christian_n unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o the_o miraculous_a power_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v not_o hinder_v the_o rise_n of_o they_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n that_o offence_n or_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n unto_o he_o through_o who_o they_o come_v matth._n xviii_o 7._o luke_n xvii_o the_o church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v free_a from_o offence_n scandal_n and_o division_n unless_o god_n shall_v forcible_o restrain_v man_n from_o run_v into_o they_o the_o temper_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n be_v very_o different_a and_o therefore_o in_o many_o case_n they_o will_v make_v a_o different_a judgement_n of_o thing_n much_o attention_n and_o thoughtfulness_n and_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o divers_a controversy_n and_o few_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v at_o that_o pain_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o in_o lesser_a difficulty_n they_o be_v content_v to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n which_o first_o offer_v themselves_o or_o to_o which_o by_o custom_n and_o education_n they_o have_v be_v most_o use_v there_o be_v so_o much_o difficulty_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o prejudices_fw-la so_o much_o labour_n and_o study_n be_v in_o many_o case_n require_v in_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n that_o few_o can_v prevail_v with_o themselves_o to_o undergo_v it_o few_o man_n examine_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n and_o few_o do_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n most_o man_n follow_v as_o they_o be_v lead_v without_o any_o further_a care_n or_o thought_n and_o die_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o without_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o take_v all_o upon_o trust_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o be_v by_o chance_n and_o more_o than_o they_o know_v or_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n they_o know_v as_o little_a of_o it_o but_o right_o or_o wrong_v they_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o of_o who_o they_o have_v conceive_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n or_o who_o have_v some_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o influence_n they_o they_o profess_v their_o religion_n as_o they_o practise_v other_o thing_n for_o no_o better_a reason_n than_o because_o they_o see_v other_o have_v do_v it_o before_o they_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o for_o it_o only_o as_o they_o do_v for_o all_o custom_n which_o by_o long_a use_n be_v become_v familiar_a and_o almost_o natural_a to_o they_o but_o may_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o different_a practice_n and_o custom_n and_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o careless_a and_o unconcerned_a to_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o several_a religion_n this_o give_v a_o mighty_a opportunity_n and_o advantage_n to_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n and_o ill_a design_n to_o infuse_v and_o spread_v their_o opinion_n for_o if_o by_o the_o plausibleness_n and_o importunity_n of_o their_o insinuation_n or_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a zeal_n and_o strictness_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o popular_a they_o can_v but_o gain_v a_o few_o person_n of_o note_n and_o interest_n who_o may_v influence_n other_o a_o party_n be_v make_v and_o a_o sect_n set_v up_o which_o may_v perhaps_o continue_v for_o some_o generation_n and_o a_o fondness_n for_o novelty_n and_o a_o personal_a dislike_n and_o prejudice_n against_o some_o man_n and_o a_o esteem_n and_o admiration_n of_o other_o and_o several_a accident_n as_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n may_v make_v great_a addition_n to_o a_o sect_n that_o be_v once_o form_v man_n who_o think_v themselves_o disoblige_v among_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o samaritan_n and_o deserter_n in_o religion_n be_v as_o usual_a as_o in_o war_n upon_o any_o great_a discontent_n or_o upon_o hope_n of_o great_a advantage_n and_o these_o man_n to_o testify_v their_o sincerity_n be_v observe_v common_o to_o be_v most_o violent_a however_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v a_o number_n and_o to_o strengthen_v a_o party_n most_o schism_n and_o heresy_n have_v be_v begin_v by_o man_n of_o ill_a design_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n gratify_v their_o own_o passion_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n or_o more_o scandalous_a vice_n this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observable_a in_o the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o ever_o since_o a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n of_o popular_a fame_n and_o preeminence_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o great_a mischief_n in_o the_o church_n some_o man_n be_v as_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o new_a opinion_n as_o other_o be_v of_o honour_n or_o wealth_n or_o pleasure_n and_o can_v bear_v no_o contradiction_n but_o contend_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o empire_n in_o knowledge_n and_o show_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n because_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v their_o conquest_n and_o enlarge_v their_o dominion_n over_o man_n faith_n some_o that_o devour_v widow_n house_n have_v for_o a_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n matt._n xxiii_o 14._o and_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o horror_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o not_o only_o in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o zealous_a profession_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o the_o error_n of_o man_n of_o no_o ill_a meaning_n but_o of_o great_a zeal_n with_o little_a knowledge_n have_v sometime_o find_v a_o strange_a acceptance_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o first_o author_n now_o when_o all_o the_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n thus_o contribute_v to_o produce_v and_o promote_v difference_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o there_o be_v such_o difference_n than_o that_o there_o be_v frailty_n and_o vice_n among_o man_n that_o some_o man_n be_v vicious_a and_o ready_a to_o seduce_v other_o and_o that_o other_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v seduce_v st._n paul_n complain_v of_o false_a apostle_n deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o marvel_n say_v he_o for_o satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o great_a thing_n if_o his_o minister_n also_o be_v transform_v as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n who_o end_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o their_o work_n 2_o cor._n xi_o 13.14.15_o satan_n himself_o strive_v to_o appear_v like_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o sin_n be_v force_v to_o take_v the_o disguise_n of_o religion_n vice_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o few_o man_n care_v much_o to_o own_o how_o fond_a soever_o they_o be_v of_o it_o number_n in_o other_o case_n be_v wont_a to_o bring_v thing_n into_o reputation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o most_o vice_n which_o though_o they_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o great_a number_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n yet_o have_v be_v always_o nevertheless_o infamous_a and_o this_o show_v the_o detestable_a nature_n of_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v creditable_a in_o a_o vicious_a and_o irreligious_a world_n but_o bad_a man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o conceal_v and_o hide_v they_o under_o some_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o since_o every_o vice_n and_o every_o passion_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n may_v conduce_v to_o the_o raise_n and_o soment_v of_o difference_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o sin_n itself_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o prevent_v unless_o god_n shall_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n in_o religion_n unless_o the_o same_o force_n and_o necessity_n shall_v restrain_v man_n from_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o will_v contradict_v the_o very_a design_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o interpose_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o direct_v and_o command_v man_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o do_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o may_v prevail_v with_o they_o by_o reasonable_a argument_n
a_o family_n either_o by_o sale_n of_o land_n for_o every_o fifty_o year_n be_v a_o year_n of_o redemption_n and_o every_o man_n return_v to_o his_o own_o possession_n and_o every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o family_n leu._n twenty-five_o io_fw-it or_o by_o defect_n of_o heir_n male_a for_o if_o there_o be_v daughter_n they_o be_v to_o inherit_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o daughter_n it_o be_v to_o pass_v to_o the_o near_a kinsman_n numb_a xxvii_o and_o the_o daughter_n who_o be_v heiress_n be_v oblige_v to_o marry_v to_o one_o of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o their_o father_n numb_a xxxvi_o 8._o but_o if_o a_o man_n die_v without_o child_n his_o brother_n or_o his_o next_o kinsman_n be_v to_o raise_v up_o seed_n unto_o the_o decease_a and_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v to_o succeed_v in_o the_o name_n of_o he_o that_o die_v without_o issue_n deut._n twenty-five_o 5_o 6._o ruth_n iii._o 12._o so_o that_o he_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o a_o legal_a father_n the_o name_n of_o both_o which_o must_v be_v enroll_v in_o their_o register_n to_o entitle_v he_o and_o his_o heir_n to_o their_o inheritance_n all_o which_o be_v appoint_v with_o a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o the_o messiah_n that_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o tribe_n and_o family_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v fulfil_v at_o his_o birth_n the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o jew_n therefore_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n one_o of_o their_o natural_a and_o the_o other_o of_o their_o legal_a descent_n and_o parentage_n and_o we_o have_v both_o these_o genealogy_n of_o our_o saviour_n set_v down_o the_o one_o by_o st._n matthew_n and_o the_o other_o by_o st._n luke_n which_o must_v be_v exact_o the_o same_o with_o the_o register_n of_o the_o genealogy_n then_o extant_a which_o both_o in_o their_o public_a 1._o public_a lighâ—f_n on_o mart._n i._n 1._o record_n and_o in_o their_o private_a book_n be_v keep_v with_o great_a care_n and_o exactness_n their_o expectation_n of_o the_o meâ—â—â—as_v oblige_v they_o to_o it_o and_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o government_n necessary_o require_v it_o for_o all_o the_o title_n and_o claim_n they_o can_v have_v to_o their_o inheritance_n entire_o bepend_v upon_o it_o and_o they_o be_v so_o careful_a herein_o that_o their_o genealogy_n be_v preserve_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o if_o the_o genealogy_n in_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v be_v different_a from_o those_o in_o the_o public_a register_n this_o have_v for_o ever_o silence_v and_o extinguish_v all_o pretence_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o messiah_n but_o they_o be_v exact_o the_o same_o do_v prove_v that_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o for_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v the_o only_a child_n of_o her_o father_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o she_o to_o be_v espouse_v to_o none_o out_o of_o her_o own_o family_n and_o therefore_o the_o pedigree_n of_o joseph_n as_o be_v customary_a in_o such_o case_n be_v set_v down_o this_o show_v her_o lineage_n and_o family_n as_o certain_o as_o her_o own_o pedigree_n can_v have_v do_v for_o the_o poor_a among_o the_o jew_n observe_v the_o law_n of_o inheritance_n as_o strict_o as_o the_o rich_a and_o even_o in_o exile_n it_o be_v observe_v as_o well_o as_o when_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o their_o inheritance_n tob._n vi_fw-la 10_o 11._o isaiah_n have_v prophesy_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o crâ—â—â—_n and_o see_v bp._n peaâ—soâ—_n 〈◊〉_d the_o crâ—â—â—_n so_o his_o prophecy_n have_v be_v constant_o understand_v and_o that_o a_o virgin_n shall_v bear_v a_o son_n can_v seem_v to_o no_o man_n incredible_a who_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o that_o to_o make_v man_n of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o by_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o natural_a generation_n as_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n must_v certain_o be_v make_v whatever_o hypothesis_n be_v admit_v be_v as_o unaccountable_a and_o as_o wonderful_a as_o this_o can_v be_v but_o to_o make_v this_o conception_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n the_o more_o easy_o believe_v the_o birth_n of_o isaac_n when_o his_o mother_n sarah_n be_v old_a and_o have_v be_v barren_a and_o other_o birth_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v both_o type_n of_o christ_n birth_n and_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n particular_o st._n john_n baptist_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o mother_n who_o be_v both_o old_a and_o barren_a be_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n the_o forerunner_n of_o christ_n but_o this_o virgin_n be_v to_o be_v espouse_v to_o joseph_n a_o just_a and_o good_a man_n both_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o security_n and_o protection_n to_o she_o and_o may_v be_v assist_v to_o she_o in_o her_o care_n and_o tenderness_n for_o the_o bless_a infant_n and_o likewise_o that_o he_o who_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o make_v the_o discovery_n if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o may_v testify_v to_o the_o world_n that_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n have_v satisfy_v he_o that_o she_o be_v with_o child_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n jealousy_n the_o wise_a man_n say_v be_v the_o rage_n of_o a_o man_n therefore_o be_v will_v not_o spare_v in_o the_o day_n of_o vengeance_n he_o will_v not_o regard_v any_o ransom_n nither_o will_v he_o be_v content_a though_o thou_o give_v he_o many_o gift_n prov._n vi_fw-la 34_o 35._o and_o the_o jewish_a law_n in_o this_o case_n be_v as_o severe_a as_o any_o can_v well_o be_v for_o a_o virgin_n betroth_v who_o have_v be_v thus_o find_v guilty_a be_v to_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n deut._n xxii_o 23._o and_o though_o joseph_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v she_o a_o public_a example_n be_v mind_v to_o put_v she_o away_o private_o yet_o this_o show_n that_o if_o it_o have_v prove_v as_o he_o at_o first_o suspect_v he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o will_v have_v be_v insensible_a of_o the_o injury_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v object_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o jealousy_n can_v object_v and_o no_o testimony_n can_v possible_o have_v satisfy_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v though_o joseph_n himself_o testify_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n say_v joseph_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n fear_v not_o to_o take_v unto_o thou_o marry_o thy_o wife_n for_o that_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o she_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o carry_v the_o infant_n into_o egypt_n at_o another_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o all_o his_o behaviour_n show_v that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o most_o competent_a person_n to_o deliver_v this_o message_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o the_o world_n so_o he_o be_v the_o most_o zealous_a and_o forward_a asserter_n of_o this_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o beside_o his_o first_o suspicion_n his_o other_o prejudices_fw-la and_o discouragement_n must_v be_v so_o great_a that_o nothing_o but_o a_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n can_v possible_o remove_v they_o he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o trouble_n and_o danger_n to_o himself_o he_o can_v not_o hope_v to_o be_v repute_v the_o father_n of_o the_o messiah_n since_o the_o prophet_n have_v fortolde_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o expectation_n the_o jew_n have_v of_o he_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o carpenter_n son_n this_o be_v think_v by_o they_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v both_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o miracle_n and_o joseph_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o flatter_v himself_o that_o it_o will_v be_v otherwise_o simeon_n prophesy_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v set_v for_o a_o sign_n which_o shall_v be_v speak_v against_o and_o herod_n present_o seek_v to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n by_o a_o terrible_a massacre_n yet_o joseph_n be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v of_o the_o angel_n revelation_n to_o he_o and_o be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o that_o he_o willing_o expose_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o danger_n which_o he_o can_v not_o but_o see_v must_v be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o which_o he_o soon_o see_v come_v so_o thick_a and_o violent_o upon_o he_o a_o sword_n be_v to_o pierce_v through_o the_o virgin_n own_o soul_n also_o but_o all_o the_o hazard_n and_o the_o sorrow_n which_o be_v foretell_v they_o and_o which_o according_o they_o undergo_v may_v abundant_o convince_v we_o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o design_n or_o prospect_n of_o any_o advantage_n but_o of_o declare_v the_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o salvation_n
the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o robert_n jenkin_n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o exeter_z and_o late_a fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n the_o second_o edition_n enlarge_v london_n print_v for_o p._n b._n and_o r._n wellington_n at_o the_o dolphin_n and_o crown_n the_o west-end_n of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a john_n earl_n of_o exeter_z may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n the_o general_a decay_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n among_o we_o have_v make_v i_o think_v that_o i_o can_v not_o better_o employ_v the_o leisure_n which_o by_o your_o lordship_n favour_n i_o enjoy_v than_o in_o use_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o show_v the_o excellency_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o and_o what_o i_o have_v do_v be_v here_o humble_o present_v to_o your_o lordship_n as_o of_o right_a and_o upon_o many_o account_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v 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he_o never_o have_v any_o or_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o his_o religion_n all_o man_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o those_o man_n most_o of_o all_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o decry_v religion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o always_o live_v up_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o instruction_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o man_n general_o act_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o against_o relgion_n and_o that_o therefore_o this_o objection_n if_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n must_v banish_v all_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n because_o so_o few_o practice_n it_o as_o they_o ought_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n neither_o because_o the_o life_n of_o so_o many_o man_n contradict_v it_o and_o some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v content_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a religion_n rather_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n because_o than_o they_o must_v be_v no_o long_o allow_v to_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n against_o religion_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n than_o the_o same_o religion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v true_a in_o one_o age_n and_o false_a in_o another_o or_o true_a in_o one_o country_n and_o false_a in_o the_o next_o and_o must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o same_o proportion_n as_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v more_o or_o less_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a indeed_o this_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a a_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o very_a common_a one_o that_o methinks_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o especial_o man_n of_o reason_n
argument_n whereas_o if_o christian_o be_v but_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o sincere_o dispose_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v no_o more_o move_v with_o these_o cavil_n than_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o sun_n if_o some_o man_n shall_v take_v a_o fancy_n to_o make_v that_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o raillery_n to_o have_v the_o more_o doubtful_a and_o waver_a thought_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o ill_a man_n be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v despise_v the_o sun_n for_o be_v under_o a_o cloud_n or_o suffer_v a_o eclipse_n not_o know_v that_o he_o retain_v his_o light_n and_o religion_n its_o excellency_n still_o though_o we_o be_v in_o darkness_n the_o light_n may_v be_v hide_v from_o we_o but_o can_v lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o own_o brightness_n though_o we_o suffer_v for_o want_v of_o it_o and_o lie_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v useful_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v be_v serious_o and_o true_o religious_a we_o must_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o in_o our_o understanding_n that_o by_o the_o rational_a conviction_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o may_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o bring_v our_o will_n to_o a_o submission_n and_o our_o affection_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o and_o consider_v these_o thing_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v without_o great_a sin_n and_o ignorance_n be_v doubt_v of_o by_o christian_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o add_v a_o new_a life_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o devotion_n when_o we_o recollect_v upon_o what_o good_a reason_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v not_o such_o by_o custom_n and_o education_n only_o but_o upon_o principle_n which_o we_o have_v thorough_o consider_v and_o must_v abide_v by_o unless_o we_o will_v renounce_v our_o reason_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o subject_n can_v be_v more_o useful_a or_o more_o worthy_a of_o a_o rational_a and_o consider_v man_n thought_n these_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o make_v matter_n of_o cavil_v and_o dispute_v will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o contemplation_n and_o of_o our_o joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o disposal_n of_o those_o very_a thing_n about_o which_o we_o now_o be_v most_o perplex_v the_o content_n part_n i._n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n p._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v wicked_a spirit_n enemy_n to_o mankind_n p._n 6._o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o man_n without_o the_o divine_a direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o leave_v he_o without_o all_o remedy_n in_o this_o condition_n p._n 8._o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n athanasius_n in_o the_o case_n p._n 15._o chap._n ii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n insufficient_a and_o therefore_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n necessary_a p._n 19_o the_o way_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n either_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o some_o only_a with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o communicate_v the_o divine_a will_n to_o other_o p._n 20._o i._n it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a ibid._n ii_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n for_o god_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o p._n 29._o 1._o concern_v prophecy_n ibid._n 2._o concern_v miracle_n p._n 33._o iii_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n by_o write_n p._n 43._o iv_o they_o must_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n p._n 44._o v._o they_o must_v be_v full_o publish_v and_o promulge_v p._n 45._o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o circumstance_n very_o considerable_a to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 48._o they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n make_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n ibid._n what_o moses_n relate_v of_o thing_n before_o his_o own_o time_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o must_v have_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o p._n 50._o chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n p._n 58._o ii_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o p._n 76._o 1._o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n p._n 77._o 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o other_o nation_n have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n p._n 90._o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a concern_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n p._n 115._o there_o have_v ever_o be_v divers_a memorial_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o heathen_a p._n 117._o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n p._n 121._o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v in_o china_n and_o america_n before_o the_o late_a discovery_n p._n 129._o the_o confession_n both_o of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n p._n 132._o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 135._o a_o sect_n call_v the_o good_a follower_n of_o the_o messiah_n at_o constantinople_n p._n 136._o though_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v still_o unbeliever_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o be_v convert_v p._n 141._o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n consider_v p._n 142._o chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o sincerity_n of_o moses_n in_o his_o write_n p._n 146._o he_o be_v void_a of_o ambition_n p._n 149._o aaron_z and_o he_o have_v no_o contrivance_n between_o themselves_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n p._n 151._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o pentateuch_n the_o pentateuch_n write_v by_o moses_n p._n 152._o the_o great_a impartiality_n visible_a in_o these_o book_n p._n 153._o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n a_o introduction_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n p._n 154._o the_o principal_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n confess_v by_o the_o heathen_a p._n 155._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n p._n 158._o the_o prediction_n of_o noah_n ibid._n the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n p._n 159._o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaac_n etc._n etc._n p._n 160._o of_o jacob_n p._n 161._o of_o balaam_n p._n 162._o of_o moses_n p._n 163._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n i._o the_o miracle_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v p._n 170._o ii_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o p._n 188._o for_o 1._o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n p._n 189._o 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n p._n 191._o 3._o the_o pentateuch_n can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o
