reason_n enough_o to_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o christ_n because_o celsus_n call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d galen_n christianity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o that_o they_o be_v such_o doctrine_n which_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n without_o give_v man_n reason_n a_o account_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v as_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o legislator_n sufficient_o manifest_v be_v not_o enough_o to_o enforce_v a_o law_n unless_o a_o sufficient_a account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o thing_n require_v to_o the_o purblind_a reason_n of_o every_o individual_a person_n act_v by_o passion_n and_o private_a interest_n as_o to_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o primary_n obligation_n on_o man_n part_n to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n must_v arise_v not_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n but_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o most_o partial_a judgement_n of_o every_o one_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v which_o those_o who_o know_v how_o short_a the_o stock_n of_o reason_n be_v at_o the_o best_a in_o man_n and_o how_o easy_o that_o which_o be_v be_v fashion_v and_o mould_v according_a to_o prâ—judices_fw-la and_o interest_n already_o entertain_v will_v look_v upon_o only_a as_o a_o design_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o carnal_a desire_n of_o man_n in_o that_o thereby_o none_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o go_v any_o further_a than_o this_o blind_a and_o corrupt_a guide_n shall_v lead_v they_o now_o these_o be_v the_o term_n on_o which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n must_v have_v expect_v entertainment_n in_o the_o gentile_a world_n how_o impossible_a lâ—ad_v it_o be_v ever_o to_o have_v sound_a any_o success_n among_o man_n have_v there_o not_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n give_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n that_o however_o strange_a and_o incredible_a the_o doctrine_n may_v seem_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o there_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n neither_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o say_v only_o contrary_a to_o the_o 23._o inclination_n of_o the_o world_n but_o so_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o life_n or_o those_o thing_n in_o christianity_n which_o concern_v practice_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n in_o reference_n to_o man_n life_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n these_o be_v they_o which_o man_n heart_n be_v so_o bewitch_v with_o now_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o which_o require_v the_o great_a 12._o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o call_v upon_o man_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o all_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n must_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o 1._o all_o true_a christian_n must_v be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o must_v perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n enforce_v these_o precept_n of_o holiness_n with_o the_o most_o terrible_a denunciation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o those_o who_o disobey_v they_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o 8._o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o 18._o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o no_o person_n who_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n shall_v inherit_v the_o 6._o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v deceive_v they_o with_o vain_a word_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n that_o man_n do_v but_o vain_o flatter_v themselves_o when_o they_o seek_v to_o reconcile_v unholy_a life_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o then_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n 34._o of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o man_n busy_a themselves_o so_o much_o about_o the_o gospel_n declare_v that_o they_o who_o love_v this_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o they_o that_o the_o friendship_n of_o this_o world_n 14._o be_v enmity_n with_o god_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n of_o the_o 18._o world_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n that_o christian_n must_v not_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o earth_n but_o on_o thing_n in_o heaven_n that_o the_o conversation_n of_o true_a christian_n be_v in_o heaven_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o lay_v up_o our_o treasure_n on_o earth_n but_o in_o heaven_n that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a now_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a life_n while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v make_v meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o 12._o light_n can_v we_o think_v so_o many_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v wed_v to_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n can_v so_o sudden_o be_v bring_v off_o from_o both_o without_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a 16._o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n though_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a true_a mystery_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o by_o it_o as_o the_o heathen_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v with_o their_o famous_a eleusinian_n mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v so_o secret_a by_o all_o the_o mystae_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o say_v he_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n i_o have_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o i_o shall_v labour_v its_o concealment_n to_o advance_v its_o veneration_n but_o the_o more_o public_a the_o gospel_n be_v the_o more_o it_o manifest_v its_o power_n for_o through_o it_o god_n be_v please_v mighty_o to_o work_v in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o of_o all_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n deserve_v the_o great_a consideration_n the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v abundant_o see_v in_o that_o great_a alteration_n which_o it_o wrought_v in_o all_o those_o who_o be_v the_o hearty_a imbracer_n of_o it_o the_o philosopher_n do_v very_o frequent_o and_o deserve_o complain_v of_o the_o great_a inefficacy_n of_o all_o their_o moral_a precept_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o by_o all_o their_o instruction_n politiora_fw-la non_fw-la meliora_fw-la ingenia_fw-la fiunt_fw-la man_n improve_v more_o in_o knowledge_n than_o goodness_n but_o now_o christianity_n not_o only_o enforce_v duty_n on_o man_n with_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v as_o saint_n austin_n speak_v non_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la concertationibus_fw-la strepere_fw-la sed_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la oraculis_fw-la &_o dei_fw-la nubes_fw-la intonare_fw-la 19_o not_o make_v some_o obstreperous_a clamour_n like_o those_o tinkle_a cymbal_n the_o philosopher_n but_o awe_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o they_o come_v neither_o be_v it_o only_o a_o great_a and_o empty_a sound_n which_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o when_o god_n thunder_v therein_o he_o break_v down_o the_o stately_a cedar_n and_o shake_v the_o wilderness_n and_o make_v the_o hind_n to_o calf_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o thunder_n call_v the_o voice_n 9_o of_o the_o lord_n in_o scripture_n he_o humble_v the_o pride_n of_o man_n unsettled_a the_o gentile_a world_n from_o its_o former_a foundation_n and_o wrought_v great_a alteration_n on_o all_o those_o who_o hearken_v to_o it_o the_o who_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v couch_v in_o those_o word_n which_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o by_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o appoint_v he_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n to_o open_a man_n 18._o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_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
though_o with_o all_o imaginable_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o he_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v engage_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o law_n or_o custom_n already_o by_o which_o their_o commonwealth_n have_v be_v establish_v and_o with_o all_o these_o law_n of_o moses_n seem_v so_o much_o against_o the_o interest_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o all_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n think_v who_o for_o that_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v a_o iâ—le_n and_o slothful_a people_n as_o they_o judge_v by_o their_o rest_a whole_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o the_o great_a and_o many_o solemn_a feast_n they_o have_v the_o repair_n of_o all_o the_o male_n to_o jerusalem_n thrice_o a_o year_n the_o sabbatical_a year_n year_n of_o jubilee_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n be_v apparent_o against_o the_o interest_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n who_o great_a subsistence_n be_v upon_o pasturage_n and_o agriculture_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o law_n respect_v not_o the_o outward_a interest_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o any_o politician_n among_o they_o but_o do_v immediate_o aim_v at_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n who_o they_o serve_v for_o who_o they_o be_v to_o part_v even_o with_o their_o civil_a interest_n the_o do_v of_o which_o by_o a_o people_n general_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o a_o particular_a love_n of_o their_o own_o concernment_n be_v a_o impregnable_a argument_n these_o law_n can_v not_o take_v place_n among_o they_o have_v they_o not_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o unsettlement_n and_o that_o their_o future_a settlement_n do_v depend_v upon_o their_o present_a