credit_v by_o apostolical_a citation_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n who_o speak_v 36._o of_o jerusalem_n thus_o deliver_v himself_o it_o happen_v that_o through_o all_o the_o city_n for_o the_o space_n of_o almost_o 40._o day_n there_o be_v see_v horseman_n run_v in_o the_o air_n in_o cloth_n of_o gold_n and_o arm_v with_o 2._o lance_n like_o a_o band_n of_o soldier_n and_o troop_n of_o horseman_n in_o array_n encounter_v one_o against_o another_o with_o shake_v of_o shield_n and_o multitude_n of_o pike_n and_o draw_v of_o sword_n and_o cast_v of_o dart_n and_o glitter_a of_o golden_a ornament_n and_o harness_n of_o all_o sort_n after_o the_o mention_n of_o which_o apparition_n we_o may_v read_v there_o what_o a_o scene_n of_o woe_n and_o tragedy_n the_o city_n be_v make_v by_o the_o army_n of_o antiochus_n now_o i_o think_v we_o may_v discover_v some_o probable_a and_o dark_a character_n of_o divine_a sign_n upon_o these_o example_n but_o especial_o the_o first_o and_o that_o 1._o because_o our_o saviour_n prophesy_v that_o the_o desolation_n of_o that_o people_n shall_v loc_n be_v prefaced_a by_o fearful_a fight_n and_o great_a sign_n from_o heaven_n luk._n 21._o 11._o a_o place_n which_o our_o expositor_n general_o conceive_v fulfil_v in_o that_o and_o other_o prodigious_a accident_n relate_v by_o josephus_n and_o subscribe_v unto_o by_o eusebius_n as_o the_o atrati_fw-la &_o deform_v nuncii_fw-la of_o so_o fearful_a a_o â—estrustruction_n as_o ensue_v 2._o because_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o visible_a prophecy_n and_o type_n of_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n now_o that_o the_o sign_n and_o thing_n signify_v might_n the_o more_o exact_o touch_v as_o at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v on_o fire_n and_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o its_o work_n be_v burn_v up_o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n feel_v its_o final_a and_o most_o dreadful_a pang_n and_o throw_n so_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v usher_v by_o its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fearful_a sight_n mighty_a earthquake_n a_o fiery_a sword_n a_o flame_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o as_o at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o angel_n shall_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o increase_v the_o terror_n of_o his_o come_n by_o attend_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a mat._n 25._o 31._o so_o this_o judgement_n upon_o jerusalem_n come_v with_o observation_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o angelical_a apparition_n represent_v by_o chariot_n and_o arm_a company_n suitable_o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n concern_v they_o the_o chariot_n of_o god_n be_v 17._o twenty_o thousand_o even_o thousand_o of_o angel_n in_o short_a some_o of_o the_o prodigy_n precede_v the_o fate_n of_o jerusalem_n seem_v such_o equal_a and_o proportion_a representative_n of_o those_o more_o terrible_a disguize_n which_o the_o face_n of_o nature_n must_v put_v on_o at_o that_o last_o and_o great_a day_n that_o the_o so_o call_v sibylline_a oracle_n make_v choice_n of_o many_o of_o they_o to_o describe_v the_o horror_n of_o it_o by_o cum_fw-la visi_fw-la fuerint_fw-la coeli_fw-la stellantis_fw-la in_o oris_n 3._o nocturni_fw-la gladii_fw-la casus_fw-la ad_fw-la solis_fw-la &_o ortus_fw-la pulvis_fw-la &_o è_fw-la coelo_fw-la terram_fw-la descendet_fw-la in_o omnem_fw-la protinus_fw-la &_o medio_fw-la câ—rsu_fw-la lux_fw-la aurea_fw-la solemn_a deseret_n &_o terram_fw-la sulgenti_fw-la lumine_fw-la luna_fw-la sanguineis_fw-la guttis_fw-la stellantibus_fw-la irradiabit_fw-la signaque_fw-la saxa_fw-la dabunt_fw-la &_o in_o alta_fw-la praelia_fw-la nube_fw-la cernetis_fw-gr peditumque_fw-la equitumque_fw-la sonantibus_fw-la auris_fw-la and_o lib._n 4._o enses_fw-la atque_fw-la tubae_fw-la simul_fw-la &_o sole_a exoriente_fw-la terribilem_fw-la sonitum_fw-la mugitumque_fw-la audiet_fw-la omnis_fw-la mundus_fw-la of_o which_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n therein_o occur_v some_o presume_v upon_o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o those_o oracle_n conceive_v the_o strange_a etc._n prodigy_n relate_v by_o ovid_n not_o as_o a_o historian_n but_o a_o poet_n lib._n 15._o metamor_n to_o be_v but_o a_o imitation_n so_o great_a the_o agreement_n between_o they_o both_o in_o word_n and_o matter_n three_o we_o shall_v observe_v that_o god_n work_n of_o a_o more_o catholic_a concern_n have_v be_v usher_v with_o some_o light_a essay_n to_o and_o representation_n of_o they_o thus_o the_o several_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o shape_n and_o figure_n of_o a_o