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esset_fw-la 38._o in_o luctu_fw-la the_o most_o suitable_a devotion_n for_o they_o have_v be_v lament_v their_o death_n now_o when_o these_o common_a deity_n be_v so_o much_o deride_v by_o intelligent_a man_n and_o yet_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v real_o a_o god_n though_o those_o be_v none_o those_o who_o have_v philosophical_a wit_n such_o as_o democritus_n and_o epicurus_n set_v themselves_o to_o work_v to_o see_v if_o they_o can_v solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o assert_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n to_o be_v only_o by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o infinite_a little_a particle_n but_o herein_o they_o befool_v themselves_o and_o their_o greedy_a follower_n who_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o those_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o immortal_a soul_n do_v cause_n within_o they_o and_o although_o lucretius_n in_o a_o bravado_n 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so_o far_o from_o gain_v any_o of_o his_o belove_a case_n and_o pleasure_n by_o his_o sentiment_n that_o never_o be_v schoolboy_n more_o afraid_a of_o a_o rod_n nor_o do_v any_o enemy_n more_o dread_a a_o conqueror_n than_o epicurus_n do_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o god_n and_o death_n nec_fw-la quenquam_fw-la vidi_fw-la qui_fw-la magis_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la timenda_fw-la esse_fw-la negaret_fw-la timeret_fw-la mortem_fw-la dico_fw-la &_o deos._n so_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o 86._o a_o epicurean_a even_n after_o he_o have_v prostitute_v his_o conscience_n to_o silence_v it_o but_o whatever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o air_n there_o be_v a_o elactical_a power_n in_o conscience_n that_o will_v bear_v its_o self_n up_o notwithstanding_o the_o weight_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o epicurus_n he_o know_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o endeavour_v to_o root_v out_o whole_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n out_o of_o the_o world_n because_o of_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o admit_v of_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a prolepsis_n or_o anticipation_n of_o humane_a nature_n quoth_v in_o omnium_fw-la animus_fw-la deorum_fw-la notionem_fw-la impressisset_fw-la ipsa_fw-la natura_fw-la that_o nature_n its_o self_n have_v stamp_v aâ—_n idea_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n cum_fw-la enim_fw-la 44._o non_fw-la instituto_fw-la aliquo_fw-la aut_fw-la more_fw-it aut_fw-la lege_fw-la sit_fw-la opinio_fw-la constituta_fw-la manet_fw-la at_o que_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la omnium_fw-la firma_fw-la consensio_fw-la intelligi_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la esse_fw-la quoniam_fw-la insitas_fw-la eorum_fw-la vel_fw-la potius_fw-la innatas_fw-la cognitiones_fw-la habeamus_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la autem_fw-la omnium_fw-la natura_fw-la consentit_fw-la id_fw-la verum_fw-la esse_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la as_o velleius_n the_o epicurean_a argue_v since_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o 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agreeable_a to_o the_o faculty_n 1._o of_o man_n soul_n and_o most_o consonant_a to_o
our_o sense_n more_o assure_v of_o then_o that_o the_o snow_n be_v white_a yet_o all_o the_o philosopher_n be_v not_o of_o that_o opinion_n be_v this_o then_o sufficient_a reason_n on_o which_o to_o deny_v a_o universal_a consent_n because_o some_o philosopher_n oppose_v it_o when_o it_o be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a which_o tully_n sharp_o speak_v of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n nihil_fw-la tam_fw-la absurdum_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la dixerit_fw-la aliquis_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n so_o great_a but_o it_o find_v a_o 3._o philosopher_n to_o vouch_v it_o but_o in_o this_o case_n those_o philosopher_n who_o question_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v not_o for_o number_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o who_o assert_v it_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o inexcusable_a therein_o as_o our_o modern_a atheist_n because_o they_o then_o know_v no_o other_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o be_v join_v with_o horrible_a superstition_n and_o ridiculous_a rite_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v stranger_n to_o any_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o to_o any_o real_a miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o and_o to_o such_o a_o way_n of_o serve_a god_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n most_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n most_o effectual_a for_o advance_v true_a goodness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o although_o this_o most_o excellent_a religion_n viz._n the_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o scandal_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n which_o have_v be_v mix_v with_o it_o by_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v it_o yet_o the_o religion_n its_o self_n be_v clear_a and_o untainted_a be_v with_o great_a integrity_n preserve_v in_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o it_o so_o that_o now_o athcism_n have_v far_o less_o to_o plead_v for_o its_o self_n than_o it_o have_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v 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it_o be_v only_o a_o mode_n of_o our_o conception_n in_o apprehend_v god_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v by_o what_o certain_a rule_v we_o can_v know_v when_o the_o composition_n of_o thing_n together_o in_o the_o understanding_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o mere_a operation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o their_o immutable_a nature_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o rule_n so_o certain_a and_o evident_a as_o this_o be_v that_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o depend_v mere_o on_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n join_v together_o the_o understanding_n can_v only_o abstract_n one_o thing_n from_o another_o but_o may_v real_o divide_v they_o in_o its_o conception_n from_o each_o other_o but_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v divide_v from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v quite_o alter_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n that_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o conjoin_v by_o the_o mere_a 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they_o shall_v reach_v the_o grandeur_n stile_n matter_n and_o accuracy_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o aeneid_n so_o grant_v that_o now_o matter_n be_v set_v in_o motion_n by_o a_o divine_a power_n may_v by_o its_o continual_a agitation_n at_o last_o produce_v some_o of_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o whole_a universe_n or_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o any_o one_o part_n in_o it_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o result_n of_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n when_o once_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n have_v be_v so_o unite_v and_o settle_v together_o as_o to_o produce_v any_o one_o species_n of_o animal_n in_o the_o world_n which_o it_o be_v almost_o unconceivable_a they_o shall_v yet_o we_o can_v think_v that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o symmetry_n of_o part_n enough_o for_o it_o mere_o to_o subsist_v its_o self_n and_o propagate_v more_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o further_a attempt_n make_v by_o those_o atom_n which_o have_v be_v once_o settle_v in_o a_o determinate_a figure_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o species_n of_o animal_n in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o have_v such_o a_o order_n symmetry_n and_o contrivance_n of_o part_n which_o speak_v more_o than_o mere_a necessity_n of_o subsistence_n and_o therefore_o speak_v they_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n or_o a_o suprenm_fw-la governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o the_o product_n of_o mere_a matter_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o be_v not_o before_o hand_n resolve_v to_o exclude_v a_o deity_n shall_v imagine_v that_o any_o particle_n of_o matter_n shall_v fall_v into_o the_o exact_a form_n order_n motion_n and_o serviceableness_n to_o the_o world_n which_o the_o heavenly_a body_n be_v in_o without_o divine_a counsel_n and_o
origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la or_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n rector_n of_o sutton_n in_o bedfordshire_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v to_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n neque_fw-la religio_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la sapientia_fw-la suscipienda_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la religione_fw-la probanda_fw-la sapientia_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v relig_n cap._n 1._o london_n print_v by_o r._n w._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north-door_n 1662._o to_o his_o most_o honour_a friend_n and_o patron_n sr._n roger_n burgoine_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n it_o be_v the_o early_a felicity_n of_o moses_n when_o expose_v in_o a_o ark_n of_o nilotick_a papyre_n to_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o so_o great_a a_o personage_n as_o the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n such_o another_o ark_n be_v this_o vindication_n of_o the_o write_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o excellent_a person_n expose_v to_o the_o world_n in_o and_o the_o great_a ambition_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o receive_v into_o your_o patronage_n and_o protection_n but_o although_o the_o contexture_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v far_o below_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o you_o know_v the_o ark_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v put_v be_v of_o bulrush_n daub_v with_o slime_n and_o pitch_n yet_o when_o you_o please_v to_o cast_v your_o eye_n on_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o beneath_o your_o favour_n and_o unworthy_a your_o protection_n for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a present_n which_o god_n can_v bestow_v or_o man_n receive_v according_a to_o that_o of_o plurarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o certain_o those_o oâ—â—â—_n truth_n deserve_v our_o most_o ready_a acceptance_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o although_o i_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o you_o &_o acquaintance_n with_o you_o as_o to_o know_v how_o little_a you_o need_v such_o discourse_n which_o tend_v to_o settle_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o have_v raise_v so_o happy_a a_o superstructure_n upon_o yet_o withal_o i_o consider_v what_o particular_a kindness_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o good_a man_n bear_v to_o such_o design_n who_o end_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o piety_n be_v far_o from_o that_o envious_a temper_n to_o think_v nothing_o valuable_a but_o what_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a possessor_n of_o but_o such_o be_v the_o most_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o see_v other_o not_o only_o admire_v but_o enjoy_v what_o they_o have_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o be_v all_o who_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n real_o such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v be_v no_o more_o seasonable_a than_o the_o commendation_n of_o a_o great_a beauty_n to_o one_o who_o be_v already_o a_o passionate_a admirer_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v how_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n first_o to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v its_o natural_a complexion_n they_o represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o shape_n least_o please_n to_o they_o and_o then_o bring_v that_o as_o a_o plea_n why_o they_o give_v it_o no_o better_a entertainment_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a that_o true_a religion_n which_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o generous_a most_o rational_a and_o please_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v so_o much_o in_o its_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n through_o those_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a vizard_n it_o be_v represent_v under_o some_o accout_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o it_o speak_v subdue_a our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o religion_n a_o thing_n too_o low_a and_o mean_a for_o their_o rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n while_o other_o pretend_v a_o quarrel_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o unsatisfactory_a to_o humane_a reason_n thus_o religion_n suffer_v with_o the_o author_n of_o it_o between_o two_o thief_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o define_v which_o be_v more_o injurious_a to_o it_o that_o which_o question_n the_o principle_n or_o that_o which_o despise_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o certain_o will_n more_o incline_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o prodigy_n then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gentility_n to_o despise_v religion_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v atheist_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a height_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o solid_a reason_n and_o depth_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o only_o attainable_a by_o a_o true_a generous_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o look_v at_o that_o which_o the_o loose_a and_o profane_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o account_v the_o great_a gallantry_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o make_v up_o of_o such_o pitiful_a ingredient_n which_o any_o skilful_a &_o rational_a mind_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o to_o mention_v they_o in_o competition_n with_o true_a goodness_n and_o unfeigned_a piety_n for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o observe_v such_o who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o most_o high_a and_o gallant_a spirit_n to_o quarry_n on_o such_o mean_a prey_n which_o only_o tend_v to_o satisfy_v their_o brutish_a appetite_n or_o flesh_n revenge_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o who_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o airy_a title_n honour_n or_o else_o they_o be_v so_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o the_o in_o ward_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o envy_v the_o gallantry_n of_o peacock_n and_o strive_v to_o outvie_v they_o in_o the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o plume_n such_o who_o be_v as_o seneca_v say_v ad_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la parietum_fw-la extrinsecùs_fw-la culti_fw-la who_o imitate_v the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n in_o the_o fairness_n of_o the_o outside_n but_o matter_n not_o what_o rubbish_n there_o lie_v within_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o ambition_n be_v to_o attain_v enervatam_fw-la felicitatem_fw-la quâ_fw-la permadescunt_fw-la animi_fw-la such_o a_o felicity_n as_o evigorate_v the_o soul_n by_o too_o long_o steep_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o degree_n consume_v reason_n by_o effeminate_v and_o soften_a the_o intellectual_n must_v we_o appeal_v then_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sardanapalus_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o felicity_n or_o inquire_v of_o apicius_n what_o temperance_n be_v or_o desire_v that_o sybarite_n to_o define_v magnanimity_n who_o faint_v to_o see_v a_o man_n at_o hard_a labour_n or_o do_v now_o the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a &_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-orderd_a conversation_n then_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n then_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n live_v and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v it_o not_o more_o true_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a to_o serve_v that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o world_n then_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o those_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o put_v man_n upon_o continual_a hard_a service_n and_o torment_v they_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o commend_v religion_n
subject_n they_o treat_v of_o and_o some_o fragment_n 3._o those_o that_o be_v extant_a either_o confess_v their_o ignorance_n of_o elder_a time_n or_o plain_o discover_v it_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v thucydides_n and_o plutarch_n several_a evidence_n of_o the_o grecian_n ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a original_n of_o nation_n of_o herodotus_n and_o his_o mistake_n the_o greek_n ignorance_n in_o geography_n discover_v and_o thence_o their_o insufficiency_n as_o to_o a_o account_n of_o ancient_a history_n page_n 56_o chap._n v._o the_o general_a uncertainty_n of_o heathen_a chronology_n the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o heathen_a history_n further_o prove_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n in_o their_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n that_o discover_v by_o the_o uncertain_a form_n of_o their_o year_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o different_a form_n of_o the_o egyptian_a year_n the_o first_o of_o thirty_o day_n the_o second_o of_o four_o month_n of_o both_o instance_n give_v in_o the_o egyptian_a history_n of_o the_o chaldaean_a account_n and_o the_o first_o dynastye_n mention_v by_o berosus_n how_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o probability_n of_o the_o egyptian_a dynastye_n of_o manetho_n reason_n of_o account_v they_o fabulous_a because_o not_o attest_v by_o any_o credible_a authority_n and_o reject_v by_o the_o best_a historian_n the_o opinion_n of_o scaliger_n and_o vossius_fw-la concern_v their_o be_v cotemporary_a propound_v and_o reject_v with_o reason_n against_o it_o of_o the_o ancient_a division_n of_o egypt_n into_o nomi_n or_o province_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o against_o vossius_fw-la and_o kircher_n page_n 73_o chap._n vi_o the_o uncertain_a epocha_n of_o heathen_a chronology_n a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o defect_n of_o chronology_n in_o the_o â—ldest_a time_n of_o the_o solar_a year_n among_o the_o egyptian_n the_o original_n of_o the_o epact_n the_o antiquity_n of_o intercalation_n among_o they_o of_o the_o several_a canicular_a year_n the_o difference_n between_o scaliger_n and_o petavius_n consider_v the_o certain_a epocha_n of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n no_o elder_a than_o nabonasser_n of_o the_o grecian_a account_n the_o fabulousness_n of_o the_o heroical_a age_n of_o greece_n of_o the_o ancient_a grecian_a kingdom_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o olympiad_n the_o uncertain_a origines_fw-la of_o the_o western_a nation_n of_o the_o latin_a dynastye_n the_o different_a palilia_n of_o rome_n the_o uncertain_a reckon_a ab._n v._o c._n of_o imposture_n as_o to_o ancient_a history_n of_o annius_n inghiramius_n and_o other_o of_o the_o character_n use_v by_o heathen_a priest_n no_o sacred_a character_n among_o the_o fews_n the_o partiality_n and_o inconsistency_n of_o heathen_a bistory_n with_o each_o other_o from_o all_o which_o the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o they_o as_o to_o a_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n be_v clear_o demonstrate_v page_n 89_o book_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n several_a hypothesis_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o certain_a record_n from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o mere_a tradition_n or_o constant_a revelation_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o record_n under_o moses_n his_o name_n be_v undoubted_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n inquire_v into_o in_o general_a and_o