to_o make_v room_n for_o another_o generation_n to_o succeed_v they_o this_o therefore_o we_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n 3_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n after_o the_o flood_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n its_o self_n as_o to_o which_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n 2._o if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o from_o such_o who_o yet_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o be_v only_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v questionable_a to_o reason_n concern_v the_o flood_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o flood_n its_o self_n the_o other_o be_v concern_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o preserve_v all_o kind_n of_o animal_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o question_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o flood_n as_o that_o be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n have_v be_v from_o hence_o that_o some_o have_v suppose_v it_o impossible_a that_o all_o the_o water_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o air_n suppose_v it_o to_o fall_v down_o shall_v raise_v the_o surface_n of_o water_n upon_o the_o earth_n a_o foot_n and_o a_o balf_a in_o height_n so_o that_o either_o new_a water_n must_v be_v create_v to_o overflow_v the_o earth_n or_o else_o there_o must_v be_v suppose_v a_o rarefaction_n of_o the_o water_n contain_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o river_n so_o that_o it_o must_v take_v up_o at_o least_o fifteen_o time_n the_o space_n that_o now_o it_o do_v but_o then_o they_o say_v if_o the_o water_n have_v be_v thus_o rarify_v it_o can_v neither_o have_v destroy_v man_n nor_o beast_n neither_o can_v noabs_n ark_n have_v be_v bear_v up_o by_o it_o any_o more_o than_o by_o liquid_a air_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o can_v see_v any_o urgent_a necessity_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o flood_n do_v spread_v its_o self_n over_o all_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o all_o mankind_n those_o in_o the_o ark_n except_v be_v destroy_v by_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n when_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o flood_n be_v thus_o express_v and_o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a â—_o upon_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v destroy_v man_n who_o i_o have_v create_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o any_o particular_a deluge_n of_o so_o small_a a_o country_n as_o palestine_n which_o be_v here_o express_v as_o some_o have_v ridiculous_o imagine_v for_o we_o find_v a_o universal_a corruption_n in_o the_o earth_n mention_v as_o the_o cause_n a_o universal_a threaten_a upon_o
condition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o the_o scripture_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n that_o clear_o reveal_v the_o way_n which_o man_n may_v have_v seek_v for_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o particular_a revelation_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o whatever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v through_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n through_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n will_v show_v favour_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v ground_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d access_n with_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n unto_o god_n on_o his_o account_n we_o may_v hope_v not_o only_o for_o grace_n so_o subdue_v our_o sin_n resist_v temptation_n conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o have_v fight_v this_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v our_o course_n by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v we_o may_v just_o look_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o wait_v in_o faith_n holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n now_o what_o thing_n can_v there_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v or_o god_n to_o reveal_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o self_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o enjoy_v everlasting_a bliss_n the_o scripture_n discover_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o importance_n 2._o but_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n there_o be_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thing_n we_o may_v admire_v but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v unsearchable_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o they_o what_o certain_a ground_n our_o faith_n stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v insist_v on_o 3._o they_o the_o scripture_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o many_o thing_n do_v much_o exceed_v our_o apprehension_n yet_o other_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o nature_n as_o origen_n bid_v celsus_n see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 135._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o which_o prevail_v most_o upon_o all_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a auditor_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n his_o book_n what_o he_o understand_v be_v excellent_a and_o therefore_o he_o suppose_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v so_o too_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o reason_n those_o can_v contradict_v our_o reason_n which_o yet_o be_v above_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v without_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n wherein_o it_o lay_v and_o how_o to_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puzzle_v with_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v it_o true_a contentment_n under_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n only_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o and_o all_o the_o prescription_n of_o heathen_a moralist_n fall_v as_o much_o short_a