apply_v his_o own_o song_n or_o poem_n exod._n xv_o deut._n xxxii_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o write_n before_o the_o flood_n because_o there_o be_v no_o account_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o it_o though_o the_o inventor_n of_o other_o infeferior_a art_n be_v mention_v this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v coaeval_fw-fr with_o mankind_n or_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v out_o nothing_o for_o the_o use_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n though_o no_o invention_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o write_v be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o world_n can_v very_o ill_o subsist_v without_o it_o for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n the_o grecian_n and_o other_o nation_n have_v record_v the_o first_o inventor_n as_o they_o suppose_v of_o letter_n as_o those_o who_o best_o deserve_v a_o memorial_n in_o history_n and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mention_n among_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a writer_n but_o that_o they_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n some_o of_o they_o also_o ascribe_v they_o to_o adam_n this_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o invention_n be_v no_o more_o know_v than_o that_o of_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o other_o necessary_a art_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o before_o the_o flood_n they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o conveniency_n for_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n past_a that_o we_o have_v have_v since_o yet_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o have_v less_o mean_n of_o convey_v thing_n pass_v to_o posterity_n they_o have_v few_o thing_n to_o convey_v and_o all_o their_o history_n be_v concern_v the_o ancestor_n of_o their_o own_o family_n they_o be_v easy_o remember_v and_o however_o short_a and_o imperfect_a they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v general_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a as_o to_o swallow_v such_o imposture_n they_o have_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o purposely_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o praise_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n and_o they_o who_o have_v proverbial_a remembrance_n of_o nimrod_n the_o three_o from_o noah_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o noah_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o flood_n in_o his_o time_n in_o so_o few_o generation_n of_o man_n as_o have_v past_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o moses_n to_o impose_v upon_o those_o of_o his_o own_o age_n in_o thing_n so_o memorable_a as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o so_o long_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v disperse_v into_o so_o far_o distant_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o manner_n and_o custom_n be_v different_a and_o their_o life_n short_a it_o become_v necessary_a that_o a_o true_a and_o last_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n shall_v stand_v record_v in_o a_o book_n of_o infallible_a credit_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n lest_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o shall_v become_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a and_o fabulous_a story_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n as_o well_o as_o the_o philosophy_n and_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n contain_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o propagation_n mankind_n the_o flood_n and_o other_o particular_n which_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o agreement_n with_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v obscure_v and_o disguise_v under_o other_o name_n and_o character_n to_o conceal_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v original_o take_v and_o to_o gain_v they_o the_o better_a acceptance_n among_o those_o for_o who_o use_n the_o book_n contain_v they_o be_v design_v by_o their_o author_n and_o when_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o past_a age_n begin_v to_o fail_v and_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a conveyance_n be_v so_o uncertain_a it_o be_v requisite_a that_o some_o infallible_a account_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o god_n dispensation_n and_o his_o communication_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o age_n which_o may_v be_v transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n must_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v and_o promulge_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o revelation_n which_o have_v be_v know_v to_o most_o nation_n and_o far_a divulge_v carry_v another_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o it_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v or_o confine_v to_o a_o few_o person_n but_o to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o have_v be_v most_o know_v and_o far_a propagate_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v to_o be_v a_o true_a revelation_n if_o every_o thing_n else_o concur_v to_o prove_v it_o true_a the_o very_a promulgation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v either_o suffer_v his_o own_o revelation_n to_o be_v so_o stifle_v and_o surpress_v as_o to_o become_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v false_a revelation_n to_o be_v more_o know_v and_o divulge_v either_o of_o which_o will_v very_o ill_o consist_v with_o the_o intention_n of_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v afford_v a_o constant_a and_o stand_a revelation_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o mankind_n be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o necessary_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v all_o which_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n to_o sinful_a and_o perverse_a man._n if_o man_n be_v put_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n allow_v they_o to_o attain_v it_o all_o beyond_o this_o be_v the_o mere_a arbitrary_a effect_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o his_o justice_n or_o by_o reason_n foresee_v from_o his_o mercy_n itself_o and_o his_o wisdom_n so_o order_n and_o dispose_v the_o effect_n and_o emanation_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o to_o render_v they_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o honour_n as_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o age_n revelation_n be_v frequent_a and_o general_o know_v among_o all_o mankind_n till_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o neglect_n they_o be_v withheld_a from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n afterward_o to_o continue_v to_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v he_o a_o opportunity_n of_o know_v his_o will_n reveal_v to_o other_o and_o this_o god_n be_v please_v to_o do_v by_o appoint_v a_o choose_a seed_n and_o select_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o bear_v his_o name_n before_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o so_o dispose_v of_o that_o people_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n second_o that_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o here_o we_o must_v have_v
of_o the_o world_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n bring_v home_o to_o they_o by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o sojourn_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o man_n who_o travel_v so_o far_o and_o converse_v with_o so_o many_o nation_n and_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o have_v such_o frequent_a revelation_n and_o the_o immediate_a direction_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o most_o of_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n and_o who_o be_v so_o great_a and_o powerful_a and_o so_o numerous_a must_v needs_o mighty_o propagate_v religion_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o leave_v the_o idolater_n without_o excuse_n and_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v great_a success_n in_o all_o place_n for_o even_o out_o of_o egypt_n where_o they_o endure_v the_o great_a hardship_n and_o be_v in_o such_o contempt_n and_o hatred_n yet_o a_o mix_v multitude_n go_v up_o also_o with_o they_o beside_o the_o native_a israelite_n exod._n twelve_o 38._o and_o as_o chaldaea_n and_o egypt_n be_v famous_a for_o learning_n and_o commerce_n and_o proper_a place_n by_o their_o situation_n from_o whence_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v propagate_v both_o towards_o the_o east_n and_o west_n to_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o i_o must_v again_o observe_v that_o god_n mercy_n be_v particular_o manifest_v towards_o the_o canaanite_n before_o their_o destruction_n the_o example_n of_o melchizedeck_v who_o reign_v among_o they_o and_o the_o sojourn_v of_o abraham_n and_o lot_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n not_o to_o mention_v ishmael_n and_o esau_n with_o their_o numerous_a family_n afford_v they_o continual_a invitation_n and_o admonition_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o amendment_n especial_o the_o judgement_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o lot_n be_v enough_o to_o strike_v a_o awe_n and_o terror_n into_o the_o most_o obdurate_a but_o when_o they_o will_v not_o make_v any_o due_a use_n of_o these_o mercy_n when_o they_o persist_v still_o in_o their_o impiety_n and_o proceed_v in_o they_o till_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n god_n make_v they_o a_o example_n to_o other_o after_o they_o will_v take_v no_o warn_v themselves_o yet_o still_o execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a he_o give_v they_o place_n of_o repentance_n not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v a_o naughty_a generation_n and_o that_o their_o malice_n be_v breed_v in_o they_o and_o that_o their_o cogitation_n will_v never_o be_v change_v wisd_v twelve_o 10._o how_o much_o the_o true_a religion_n prevail_v by_o these_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n among_o other_o nation_n beside_o the_o hebrew_n we_o have_v a_o illustrious_a instance_n in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n who_o be_v prince_n in_o their_o several_a dominion_n they_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n job_n four_o 18._o and_o of_o the_o original_a corruption_n of_o man_n which_o be_v express_v with_o this_o emphasis_n that_o he_o can_v be_v clean_o or_o righteous_a who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n because_o by_o eve_n transgression_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n job_n fourteen_o 1._o xv_o 14._o and_o twenty-five_o 4._o adam_n be_v mention_v chap._n xxxi_o 33._o the_o resurrection_n be_v describe_v chap._n fourteen_o 12._o and_o it_o appear_v that_o revelation_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o these_o nation_n chap._n xxxiii_o 15._o it_o appear_v that_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v know_v doctrine_n among_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o mention_v both_o by_o job_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o friend_n in_o as_o plain_a term_n as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o full_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v poetical_a the_o nature_n whereof_o require_v that_o know_a thing_n shall_v be_v allude_v to_o but_o not_o so_o particular_o relate_v as_o in_o history_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v as_o evident_a if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o occasional_o only_a and_o in_o the_o course_n of_o other_o thing_n but_o of_o set_a purpose_n treat_v of_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o footstep_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a author_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o from_o the_o several_a allusion_n and_o representation_n in_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n express_v though_o obscure_o and_o confuse_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o scripture-story_n as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o divers_a learned_a men._n 2._o in_o succeed_a age_n after_o the_o give_v the_o law_n when_o the_o jew_n by_o their_o law_n concern_v religion_n and_o government_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v whole_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n confine_v to_o one_o nation_n there_o still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n give_v frequent_a commandment_n and_o encouragement_n concern_v it_o 2._o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o affair_n as_o to_o offer_v other_o nation_n frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o proselyte_n be_v make_v of_o all_o nation_n 1._o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n give_v frequent_a commandment_n and_o encouragement_n concern_v it_o the_o stranger_n or_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n for_o either_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v circumcise_a and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n who_o be_v style_v proselyte_n of_o righteousness_n or_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o they_o be_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o profess_v only_o to_o observe_v the_o precept_n give_v to_o noah_n which_o comprise_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o these_o be_v call_v proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n because_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v among_o they_o within_o their_o gate_n these_o be_v the_o stranger_n in_o their_o gate_n mention_v deut._n fourteen_o 21._o who_o may_v eat_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v as_o the_o israelite_n themselves_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v of_o if_o any_o will_v be_v circumcise_a and_o undertake_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n they_o have_v full_a liberty_n and_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o do_v it_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n not_o only_a abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n but_o his_o whole_a family_n and_o all_o that_o be_v buy_v with_o money_n of_o any_o stranger_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v gen._n xvii_o 12_o 27._o and_o at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o passover_n the_o stranger_n be_v command_v to_o observe_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o natural_a israelite_n exod._n twelve_o 19_o god_n make_v no_o distinction_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o both_o these_o sacrament_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o those_o other_o nation_n that_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o first_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o appoint_v circumcision_n and_o then_o to_o moses_n when_o the_o passover_n be_v institute_v particular_a order_n be_v give_v concern_v stranger_n or_o proselyte_n who_o will_v betake_v themselves_o to_o they_o one_o law_n shall_v be_v to_o he_o that_o be_v home-born_a and_o to_o the_o strange_a that_o sojourn_v among_o you_o exod._n twelve_o 49._o deut._n xxix_o 11._o and_o as_o the_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o admission_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o imply_v a_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o which_o be_v confirm_v and_o renew_v by_o their_o partake_n of_o the_o passover_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v not_o only_o that_o god_n do_v in_o general_n admit_v stranger_n and_o alien_n to_o the_o same_o worship_n with_o the_o jew_n but_o that_o throughout_o their_o whole_a law_n frequent_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o they_o and_o care_v take_v for_o their_o reception_n and_o behaviour_n for_o though_o what_o be_v but_o once_o say_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o any_o matter_n yet_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v often_o mention_v and_o every_o where_o inculcate_v it_o be_v a_o
a_o venerable_a man_n of_o about_o sixty_o six_o year_n of_o age_n of_o great_a prudence_n and_o experience_n and_o withal_o very_o eloquent_a who_o he_o know_v and_o have_v converse_v with_o be_v one_o among_o other_o who_o follow_v ptolemaeus_n lagi_n after_o the_o battle_n at_o gaza_n in_o which_o he_o overcome_v demetrius_n poliorcetes_n he_o mention_v likewise_o that_o mosollamus_fw-la a_o jew_n march_v with_o he_o when_o the_o rest_n make_v a_o stand_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o bird_n which_o the_o augur_n say_v portend_v ill_a luck_n to_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v march_v on_o shoot_v that_o bird_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o and_o defend_v what_o he_o have_v do_v by_o argument_n and_o indeed_o the_o jew_n want_v neither_o zeal_n nor_o wit_n nor_o courage_n upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o appear_v in_o behalf_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n against_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a this_o book_n of_o hecataeus_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n and_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n to_o it_o and_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o of_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n and_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n his_o successor_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n 2._o lagi_n joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 12._o c._n 1_o 2._o take_v jerusalem_n he_o transplant_v the_o jew_n in_o great_a multitude_n into_o egypt_n put_v many_o of_o they_o into_o his_o garrison_n and_o allow_v they_o equal_a privilege_n with_o the_o macedonian_n by_o which_o encouragement_n many_o beside_o those_o who_o he_o transport_v voluntary_o go_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o the_o captive_n of_o that_o nation_n set_v at_o liberty_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n be_v above_o 110000._o and_o beside_o the_o signal_n favour_n and_o honour_n bestow_v upon_o the_o jew_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n who_o likewise_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n which_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a furtherance_n to_o the_o propogation_n of_o religion_n seleucus_n nicanor_n grant_v they_o the_o freedom_n of_o antioch_n and_o of_o the_o city_n which_o he_o have_v found_v in_o asia_n and_o the_o low_a syria_n and_o these_o privilege_n remain_v to_o they_o till_o josephus_n time_n after_o all_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v do_v to_o deserve_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o antiochus_n the_o great_a send_v forth_o his_o letter_n and_o edict_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o 3._o in_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 12._o c._n 3._o josephus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n more-especial_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o seleucus_n son_n to_o this_o antiochus_n after_o his_o father_n example_n out_o of_o his_o own_o revenue_n bear_v the_o cost_n belong_v to_o the_o sacrisices_n 2_o mac._n three_o 3._o antiochus_n epiphanes_n himself_o at_o last_o under_o the_o avenge_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o for_o all_o his_o impious_a cruelty_n acknowledge_v himself_o punish_v for_o his_o sacrilege_n and_o other_o mischief_n commit_v at_o jerusalem_n 1_o mac._n vi_o 12_o 13._o &_o 2_o mac._n ix_o 17._o antiochus_n pius_n when_o he_o besiege_v jerusalem_n 16._o jerusalem_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 16._o not_o only_o grant_v a_o truce_n for_o seven_o day_n during_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n but_o send_v rich_a and_o noble_a present_n for_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o city_n be_v deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n upon_o honourable_a condition_n with_o regard_n particular_o to_o religion_n hyrcanus_n accompany_v antiochus_n in_o his_o parthian_a expedition_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n fall_v the_o day_n after_o the_o sabbath_n antiochus_n stop_v his_o army_n those_o two_o day_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o lacedaemonian_n claim_v 3._o claim_v 1_o mac._n viij_o twelve_o fourteen_o 2_o mac._n xi_o joseph_n antiqu_n l._n 13._o c._n 9_o 13._o l._n 14._o c._n 16._o justin_n lib._n 36._o c._n 3._o kindred_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o both_o they_o and_o the_o athenian_n and_o roman_n enter_v into_o league_n with_o they_o which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v continue_v and_o renew_v josephus_n mention_n a_o pillar_n then_o stand_v at_o alexandria_n contain_v the_o privilege_n 2._o privilege_n joseph_n contr_n ap._n l._n 2._o grant_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o julius_n caesar_n and_o when_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v tolerate_v except_o those_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n the_o jew_n only_o have_v allowance_n for_o a_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n even_o in_o rome_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o and_o many_o other_o edict_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o senate_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n josephus_n 6._o josephus_n joseph_n ant._n quit_v l._n 14._o c._n 16._o l._n 16._o c._n 4_o 5_o 10._o l._n i9_n c._n 4_o 6._o appeal_v to_o the_o table_n of_o brass_n then_o extant_a and_o preserve_v in_o the_o capitol_n and_o other_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n under_o the_o maccabee_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n which_o they_o show_v upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n render_v the_o jew_n renown_v over_o all_o nation_n and_o beside_o their_o conquest_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hyrcanus_n 17._o hyrcanus_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 13._o c._n 17._o all_o idumaea_n embrace_v the_o jewish_a religion_n aristobulus_n have_v conquer_v great_a part_n of_o ituraea_n cause_v all_o their_o male_n 19_o male_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 19_o to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o strabo_n testify_v under_o alexander_n father_n to_o hyrcanus_n 3._o hyrcanus_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 23._o l._n 14._o c._n 3._o the_o jew_n take_v twelve_o city_n from_o the_o arabian_n and_o become_v possess_v of_o many_o city_n in_o syria_n idumaea_n and_o phenicia_n all_o which_o they_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o demolish_a pella_n for_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v it_o the_o 12._o the_o see_v mr._n mede_n discourse_n 12._o temple_n build_v by_o sanballat_n for_o manasses_n who_o have_v marry_v his_o daughter_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o samaritan_n leave_v their_o false_a go_n and_o after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o egypt_n the_o babylonian_a talmud_n say_v 205._o say_v lightf_n harmon_n p._n 205._o that_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v double_a the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o come_v out_o from_o thence_o under_o moses_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n do_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v but_o then_o they_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o mat._n xxiii_o 15._o yet_o still_o they_o teach_v the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n though_o in_o hypocrisy_n and_o with_o the_o mixture_n of_o superstition_n and_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v what_o they_o bid_v they_o but_o not_o to_o do_v after_o their_o work_n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n 783._o sanhedrin_n lightf_n excercit_fw-la on_o 1_o cor._n xiii_o 1._o p._n 783._o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v many_o language_n that_o the_o sanhedrin_n may_v hear_v nothing_o by_o a_o interpreter_n which_o qualify_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o aspire_v to_o that_o dignity_n to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o make_v proselyte_n the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v all_o over_o the_o world_n but_o chief_o seat_v themselves_o in_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n and_o antioch_n the_o three_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o all_o which_o they_o have_v great_a and_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o in_o alexandria_n they_o have_v magistrate_n of_o their_o own_o 12._o own_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 14._o c._n 12._o and_o live_v under_o a_o peculiar_a government_n by_o themselves_o never_o any_o other_o nation_n have_v such_o various_a change_n and_o revolution_n to_o mix_v they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o never_o any_o people_n be_v so_o industrious_a and_o zealous_a and_o so_o successful_a in_o the_o propogation_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v their_o proseuchae_n and_o their_o synagogue_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o for_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o scripture_n which_o man_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v admit_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o place_n wherever_o they_o dwell_v and_o in_o egypt_n they_o have_v a_o 30._o a_o joseph_n bell._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 30._o temple_n like_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n build_v by_o onias_n which_o continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o hundred_o and_o forty_o three_o year_n