man_n be_v common_o receive_v as_o the_o praeludia_fw-la a_o kind_a of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n the_o general_a conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v as_o it_o be_v essay_v in_o the_o particular_a conversion_n now_o of_o a_o person_n and_o then_o of_o a_o family_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o universal_a conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v limn_v forth_o in_o the_o fiery_a destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n that_o mighty_a storm_n of_o vengeance_n which_o fall_v upon_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o jewish_a polity_n be_v prefaced_a by_o some_o lesser_a drop_n the_o many_o misery_n which_o our_o saviour_n style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n of_o sorrow_n and_o those_o judgement_n of_o a_o 8._o unusual_a make_v and_o character_n which_o sometime_o overtake_v more_o public_a and_o notorious_a criminal_o seem_v a_o kind_n of_o praejudicia_fw-la judicii_fw-la and_o assurance_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v one_o great_a day_n wherein_o he_o will_v 31._o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n thus_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o go_v forth_o to_o his_o strange_a work_n indeed_o upon_o jerusalem_n attend_v with_o the_o visible_a apparition_n of_o angel_n in_o arm_a troop_n in_o the_o air_n may_v be_v conclude_v probable_a that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v some_o slender_a draught_n of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o that_o day_n when_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n shall_v be_v set_v and_o the_o 10._o judge_n attend_v with_o ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o minister_a unto_o he_o proceed_v to_o his_o last_o act_n of_o justice_n upon_o the_o unrighteous_a world_n these_o consideration_n incline_v i_o to_o receive_v this_o narration_n and_o the_o significancy_n thereof_o especial_o because_o not_o know_v where_o to_o fix_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n luk._n 21._o 11._o but_o in_o this_o and_o some_o other_o prodigy_n relate_v by_o josephus_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o great_a probability_n but_o not_o as_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n 1._o because_o the_o single_a credit_n of_o josephus_n eusebius_n but_o relate_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o his_o word_n seem_v scarce_o sufficient_a to_o venture_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o story_n upon_o both_o because_o have_v much_o converse_v among_o the_o gentile_n he_o seem_v to_o smell_v a_o little_a of_o the_o gentile_a superstition_n when_o he_o add_v immediate_o after_o this_o relation_n it_o will_v seem_v a_o matter_n scarce_o credible_a but_o that_o there_o follow_v evil_n great_a enough_o for_o the_o solemnity_n of_o presage_n as_o also_o because_o it_o will_v appear_v upon_o a_o compare_n of_o the_o same_o story_n relate_v in_o scripture_n and_o josephus_n that_o he_o usual_o tune_v his_o relation_n to_o the_o common_a humour_n both_o of_o greek_a and_o latin_a historian_n make_v they_o to_o sound_v as_o much_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n 2._o because_o he_o have_v put_v in_o one_o fly_v the_o story_n of_o a_o heifer_n which_o come_v 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o altar_n bring_v forth_o a_o lamb_n which_o make_v the_o whole_a relation_n of_o his_o other_o prodigy_n smell_v strong_o of_o a_o imposture_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v how_o much_o this_o resemble_v many_o other_o legend_n relate_v in_o the_o roman_a story_n where_o the_o mention_n of_o prodigy_n occurr_n can_v any_o man_n think_v god_n will_v ever_o work_v so_o ludicrous_a so_o cheap_a so_o insignificant_a a_o miracle_n 3._o because_o whereas_o he_o there_o also_o relate_v the_o story_n of_o the_o priest_n their_o go_v into_o the_o temple_n about_o pentecost_n to_o attend_v the_o sacra_fw-la vespertina_fw-la and_o hear_v that_o voice_n therein_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o go_v hence_o second_v with_o the_o rush_v as_o of_o person_n go_v out_o the_o whole_a matter_n seem_v but_o a_o fable_n original_o invent_v by_o some_o superstitious_a heathen_n and_o a_o little_a disguise_v who_o usual_a doctrine_n be_v that_o the_o god_n when_o their_o temple_n and_o altar_n be_v defile_v or_o take_v use_v to_o take_v pett_a and_o adytis_fw-la arisque_fw-la relictis_fw-la to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o more_o hallow_a 5._o and_o magnificent_a shrine_n sure_o i_o be_o tacitus_n appear_v to_o understand_v this_o relation_n to_o some_o such_o sense_n as_o this_o but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o much_o concern_v myself_o to_o throw_v out_o a_o relation_n which_o