prove_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a by_o universal_a consent_n and_o settle_v a_o commonwealth_n upon_o his_o law_n the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o imposture_n as_o to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n demonstrate_v the_o plea_n to_o the_o contrary_a large_o answer_v page_n 107_o chap._n ii_o moses_n his_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o write_v the_o three_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o moses_n his_o history_n that_o gradual_o prove_v first_o moses_n his_o knowledge_n clear_v by_o his_o education_n and_o experience_n and_o certain_a information_n his_o education_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o egypt_n what_o that_o be_v the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n inquire_v into_o the_o convenience_n for_o it_o of_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n moses_n reckon_v among_o they_o for_o his_o knowledge_n the_o mathematical_a natural_a divine_a and_o moral_a learning_n of_o egypt_n their_o political_a wisdom_n most_o considerable_a the_o advantage_n of_o moses_n above_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n as_o to_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n moses_n himself_o a_o eye_n witness_n of_o most_o of_o his_o history_n the_o certain_a uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o other_o part_n among_o the_o fews_n manifest_v by_o rational_a evidence_n p._n 119_o chap._n iii_o moses_n his_o fidelity_n and_o integrity_n prove_v moses_n consider_v as_o a_o historian_n and_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n his_o fidelity_n in_o both_o prove_v clear_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v no_o intent_n to_o deceive_v in_o his_o history_n freedom_n from_o private_a interest_n impartiality_n in_o his_o relation_n plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o stile_n as_o a_o lawgiver_n be_v come_v arm_v with_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n be_v fix_v on_o to_o be_v full_o prove_v from_o his_o action_n and_o write_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n two_o grand_a question_n propound_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v and_o how_o know_v to_o be_v true_a no_o necessity_n of_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o a_o church_n two_o case_n alone_o wherein_o they_o may_v be_v expect_v when_o any_o thing_n come_v as_o a_o law_n from_o god_n and_o when_o a_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v the_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n in_o those_o case_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n assert_v objection_n answer_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v settle_v and_o own_a by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o revelation_n no_o need_n of_o miracle_n in_o reformation_n of_o a_o church_n pag._n 134_o chap._n iu_o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o prophet_n succeed_v moses_n in_o order_n of_o prophet_n to_o succeed_v moses_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o original_n and_o institution_n of_o they_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n the_o place_n of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o institution_n there_o to_o a_o prophetical_a office_n of_o the_o music_n use_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o roman_a assamâ—nta_n and_o the_o greek_a hymn_n in_o their_o solemn_a worship_n the_o two_o sort_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n lieger_n and_o extraordinary_a ordinary_a prophet_n take_v out_o of_o the_o school_n prove_v by_o amos_n and_o saul_n pag._n 149_o chap._n v._o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a doctrine_n rule_n of_o try_v prophet_n establish_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o punishment_n of_o pretender_n the_o several_a sort_n of_o false_a prophet_n the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n discuss_v the_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n the_o particular_a rule_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prophet_n be_v judge_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n not_o foretell_v future_a contingency_n but_o have_v immediate_a divine_a revelation_n several_a principle_n lay_v down_o for_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n 1._o that_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n several_a ground_n for_o divine_a revelation_n from_o natural_a light_n 2._o what_o ever_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o no_o divine_a revelation_n do_v contradict_v a_o divine_a positive_a law_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o repeal_v that_o law_n 4._o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o intention_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o prophetical_a office_n a_o kind_n of_o chancery_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n pag._n 165_o chap._n vi_o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n and_o miracle_n the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o the_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n from_o jerem._n 18._o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n some_o general_n hypothese_v premise_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o ground_n why_o prediction_n be_v account_v a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n three_o consectary_n draw_v thence_o the_o second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n the_o three_o be_v that_o god_n do_v not_o always_o reveal_v the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o his_o
will_n unto_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o grand_a question_n propound_v how_o it_o may_v be_v know_v when_o prediction_n express_v god_n decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n for_o the_o first_o several_a rule_n lay_v down_o 1._o when_o the_o prediction_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o present_a miracle_n 2._o when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v exceed_v the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n 3._o when_o confirm_v by_o god_n oath_n 4._o when_o the_o blessing_n foretold_v be_v pure_o spiritual_a three_o rule_n for_o interpret_n the_o prophecy_n which_o respect_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v foretell_v 6._o when_o many_o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n prediction_n do_v not_o express_v god_n unalterable_a purpose_n when_o they_o only_o contain_v commination_n of_o judgement_n or_o be_v prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n hezekiah_n and_o other_o open_v of_o repentance_n in_o god_n what_o it_o imply_v the_o jewish_a objection_n â—bout_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n answer_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n instance_a in_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n elijah_n elishah_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o who_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o modern_a jew_n and_o their_o pretence_n answer_v p._n 177_o chap._n vii_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n discuss_v the_o second_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v when_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o the_o possibility_n in_o general_n of_o a_o repeal_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n assert_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n prove_v not_o to_o be_v immutable_o obligatory_a because_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n be_v require_v not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o some_o further_a end_n that_o prove_v from_o maimonides_n his_o confession_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n frequent_o dispense_v with_o while_n the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n of_o the_o passover_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o several_a other_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o repeal_v such_o a_o establish_a law_n abravanels_n argument_n answer_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n compare_v with_o the_o gospel_n whether_o god_n have_v ever_o declare_v he_o will_v never_o repeal_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n of_o add_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o expression_n seem_v to_o imply_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n reason_n assign_v why_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v though_o perpetuity_n be_v not_o employ_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o build_v upon_o immutable_a reason_n because_o many_o particular_a precept_n be_v found_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o zabii_n many_o ceremonial_a precept_n thence_o deduce_v out_o of_o maimonides_n and_o because_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v foretell_v with_o which_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a that_o large_o discover_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n chap._n viii_o general_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v the_o meaness_n of_o his_o appearance_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n some_o general_a hypothesis_n to_o clear_v the_o subserviency_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n but_o authority_n the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n to_o be_v infallible_a thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n what_o that_o be_v and_o on_o what_o it_o depend_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n the_o certainty_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n our_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n suppose_v something_o incomprehensible_a the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o knowledge_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o strong_a the_o consistency_n of_o rational_a evidence_n with_o faith_n yet_o object_n of_o faith_n exceed_v reason_n the_o absurdity_n follow_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v reason_n philosophical_a dictate_v no_o standard_n of_o reason_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n etc._n etc._n why_o reject_v as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o matter_n above_o reason_n which_o be_v infallible_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v way_n to_o know_v which_o be_v infallible_a prove_v 2._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o most_o infallible_a the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n into_o god_n veracity_n as_o its_o formal_a object_n 3._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v though_o god_n speak_v not_o immediate_o of_o inspiration_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divination_n among_o the_o heathen_n 4._o hyp._n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v clear_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o they_o the_o original_n of_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aeseulapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o belieuâ—_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o everthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniaek_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v pag._n 252_o chap._n x._o the_o difference_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o false_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o reject_v the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n because_o of_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a prove_v from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o take_v
away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochebas_n david_n el_fw-es david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n pag._n 334_o book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n pag._n 360_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancïent_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o fonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n pag._n 421_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epicurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o persian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o seneca_n plutarch_n and_o other_o pag._n 470_o chap._n iv._o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n all_o mankind_n derive_v from_o adam_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o contrary_a supposition_n a_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n the_o possibility_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n prove_v the_o flood_n universal_a as_o to_o mankind_n whether_o universal_a as_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o animal_n no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v either_o yet_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v without_o creation_n of_o new_a water_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o proportion_n which_o the_o height_n of_o mountain_n bear_v to_o the_o diameter_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o mountain_n much_o above_o three_o mile_n perpendicular_a of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n the_o opinion_n of_o aristotle_n and_o other_o concern_v it_o discuss_v the_o true_a account_n of_o they_o from_o the_o vapour_n arise_v from_o the_o mass_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o receive_v the_o animal_n from_o buteo_n and_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deluge_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o nation_n from_o noah_n posterity_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a empire_n the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o
reject_v the_o helen_n not_o the_o first_o inhabitant_n of_o greece_n but_o the_o pelasgi_n the_o large_a spread_v of_o they_o over_o the_o part_n of_o greece_n of_o their_o language_n different_a from_o the_o greek_n whence_o these_o pelasgi_n come_v that_o phaleg_n be_v the_o pelasgus_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o colony_n prove_v from_o epiphanius_n the_o language_n of_o the_o pelasgi_n in_o greece_n oriental_n thence_o a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o many_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n in_o the_o island_n of_o greece_n both_o which_o not_o from_o the_o phaenician_o as_o bochartus_n think_v but_o from_o the_o old_a pelasgi_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o affinity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o lacedaemonian_n of_o the_o people_n of_o america_n pag._n 533_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n that_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n preserve_v in_o the_o several_a nation_n after_o the_o dispersion_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o decay_n of_o knowledge_n increase_n of_o idolatry_n confusion_n of_o language_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o difficulty_n against_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o language_n be_v confound_v at_o babel_n those_o difficulty_n clear_v of_o the_o fabulousness_n of_o poet_n the_o particular_a way_n whereby_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n arise_v attribute_v the_o general_a history_n of_o the_o world_n to_o their_o own_o nation_n the_o corruption_n of_o hebraism_n alteration_n of_o name_n ambiguity_n of_o sense_n in_o the_o oriental_a language_n attribute_v the_o action_n of_o many_o to_o one_o person_n as_o in_o jupiter_n bacchus_n etc._n etc._n the_o remainder_n of_o scripture_n history_n among_o the_o heathen_n the_o name_n of_o god_n chaos_n formation_n of_o man_n among_o the_o phaenician_o of_o adam_n among_o the_o german_n egyptian_n cilician_o adam_n under_o saturn_n cain_n among_o the_o phaenician_o tubalcain_n and_o jubal_n under_o vulcan_n and_o apollo_n naamah_n under_o minerva_n noah_n under_o saturn_n janus_n prometheus_n and_o bacchus_n noah_n three_o son_n under_o jupiter_n neptune_n and_o pluto_n canaan_n under_o mercury_n nimrod_n under_o bacchus_n magog_n under_o prometheus_n of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n among_o the_o phaenician_o jacob_n service_n under_o apollo_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o bethel_n joseph_n under_o apis._n moses_n under_o bacchus_n joshua_n under_o hercules_n balaam_n under_o the_o old_a silenus_n pag._n 577_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n pag._n 599_o errata_fw-la page_n 11._o l._n 15._o r._n existence_n p._n 17._o l._n 28._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 21._o l._n 19_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 22._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 27._o l._n 14._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 31._o l._n 2._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 35._o l._n 16._o r._n anebo_fw-la p._n 36._o l._n 1._o r._n sebennyta_n p._n 37._o l._n 9_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 52._o l._n 28._o r._n accederent_fw-la and_o causaubon_n p._n 57_o l._n 26._o r._n other_o p._n 61._o l._n 14._o r._n pisistratidae_n p._n 63._o l._n 35._o r._n hierocles_n apollonius_n p._n 64._o l._n 11._o r._n acusilaus_n p_o 83._o l._n 29_o 30._o r._n the_o patriarch_n tarasius_n p._n 91._o l._n 3._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 94_o l._n 23._o for_o but_o r._n by_o p._n 96._o l._n 26._o for_o to_o r._n and._n p._n 104._o l._n 22._o r._n hecataeus_n p._n 105._o l._n 33._o r._n panchotis_n p._n 112._o l._n 15._o r._n as_o to_o p._n 120._o l._n 14_o r._n he_o for_o we_o p._n 125._o l._n 4._o r._n provide_v l._n 20._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 126._o l._n 15._o r._n peteseph_n p._n 132._o r._n deceive_v p._n 140._o l._n 19_o r._n continue_v p._n 150._o l._n 16._o r._n deut._n 18._o p._n 149._o l._n 12._o r._n a_o order_n p._n 156._o l_o 5._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 167._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 171._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 180_o l._n 11._o r._n be_v p_o 182._o l._n 3â—_n r._n ordinat_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 184._o l._n 39_o before_o those_o insert_v though_o p._n 201._o l_o 18._o r._n employ_v l._n 35._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 202._o l_o 14._o r._n vorstius_n p._n 209._o l._n 9_o r_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 226._o l_o 5._o r._n meanness_n p._n 254._o l._n 26._o r._n table_n p._n 267._o l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 293._o l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 302._o l._n 28._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 323._o l._n 19_o for_o it_o r._n they_o p._n 328._o l._n 9_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 334_o l._n 11._o r._n barchochebas_n p._n 346._o between_o we_o and_o in_o insert_v a._n p_o 348._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 349._o l._n 29._o r._n incredibilia_fw-la p._n 364._o l._n 17._o blot_n out_o the_o comma_n between_o euhemerus_n and_o messenius_n l_o 29_o and_o elsewhere_o r._n salve_n for_o solve_v p._n 365._o l._n 20._o r._n elastical_a p._n 395._o l._n 3._o r._n toupinamboult_n p._n 409._o l._n 21._o r._n peristaltic_n p._n 424._o l._n 15._o for_o it_o r._n they_o p._n 425._o l._n 7._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 427._o l._n r._n insert_v â—â—_o between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 32._o r_o fluidane_a p._n 443._o l._n 10._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 32._o for_o col_n r._n l._n nomine_fw-la appellasse_n p._n 464._o l._n 26._o r._n who_o surface_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 488._o l._n 36._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 493._o l._n 5._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 28._o r._n coaeterna_fw-la p._n 502._o l._n 29._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 518._o l._n 35._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 520._o l._n 10._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 13._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n assert_v book_n i._n chap._n i._n the_o obscurity_n and_o defect_n of_o ancient_a history_n the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n yet_o error_n often_o mistake_v for_o truth_n the_o account_n of_o it_o want_v of_o diligence_n in_o its_o search_n the_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n thence_o come_v either_o reject_v truth_n for_o the_o error_n sake_n or_o embrace_v the_o error_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n the_o first_o instance_a in_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o second_o in_o vulgar_a heathen_a of_o philosophical_a atheism_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o the_o history_n of_o antiquity_n very_o obscure_a the_o question_n state_v where_o the_o true_a history_n of_o ancient_a time_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a history_n or_o only_o in_o scripture_n the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o heathen_a history_n assert_v and_o prove_v by_o