from_o they_o in_o africa_n beside_o the_o christian_n live_v in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o congo_n and_o angola_n the_o island_n upon_o the_o western_a coast_n be_v inhabit_v by_o christian_n and_o the_o vast_a kingdom_n of_o habassia_n or_o abassinia_n suppose_v to_o be_v as_o big_a as_o germany_n france_n spain_n and_o italy_n take_v together_o according_a to_o mr._n brerewood_n computation_n be_v possess_v by_o christian_n and_o till_o less_o than_o two_o hundred_o year_n ago_o nubia_n a_o country_n of_o a_o great_a extent_n lie_v between_o the_o aequator_fw-la and_o the_o northern_a tropic_n continue_a as_o it_o be_v believe_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o asia_n he_o say_v most_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o russia_n the_o country_n of_o circassia_n and_o mengrelia_n georgia_n and_o mount_n libanus_n be_v inhabit_v only_o by_o christian_n beside_o the_o dispersion_n of_o they_o into_o other_o part_n under_o the_o denomination_n of_o nestorian_n jacobite_n maronites_n and_o armenian_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v a_o people_n exceed_o addict_v to_o traffic_n 24._o traffic_n brerewood_n enquir_n c._n 24._o and_o have_v great_a privilege_n grant_v they_o by_o the_o turk_n and_o other_o mahometan_n they_o be_v find_v in_o multitude_n in_o most_o city_n of_o great_a trade_n and_o be_v more_o disperse_v than_o any_o other_o nation_n but_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o jacobite_n be_v report_v to_o be_v disperse_v into_o forty_o kingdom_n in_o the_o promontory_n extend_v itself_o into_o the_o indian_a sea_n be_v the_o christian_n of_o saint_n thomas_n so_o call_v because_o first_o convert_v by_o he_o who_o be_v believe_v to_o lie_v bury_v at_o maliapour_n and_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o his_o time_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o mengrelia_n and_o other_o country_n the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v much_o corrupt_v and_o their_o practice_n very_o different_a from_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_n but_o however_o they_o retain_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v every_o man_n be_v own_o fault_n if_o he_o make_v not_o a_o good_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v afford_v he_o of_o late_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o malayan_a tongue_n and_o grotius_n his_o excellent_a book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o arabic_a have_v be_v translate_v and_o print_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o honourable_a mr._n boyle_n and_o the_o first_o disperse_v over_o all_o the_o east-indies_n where_o the_o malayan_a language_n be_v use_v and_o the_o latter_a into_o all_o the_o country_n where_o arabic_a be_v speak_v he_o also_o contribute_v to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o turkish_a company_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o turk_n in_o america_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o the_o christian_n be_v sufficient_o numerous_a and_o have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n to_o instruct_v the_o native_n if_o they_o be_v but_o as_o careful_a to_o improve_v they_o to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n rather_o than_o in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o own_o gain_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o before_o the_o flood_n revelation_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o the_o life_n of_o man_n so_o long_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o duty_n require_v towards_o he_o and_o in_o the_o first_o age_n after_o the_o flood_n god_n will_n reveal_v to_o noah_n and_o the_o precept_n give_v to_o he_o at_o his_o come_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n must_v be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o survive_a world_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o begin_v to_o decay_v and_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n be_v send_v into_o divers_a country_n to_o proclaim_v god_n commandment_n and_o to_o testify_v against_o the_o impiety_n of_o idolater_n wherever_o they_o come_v for_o to_o publish_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o general_o know_v in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o choose_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o to_o send_v they_o first_o out_o of_o mesopotamia_n into_o canaan_n and_o upon_o occasion_n back_o again_o into_o mesopotamia_n and_o then_o several_a time_n into_o egypt_n and_o from_o thence_o after_o they_o have_v dwell_v there_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n into_o canaan_n again_o at_o what_o time_n he_o appoint_v they_o law_n admirable_o fit_v and_o contrive_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o stranger_n and_o proselyte_n after_o many_o signal_n victory_n and_o after_o other_o captivity_n they_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_a to_o babylon_n and_o be_v still_o deliver_v and_o restore_v by_o a_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a providence_n and_o have_v vast_a number_n of_o proselyte_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o many_o footstep_n and_o remainder_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v find_v in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o reject_v the_o messiah_n they_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o from_o be_v his_o people_n they_o be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n for_o a_o testimony_n to_o all_o nation_n that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o they_o since_o they_o continue_v to_o maintain_v and_o assert_v those_o very_a book_n which_o plain_o foretell_v all_o that_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n that_o have_v befall_v they_o for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n they_o be_v a_o stand_a evidence_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n bear_v that_o curse_n which_o their_o forefather_n so_o many_o age_n ago_o imprecate_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n when_o they_o cause_v christ_n to_o be_v crucify_v and_o the_o gospel_n have_v by_o its_o own_o power_n and_o evidence_n manifest_v itself_o to_o all_o people_n disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o mahometan_n own_v so_o much_o of_o the_o religion_n reveal_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n afford_v some_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o those_o vast_a dominion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v possess_v all_o the_o most_o remarkable_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o several_a change_n in_o the_o world_n have_v have_v a_o particular_a influence_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n cyrus_n alexander_n the_o great_a divers_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o of_o latter_a time_n tamerlain_n and_o several_a other_o prince_n be_v great_a favourer_n of_o it_o and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o the_o most_o unlikely_a accident_n have_v contribute_v towards_o the_o promotion_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o which_o have_v be_v say_v great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unbeliever_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o be_v convert_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v produce_v concern_v the_o chinese_n and_o the_o american_n themselves_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v preach_v among_o they_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v lose_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n before_o the_o late_a discovery_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n so_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n that_o be_v at_o the_o most_o fit_a season_n he_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o it_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a to_o all_o and_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o man_n may_v defer_v the_o restore_a his_o gospel_n to_o the_o chinese_n for_o instance_n till_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o see_v they_o best_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o indies_n happen_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n that_o those_o poor_a people_n may_v have_v the_o purity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n if_o christian_n have_v be_v as_o little_o want_v to_o they_o in_o their_o charity_n as_o god_n have_v be_v in_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o stay_v till_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n before_o he_o punish_v a_o people_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n he_o wait_v for_o the_o most_o proper_a season_n to_o impart_v his_o reveal_v will_v to_o they_o and_o to_o have_v it_o preach_v to_o they_o before_o will_v be_v only_o to_o increase_v their_o
signal_n judgement_n from_o heaven_n and_o moses_n advance_v neither_o of_o he_o and_o both_o moses_n and_o aaron_n die_v by_o the_o particular_a appointment_n and_o command_n of_o god_n for_o their_o offence_n against_o he_o never_o enjoy_v nor_o for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v never_o have_v perform_v what_o they_o do_v but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n so_o they_o can_v have_v no_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o attempt_v it_o but_o his_o command_n and_o promise_v of_o assistance_n reveal_v to_o they_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o pentateuch_n as_o the_o book_n entitle_v to_o moses_n be_v confess_v by_o all_o to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n so_o we_o have_v it_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o heathen_a writer_n themselves_o that_o the_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v indeed_o of_o his_o writing_n beside_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n ever_o since_o moses_n time_n from_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o they_o which_o be_v infinite_o better_a proof_n of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o entitle_v to_o the_o true_a author_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v for_o any_o book_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n divers_a text_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n imply_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n as_o well_o as_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n import_v as_o much_o and_o though_o some_o passage_n have_v be_v think_v to_o imply_v the_o contrary_a yet_o this_o be_v but_o a_o late_a opinion_n and_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v by_o learned_a men._n it_o be_v observable_a whoever_o write_v these_o five_o book_n that_o there_o be_v no_o partiality_n show_v to_o any_o one_o whosoever_o noah_n be_v say_v to_o be_v overcome_v with_o wine_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o mockery_n of_o one_o of_o his_o son_n lot_n be_v describe_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v drunken_a but_o to_o have_v lie_v with_o his_o own_o daughter_n abraham_n himself_o deny_v his_o wife_n twice_o and_o isaac_n imitate_v he_o in_o it_o jacob_n get_v the_o blessing_n by_o fraud_n and_o subtilty_n from_o his_o brother_n esau_n joseph_n brethren_n sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o he_o when_o he_o be_v there_o learn_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n the_o fault_n of_o aaron_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v be_v not_o conceal_v on_o the_o other_o side_n particular_a notice_n be_v take_v how_o melchizedeck_v bless_v abraham_n and_o receive_v tithe_n of_o he_o and_o without_o all_o contradiction_n the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o better_a heb._n seven_o 7._o the_o advice_n of_o jethro_n be_v record_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n himself_o be_v punctual_o set_v down_o it_o be_v no_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o write_v a_o panegyric_n upon_o any_o man_n but_o to_o represent_v the_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o each_o person_n and_o to_o show_v by_o what_o various_a method_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v his_o gracious_a design_n how_o he_o turn_v evil_a into_o good_a and_o make_v use_v even_o of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o accomplish_v his_o purpose_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o have_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o most_o memorable_a and_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o have_v pass_v to_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o type_n of_o his_o death_n who_o first_o commit_v murder_n and_o who_o first_o bring_v in_o polygamy_n the_o inventon_n of_o divers_a art_n the_o flood_n the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n the_o original_a of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o a_o little_a compass_n but_o a_o large_a and_o more_o particular_a account_n be_v give_v of_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n for_o here_o the_o scene_n begin_v to_o open_v to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o work_n the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v as_o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v premise_v and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o history_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v note_v that_o the_o canaanite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n gen._n twelve_o 6._o even_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o abraham_n erect_v a_o altar_n to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 7._o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o israelite_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n who_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n in_o that_o land_n which_o they_o be_v now_o go_v to_o possess_v and_o among_o that_o people_n which_o they_o be_v now_o to_o drive_v out_o and_o which_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o land_n be_v promise_v they_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o and_o god_n who_o have_v protect_v abraham_n in_o so_o signal_n a_o manner_n will_v no_o less_o assist_v they_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v those_o thing_n particular_o wherein_o moses_n himself_o be_v concen_v as_o a_o agent_n as_o well_o as_o a_o historian_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o at_o least_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v true_a that_o be_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o governor_n or_o general_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o conduct_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n that_o they_o travel_v for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o fight_v divers_a battle_n with_o the_o several_a nation_n who_o oppose_v their_o journey_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o moses_n give_v they_o the_o law_n which_o we_o find_v there_o record_v these_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o rest_n be_v but_o as_o circumstance_n to_o show_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o and_o the_o power_n by_o which_o all_o this_o be_v do_v and_o that_o these_o main_a point_n be_v true_a it_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o most_o reproach_v and_o vilify_v the_o jewish_a nation_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o great_a general_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o israelite_n they_o own_a that_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o can_v deny_v nothing_o of_o the_o history_n itself_o but_o only_o give_v wrong_a account_n partly_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o design_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o be_v effect_v and_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n upon_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o book_n of_o josephus_n against_o apion_n in_o which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n of_o other_o nation_n have_v deliver_v concern_v the_o jew_n and_o from_o what_o the_o latter_a heathen_n strabo_n tacitus_n justin_n and_o other_o after_o the_o jew_n become_v so_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v write_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a point_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v confess_v and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v about_o and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o all_o be_v effect_v now_o we_o take_v the_o history_n of_o all_o other_o nation_n rather_o from_o themselves_o than_o from_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n to_o their_o affair_n or_o profess_a enemy_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_a partiality_n to_o admit_v the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n from_o author_n who_o live_v so_o much_o too_o late_o to_o have_v any_o certain_a information_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v about_o and_o who_o upon_o every_o occasion_n show_v such_o disaffection_n to_o their_o name_n and_o nation_n and_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o themselves_o too_o as_o josephus_n show_v it_o will_v i_o say_v be_v notorious_a partiality_n to_o follow_v such_o author_n rather_o than_o credit_v the_o jewish_a record_n attest_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a approbation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n i_o shall_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o perform_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v feign_v or_o counterfeit_a at_o first_o nor_o the_o account_v give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n falsify_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o
of_o babylon_n and_o be_v carry_v to_o babylon_n ezekiel_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v babylon_n jeremiah_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o peace_n and_o be_v bury_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ancestor_n ezekiel_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v at_o babylon_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v all_o this_o with_o the_o history_n nothing_o ever_o be_v more_o punctual_o fulfil_v for_o zedekiah_n see_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n who_o command_v his_o eye_n to_o be_v put_v out_o before_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o babylon_n and_o he_o die_v there_o but_o die_v peaceable_o and_o be_v suffer_v to_o have_v the_o usual_a funeral_n solemnity_n 2_o king_n twenty-five_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o both_o prophecy_n prove_v true_a in_o the_o event_n which_o seem_v before_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o so_o critical_a a_o exactness_n in_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n in_o prophecy_n deliver_v by_o two_o person_n who_o be_v before_o think_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o be_v such_o a_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n after_o they_o have_v see_v they_o so_o punctual_o fulfil_v in_o their_o captivity_n that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n but_o that_o both_o be_v from_o god_n jeremiah_n foretell_v also_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v restore_v after_o a_o captivity_n of_o seventy_o year_n these_o nation_n shall_v serve_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n seventy_o year_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v when_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v that_o i_o will_v punish_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o that_o nation_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o iniquity_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n jer._n twenty-five_o 11_o 12._o for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o after_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v at_o babylon_n i_o will_v visit_v you_o and_o perform_v my_o good_a word_n towards_o you_o in_o cause_v you_o to_o return_v to_o this_o place_n jer._n xxix_o 10._o and_o this_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n the_o jew_n depend_v upon_o under_o the_o captivity_n dan._n ix_o 2._o zech._n i._n 12._o and_o it_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v to_o they_o the_o generation_n of_o nebuchadnezzar_n posterity_n that_o shall_v succeed_v he_o till_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o monarchy_n be_v foretell_v jer._n xxvii_o 7._o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o take_v the_o city_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v and_o describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n agree_v punctual_o with_o the_o account_n of_o it_o by_o 191._o by_o 〈◊〉_d â—odoâ—_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 191._o herodotus_n one_o post_n shall_v run_v to_o meet_v another_o and_o one_o messenger_n to_o meet_v another_o to_o show_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n that_o his_o city_n be_v take_v at_o one_o end_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n be_v stop_v and_o the_o reed_n they_o have_v burn_v with_o sire_n and_o the_o man_n of_o war_n be_v affright_v and_o this_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o memorable_a and_o solemn_a manner_n by_o write_v it_o down_o and_o by_o cast_v the_o book_n into_o euphrates_n jer._n li._n 31_o 32_o 62_o 63._o the_o destruction_n of_o tyre_n and_o zidon_n and_o of_o egypt_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n after_o forty_o year_n ezek._n xxviii_o 19_o &_o xxix_o 12_o 13._o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o of_o the_o sanctuary_n by_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n with_o the_o death_n of_o antiochus_n and_o a_o description_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o of_o his_o very_a countenance_n be_v clear_o deliver_v by_o daniel_n four_o hundred_o and_o eight_o year_n 11._o year_n joseph_n antiquit._n l._n 11._o c._n 11._o before_o the_o accomplishment_n dan._n viij_o daniel_n likewise_o describe_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o rebuilding_n of_o their_o city_n and_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o it_o and_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v say_v 8._o say_v ibid._n l._n 11._o c._n 8._o to_o have_v be_v encourage_v by_o daniel_n prophecy_n in_o his_o expedition_n indeed_o his_o prophecy_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n be_v so_o exact_o parallel_v that_o porphyry_n can_v find_v no_o other_o evasion_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v after_o the_o event_n which_o as_o grotius_n observe_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v maintain_v that_o the_o work_n of_o virgil_n be_v not_o write_v under_o augustus_n but_o after_o his_o time_n for_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v as_o public_a and_o as_o much_o disperse_v and_o as_o universal_o receive_v as_o ever_o any_o book_n can_v be_v last_o haggai_n and_o malachi_n prophesy_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n hag._n two_o 7_o 9_o mal._n iii._o 1._o and_o hosea_n foretell_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o those_o remarkable_a word_n they_o shall_v be_v night-wanderer_n among_o the_o nation_n hos_fw-la ix_o 17._o not_o to_o insist_v therefore_o upon_o other_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n or_o less_o remarkable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n these_o may_v suffice_v which_o be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n in_o they_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o prejudice_n or_o malice_n have_v prepare_v to_o make_v the_o utmost_a discovery_n be_v witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o both_o the_o prophecy_n themselves_o and_o the_o fulfil_v of_o they_o be_v notorious_a to_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n they_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath-day_n the_o jew_n have_v as_o good_a evidence_n for_o instance_n that_o elijah_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n as_o they_o can_v have_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o public_a transaction_n and_o council_n of_o prince_n the_o fate_n and_o revolution_n of_o empire_n with_o the_o prefix_v time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o person_n be_v so_o particular_o foretell_v two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o history_n as_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o revelation_n for_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o history_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v set_v down_o in_o the_o very_a circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o afterward_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v dispute_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o elijah_n or_o such_o a_o prince_n as_o josiah_n or_o cyrus_n he_o will_v but_o make_v himself_o ridiculous_a but_o if_o he_o deny_v that_o elijah_n wrought_v such_o miracle_n or_o that_o isaiah_n speak_v of_o cyrus_n and_o another_o prophet_n of_o josiah_n by_o inspiration_n perhaps_o he_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v make_v some_o great_a discovery_n and_o to_o know_v something_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o shall_v be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o applause_n instead_o of_o that_o contempt_n which_o such_o pretence_n deserve_v so_o strange_o partial_a be_v man_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o man_n to_o bring_v better_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o elijah_n and_o josiah_n and_o cyrus_n than_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o show_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v by_o name_n prophesy_v of_o long_a before_o their_o birth_n and_o that_o the_o first_o wrought_v all_o the_o miracle_n relate_v of_o he_o or_o to_o produce_v clear_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o reign_n of_o cyrus_n than_o we_o have_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o people_n with_o their_o restoration_n after_o seventy_o year_n be_v foretell_v by_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n do_v their_o miracle_n in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n and_o their_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v not_o in_o corner_n but_o open_o before_o all_o the_o people_n not_o in_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a word_n but_o in_o plain_a term_n with_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o person_n and_o time_n and_o place_n they_o be_v keep_v they_o be_v read_v and_o study_v by_o that_o very_a people_n who_o at_o first_o as_o little_o regard_v they_o as_o any_o man_n now_o among_o we_o can_v do_v but_o slay_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o reject_v their_o prophecy_n with_o rage_n and_o indignation_n but_o be_v afterward_o by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n so_o full_o convince_v which_o be_v likewise_o foretell_v ezek._n xxxiii_o 33._o of_o their_o