observation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n too_o that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o less_o than_o divine_a original_n which_o be_v more_o than_o i_o be_v to_o prove_v at_o present_a 4._o be_v not_o these_o write_n undoubted_o moses's_fw-fr 7._o whence_o shall_v the_o neighbour_n nation_n about_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n retain_v so_o venerable_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o moses_n the_o egyptian_n account_v he_o one_o of_o their_o priest_n which_o note_v the_o esteem_n they_o have_v of_o his_o learning_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o testimony_n produce_v out_o of_o chaeremon_n and_o manâ—tho_n by_o josephus_n sublim_fw-la diodorus_n siculus_n speak_v of_o he_o with_o great_a respect_n among_o the_o famous_a legislatour_n and_o so_o do_v strabo_n who_o speak_v in_o commendation_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o he_o the_o testimony_n of_o longinus_n be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o moses_n be_v no_o man_n of_o any_o vulgar_a wit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chalcidius_n call_v he_o sapientissimus_fw-la moses_n although_o i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v that_o chalcidius_n have_v be_v i_o think_v undeserved_o reckon_v among_o heathen_a writer_n though_o he_o comment_v on_o plato_n timaeus_n 45._o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a platonist_n which_o may_v more_o probable_o make_v vaninus_n call_v he_o circumforaneum_fw-la blateronem_fw-la but_o though_o we_o exempt_v chalcidius_n out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o heathen_n who_o have_v bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o moses_n yet_o there_o be_v number_n enough_o beside_o he_o produce_v by_o justin_n martyr_n cyrill_n and_o 2._o other_o who_o evidence_n be_v clear_a and_o full_a to_o make_v we_o undoubted_o believe_v that_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n concern_v the_o write_n and_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v they_o not_o be_v certain_o he_o and_o convey_v down_o in_o a_o continual_a succession_n from_o his_o time_n to_o our_o present_a age_n which_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o national_a constitution_n and_o setlement_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n and_o write_n of_o moses_n can_v we_o have_v more_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o solon_n lyâ—urgus_n and_o numa_n and_o that_o the_o law_n bear_v their_o name_n be_v they_o than_o the_o history_n of_o the_o several_a commonwealth_n of_o athâ—ns_n sparta_n and_o rome_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o law_n when_o write_n be_v not_o of_o general_a concernment_n they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o counterfeit_v but_o when_o they_o concern_v the_o right_n privilege_n and_o government_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o will_v be_v enough_o who_o interest_n will_v lead_v they_o to_o prevent_v imposture_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o forge_v a_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o to_o invent_v law_n man_n caution_n and_o prudence_n be_v never_o so_o quick_a sight_v as_o in_o matter_n which_o concern_v their_o estate_n and_o freehold_n the_o general_a interest_n lie_v contrary_a to_o such_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v prevent_v their_o obtain_n among_o they_o now_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o very_a republic_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o subsistence_n and_o government_n depend_v upon_o they_o their_o religion_n and_o law_n be_v so_o interweave_v one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o one_o can_v be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o other_o their_o right_n to_o their_o temporal_a possession_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n depend_v on_o their_o own_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n who_o give_v they_o to_o they_o and_o on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n record_v by_o moses_n concern_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o patriarch_n so_o that_o on_o that_o account_n it_o be_v impossible_a those_o law_n shall_v be_v counterfeit_a on_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o a_o nation_n depend_v and_o according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v govern_v ever_o since_o they_o be_v a_o nation_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v now_o take_v it_o to_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n be_v undoubted_o he_o for_o none_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o law_n to_o have_v be_v he_o can_v have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v the_o history_n there_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n between_o they_o and_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o general_a and_o very_a necessary_a introduction_n to_o that_o which_o sollow_v chap._n ii_o moses_n his_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o write_v the_o three_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o moses_n his_o history_n that_o gradual_o prove_v first_o moses_n his_o knowledge_n clear_v by_o his_o education_n and_o experience_n and_o certain_a information_n his_o education_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o egypt_n what_o that_o be_v the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n inquire_v into_o the_o convenience_n for_o it_o of_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n moses_n reckon_v among_o they_o for_o his_o knowledge_n the_o mathematical_a natural_a divine_a and_o moral_a learning_n of_o egypt_n their_o political_a wisdom_n most_o considerable_a the_o advantage_n of_o moses_n above_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n as_o to_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n moses_n himself_o a_o eye-witness_n of_o most_o of_o his_o history_n the_o certain_a uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o other_o part_n among_o the_o jew_n manifest_v by_o rational_a evidence_n have_v thus_o far_o clear_v our_o way_n we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o 3._o hypothesis_n which_o be_v there_o be_v as_o manifest_v proof_n of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o history_n record_v by_o moses_n as_o any_o can_v be_v give_v concern_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o yield_v the_o firm_a assent_n unto_o here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o we_o proceed_v in_o a_o way_n of_o rational_a evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n as_o to_o which_o if_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o impartial_a person_n the_o argument_n produce_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o convince_v a_o unbiased_a mind_n it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o every_o rangle_a atheist_n will_v sit_v down_o content_v with_o they_o for_o usual_o person_n of_o that_o inclination_n rather_o than_o judgement_n be_v more_o resolve_v against_o light_n then_o inquisitive_a after_o it_o and_o rather_o seek_v to_o stop_v the_o chink_n at_o which_o any_o light_n may_v come_v in_o then_o open_a the_o window_n for_o the_o free_a and_o cheerful_a entertainment_n of_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o without_o offer_v manifest_a violence_n to_o his_o own_o faculty_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v one_o whole_o forsake_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o will_v be_v satisfactory_o do_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a moses_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n he_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
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
religion_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v after_o death_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o 6._o they_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o suppose_v as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a reason_n we_o can_v imagine_v upon_o what_o ground_n mankind_n shall_v embrace_v any_o way_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n who_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o religion_n nor_o motive_n induce_v to_o it_o for_o all_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n must_v suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o be_v which_o have_v power_n to_o command_v i_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a scatter_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o life_n the_o motive_n engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n must_v suppose_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a thereby_o firm_o establish_v it_o will_v present_o follow_v as_o a_o matter_n most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o be_v to_o serve_v shall_v himself_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o if_o the_o right_n of_o donation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o man_n soul_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v alone_o in_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o shall_v declare_v the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v for_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endue_v with_o a_o free_a principle_n of_o act_v which_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o and_o therefore_o not_o be_v carry_v to_o his_o end_n by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o external_a violence_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n on_o man_n part_n whereby_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n and_o that_o he_o free_o quit_v all_o other_o interest_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v be_v expression_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n as_o his_o creator_n and_o governor_n and_o of_o his_o gratitude_n for_o the_o tender_v of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o his_o maker_n we_o can_v suppose_v any_o one_o to_o have_v power_n to_o prescribe_v these_o condition_n but_o he_o that_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o her_o happiness_n upon_o