the_o general_a defect_n for_o want_n of_o timely_a record_n among_o heathen_a nation_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o manner_n of_o they_o discover_v the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n of_o hieroglyphic_n the_o use_n of_o letter_n among_o the_o greek_n no_o elder_a than_o cadmus_n his_o time_n inquire_v into_o no_o elder_a than_o joshua_n the_o learning_n bring_v into_o greece_n by_o he_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n have_v that_o peculiar_a commendation_n 1_o above_o all_o other_o design_n that_o they_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o gratify_v the_o most_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o do_v most_o immediate_o tend_v to_o re-advance_a the_o high_a perfection_n of_o our_o rational_a being_n for_o all_o our_o most_o laudable_a endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n now_o be_v only_o the_o gather_n up_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o what_o be_v once_o a_o entire_a fabric_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o some_o precious_a jewel_n which_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o sink_v in_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o say_v of_o plato_n that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v remembrance_n and_o all_o ignorance_n forgetfulness_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n if_o by_o forgetfulness_n be_v mean_v the_o loss_n and_o by_o remembrance_n the_o recovery_n of_o those_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n once_o have_v in_o its_o pure_a and_o primitive_a state_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o true_a microcosm_n in_o which_o all_o the_o being_n of_o the_o inferior_a world_n be_v faithful_o represent_v according_a to_o their_o true_a native_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n god_n create_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o only_o capable_a of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o furnish_v he_o with_o a_o sufficient_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o touchstone_n to_o discover_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n by_o a_o light_n set_v up_o in_o his_o understanding_n which_o if_o he_o have_v attend_v to_o he_o may_v have_v secure_v himself_o from_o all_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n as_o all_o other_o being_n be_v create_v in_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o agreeable_a perfection_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n so_o be_v man_n too_o else_o god_n will_v have_v never_o close_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n with_o those_o word_n and_o god_n see_v all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v suitable_a 31_o to_o their_o several_a being_n which_o man_n have_v be_v most_o defective_a in_o if_o his_o understanding_n have_v not_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o intellectual_a knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n belong_v to_o his_o rational_a be_v for_o reason_n be_v the_o most_o raise_a faculty_n of_o humane_a nature_n if_o that_o have_v be_v defective_a in_o its_o discovery_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n it_o will_v have_v argue_v the_o great_a maim_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o be_v itself_o for_o if_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v pleasant_a from_o what_o be_v hurtful_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a to_o find_v out_o the_o difference_n of_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n not_o as_o though_o the_o soul_n can_v then_o have_v have_v any_o more_o than_o now_o a_o actual_a notion_n of_o all_o the_o being_n in_o the_o world_n ocexi_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o all_o deceit_n in_o its_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o cause_v through_o inadvertency_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o several_a aspect_n man_n knowledge_n 2._o ledge_n have_v which_o be_v either_o upward_o towards_o his_o maker_n or_o abroad_o on_o his_o fellow-creature_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o contemplation_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o fix_v its_o self_n on_o that_o infinite_a be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o will_v be_v find_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v create_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o because_o of_o man_n immediate_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o he_o which_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o will_n must_v be_v his_o rule_n for_o if_o man_n be_v not_o full_o convince_v in_o the_o first_o moment_n after_o his_o creation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o he_o who_o he_o be_v to_o obey_v his_o first_o work_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o have_v be_v actual_a obedience_n but_o a_o search_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o supreme_a infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v or_o no_o and_o whereon_o his_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v found_v and_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o law_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v regulate_v his_o obedience_n the_o take_v off_o all_o which_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n must_v suppose_v he_o full_o satisfy_v upon_o the_o first_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n and_o be_v which_o produce_v he_o and_o on_o that_o account_n have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v he_o in_o whatsoever_o he_o please_v and_o that_o those_o command_n of_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o in_o so_o certain_a a_o way_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v further_o appear_v most_o necessary_a to_o man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n create_v he_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o enjoy_v converse_n and_o a_o humble_a familiarity_n with_o himself_o he_o have_v then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o language_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n converse_v with_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a 63._o to_o he_o as_o his_o be_v be_v for_o man_n as_o he_o come_v first_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n be_v the_o reflection_n of_o god_n himself_o on_o a_o dark_a cloud_n the_o iris_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o similitude_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o substance_n different_a thence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n his_o knowledge_n then_o have_v be_v more_o 26._o intellectual_a than_o discursive_a not_o so_o much_o employ_v his_o faculty_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la deduction_n of_o reason_n the_o pleasant_a toil_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n since_o the_o fall_n but_o have_v immediate_o employ_v they_o about_o the_o sublimest_n object_n not_o about_o quiddity_n and_o formality_n but_o about_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n there_o be_v not_o then_o so_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o angelical_a and_o humane_a life_n the_o angel_n and_o man_n both_o feed_v on_o the_o same_o dainty_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v they_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o upper_a room_n in_o heaven_n and_o man_n in_o the_o summer_n parlour_n in_o paradise_n if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o man_n knowledge_n as_o it_o respect_v his_o fellow-creature_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o be_v so_o full_o know_v to_o he_o on_o 3_o his_o first_o creation_n that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o go_v to_o school_n to_o the_o wide_a world_n to_o gather_v up_o his_o conception_n of_o they_o for_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o dominion_n which_o he_o be_v instate_v in_o over_o the_o inferior_a world_n do_v imply_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n be_v and_o property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o without_o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v improve_v they_o for_o their_o peculiar_a end_n and_o from_o this_o knowledge_n do_v proceed_v the_o give_v the_o creature_n those_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a name_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o as_o plato_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o imposition_n cratylo_n of_o name_n on_o thing_n belong_v not_o to_o every_o one_o but_o only_o to_o he_o that_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n into_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o name_n shall_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o suitableness_n to_o the_o thing_n they_o express_v for_o word_n be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o express_v our_o conception_n of_o thing_n and_o our_o conception_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o same_o philosopher_n speak_v the_o resemblance_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a knowledge_n the_o conception_n must_v agree_v with_o the_o thing_n and_o word_n be_v to_o express_v our_o conception_n none_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o as_o those_o which_o
be_v expressive_a of_o the_o several_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v use_v to_o represent_v for_o otherwise_o all_o the_o use_n of_o word_n be_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a vocabulary_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o a_o index_n to_o memory_n and_o of_o no_o further_a use_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o knowledge_n then_o to_o let_v we_o know_v what_o word_n man_n be_v agree_v to_o call_v thing_n by_o but_o something_o further_a seem_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o their_o first_o imposition_n whence_o the_o jew_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o mercer_n tell_v we_o a_o separation_n and_o distinction_n 19_o of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o thing_n and_o kircher_n thus_o paraphrase_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n and_o whatsoever_o adam_n call_v every_o live_a creature_n that_o be_v the_o name_n thereof_o i_o e._n say_v 1._o he_o fuerunt_fw-la illis_fw-la vera_fw-la &_o germane_a nomina_fw-la &_o rerum_fw-la naturis_fw-la propriè_fw-la accommodata_fw-la but_o however_o this_o be_v we_o have_v this_o further_a evidence_n of_o that_o height_n of_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o first_o man_n that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o his_o kind_n so_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o want_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o due_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o as_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v if_o not_o double_a to_o other_o as_o man_n ordinary_o mistake_v yet_o of_o a_o full_a and_o exact_a weight_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n for_o all_o other_o weight_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o its_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o temple_n so_o if_o the_o first_o man_n have_v not_o double_a the_o proportion_n and_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o his_o posterity_n have_v if_o it_o be_v not_o run_v over_o in_o regard_n of_o abundance_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v press_v down_o and_o shake_v together_o in_o regard_n of_o weight_n else_o he_o will_v be_v a_o very_a unfit_a standard_n for_o we_o to_o judge_v by_o concern_v the_o due_a and_o suitable_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o we_o need_v not_o have_v run_v so_o far_o back_o as_o the_o first_o man_n to_o 4._o evince_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o even_o among_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o humane_a nature_n we_o may_v find_v some_o such_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n that_o discern_v so_o much_o beauty_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n that_o to_o such_o as_o shall_v inquire_v what_o they_o find_v so_o attractive_a in_o it_o their_o answer_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o aristotle_n in_o a_o like_a case_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o question_n of_o those_o who_o never_o see_v it_o for_o so_o please_a be_v the_o enquiry_n and_o so_o satisfactory_a the_o find_n of_o truth_n after_o the_o search_n that_o the_o relish_n of_o it_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o great_a epicurism_n of_o apicius_n or_o the_o most_o costly_a entertainment_n of_o cleopatra_n there_o be_v no_o gust_n so_o exquisite_a as_o that_o of_o the_o mind_n nor_o any_o jewel_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o truth_n nor_o do_v any_o person_n certain_o better_a deserve_v the_o name_n of_o man_n than_o such_o who_o allow_v their_o reason_n a_o full_a employment_n and_o think_v not_o the_o erectness_n of_o man_n stature_n a_o sufficient_a distinction_n of_o he_o from_o brute_n of_o which_o those_o may_v be_v account_v only_o a_o high_a species_n who_o can_v patient_o suffer_v the_o imprisonment_n of_o their_o intellectual_n in_o a_o dungeon_n of_o ignorance_n and_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n only_o by_o those_o character_n by_o which_o alexander_n know_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o god_n by_o their_o proneness_n to_o intemperance_n and_o sleep_n so_o strange_a a_o metempsychosis_n may_v there_o be_v without_o any_o change_n of_o body_n and_o euphorbus_n his_o soul_n may_v become_v a_o brute_n without_o ever_o remove_v its_o lodging_n into_o the_o body_n of_o a_o ass._n so_o much_o will_v the_o soul_n degenerate_a from_o its_o self_n if_o not_o improve_v and_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o sullenness_n scarce_o appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o improve_v to_o what_o it_o may_v be_v but_o if_o this_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a so_o natural_a so_o object_n valuable_a a_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n whence_o come_v so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v overrun_v with_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n whence_o come_v so_o many_o pretender_n to_o knowledge_n to_o court_v a_o cloud_n instead_o of_o juno_n to_o pretend_v a_o love_n to_o truth_n and_o yet_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n error_n if_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sympathy_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o truth_n there_o will_v be_v a_o impatient_a desire_n after_o it_o and_o a_o most_o ready_a embrace_v and_o close_v with_o it_o we_o see_v the_o magnet_n do_v not_o draw_v the_o iron_n with_o great_a force_n than_o it_o seem_v to_o run_v with_o impatience_n into_o its_o close_a embrace_n if_o there_o have_v be_v former_o so_o intimate_v a_o acquaintance_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o truth_n as_o socrates_n fancy_v of_o friend_n in_o the_o other_o world_n there_o will_v be_v a_o harmonious_a closure_n upon_o the_o first_o appearance_n and_o no_o divorce_n to_o be_v after_o make_v between_o they_o true_o but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v there_o be_v a_o intermediate_v state_n between_o the_o former_a acquaintance_n and_o the_o renewal_a of_o answ._n it_o wherein_o all_o those_o remain_a character_n of_o mutual_a knowledge_n be_v sink_v so_o deep_a and_o lie_v so_o hide_v that_o there_o need_v a_o new_a fire_n to_o be_v kindle_v to_o bring_v forth_o those_o latent_fw-la figure_n and_o make_v they_o again_o appear_v legible_a and_o when_o once_o those_o token_n be_v produce_v of_o the_o former_a friendship_n there_o be_v not_o more_o impatient_a long_n nor_o more_o close_a embrace_n between_o the_o touch_v needle_n and_o the_o magnet_n then_o there_o be_v between_o the_o understanding_n and_o discover_v truth_n but_o then_o withal_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o soul_n be_v awaken_v out_o of_o that_o lethargy_n they_o be_v fall_v into_o in_o this_o degenerate_a condition_n the_o most_o be_v so_o please_v with_o their_o sleep_n that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o disturb_v their_o rest_n and_o set_v a_o high_a price_n upon_o a_o lazy_a ignorance_n then_o upon_o a_o restless_a knowledge_n and_o even_o of_o those_o who_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v between_o sleep_v and_o wake_v what_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o remain_a confusion_n of_o the_o species_n in_o their_o brain_n what_o by_o the_o present_a dimness_n of_o their_o sight_n and_o the_o hover_v uncertain_a light_n they_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o there_o be_v few_o that_o can_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o mere_a phantasm_n and_o a_o real_a truth_n of_o which_o these_o rational_a account_n may_v be_v give_v viz._n why_o so_o few_o pretender_n to_o knowledge_n do_v light_n on_o truth_n first_o want_v of_o a_o impartial_a diligence_n in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o 6._o truth_n now_o must_v be_v seek_v and_o that_o with_o care_n and_o dilgence_n before_o we_o find_v it_o jewel_n do_v not_o use_v to_o lie_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n highway_n be_v seldom_o pave_v with_o gold_n what_o be_v most_o worth_a our_o find_v call_v for_o the_o great_a search_n if_o one_o that_o walk_v the_o street_n shall_v find_v some_o inestimable_a jewel_n or_o one_o that_o travel_v the_o road_n meet_v with_o a_o bag_n of_o gold_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o silly_a design_n of_o any_o to_o walk_v the_o street_n or_o travel_v the_o road_n in_o hope_n to_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o purchase_n to_o make_v they_o rich_a if_o some_o have_v happy_o light_a on_o some_o valuable_a truth_n when_o they_o mind_v nothing_o less_o than_o they_o must_v this_o render_v a_o diligence_n useless_a in_o inquiry_n after_o such_o no_o truth_n though_o she_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o please_a as_o to_o draw_v our_o affection_n be_v yet_o so_o modest_a as_o to_o admit_v of_o be_v court_v and_o it_o may_v be_v deny_v the_o first_o suit_n to_o heighten_v our_o importunity_n and_o certain_o nothing_o have_v often_o forbid_v the_o bane_n between_o the_o understanding_n and_o truth_n inquire_v after_o than_o partiality_n and_o preoccupation_n of_o judgement_n which_o make_v man_n inquire_v more_o diligent_o after_o the_o dowry_n than_o the_o beauty_n of_o truth_n its_o correspondency_n to_o their_o interest_n than_o its_o evidence_n to_o their_o understanding_n a_o useful_a error_n have_v often_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o free_a admission_n when_o important_a