and_o have_v see_v his_o miracle_n and_o have_v be_v enable_v by_o he_o to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o they_o be_v never_o credulous_a but_o always_o backward_o and_o slow_a of_o belief_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o surprise_v thing_n to_o they_o for_o though_o he_o have_v often_o plain_o foretell_v it_o to_o they_o yet_o the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n and_o the_o great_a terror_n and_o consternation_n that_o his_o death_n have_v put_v they_o into_o have_v quite_o break_v their_o spirit_n and_o thrust_v all_o hope_n or_o thought_n of_o a_o resurrection_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o they_o be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v to_o a_o belief_n of_o it_o but_o he_o overcome_v their_o unbelief_n and_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scruple_n by_o such_o way_n as_o must_v be_v convince_a or_o else_o we_o can_v never_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v any_o real_a man_n beside_o ourselves_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o mere_a shadow_n and_o ghost_n they_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o all_o behold_v the_o mark_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o his_o side_n and_o one_o of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v persuade_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n do_v thrust_v his_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n by_o which_o he_o be_v fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o his_o hand_n into_o the_o wound_n of_o his_o side_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o soldier_n spear_n just_a before_o he_o be_v take_v down_o from_o it_o so_o that_o they_o know_v he_o as_o certain_o to_o be_v rise_v again_o as_o they_o have_v ever_o know_v he_o to_o be_v alive_a before_o his_o death_n the_o apostle_n be_v so_o diffident_a that_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v they_o with_o their_o unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o they_o which_o have_v see_v he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v mark_v xuj_o 14._o but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o as_o st._n thomas_n be_v at_o first_o absent_a and_o be_v suffer_v afterward_o to_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a of_o belief_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o two_o disciple_n that_o be_v walk_v to_o emaus_n that_o their_o eye_n be_v hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o it_o be_v purposely_o so_o order_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o they_o may_v not_o ready_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o may_v be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n against_o all_o opposer_n that_o no_o man_n may_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n when_o every_o circumstance_n be_v as_o narrow_o examine_v and_o with_o as_o great_a caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o diffidence_n as_o it_o can_v have_v be_v do_v by_o himself_o if_o he_o have_v be_v there_o for_o i_o think_v we_o may_v challenge_v the_o bold_a and_o subtle_a adversary_n to_o say_v what_o he_o can_v have_v do_v more_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n if_o he_o have_v be_v then_o live_v and_o among_o the_o apostle_n than_o be_v do_v by_o they_o that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v say_v st._n john_n which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o life_n be_v manifest_v and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o and_o bear_v witness_n that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o joh._n 1.2_o 3._o which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o witness_n to_o say_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o they_o who_o can_v speak_v and_o write_v in_o this_o manner_n must_v be_v competent_a witness_n if_o no_o other_o exception_n can_v lie_v against_o they_o they_o certain_o speak_v home_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o all_o that_o any_o witness_n can_v be_v desire_v or_o suppose_v to_o speak_v ii_o as_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o so_o they_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o it_o but_o act_v against_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o have_v deny_v or_o forsake_v christ_n when_o he_o be_v live_v will_v never_o have_v be_v so_o zealous_a and_o resolute_a to_o suffer_v for_o he_o after_o he_o be_v crucify_a if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v they_o will_v have_v suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n only_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o a_o thing_n they_o have_v know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o it_o but_o must_v have_v know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v true_a that_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o else_o we_o must_v suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v of_o so_o different_a a_o nature_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o delight_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o all_o other_o fear_n and_o abhor_v even_o in_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n in_o infamy_n and_o torment_n and_o all_o the_o punishment_n that_o can_v be_v inflict_v he_o that_o will_v endure_v all_o these_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a must_v sure_o not_o be_v of_o humane_a nature_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n as_o we_o be_v as_o whether_o christ_n do_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a iii_o they_o allege_v such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v those_o to_o who_o they_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o they_o have_v have_v never_o so_o much_o mind_n to_o do_v it_o they_o declare_v that_o that_o jesus_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v cause_v to_o be_v crucify_a and_o have_v then_o place_v a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n to_o secure_v his_o sepulchre_n lest_o his_o disciple_n shall_v take_v he_o away_o 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pretend_v such_o a_o report_n when_o there_o have_v be_v none_o it_o must_v have_v be_v the_o great_a disservice_n to_o his_o cause_n that_o can_v have_v be_v think_v of_o but_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o report_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o his_o disciple_n have_v steal_v he_o away_o by_o night_n if_o this_o can_v have_v be_v make_v good_a against_o they_o will_v his_o disciple_n so_o soon_o after_o in_o the_o very_a city_n where_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a declare_v to_o the_o face_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n assemble_v in_o counsel_n the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n who_o you_o slay_v and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n he_o have_v god_n exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o to_o give_v repentance_n to_o israel_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n act_v v._o 30_o 31_o 32._o be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v to_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v those_o soldier_n to_o confront_v they_o but_o beside_o the_o senseless_a story_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o be_v do_v when_o they_o confess_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v asleep_o the_o apostle_n can_v soon_o have_v confute_v that_o calumny_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o the_o soldier_n have_v be_v asleep_o when_o the_o body_n be_v take_v away_o yet_o the_o jew_n be_v certain_o awake_a when_o they_o invent_v and_o spread_v the_o report_n and_o when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n and_o hear_v the_o strange_a language_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o declare_v that_o
we_o with_o the_o endearment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o with_o such_o condescension_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n as_o must_v needs_o mighty_o affect_v the_o most_o obstinate_a sinner_n who_o have_v but_o the_o sense_n and_o gratitude_n of_o a_o man_n leave_v in_o he_o to_o consider_v they_o and_o then_o he_o have_v denounce_v his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v and_o persuade_v to_o their_o own_o happiness_n by_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o live_v he_o die_v for_o we_o he_o have_v procure_v our_o pardon_n he_o proffer_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n he_o promise_v we_o eternal_a happiness_n with_o himself_o in_o heaven_n upon_o our_o obedience_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o threaten_v we_o with_o eternal_a misery_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v happy_a thus_o force_v we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o happiness_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o force_n that_o free_a agent_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o if_o all_o that_o infinite_a love_n can_v do_v to_o excite_v our_o love_n if_o all_o the_o reward_v that_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n can_v propose_v and_o the_o severe_a punishment_n that_o almighty_a vengeance_n can_v inflict_v will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o follow_v virtue_n and_o refrain_v from_o vice_n nothing_o can_v possible_o prevail_v with_o they_o love_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o produce_v love_n and_o hope_n of_o reward_n have_v a_o mighty_a effect_n upon_o man_n of_o any_o good_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v wont_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o very_o worst_a man_n and_o where_o infinite_a love_a kindness_n eternal_a reward_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n do_v all_o concur_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n no_o motive_n can_v be_v want_v by_o which_o human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v wrought_v upon_o iv_o the_o christian_a religion_n afford_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o be_v and_o of_o the_o life_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o thing_n do_v more_o especial_o act_v upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o put_v into_o they_o good_a desire_n and_o by_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o perform_v his_o will_n and_o this_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o this_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o strength_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v sin_n and_o over_o come_v temptation_n and_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n four_o 16._o which_o we_o be_v assure_v shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n through_o his_o merit_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a proneness_n in_o humane_a nature_n to_o evil_n and_o backwardness_n to_o what_o reason_n itself_o seem_v to_o dictate_v as_o good_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o have_v provide_v a_o remedy_n to_o cure_v this_o great_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n v._o the_o christian_a religion_n express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n christ_n die_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o procure_v acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n he_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o plead_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o our_o behalf_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a if_o we_o do_v but_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o surprise_v and_o infirmity_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n but_o a_o general_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n will_n through_o christ_n merit_n be_v accept_v of_o by_o he_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n or_o ability_n of_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n and_o for_o such_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v live_v whole_o free_a from_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a diligence_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o rely_v upon_o christ_n merit_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o what_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o able_a whole_o to_o avoid_v man_n be_v forward_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n without_o any_o true_a experience_n and_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o without_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o motive_n and_o help_v and_o the_o condescend_v and_o gracious_a term_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v indeed_o to_o lay_v some_o injunction_n and_o restraint_n more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v but_o what_o all_o lawgiver_n have_v do_v for_o some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v forbid_v as_o a_o prevention_n and_o a_o preservative_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n and_o other_o command_v as_o preparatory_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o virtue_n and_o to_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o more_o easy_a and_o certain_a to_o we_o and_o if_o man_n be_v allow_v in_o all_o government_n to_o have_v this_o authority_n certain_o god_n who_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o we_o and_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o good_a and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n have_v a_o undeniable_a right_n to_o forbid_v or_o command_v we_o some_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v have_v be_v allow_v or_o excuse_v from_o but_o these_o be_v very_o few_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v no_o religion_n ever_o be_v so_o compassionate_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o christian_a religion_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o have_v great_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n what_o can_v be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v teach_v to_o live_v under_o a_o perpetual_a sense_n and_o awe_n of_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v constrain_v to_o perform_v our_o several_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o in_o our_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n with_o the_o utmost_a fidelity_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o have_v this_o enforce_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hope_n and_o terâ—ore_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o they_o shall_v prove_v obedient_a or_o disobedient_a these_o than_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v doctrine_n most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o revelation_n for_o however_o man_n may_v wish_v as_o to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v abridge_v their_o sinful_a pleasure_n yet_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o society_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o those_o who_o will_v believe_v nothing_o of_o another_o life_n that_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o general_o practise_v as_o it_o be_v profess_v it_o will_v make_v mankind_n as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o this_o life_n through_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o speculative_a notion_n only_o that_o it_o have_v a_o real_a and_o perpetual_a influence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n even_o in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o degenerate_a age_n we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n easy_o make_v sensible_a how_o great_a blessing_n the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v to_o mankind_n in_o that_o reformation_n which_o it_o soon_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n for_o upon_o their_o conversion_n there_o become_v such_o a_o visible_a alteration_n in_o the_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v change_v their_o very_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n from_o whence_o conversion_n be_v style_v regeneration_n this_o the_o apologist_n general_o insist_v upon_o that_o the_o convert_v to_o christianity_n become_v quite_o other_o man_n and_o practise_v all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n with_o incredible_a zeal_n though_o
indeed_o whatever_o the_o original_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v whether_o from_o their_o god_n or_o from_o themselves_o if_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o good_a life_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v little_a or_o no_o necessity_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a 2._o that_o whatever_o be_v excellent_a in_o it_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 3._o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v as_o excellent_a and_o as_o certain_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a it_o be_v desective_a in_o point_n of_o authority_n socrates_n though_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v inspire_v or_o supernatural_o assist_v give_v man_n only_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o pythagoras_n indeed_o pretend_v both_o to_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n but_o he_o be_v a_o great_a magician_n in_o the_o opinion_n both_o of_o numâ_fw-la of_o xenoph_n epist_n ad_fw-la aeschinem_fw-la plutarch_n in_o numâ_fw-la xenophon_n and_o plutarch_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o do_v or_o foretell_v must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o power_n which_o as_o it_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v the_o devil_n may_v have_v to_o do_v strange_a thing_n and_o to_o know_v thing_n do_v at_o a_o distance_n or_o some_o time_n after_o and_o his_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n even_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v by_o jamblichus_n be_v such_o as_o that_o a_o bare_a recital_n of_o they_o be_v enough_o to_o confute_v any_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v claim_v by_o they_o his_o imposture_n may_v be_v see_v in_o diogenes_n laertius_n and_o 17._o and_o arist_n rhet._n l._n iii._o c._n 17._o aristotle_n say_v epimenides_n foretell_v nothing_o whatever_o other_o relate_v of_o he_o and_o as_o the_o philosopher_n have_v no_o divine_a authority_n for_o what_o they_o deliver_v so_o their_o own_o be_v but_o of_o small_a account_n they_o be_v general_o rather_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o humour_n than_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n or_o good_a moral_n and_o whoever_o read_v the_o live_v of_o the_o philosopher_n write_v by_o diogenes_n laertius_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o caesar_n by_o suetonius_n will_v believe_v the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v as_o soon_o reform_v by_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o philosopher_n who_o after_o the_o christian_a religion_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o think_v the_o writer_n of_o their_o life_n in_o earnest_n when_o they_o relate_v they_o for_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o believe_v the_o fable_n of_o aesop_n or_o lucian_n to_o be_v true_a history_n as_o the_o story_n in_o the_o life_n of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n write_v by_o philostratus_n or_o those_o in_o the_o life_n of_o isidorus_n write_v by_o damascius_n a_o abstract_n whereof_o we_o have_v leave_v preserve_v ccxiii_o preserve_v phot._n cod._n ccxiii_o in_o photius_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v defective_a likewise_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n and_o promulgaon_n philosophy_n as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o account_n of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o late_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v style_v in_o tully_n i._n tully_n tull._n de_fw-fr divin_n lib._n i._n neque_fw-la ante_fw-la philosophiam_fw-la patefactam_fw-la quae_fw-la nuper_fw-la inuenta_fw-la est_fw-la 16._o est_fw-la apud_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v sapient_a c._n 16._o seneca_n compute_v the_o rise_n of_o it_o to_o be_v less_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n before_o his_o own_o time_n but_o the_o moral_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o philosophy_n have_v no_o ancient_a original_a than_o socrates_n and_o philosophy_n of_o all_o kind_n have_v always_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o learning_n and_o confine_v to_o learned_a man_n there_o never_o be_v any_o one_o nation_n of_o pythagoraean_n or_o platonist_n or_o stoic_n or_o aristotelian_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n never_o hear_v so_o much_o as_o of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a philosopher_n and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o philosophy_n be_v defective_a in_o its_o doctrine_n be_v notorious_a for_o as_o lactantius_n observe_v the_o very_a name_n of_o philosophy_n invent_v by_o pythagoras_n who_o yet_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v some_o supernatural_a assistance_n imply_v a_o confession_n of_o ignorance_n or_o imperfection_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o a_o profession_n only_o to_o search_v after_o wisdom_n and_o pythag_n and_o diog._n laert._n in_o pythag._n jemblich_fw-ge vit_fw-mi pythag_n pythagoras_n give_v this_o very_a reason_n why_o he_o style_v himself_o a_o philosopher_n because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v wise_a but_o god_n only_o and_o yet_o this_o vain_a man_n sometime_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n socrates_n be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n that_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o morality_n and_o i._n and_o tull._n acad._n qu._n lib._n i._n he_o who_o first_o undertake_v to_o render_v philosophy_n useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n profess_v to_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o certain_o but_o to_o disprove_v the_o error_n of_o other_o not_o to_o establish_v or_o discover_v truth_n in_o which_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o plato_n pyrrhon_n vid._n diog._n laert._n in_o pyrrhon_n and_o before_o he_o democritus_n anaxagoras_n empedocles_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n agree_v in_o this_o though_o they_o agree_v in_o few_o thing_n else_o that_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o as_o tully_n say_v arcesilas_n be_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o new_a academy_n or_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o teach_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n have_v general_o teach_v before_o he_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o socrates_n profess_v to_o know_v his_o own_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n but_o arcesilas_n will_v not_o own_v himself_o certain_a of_o so_o much_o as_o that_o indeed_o the_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n be_v so_o little_a convince_a even_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a wit_n take_v up_o in_o sceptiscim_o or_o little_o better_a no_o man_n have_v study_v all_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o philosophy_n more_o or_o understand_v they_o better_o or_o have_v better_a explain_v they_o than_o tully_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o all_o conclude_v in_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o often_o profess_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o varro_n cotta_n and_o other_o the_o doctrine_n of_o philosophy_n concern_v god_n and_o providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a as_o socrates_n himself_o declare_v just_a before_o his_o death_n but_o what_o can_v be_v certain_a to_o he_o that_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n 1._o thing_n aug._n the_o civ_o l._n 19_o c._n 1._o varro_n compute_v near_o three_o hundred_o opinion_n concern_v the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n that_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v in_o what_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v or_o what_o the_o aim_n and_o design_n of_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v plato_n teach_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o man_n have_v their_o wife_n in_o common_a and_o both_o socrates_n and_o cato_n must_v hold_v a_o community_n of_o wife_n lawful_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o their_o practice_n for_o they_o lend_v out_o their_o wife_n to_o other_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a generous_a and_o friendly_a act_n and_o the_o very_a height_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o philosophy_n 24._o philosophy_n alex._n ab_fw-la alex._n lib._n l._n c._n 24._o it_o be_v a_o practice_n both_o among_o the_o grcek_n and_o roman_n to_o part_v with_o their_o wife_n to_o other_o man_n though_o mercer_n think_v the_o roman_n be_v divorce_v from_o their_o wife_n before_o other_o take_v they_o because_o cato_n be_v blame_v for_o take_v his_o wife_n again_o after_o the_o death_n of_o hortensius_n without_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o new_a marriage_n fornication_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v disallow_v by_o the_o heathen_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o recommend_v coelio_n recommend_v horat._n serm._n lib._n i._n sit_v 2._o cic._n pro._n m._n coelio_n as_o a_o remedy_n against_o adultery_n by_o cato_n himself_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n hold_v self-murder_n lawful_a and_o do_v themselves_o set_v a_o example_n of_o it_o to_o their_o follower_n the_o expose_v of_o child_n to_o be_v starve_v or_o otherwise_o destroy_v be_v practise_v among_o the_o most_o civilise_a heathen_a nation_n