non-performance_n and_o that_o must_v be_v god_n himself_o but_o in_o order_n to_o man_n understanding_n his_o duty_n and_o his_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o condition_n must_v not_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o cabinet_n council_n of_o heaven_n but_o muâ—â—_n be_v so_o far_o declare_v and_o reveal_v that_o he_o may_v be_v full_o acquaâ—ted_v with_o those_o term_n which_o his_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o else_o his_o neglect_n of_o they_o will_v be_v excusable_a and_o his_o misery_n unavoidable_a have_v man_n indeed_o remain_v without_o offend_v his_o maker_n he_o may_v still_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o favour_n upon_o the_o general_a term_n of_o obedience_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o his_o creator_n and_o to_o all_o such_o particular_a precept_n which_o shall_v bear_v the_o impress_n of_o his_o maker_n will_n upon_o they_o beside_o which_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n without_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n within_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a director_n to_o he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o he_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o be_v thereby_o guilty_a of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o continue_a propensity_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o strangeness_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o particular_a revelation_n be_v now_o become_v necessary_a that_o mankind_n may_v thereby_o understand_v on_o what_o term_n god_n will_v be_v please_v again_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o last_o it_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o free_a and_o communicative_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o first_o original_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n to_o suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o folly_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o way_n for_o man_n recovery_n to_o be_v somewhere_o prescribe_v and_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o to_o be_v somewhere_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o from_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o have_v deduce_v by_o clear_a and_o evident_a reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o dâ—vine_a revelation_n for_o it_o must_v be_v suitable_a to_o that_o divine_a nature_n from_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v and_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o faithful_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o divine_a discovery_n of_o those_o way_n whereby_o man_n soul_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o must_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o all_o its_o narration_n it_o must_v be_v excellent_a and_o become_a god_n in_o all_o its_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v desire_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n or_o that_o there_o ie_fw-fr a_fw-fr god_n and_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v immortal_a second_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o faithful_o relate_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a antiquity_n therein_o contain_v which_o do_v most_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o man_n three_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n of_o those_o term_n on_o which_o happiness_n may_v be_v expect_v in_o another_o world_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o they_o which_o concern_v the_o existence_n 2._o of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suppose_v as_o general_a prolepse_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o as_o thing_n so_o consonant_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o none_o to_o who_o his_o write_n shall_v come_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o question_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o spend_v no_o time_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la prove_v of_o either_o of_o these_o know_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n his_o write_n will_v be_v to_o such_o who_o deny_v these_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o may_v be_v these_o account_n give_v why_o these_o main_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n first_o because_o these_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_n of_o they_o believe_v with_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o more_o early_a day_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o be_v more_o fresh_a and_o entire_a it_o be_v scarce_o imaginable_a that_o man_n shall_v question_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n when_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n after_o it_o by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrab_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n as_o have_v be_v do_v so_o few_o generation_n before_o they_o and_o by_o what_o remain_v of_o any_o history_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o those_o elder_a time_n man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o atheism_n that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o relation_n of_o the_o ancient_a chaldean_n egyptian_n phaenician_o and_o other_o nation_n who_o all_o suppose_a these_o two_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o polytheism_n be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n of_o irreligion_n and_o thence_o we_o find_v the_o
and_o prudence_n above_o incogitancy_n and_o folly_n be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o cause_n of_o thing_n better_o than_o stupidity_n and_o ignorance_n be_v not_o beneficence_n and_o liberality_n more_o noble_a than_o parsimony_n and_o narrowness_n of_o spirit_n be_v not_o true_a goodness_n far_o above_o debauchery_n and_o intemperance_n and_o be_v not_o all_o these_o far_o better_a when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o such_o a_o power_n as_o have_v no_o limit_n or_o bound_n at_o all_o now_o then_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n mind_n proceed_v in_o its_o ordinary_a way_n of_o intellection_n to_o form_v a_o notion_n of_o such_o a_o be_v which_o have_v wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n in_o it_o without_o any_o limit_n and_o bound_n at_o all_o or_o any_o of_o those_o abatement_n which_o any_o of_o these_o perfection_n be_v find_v with_o in_o man_n for_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v attribute_v to_o its_o self_n absolute_a perfection_n when_o it_o can_v but_o see_v its_o own_o defect_n in_o those_o thing_n it_o excel_v other_o creature_n in_o and_o suppose_v it_o have_v power_n goodness_n and_o knowledge_n far_o above_o what_o it_o have_v yet_o it_o can_v but_o say_v that_o these_o perfection_n will_v be_v great_a if_o it_o be_v always_o possess_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v ever_o cease_v to_o be_v or_o not_o have_v be_v so_o that_o now_o join_v infinite_a goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n with_o eternity_n and_o necessity_n of_o existence_n the_o result_n be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a so_o that_o now_o who_o ever_o question_n the_o suitableness_n of_o such_o a_o notion_n or_o idea_n to_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n must_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o faculty_n and_o the_o method_n they_o proceed_v in_o in_o their_o clear_a conception_n and_o ratioeination_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v as_o well_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o idea_n it_o have_v within_o its_o self_n as_o of_o this_o we_o now_o discourse_v of_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v far_o soon_o puzzle_v in_o any_o of_o those_o idea_n which_o be_v transmit_v into_o the_o fantasy_n by_o the_o impression_n of_o corporeal_a being_n upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n then_o in_o this_o more_o intellectual_a and_o abstract_a idea_n which_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o mind_n all_o the_o difficulty_n now_o be_v whether_o this_o idea_n of_o such_o a_o absolute_o 5._o perfect_a be_v be_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o the_o understanding_n plastic_a power_n whereby_o it_o can_v unite_v all_o these_o perfection_n together_o in_o one_o conception_n or_o do_v it_o necessary_o imply_v that_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o be_v real_o existent_a or_o else_o i_o can_v never_o have_v form_v such_o a_o settle_a notion_n of_o he_o in_o my_o mind_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v at_o present_a that_o the_o form_n of_o such_o a_o idea_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o faculty_n as_o the_o form_v the_o conception_n of_o any_o other_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o hereby_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n import_v nothing_o incongruous_a to_o reason_n or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o that_o the_o mind_n will_v form_v as_o settle_v and_o clear_a a_o notion_n of_o god_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o epicurus_n his_o infallible_a sense_n do_v the_o most_o assure_v he_o of_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o shadow_n of_o a_o pretence_n why_o any_o shall_v reject_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n because_o of_o the_o impossibility_n to_o conceive_v any_o such_o be_v as_o god_n be_v if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v object_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v employ_v in_o this_o idea_n which_o make_v it_o unconceivable_a in_o that_o all_o the_o perfection_n in_o this_o be_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v infinite_a and_o infinity_n transcend_v our_o capacity_n of_o apprehension_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o those_o who_o deny_v infinity_n in_o god_n must_v necessary_o attribute_v it_o to_o something_o else_o as_o to_o infinite_a space_n infinity_n of_o succession_n of_o age_n and_o person_n if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o reject_v any_o notion_n