their_o vain_a persuasion_n concern_v prodigy_n but_o that_o i_o observe_v their_o usage_n be_v upon_o any_o such_o occurrence_n to_o charm_v down_o their_o fear_n with_o such_o like_a word_n what_o these_o thing_n signify_v time_n to_o come_v will_v declare_v second_o it_o will_v also_o serve_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o common_a reverence_n of_o prodigy_n do_v great_o trespass_v upon_o and_o that_o 1._o as_o it_o detain_v man_n under_o a_o constant_a pedagogy_n to_o many_o base_a and_o servile_a fear_n whence_o religion_n be_v easy_o conclude_v a_o great_a adversary_n to_o what_o it_o main_o design_n to_o bring_v on_o upon_o the_o world_n a_o true_a generousness_n and_o universal_a freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o its_o whole_a business_n be_v to_o subdue_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o some_o cold_a and_o little_a observance_n pale_a and_o feminine_a fear_n hence_o man_n quick_o grow_v weary_a of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o yoke_n that_o continual_o gall_v they_o and_o conclude_v themselves_o gainer_n if_o they_o may_v but_o purchase_v manhood_n with_o atheism_n this_o be_v that_o especial_o which_o give_v epicurus_n the_o confidence_n of_o thrust_v god_n and_o religion_n quite_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o solve_v all_o the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n without_o call_v in_o any_o assistance_n from_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o any_o agent_n superior_a to_o natural_a even_o that_o bondage_n and_o servility_n which_o he_o observe_v man_n ear_n bore_v unto_o by_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o time_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o timorous_a and_o base_a observance_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o heaven_n direful_a omen_n prodigious_a occurrence_n against_o who_o evil_a abodement_n man_n arm_v themselves_o with_o paper_n against_o pod-gun_n a_o few_o bodily_a and_o ineffective_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n fear_n bind_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n debar_v it_o the_o easy_a use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o the_o soul_n hate_v the_o womb_n that_o be_v conceive_v to_o bear_v it_o religion_n can_v never_o be_v amiable_a till_o it_o appear_v design_v not_o to_o increase_v the_o fear_n of_o man_n but_o true_o to_o cure_v and_o remove_v they_o 2._o the_o superstition_n of_o prodigy_n commit_v no_o small_a waste_n upon_o religion_n in_o regard_n the_o fear_n it_o create_v abuse_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n prove_v general_o but_o è_fw-la vitro_fw-la fulgura_fw-la vain_a as_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o night_n these_o prodigy_n threaten_v a_o vengeance_n to_o we_o know_v not_o who_o and_o to_o fall_v we_o know_v not_o when_o now_o as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o false_a and_o tinsel_n miracle_n among_o the_o papist_n most_o fatal_o wound_v religion_n because_o derive_v a_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o true_a one_o when_o once_o detect_v so_o false_a and_o delusive_a fear_n introduce_v upon_o pretence_n religious_a disparage_v and_o discredit_v all_o the_o true_a one_o and_o religion_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v conclude_v but_o mendacium_fw-la officiosum_fw-la a_o use_v the_o weakness_n of_o some_o man_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o quiet_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dally_v with_o non_fw-la patitur_fw-la â—usum_fw-la fides_fw-la pious_a fraud_n as_o strong-water_n do_v the_o body_n may_v perhaps_o help_v religion_n in_o a_o fit_a but_o if_o use_v familiar_o disable_v the_o native_a heat_n and_o strength_n thereof_o hay_o and_o stubble_n lay_v upon_o a_o good_a foundation_n such_o i_o account_v well-meant_a forgery_n in_o religion_n will_v catch_v fire_n and_o consume_v at_o last_o and_o leave_v a_o great_a stain_n and_o soil_n upon_o the_o very_a foundation_n 3._o as_o it_o report_v religion_n a_o systeme_n of_o some_o pitiful_a rite_n sâ—eaking_v and_o beggarly_a entertainment_n of_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o effectual_o incline_v subtle_a mind_n to_o atheism_n as_o the_o evaporate_n of_o religion_n into_o a_o multitude_n of_o touchy_a and_o critical_a mode_n and_o observation_n which_o can_v command_v a_o reverence_n to_o themselves_o before_o discern_a mind_n which_o soon_o see_v through_o they_o they_o be_v so_o thin_a and_o airy_a to_o dismis_o this_o second_o particular_a if_o these_o devout_a persuasion_n concern_v prodigy_n