composition_n of_o cato_n it_o have_v be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v the_o be_v a_o stoic_a and_o he_o may_v probable_o have_v found_v that_o sect_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o philosopher_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o promise_v reward_n or_o to_o threaten_v punishment_n upon_o the_o observation_n or_o neglect_n of_o their_o precept_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o reject_v what_o they_o teach_v and_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o unavoidable_a defect_n in_o all_o humane_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n therefore_o in_o suppose_v that_o many_o of_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o proverb_n and_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v without_o a_o revelation_n for_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o very_o good_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o a_o system_fw-la of_o ethic_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o moral_a precept_n but_o as_o a_o body_n of_o law_n give_v out_o upon_o divers_a occasion_n and_o as_o rule_n of_o instruction_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o show_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o command_v our_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o expect_v that_o king_n in_o their_o law_n shovid_v argue_v more_o profound_o than_o other_o man_n do_v but_o they_o shall_v command_v more_o effectual_o than_o other_o can_v teach_v they_o do_v not_o dispute_v but_o pronounce_v and_o dictate_v what_o their_o subject_n must_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o their_o peril_n and_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o a_o prince_n authority_n to_o command_v the_o most_o know_a and_o obvious_a thing_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o subject_n to_o need_v such_o command_n and_o god_n in_o his_o word_n do_v not_o design_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o a_o treatise_n of_o philosophy_n to_o gratify_v our_o curiosity_n with_o strange_a and_o new_a notion_n and_o make_v we_o profound_a scholar_n but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o know_a duty_n to_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o enforce_v those_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o natural_a reason_n perhaps_o may_v suggest_v to_o they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n establish_v upon_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 3._o though_o the_o philosopher_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v something_o more_o than_o other_o man_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v but_o be_v overbear_v with_o the_o error_n and_o vice_n the_o time_n and_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v even_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n and_o therefore_o their_o doctrine_n whatever_o they_o be_v can_v do_v but_o little_a good_a towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o report_n concern_v socrates_n and_o plato_n seneca_n and_o cato_n himself_o but_o only_o observe_v that_o socrates_n who_o be_v the_o only_a martyr_n among_o the_o philosopher_n for_o the_o truth_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v speak_v with_o no_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o order_v a_o cock_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o aesoulapius_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o doctrine_n for_o for_o which_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o die_v and_o after_o his_o death_n how_o do_v his_o friend_n and_o disciple_n behave_v themselves_o do_v they_o open_o and_o courageous_o vindicate_v his_o innocence_n and_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o he_o suffer_v do_v they_o not_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v it_o but_o mankind_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o perfect_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o such_o instructor_n as_o shall_v both_o teach_v and_o practice_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n and_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o such_o man_n as_o shall_v bear_v testimony_n to_o their_o doctrine_n both_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v during_o their_o life_n and_o by_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o death_n 4._o as_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n want_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o law_n and_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o so_o it_o want_v principal_a motive_n to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n the_o philosopher_n teach_v nothing_o of_o the_o exceed_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o of_o his_o desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o assist_v and_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n they_o own_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o perseverance_n in_o it_o iii._o it_o tull._n de_fw-fr nat._n dâ—or_n lib._n iii._o virtutem_fw-la autem_fw-la nemo_fw-la unquam_fw-la acceptam_fw-la deo_fw-la retulit_fw-la nimirum_fw-la recte_fw-la propter_fw-la virtutem_fw-la enim_fw-la jure_fw-la laudamur_fw-la &_o in_o virtute_fw-la recte_fw-la gloriamur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la contingeret_fw-la si_fw-la id_fw-la donum_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la non_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la haberemus_fw-la nam_fw-la quis_fw-la quod_fw-la bone_fw-la vir_fw-la esset_fw-la gratias_fw-la diis_fw-la egit_fw-la unquam_fw-la jovemque_fw-la optimum_fw-la maximum_fw-la ob_fw-la eas_fw-la res_fw-la appellant_n non_fw-la quod_fw-la justos_fw-la temperatos_fw-la sapientes_fw-la efficiat_a sed_fw-la quod_fw-la salvos_fw-la incolumes_fw-la opulento_n copioso_n this_o occasion_v those_o 53._o those_o sen_n epist_n 53._o insolent_a boast_n of_o the_o stoic_n equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o god_n and_o sometime_o even_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o they_o because_o they_o have_v difficulty_n to_o encounter_v which_o make_v their_o conquest_n of_o vice_n and_o their_o improvement_n in_o virtue_n more_o glorious_a than_o they_o suppose_v the_o like_a excellency_n to_o be_v in_o their_o god_n who_o be_v good_a by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n wherefore_o though_o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n have_v be_v never_o so_o perfect_a yet_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v ineffectual_a be_v so_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o and_o so_o unactive_a and_o dead_a when_o they_o be_v discover_v without_o that_o authority_n and_o life_n and_o energy_n that_o may_v be_v have_v from_o divine_a revelation_n which_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o not_o only_o to_o supply_v the_o imperfection_n and_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o philosophy_n but_o to_o enforce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o perfect_a chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o this_o religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o sensual_a allurement_n owe_v its_o propagation_n sole_o to_o the_o â—ower_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o though_o the_o alcoran_n have_v be_v translate_v into_o most_o of_o the_o language_n in_o use_n among_o christian_n yet_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v to_o make_v any_o proselyte_n but_o by_o force_n of_o arms._n at_o first_o this_o religion_n have_v many_o circumstance_n for_o its_o advantage_n which_o may_v in_o humane_a probability_n gain_v it_o success_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v begin_v in_o rebellion_n and_o in_o a_o final_a revolt_n from_o the_o emperor_n heraclius_n and_o beside_o this_o popular_a and_o seduce_a temptation_n of_o licence_n and_o violence_n mahomet_n add_v the_o enticement_n of_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n he_o forbid_v man_n indeed_o some_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o he_o can_v easy_o see_v they_o will_v part_v with_o for_o the_o free_a and_o unbounded_a enjoyment_n of_o other_o than_o he_o pretend_v to_o sound_v his_o doctrine_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v he_o all_o which_o make_v his_o religion_n find_v the_o more_o easy_a entertainment_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o gnostic_n at_o the_o first_o and_o not_o altogether_o so_o gross_a and_o this_o must_v needs_o incline_v all_o of_o seditious_a and_o lewd_a principle_n to_o come_v in_o to_o he_o be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o colour_n for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o power_n and_o force_n to_o make_v it_o more_o last_a than_o other_o such_o blasphemy_n have_v be_v christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n forbid_v resistance_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n upon_o any_o term_n whatsoever_o he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n but_o so_o as_o to_o abolish_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v what_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o fond_a of_o so_o that_o this_o very_a thing_n make_v the_o jew_n
but_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o he_o have_v take_v care_n to_o insert_v such_o particular_n concern_v himself_o as_o to_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n by_o which_o he_o be_v guide_v in_o pen_v it_o he_o blasphemous_o introduce_v god_n thus_o speak_v to_o he_o xxxiii_o he_o alcor_fw-la c._n xxxiii_o o_o prophet_n we_o permit_v thou_o to_o know_v the_o woman_n to_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v dowry_n the_o woman_n slave_n which_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o the_o daughter_n of_o thy_o uncle_n and_o of_o thy_o aunt_n that_o have_v abandon_v with_o thou_o the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o true_a believe_a wife_n that_o shall_v be_v give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v marry_v she_o and_o that_o she_o be_v not_o the_o wife_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n it_o seem_v he_o give_v himself_o the_o liberty_n to_o take_v away_o the_o wife_n of_o any_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o religion_n thou_o shall_v retain_v who_o of_o thy_o wife_n thou_o shall_v desire_v to_o retain_v and_o shall_v repudiate_v such_o as_o thou_o shall_v desire_v to_o repudiate_v and_o shall_v lie_v with_o they_o that_o shall_v please_v thou_o by_o this_o mean_v his_o family_n of_o wife_n become_v pretty_a numerous_a some_o say_v they_o be_v fifteen_o other_o say_v one_o and_o twenty_o beside_o concubine_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v take_v some_o care_n to_o keep_v they_o true_a to_o he_o and_o so_o he_o bespeak_v they_o after_o this_o manner_n ib._n manner_n ib._n oh_o you_o wife_n of_o the_o prophet_n such_o of_o you_o as_o shall_v be_v unchaste_a shall_v be_v punish_v double_o more_o than_o other_o woman_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n easy_a to_o god_n such_o among_o you_o as_o shall_v obey_v god_n and_o his_o prophet_n and_o shall_v do_v good_a work_n shall_v be_v reward_v more_o than_o other_o woman_n a_o exceed_a great_a reward_n be_v prepare_v for_o you_o oh_o you_o wife_n of_o the_o prophet_n you_o be_v not_o like_o other_o woman_n of_o the_o world_n fear_v god_n and_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o such_o as_o have_v a_o design_n to_o seduce_v you_o speak_v with_o civility_n abide_v in_o your_o house_n go_v not_o forth_o to_o make_v your_o beauty_n appear_v and_o to_o make_v a_o show_n as_o do_v the_o ignorant_a of_o old_a this_o explain_v what_o be_v mention_v before_o of_o a_o revelation_n mahomet_n pretend_v to_o have_v concern_v something_o that_o one_o of_o his_o wife_n be_v to_o say_v to_o he_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o he_o know_v whatever_o they_o do_v or_o say_v that_o so_o he_o may_v keep_v they_o in_o a_o we_o that_o they_o may_v not_o dare_v to_o prove_v false_a to_o he_o his_o pride_n be_v evident_a in_o this_o which_o follow_v ib._n follow_v ib._n you_o that_o believe_v enter_v not_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o prophet_n without_o permission_n except_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o repast_n and_o that_o by_o chance_n and_o without_o 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it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o little_a mind_n when_o one_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v himself_o only_o by_o singularity_n by_o a_o odd_a dress_n or_o a_o new_a mode_n when_o his_o wit_n border_n upon_o madness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o his_o learning_n be_v all_o out_o of_o the_o way_n many_o who_o be_v neither_o heterodox_n in_o religion_n nor_o fond_a of_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v show_v a_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n and_o a_o surprise_a variety_n of_o excellent_a learning_n upon_o subject_n which_o be_v unusual_a and_o in_o themselves_o but_o little_a considerable_a and_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o singularity_n have_v no_o worse_o design_n than_o to_o gratify_v a_o little_a vanity_n and_o to_o appear_v like_o some_o body_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n as_o if_o learning_n be_v a_o mere_a trifle_n a_o very_a play-thing_n to_o be_v employ_v to_o no_o serious_a and_o useful_a purpose_n but_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o give_v man_n occasion_n to_o talk_v and_o to_o be_v talk_v of_o this_o be_v call_v pedantry_n and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o that_o shall_v go_v under_o a_o better_a name_n which_o be_v of_o a_o worse_a nature_n and_o join_v the_o trifle_a of_o pedantry_n to_o the_o mischief_n of_o irreligion_n if_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v but_o busy_v themselves_o no_o worse_o than_o tiberius_n do_v when_o he_o examine_v who_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hecuba_n what_o name_n achilles_n go_v by_o whilst_o he_o hide_v himself_o in_o woman_n apparel_n and_o what_o song_n those_o be_v which_o the_o siren_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v those_o indeed_o be_v profound_a inquiry_n and_o so_o worthy_a of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v pity_v they_o shall_v be_v disturb_v in_o such_o ingenious_a disquisition_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v for_o remove_v foundation_n and_o reject_v establish_v doctrine_n and_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n in_o this_o and_o those_o who_o be_v act_v themselves_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o take_v it_o amiss_o to_o be_v contradict_v though_o it_o be_v in_o never_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n in_o short_a it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o trick_n and_o artifices_fw-la who_o know_v little_a of_o the_o substantial_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o who_o talk_v bold_o of_o the_o high_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n there_o sure_o can_v be_v little_a need_n for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o error_n and_o extravagancy_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o faculty_n they_o must_v be_v strange_a faculty_n to_o want_v such_o improvement_n truth_n itself_o be_v infinite_a though_o always_o uniform_a and_o consistent_a in_o every_o part_n and_o will_v afford_v room_n enough_o for_o the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o examine_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o state_v particular_a case_n by_o general_a rule_n in_o the_o study_n of_o antiquity_n and_o in_o explain_v particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o it_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defect_n of_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n or_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v much_o worse_o of_o want_n of_o sincerity_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o man_n can_v find_v nothing_o by_o which_o they_o may_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o set_v up_o for_o novelty_n in_o religion_n for_o what_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a mean_v and_o of_o sufficient_a ability_n and_o strength_n of_o part_n to_o proceed_v secure_o in_o direct_a and_o approve_a path_n will_v run_v out_o of_o the_o way_n by_o cunning_a and_o artifice_n to_o steal_v a_o despicable_a reputation_n which_o another_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o of_o which_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v never_o worth_a the_o have_v so_o it_o be_v never_o last_a after_o the_o reception_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o many_o age_n we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o prove_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o over_o again_o and_o we_o will_v never_o decline_v a_o thing_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o modern_a infidel_n have_v change_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v never_o deny_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n of_o old_a this_o be_v not_o dispute_v by_o celsus_n porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n insinuate_v the_o contrary_a that_o be_v so_o malicious_a and_o groundless_a a_o calumny_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o insist_v upon_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o ancient_a jew_n and_o have_v be_v confess_v by_o their_o posterity_n they_o can_v not_o contradict_v the_o miracle_n but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o they_o though_o the_o man_n we_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o to_o make_v clear_a work_n with_o much_o confidence_n but_o with_o as_o much_o ignorance_n deny_v both_o let_v they_o know_v then_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n confute_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o its_o friend_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o other_o part._n iv_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o do_v some_o right_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o it_o and_o though_o i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o the_o subject_n of_o which_o i_o treat_v and_o not_o in_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o objection_n and_o answer_n yet_o i_o have_v always_o have_v my_o eye_n upon_o the_o objection_n which_o i_o have_v know_v that_o i_o can_v think_v at_o material_a but_o to_o bring_v in_o objection_n at_o every_o turn_v in_o plain_a discourse_n such_o as_o these_o be_v design_v to_o be_v as_o far_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v permit_v may_v have_v be_v of_o no_o good_a consequence_n a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o right_a road_n without_o have_v all_o the_o wrong_n and_o dangerous_a path_n describe_v to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o recover_v or_o preserve_v his_o health_n without_o be_v present_v with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o disease_n he_o may_v get_v safe_a to_o his_o journey_n end_v without_o know_v all_o the_o bog_n and_o precipice_n by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v miscarry_v and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v well_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v how_o many_o way_n there_o be_v of_o be_v sick_a i_o have_v hear_v of_o some_o that_o read_v objection_n without_o the_o answer_n as_o late_o a_o shameless_a writer_n have_v produce_v the_o objection_n of_o celsus_n and_o faustus_n against_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o answer_v give_v by_o origen_n and_o st._n austin_n from_o who_o he_o have_v they_o and_o though_o both_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n shall_v be_v read_v yet_o objection_n be_v common_o in_o few_o word_n and_o be_v often_o remember_v when_o the_o answer_n be_v forget_v and_o indeed_o though_o i_o be_v never_o so_o expert_a at_o it_o i_o have_v no_o ambition_n to_o try_v my_o strength_n in_o tie_v a_o knot_n that_o i_o may_v show_v my_o skill_n in_o unloose_v it_o but_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o exception_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o if_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v this_o will_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v or_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o can_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a or_o have_v be_v much_o solicitous_a to_o obviate_v all_o the_o cavil_n which_o may_v have_v be_v start_v many_o have_v be_v give_v up_o and_o other_o seem_v never_o to_o have_v be_v serious_o urge_v a_o author_n who_o have_v more_o learning_n it_o seem_v than_o judgement_n to_o spare_v write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n but_o this_o be_v reject_v by_o judicious_a man_n as_o a_o very_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n particular_o by_o grotius_n as_o the_o author_n complain_v who_o yet_o afterward_o retract_v it_o himself_o some_o notwithstanding_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o any_o