for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o if_o i_o deny_v that_o i_o must_v attribute_v it_o to_o some_o thing_n else_o to_o who_o idea_n it_o be_v far_o less_o proper_a than_o it_o be_v to_o go_n 2._o lest_o i_o shall_v rather_o seek_v to_o avoid_v the_o argument_n then_o to_o satisfy_v it_o i_o say_v that_o though_o infinite_a as_o infinite_a can_v be_v comprehend_v yet_o we_o may_v clear_o and_o distinct_o apprehend_v a_o be_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o no_o limit_n can_v be_v assign_v to_o it_o as_o to_o its_o power_n or_o presence_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v infinite_a the_o ratio_fw-la formalis_fw-la of_o infinity_n may_v not_o be_v understand_v clear_o and_o distinct_o but_o yet_o the_o be_v which_o be_v infinite_a may_v be_v infinity_o its_o self_n can_v be_v on_o this_o account_n because_o how_o ever_o positive_a we_o apprehend_v it_o yet_o we_o always_o apprehend_v it_o in_o a_o negative_a way_n because_o we_o conceive_v it_o by_o deny_v all_o limitation_n and_o bound_n to_o it_o but_o the_o be_v which_o be_v infinite_a we_o apprehend_v in_o a_o positive_a manner_n although_o not_o adaequate_o because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v all_o which_o be_v in_o it_o as_o we_o may_v clear_o and_o distinct_o see_v the_o sea_n though_o we_o can_v discover_v the_o bound_n of_o it_o so_o may_v we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o apprehend_v some_o perfection_n of_o god_n when_o we_o fix_v our_o mind_n on_o they_o although_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o grasp_v they_o all_o together_o in_o our_o narrow_a and_o confine_v intellect_n because_o they_o be_v infinite_a thus_o we_o see_v that_o god_n infinity_o do_v not_o at_o all_o abate_v the_o clearness_n and_o distinctness_n of_o the_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n so_o that_o though_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v without_o bound_n or_o limit_n yet_o it_o bear_v no_o repugnancy_n at_o all_o to_o man_n natural_a faculty_n to_o have_v a_o settle_a idea_n of_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a in_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v it_o seem_v high_o probable_a and_o far_o more_o consonant_a to_o reason_n then_o the_o contrary_a that_o this_o idea_n of_o 6._o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v no_o mere_o fictitious_a idea_n but_o that_o it_o be_v real_o imprint_v there_o by_o that_o god_n who_o idea_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o do_v suppose_v a_o reality_n in_o the_o thing_n correspondent_a to_o that_o objective_a reality_n which_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n for_o although_o i_o be_o not_o so_o well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o mere_a objective_n reality_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n do_v exceed_v the_o efficiency_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o that_o idea_n be_v naked_o consider_v in_o its_o self_n because_o of_o the_o unlimited_a power_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o conception_n yet_o i_o say_v consider_v that_o idea_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o seem_v high_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v no_o mere_a ens_fw-la rationis_fw-la or_o figment_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v on_o these_o consideration_n 1._o this_o idea_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v not_o be_v form_v from_o the_o understanding_n consideration_n of_o any_o corporeal_a phantasm_n because_o whatever_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o matter_n in_o it_o involve_v of_o necessity_n many_o imperfection_n along_o with_o it_o for_o every_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v divisible_a into_o more_o part_n now_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n evident_a to_o natural_a light_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a perfection_n not_o to_o be_v divisible_a then_o to_o be_v so_o beside_o corporeal_a phantasm_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v we_o in_o form_v this_o idea_n that_o they_o alone_o hinder_v we_o from_o a_o distinct_a conception_n of_o it_o while_o we_o attend_v to_o they_o because_o these_o bear_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o such_o a_o be_v so_o that_o this_o idea_n however_o must_v be_v a_o pure_a act_n of_o intellection_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o other_o faculty_n in_o man_n but_o imagination_n it_o will_v bear_v the_o great_a repugnancy_n to_o our_o conception_n and_o it_o will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o epicurus_n and_o some_o modern_a philosopher_n a_o thing_n whole_o impossible_a to_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o god_n unless_o with_o epicurus_n we_o imagine_v he_o to_o be_v corporeal_a which_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 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apparition_n insist_v on_o to_o prove_v a_o dâ—ity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o some_o person_n have_v be_v over-credulous_a what_o if_o some_o have_v more_o zeal_n than_o knowledge_n may_v attribute_v such_o thing_n to_o god_n immediate_a hand_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v by_o natural_a cause_n do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n at_o all_o what_o if_o fear_n and_o hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v depend_v much_o on_o principle_n of_o education_n must_v conscience_n then_o be_v resolve_v whole_o into_o these_o what_o if_o some_o devont_a melancholist_n may_v embrace_v the_o issue_n of_o his_o own_o imagination_n for_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o strength_n of_o fancy_n improve_v by_o principle_n of_o education_n what_o if_o some_o of_o the_o numerous_a proof_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o only_o those_o make_a use_n of_o which_o be_v of_o great_a force_n will_v the_o truth_n suffer_v at_o all_o by_o that_o i_o grant_v advantage_n be_v often_o take_v against_o a_o thing_n more_o by_o one_o weak_a argument_n bring_v for_o it_o then_o for_o it_o by_o the_o strong_a proof_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o be_v man_n rational_a and_o ingenuous_a it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o time_n argument_n may_v be_v good_a in_o their_o order_n but_o they_o be_v misplace_v some_o may_v prove_v the_o thing_n rational_a which_o may_v not_o prove_v it_o true_a some_o may_v show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o adversary_n reject_v the_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o now_o when_o man_n number_n and_o not_o weigh_v their_o argument_n
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
what_o do_v all_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n exact_o agree_v in_o one_o moment_n of_o time_n or_o at_o least_o in_o one_o age_n thus_o to_o abuse_v the_o world_n do_v the_o design_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o credulity_n of_o all_o people_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v so_o suitable_a together_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o governor_n can_v have_v the_o judgement_n of_o people_n so_o at_o their_o command_n that_o they_o can_v make_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o please_v if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o that_o atheistical_a pope_n heu_fw-la quam_fw-la minimus_fw-la regitur_fw-la mundus_fw-la what_o a_o twine_n thread_n will_v rule_v the_o world_n but_o grant_v these_o thing_n which_o any_o but_o a_o atheist_n will_v say_v be_v impossible_a yet_o whence_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o world_n which_o be_v general_o lead_v more_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o forefather_n then_o by_o reason_n shall_v so_o cancel_v that_o former_a tradition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o no_o remain_a footstep_n of_o it_o can_v be_v trace_v in_o any_o history_n of_o those_o time_n or_o do_v the_o governor_n all_o consent_n to_o abolish_v all_o record_n of_o it_o public_a and_o write_v i_o grant_v they_o may_v but_o not_o those_o out_o of_o man_n mind_n and_o memory_n which_o will_v have_v be_v for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o posterity_n convey_v in_o some_o secret_a cabala_n from_o father_n to_o their_o child_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v so_o it_o be_v but_o man_n dare_v not_o profess_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a that_o the_o law_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a commonwealth_n be_v so_o severe_a against_o atheism_n and_o withal_o how_o come_v some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o philosophical_a man_n of_o greece_n and_o rome_n to_o embrace_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o a_o thing_n far_o more_o consonant_a to_o reason_n then_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o establish_v their_o belief_n on_o such_o evidence_n from_o nature_n its_o self_n that_o none_o of_o their_o antagonist_n be_v able_a to_o answer_v they_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o the_o fear_n of_o law_n which_o make_v man_n rational_a and_o inquisitive_a into_o the_o nature_n and_o cause_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o those_o who_o be_v such_o amid_o the_o great_a idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a &_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o free_o and_o firm_o assent_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v it_o be_v only_a fraud_n and_o imposture_n which_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o this_o fraud_n be_v not_o discover_v by_o these_o philosopher_n who_o be_v far_o better_a able_a by_o their_o nearness_n to_o those_o elder_a time_n and_o much_o converse_v abroad_o in_o other_o nation_n for_o some_o travel_v into_o egypt_n chaldea_n persia_n india_n mere_o to_o gain_v knowledge_n to_o have_v find_v out_o such_o a_o imposture_n have_v it_o be_v such_o than_o any_o of_o our_o modern_a atheist_n whence_o come_v these_o now_o in_o this_o almost_o decrepit_a age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o first_o smeller_n