produce_v not_o in_o some_o mind_v any_o such_o sour_a thought_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v sole_o owe_a to_o the_o power_n of_o some_o happy_a principle_n in_o conjunction_n with_o they_o by_o who_o activity_n the_o malign_a influence_n of_o the_o former_a be_v overpowr_v and_o correct_v three_o it_o may_v be_v of_o use_v to_o reprehend_v a_o very_a common_a and_o pernicious_a error_n 1._o a_o very_a vulgar_a and_o common_a error_n i_o profess_v not_o to_o know_v any_o one_o error_n to_o which_o all_o time_n and_o person_n have_v be_v so_o fatal_o abuse_v withal_o as_o this_o of_o presage_n by_o prodigy_n whereas_o there_o be_v some_o false_a notion_n which_o be_v errores_fw-la personae_fw-la other_o which_o be_v errores_fw-la seculi_fw-la hold_v of_o the_o peculiar_a temper_n condition_n circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n or_o age_n in_o which_o find_z this_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n error_n mundi_fw-la have_v be_v justify_v by_o jew_n gentile_n christian_n 4._o some_o ancient_n modern_a learned_a simple_n as_o will_n more_o full_o appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n and_o may_v in_o part_n by_o some_o few_o instance_n which_o to_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n i_o shall_v here_o inserâ—_n how_o far_o the_o heathen_a be_v leaven_v with_o this_o fond_a notion_n the_o name_n and_o title_n whereby_o they_o use_v to_o express_v any_o such_o anomalous_a instance_n in_o nature_n be_v but_o too_o pregnant_a a_o demonstration_n all_o of_o they_o portenta_fw-la carry_v with_o they_o a_o promise_n of_o foreshow_v somewhat_o future_a that_o which_o perhaps_o have_v betray_v a_o great_a many_o to_o a_o like_a opinion_n of_o they_o most_o people_n understand_v little_a beside_o name_n and_o word_n among_o the_o father_n to_o do_v they_o right_a i_o find_v none_o so_o express_v as_o origen_n who_o speaking_z concern_v comet_n tell_v we_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o so_o oft_o as_o any_o great_a and_o eminent_a change_n happen_v in_o earth_n such_o star_n have_v be_v know_v foreshow_v the_o translation_n of_o kingdom_n oâ—_n war_n or_o whatever_o may_v happen_v of_o force_n sufficient_a for_o any_o great_a commotion_n and_o disturbance_n here_o below_o among_o the_o more_o modern_a it_o may_v here_o suffice_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o first_o occasion_n and_o original_a of_o rogation_n week_n observe_v now_o upon_o the_o religion_n of_o great_a principle_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o historian_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v refer_v to_o claud._n mamertus_n bishop_n of_o vienne_n in_o france_n for_o the_o a_o vert_n of_o some_o judgement_n which_o upon_o the_o observation_n of_o many_o inauspicious_a accident_n and_o prodigy_n be_v sad_o fear_v to_o be_v approach_v among_o the_o learned_a the_o height_n of_o grotius_n call_v my_o eye_n upon_o he_o who_o thus_o express_v himself_o solent_fw-la magnas_fw-la rerum_fw-la conversiones_fw-la praecedere_fw-la cometae_fw-la gladii_fw-la ardentes_fw-la aliaque_fw-la signa_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la as_o for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o plainness_n of_o their_o state_n more_o apt_a to_o retain_v a_o quick_a sense_n of_o those_o 30._o early_a notion_n quae_fw-la sâ—quuntur_fw-la naturam_fw-la simplicem_fw-la which_o follow_v nature_n simple_a and_o unsuborn_v by_o subtlety_n interest_n or_o passion_n for_o we_o find_v the_o notice_n of_o a_o god_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n take_v fast_o hold_v of_o the_o populacy_n then_o of_o some_o of_o the_o more_o subtle_a and_o discussive_a philosopher_n so_o withal_o be_v more_o impressive_a those_o which_o follow_v naturam_fw-la viâ—â—atam_fw-la nature_n taint_v and_o deprave_v with_o guilt_n and_o ignorance_n and_o the_o many_o idol_n consequent_a unto_o both_o among_o which_o this_o notion_n concern_v presage_n by_o prodigy_n will_v appear_v in_o its_o place_n to_o be_v no_o small_a one_o so_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v like_o some_o weed_n in_o the_o water_n to_o have_v a_o very_a diffuse_v and_o broad_a leaf_n but_o grow_v from_o a_o very_a weak_a and_o pitiful_a root_n general_o receive_v but_o without_o yea_o against_o evident_a and_o apparent_a reason_n 2._o a_o very_a pernicious_a error_n as_o have_v a_o most_o malign_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n upon_o philosophy_n and_o upon_o divinity_n 1_o upon_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n itself_o no_o two_o thing_n do_v so_o usurp_v and_o waste_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n as_o enthusiasm_n and_o superstition_n the_o one_o bind_v a_o faith_n the_o other_o a_o fear_n upon_o the_o soul_n to_o which_o they_o vain_o entitle_v some_o divine_a discovery_n both_o train_n a_o man_n up_o to_o believe_v