numerous_a than_o the_o sufferer_n for_o any_o other_o p._n 531._o zeal_n for_o falsehood_n no_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n p._n 532._o the_o preference_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o all_o other_o p._n 534._o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o martyrdom_n p._n 535._o chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o p._n 539._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v p._n 544._o nor_o expedient_a p._n 546._o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n p._n 549._o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a p._n 551._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n about_o which_o man_n dispute_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o man_n have_v not_o disagree_v p._n 555._o prophecy_n be_v hereby_o fullfil_v p._n 557._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o true_a revelation_n may_v contain_v great_a difficulty_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n remain_v in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a the_o objection_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o insignificant_a p._n 559._o this_o be_v show_v in_o particular_n p._n 561._o the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v in_o case_n of_o another_o nature_n p._n 563._o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n p._n 566._o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 568._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n immorality_n a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o singularity_n of_o opinion_n p._n 569._o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n p._n 570._o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_a to_o jest_v and_o trifle_v withal_o p._n 574._o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n have_v in_o the_o former_a book_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o compass_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o faculty_n and_o to_o observe_v in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o daily_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o understand_v much_o more_o than_o themselves_o and_o how_o much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n there_o be_v in_o the_o wise_a man_n those_o common_o that_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o confident_a in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o understand_v all_o thing_n beside_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v not_o consider_v how_o very_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o reveal_v many_o thing_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a but_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n over_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a he_o may_v reveal_v thing_n above_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v command_v we_o what_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_v though_o we_o may_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n many_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n amount_v to_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o of_o which_o some_o man_n think_v no_o clear_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o unworthy_a of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o way_n of_o object_v and_o where_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o such_o argument_n but_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v or_o which_o they_o can_v perfect_o understand_v this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o objection_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v thing_n which_o these_o man_n in_o their_o great_a wisdom_n think_v shall_v not_o be_v there_o if_o they_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v to_o make_v their_o own_o understanding_n the_o measure_n and_o criterion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v sceptic_n for_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o other_o have_v be_v atheist_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n find_v as_o much_o fault_n with_o the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o deist_n do_v with_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v renounce_v all_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o disbelieve_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v man_n therefore_o of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o shallshew_v i._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v â—demonstrable_a ii_o that_o very_a man_n believe_v and_o experience_n several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v iii_o that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o we_o demonstrable_a several_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n nothing_o seem_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o divisibility_n be_v essential_a to_o matter_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o matter_n be_v divisible_a so_o that_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v as_o divisible_a as_o the_o big_a because_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v matter_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o matter_n differ_v only_o in_o bulk_n or_o figure_n or_o place_n or_o rest_v or_o motion_n it_o be_v then_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v divisible_a it_o must_v ever_o be_v divisible_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o often_o divide_v since_o it_o can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o to_o lose_v it_o own_o nature_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v matter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v infinite_o divisible_a because_o whatever_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a into_o part_n and_o no_o part_n can_v be_v infinite_a because_o no_o number_n can_v be_v so_o for_o all_o number_n be_v necessary_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v count_v or_o number_v though_o no_o finite_a be_v may_v be_v able_a to_o number_v it_o a_o numberless_a number_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n therefore_o all_o number_n must_v be_v even_o or_o odd_a and_o must_v be_v capable_a of_o addition_n and_o substraction_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o infinite_a for_o what_o be_v less_o or_o great_a have_v certain_a bound_n or_o limit_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v
by_o the_o name_n of_o america_n or_o that_o the_o torrid_a and_o frigid_a zone_n can_v be_v habitable_a no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n can_v seem_v more_o incredible_a to_o any_o man_n than_o these_o thing_n do_v appear_v even_o to_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v by_o navigation_n they_o may_v have_v seem_v incredible_a still_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v tell_v though_o now_o we_o wonder_v at_o the_o ignorance_n of_o former_a time_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o doubt_n of_o they_o and_o admire_v how_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v so_o long_o unknown_a for_o these_o thing_n seem_v obvious_a when_o they_o be_v once_o discover_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o we_o if_o we_o can_v not_o make_v as_o great_a discovery_n at_o home_n as_o those_o do_v who_o travel_n to_o the_o indies_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o consider_v a_o little_a with_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o we_o may_v be_v at_o least_o as_o much_o 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which_o we_o dote_v so_o much_o upon_o for_o by_o the_o least_o calculation_n it_o be_v above_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o mile_n to_o the_o centre_n but_o the_o art_n and_o curiosity_n of_o man_n have_v never_o reach_v according_a to_o mr._n boyle_n account_n after_o all_o his_o inquiry_n among_o navigator_n and_o miner_n 4._o miner_n excellency_n of_o theology_n sect._n 4._o above_o one_o mile_n or_o two_o at_o most_o downward_o and_o that_o not_o in_o above_o three_o or_o four_o place_n either_o into_o the_o earth_n or_o into_o the_o sea_n yet_o all_o astronomer_n agree_v as_o he_o afterward_o observe_v that_o the_o earth_n be_v but_o a_o physical_a point_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o starry_a heaven_n of_o how_o little_a extent_n then_o say_v he_o must_v our_o knowledge_n be_v which_o leave_v we_o ignorant_a of_o so_o many_o thing_n touch_v the_o vast_a body_n that_o be_v above_o we_o and_o penetrate_v so_o little_a a_o way_n even_o into_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v 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put_v a_o case_n we_o suppose_v a_o man_n of_o never_o so_o good_a natural_a part_n so_o bring_v up_o as_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o several_a species_n of_o animal_n be_v preserve_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o scruple_n may_v he_o raise_v to_o himself_o concern_v their_o conception_n and_o formation_n may_v he_o not_o object_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o infant_n shall_v ever_o live_v and_o be_v nourish_v and_o grow_v in_o the_o womb_n and_o will_v he_o not_o offer_v abundance_n of_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o natural_a birth_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v utter_o impossible_a our_o saviour_n in_o his_o discourse_n with_o nicodemus_n answer_v his_o doubt_n concern_v the_o new_a birth_n by_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n that_o he_o be_v as_o little_a able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v imply_v that_o there_o be_v much_o less_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o thing_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n because_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o sufficient_a explication_n of_o they_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o at_o a_o loss_n about_o the_o most_o common_a and_o obvious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n joh._n 3.8_o and_o s._n paul_n confute_v all_o objection_n against_o the_o resurrection_n by_o a_o like_a argument_n allege_v that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v intolerable_o absurd_a to_o deny_v or_o doubt_v of_o the_o growth_n of_o corn_n because_o it_o can_v perfect_o be_v explain_v so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o absurd_a to_o deny_v or_o doubt_v of_o the_o resurrection_n for_o no_o better_a reason_n since_o supernatural_a thing_n must_v be_v more_o obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o than_o natural_a 1_o cor._n 15.36_o indeed_o infidelity_n can_v never_o be_v more_o inexcusable_a than_o in_o the_o present_a age_n when_o so_o many_o discovery_n have_v be_v make_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n which_o will_v have_v be_v think_v as_o incredible_a to_o former_a age_n as_o any_o thing_n perhaps_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v which_o be_v not_o a_o downright_a contradiction_n that_o gravitate_v or_o attractive_a force_n by_o which_o all_o body_n act_v one_o upon_o another_o at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n even_o through_o a_o vacuum_n of_o prodigious_a extent_n late_o demonstrate_v by_o mr_n newton_n the_o earth_n together_o with_o the_o planet_n and_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n be_v place_v at_o such_o distance_n and_o dispose_v of_o insuch_n order_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o maintain_v a_o perpetual_a balance_n and_o poise_n throughout_o the_o universe_n be_v such_o a_o discovery_n as_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n can_v have_v gain_v it_o any_o belief_n and_o this_o system_fw-la of_o nature_n be_v so_o late_o discover_v and_o so_o wonderful_a that_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o any_o hypothesis_n in_o philosophy_n but_o it_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n may_v be_v a_o caution_n against_o all_o attempt_n of_o estimate_v the_o divine_a work_n and_o dispensation_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o vastness_n of_o the_o world_n extent_n be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o prodigious_a that_o it_o will_v exceed_v the_o belief_n not_o only_o of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o of_o the_o great_a philosopher_n if_o undoubted_a experiment_n do_v not_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o man_n of_o the_o best_a art_n and_o skill_n in_o those_o thing_n god_n thing_n see_v mr_n boyle_n of_o the_o high_a vencration_n man_n intellect_n owe_v to_o god_n that_o every_o fix_a star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n be_v above_o a_o hundred_o
may_v not_o suffer_v a_o book_n write_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v encumber_a through_o length_n of_o time_n and_o the_o frailty_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v still_o to_o retain_v the_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a in_o all_o the_o evidence_n necessary_a to_o prove_v it_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o it_o for_o as_o long_o as_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v secure_v all_o the_o rest_n though_o it_o be_v of_o never_o so_o great_a use_n and_o excellency_n yet_o can_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o a_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v permit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o fault_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n to_o become_v perplex_v with_o abundance_n of_o divers_a readins_n and_o even_o with_o contradiction_n in_o the_o chronological_a and_o less_o material_a point_n of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v defective_a as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n either_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o or_o through_o defect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o other_o difficulty_n will_v never_o prove_v it_o not_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n because_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n but_o what_o may_v be_v in_o any_o book_n though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o by_o creation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o the_o formation_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o there_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o late_a year_n prevail_v very_o injurious_a to_o religion_n and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o former_a age_n that_o god_n only_o create_v matter_n and_o give_v it_o motion_n to_o be_v perform_v under_o certain_a law_n by_o which_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n both_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v about_o without_o any_o far_a immediate_a divine_n power_n or_o concourse_n than_o what_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o be_v that_o be_v god_n create_v matter_n and_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n and_o then_o matter_n and_o motion_n do_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o settle_a course_n and_o by_o establish_a law_n without_o any_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a aid_n or_o direction_n this_o notion_n indeed_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o little_o befriend_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v show_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o this_o way_n i._o as_o to_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v consider_v both_o the_o time_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v understand_v either_o the_o time_n when_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o the_o time_n which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o but_o this_o latter_a sense_n will_v come_v under_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n 1._o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o beginning_n of_o time_n or_o of_o the_o world_n duration_n must_v be_v whole_o arbitrary_a and_o absolute_o at_o god_n sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o disposal_n for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o eternal_a duration_n to_o fix_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n more_o to_o one_o time_n than_o another_o or_o to_o determine_v why_o it_o shall_v begin_v soon_o or_o late_a and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v eternal_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n whenever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v no_o good_a objection_n because_o though_o the_o world_n have_v be_v create_v never_o so_o long_o before_o there_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v as_o much_o a_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n for_o there_o must_v have_v be_v some_o period_n of_o time_n when_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v now_o and_o no_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o long_o ago_o but_o still_o it_o may_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v ask_v why_o it_o be_v not_o create_v soon_o 2._o in_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o its_o creation_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanichal_n law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n whereas_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o preserve_v according_a to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v first_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o its_o preservation_n and_o government_n in_o its_o fix_a and_o settle_v state_n the_o origin_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n before_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o several_a law_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o take_v place_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o of_o all_o miracle_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v the_o great_a not_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o production_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o put_v thing_n into_o such_o order_n as_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n ordain_v for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v what_o these_o law_n of_o motion_n be_v which_o the_o philosopher_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o combination_n of_o body_n and_o such_o a_o dependence_n of_o every_o body_n upon_o so_o many_o other_o in_o every_o motion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v how_o any_o two_o body_n will_v act_v upon_o each_o other_o if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o body_n beside_o or_o be_v out_o of_o that_o state_n which_o they_o now_o be_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v range_v and_o settle_v before_o these_o law_n can_v take_v place_n and_o to_o reduce_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o now_o prevail_v in_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o creation_n antecedent_n to_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o indian_a shall_v attempt_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o make_n of_o a_o watch_n by_o the_o several_a motion_n which_o he_o see_v perform_v in_o it_o after_o it_o be_v make_v and_o shall_v imagine_v that_o the_o material_n move_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n at_o last_o arrive_v to_o the_o exact_a frame_n of_o a_o watch._n 2._o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n it_o be_v great_a presumption_n in_o man_n to_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o whatever_o he_o deliver_v of_o himself_o we_o ought_v entire_o to_o believe_v both_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o thou_o have_v understanding_n job_n xxxviii_o 4._o but_o this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o such_o as_o censure_n and_o cavil_v at_o his_o word_n that_o even_o by_o man_n such_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o his_o action_n as_o all_o his_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gainsay_v god_n have_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o measure_n and_o number_n and_o weight_n wisd_v xi_o 20._o and_o as_o to_o
you_o not_o read_v that_o he_o which_o make_v they_o at_o the_o beginning_n make_v they_o male_a and_o female_a and_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o shall_v cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n and_o they_o twain_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n matth._n nineteeen_o 4_o 5._o and_o st._n paul_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o show_v that_o the_o woman_n ought_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n prove_v it_o by_o this_o argument_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o form_v then_o eve_n 1_o tim._n two_o 13._o and_o in_o another_o place_n and_o upon_o another_o occasion_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o woman_n of_o the_o man._n 1_o cor._n xi_o 8._o and_o long_o before_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n have_v argue_v from_o the_o same_o topick_n malach._n two_o 15._o and_o hebr._n four_o 4._o it_o be_v note_v that_o god_n do_v rest_v the_o seven_o day_n from_o all_o his_o work_n from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v that_o he_o that_o be_v enter_v into_o his_o rest_n he_o also_o have_v cease_v from_o his_o own_o work_n as_o god_n do_v from_o his_o verse_n 10._o now_o as_o these_o and_o whatever_o other_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v evident_o suppose_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n so_o they_o explain_v to_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v thus_o create_v for_o all_o these_o argument_n have_v be_v lose_v and_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o they_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v otherwise_o create_v as_o certain_o therefore_o as_o this_o argue_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v good_a so_o certain_a it_o be_v both_o that_o the_o world_n be_v so_o create_v and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o whatever_o some_o philisopher_n may_v think_v now_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o will_v have_v be_v more_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n than_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v make_v upon_o mechanical_a principle_n he_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v do_v he_o command_v and_o it_o stand_v fact_n psal_n xxxiii_o 9_o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v psal_n cxlviii_o 5._o this_o express_v not_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n but_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v ever_o have_v this_o notion_n of_o god_n that_o to_o command_v and_o to_o do_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o objection_n till_o of_o late_a have_v run_v the_o other_o way_n that_o god_n do_v rather_o create_v the_o world_n in_o a_o instant_n than_o in_o six_o day_n it_o be_v little_o suspect_v former_o that_o divers_a year_n or_o many_o age_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o longinus_n observe_v the_o sublime_a style_n of_o moses_n and_o if_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o be_v admirable_a the_o creation_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o relate_v must_v be_v much_o more_o admirable_a for_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o it_o to_o be_v thus_o describe_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o it_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o be_v do_v but_o what_o will_v longinus_n have_v say_v if_o the_o creation_n have_v be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v perform_v not_o by_o any_o command_n which_o have_v its_o immediate_a effect_n but_o by_o the_o tedious_a process_n of_o mechanical_a cause_n what_o grandeur_n what_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o majesty_n be_v there_o in_o this_o more_o than_o in_o any_o chemical_a operation_n if_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n be_v true_a it_o be_v strange_a presumption_n to_o demand_v of_o almighty_a god_n a_o reason_n of_o all_o his_o action_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o word_n that_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o when_o and_o how_o some_o man_n conceit_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v do_v but_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v may_v at_o least_o serve_v to_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o such_o men._n 2._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o perform_v according_a to_o mechanical_a law_n or_o principle_n the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n suppose_v that_o body_n act_n upon_o body_n or_o active_n upon_o passive_n in_o a_o certain_a course_n and_o according_a to_o such_o law_n as_o that_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o they_o necessary_o produce_v their_o effect_n without_o any_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o this_o notion_n be_v ground_v whole_o upon_o mistake_n 1._o it_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v at_o first_o a_o certain_a quantity_n of_o motion_n infuse_v or_o impress_v upon_o matter_n which_o still_o continue_v pass_v from_o one_o body_n to_o another_o according_a to_o certain_a method_n or_o rule_n prescribe_v but_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v always_o the_o same_o quantity_n of_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o precarious_a or_o rather_o notorious_o false_a and_o the_o best_a philosopher_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o account_n how_o motion_n can_v be_v communicate_v without_o a_o immediate_a impulse_n or_o concourse_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n 2._o by_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n it_o be_v suppose_v as_o a_o thing_n certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o plenum_fw-la which_o at_o least_o be_v very_o uncertain_a or_o rather_o it_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o mr._n newton_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vacuum_n not_o only_o intersperse_v but_o of_o a_o prodigious_a and_o almost_o incredible_a extent_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o earth_n simidiameter_n from_o we_o and_o by_o his_o principle_n gravitation_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o immediate_a and_o constant_a impression_n or_o impulse_n of_o god_n for_o it_o proceed_v from_o no_o action_n of_o one_o body_n upon_o another_o but_o be_v a_o quality_n belong_v to_o all_o matter_n alike_o and_o to_o every_o particle_n of_o matter_n however_o separate_v and_o distant_a from_o all_o other_o the_o projectile_a motion_n and_o that_o attractive_a force_n by_o which_o the_o planet_n be_v carry_v in_o their_o orbit_n can_v be_v communicate_v or_o perform_v according_a to_o any_o mechanical_a law_n whereby_o they_o be_v determine_v from_o a_o rectilinear_n to_o a_o orbicular_a motion_n for_o body_n can_v act_v upon_o body_n only_o by_o contract_n and_o therefore_o can_v communicate_v their_o motion_n or_o any_o way_n determine_v or_o affect_v the_o motion_n of_o each_o other_o in_o a_o vacuum_n so_o vast_a as_o it_o must_v be_v near_o the_o circumference_n of_o the_o several_a orbit_n so_o that_o the_o old_a occult_a quality_n and_o substantial_a term_n be_v not_o more_o repugnant_a to_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n than_o these_o principle_n be_v the_o be_v of_o a_o vacuum_n must_v suppose_v a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n necessary_a to_o keep_v the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o order_n in_o which_o we_o see_v it_o continue_v for_o otherwise_o by_o this_o principle_n of_o gravitation_n be_v inherent_a in_o every_o part_n of_o matter_n all_o body_n will_v press_v towards_o the_o centre_n and_o in_o a_o vacuum_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v their_o tendency_n towards_o it_o till_o they_o come_v crowd_v the_o upon_o another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n will_v soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o one_o confuse_a heap_n or_o moss_n unless_o some_o immaterial_a power_n interpose_v to_o hinder_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n be_v quite_o destroy_v by_o these_o principle_n for_o by_o these_o here_o be_v no_o connexion_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n according_a to_o any_o law_n of_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n but_o all_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n gravitation_n and_o the_o projectile_a motion_n must_v be_v impress_v and_o suspend_v without_o any_o dependence_n upon_o surround_v body_n they_o must_v produce_v their_o effect_n through_o prodigious_a void_a space_n where_o body_n have_v no_o communication_n of_o motion_n from_o one_o to_o another_o and_o all_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o immediate_a direct_n and_o assist_v hand_n of_o god_n a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o solve_v a_o miracle_n mechanical_o as_o to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n by_o mechanical_a law_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n 3._o the_o abetter_n of_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n argue_v that_o god_n act_n in_o the_o most_o general_a and_o uniform_a way_n that_o it_o be_v more_o become_v his_o wisdom_n to_o let_v nature_n have_v its_o course_n and_o that_o constant_o to_o interpose_v will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o order_n