out_o of_o so_o great_a a_o design_n by_o what_o mean_n what_o token_n and_o evidence_n come_v such_o a_o imposture_n to_o their_o knowledge_n because_o forsooth_o the_o world_n be_v still_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v by_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o that_o do_v not_o see_v how_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a a_o sophism_n that_o be_v either_o by_o his_o own_o reason_n or_o by_o what_o have_v go_v before_o have_v wit_n and_o reason_n little_a enough_o to_o be_v a_o atheist_n some_o therefore_o who_o will_v seem_v a_o little_o wise_a than_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o atheist_n for_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v a_o vulgus_fw-la among_o they_o too_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v more_o for_o their_o meanness_n then_o multitude_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o the_o unreasonablenss_n of_o judge_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n come_v in_o by_o fraud_n that_o find_v it_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a they_o attribute_v it_o to_o as_o general_a and_o universal_a a_o cause_n which_o be_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n so_o true_a still_o be_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n coelum_fw-la ipsum_fw-la petimus_fw-la stultitia_fw-la for_o by_o what_o imaginable_a influence_n come_v the_o star_n to_o plant_v opinion_n in_o man_n mind_n so_o deep_o and_o universal_o but_o yet_o further_o be_v this_o opinion_n which_o be_v thus_o cause_v by_o the_o star_n true_a or_o false_a if_o the_o opinion_n be_v true_a we_o have_v what_o we_o desire_v if_o false_a what_o malignant_a influence_n be_v this_o of_o the_o star_n so_o powerful_o to_o sway_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o falsity_n how_o far_o be_v the_o star_n then_o from_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n when_o they_o be_v so_o influential_a to_o deceive_v the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o what_o peculiar_a influence_n come_v some_o man_n to_o be_v free_v from_o this_o general_a imposture_n if_o the_o cause_n be_v so_o universal_a the_o effect_n must_v be_v universal_a too_o but_o if_o only_a the_o nativity_n and_o continuance_n of_o some_o particular_a religion_n may_v be_v calculate_v by_o the_o star_n as_o cardan_n and_o vaninus_n atheistical_o suppose_v whence_o then_o come_v the_o general_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n to_o religion_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v then_o cause_v by_o the_o heaven_n in_o general_a it_o must_v be_v produce_v necessary_o and_o universal_o and_o so_o to_o be_v a_o atheist_n be_v impossible_a if_o it_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o some_o particular_a star_n then_o when_o that_o influence_n cease_v the_o world_n will_v universal_o relapse_n into_o atheism_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o avoid_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n as_o a_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n when_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o atheist_n against_o it_o be_v so_o weak_a ridiculous_a and_o impertinent_a the_o only_a thing_n then_o leave_v for_o he_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o universal_a consent_n because_o 13._o some_o person_n have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o opinion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v which_o be_v the_o second_o particular_a for_o clear_v this_o argument_n that_o the_o dissent_n of_o these_o person_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o manifest_v 2._o the_o consent_n not_o to_o be_v universal_a and_o to_o arise_v from_o a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n for_o i_o demand_v of_o the_o great_a atheist_n whether_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a for_o man_n to_o have_v two_o leg_n because_o some_o have_v be_v bear_v with_o one_o or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a for_o man_n to_o 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evident_a to_o reason_n then_o that_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v aristotle_n who_o large_o dispute_v against_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o there_o be_v some_o who_o affirm_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o so_o evident_a in_o nature_n as_o motion_n yet_o the_o philosopher_n be_v well_o know_v who_o dispute_v against_o it_o and_o think_v himself_o subtle_a in_o do_v so_o too_o what_o be_v man_n more_o assure_v of_o then_o that_o they_o live_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o too_o dogmatical_a even_o in_o that_o to_o believe_v the_o sceptic_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n none_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o what_o be_v
our_o sense_n more_o assure_v of_o then_o that_o the_o snow_n be_v white_a yet_o all_o the_o philosopher_n be_v not_o of_o that_o opinion_n be_v this_o then_o sufficient_a reason_n on_o which_o to_o deny_v a_o universal_a consent_n because_o some_o philosopher_n oppose_v it_o when_o it_o be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a which_o tully_n sharp_o speak_v of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n nihil_fw-la tam_fw-la absurdum_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la dixerit_fw-la aliquis_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n so_o great_a but_o it_o find_v a_o 3._o philosopher_n to_o vouch_v it_o but_o in_o this_o case_n those_o philosopher_n who_o question_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v not_o for_o number_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o who_o assert_v it_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o inexcusable_a therein_o as_o our_o modern_a atheist_n because_o they_o then_o know_v no_o other_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o be_v join_v with_o horrible_a superstition_n and_o ridiculous_a rite_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v stranger_n to_o any_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o to_o any_o real_a miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o and_o to_o such_o a_o way_n of_o serve_a god_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n most_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n most_o effectual_a for_o advance_v true_a goodness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o although_o this_o most_o excellent_a religion_n viz._n the_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o scandal_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n which_o have_v be_v mix_v with_o it_o by_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v it_o yet_o the_o religion_n its_o self_n be_v clear_a and_o untainted_a be_v with_o great_a integrity_n preserve_v in_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o it_o so_o that_o now_o athcism_n have_v far_o less_o to_o plead_v for_o its_o self_n than_o it_o have_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v 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and_o savage_a nation_n have_v be_v suspect_v of_o irreligion_n but_o the_o more_o civilise_a they_o have_v be_v the_o more_o evident_a their_o sense_n of_o religion_n the_o peruvian_o worship_n one_o chief_a god_n who_o they_o call_v viracocha_n and_o pachacamak_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o creator_n politic._n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mexican_n lipsius_n and_o other_o speak_v so_o that_o the_o near_a any_o have_v approach_v to_o civility_n and_o knowledge_n the_o more_o ready_a they_o have_v be_v to_o own_o a_o deity_n and_o none_o have_v have_v so_o little_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o they_o who_o be_v almost_o degenerate_v to_o brute_n and_o whether_o of_o these_o two_o now_o come_v near_o to_o reason_n let_v any_o one_o who_o have_v it_o judge_n another_o great_a evidence_n that_o god_n have_v imprint_v a_o character_n or_o idea_n of_o himself_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v because_o such_o 2._o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o 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impossible_a it_o be_v to_o go_v no_o further_o than_o our_o self_n to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o thing_n without_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o be_v which_o produce_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o have_v leave_v so_o plain_a a_o inscription_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o those_o who_o shut_v their_o eye_n can_v abstain_v from_o see_v it_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o evidence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v that_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o being_n in_o the_o world_n which_o can_v depend_v upon_o matter_n or_o motion_n i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v some_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n or_o being_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v unbecoming_a a_o man_n to_o contend_v about_o word_n the_o consequence_n of_o this_o for_o the_o prove_v a_o deity_n neither_o have_v be_v nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v deny_v by_o such_o who_o question_n a_o infinite_a be_v the_o same_o principle_n lead_v to_o the_o deny_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o both_o and_o immaterial_a being_n be_v the_o strong_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v something_o above_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v then_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o matter_n and_o motion_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o then_o there_o be_v certain_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a being_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v both_o as_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o some_o extraordinary_a effect_n which_o be_v produce_v in_o the_o world_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o herein_o i_o must_v confine_v myself_o to_o those_o argument_n which_o direct_o prove_v my_o present_a purpose_n and_o on_o that_o account_n must_v quit_v all_o