truth_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o pre-conception_n or_o interest_n have_v be_v forbid_a entrance_n prejudice_n be_v the_o wrong_a bias_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o effectual_o keep_v it_o from_o come_v near_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n nay_o set_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o there_o be_v few_o in_o the_o world_n that_o look_v after_o truth_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n most_o make_v use_n of_o spectacle_n of_o other_o make_v which_o make_v they_o so_o seldom_o behold_v the_o proper_a lineament_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o several_a tincture_n from_o education_n authority_n custom_n and_o predisposition_n do_v exceed_o hinder_v man_n from_o discern_v of_o another_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o who_o find_v truth_n when_o so_o many_o pretend_v to_o seek_v it_o be_v that_o near_a resemblance_n which_o 7._o error_n often_o bear_v to_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o error_n seldom_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n in_o her_o own_o raiment_n she_o always_o borrow_v something_o of_o truth_n to_o make_v she_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o subtlety_n of_o grand_a deceiver_n to_o graft_v their_o great_a error_n on_o some_o material_a truth_n to_o make_v they_o pass_v more_o undiscernible_a to_o all_o such_o who_o look_v more_o at_o the_o root_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v then_o on_o the_o fruit_n which_o they_o bring_v forth_o it_o will_v hereafter_o appear_v how_o most_o of_o the_o gross_a of_o the_o heathen_a error_n have_v as_o plutarch_n say_v of_o the_o egyptian_a fable_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o faint_a and_o obscure_a resemblance_n of_o truth_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o as_o most_o pernicious_a weed_n be_v breed_v in_o the_o fat_a soyl_n their_o most_o destructive_a principle_n have_v be_v found_v on_o some_o necessary_a and_o important_a truth_n thus_o idolatry_n do_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o superstition_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o devil_n can_v never_o have_v build_v his_o chapel_n but_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n whereon_o god_n temple_n stand_v which_o make_v i_o far_o less_o wonder_n than_o many_o do_v at_o the_o meeting_n with_o many_o expression_n concern_v these_o two_o grand_a truth_n in_o the_o write_n of_o ancient_a heathen_n know_v how_o willing_a the_o devil_n may_v be_v to_o have_v such_o principle_n still_o own_v in_o the_o world_n which_o by_o his_o deprave_v of_o they_o may_v be_v the_o nourisher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n do_v only_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o erect_v his_o idolatrous_a temple_n upon_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n after_o death_n without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o attain_v happiness_n do_v make_v man_n more_o eager_a of_o embrace_v those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o canie_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o show_v the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n which_o may_v be_v a_o most_o probable_a reason_n why_o philosophy_n and_o idolatry_n do_v increase_v so_o much_o together_o as_o they_o do_v for_o 8._o though_o right_a reason_n full_o improve_v will_v have_v overthrow_v all_o those_o curse_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n among_o the_o heathen_n yet_o reason_n only_o discern_v some_o general_a notion_n without_o their_o particular_a application_n and_o improvement_n do_v only_o dispose_v the_o most_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o a_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n for_o hereby_o they_o discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n but_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o greedy_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o do_v withal_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o humane_a nature_n nay_o and_o those_o person_n themselves_o who_o be_v the_o great_a maintainer_n of_o these_o sublime_a notion_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v either_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o advance_v that_o horrid_a superstition_n among_o they_o as_o orpheus_n &_o apollonius_n or_o very_o forward_a complyer_n with_o it_o as_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v although_o withal_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v a_o wonderful_a discovery_n of_o divine_a providence_n by_o these_o general_a notion_n to_o keep_v wake_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o man_n soul_n that_o thereby_o it_o may_v appear_v when_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o they_o that_o it_o bring_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o do_v only_o rectify_v the_o depravation_n of_o it_o and_o clear_o show_v man_n that_o way_n which_o they_o have_v long_o be_v ignorant_o seek_v after_o which_o be_v the_o excellent_a advantage_n the_o apostle_n make_v of_o the_o inscription_n on_o the_o altar_n at_o athens_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n who_o say_v he_o you_o ignorant_o serve_v he_o i_o declare_v 23._o unto_o you_o and_o which_o be_v the_o happy_a use_n the_o primitive_a learned_a christian_n make_v of_o all_o those_o passage_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n thereby_o to_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o main_a postulata_fw-la or_o supposition_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v grant_v by_o their_o own_o most_o admire_a man_n and_o that_o christianity_n do_v not_o race_n out_o but_o only_o build_v upon_o those_o common_a foundation_n which_o be_v entertain_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o name_n for_o reason_n though_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o build_a 9_o error_n on_o common_a truth_n to_o all_o that_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o as_o to_o other_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o this_o twofold_a great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o first_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o apparent_a rottenness_n of_o the_o superstructure_n to_o question_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o considerative_a heathen_n who_o observe_v that_o monstrous_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o worship_n obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o not_o be_v able_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n through_o the_o want_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o deduce_v any_o certain_a institute_v worship_n they_o be_v shrewd_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v those_o principle_n when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o abhor_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a then_o for_o man_n who_o exceed_o detest_v some_o absurd_a consequence_n they_o see_v may_v be_v draw_v from_o a_o principle_n suppose_v to_o reject_v the_o principle_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o consequence_n which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v from_o it_o but_o through_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o thus_o when_o the_o intelligent_a heathen_a do_v apparent_o see_v that_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n do_v flow_v all_o those_o unnatural_a and_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n all_o those_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a rite_n all_o those_o execrable_a and_o profane_a mystery_n out_o of_o a_o loathe_n the_o immorality_n and_o impiety_n which_o attend_v these_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o question_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v thus_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o very_o prone_a to_o suspect_v the_o apology_n usual_o make_v for_o protagoras_n diagoras_n and_o such_o other_o of_o they_o 10._o who_o be_v account_v atheist_n to_o be_v more_o favourable_a than_o true_a viz._n that_o they_o only_o reject_v those_o heathen_a deity_n and_o not_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o account_n of_o their_o repute_a atheism_n rational_a be_v it_o any_o way_n evident_a that_o they_o do_v build_v their_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o those_o who_o worship_n they_o so_o much_o deride_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o heathen_n accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o atheism_n i_o have_v full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n that_o no_o more_o can_v be_v mean_v thereby_o then_o the_o rejection_n of_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o i_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o institute_v religion_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o most_o common_a receive_v notion_n
of_o god_n which_o they_o own_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o heathen_a worship_n which_o i_o find_v not_o in_o the_o least_o pretend_a to_o by_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a person_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o any_o different_a way_n of_o religion_n assert_v but_o only_o a_o destruction_n of_o that_o in_o use_n among_o they_o and_o although_o the_o case_n of_o anaxagoras_n clazomenius_fw-la and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jonicke_a philosopher_n may_v seem_v very_o different_a 11._o from_o diagoras_n theodorus_n and_o those_o beforementioned_a because_o although_o they_o deny_v the_o god_n in_o vulgar_a repute_n to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v as_o anaxagor_n as_o call_v the_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mere_a globe_n of_o fire_n for_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v at_o athens_n to_o banishment_n and_o sin_v five_o talent_n 1._o yet_o the_o learned_a vossius_fw-la put_v in_o this_o plea_n in_o his_o behalf_n that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o assert_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o eternal_a mind_n although_o therefore_o i_o say_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jonick_a philosopher_n may_v seem_v far_o different_a from_o the_o other_o because_o of_o their_o assert_v the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n which_o from_o thales_n milesius_n be_v convey_v by_o anaeximander_n and_o anaximenes_n to_o anoxagoras_n yet_o to_o one_o that_o thorough_o consider_v what_o they_o understand_v by_o their_o eternal_a mind_n they_o may_v be_v soon_o clear_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o atheism_n than_o irreligion_n which_o two_o certain_o aught_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v distinguish_v for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o man_n meet_v with_o such_o insuperable_a difficulty_n about_o the_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n for_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o matter_n to_o assert_v some_o eternal_a mind_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o yet_o they_o may_v embrace_v only_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n in_o philosophy_n to_o solve_v the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n with_o but_o yet_o not_o to_o make_v this_o eternal_a mind_n the_o object_n of_o adoration_n and_o so_o their_o assert_v a_o deity_n be_v only_o on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o the_o tragedian_n use_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o their_o fable_n be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o issue_n and_o perplex_v with_o so_o many_o difficulty_n that_o they_o see_v no_o way_n to_o clear_v they_o again_o but_o to_o make_v some_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o the_o stage_n to_o self_n the_o difficulty_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o or_o as_o seneca_n say_v of_o many_o great_a family_n when_o they_o have_v run_v up_o their_o genealogy_n so_o high_a that_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o they_o then_o fetch_v their_o pedigree_n from_o the_o god_n so_o when_o these_o philosopher_n see_v such_o incongruity_n in_o assert_v a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a series_n of_o matter_n they_o may_v by_o this_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v some_o active_a principle_n which_o produce_v the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o give_v any_o religious_a worship_n to_o that_o eternal_a mind_n thus_o even_o epicurus_n and_o his_o follower_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o 12._o assert_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n so_o they_o may_v but_o circumscribe_v he_o within_o the_o heaven_n and_o let_v he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n and_o how_o uncertain_a the_o most_o dogmatical_a of_o they_o all_o be_v as_o to_o their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o their_o ged_n do_v full_o appear_v from_o the_o large_a discourse_n of_o tully_n upon_o that_o subject_n where_o be_v full_o manifest_v their_o variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o mutual_a repugnancy_n their_o self_n contradiction_n and_o inconstancy_n in_o their_o own_o assertion_n which_o have_v make_v i_o somewhat_o inclinable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o of_o they_o do_v to_o the_o world_n own_o a_o deity_n be_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v martyrsâ—or_a â—or_z atheism_n which_o tully_n likewise_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v when_o speak_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o protagoras_n for_o that_o speech_n of_o he_o de_fw-fr diis_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la sint_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la habeo_fw-la dicere_fw-la exit_fw-la quo_fw-la equidem_fw-la existimo_fw-la tardiores_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la profitendam_fw-la 63._o multos_fw-la esse_fw-la factos_fw-la quip_n cum_fw-la poenam_fw-la ne_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la quidem_fw-la effugere_fw-la potuisset_fw-la so_o that_o for_o all_o the_o verbal_a assert_v of_o a_o deity_n among_o they_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o their_o firm_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o much_o less_o of_o any_o worship_n and_o service_n they_o owe_v unto_o it_o and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o can_v not_o total_o excuss_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n partly_o through_o that_o natural_a sense_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n partly_o as_o be_v unable_a to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o deity_n yet_o the_o observe_v the_o notorious_a vanity_n of_o heathen_a worship_n may_v make_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a philosophical_a speculation_n and_o not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n for_o as_o in_o nature_n the_o observe_v the_o great_a mixture_n of_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n make_v the_o academic_n deny_v any_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o rule_v of_o judge_a truth_n and_o the_o sceptic_n take_v away_o all_o certain_a assent_n so_o the_o same_o consequence_n be_v nnavoidable_a here_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o that_o make_v even_o plato_n himself_o so_o ambiguous_a and_o uncertain_a in_o his_o discourse_n of_o a_o deity_n sometime_o make_v he_o a_o eternal_a mind_n sometime_o assert_v the_o whole_a world_n sun_n moon_n star_n earth_n soul_n and_o all_o to_o be_v god_n and_o even_o those_o that_o be_v worship_v among_o the_o heathen_n as_o tully_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o his_o timaeus_n and_o de_fw-la legibus_fw-la which_o as_o velleius_n the_o epicurean_a there_o speak_v et_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la sunt_fw-la falsa_fw-la &_o sibi_fw-la inuicem_fw-la repugnantia_fw-la this_o be_v the_o first_o inconvenience_n follow_v the_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o falsehood_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n its_o self_n it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o other_o be_v as_o great_a which_o follow_v when_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v mix_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o embrace_v the_o falsehood_n 13._o which_o be_v a_o mistake_n as_o common_a as_o the_o other_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o thing_n so_o vast_o different_a as_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n can_v never_o blend_v or_o be_v incorporate_a together_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v some_o truth_n they_o conclude_v no_o falsehood_n to_o be_v join_v with_o it_o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o more_o credulous_a and_o vulgar_a heathen_a as_o the_o other_o be_v of_o the_o philospher_n for_o they_o find_v mankind_n to_o agree_v in_o this_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o that_o he_o must_v be_v worship_v do_v without_o scruple_n make_v use_n of_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o they_o as_o know_v there_o must_v be_v some_o and_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o else_o and_o from_o hence_o they_o grow_v to_o be_v as_o confident_a believer_n of_o all_o those_o fable_n and_o tradition_n on_o which_o their_o idolatry_n be_v found_v as_o of_o those_o first_o principle_n and_o notion_n from_o which_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a worship_n do_v arise_v and_o be_v thus_o habituate_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n when_o truth_n itself_o be_v divulge_v among_o they_o they_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o corruption_n of_o some_o of_o their_o fable_n this_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a on_o all_o occasion_n in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n do_v fly_v to_o thus_o he_o say_v the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n and_o the_o confusion_n 179_o of_o tongue_n be_v take_v from_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o aloadae_n in_o homer_n odyssey_n the_o story_n of_o the_o flood_n from_o deucalion_n paradise_n from_o alcinous_n his_o garden_n the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n from_o the_o story_n of_o phaeton_n which_o origen_n well_o resute_v from_o the_o far_o great_a antiquity_n of_o those_o relation_n among_o the_o jew_n than_o any_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o therefore_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o tradition_n be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o the_o jew_n which_o must_v be_v our_o only_a way_n for_o find_v out_o which_o be_v the_o original_a and_o which_o the_o corruption_n by_o