like_o torture_a man_n she_o then_o discover_v her_o secret_n either_o when_o veâ—ed_v by_o art_n in_o lesser_a body_n or_o disturb_v by_o accident_n in_o great_a comet_n new_a star_n monstrous_a eclipse_n earthquake_n meteor_n &c_n &c_n all_o serve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o mystery_n in_o nature_n or_o other_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n be_v great_o absolve_v by_o our_o understanding_n quid_fw-la fieri_fw-la potest_fw-la &_o quomodo_n what_o can_v be_v do_v therein_o and_o how_o it_o be_v donâ—_n the_o former_a knowledge_n we_o advance_v to_o especial_o by_o a_o attendance_n to_o natura_fw-la libera_fw-la vel_fw-la vincta_fw-la nature_n in_o its_o constant_a and_o more_o easy_a freedom_n of_o operation_n or_o as_o demeaning_a itself_o under_o the_o constraint_n of_o art_n the_o latter_a knowledge_n we_o fair_o arrive_v at_o by_o a_o regard_n to_o natura_fw-la devians_fw-la nature_n err_v and_o run_v out_o of_o she_o more_o common_a road_n because_o the_o error_n of_o nature_n correct_v those_o idol_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v easy_o abuse_v with_o all_o while_o attend_v sole_o to_o thing_n common_a and_o usual_a whence_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o its_o maxim_n and_o also_o because_o these_o be_v sometime_o a_o kind_n of_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a piece_n in_o nature_n and_o so_o serve_v like_o a_o ship_n half_o build_v to_o discover_v her_o silent_a process_n and_o more_o cryptick_a method_n in_o the_o build_n up_o and_o complete_n of_o her_o work_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o have_v a_o more_o faithful_a history_n of_o the_o anomal_n in_o nature_n the_o want_n whereof_o be_v owe_v not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o superstition_n of_o man_n which_o stain_v all_o it_o touch_v we_o may_v be_v soon_o able_a to_o see_v beyond_o the_o surface_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o as_o yet_o seem_v place_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o confound_v and_o pose_v we_o but_o the_o evil_n be_v that_o as_o the_o history_n of_o time_n be_v usual_o draw_v up_o so_o as_o it_o may_v minister_v not_o to_o truth_n but_o faction_n the_o history_n of_o nature_n so_o as_o to_o gratify_v either_o interest_n or_o curiosity_n so_o the_o history_n of_o preternatural_a occurrence_n as_o it_o may_v serve_v wonder_v or_o superstition_n not_o in_o so_o judicious_a and_o faithful_a a_o relation_n of_o the_o critical_a circumstance_n of_o accident_n as_o to_o make_v a_o square_a basis_n whereupon_o to_o erect_v the_o steady_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n six_o such_o unwonted_a occurrence_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o most_o common_a rule_n of_o natural_a operation_n be_v not_o without_o exception_n nor_o her_o most_o know_a law_n simple_o immutable_a god_n be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v nature_n by_o itself_o by_o appoint_v one_o natural_a cause_n to_o disturb_v and_o countermand_v the_o weak_a effort_n of_o another_o he_o can_v cause_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 6._o in_o s._n iams_n phrase_n wheel_n of_o nature_n to_o fire_n and_o destroy_v itself_o by_o deliver_v it_o to_o the_o violent_a and_o disorderly_a motion_n of_o its_o several_a part_n all_o the_o creature_n be_v at_o god_n foot_n all_o their_o order_n and_o motion_n 8._o but_o the_o law_n which_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n appoint_v they_o unto_o according_o s._n austin_n speak_v of_o the_o forementioned_a prodigious_a phasis_n of_o the_o planet_n venus_n tell_v we_o god_n will_v have_v man_n thence_o learn_v se_fw-la deo_fw-la non_fw-la debere_fw-la praescribere_fw-la that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a naturam_fw-la in_o longè_fw-la aliud_fw-la quam_fw-la nobis_fw-la cognitum_fw-la est_fw-la vertere_fw-la &_o mutare_fw-la command_v nature_n into_o a_o quite_o different_a order_n and_o posture_n from_o what_o our_o short_a thought_n can_v reach_v unto_o and_o that_o voluntas_fw-la conditoris_fw-la conditae_fw-la rei_fw-la cujusque_fw-la natura_fw-la est_fw-la the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v but_o the_o present_a will_n of_o its_o maker_n as_o all_o arbitrary_a and_o contingent_a agent_n and_o event_n seem_v in_o a_o sort_n necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o all_o agent_n as_o to_o we_o necessary_a be_v mutable_a and_o arbitrary_a consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n all_o the_o