son_n be_v thought_n which_o must_v create_v a_o new_a heaven_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n itself_o i_o mean_v they_o will_v enlarge_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o fill_v and_o actuate_v they_o with_o such_o divine_a ardour_n of_o love_n as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v keep_v necessary_o from_o all_o sin_n seem_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o we_o the_o angel_n themselves_o rejoice_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o that_o joy_n must_v have_v be_v want_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o so_o much_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a a_o nature_n than_o we_o be_v of_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n either_o of_o sin_n or_o of_o repentance_n and_o the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o eternal_a subject_n of_o praise_n and_o adoration_n a_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o the_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n the_o more_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v display_v the_o more_o adorable_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n will_v appear_v and_o will_v become_v the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o praise_n and_o veneration_n those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a will_v be_v make_v the_o wise_a and_o better_a by_o it_o and_o the_o happy_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n now_o a_o governor_n in_o his_o law_n and_o in_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o his_o government_n have_v regard_n chief_o to_o the_o good_a and_o obedient_a and_o have_v little_o concern_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v god_n not_o only_o as_o the_o father_n but_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o though_o a_o earthly_a father_n perhaps_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n possible_a preserve_v his_o â—on_n from_o incur_v punishment_n yet_o a_o good_a governor_n when_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n can_v be_v better_o obtain_v by_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o liberty_n will_v not_o restrain_v he_o by_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n therefore_o if_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n in_o man_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o damnation_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a man_n and_o be_v no_o injury_n to_o the_o bad_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n why_o man_n be_v not_o necessary_o restrain_v from_o sin_v though_o damnation_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o of_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v every_o thing_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o endn_v the_o angel_n and_o man_n with_o all_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a perfection_n suitable_a to_o their_o respective_a nature_n but_o so_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o capable_a of_o sin_v for_o it_o please_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o allege_v and_o for_o many_o more_o and_o great_a reason_n perhaps_o than_o any_o man_n be_v able_a to_o imagine_v to_o place_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o to_o put_v it_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v stand_v in_o their_o present_a condition_n of_o innocence_n and_o happiness_n in_o which_o they_o be_v create_v or_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o account_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o temptation_n which_o occasion_v the_o fall_n of_o angel_n because_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o little_a become_v we_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o being_n of_n so_o great_a knowledge_n and_o purity_n as_o the_o fall_v angel_n once_o be_v of_o shall_v fall_v into_o sin_n but_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o unaccountable_a than_o the_o motive_n and_o cause_n of_o action_n in_o free_a agent_n when_o any_o be_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o it_o will_v no_o other_o reason_n beside_o its_o own_o will_n need_n be_v inquire_v for_o of_o its_o act_n what_o be_v liable_a to_o sin_n may_v sin_v whatever_o the_o motive_n be_v and_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o motive_n be_v to_o inquire_v what_o motive_n may_v determine_v a_o free_a agent_n that_o be_v a_o agent_n which_o may_v determine_v itself_o upon_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n but_o how_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a soever_o any_o creature_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v so_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o a_o state_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n as_o to_o be_v secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o sin_v it_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o admire_v itself_o and_o dote_v upon_o its_o own_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o neglect_v and_o not_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o to_o sin_n and_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o pride_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n for_o those_o excellency_n which_o may_v secure_v they_o from_o any_o other_o sin_n prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o this_o and_o the_o great_a their_o perfection_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o man_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o spiritual_a and_o pharisaical_a pride_n all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a in_o he_o afford_v he_o only_a matter_n for_o his_o sin_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v the_o very_a perfection_n of_o nature_n in_o a_o creature_n may_v be_v make_v a_o occasion_n to_o sin_n and_o that_o which_o exclude_v other_o sin_n may_v prove_v a_o motive_n and_o temptation_n to_o pride_n which_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n as_o to_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n however_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v dispute_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o strange_a proneness_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o act_v against_o reason_n and_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o act_v in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o state_n in_o which_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o mankind_n be_v at_o first_o create_v by_o the_o infinite_o good_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o the_o most_o plausible_a opinion_n and_o that_o which_o have_v most_o general_o obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v a_o be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o be_v send_v into_o human_a body_n in_o punishment_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o in_o a_o precedent_n state_n but_o this_o be_v mere_a suspicion_n and_o conjecture_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o proof_n and_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o â—o_o man_n can_v be_v punish_v for_o his_o amendment_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o punishment_n that_o the_o offender_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o fault_n especial_o when_o the_o punishment_n be_v design_v for_o his_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o man_n may_v possible_o retain_v no_o remembrance_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o another_o state_n yet_o if_o their_o fault_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o memory_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n if_o this_o life_n be_v design_v as_o a_o state_n of_o punishment_n in_o order_n to_o amendment_n but_o the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o punishment_n that_o man_n natural_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o fond_a nor_o dread_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o leave_v it_o and_o though_o man_n meet_v with_o great_a affliction_n here_o yet_o those_o do_v not_o befall_v those_o only_a or_o chief_o who_o by_o their_o proneness_n to_o evil_a in_o this_o life_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offender_n in_o a_o former_a state_n and_o every_o calamity_n have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o punishment_n the_o suffering_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o endure_v by_o reason_n of_o adam_n transgression_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o punishment_n as_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o personal_a fault_n such_o as_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v commit_v in_o a_o state_n of_o pre-existence_n require_v a_o proper_a punishment_n and_o if_o the_o punishment_n be_v for_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o this_o present_a state_n both_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o punishment_n must_v be_v know_v with_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o its_o be_v inflict_v and_o the_o great_a offender_n must_v undergo_v the_o severe_a punishment_n the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o 1._o
in_o so_o few_o generation_n of_o man_n suppose_v it_o have_v ever_o be_v know_v to_o adam_n posterity_n if_o it_o be_v never_o know_v but_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o be_v always_o convey_v down_o in_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n than_o this_o allegory_n must_v pass_v for_o historical_a truth_n in_o those_o age_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o in_o allegory_n must_v be_v because_o that_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o age_n and_o most_o credible_a and_o every_o way_n most_o proper_a and_o if_o it_o be_v most_o fit_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v happen_v so_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o it_o do_v real_o happen_v so_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o hinder_v but_o it_o may_v so_o have_v happen_v and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a at_o least_o to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o do_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v requisite_a to_o relate_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n 3._o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o their_o posterity_n and_o here_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v bestow_v his_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n upon_o what_o term_n he_o please_v and_o therefore_o he_o may_v ordain_v that_o the_o happiness_n or_o unhappiness_n of_o their_o posterity_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n 1._o god_n may_v ordain_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o posterity_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v depend_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v immortal_a upon_o their_o obedience_n and_o shall_v become_v mortal_a upon_o their_o disobedience_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v subject_n to_o care_n and_o labour_n to_o disease_n and_o danger_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n from_o which_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v exempt_a this_o be_v esteem_v just_a in_o all_o government_n among_o man_n that_o child_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o disgrace_n by_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o parent_n from_o who_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o have_v descend_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v be_v just_a both_o in_o humane_a law_n and_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n because_o god_n and_o our_o country_n have_v a_o antecedent_n right_o and_o interest_n in_o we_o superior_a to_o any_o man_n be_v private_a title_n or_o welfare_n and_o this_o they_o may_v just_o make_v use_n of_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o those_o crime_n out_o of_o love_n and_o concern_v for_o their_o posterity_n from_o which_o no_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o can_v have_v with_o hold_v they_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n have_v find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n with_o many_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a and_o just_a government_n have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o just_a god_n may_v think_v fit_a to_o deal_v in_o this_o manner_n with_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o represent_v to_o they_o that_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o their_o posterity_n depend_v upon_o their_o good_a or_o ill_a behaviour_n in_o this_o one_o instance_n of_o their_o duty_n we_o daily_o see_v that_o child_n common_o inherit_v the_o disease_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o a_o extravagant_a and_o vicious_a father_n leave_v his_o son_n heir_n to_o nothing_o but_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n perhaps_o of_o a_o great_a family_n with_o a_o infirm_a and_o sickly_a constitution_n and_o little_a or_o nothing_o to_o support_v and_o relieve_v it_o now_o if_o these_o misery_n and_o calamity_n have_v be_v entail_v upon_o all_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n from_o adam_n the_o thing_n will_v have_v be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o justice_n of_o it_o for_o number_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v now_o when_o they_o descend_v upon_o some_o only_o from_o their_o immediate_a parent_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v much_o rather_o just_a that_o the_o fall_v of_o our_o first_o parent_n shall_v make_v their_o whole_a race_n only_o liable_a to_o such_o calamity_n but_o not_o involve_v all_o necessary_o in_o they_o 2._o the_o communication_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n may_v depend_v upon_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n he_o may_v send_v they_o out_o of_o paradise_n and_o may_v withdraw_v his_o free_a and_o usual_a communication_n of_o himself_o from_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n upon_o this_o forfeiture_n by_o their_o disobedience_n 3._o the_o proneness_n which_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v in_o ourselves_o to_o sin_n may_v proceed_v from_o hence_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_n we_o become_v subject_a to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o object_v that_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v involve_v in_o adam_n sin_n for_o the_o condition_n which_o we_o be_v in_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o no_o man_n do_v or_o can_v doubt_v the_o question_n be_v only_o how_o we_o come_v into_o this_o condition_n and_o since_o we_o be_v bear_v in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v our_o natural_a and_o hereditary_a evil_n the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v clear_v and_o vindicate_v by_o assign_v a_o cause_n for_o it_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o such_o as_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o corruption_n of_o nature_n but_o will_v allow_v no_o cause_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o except_o the_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o creator_n the_o child_n of_o vicious_a parent_n be_v general_o most_v incline_v to_o vice_n and_o if_o man_n may_v partake_v of_o the_o evil_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o more_o immediate_a parent_n why_o may_v not_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n descend_v upon_o all_o their_o posterity_n 4._o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o the_o next_o life_n may_v depend_v upon_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n for_o when_o god_n propose_v to_o bestow_v upon_o man_n reward_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o far_o surpass_v any_o pretence_n of_o desert_n or_o claim_v of_o right_n that_o they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o righteousness_n and_o innocency_n can_v have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v since_o the_o promise_n be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o happiness_n so_o far_o exceed_v any_o thing_n to_o which_o man_n can_v pretend_v a_o right_n we_o must_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a unless_o we_o will_v confess_v that_o god_n may_v bestow_v his_o own_o gift_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n he_o may_v therefore_o debar_v man_n from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o transgression_n oâ—_n our_o first_o parent_n because_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n be_v â—n_o act_n of_o his_o free_a bounty_n for_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v that_o a_o innocent_a creature_n which_o preserve_v its_o integrity_n must_v for_o that_o reason_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o heaven_n no_o creature_n can_v be_v profitable_a to_o his_o maker_n and_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n can_v merit_v no_o such_o reward_n and_o what_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o bestow_v though_o man_n continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n he_o may_v with_o all_o the_o justice_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n refuse_v when_o man_n become_v divest_v of_o their_o innocency_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_v all_o pretence_n to_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v upon_o condition_n that_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v continue_v in_o their_o primitive_a and_o original_a state_n of_o righteousness_n 5._o god_n may_v ordain_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v become_v liable_a to_o eternal_a misery_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o mean_n appoint_v of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o it_o shall_v perish_v eternal_o we_o no_o soon_o read_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n but_o christ_n be_v forthwith_o promise_v even_o before_o the_o curse_n be_v denounce_v upon_o adam_n and_o eve_n for_o their_o offence_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v immediate_o promise_v to_o bruise_v the_o sepent_v head_n and_o afterward_o the_o judgement_n be_v denounce_v first_o upon_o eve_n and_o then_o upon_o adam_n for_o their_o transgression_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o victory_n over_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o that_o conquest_n which_o shall_v be_v obtain_v over_o death_n and_o hell_n by_o christ_n for_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v adam_n and_o eve_n and_o their_o posterity_n be_v afterward_o add_v and_o therefore_o this_o promise_n
mean_n which_o some_o man_n may_v conceit_n he_o may_v use_v but_o leave_v man_n without_o excuse_n and_o then_o require_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n at_o their_o peril_n to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v appear_v promiscuous_o unto_o all_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o alike_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o man_n without_o the_o message_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n for_o when_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v no_o long_o to_o act_v like_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o in_o his_o glorify_a state_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o as_o god_n in_o our_o humane_a nature_n now_o no_o long_o subject_n to_o any_o of_o its_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v no_o more_o to_o come_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n but_o to_o send_v his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n among_o they_o as_o he_o have_v before_o his_o incarnation_n send_v the_o prophet_n 3._o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n those_o who_o when_o they_o have_v see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n have_v vilify_v they_o and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v have_v their_o heart_n harden_v that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o this_o number_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v who_o hire_v the_o solider_n to_o contradict_v and_o stifle_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n with_o a_o false_a story_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o chief_a priest_n before_o have_v consult_v to_o put_v lazarus_n to_o death_n when_o he_o be_v undeniable_o know_v to_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o grave_a john_n twelve_o 10._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o belief_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o lazarus_n that_o they_o full_o verify_v that_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a lazarus_n be_v show_v open_o to_o all_o the_o people_n and_o live_v among_o they_o for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o when_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n and_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o they_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o but_o be_v the_o more_o enrage_a at_o it_o christ_n himself_o therefore_o after_o his_o resurrection_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n but_o use_v other_o mean_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a 4._o if_o the_o jew_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n with_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n likewise_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n not_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o in_o judea_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v make_v give_v as_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o it_o as_o their_o favour_n and_o protection_n can_v have_v do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n rather_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n than_o to_o use_v such_o further_a method_n with_o they_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o will_v either_o have_v only_o harden_v they_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o have_v prove_v more_o effectual_a towards_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o the_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v our_o saviour_n show_v himself_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n act_v x._o 39_o 41._o these_o man_n know_v his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o have_v forsake_v all_o for_o he_o and_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o see_v he_o but_o have_v often_o converse_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o one_o of_o their_o chief_a qualification_n be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a man_n without_o force_n or_o policy_n without_o any_o art_n or_o contrivance_n they_o can_v tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n but_o can_v neither_o feign_v nor_o dissemble_v if_o they_o have_v be_v more_o in_o number_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o miraculous_a and_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o elder_n who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o artifices_fw-la and_o falshood_n but_o have_v they_o all_o along_o their_o enemy_n and_o oppose_v to_o their_o craft_n and_o power_n a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n that_o neither_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o deceit_n nor_o fear_v any_o in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o the_o least_o discourage_v to_o see_v their_o own_o and_o all_o other_o nation_n against_o they_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a 1_o cor._n i_o 27._o these_o man_n under_o all_o necessity_n and_o persecution_n and_o danger_n and_o torment_n both_o live_n and_o die_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n alive_a after_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o enemy_n yet_o consider_v as_o witness_n they_o be_v many_o for_o he_o be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o which_o be_v a_o vast_a number_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o evidence_n and_o if_o so_o many_o man_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n no_o number_n of_o man_n can_v have_v be_v that_o which_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o in_o one_o way_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a in_o never_o so_o many_o method_n and_o he_o who_o see_v a_o thing_n plain_o with_o his_o two_o eye_n may_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o so_o many_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o withal_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a or_o credible_a and_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o for_o truth_n john_n viij_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a number_n of_o sufficient_a witness_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o if_o these_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n speak_v and_o act_v and_o suffer_v as_o no_o man_n will_v or_o can_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o assist_v from_o above_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o infallible_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o their_o testimony_n as_o it_o can_v have_v be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o never_o so_o many_o more_o for_o all_o that_o never_o so_o many_o other_o can_v have_v do_v will_v have_v be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o which_o these_o man_n certify_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n and_o what_o be_v once_o infallible_o prove_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v agree_v in_o declare_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n but_o the_o character_n and_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o but_o a_o few_o man_n can_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v by_o undeniable_a miracle_n that_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a and_o that_o god_n himself_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o they_o then_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n be_v own_o sense_n before_o who_o they_o work_v their_o miracle_n and_o make_v every_o one_o that_o see_v they_o a_o