by_o scaliger_n out_o of_o the_o phoenician_n annal_n this_o abibalus_n be_v the_o first_o who_o occur_v and_o be_v co-temporary_a with_o david_n sanchoniathon_n then_o be_v of_o no_o 2_o great_a antiquity_n if_o this_o be_v the_o time_n he_o live_v in_o but_o bochartus_fw-la well_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o abibalus_n king_n of_o tyre_n but_o of_o abibalus_n king_n of_o berytus_n who_o we_o may_v allow_v to_o be_v somewhat_o near_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n then_o the_o other_o abibalus_n as_o the_o phoenician_n annal_n make_v it_o appear_v as_o porphyry_n tell_v we_o but_o yet_o we_o find_v his_o antiquity_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o contest_v with_o moses_n as_o porphyry_n himself_o confess_v although_o we_o may_v free_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v far_o old_a than_o any_o of_o the_o greek_a historian_n which_o be_v all_o vossius_fw-la contend_v for_o and_o sufficient_o prove_v but_o we_o be_v 1._o far_o from_o yield_v he_o co-temporary_a with_o semiramis_n as_o porphyry_n will_v have_v he_o and_o yet_o make_v he_o junior_a to_o moses_n and_o to_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o trojan_a war_n which_o be_v to_o reconcile_v the_o distance_n of_o near_a 800_o year_n such_o miserable_a confusion_n be_v there_o in_o the_o best_a learned_a heathen_n in_o their_o computation_n of_o ancient_a time_n have_v thus_o clear_v the_o antiquity_n of_o sanchoniathon_n and_o the_o phoenician_n history_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o fidelity_n 6._o of_o it_o this_o sanchoniathon_n be_v high_o commend_v for_o both_o by_o porphyry_n and_o his_o translator_n into_o greek_a philo_z byblius_n who_o live_v in_o adrian's_n time_n and_o theodoret_n think_v his_o name_n in_o the_o phoenician_n language_n signify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o bochartus_n endeavour_v to_o fetch_v from_o thence_o and_o conceive_v the_o name_n to_o be_v give_v he_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o write_v his_o history_n and_o he_o wish_v and_o so_o do_v we_o that_o he_o have_v be_v then_o vir_fw-la svi_fw-la nominis_fw-la and_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o his_o writing_n that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o lover_n of_o truth_n philo_n say_v he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n but_o either_o he_o be_v not_o so_o diligent_a to_o inquire_v after_o or_o not_o so_o happy_a to_o light_v on_o any_o certain_a record_n or_o if_o he_o do_v he_o be_v not_o overmuch_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n in_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o world_n how_o faithful_a he_o be_v in_o transcribe_v his_o history_n from_o his_o record_n we_o can_v be_v sufficient_a judge_n of_o unless_o we_o have_v those_o book_n of_o taautus_n and_o the_o sacred_a inscription_n and_o the_o record_n of_o city_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o take_v his_o history_n from_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o but_o by_o what_o remain_v of_o his_o history_n which_o be_v only_o the_o first_o book_n concern_v the_o phoenician_n theology_n extant_a in_o eusebius_n we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o elder_a time_n without_o further_a proof_n than_o he_o give_v of_o it_o there_o be_v so_o much_o obscurity_n and_o confusion_n in_o it_o when_o he_o make_v a_o chaos_n to_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o god_n to_o come_v after_o make_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o chryser_n or_o vulcan_n and_o again_o the_o man_n bear_v of_o earth_n to_o be_v several_a generation_n after_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v the_o first_o mortal_a man_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o two_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v two_o god_n whereof_o one_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o latter_a be_v worship_v with_o as_o much_o veneration_n as_o any_o of_o their_o go_n yet_o from_o these_o thing_n as_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o gnostic_n and_o the_o several_a subdivision_n of_o they_o may_v take_v the_o rise_n of_o their_o several_a aeones_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o here_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v two_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o god_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o name_n they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a sect_n take_v a_o liberty_n of_o alter_v according_a to_o their_o several_a fancy_n this_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o either_o hesiod_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o or_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o late_a german_a divine_a who_o conceive_v that_o philo_n byblius_n do_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o gnostic_n form_n this_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o phoenician_n theology_n for_o although_o i_o be_o far_o from_o believe_v what_o kircher_n somewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v once_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o sanchoniathons_n original_a history_n it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o yet_o i_o see_v no_o ground_n of_o so_o much_o peevishness_n as_o because_o this_o history_n pretend_v to_o so_o much_o antiquity_n we_o shall_v therefore_o present_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o figment_n of_o the_o translator_n of_o it_o for_o have_v it_o be_v so_o the_o antagonist_n of_o porphyry_n methodius_n apollinaris_n but_o especial_o eusebius_n so_o well_o verse_v in_o antiquity_n will_v have_v find_v out_o so_o great_a a_o cheat_n although_o i_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v ofttimes_o deceive_v with_o piae_fw-la fraud_n but_o than_o it_o be_v when_o they_o make_v for_o the_o christian_n and_o not_o against_o they_o as_o this_o do_v but_o beside_o a_o fabulous_a confusion_n of_o thing_n together_o we_o have_v some_o thing_n deliver_v concern_v their_o god_n which_o be_v both_o contrary_a to_o all_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o to_o those_o very_a common_a principle_n of_o humanity_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v as_o when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o saturn_n suspect_v his_o son_n sadidus_fw-la destroy_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o war_v against_o his_o father_n uranus_n and_o after_o destroy_v he_o likewise_o &_o bury_v his_o brother_n atlas_n alive_a in_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v take_v as_o philo_n byblius_n contend_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v such_o incongruity_n to_o all_o notion_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o that_o shall_v believe_v there_o be_v any_o god_n and_o believe_v these_o be_v god_n together_o but_o although_o there_o be_v so_o many_o gross_a fable_n and_o inconsistency_n in_o this_o phoenician_n theology_n that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o merit_v 7._o belief_n in_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a forfeiture_n of_o reason_n to_o say_v they_o be_v credible_a yet_o when_o we_o have_v a_o great_a light_n in_o our_o hand_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v in_o this_o dungeon_n find_v out_o many_o excellent_a remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n though_o miserable_o corrupt_v as_o concern_v the_o creation_n the_o original_a of_o idolatry_n the_o invention_n of_o art_n the_o foundation_n of_o city_n the_o story_n of_o abraham_n of_o which_o in_o their_o due_a place_n that_o which_o of_o all_o seem_v the_o clear_a in_o this_o theology_n be_v the_o open_a own_v the_o original_n of_o idolatry_n to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o consecration_n of_o some_o eminent_a person_n after_o their_o death_n who_o have_v find_v out_o some_o useful_a thing_n for_o the_o world_n while_o they_o be_v live_v which_o the_o subtle_a greek_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o viz._n that_o the_o person_n they_o worship_v be_v once_o man_n which_o make_v they_o turn_v all_o into_o allegory_n and_o mystical_a sense_n to_o blind_v that_o idolatry_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o better_a among_o the_o ignorant_a which_o make_v philo_n byblius_n so_o very_o angry_a with_o the_o neoterick_n grecian_n as_o he_o call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o with_o 23._o a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n and_o strain_v they_o turn_v all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o god_n into_o allegory_n and_o physical_a discourse_n which_o be_v all_o the_o ingenuity_n that_o i_o know_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o phoenician_n theology_n that_o therein_o we_o find_v a_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o sanchoniathon_n be_v as_o far_o from_o advance_v porphyry_n religion_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o least_o from_o overthrow_v the_o credibility_n of_o christianity_n the_o next_o we_o come_v
by_o so_o much_o experience_n of_o the_o person_n who_o live_v before_o the_o flood_n four_o how_o come_v josephus_n himself_o to_o neglect_v this_o remarkable_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n in_o his_o book_n against_o appion_n if_o he_o have_v think_v it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v rely_v on_o five_o how_o come_v josephus_n so_o careless_o to_o set_v down_o the_o place_n in_o syria_n where_o these_o pillar_n stand_v that_o inquisitive_a person_n may_v have_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o pillar_n at_o least_o and_o what_o kind_n of_o character_n those_o observation_n be_v preserve_v in_o but_o now_o if_o we_o compare_v this_o of_o josephus_n with_o manetho_n his_o story_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o so_o exact_o resemble_v each_o other_o that_o we_o may_v well_o judge_v all_o those_o pillar_n to_o have_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o same_o quarry_n two_o thing_n make_v it_o yet_o more_o probable_a first_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o stand_v which_o eustathius_n in_o hexaemeron_n take_v out_o of_o josephus_n and_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a same_o place_n with_o that_o in_o manetho_n the_o other_o be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o seth_n among_o the_o egyptian_n as_o not_o only_o appear_v by_o plutarch_n de_fw-fr â—_o side_n &_o osiride_n but_o by_o this_o very_a place_n of_o manctho_n where_o it_o follow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o book_n of_o his_o bear_v the_o title_n which_o vettius_n valens_n antiochenus_fw-la tell_v we_o be_v not_o call_v 438._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o therefore_o josephus_n who_o frequent_o use_v the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a writer_n and_o frequent_o of_o this_o manetho_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v this_o fabulous_a relation_n of_o manetho_n as_o near_o the_o truth_n as_o he_o can_v therefore_o in_o stead_n of_o thoyth_fw-mi he_o put_v seth_n and_o the_o fabulous_a history_n of_o egypt_n the_o invention_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o syria_n in_o stead_n of_o seriadica_n a_o country_n too_o large_a to_o find_v these_o pillar_n in_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o chaldean_a history_n the_o contest_v of_o antiquity_n among_o heathen_a nation_n and_o the_o way_n of_o decide_v it_o of_o the_o chaldean_a astrology_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o judicial_a astrology_n of_o the_o zabii_n their_o founder_n who_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o old_a chaldee_n of_o berosus_n and_o his_o history_n a_o account_n of_o the_o fabulous_a dynastye_n of_o berosus_n and_o manetho_n from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n history_n into_o greek_a in_o the_o time_n of_o ptolemy_n of_o that_o translation_n and_o the_o time_n of_o it_o of_o demetrius_n phalereus_n scaliger_n argument_n answer_v manetho_n write_v after_o the_o septuagint_n prove_v against_o kircher_n his_o argument_n answer_v of_o rabbinical_a and_o arabic_a author_n and_o their_o little_a credit_n in_o matter_n of_o history_n the_o time_n of_o berosus_n inquire_v into_o his_o writing_n co-temporary_a with_o philadelphus_n the_o next_o who_o our_o enquiry_n lead_v we_o to_o be_v the_o chaldean_n a_o nation_n of_o great_a and_o undoubted_a antiquity_n 1_o be_v in_o probability_n the_o first_o form_v into_o a_o national_a government_n after_o the_o flood_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o have_v these_o art_n and_o science_n flourish_v among_o they_o which_o may_v preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o elder_a time_n to_o the_o view_n of_o posterity_n and_o yet_o even_o among_o these_o who_o enjoy_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o ease_n quiet_a and_o a_o flourish_a empire_n we_o find_v no_o undoubted_a or_o credible_a record_n preserve_v but_o the_o same_o vanity_n as_o among_o the_o egyptian_n in_o arrogate_a antiquity_n to_o themselves_o beyond_o all_o proportion_n of_o reason_n or_o satisfaction_n from_o their_o own_o history_n to_o fill_v up_o that_o vast_a measure_n of_o time_n with_o which_o make_v it_o most_o probable_a what_o diodorus_n observe_v of_o they_o that_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o their_o art_n they_o 3._o make_v use_v of_o lunar_a year_n of_o 30_o day_n so_o they_o have_v need_n when_o tully_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o boast_v of_o observation_n of_o the_o star_n for_o 470000_o year_n which_o after_o diodorus_n his_o computation_n and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o vulgar_a account_n of_o year_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n will_v fall_v near_o upon_o if_o not_o before_o the_o creation_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v be_v so_o extravagant_a in_o their_o account_n of_o themselves_o have_v they_o but_o preserve_v the_o history_n of_o their_o nation_n in_o any_o certain_a record_n for_o want_v of_o which_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_a time_n vary_v in_o the_o several_a family_n after_o their_o dispersion_n and_o be_v gradual_o corrupt_v by_o the_o policy_n of_o their_o leader_n and_o those_o corruption_n ready_o embrace_v by_o the_o predominancy_n of_o self-love_n in_o the_o several_a nation_n thence_o arise_v those_o vain_a and_o eager_a contest_v between_o the_o chaldaean_n scythian_n egyptian_n and_o aethiopian_n concern_v the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o several_a nation_n which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o diodorus_n and_o other_o by_o which_o it_o most_o evident_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a history_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n for_o none_o of_o they_o insist_v upon_o any_o record_n but_o only_o upon_o several_a probability_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o country_n and_o the_o climate_n they_o live_v under_o neither_o need_n psammeticus_n have_v be_v put_v to_o that_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o decide_v the_o controversy_n by_o his_o two_o infant_n breed_v up_o without_o any_o converse_n with_o man_n conclude_v the_o language_n they_o speak_v will_v manifest_v the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o belong_v to_o whereas_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a they_o have_v speak_v none_o at_o all_o have_v they_o not_o learn_v the_o inarticulate_a voice_n of_o the_o goat_n they_o have_v more_o converse_n with_o then_o man_n the_o make_v use_n of_o such_o way_n to_o decide_v this_o controversy_n do_v not_o only_o argue_v the_o great_a weakness_n of_o those_o time_n as_o to_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o the_o absolute_a defect_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o as_o to_o the_o give_v any_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o ancient_a time_n of_o which_o the_o chaldaean_n have_v advantage_n above_o all_o other_o 2._o heathen_a nation_n not_o only_o live_v in_o a_o settle_a country_n but_o in_o or_o near_o that_o very_a place_n where_o the_o grand_a ancestor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v their_o chief_a abode_n and_o residence_n whereby_o we_o see_v how_o unfaithful_a a_o thing_n tradition_n be_v and_o how_o soon_o it_o be_v corrupt_v or_o fail_v where_o it_o have_v no_o sure_a record_n to_o bottom_v its_o self_n upon_o but_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o less_o wonder_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o confusion_n of_o history_n where_o there_o have_v be_v before_o of_o tongue_n and_o that_o such_o who_o design_n and_o memory_n god_n have_v blast_v before_o shall_v afterward_o forget_v their_o own_o original_n but_o as_o if_o the_o chaldaean_n have_v retain_v something_o still_o of_o their_o old_a aspire_a mind_n to_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n the_o only_a thing_n they_o be_v eminent_a for_o and_o which_o they_o be_v careful_a in_o preserve_v of_o be_v some_o astronomical_a observation_n which_o tully_n tell_v we_o they_o have_v a_o great_a conveniency_n for_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o plain_a and_o even_a situation_n of_o their_o country_n whereby_o they_o may_v have_v a_o large_a prospect_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o mountainous_a country_n can_v have_v and_o yet_o even_o for_o this_o which_o they_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o that_o the_o name_n chaldaean_n pass_v for_o astrologer_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n we_o have_v no_o very_o great_a reason_n to_o admire_v their_o excellency_n in_o it_o consider_v how_o soon_o their_o skill_n in_o astronomy_n dwindle_v into_o that_o which_o by_o a_o great_a catachresis_fw-la be_v call_v judicial_a astrology_n the_o original_n of_o which_o be_v most_o evident_a among_o they_o as_o all_o other_o heathen_a nation_n to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o divinity_n which_o they_o attribute_v to_o the_o star_n in_o which_o yet_o they_o be_v far_o more_o rational_a than_o those_o who_o now_o admire_v that_o art_n for_o grant_v their_o hypothesis_n that_o the_o star_n be_v god_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a they_o shall_v determine_v contingent_a effect_n but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o with_o they_o who_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o those_o celestial_a house_n and_o yet_o attribute_v the_o same_o effect_n to_o they_o which_o they_o do_v who_o believe_v a_o divinity_n in_o they_o the_o chaldaean_n as_o
diodorus_n relate_v set_v 30_o star_n under_o the_o planet_n these_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o they_o have_v as_o prince_n over_o these_o bibliosh_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o former_a be_v as_o the_o privy_a counsellor_n and_o these_o the_o prince_n over_o they_o by_o who_o in_o their_o course_n they_o suppose_v the_o course_n of_o the_o year_n to_o be_v regulate_v we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o near_a affinity_n there_o be_v between_o astrology_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o star_n which_o make_v ptolemy_n call_v they_o atheist_n who_o condemn_a astrology_n because_o thereby_o they_o destroy_v the_o main_a of_o their_o religion_n 2._o which_o be_v the_o worship_v the_o star_n for_o go_n but_o it_o seem_v by_o strabo_n that_o one_o of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n do_v so_o hold_v to_o astronomy_n still_o that_o they_o whole_o reject_v genethlialogy_n 16_o which_o cause_v a_o great_a division_n among_o the_o orchoëni_n and_o the_o borsippeni_fw-la two_o sect_n among_o they_o so_o call_v from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o habitation_n and_o if_o we_o reckon_v the_o zabii_n among_o the_o chaldean_n as_o 3_o maimonides_n seem_v to_o do_v we_o have_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o the_o planetary_a deity_n so_o much_o in_o request_n among_o the_o chaldean_n 29._o for_o the_o description_n he_o give_v of_o they_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o god_n but_o the_o star_n to_o who_o they_o make_v statue_n and_o image_n to_o the_o sun_n golden_a to_o the_o moon_n silver_n and_o so_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o planet_n of_o the_o metal_n dedicate_v to_o they_o those_o image_n derive_v a_o influence_n from_o the_o star_n to_o which_o they_o be_v erect_v which_o have_v thence_o a_o faculty_n of_o foretell_v future_a thing_n which_o be_v a_o exact_a description_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o talismans_n 578._o so_o much_o in_o request_n among_o the_o heathen_n such_o as_o the_o palladium_n of_o troy_n be_v suppose_v by_o learned_a man_n to_o have_v be_v these_o talismans_n be_v by_o the_o jew_n call_v david_n buckler_n and_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o ancient_a teraphiâ—_n both_o be_v accurate_o make_v according_a to_o the_o position_n of_o the_o heaven_n only_o the_o one_o be_v to_o foretell_v future_a thing_n the_o other_o for_o the_o drive_v away_o some_o calamity_n concern_v these_o zabii_n maimonides_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o understanding_n their_o rite_n will_v give_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o light_n to_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o now_o lie_v in_o obscurity_n but_o little_a be_v suppose_v to_o be_v yet_o further_o know_v of_o they_o then_o what_o scaliger_n have_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o eastern_a chaldean_n which_o he_o fetch_v from_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n several_a of_o their_o book_n be_v extant_a say_v scaliger_n among_o the_o arabian_n but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o discover_v to_o the_o european_a world_n salmasius_n think_v these_o zabii_n be_v the_o chaldean_n inhabit_v mesopotamia_n to_o which_o it_o be_v very_a consonant_n which_o maimonides_n say_v that_o abraham_n have_v his_o education_n among_o they_o say_a batricide_n cite_v by_o mr._n selden_n attribute_n the_o original_a of_o their_o 7_o religion_n to_o the_o time_n of_o nahor_n and_o to_o zaradchath_n the_o persian_a as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o zoroaster_n who_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o zertoost_n of_o the_o persec_n a_o sect_n of_o the_o ancient_a persian_n live_v now_o among_o the_o banyan_o in_o the_o indies_n these_o give_v a_o more_o full_a and_o exact_a account_n concern_v the_o original_n birth_n education_n and_o enthusiasm_n or_o revelation_n of_o their_o zertoost_n then_o any_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o any_o greek_a historian_n three_o book_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o which_o zertoo_v receive_v by_o revelation_n or_o rather_o one_o book_n consist_v of_o three_o several_a tract_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v judicial_a astrology_n which_o they_o call_v astoodeger_n the_o second_o concern_v physic_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n the_o three_o be_v call_v zertoost_n from_o the_o bringer_n of_o it_o contain_v their_o religious_a rite_n the_o first_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o jesopp_n or_o magy_n the_o second_o to_o physician_n the_o three_o to_o the_o darooe_n or_o churchman_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o several_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o rite_n and_o custom_n of_o these_o persee_n in_o