creature_n be_v but_o so_o many_o earthen_a vessel_n bear_v upon_o they_o the_o arbitrary_a figure_n and_o impression_n of_o their_o mighty_a former_a seven_o it_o be_v usual_o add_v that_o all_o these_o exorbitance_n in_o nature_n serve_v to_o foil_n and_o set_v off_o the_o general_a beauty_n and_o elegancy_n of_o its_o work_n all_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o language_n of_o plotinus_n matter_n not_o full_o subdue_v and_o lay_v hold_n upon_o by_o form_n do_v but_o enhance_v the_o value_n of_o all_o those_o comely_a proportion_n elsewhere_o discover_v in_o the_o creation_n these_o great_a end_n and_o great_a no_o doubt_v be_v some_o of_o those_o which_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o recess_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n offer_v so_o fair_a and_o easy_a a_o account_n of_o these_o irregular_a accident_n if_o at_o least_o we_o may_v so_o term_v event_n fall_v out_o by_o as_o necessary_a though_o less_o know_v and_o common_a a_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o its_o daily_a labour_n to_o receive_v they_o without_o any_o interpreter_n to_o explain_v their_o language_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o divine_a messenger_n to_o bring_v we_o news_n from_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o angel_n to_o daniel_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v what_o shall_v befall_v our_o people_n hereafter_o be_v to_o weary_v ourselves_o to_o catch_v a_o shadow_n and_o like_o adonis_n to_o fall_v in_o love_n only_o with_o the_o reflection_n of_o our_o own_o face_n fancy_n and_o abuse_v imagination_n and_o to_o be_v vain_a without_o any_o apology_n in_o the_o world_n sect_n vii_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o several_a scripture_n allege_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o adverse_a opinion_n the_o first_o scripture_n mat._n 16._o 3._o speak_v of_o sign_n of_o time_n answer_v by_o show_v the_o great_a disparity_n of_o sign_n thing_n signify_v the_o time_n speak_v of_o and_o the_o person_n speak_v to_o from_o those_o concern_v in_o this_o argument_n the_o second_o scripture_n joel_n 2._o 30_o 31._o vindicated_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o understand_v in_o scripture_n mighty_a change_n in_o the_o creation_n in_o prophetical_a scripture_n to_o be_v understand_v mystical_o and_o why_o the_o prophecy_n of_o joel_n how_o understand_v and_o when_o accomplish_v the_o three_o scripture_n luk._n 21._o 11._o answer_v large_o have_v thus_o drive_v this_o opinion_n from_o all_o its_o little_a hold_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o beat_v it_o from_o its_o fort_n royal_a the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o seeem_v to_o speak_v favour_n for_o it_o now_o the_o first_o place_n of_o scripture_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o press_v to_o the_o service_n thereof_o be_v that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 16._o 3._o you_o hypocrite_n you_o can_v discern_v the_o face_n of_o the_o sky_n and_o can_v you_o not_o discern_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o word_n our_o saviour_n intimate_v that_o as_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n have_v consult_v the_o conveniency_n of_o common_a life_n by_o appoint_v some_o certain_a sign_n of_o the_o season_n ensue_v so_o have_v he_o also_o in_o his_o providence_n assist_v the_o happiness_n and_o advantage_n of_o our_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a life_n by_o ordain_v some_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n whence_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o crisis_n of_o the_o issue_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o folly_n in_o man_n that_o they_o be_v such_o able_a interpreter_n of_o the_o various_a line_n in_o the_o face_n of_o heaven_n but_o very_o uncapable_a and_o stupid_o inobservant_a of_o those_o rational_a sign_n and_o intimation_n of_o the_o staâ—e_v and_o condition_n of_o the_o present_a or_o future_a time_n of_o the_o church_n now_o than_o what_o sign_n of_o time_n can_v more_o plausible_o and_o rational_o be_v assign_v then_o prodigy_n which_o the_o heavy_a man_n can_v observe_v and_o the_o wise_a can_v ready_o define_v to_o what_o end_n some_o of_o they_o comet_n especial_o and_o new_a star_n can_v serve_v unless_o to_o point_v out_o to_o the_o world_n a_o difference_n of_o time_n i_o answer_v scripture_n like_o over_o press_v grape_n give_v a_o very_a ungrateful_a taste_n and_o sense_n when_o press_v beyond_o its_o easy_a and_o native_a intent_n and_o purpose_n that_o so_o the_o present_a text_n be_v will_v appear_v if_o these_o four_o particular_n be_v due_o attend_v unto_o first_o the_o great_a disparity_n of_o sign_n the_o sign_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v understand_v be_v 1._o signa_fw-la moralia_fw-la sign_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gradual_a lessen_v of_o