those_o common_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o soul_n immortality_n from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n for_o all_o these_o do_v suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o already_o evident_a neither_o can_v i_o rely_v with_o safety_n on_o 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the_o platonist_n phrase_n may_v return_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o world_n these_o way_n i_o can_v think_v to_o be_v sufficient_a probation_n of_o such_o a_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a be_v in_o man_n which_o we_o now_o inquire_v for_o much_o less_o can_v i_o make_v use_n of_o so_o precarious_a and_o infirm_a a_o hypothesis_n as_o praeexistence_n which_o make_v man_n apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o cogency_n of_o such_o reason_n which_o tend_v to_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v link_v with_o a_o supposition_n not_o only_o inevident_a either_o to_o sense_n or_o reason_n but_o likewise_o needless_a and_o impertinent_a for_o i_o know_v no_o one_o argument_n which_o do_v direct_o prove_v the_o immateriality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o do_v in_o the_o least_o infer_v any_o necessity_n of_o praeexistence_n but_o on_o the_o same_o account_v it_o will_v prove_v the_o soul_n eternity_n be_v therefore_o thus_o at_o liberty_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n consider_v in_o her_o self_n our_o only_a way_n must_v be_v to_o find_v out_o such_o peculiar_a property_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o can_v be_v salve_v on_o supposition_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n suppose_v then_o that_o all_o sensation_n in_o man_n do_v arise_v from_o corporeal_a motion_n which_o be_v so_o strong_o assert_v by_o the_o modern_a philosopher_n and_o that_o the_o high_a conception_n which_o depend_v on_o sense_n can_v amount_v no_o high_o than_o imagination_n which_o be_v evident_a if_o it_o can_v then_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o action_n in_o man_n which_o proceed_v in_o a_o different_a way_n of_o operation_n than_o sensation_n do_v and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o imagination_n it_o will_v be_v then_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o man_n high_o than_o matter_n and_o motion_n now_o although_o it_o be_v a_o task_n sufficient_o difficult_a to_o explain_v the_o manner_n of_o sensation_n its_o self_n in_o a_o mere_a mechanical_a way_n suppose_v no_o high_a principle_n then_o mere_a matter_n yet_o it_o will_v appear_v far_o more_o difficult_a nay_o impossible_a without_o a_o spiritual_a or_o immaterial_a be_v to_o salve_v such_o appearance_n in_o man_n which_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o imagination_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a operation_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o every_o one_o who_o have_v it_o may_v find_v within_o himself_o 1._o correct_v the_o error_n of_o imagination_n for_o if_o all_o our_o perception_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o image_n of_o corporeal_a thing_n leave_v in_o the_o brain_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v according_a to_o the_o impression_n which_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n but_o now_o if_o our_o mind_n can_v and_o do_v form_n apprehension_n of_o thing_n quite_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v convey_v by_o sense_n there_o must_v be_v a_o high_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n in_o man_n then_o imagination_n be_v for_o which_o the_o common_a instance_n of_o the_o just_a magnitude_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v very_o plain_a if_o we_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o image_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o brain_n by_o our_o eye_n we_o can_v never_o imagine_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v big_a than_o he_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v nay_o though_o the_o sight_n be_v advantage_v by_o the_o help_n of_o telescope_n it_o can_v receive_v such_o a_o image_n or_o idea_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o answer_v to_o its_o just_a magnitude_n viz_o that_o it_o be_v 160._o time_n big_a than_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o now_o come_v this_o apprehension_n of_o the_o bigness_n of_o the_o sun_n above_o that_o proportion_n which_o can_v possible_o come_v in_o at_o our_o sense_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lessen_v of_o object_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o distance_n the_o mind_n may_v come_v to_o understand_v how_o much_o big_a the_o sun_n may_v be_v then_o he_o seem_v i_o grant_v it_o but_o withal_o inquire_v how_o the_o imagination_n come_v to_o have_v proportion_n and_o distance_n which_o be_v meâ—r_a respect_n and_o can_v have_v no_o corporeal_a phantasm_n whereby_o to_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o very_a way_n of_o ratiocination_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v some_o principle_n in_o man_n beyond_o imagination_n again_o when_o the_o mind_n by_o ratiocination_n have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o sinde_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v so_o great_a what_o idea_n be_v there_o of_o this_o magnitude_n in_o the_o mind_n the_o mind_n can_v six_z its_o self_n on_o any_o thing_n but_o it_o must_v have_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o come_v this_o idea_n not_o from_o corporeal_a phantasm_n for_o none_o of_o they_o can_v ever_o convey_v the_o cue_n magnitude_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o form_n of_o this_o idea_n must_v be_v a_o pure_a act_n of_o intellection_n which_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o imagination_n and_o be_v a_o principle_n above_o it_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o stick_n when_o under_o water_n the_o representation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o sense_n to_o imagination_n be_v as_o crooked_a for_o corporeal_a motion_n carry_v thing_n to_o the_o eye_n without_o any_o judgement_n upon_o they_o the_o eye_n convey_v the_o image_n to_o the_o brain_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o corporeal_a perception_n must_v present_o take_v every_o thing_n for_o true_a which_o be_v convey_v thither_o now_o from_o what_o principle_n be_v it_o that_o this_o error_n of_o our_o sense_n be_v correcteà _fw-fr so_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n wherein_o our_o imagination_n be_v quite_o puzzle_v
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
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
those_o magnetical_a hook_n of_o obedience_n and_o eternal_a interest_n there_o be_v few_o will_v be_v draw_v to_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o much_o less_o a_o delight_n in_o so_o amiable_a and_o excellâ—â—nt_a a_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v why_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v a_o future_a punishment_n or_o promise_v a_o eternal_a reward_n be_v not_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n the_o sinew_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o who_o design_n be_v to_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n on_o which_o all_o religion_n be_v build_v understand_v far_o 2._o better_a than_o those_o weak_a pretend_a advancer_n of_o religion_n who_o while_n in_o such_o a_o way_n they_o pretend_v to_o advance_v it_o do_v only_o blow_v it_o up_o for_o if_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n and_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o future_a condition_n nor_o serve_v god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o power_n to_o make_v our_o soul_n miserable_a or_o happy_a much_o less_o ought_v man_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o any_o regard_n to_o his_o providence_n since_o the_o matter_n which_o providence_n be_v employ_v about_o in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o infinite_o less_o moment_n than_o those_o which_o concern_v our_o future_a state_n and_o if_o we_o be_v to_o have_v no_o eye_n on_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v for_o what_o end_n god_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o mankind_n and_o manifest_v so_o much_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o quicken_v they_o in_o their_o search_n after_o he_o and_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o more_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o when_o once_o we_o question_v to_o what_o end_n god_n trouble_v himself_o with_o the_o world_n we_o be_v come_v next_o door_n to_o epicurus_n and_o may_v in_o few_o step_v more_o delight_n in_o the_o flower_n of_o his_o garden_n for_o this_o be_v his_o strong_a plea_n against_o providence_n that_o it_o be_v beneath_o the_o majesty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o stoop_v so_o low_a and_o trouble_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o regard_v what_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o ratae_n sententiae_fw-la or_o undoubted_a 10._o maxim_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bless_a and_o immortal_a be_v neither_o have_v any_o employment_n himself_o nor_o trouble_v himself_o with_o other_o which_o as_o maximus_n tyrius_n well_o observe_v be_v rather_o a_o description_n of_o a_o sardanapalus_n then_o a_o deity_n nay_o of_o a_o worse_a than_o a_o sardanapalus_n for_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o softness_n and_o effeminacy_n 29._o will_v yet_o entertain_v some_o counsel_n for_o the_o safety_n and_o good_a of_o his_o empire_n but_o epicurus_n his_o dâ—ity_n be_v of_o so_o tender_a a_o nature_n that_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o business_n will_v quite_o spoil_v his_o happiness_n this_o opinion_n of_o epicurus_n make_v the_o more_o raisedspirited_a moralist_n so_o far_o contemn_v the_o unworthy_a apprehension_n which_o he_o entertain_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o they_o degrade_v he_o from_o the_o very_a title_n of_o a_o philosopher_n in_o it_o and_o rank_v he_o beneath_o the_o most_o fabulous_a poet_n