their_o worship_n of_o fire_n with_o many_o other_o particular_a rite_n of_o they_o publish_v sometime_o since_o by_o one_o mr._n lord_n who_o be_v a_o long_a time_n resident_a among_o they_o at_o surrat_n by_o which_o we_o may_v not_o only_o understand_v much_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o ancient_a persian_n but_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o somewhat_o of_o the_o zabii_n too_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o ancient_a zaradcha_fw-mi or_o zoroaster_n be_v by_o say_a batricide_n make_v the_o author_n of_o the_o zabii_n as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o who_o be_v undoubted_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o persian_a worship_n or_o rather_o a_o promoter_n of_o it_o among_o the_o persian_n for_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o 23._o chaldean_n which_o he_o add_v to_o the_o persian_a rite_n beside_o their_o agreement_n in_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o idolatry_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o consequent_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o symbol_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o eternal_a fire_n be_v evident_a which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v learn_v be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o early_a idolatry_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o further_o we_o find_v god_n in_o leviticus_n 26._o 30._o threaten_v to_o destroy_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o image_n of_o the_o sun_n some_o render_v it_o but_o most_o probable_o by_o that_o word_n be_v mean_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o hearth_n where_o they_o keep_v their_o perpetual_a fire_n for_o those_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v use_v both_o for_o the_o sun_n and_o fire_n 9_o now_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o idolatry_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o nation_n about_o palestine_n else_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o so_o severe_a a_o threaten_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o most_o probable_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o zabii_n which_o must_v help_v we_o to_o explain_v the_o reason_n of_o some_o particular_a positive_a precept_n in_o the_o levitical_a law_n relate_v to_o idolatry_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o chaldean_n and_o persian_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o worship_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o fire_n which_o may_v be_v yet_o more_o probable_a from_o what_o maimonides_n say_v of_o they_o that_o gens_n zabaea_n erat_fw-la gens_fw-la quae_fw-la implevit_fw-la totum_fw-la orbem_fw-la it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o any_o obscure_a nation_n but_o such_o as_o have_v the_o large_a spread_v in_o the_o eastern_a country_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ancient_a chaldean_n from_o who_o the_o persian_n derive_v their_o worship_n it_o may_v not_o see_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o balaam_n the_o famous_a soothsayer_n be_v one_o of_o these_o zabii_n especial_o if_o according_o to_o salmasius_n his_o judgement_n they_o inhabit_v mesopotamia_n for_o balaams_n country_n seem_v to_o be_v there_o for_o it_o be_v say_v numb_a 22._o 5._o that_o he_o dwell_v in_o pethor_n by_o the_o river_n i._n e._n say_v the_o chalâ—ee_n paraphra_v in_o peor_n of_o syria_n by_o euphrates_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o river_n isaiah_n 8._o 7._o but_o from_o this_o great_a obscurity_n as_o to_o the_o history_n of_o so_o ancient_a and_o so_o large_a a_o people_n as_o these_o zabii_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v we_o have_v a_o further_a evidence_n to_o our_o purpose_n of_o the_o defectiveness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o eastern_a history_n as_o to_o the_o give_v any_o full_a account_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o original_n we_o be_v toâ—d_v indeed_o by_o some_o that_o nabonasser_n do_v burn_v 4._o and_o destroy_v all_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o chaldean_n which_o they_o have_v diligent_o preserve_v among_o they_o before_o on_o purpose_n to_o raise_v the_o great_a reputation_n to_o himself_o and_o blot_v out_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o usurpation_n by_o burn_v the_o record_n of_o all_o their_o own_o ancient_a king_n which_o be_v a_o conceit_n i_o suppose_v have_v no_o other_o ground_n than_o that_o the_o famous_a aera_fw-la so_o much_o celebrate_v by_o astronomer_n and_o other_o do_v bear_v the_o name_n
so_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n so_o much_o partiality_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o each_o other_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o credibility_n of_o that_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v report_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o will_v be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o task_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n several_a hypothesis_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o certain_a record_n from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o mere_a tradition_n or_o constant_a revelation_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o record_n under_o moses_n his_o name_n be_v undoubted_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n inquire_v into_o in_o general_a and_o prove_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a by_o universal_a consent_n and_o settle_v a_o commonwealth_n upon_o his_o law_n the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o imposture_n as_o to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n demonstrate_v the_o plea_n to_o the_o contrary_a large_o answer_v have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a 1_o time_n give_v by_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v make_v the_o great_a pretence_n to_o learning_n and_o antiquity_n in_o the_o world_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o evince_v the_o credibility_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o sacred_a screpture_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v premise_v these_o follow_a hypothesis_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o a_o account_n of_o thing_n so_o concern_v and_o remarkable_a shall_v not_o be_v always_o leave_v to_o the_o 1._o uncertainty_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o shall_v be_v timely_o enter_v into_o certain_a record_n to_o be_v preserve_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o posterity_n for_o it_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o belief_n as_o to_o future_a thing_n to_o be_v full_o settle_v in_o the_o belief_n that_o all_o thing_n past_a be_v manage_v by_o divine_a providence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o certain_a record_n of_o former_a age_n or_o else_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v perpetual_o hover_v in_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o concatenation_n of_o one_o thing_n with_o another_o as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o scripture-history_n for_o take_v away_o but_o any_o one_o of_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n all_o the_o superstructure_n will_v be_v exceed_o weaken_v if_o it_o do_v not_o fall_v quite_o to_o the_o ground_n for_o man_n obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o god_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v his_o original_n to_o be_v from_o he_o his_o harken_v to_o any_o proposal_n of_o favour_n from_o god_n do_v suppose_v his_o apostasy_n and_o fall_n god_n design_v to_o show_v mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o fall_v man_n do_v suppose_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n whereby_o the_o great_a creator_n must_v reveal_v himself_o as_o to_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o fall_v man_n may_v expect_v a_o recovery_n the_o reveal_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o such_o a_o way_n whereon_o a_o suspicious_a because_o guilty_a creature_n may_v firm_o rely_v do_v suppose_v so_o certain_a a_o record_v of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n or_o deceit_n for_o although_o nothing_o else_o be_v in_o its_o self_n necessary_a from_o god_n to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n but_o the_o bare_a reveal_n in_o a_o certain_a way_n the_o term_n on_o which_o he_o must_v expect_v it_o yet_o consider_v the_o unbounded_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o good_a of_o some_o particular_a person_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o revelation_n shall_v be_v so_o propound_v as_o may_v be_v with_o equal_a certainty_n convey_v to_o the_o community_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v not_o with_o any_o such_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n be_v do_v by_o private_a and_o particular_a revelation_n which_o give_v satisfaction_n only_o to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o partaker_n of_o they_o as_o by_o a_o public_a record_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v the_o world_n all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a design_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o that_o he_o be_v depute_v to_o it_o by_o no_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o where_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a require_v of_o assent_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v have_v a_o certain_a uniform_a conveyance_n to_o man_n mind_n rather_o than_o that_o perpetual_o new_a revelation_n shall_v be_v require_v for_o the_o make_v know_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v once_o record_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o imposture_n as_o the_o other_o way_n may_v have_v be_v under_o pretend_a revelation_n for_o than_o man_n be_v not_o put_v to_o a_o continual_a trial_n of_o every_o person_n pretend_v divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o the_o evidence_n which_o he_o bring_v of_o divine_a authority_n but_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o concernment_n be_v already_o record_v and_o attest_v by_o all_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n their_o mind_n therein_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o be_v under_o a_o continual_a hesitancy_n lest_o the_o revelation_n of_o one_o shall_v contradict_v another_o for_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n of_o divine_a 2._o revelation_n unrecord_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v discover_v in_o every_o age_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o croak_a enthusiast_n will_v be_v continual_o pretend_v commission_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v leave_v in_o continual_a distraction_n because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o certain_a infallible_a rule_n give_v they_o whereby_o to_o difference_n the_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n from_o each_o other_o but_o now_o suppose_v god_n to_o inspire_v some_o particular_a person_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v but_o to_o record_v divine_a truth_n than_o what_o ever_o evidence_n can_v be_v bring_v attest_v a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o they_o will_v likewise_o prove_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o those_o write_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o person_n employ_v by_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n shall_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n which_o give_v we_o a_o rational_a account_n why_o the_o wise_a god_n do_v not_o suffer_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n to_o lie_v still_o unrecord_v but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o person_n to_o record_v it_o who_o give_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o act_v no_o private_a design_n but_o be_v peculiar_o employ_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o beside_o we_o find_v by_o our_o former_a discourse_n how_o liable_a the_o most_o certain_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v corrupt_v in_o progress_n of_o time_n where_o there_o be_v no_o stand_a record_n though_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o person_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n for_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o old_a world_n the_o flood_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v at_o first_o spread_v over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o its_o first_o plantation_n yet_o we_o see_v how_o soon_o for_o want_n of_o certain_a conveyance_n all_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v into_o the_o great_a idolatry_n which_o may_v be_v less_o wonder_v at_o have_v it_o be_v only_o in_o those_o part_n which_o be_v further_a remote_a from_o the_o seat_n of_o those_o grand_a transaction_n but_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o be_v even_o among_o those_o family_n who_o have_v the_o near_a residence_n to_o the_o place_n of_o they_o and_o among_o those_o person_n who_o be_v not_o far_o off_o in_o a_o lineal_a descent_n from_o the_o person_n main_o concern_v in_o they_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o family_n out_o of_o which_o abraham_n come_v who_o be_v himself_o the_o ten_o from_o noah_n yet_o of_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o
mere_a câ—nto_n a_o confuse_a mixture_n of_o the_o christian_a platonic_a and_o egyptian_a doctrine_n together_o so_o that_o we_o can_v hardly_o maintain_v the_o justness_n of_o the_o repute_n of_o the_o ancient_a egyptian_a learning_n from_o any_o thing_n now_o extant_a of_o it_o but_o yet_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v it_o especial_o since_o it_o be_v so_o honourable_o speak_v of_o in_o sacred_a writ_n and_o seem_v in_o it_o to_o have_v be_v make_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n for_o which_o we_o have_v this_o observable_a testimony_n that_o when_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n be_v speak_v of_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o commendation_n it_o be_v set_v forth_o with_o this_o character_n that_o it_o exceed_v the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o 31._o east_n country_n and_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o egypt_n whence_o it_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o easy_a to_o argue_v that_o certain_o their_o learning_n must_v be_v account_v the_o great_a at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v infer_v that_o solomon_n be_v wise_a than_o all_o man_n because_o his_o wisdom_n excel_v they_o unless_o we_o suppose_v their_o wisdom_n to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a in_o that_o age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o grecian_n although_o in_o that_o time_n homer_n be_v suppose_v to_o flourish_v be_v not_o think_v worthy_a the_o take_a notice_n of_o we_o see_v from_o hence_o then_o as_o from_o a_o irrefragable_a testimony_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n ancient_o be_v no_o trivial_a pedantry_n nor_o mere_a superstitious_a and_o magical_a rite_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o solid_a and_o substantial_a or_o it_o have_v not_o be_v worth_a triumph_v over_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n it_o be_v true_a of_o that_o what_o lipsius_n faith_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n quicquid_fw-la dignum_fw-la vinci_fw-la videbatur_fw-la vicit_fw-la cetera_fw-la non_fw-la tam_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la quam_fw-la 3._o contempsit_fw-la it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o some_o great_a worth_n that_o it_o be_v over-toped_a and_o conquer_v by_o it_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o just_a the_o repute_n of_o the_o ancient_a egyptian_a 4._o learning_n be_v from_o testimony_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v as_o great_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o we_o conâ—ider_v the_o great_a advantage_n the_o egyptian_n have_v for_o promote_a of_o learning_n among_o they_o two_o way_n man_n come_v to_o knowledge_n either_o by_o tradition_n from_o other_o or_o by_o observation_n of_o their_o own_o what_o the_o egyptian_n have_v the_o first_o way_n will_v be_v speak_v to_o afterward_o we_o now_o consider_v the_o latter_a of_o these_o all_o knowledge_n arise_v from_o observation_n must_v be_v either_o of_o those_o science_n which_o immediate_o conduce_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n life_n or_o such_o who_o end_n be_v to_o improve_v man_n rational_a faculty_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n the_o former_a necessity_n will_v put_v man_n upon_o the_o find_v 1._o out_o the_o latter_a require_v secessum_fw-la &_o otia_fw-la freedom_n from_o other_o employment_n a_o mind_n addict_v to_o they_o and_o industry_n in_o the_o study_n of_o they_o and_o a_o care_n to_o preserve_v their_o invention_n in_o they_o the_o study_n of_o geometry_n among_o the_o egyptian_n owe_v its_o original_n to_o necessity_n for_o the_o river_n nile_n be_v swell_v with_o the_o shower_n fall_v in_o aethiopia_n and_o thence_o annual_o overflow_a the_o country_n of_o egypt_n and_o by_o its_o violence_n overturning_a all_o the_o mark_n they_o have_v to_o distinguish_v their_o land_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o upon_o every_o abatement_n of_o the_o flood_n to_o survey_v their_o land_n to_o find_v out_o every_o one_o his_o own_o by_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ground_n upon_o the_o survey_n the_o necessity_n of_o which_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o more_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o that_o study_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o some_o exactness_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v of_o such_o necessary_a constant_a and_o perpetual_a use_n thence_o we_o find_v the_o invention_n of_o geometry_n particular_o attribute_v by_o herodotus_n diodorus_n strabo_n and_o 34._o other_o to_o the_o egyptian_n this_o skill_n of_o they_o they_o after_o improve_v into_o a_o great_a benefit_n viz_o the_o convey_v the_o water_n of_o nile_n into_o those_o place_n where_o it_o have_v not_o overflow_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n as_o to_o give_v they_o hope_n of_o a_o ensue_a plenty_n which_o they_o do_v by_o the_o artificial_a cut_n of_o several_a channel_n for_o that_o end_n wherein_o say_v strabo_n the_o egyptian_n art_n and_o industry_n outgo_v nature_n its_o self_n by_o this_o likewise_o they_o observe_v the_o height_n of_o the_o overflow_n of_o the_o river_n whereby_o they_o know_v what_o harvest_n to_o expect_v the_o follow_a year_n which_o they_o do_v by_o a_o well_o near_a memphis_n from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o the_o wall_n of_o which_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o several_a cubit_n which_o they_o observe_v and_o publish_v it_o to_o all_o that_o they_o may_v provide_v themselves_o according_o we_o see_v what_o ground_n there_o be_v even_o from_o profit_n and_o advantage_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o egyptian_n be_v skill_v in_o geometry_n and_o the_o knowledge_n relate_v thereto_o and_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o all_o other_o knowledge_n who_o 5._o end_n be_v contemplation_n the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n do_v much_o conduce_v thereto_o for_o thereby_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n free_v srom_o all_o other_o employment_n who_o may_v devote_v themselves_o to_o a_o sedulous_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n such_o be_v the_o egyptian_a priest_n who_o by_o the_o peculiar_a nature_n of_o the_o egyptian_a superstition_n be_v free_v from_o that_o burdensome_a service_n of_o sacrifice_a beast_n which_o the_o priest_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v continual_o employ_v about_o and_o so_o they_o enjoy_v not_o only_o a_o easy_a but_o a_o very_a honourable_a employment_n for_o they_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n esteem_v and_o authority_n among_o the_o egyptian_n of_o which_o rank_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v all_o be_v account_v who_o be_v not_o soldier_n husbandman_n or_o artificer_n for_o strabo_n 17._o mention_n no_o nobility_n at_o all_o in_o egypt_n distinct_a from_o the_o priest_n for_o he_o divide_v the_o whole_a commonwealth_n into_o soldier_n husbandman_n and_o priest_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o other_o two_o be_v employ_v about_o matter_n of_o war_n and_o the_o king_n revenue_n in_o peace_n he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o priest_n mind_v the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o astronomy_n and_o converse_v most_o with_o their_o king_n and_o after_o speak_v of_o their_o king_n be_v study_v in_o their_o art_n as_o well_o as_o other_o of_o the_o priest_n he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o who_o they_o spend_v most_o of_o their_o life_n agreeable_o to_o this_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o king_n themselves_o be_v often_o priest_n and_o add_v out_o osir._n of_o hecataeus_n that_o the_o king_n use_v to_o drink_v wine_n by_o measure_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o be_v priest_n for_o as_o he_o say_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n be_v always_o choose_v either_o out_o of_o the_o rank_n of_o priest_n or_o soldier_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o two_o order_n be_v of_o the_o great_a honour_n the_o one_o for_o valour_n and_o the_o other_o for_o wisdom_n and_o if_o the_o king_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o soldier_n he_o be_v present_o enter_v among_o the_o priest_n to_o learn_v their_o mystical_a science_n diodorus_n indeed_o seem_v to_o â—_o reckon_v some_o great_a person_n after_o the_o priest_n and_o distinct_a from_o the_o soldiery_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o these_o any_o other_o than_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o other_o two_o profession_n i_o must_v say_v as_o causabon_n do_v in_o another_o case_n of_o diodorus_n sanè_fw-la strabonis_n 17._o anctoritas_fw-la mult_fw-la be_v siculis_fw-la apud_fw-la i_o praevalet_fw-la diodorus_n his_o testimony_n be_v not_o to_o be_v weigh_v with_o strabo_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o reason_n why_o that_o potiphera_n who_o daughter_n joseph_n marry_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o render_v 45._o the_o priest_n other_o the_o prince_n of_o on_o but_o these_o two_o we_o see_v be_v very_o consistent_a their_o priest_n be_v their_o great_a prince_n and_o heliopolis_n or_o on_o of_o which_o potipherah_n be_v prince_n or_o priest_n be_v the_o chief_a seat_n and_o university_n of_o the_o priest_n