forth_o mazzaroth_n in_o his_o season_n or_o can_v thou_o guide_v arctiorus_fw-la with_o his_o son_n know_v 1._o thou_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n can_v thou_o set_v the_o dominion_n thereof_o in_o the_o earth_n in_o arithmetic_n who_o can_v number_v the_o cloud_n in_o wisdom_n in_o natural_a history_n know_v thou_o the_o time_n when_o the_o wild_a goat_n of_o the_o rock_n bring_v forth_o etc._n etc._n god_n will_v have_v some_o thing_n in_o nature_n unsearchable_a to_o hide_v pride_n from_o man_n and_o to_o discover_v himself_o to_o he_o for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v presume_v that_o all_o these_o mystery_n come_v forth_o from_o and_o be_v comprehend_v by_o some_o first_o mind_n and_o mighty_a wisdom_n we_o be_v urge_v next_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n joel._n chap._n 2._o 13._o 30_o 31._o i_o will_v show_v wonder_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o earth_n blood_n and_o fire_n and_o pillar_n of_o smoke_n the_o sun_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n and_o the_o â—oon_n into_o blood_n before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v near_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n shall_v be_v darken_v and_o the_o star_n shall_v withdraw_v their_o shine_v from_o which_o word_n those_o act._n 2._o 19_o 20._o be_v borrow_v to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v because_o of_o a_o likeness_n of_o expression_n that_o place_n luk._n 21._o 25_o 26._o and_o there_o shall_v be_v sign_n in_o the_o sun_n and_o in_o the_o moon_n upon_o earth_n distress_n of_o nation_n with_o perplexity_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o wave_n roar_v man_n heart_n fail_v they_o for_o fear_n and_o for_o look_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v come_v on_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v shake_v in_o which_o former_a scripture_n by_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v some_o special_a day_n of_o vengeance_n it_o be_v usual_a in_o sacred_a writ_n 14._o as_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n observe_v to_o entitle_v day_n eminent_a for_o any_o unusual_a expression_n of_o divine_a favour_n or_o displeasure_n day_n of_o the_o lord_n whereas_o we_o find_v this_o day_n prefaced_a and_o foretell_v by_o such_o prodigious_a occurrence_n as_o easy_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o cause_n natural_a i_o answer_v first_o learned_a expositor_n general_o understand_v those_o place_n not_o in_o any_o literal_a sense_n but_o receive_v they_o all_o as_o so_o many_o prophetical_a scheme_n of_o speech_n instance_n whereof_o be_v of_o most_o familiar_a 20._o occurrence_n in_o the_o prophet_n expressive_a of_o some_o wonderful_a evil_n short_o to_o afflict_v the_o world_n as_o they_o do_v also_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o promise_n of_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n the_o increase_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o of_o the_o moon_n etc._n etc._n but_o as_o so_o many_o figurative_a expression_n of_o some_o white_a and_o gladsome_a day_n short_o to_o succeed_v particular_o the_o learned_a 27._o grotius_n be_v so_o secure_a of_o a_o figurative_a sense_n of_o such_o place_n that_o he_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v expound_v in_o all_o scripture_n to_o any_o other_o and_o indeed_o shall_v we_o expound_v they_o literal_o we_o shall_v soon_o honour_v the_o fall_n of_o great_a man_n or_o destruction_n of_o city_n with_o great_a or_o as_o great_a wonder_n as_o attend_v the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n beside_o what_o history_n ever_o mention_v any_o such_o astonish_a alteration_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o place_n will_v introduce_v a_o faith_n of_o now_o the_o prophet_n choose_v thus_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o for_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a nation_n to_o describe_v great_a and_o mighty_a storm_n and_o trouble_n in_o a_o state_n in_o such_o phrase_n as_o these_o the_o darken_n of_o the_o heaven_n fall_v of_o the_o star_n shake_v of_o the_o earth_n fly_v away_o of_o the_o mountain_n etc._n etc._n 2._o because_o these_o be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a and_o glorious_a body_n in_o the_o world_n terrible_a alteration_n in_o they_o seem_v the_o most_o proper_a representative_n of_o mighty_a change_n and_o alteration_n in_o kingdom_n 3._o because_o the_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o