of_o as_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o empirick_n do_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o skilful_a physician_n avoid_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v through_o a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n which_o death_n lead_v man_n to_o which_o can_v be_v have_v but_o through_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n themselves_o contain_v in_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o matter_n themselves_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n so_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o and_o that_o 1._o in_o a_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a manner_n not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v still_o some_o passage_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o be_v either_o prophetical_a or_o consist_v of_o ambiguous_a phrase_n or_o contain_v matter_n above_o our_o comprehension_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v deliver_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o perspicuiry_n who_o can_v understand_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n that_o without_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o unless_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o understand_v they_o god_n intend_v these_o thing_n as_o direction_n to_o man_n and_o be_v not_o he_o able_a to_o speak_v intelligible_o when_o he_o please_v he_o that_o make_v the_o tongue_n shall_v he_o not_o speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o term_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n will_v god_n judge_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v strange_a that_o ever_o man_n shall_v judge_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a in_o matter_n necessary_a when_o the_o scripture_n account_v it_o so_o great_a a_o judgement_n for_o man_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v 4._o hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o sure_a lot_n door_n be_v visible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n not_o to_o see_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o judgement_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o 2._o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o authoritative_a manner_n as_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n do_v not_o so_o much_o beg_v acceptance_n as_o command_v it_o in_o that_o the_o expression_n wherein_o our_o duty_n be_v concern_v be_v such_o as_o awe_v man_n conscience_n and_o pierce_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o their_o secret_a thought_n all_o thing_n be_v open_a 13._o and_o naked_a before_o this_o word_n of_o god_n every_o secret_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n lie_v open_a to_o its_o stroke_n and_o force_n it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n be_v a_o telescope_n to_o discover_v the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o microscope_n as_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o small_a atom_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o discern_v the_o most_o secret_a intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o light_n reach_v it_o come_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o it_o come_v arm_v with_o the_o majesty_n
of_o that_o god_n who_o reveal_v it_o who_o authority_n extend_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o its_o most_o secret_a and_o hide_a recess_n 3._o in_o a_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a manner_n in_o all_o other_o write_n how_o good_a soever_o we_o have_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o dross_n and_o gold_n together_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o pure_a gold_n diamond_n without_o flaw_n sun_n without_o spot_n the_o most_o current_a coin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v their_o alloyes_n of_o base_a metal_n there_o be_v no_o such_o mixture_n in_o divine_a truth_n as_o they_o all_o come_v from_o the_o same_o author_n so_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o purity_n there_o be_v a_o urim_n and_o thumim_n upon_o the_o whole_a scripture_n light_n and_o perfection_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o philosopher_n we_o may_v meet_v it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o pure_a metal_n amid_o abundance_n of_o dross_n and_o impure_a oar_n here_o we_o have_v whole_a wedge_n of_o gold_n the_o same_o vein_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o scripture_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n here_o have_v be_v no_o huckster_n to_o corrupt_v and_o mix_v their_o own_o invention_n with_o divine_a 13._o truth_n 4_o in_o a_o uniform_a and_o agreeable_a manner_n this_o i_o grant_v be_v not_o 9_o sufficient_a of_o its_o self_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a because_o all_o man_n do_v not_o contradict_v themselves_o in_o their_o write_n but_o yet_o here_o be_v some_o peculiar_a circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o scripture_n to_o each_o other_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o mere_a humane_a write_n 1._o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o person_n who_o live_v in_o different_a age_n and_o time_n from_o each_o other_o usual_o one_o age_n correct_v another_o fault_n and_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o ignorance_n of_o our_o predecessor_n when_o it_o may_v be_v our_o posterity_n may_v think_v we_o as_o ignorant_a as_o we_o do_v they_o but_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n we_o read_v not_o one_o age_n condemn_v another_o we_o find_v light_a still_o increase_v in_o the_o series_n of_o time_n in_o scripture_n but_o no_o reflection_n in_o any_o time_n upon_o the_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n of_o the_o precedent_n the_o dim_a light_n be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o age_n and_o be_v a_o step_n to_o further_a discovery_n quintilian_n give_v