of_o egypt_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n that_o the_o egyptian_n do_v not_o communicate_v their_o mystery_n promiscuous_o to_o all_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o succession_n 5._o to_o the_o crown_n or_o else_o to_o those_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o child_n who_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o fit_a for_o they_o both_o by_o their_o diet_n instruction_n and_o family_n for_o this_o be_v unalterable_o observe_v among_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o a_o profession_n in_o their_o several_a family_n both_o of_o priest_n soldier_n and_o husbandman_n whereby_o they_o keep_v their_o several_a order_n without_o any_o mixture_n or_o confusion_n which_o be_v confess_v both_o by_o herodotus_n and_o diodorus_n so_o that_o by_o this_o constitution_n learning_n be_v among_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o 71._o priest_n which_o high_o advance_v the_o probability_n of_o that_o tradition_n preserve_v among_o the_o egyptian_n concern_v moses_n which_o likewise_o strong_o prove_v our_o present_a design_n viz._n manetho_n record_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o that_o moses_n be_v one_o of_o the_o priest_n at_o heliopolis_n and_o that_o his_o name_n among_o they_o appius_n be_v osarsiphus_n who_o change_v his_o name_n be_v call_v moses_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o amenophis_n conduct_v the_o leprous_a people_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o the_o egyptian_n out_o of_o their_o hatred_n of_o the_o israelite_n call_v they_o and_o chaeremon_n another_o egyptian_a priest_n in_o the_o same_o author_n call_v moses_n a_o scribe_n and_o joseph_n by_o who_o probable_o he_o mean_v joshua_n a_o sacred_a scribe_n and_o say_v that_o the_o egyptian_a name_n of_o moses_n be_v tisithen_n and_o of_o joseph_n peteleph_n now_o this_o tradition_n do_v in_o all_o probability_n arise_v from_o the_o repute_n of_o moses_n his_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v among_o they_o proper_a to_o their_o priest_n they_o thence_o ascribe_v that_o name_n 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inquisitive_a person_n do_v daily_o see_v the_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n of_o priest_n in_o their_o pretend_a miracle_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v bring_v to_o look_v upon_o religion_n its_o self_n as_o a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o to_o think_v no_o pope_n so_o infallible_a as_o he_o that_o say_v quantum_fw-la nobis_fw-la profuit_fw-la haec_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la fabula_fw-la such_o horrid_a consequence_n do_v man_n drive_v other_o if_o not_o bring_v themselves_o to_o when_o they_o employ_v their_o part_n and_o industry_n rather_o to_o uphold_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n then_o to_o promote_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o be_v the_o note_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n but_o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o
to_o be_v understand_v in_o those_o word_n concern_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n will_v appear_v by_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o be_v bring_v in_o for_o verse_n 14._o god_n prohibit_v they_o to_o hearken_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o neighbour-nation_n to_o observer_n of_o time_n and_o diviner_n and_o then_o bring_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n v_o 15._o as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o prohibiteon_n that_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n among_o themselves_o like_a unto_o moses_n and_o to_o he_o shall_v they_o hearken_v now_o let_v any_o rational_a man_n judge_v whether_o 1._o it_o be_v so_o probable_a a_o argument_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o harken_v to_o diviner_n of_o other_o nation_n that_o there_o shall_v a_o prophet_n arise_v 2000_o year_n after_o like_a unto_o moses_n as_o that_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o prophet_n among_o themselves_o to_o who_o they_o shall_v hearken_v thus_o origen_n in_o his_o excellent_a book_n against_o celsus_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o prophetical_a office_n among_o the_o jew_n from_o hence_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o law_n that_o the_o gentile_n hearkend_v unto_o oracle_n and_o divination_n but_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v 14._o it_o to_o be_v so_o among_o they_o it_o present_o follow_v a_o prophet_n will_v the_o lord_n god_n raise_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o say_v he_o when_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o have_v their_o oracle_n and_o several_a way_n of_o divination_n all_o which_o be_v strict_o prohibit_v among_o the_o jew_n if_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o way_n of_o foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v it_o have_v be_v almost_o impossible_a consider_v the_o great_a curiosity_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o despise_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o apostatise_v to_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o set_v up_o something_o like_o they_o among_o themselves_o which_o interpretation_n of_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n not_o only_o from_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n here_o but_o from_o the_o analogy_n of_o many_o other_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a have_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o another_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o by_o this_o be_v understand_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n be_v the_o change_n which_o follow_v against_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o rule_n to_o discover_v they_o v_o 20_o 21_o 22._o which_o have_v not_o be_v so_o pertinent_a and_o coherent_a if_o the_o opposition_n do_v not_o lie_v between_o the_o order_n of_o true_a prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n which_o shall_v rise_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o that_o which_o yet_o further_o justify_v this_o interpretation_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n in_o the_o whole_a pentateuch_n which_o do_v express_o speak_v of_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n if_o this_o be_v not_o understand_v of_o it_o and_o be_v it_o any_o way_n probabe_n a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n shall_v be_v whole_o pretermit_v especial_o when_o we_o find_v it_o so_o exact_o perform_v in_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n their_o immediate_a ruler_n like_o dictator_n at_o rome_n after_o moses_n death_n be_v most_o raise_v up_o by_o immediate_a incitation_n and_o impulse_n from_o god_n and_o many_o of_o they_o inspire_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n how_o shall_v the_o jew_n have_v expect_v these_o or_o obey_v they_o when_o they_o appear_v have_v not_o god_n foretell_v it_o to_o they_o and_o provide_v they_o for_o it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n neither_o do_v these_o prophet_n arise_v single_o among_o they_o like_o blaze_a star_n one_o in_o a_o age_n to_o portend_v future_a event_n but_o whole_a constellation_n of_o they_o sometime_o appear_v together_o yea_o so_o many_o small_a prophet_n be_v sometime_o unite_v together_o as_o make_v up_o a_o perfect_a galaxy_n when_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o society_n and_o become_v school_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o such_o we_o frequent_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n the_o original_a and_o institution_n of_o which_o may_v cast_v a_o further_a light_n into_o our_o present_a design_n and_o show_v we_o the_o little_a reason_n the_o jew_n can_v have_v to_o expect_v miracle_n from_o they_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o law_n and_o be_v call_v out_o from_o their_o several_a society_n into_o the_o prophetical_a office_n by_o the_o immediate_a incitation_n of_o god_n himself_o which_o be_v so_o common_o know_v among_o they_o there_o need_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a proof_n to_o manifest_v the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o they_o be_v employ_v two_o thing_n then_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v first_o the_o original_n and_o institution_n of_o these_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o erdinary_a course_n for_o the_o prophet_n by_o employment_n to_o be_v take_v forth_o of_o these_o society_n wherein_o they_o be_v educate_v first_o for_o the_o original_n and_o institution_n of_o these_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o first_o seminary_n or_o place_n of_o institution_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n which_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o several_a tribe_n of_o israel_n god_n thereby_o turn_v that_o into_o a_o blessing_n which_o be_v pronounce_v as_o a_o curse_n upon_o levi_n by_o his_o father_n jacob_n viz._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v divide_v in_o jacob_n and_o scatter_v in_o israel_n but_o though_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o 7._o prophecy_n may_v be_v the_o primary_n ground_n oâ—_n that_o scatter_v yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n aim_v at_o some_o further_a good_a in_o it_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o levite_n and_o the_o israelite_n lyra_n undertake_v to_o assign_v four_o reason_n of_o this_o distribution_n of_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n among_o the_o tribe_n 1_o because_o if_o they_o 21._o have_v live_v but_o in_o one_o tribe_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n will_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v confine_v to_o that_o tribe_n 2_o because_o they_o will_v have_v be_v a_o burden_n to_o that_o tribe_n they_o have_v their_o habitation_n in_o 3_o from_o the_o equity_n of_o be_v maintain_v by_o all_o who_o serve_v for_o all_o 4_o because_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v live_v among_o they_o these_o reason_n be_v most_o of_o they_o oppose_v by_o 14._o abulensis_n but_o defend_v by_o other_o the_o last_o be_v that_o which_o most_o insist_v on_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o levite_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n so_o 2_o chron._n 35._o 4._o and_o say_v unto_o the_o levite_n qui_fw-la erudiebant_fw-la omnem_fw-la israelem_fw-la as_o vatablus_n render_v it_o who_o teach_v all_o israel_n and_o masius_n insist_o on_o that_o as_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o their_o dispersion_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o teach_v the_o law_n among_o the_o israelite_n but_o yet_o all_o those_o who_o be_v agree_v that_o teach_v the_o law_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o levite_n be_v not_o yet_o agree_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o teach_n for_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o their_o law_n the_o one_o ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a and_o the_o other_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o do_v belong_v to_o or_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n there_o be_v many_o who_o understand_v all_o that_o office_n of_o teach_v which_o belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o be_v mere_o concern_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n decide_v all_o case_n of_o controversy_n which_o shall_v arise_v concern_v their_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o in_o levit._n 10._o 10._o be_v call_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o holy_a and_o unholy_a and_o between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a but_o it_o seem_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v take_v so_o great_a care_n about_o the_o shell_n and_o outside_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o none_o at_o all_o for_o the_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a part_n of_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o have_v set_v apart_o a_o whole_a tribe_n mere_o for_o his_o own_o service_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o other_o employment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a liberty_n to_o attend_v upon_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o service_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n 10._o to_o teach_v all_o the_o statute_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o
put_v too_o great_a a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o boundless_a 9_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o sometime_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o god_n send_v the_o prophet_n upon_o extraordinary_a message_n and_o then_o furnish_v they_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a commission_n without_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o testimonial_n of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o beside_o these_o god_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o leiger-prophet_n among_o his_o people_n such_o be_v the_o most_o of_o those_o who_o we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v no_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n such_o in_o david_n time_n we_o may_v conceive_v gad_n and_o nathan_n and_o afterward_o we_o read_v of_o many_o other_o prophet_n and_o seer_n among_o they_o to_o who_o the_o people_n make_v their_o resort_n now_o these_o in_o probability_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o prophetic_a school_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v appear_v but_o in_o a_o more_o fix_v and_o settle_a way_n then_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n who_o god_n do_v call_v out_o on_o some_o more_o signal_n occasion_n such_o as_o isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n be_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a foundation_n for_o such_o a_o distinction_n of_o prophet_n in_o those_o word_n of_o amos_n to_o amaziah_n amos_n 7._o 14_o 15._o i_o be_v no_o prophet_n neither_o be_v i_o a_o prophet_n son_n but_o i_o be_v a_o herdman_n and_o a_o gatherer_n of_o sycamore_n fruit_n and_o the_o lord_n take_v i_o as_o i_o follow_v the_o stock_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o go_v prophecy_n to_o my_o people_n israel_n some_o understand_v the_o first_o word_n i_o be_v not_o a_o prophet_n that_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v a_o prophet_n as_o jeremiah_n be_v not_o design_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o it_o from_o his_o mother_n womb_n but_o i_o rather_o think_v by_o his_o not_o be_v a_o prophet_n he_o mean_v he_o be_v none_o of_o those_o resident_a prophet_n in_o the_o college_n or_o school_n of_o they_o not_o any_o of_o those_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o prophetic_a life_n and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o converse_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v i_o say_v he_o the_o son_n of_o a_o prophet_n i._n e._n not_o bring_v up_o in_o discipleship_n under_o those_o prophet_n and_o thereby_o train_v up_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prophetic_a function_n non_fw-la didici_fw-la inter_fw-la discipulos_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la as_o pelican_n render_v it_o nec_fw-la institutione_n qua_fw-la silij_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la quasi_fw-la ad_fw-la donum_fw-la prâ—phetiae_n à _fw-la parentibus_fw-la praeparabantur_fw-la say_v estius_n non_fw-fr à _fw-fr pvero_fw-la educatus_fw-la in_o schol_n be_v propheticis_fw-la so_o calvin_n and_o most_o other_o modern_a interpreter_n understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o abarbinel_n and_o the_o jewish_a writer_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n ordinary_a way_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o take_v such_o as_o have_v be_v train_v up_o and_o educate_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n although_o god_n do_v not_o tie_v up_o hmself_n to_o this_o method_n but_o sometime_o call_v one_o from_o the_o court_n as_o he_o do_v isaiah_n sometime_o one_o from_o the_o herd_n as_o here_o he_o do_v amos_n and_o bid_v they_o go_v prophecy_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v then_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o stand_a college_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o israelite_n who_o shine_v as_o fix_v star_n in_o the_o firmament_n and_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v a_o more_o planetary_a motion_n and_o withal_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o resplendent_a illumination_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o prophetic_a light_n and_o further_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o ordinary_o seize_v on_o any_o but_o such_o who_o institution_n be_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n by_o the_o great_a admiration_n which_o be_v cause_v among_o the_o people_n at_o saul_n so_o sudden_a prophesy_v 24._o that_o it_o become_v a_o proverb_n be_v saul_n also_o among_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v not_o give_v the_o least_o foundation_n for_o a_o adage_n for_o a_o strange_a and_o unwonted_a thing_n unless_o the_o most_o common_a appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v be_v among_o those_o who_o be_v train_v up_o in_o order_n to_o it_o thus_o i_o suppose_v we_o have_v full_o clear_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o the_o ordinary_a prophet_n who_o chief_a office_n be_v instruction_n of_o the_o people_n to_o prove_v their_o commission_n by_o miracle_n because_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n by_o moses_n and_o these_o be_v bring_v up_o ordinary_o to_o that_o end_n among_o they_o so_o that_o all_o prejudices_fw-la be_v sufficient_o remove_v from_o their_o person_n without_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a power_n as_o that_o of_o miracle_n chap._n v._o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a doctrine_n rule_n of_o try_v prophet_n establish_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o