who_o have_v write_v such_o unworthy_a thing_n of_o their_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o censure_n coâ—â—t_fw-la which_o tully_n plutarch_n and_o other_o pass_v upon_o he_o for_o this_o very_a opinion_n and_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o some_o of_o their_o own_o man_n be_v of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o epicurus_n his_o deity_n who_o abhor_a softness_n and_o idleness_n and_o make_v it_o their_o great_a delight_n to_o do_v good_a to_o their_o country_n but_o epicurus_n must_v needs_o make_v his_o god_n of_o his_o own_o humour_n the_o usual_a flattery_n which_o man_n bear_v to_o themselves_o to_o think_v that_o most_o excellent_a which_o they_o delight_v in_o most_o as_o xenophanes_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v of_o his_o horse_n if_o he_o be_v to_o describe_v a_o god_n it_o will_v be_v with_o a_o curl_a main_n a_o broad_a chest_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o every_o thing_n like_o himself_o have_v e_z icurus_fw-la himself_n so_o little_a of_o a_o athenian_a in_o he_o as_o not_o to_o make_v it_o some_o part_n of_o his_o delight_n to_o understand_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o do_v he_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o walk_v of_o his_o famous_a garden_n nor_o to_o order_v his_o tree_n and_o set_v his_o flower_n and_o contrive_v every_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o delight_n woulâ—_n epicurus_n then_o count_v this_o a_o part_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o be_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o world_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n in_o it_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n must_v so_o excellent_a a_o nature_n as_o god_n be_v by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v present_o tire_v with_o business_n when_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o nature_n be_v the_o more_o active_a and_o vigorous_a it_o be_v the_o more_o able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o dspatch_v matter_n of_o moment_n with_o the_o least_o disturbance_n to_o its_o self_n be_v it_o pleasure_n to_o a_o nurse_n to_o fill_v the_o child_n with_o her_o milk_n do_v the_o sun_n rejoice_v to_o help_v the_o world_n with_o his_o constant_a light_n and_o do_v a_o fountain_n murmur_n till_o it_o be_v deliver_v of_o its_o stream_n which_o may_v refresh_v the_o ground_n and_o be_v it_o no_o delight_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o behold_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n upon_o the_o world_n we_o see_v here_o then_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o epicurus_n go_v viz._n that_o his_o god_n must_v be_v like_o himself_o or_o there_o must_v be_v none_o and_o true_o he_o may_v more_o suitable_o to_o his_o principle_n question_v his_o existence_n then_o suppose_v his_o existence_n deny_v his_o providence_n on_o such_o miserable_a account_n as_o these_o be_v which_o yet_o be_v the_o chief_a which_o either_o epicurus_n or_o lucretius_n can_v bring_v against_o it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o which_o to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v it_o do_v necessary_o infer_v a_o peculiar_a eye_n and_o hand_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n 3_o for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o infinite_a power_n shall_v stand_v by_o and_o leave_v thing_n to_o chance_n and_o fertune_n which_o be_v at_o first_o contrive_v and_o bring_v into_o be_v by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o exercise_v of_o his_o power_n and_o where_o the_o foundation_n of_o existence_n lie_v whole_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v produce_v the_o ground_n of_o continuance_n of_o that_o existence_n must_v lie_v in_o the_o same_o power_n conserve_n when_o man_n indeed_o effect_v any_o thing_n the_o work_n may_v continue_v whatever_o become_v of_o he_o that_o do_v it_o but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o what_o man_n do_v be_v out_o of_o matter_n already_o existent_a and_o his_o work_n be_v only_o set_n material_n together_o but_o now_o what_o god_n effect_n he_o absolute_o give_v a_o be_v to_o and_o therefore_o its_o duration_n depend_v on_o his_o conservation_n what_o be_v once_o in_o its_o be_v i_o grant_v will_v continue_v till_o some_o great_a force_n than_o its_o self_n put_v it_o out_o of_o be_v but_o withal_o i_o add_v that_o god_n withdraw_v his_o conservation_n be_v so_o great_a a_o force_n as_o must_v needs_o put_v that_o be_v which_o have_v its_o existence_n from_o his_o power_n out_o of_o the_o condition_n it_o be_v in_o by_o it_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n continue_v in_o the_o air_n and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n communicate_v it_o nothing_o can_v extinguish_v the_o light_n but_o what_o will_v put_v out_o the_o sun_n but_o can_v we_o suppose_v the_o sun_n to_o withdraw_v his_o beam_n what_o become_v of_o the_o light_n then_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o being_n which_o come_v from_o a_o infinite_a power_n their_o subsistence_n depend_v on_o a_o continual_a emanation_n of_o the_o same_o power_n which_o give_v they_o be_v and_o when_o once_o this_o be_v withdraw_v all_o those_o being_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o this_o power_n must_v needs_o relapse_n into_o nothing_o beside_o what_o dependence_n be_v there_o upon_o each_o other_o in_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o any_o create_v be_v the_o mode_n of_o existence_n in_o a_o creature_n be_v but_o contingent_a and_o possible_a and_o nothing_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o existent_a creature_n beyond_o mere_a
refesh_v the_o soul_n of_o such_o who_o be_v deject_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o yet_o their_o love_n be_v sincere_a towards_o he_o with_o what_o profound_a humility_n what_o holy_a boldness_n what_o become_v distance_n and_o yet_o what_o restless_a importunity_n do_v we_o therein_o find_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n address_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o prayer_n with_o what_o cheerfulness_n do_v they_o serve_v he_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v they_o trust_v he_o with_o what_o resolution_n do_v they_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o all_o straits_n and_o difficulty_n with_o what_o patience_n do_v they_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n in_o their_o great_a extremity_n how_o fearful_a be_v they_o of_o sin_v against_o god_n how_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o how_o regardless_o of_o suffer_v when_o they_o must_v choose_v either_o that_o or_o sin_v how_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o man_n displeasure_n while_o they_o enjoy_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o full_o and_o pathetical_o express_v in_o scripture_n do_v abundant_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o exuberancy_n and_o pleonasm_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o goodness_n towards_o his_o people_n which_o make_v they_o delight_v so_o much_o in_o he_o and_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o his_o displeasure_n but_o above_o all_o other_o discovery_n of_o god_n goodness_n his_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a life_n and_o eloquence_n by_o eloquence_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o artificial_a composure_n of_o word_n but_o the_o gravity_n weight_n and_o perswasiveness_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o what_o can_v tend_v more_o to_o melt_v our_o freeze_a heart_n into_o a_o current_n of_o thankful_a obedience_n to_o god_n than_o the_o vigorous_a reflection_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_n through_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o ever_o so_o great_a a_o expression_n of_o love_n hear_v of_o nay_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v imagine_v that_o that_o god_n who_o perfect_o hate_v sin_n shall_v himself_o offer_v the_o pardon_n of_o it_o and_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v it_o to_o the_o sinner_n who_o do_v so_o hearty_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 15._o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n how_o dry_a and_o sapless_a be_v all_o the_o voluminous_a discourse_n of_o philosopher_n compare_v with_o this_o sentence_n how_o jejune_n and_o unsatisfactory_a be_v all_o the_o discovery_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n well_o might_n paul_n then_o say_v that_o he_o determine_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o 2._o library_n which_o triumphant_a soul_n will_v be_v study_v in_o to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v the_o only_a library_n which_o be_v the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o cure_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o its_o malady_n and_o distemper_n other_o knowledge_n make_v man_n mind_n giddy_a and_o flatulent_a this_o settle_v and_o compose_v they_o other_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o swell_v man_n into_o high_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o this_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o true_a view_n of_o themselves_o and_o thereby_o to_o humility_n and_o sobriety_n other_o knowledge_n leave_v man_n heart_n as_o it_o find_v they_o this_o alter_v they_o and_o make_v they_o better_o so_o transcendent_a a_o excellency_n be_v there_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n crucify_v above_o the_o sublimest_n speculation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o inestimable_a benefit_n we_o enjoy_v by_o 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exclude_v providence_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v and_o withal_o consider_v how_o very_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o one_o who_o real_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v of_o a_o pure_a just_a and_o holy_a nature_n and_o that_o he_o have_v grievous_o offend_v he_o by_o his_o sin_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o god_n will_v pardon_v he_o upon_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v thence_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v make_v know_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v our_o misconception_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o to_o assure_v a_o suspicious_a because_o guilty_a creature_n how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgession_n and_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o unfeigned_o repent_v of_o their_o folly_n and_o return_v unto_o himself_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v dictate_v much_o to_o we_o of_o the_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o that_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 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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