babylonian_n egyptian_n jew_n and_o obstinate_a gentile_n set_v forth_o in_o such_o expression_n be_v but_o supremi_fw-la judicii_fw-la specimina_fw-la little_a image_n and_o type_n of_o the_o last_o and_o dreadful_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o not_o unfit_o character_v by_o the_o terror_n and_o horror_n which_o shall_v usher_v that_o last_o and_o great_a day_n 4._o because_o these_o be_v expression_n mighty_a and_o vehement_a and_o so_o very_o expressive_a of_o and_o suitable_a unto_o that_o hot_a and_o vigorous_a impression_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n make_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o imagination_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n which_o be_v act_v by_o it_o 5._o because_o that_o anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n which_o shall_v attend_v the_o plague_n come_v on_o man_n shall_v be_v as_o great_a almost_o as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n the_o sun_n put_v out_o and_o the_o earth_n to_o tremble_v under_o they_o etc._n etc._n now_o in_o this_o figurative_a sense_n the_o word_n be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o first_o and_o original_a intention_n when_o that_o great_a misery_n be_v bring_v 5._o upon_o the_o earth_n by_o nabuchodonosor_n and_o they_o receive_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o accomplishment_n as_o s._n peter_n intimate_v act._n 2._o 19_o under_o the_o roman_n when_o the_o land_n which_o be_v but_o shave_v before_o by_o god_n hire_a razor_n have_v a_o utter_a baldness_n bring_v upon_o it_o to_o use_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o shall_v have_v its_o fulfil_n in_o the_o outmost_a latitude_n of_o its_o sense_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n of_o which_o some_o interpreter_n sole_o understand_v it_o propecy_n have_v their_o gradus_fw-la &_o scalus_fw-la compleâ—enti_fw-la as_o the_o lord_n bacon_n speak_v the_o last_o day_n only_o be_v that_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fullness_n of_o time_n wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v complete_o fulfil_v god_n often_o draw_v similar_v and_o parallel_v line_n of_o confusion_n over_o different_a time_n and_o place_n whip_v many_o stubborn_a child_n with_o the_o same_o rod_n and_o therefore_o prophecy_v of_o the_o same_o vengeance_n may_v have_v their_o repeat_v accomplishment_n second_o some_o learned_a man_n understand_v in_o these_o place_n a_o real_a and_o literal_a darken_n of_o these_o great_a body_n of_o light_n though_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o common_a and_o natural_a but_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o exposition_n i_o shall_v remit_v to_o their_o proper_a place_n which_o if_o they_o appear_v satisfactory_a nothing_o can_v be_v thence_o conclude_v in_o favour_n of_o presage_n by_o these_o prodigy_n which_o be_v but_o some_o more_o unusual_a effect_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a agent_n and_o sometime_o exert_v themselves_o there_o be_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n more_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o to_o require_v perhaps_o to_o refuse_v a_o answer_n viz._n that_o luke_n 21._o 11._o where_o our_o bless_a saviour_n foretell_v that_o large_a line_n of_o confusion_n to_o be_v stretch_v out_o upon_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o as_o a_o precedent_a sign_n thereof_o tell_v his_o disciple_n great_a earthquake_n shall_v be_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n etc._n etc._n now_o earthquake_n have_v be_v number_v with_o prodigy_n natural_a i_o answer_v first_o when_o god_n have_v once_o seal_v they_o by_o his_o sanction_n and_o institution_n prodigy_n natural_a may_v be_v regard_v as_o the_o sign_n of_o event_n arbitrary_a and_o supernatural_a god_n bow_n without_o a_o string_n in_o the_o heaven_n be_v to_o we_o a_o sign_n that_o the_o world_n need_v never_o fear_v perish_v by_o any_o such_o fatal_a arrow_n as_o once_o be_v shoot_v out_o of_o the_o cloud_n a_n universal_a deluge_n although_o it_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a cause_n as_o be_v by_o god_n institution_n advance_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n thus_o when_o god_n have_v tell_v the_o people_n that_o as_o a_o expression_n of_o his_o great_a displeasure_n against_o they_o for_o ask_v of_o a_o king_n he_o will_v send_v thunder_n and_o rain_n thing_n in_o themselves_o natural_a except_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o peculiar_a condition_n of_o that_o season_n and_o climate_n make_v they_o approach_v to_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o religious_a fear_n with_o which_o 12._o the_o people_n