it_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o grammar_n rule_v quia_fw-la non_fw-la analogia_fw-la demissa_fw-la coelo_fw-la formam_fw-la loquendi_fw-la dedit_fw-la that_o which_o he_o 6._o want_v as_o to_o grammar_n we_o have_v as_o to_o divine_a truth_n they_o be_v deliver_v from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o uniform_a and_o agreeable_a to_o each_o other_o 2._o by_o person_n of_o different_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n god_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n to_o be_v enditer_n of_o his_o oracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o state_n policy_n or_o particular_a interest_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o word_n which_o person_n of_o such_o different_a interest_n can_v not_o have_v agree_v in_o as_o they_o do_v we_o have_v moses_n david_n solomon_n person_n of_o royal_a rank_n and_o quality_n and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o mean_a thing_n which_o these_o think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v penner_n of_o we_o have_v isaiah_n daniel_n and_o other_o person_n of_o the_o high_a education_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o trivial_a thing_n which_o these_o employ_v themselves_o in_o we_o have_v amos_n other_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o these_o join_v in_o consort_n together_o when_o god_n tune_v their_o spirit_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o strain_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o give_v light_a and_o harmony_n to_o each_o other_o 3._o by_o person_n in_o different_a place_n and_o condition_n some_o in_o prosperity_n in_o their_o own_o country_n some_o under_o banishment_n and_o adversity_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n of_o which_o no_o alteration_n we_o see_v be_v make_v either_o for_o the_o flattery_n of_o those_o in_o power_n or_o for_o avoid_v misery_n and_o calamity_n and_o under_o all_o the_o different_a dispensation_n before_o under_o and_o after_o the_o law_n though_o the_o management_n of_o thing_n be_v different_a yet_o the_o doctrine_n and_o design_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o in_o all_o all_o the_o different_a dispensation_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o same_o ground_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o obligation_n to_o duty_n be_v common_a to_o all_o though_o the_o peculiar_a instance_n wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v may_v be_v different_a according_a to_o the_o age_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o this_o great_a uniformity_n consider_v in_o these_o circumstance_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o these_o thing_n come_v original_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n though_o convey_v through_o different_a instrument_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n 5._o in_o a_o persuasive_a and_o convince_a manner_n and_o that_o these_o way_n 1._o bring_v divine_a truth_n down_o to_o our_o capacity_n clothing_n spiritual_a matter_n in_o familiar_a expression_n and_o similitude_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v the_o easy_a admission_n into_o our_o mind_n 2._o propound_v thing_n as_o our_o interest_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n thence_o god_n so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n recommend_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o under_o all_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o annex_v gracious_a promise_n to_o our_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o those_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o concern_v thing_n of_o grace_n favour_n protection_n deliverance_n audience_n of_o prayer_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o be_v these_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n what_o motive_n will_v 3._o court_v we_o to_o obedience_n when_o he_o may_v not_o only_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v but_o punish_v present_o for_o disobedience_n hence_o be_v all_o those_o most_o pathetical_a and_o affectionate_a strain_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n within_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o and_o keep_v all_o my_o commandment_n always_o that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o they_o and_o with_o their_o child_n after_o 29._o they_o wo_n unto_o thou_o o_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n s._n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o hâ—use_n of_o israel_n how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o ephraim_n how_o shall_v i_o deliver_v thou_o israel_n how_o shall_v i_o make_v thou_o as_o admah_n how_o shall_v i_o set_v thou_o as_o zâ—boim_n i_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o i_o my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o 37_o child_n together_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o what_o majesty_n and_o yet_o what_o sweetness_n and_o condescension_n be_v there_o in_o these_o expression_n what_o obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n be_v it_o in_o man_n for_o they_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o god_n when_o he_o thus_o come_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o woo_v rebellious_a sinner_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v pardon_v such_o a_o matchless_a and_o unparallelled_a strain_n of_o rhetoric_n be_v there_o in_o the_o scripture_n far_o above_o the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o most_o admire_a orator_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o as_o a_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o life_n 2._o of_o man_n and_o therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v which_o be_v most_o become_a god_n to_o require_v most_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v 1._o most_o become_v god_n to_o require_v as_o they_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o imitation_n of_o which_o in_o our_o action_n be_v the_o