god_n or_o ourselves_o that_o god_n shall_v when_o it_o please_v he_o single_a out_o some_o instrument_n to_o manifest_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n our_o enquiry_n then_o lead_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v proper_a note_n and_o character_n of_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v on_o so_o high_a a_o embassy_n and_o those_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o if_o his_o action_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a natural_a cause_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n he_o reveal_v be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o create_a understanding_n first_o then_o for_o his_o action_n thief_z striking_z most_o upon_o our_o outward_a sense_n when_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a do_v transmit_v along_o with_o the_o impression_n of_o they_o to_o the_o understanding_n a_o high_a opinion_n of_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o whereas_o the_o mere_a height_n of_o knowledge_n or_o profoundness_n of_o thing_n discover_v can_v have_v no_o such_o present_a power_n and_o influence_n upon_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o more_o raise_v and_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o the_o world_n be_v general_o more_o apt_a to_o suspect_v its_o self_n deceive_v with_o word_n than_o it_o can_v be_v with_o action_n and_o hence_o miracle_n or_o the_o do_n of_o thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v always_o embrace_v as_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o revelation_n for_o which_o there_o be_v this_o evident_a reason_n that_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v settle_v by_o divine_a power_n and_o every_o thing_n act_v there_o by_o the_o force_n of_o that_o power_n it_o receive_v at_o first_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v real_o alter_v the_o series_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o same_o power_n which_o at_o first_o produce_v they_o this_o than_o we_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o where_o ever_o such_o a_o power_n appear_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n go_v along_o with_o such_o a_o person_n who_o enjoy_v it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o action_n of_o moses_n both_o as_o to_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v both_o in_o egypt_n and_o the_o wilderness_n and_o his_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n this_o latter_a be_v as_o much_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o mere_o civil_a power_n as_o the_o other_o above_o natural_a we_o therefore_o come_v to_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o that_o divine_a authority_n whereby_o moses_n act_v which_o may_v be_v gather_v 3_o from_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o appear_v in_o his_o action_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a base_n whereon_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o we_o do_v stand_v and_o withal_o of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n cause_v through_o the_o prefer_v some_o party_n in_o religion_n above_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o it_o it_o will_v require_v more_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o search_v what_o influence_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n have_v upon_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a commission_n of_o those_o who_o do_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o undoubted_a credential_n that_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v produce_v we_o be_v present_o to_o receive_v the_o person_n who_o bring_v they_o as_o extraordinary_a ambassador_n from_o heaven_n employ_v on_o some_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o the_o full_a state_v of_o this_o important_a question_n two_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_v first_o in_o what_o case_n miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v as_o credential_n to_o confirm_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n second_o what_o rational_a evidence_n do_v attend_v those_o miracle_n to_o assure_v we_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v first_o for_o the_o case_n wherein_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v as_o inducement_n to_o or_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n concern_v the_o 1._o divine_a employment_n of_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a foundation_n that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o constant_o and_o perpetual_o necessary_a in_o all_o those_o who_o manage_n the_o affair_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n or_o that_o act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v once_o settle_a in_o sacred_a record_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n sufficient_o attest_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o revealer_n of_o it_o what_o imaginable_a necessity_n or_o pretext_n can_v there_o be_v for_o a_o contrive_a power_n of_o miracle_n especial_o among_o such_o as_o already_o own_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v then_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o be_v constant_o resident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o one_o of_o the_o necessary_a note_n and_o character_n of_o it_o be_v to_o put_v god_n upon_o that_o necessity_n which_o common_a nature_n be_v free_v from_o viz._n of_o multiply_a thing_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o be_v give_v for_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v man_n faith_n at_o a_o stand_n when_o god_n have_v give_v sufficient_a testimony_n for_o it_o to_o rely_v upon_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n too_o common_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o some_o person_n out_o of_o their_o eagerness_n to_o uphold_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o own_o party_n have_v be_v fain_o to_o establish_v it_o upon_o such_o ground_n which_o when_o they_o be_v sufficient_o search_v to_o the_o bottom_n do_v apparent_o undermine_v the_o common_a and_o sure_a foundation_n whereon_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o common_a christianity_n do_v main_o stand_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v a_o large_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n whereby_o we_o may_v rip_v open_a the_o wound_n that_o christianity_n have_v receive_v through_o the_o contention_n of_o the_o several_a party_n of_o it_o but_o this_o imputation_n can_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n be_v fasten_v on_o any_o party_n as_o that_o which_o be_v nail_v to_o a_o pretend_a infallible_a chair_n for_o which_o we_o need_v no_o other_o instance_n than_o this_o before_o we_o for_o while_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o party_n make_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n they_o unavoidable_o run_v man_n upon_o this_o dangerous_a precipice_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n where_o they_o find_v not_o sufficient_a miracle_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o propound_v it_o to_o they_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o their_o acknowledge_a principle_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o they_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o divine_a faith_n but_o what_o be_v propound_v by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v this_o infallible_a guide_n but_o by_o the_o note_n and_o character_n of_o it_o and_o one_o of_o those_o note_n be_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n i_o can_v find_v out_o my_o guide_n but_o by_o this_o power_n and_o this_o power_n must_v be_v present_a in_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o of_o former_a age_n concern_v faith_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n his_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o on_o the_o church_n account_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n do_v not_o find_v sufficient_a conviction_n from_o present_a miracle_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n they_o must_v throw_v off_o all_o faith_n concern_v the_o gospel_n for_o as_o good_a never_o a_o whit_n as_o never_o the_o better_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n atheism_n shall_v be_v so_o thrive_v a_o plant_n in_o italy_n nay_o under_o if_o not_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o rome_n itself_o where_o inquisitive_a person_n do_v daily_o see_v the_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n of_o priest_n in_o their_o pretend_a miracle_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v bring_v to_o look_v upon_o religion_n its_o self_n as_o a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o to_o think_v no_o pope_n so_o infallible_a as_o he_o that_o say_v quantum_fw-la nobis_fw-la profuit_fw-la haec_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la fabula_fw-la such_o horrid_a consequence_n do_v man_n drive_v other_o if_o not_o bring_v themselves_o to_o when_o they_o employ_v their_o part_n and_o industry_n rather_o to_o uphold_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n then_o to_o promote_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o be_v the_o note_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n but_o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o