by_o exhortation_n and_o encouragement_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o admonitition_n and_o threaten_n on_o the_o other_o but_o to_o force_v man_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o profession_n will_v be_v to_o lay_v aside_o these_o term_n and_o to_o render_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o religion_n propose_v useless_a and_o to_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n by_o which_o it_o be_v enjoin_v there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o reason_n that_o god_n shall_v constrain_v man_n to_o have_v right_a notion_n of_o religion_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v force_v they_o to_o obey_v those_o notion_n and_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v restrain_v man_n from_o heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o be_v from_o such_o sin_n as_o more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o concern_v religion_n rather_o than_o from_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o because_o this_o will_v make_v religion_n itself_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a by_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o by_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o act_v by_o necessity_n can_v act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o advise_v and_o command_v man_n to_o refuse_v the_o evil_a and_o choose_v the_o good_n difference_n in_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v prevent_v without_o overrule_a all_o the_o passion_n and_o hinder_v all_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n and_o without_o frustrate_v the_o command_n and_o precept_n and_o contradict_v the_o design_n and_o institution_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o rather_o than_o suffer_v difference_n in_o religion_n god_n shall_v so_o check_v and_o restrain_v man_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o act_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o upon_o mere_a force_n and_o necessity_n if_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o err_v and_o to_o sin_n they_o will_v err_v and_o sin_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o and_o to_o debar_v man_n unavoidable_o from_o sin_n and_o error_n will_v be_v to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o offer_v violence_n not_o only_o to_o human_a nature_n but_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o force_v man_n upon_o do_v good_a but_o to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o if_o man_n will_v resolve_v to_o commit_v sin_n and_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o all_o that_o god_n have_v say_v and_o do_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o it_o then_o to_o make_v their_o worst_a action_n instrumental_a to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o men._n and_o there_o be_v this_o good_a effect_n from_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o those_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o they_o that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o good_a christian_a may_v appear_v and_o that_o the_o disguise_n may_v be_v take_v off_o from_o hypocrite_n that_o they_o may_v be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o seduce_v man_n by_o a_o show_n of_o godliness_n it_o be_v a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o unrepent_v sinner_n to_o let_v they_o fall_v from_o one_o wickedness_n to_o another_o and_o not_o come_v into_o his_o righteousness_n to_o punish_v secret_a sin_n by_o suffer_v man_n to_o run_v into_o public_a and_o notorious_a crime_n whereby_o they_o discover_v and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o heretic_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a tit._n i._n 16._o and_o give_v a_o full_a and_o lamentable_a description_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o conclusion_n he_o say_v but_o they_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o for_o their_o folly_n shall_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n 2_o tim._n three_o 9_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o come_v to_o such_o horrid_a and_o frightful_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o blasphemy_n as_o that_o all_o man_n who_o mean_v well_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v they_o and_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o of_o those_o who_o join_v themselves_o with_o such_o man_n and_o go_v over_o to_o they_o st._n john_n declare_v they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o 1_o john_n two_o 19_o and_o when_o these_o and_o such_o like_a heresy_n break_v loose_a and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n this_o make_v all_o sincere_a christian_n more_o careful_a and_o diligent_a to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o careless_a and_o unconcerned_a about_o religion_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o opposition_n but_o when_o the_o faith_n be_v deny_v and_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v dispute_v against_o this_o will_v stir_v up_o and_o actuate_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n in_o all_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o heresy_n have_v be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n but_o appear_v and_o show_v themselves_o be_v disprove_v become_v odious_a and_o after_o a_o while_o be_v hardly_o know_v but_o from_o the_o book_n of_o such_o as_o confute_v they_o and_o those_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contradict_v become_v so_o much_o the_o better_o establish_v and_o the_o more_o firm_o believe_v for_o the_o future_a heresy_n be_v but_o the_o trial_n of_o religion_n as_o danger_n be_v of_o courage_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o encompass_v with_o error_n which_o fall_v before_o it_o and_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o no_o hurt_n so_o that_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v suffer_v by_o almighty_a god_n as_o all_o other_o sin_n be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n not_o to_o compel_v man_n but_o to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v they_o and_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whilst_o it_o offer_v the_o most_o prevail_a argument_n and_o motive_n against_o it_o and_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n among_o the_o rest_n and_o these_o be_v temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o good_a man_n and_o often_o serve_v as_o judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a to_o punish_v one_o wickedness_n with_o another_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n for_o hypocrite_n and_o impostor_n and_o they_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o hereby_o become_v the_o more_o thorough_o examine_v and_o the_o more_o full_o explain_v and_o these_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v not_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n hinder_v those_o difference_n in_o religion_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n happen_v by_o the_o sin_n and_o folly_n man_n unless_o he_o shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o iii_o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v even_o the_o worst_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n religion_n be_v our_o direction_n our_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o because_o there_o be_v many_o wrong_a way_n therefore_o there_o be_v none_o right_a this_o be_v beneath_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o ordinary_a traveller_n who_o if_o the_o way_n be_v difficult_a resolve_v to_o use_v the_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o find_v it_o out_o but_o never_o conclude_v with_o himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n and_o no_o such_o place_n as_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v for_o a_o man_n to_o argue_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o if_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o curve_v line_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v none_o right_o when_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o straightness_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o crooked_a for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n of_o one_o without_o the_o
areopagite_n sergius_n paulus_n simon_n magus_n felix_n king_n agrippa_n tertullus_n gallio_n and_o other_o be_v name_n of_o too_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n to_o be_v use_v in_o a_o false_a story_n in_o which_o they_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v keep_v upon_o record_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v pretend_v without_o be_v discover_v by_o those_o who_o always_o have_v so_o many_o adversary_n the_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o cure_v disease_n and_o for_o the_o health_n and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n but_o they_o have_v a_o power_n of_o inflict_a disease_n likewise_o and_o death_n itself_o upon_o just_a occasion_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n v._o of_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n act_v xiii_o and_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n v._o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v by_o private_a man_n and_o divulge_v to_o the_o world_n with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n who_o inflict_v disease_n and_o death_n itself_o and_o of_o those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v inflict_v this_o be_v a_o evidence_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o of_o the_o power_n by_o which_o it_o be_v do_v for_o no_o author_n can_v think_v to_o serve_v his_o friend_n or_o his_o cause_n by_o relate_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v evident_o do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o by_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n the_o conversion_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o memorable_a both_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o business_n he_o be_v go_v about_o and_o the_o person_n that_o employ_v he_o and_o for_o his_o know_a zeal_n at_o other_o time_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n that_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o king_n agrippa_n as_o one_o who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a act_v xxvi_o 26._o and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n so_o well_o know_v and_o esteem_v by_o the_o pharisee_n and_o chief_a priest_n before_o his_o conversion_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a instrument_n both_o by_o his_o preach_a and_o write_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o both_o his_o epistle_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v the_o same_o proof_n from_o the_o observation_n already_o mention_v concern_v the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o person_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o they_o be_v always_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v in_o they_o coloss_n four_o 16.1_o thess_n v._o 27._o and_o the_o writing_n both_o of_o he_o and_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v cite_v by_o author_n contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n by_o barnabas_n a_o apostle_n himself_o and_o by_o clemens_n romanus_n ignatius_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o particular_o by_o tryphon_n the_o jew_n in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o justin_n martyr_n and_o by_o julian_n x._o julian_n apud_fw-la cyril_n lib._n x._o the_o apostate_n it_o be_v enough_o in_o this_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o except_v some_o very_a few_o book_n of_o which_o a_o account_n shall_v elsewhere_o be_v give_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v receive_v as_o genuine_a from_o their_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n during_o the_o life_n of_o their_o several_a author_n and_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o for_o such_o through_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o main_a they_o have_v be_v so_o unanimous_o receive_v and_o so_o full_o attest_v by_o christian_n that_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n themselves_o never_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v genuine_a nor_o ever_o pretend_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v false_a or_o doubtful_a 29._o euseb_n lib._n iii._o c._n 29._o many_o of_o the_o eye-witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n live_v to_o a_o great_a age_n st._n john_n himself_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n above_o seventy_o year_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleopas_n live_v to_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o polycarp_n the_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n to_o fourscore_o and_o six_o of_o who_o 20._o who_o id._n lib._n v._o c._n 20._o iraenaeus_fw-la in_o his_o epistle_n to_o florinus_n a_o marcionite_n declare_v that_o he_o remember_v exact_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v polycarp_n discourse_n concern_v the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o st._n john_n and_o other_o who_o have_v converse_v with_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o differ_v in_o nothing_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o beside_o the_o inspire_a write_n the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v testify_v in_o apology_n write_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n themselves_o 57_o themselves_o euseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 3._o vid._n irenae_n lib._n two_o c._n 56_o 57_o qudaratus_n bishop_n of_o athens_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o adrian_n declare_v that_o person_n who_o have_v be_v heal_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o that_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o he_o be_v still_o live_v in_o his_o time_n aristides_n present_v a_o apology_n to_o the_o same_o emperor_n justin_n martyr_n write_v two_o apology_n the_o first_o dedicate_v to_o antoninus_n pius_n and_o his_o two_o son_n and_o the_o roman_a senate_n the_o latter_a to_o m._n antoninus_n and_o the_o senate_n 26._o senate_n euseb_n lib._n four_o c._n 26._o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n and_o apollinaris_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n likewise_o write_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o m._n antoninus_n athenagoras_n offer_v his_o apology_n to_o m._n aurelius_n and_o commodus_n 17._o commodus_n euseb_n lib._n v._o c._n 17._o meltiades_n to_o commodus_n or_o to_o the_o deputy_n of_o the_o province_n 21._o province_n hier._n catai_n euseb_n lib._n v._o c._n 21._o apollonius_n a_o roman_a senator_n make_v a_o public_a defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n and_o tertullian_n present_v his_o apology_n to_o the_o senate_n or_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n and_o the_o apologist_n do_v not_o dwell_v only_o upon_o general_n but_o descend_v to_o such_o particular_n as_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o public_a record_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v concern_v the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n and_o his_o resurrection_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n assert_v in_o public_a write_n dedicate_v and_o present_v to_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o who_o be_v most_o concern_v and_o most_o capable_a of_o disprove_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a 10._o false_a euseb_n lib._n ix_o c._n 5._o &_o 10._o and_o though_o the_o act_n which_o be_v forge_v under_o the_o emperor_n maximin_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v pilat_n be_v by_o his_o command_n send_v into_o all_o the_o province_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o publish_v in_o all_o place_n and_o order_v to_o be_v teach_v child_n and_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o heart_n by_o they_o yet_o all_o this_o malicious_a care_n and_o contrivance_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o suppress_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o waâ—_n so_o well_o attest_v and_o so_o full_o publish_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o extirpate_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o this_o emperor_n himself_o as_o i_o before_o show_v be_v by_o miraculous_a disease_n inflict_v on_o he_o force_v to_o retract_v by_o a_o public_a edict_n his_o practice_n against_o christianity_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o christ_n be_v the_o just_a cause_n of_o his_o punishment_n chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o scripture_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o considerate_a man_n to_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v to_o these_o we_o owe_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n we_o enjoy_v even_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o good_a and_o prudent_a man_n to_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o wish_v it_o false_a but_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o this_o of_o itself_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o
it_o be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o carry_v the_o visible_a character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v of_o this_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o wicked_a man_n can_v dislike_v it_o and_o that_o all_o sober_a and_o good_a man_n must_v be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o mighty_o incline_v to_o believe_v it_o nay_o even_o the_o worst_a man_n must_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o owe_v their_o own_o safety_n and_o protection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o i._o it_o teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n ii_o it_o lay_v down_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n iii_o it_o propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n iv_o it_o afford_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n v._o it_o express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v have_v mighty_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n and_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n it_o teach_v we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o great_a in_o power_n and_o who_o will_v not_o at_o all_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a nahum_n i._o 3._o and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o our_o ability_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n deut._n vi_fw-la 5._o matt._n xxii_o 37._o the_o duty_n of_o man_n towards_o one_o another_o be_v no_o less_o strict_o enjoin_v than_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o the_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o their_o several_a duty_n in_o their_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n they_o teach_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o subject_n and_o servant_n obedience_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o they_o teach_v prince_n and_o husband_n and_o father_n and_o master_n a_o proportionable_a care_n and_o kindness_n and_o affection_n they_o check_v and_o restrain_v the_o rich_a and_o powerful_a from_o violence_n and_o oppression_n and_o command_v they_o to_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o to_o protect_v all_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o to_o root_v up_o the_o very_a seed_n and_o principle_n of_o vice_n in_o we_o they_o regulate_v our_o desire_n and_o give_v law_n to_o our_o word_n and_o look_n and_o thought_n they_o command_v a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o mankind_n to_o hurt_v no_o body_n so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o thought_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n they_o oblige_v man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o in_o all_o case_n to_o consider_v other_o as_o man_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o themselves_o and_o to_o love_n and_o respect_v they_o according_o upon_o all_o occasion_n i_o may_v add_v what_o grotius_n have_v not_o omit_v that_o more_o favour_n and_o equity_n be_v extend_v to_o one_o half_a of_o humane_a kind_n by_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v by_o any_o other_o for_o among_o infidel_n woman_n be_v esteem_v but_o as_o slave_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v as_o many_o wife_n as_o they_o please_v and_o change_v they_o as_o often_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a ii_o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n for_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o can_v make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o respective_a duty_n and_o that_o can_v cause_v they_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o what_o man_n do_v upon_o principle_n of_o love_n they_o do_v with_o delight_n and_o what_o man_n delight_v in_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v but_o fear_n have_v torment_v and_o man_n will_v use_v all_o art_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o their_o fear_n and_o of_o that_o sense_n of_o duty_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o be_v perpetual_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a to_o they_o reward_n themselves_o may_v become_v ineffectual_a by_o proposal_n of_o contrary_a reward_n for_o small_a advantage_n which_o be_v present_a and_o in_o hand_n may_v be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o never_o so_o much_o great_a which_o be_v future_a and_o look_v upon_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o a_o sense_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o charity_n can_v never_o fail_v of_o its_o effect_n because_o this_o bring_v its_o reward_n with_o it_o and_o make_v our_o duty_n a_o delight_n he_o who_o love_v god_n will_v certain_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o love_v he_o never_o can_v true_o obey_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v but_o will_v be_v ever_o repine_v at_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v be_v for_o seek_v all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v himself_o from_o it_o he_o who_o do_v not_o love_v his_o neighbour_n will_v be_v for_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o pursue_v his_o own_o advantage_n against_o he_o but_o he_o who_o love_v he_o as_o himself_o will_v never_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n he_o that_o love_v another_o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o this_o thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o commandment_n it_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o this_o say_n namely_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o love_n work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n therefore_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n xiii_o 8._o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n no_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o but_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n can_v never_o discover_v this_o doctrine_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o only_a infallible_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o most_o gracious_a and_o wise_a law_n which_o make_v love_n the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n iii_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o moral_a reason_n and_o argument_n for_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v so_o great_a and_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o live_v otherwise_o be_v general_o convince_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n be_v to_o faint_v and_o lifeless_a to_o oppose_v to_o sense_n and_o passion_n therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v purposely_o fit_v to_o every_o faculty_n and_o present_v we_o with_o great_a object_n of_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o desire_v than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v and_o as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v by_o we_o upon_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o that_o of_o love_n so_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o our_o obedience_n express_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o divine_a love_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o all_o the_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v as_o necessary_a to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o judgement_n by_o send_v his_o prophet_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o at_o last_o by_o send_v his_o own_o son_n he_o see_v the_o fondness_n that_o man_n have_v for_o this_o world_n and_o for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o sin_n of_o it_o how_o subject_a they_o be_v to_o temptation_n and_o how_o prone_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o pursue_v