punishment_n of_o pretender_n the_o several_a sort_n of_o false_a prophet_n the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n discuss_v the_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n the_o particular_a rule_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prophet_n be_v judge_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n not_o foretel_v future_a contingency_n but_o have_v immediate_a divine_a revelation_n several_a principle_n lay_v down_o for_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n 1._o that_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n several_a ground_n for_o divine_a revelation_n from_o natural_a light_n 2._o what_o ever_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o no_o divine_a revelation_n do_v contradict_v a_o divine_a positive_a law_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o repeal_v that_o law_n 4._o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o intention_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o prophetical_a office_n a_o kind_n of_o chancery_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o second_o reason_n why_o those_o prophet_n who_o main_a office_n be_v instruction_n of_o the_o people_n or_o mere_o foretell_v future_a 1_o event_n need_v not_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o mirale_n be_v because_o they_o have_v certain_a rule_n of_o trial_n by_o their_o law_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o false_a prophet_n from_o the_o true_a so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o it_o be_v their_o own_o oscitancy_n and_o inadvertency_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o god_n in_o that_o law_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a have_v establish_v a_o court_n of_o trial_n for_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o give_v such_o certain_a rule_n of_o procedure_v in_o it_o that_o no_o man_n need_v to_o be_v deceive_v unless_o they_o will_v themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o trial_n among_o they_o because_o it_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o a_o nation_n where_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n be_v so_o common_a there_o will_v be_v very_o many_o pretender_n to_o it_o who_o may_v much_o endanger_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o people_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a way_n to_o find_v they_o out_o and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o deter_v man_n either_o from_o counterfeit_v a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o from_o harken_v to_o such_o as_o do_v god_n appoint_v a_o severe_a punishment_n for_o every_o such_o pretender_n viz._n upon_o legal_a conviction_n that_o he_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n deut._n 18._o 20._o but_o the_o prophet_n which_o shall_v presume_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o my_o name_n which_o i_o have_v not_o command_v he_o to_o speak_v or_o that_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o other_o god_n shall_v sure_o die_v the_o jew_n general_o understand_v this_o of_o strangle_v as_o they_o do_v always_o in_o the_o law_n when_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o death_n be_v not_o express_v and_o therein_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o a_o seducer_n be_v distinguish_v each_o from_o other_o that_o a_o mere_a seducer_n be_v to_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n under_o sufficient_a testimony_n deut._n 13._o 6_o 10._o but_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v there_o say_v in_o general_a only_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n vâ—ssium_n deut._n 13._o 1_o 5._o the_o main_a difference_n between_o the_o seducer_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v that_o the_o seducer_n seek_v by_o cunning_a persuasion_n and_o plausible_a argument_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o the_o false_a prophet_n always_o pretend_v divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o whether_o he_o give_v out_o that_o he_o have_v that_o revelation_n
and_o will_n to_o mankind_n than_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o mere_a natural_a light_n and_o reason_n whatever_o speak_v a_o direct_a repugnancy_n to_o any_o of_o the_o fundamental_a dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 6._o for_o those_o be_v sound_v not_o upon_o any_o positive_a or_o arbitrary_a will_n but_o upon_o those_o inward_a impression_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n its_o self_n it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v commission_n any_o to_o enervate_v his_o own_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o by_o one_o will_n to_o contradict_v another_o placitum_fw-la regis_fw-la must_v never_o stand_v against_o the_o placita_fw-la coronae_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o depend_v upon_o fundamental_a and_o establish_a law_n hold_v good_a against_o any_o positive_a sentence_n or_o declaration_n of_o a_o prince_n will_v because_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v bind_v up_o himself_o by_o the_o establish_a law_n and_o therefore_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o come_v from_o he_o contrary_a to_o they_o be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n but_o of_o the_o person_n persuade_v he_o to_o it_o but_o this_o now_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n draw_v to_o cassate_fw-it they_fw-mi obligation_n of_o what_o be_v imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o his_o own_o law_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o null_v the_o general_a obligation_n and_o alter_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o depend_v upon_o that_o general_a law_n the_o first_o in_o any_o case_n be_v impossible_a that_o any_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v make_v it_o not_o to_o be_v man_n duty_n to_o obey_v his_o maker_n or_o not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o commit_v murder_n to_o lie_v or_o to_o steal_v from_o another_o but_o there_o may_v come_v a_o particular_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o alter_v the_o respect_n and_o nature_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o dominion_n as_o the_o life_n of_o person_n and_o the_o property_n of_o thing_n be_v and_o thus_o god_n do_v reveal_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n which_o have_v be_v no_o murder_n when_o do_v upon_o god_n immediate_a command_n and_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o will_v have_v be_v acceptable_a as_o a_o testimony_n of_o entire_a obedience_n which_o god_n do_v accept_v without_o the_o act_n and_o so_o the_o israelite_n take_v the_o egyptian_n jewel_n and_o dispossess_v the_o canaanite_n do_v depend_v upon_o god_n immediate_a disposal_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o otherwise_o have_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o no_o doubt_n be_v so_o to_o any_o that_o be_v unsatisfied_a whether_o god_n have_v immediate_o command_v it_o or_o no._n or_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v any_o general_a rule_n be_v no_o doubt_n a_o breach_n of_o divine_a command_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n where_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o positive_a law_n prescribe_v a_o form_n and_o manner_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v it_o be_v sufficient_a 7._o evidence_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o go_v about_o to_o null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n unless_o there_o be_v as_o great_a evidence_n give_v that_o god_n do_v intend_v the_o establish_v a_o new_a law_n by_o that_o person_n as_o he_o do_v at_o first_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o old_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n this_o latter_a clause_n be_v insert_v to_o show_v that_o the_o succeed_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o bear_v any_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o hypothesis_n lay_v down_o there_o be_v great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intend_v the_o abolish_n the_o ceremonial_a law_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v of_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o by_o moses_n but_o of_o those_o afterward_o i_o now_o only_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o upon_o the_o mere_a pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v destroy_v any_o precept_n of_o a_o establish_a positive_a law_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v be_v the_o great_a rule_n the_o jew_n go_v by_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o any_o prophet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n establish_v thereby_o he_o be_v account_v a_o false_a prophet_n the_o modern_a jew_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o unbelief_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n extend_v this_o further_a than_o the_o law_n do_v for_o they_o enlarge_v it_o to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n whereas_o god_n in_o the_o law_n seem_v to_o limit_v it_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o chief_o insist_o on_o the_o three_o first_o precept_n of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o therefore_o condemn_v such_o a_o one_o as_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o command_v they_o deut._n 18._o 20._o and_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o idolatry_n deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o where_o though_o the_o false_a prophet_n shall_v offer_v to_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o they_o yet_o if_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o worship_v false_a god_n they_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o maimonides_n where_o he_o large_o dispute_v about_o the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o certain_a rule_n si_fw-mi propheta_fw-la surrexerit_fw-la 7._o at_o que_fw-la magna_fw-la miracula_fw-la aut_fw-la prodigiafecerit_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la laboraverit_fw-la falsitatis_fw-la convincere_fw-la prophâ—tiam_fw-la mosis_fw-la m._n n._n istum_fw-la non_fw-la audimus_fw-la quia_fw-la certo_fw-la novimus_fw-la prodigium_fw-la praestigiis_fw-la aut_fw-la incant_v ationibus_fw-la productum_fw-la esse_fw-la as_o vorstius_n render_v he_o if_o a_o prophet_n do_v never_o so_o great_a miracle_n and_o seek_v to_o convince_v moses_n of_o falsehood_n we_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o one_o pretend_v 9_o to_o prophesy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o name_n of_o idol_n they_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o dispute_v with_o he_o nor_o answer_v he_o nor_o desire_v any_o sign_n or_o miracle_n from_o he_o and_o if_o of_o himself_o he_o show_v any_o we_o be_v not_o to_o regard_v or_o mind_v they_o for_o say_v he_o whoever_o do_v but_o doubt_n in_o his_o mind_n concern_v they_o he_o break_v that_o command_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n so_o 3_o that_o the_o doctrine_n once_o establish_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o most_o certain_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n if_o their_o design_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o god_n word_n we_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o what_o they_o either_o say_v or_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o prophet_n who_o seek_v not_o to_o introduce_v idolatry_n must_v not_o be_v measure_v by_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o word_n 8._o of_o moses_n his_o law_n but_o to_o the_o main_a reason_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o jew_n shall_v always_o rest_v in_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o send_v they_o prophet_n to_o train_v they_o up_o by_o degree_n and_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o a_o state_n of_o great_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a prophet_n or_o no_o exact_o by_o that_o which_o they_o come_v gradual_o to_o wean_v they_o from_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o try_v one_o whether_o he_o be_v grow_v a_o man_n or_o no_o by_o the_o swaddle_a clout_n he_o wear_v when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n god_n temper_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n much_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o person_n it_o be_v prescribe_v to_o and_o therefore_o the_o sanction_n of_o it_o do_v immediate_o respect_v their_o temporary_a concern_v but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v the_o end_n of_o that_o dispensation_n be_v to_o be_v mere_o a_o covenant_n for_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o as_o the_o cherubim_n in_o the_o temple_n do_v always_o look_v towards_o the_o mercy-seat_n so_o do_v this_o whole_a oeconomy_n look_v towards_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o it_o be_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v with_o ignorant_a people_n who_o look_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n can_v fancy_v the_o star_n to_o be_v any_o big_a than_o they_o seem_v to_o
when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o every_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o gospel_n state_n shall_v be_v thus_o effectual_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o under_o the_o gospel_n shall_v so_o far_o exceed_v those_o under_o the_o law_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o apprehend_v the_o disproportion_n between_o they_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v set_v forth_o in_o so_o large_a a_o expression_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o next_o rule_n thing_n foretold_v as_o universal_o or_o indefinite_o to_o come_v to_o 3._o pass_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o but_o as_o to_o the_o event_n only_o of_o god_n choose_v people_n thus_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a peace_n prophesy_v to_o be_v in_o gospel_n time_n that_o then_o man_n shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o plow-shear_n and_o spear_n 4._o into_o pruning-hook_n that_o the_o wolf_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n and_o leopard_n with_o the_o kid_n that_o nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v 7._o up_o sword_n against_o nation_n nor_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o with_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n all_o these_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n tend_v to_o and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o what_o will_v effectual_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v all_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n hearty_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o gospel_n do_v prevail_v upon_o any_o it_o so_o far_o cicurate_v their_o wild_a and_o unruly_a nature_n that_o of_o furious_a wolf_n they_o become_v innocent_a lamb_n and_o of_o rage_a lion_n tender_a kid_n so_o far_o from_o hurt_v and_o injure_v other_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o entertain_v any_o thought_n of_o ill_a will_n or_o revenge_n towards_o their_o great_a enemy_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v see_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o seem_a repugnancy_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o new_a with_o the_o event_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o it_o yet_o that_o all_o those_o prediction_n which_o concern_v the_o bestow_n of_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o concern_v the_o gospel_n state_n have_v have_v their_o punctual_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v intend_v prediction_n concern_v future_a event_n where_o not_o only_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n be_v foretell_v but_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o person_n 5._o time_n and_o place_n enumerate_v be_v to_o have_v their_o due_a accomplishment_n and_o consequent_o express_v god_n inward_a purpose_n for_o those_o promise_n or_o commination_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o alteration_n by_o some_o tacit_a condition_n employ_v in_o they_o do_v most_o common_o run_v in_o general_a term_n or_o else_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o immediate_a address_n to_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o order_n to_o the_o stir_v they_o up_o the_o more_o to_o the_o duty_n god_n aim_v at_o by_o those_o commination_n as_o when_o jonas_n limit_v the_o ninivites_n destruction_n to_o forty_o day_n but_o when_o prophecy_n be_v record_v not_o by_o way_n of_o commination_n but_o mere_a prediction_n and_o particular_a circumstance_n set_v down_o it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o such_o prophecy_n must_v have_v their_o certain_a accomplishment_n and_o that_o first_o because_o god_n by_o set_v down_o the_o circumstance_n will_v give_v they_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o prediction_n come_v from_o himself_o as_o when_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n not_o only_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o altar_n there_o but_o particular_o name_v the_o man_n that_o shall_v do_v it_o viz._n josias_n so_o when_o god_n by_o isaiah_n call_v cyrus_n by_o name_n it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a confirmation_n to_o they_o that_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v by_o that_o person_n second_o because_o these_o circumstance_n be_v intend_v for_o landmark_n to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n for_o when_o they_o find_v the_o circumstance_n fall_v out_o exact_o according_a to_o prediction_n they_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o grand_a prophecy_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n all_o particular_a circumstance_n be_v so_o long_o before_o foretell_v the_o first_o dawn_n of_o his_o day_n be_v to_o adam_n after_o his_o fall_n when_o the_o nature_n he_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o be_v foretell_v viz._n not_o angelical_a but_o humane_a of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n to_o abraham_n it_o be_v further_o reveal_v of_o what_o nation_n of_o mankind_n viz._n from_o his_o posterity_n to_o jacob_n at_o what_o time_n when_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v be_v depart_v from_o judah_n and_o from_o what_o tribe_n viz._n judah_n to_o david_n of_o what_o family_n in_o that_o tribe_n viz._n his_o own_o to_o isaiah_n of_o what_o person_n in_o that_o family_n a_o virgin_n to_o micah_n in_o what_o place_n viz._n bethlehem_n and_o to_o daniel_n at_o what_o precise_a time_n towards_o the_o expire_n of_o his_o seventy_o week_n which_o according_a to_o to_o the_o most_o probable_a computation_n of_o they_o do_v commence_v from_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la and_o so_o the_o 490._o year_n expire_v near_o upon_o our_o saviour_n passion_n now_o certain_o the_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o all_o these_o circumstance_n speak_v of_o so_o long_o before_o and_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o they_o can_v not_o but_o give_v the_o great_a conviction_n and_o evidence_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v that_o person_n so_o much_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n in_o who_o all_o these_o several_a line_n do_v meet_v as_o in_o their_o centre_n last_o prediction_n than_o express_v divine_a purpose_n when_o many_o 6._o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n because_o it_o be_v hardly_o see_v but_o all_o those_o tacit_a condition_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o general_a promise_n or_o commination_n may_v be_v alter_v in_o different_a age_n but_o when_o the_o condition_n alter_v and_o the_o continueâ—he_v â—he_z same_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n it_o be_v some_o immutable_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v express_v in_o those_o prediction_n and_o in_o this_o case_n one_o prediction_n confirm_v the_o forego_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o prophet_n one_o prophet_n that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o another_o prophet_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v true_a but_o it_o must_v be_v with_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o other_o prophet_n be_v before_o approve_v to_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n now_o both_o these_o meet_v in_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v our_o saviour_n for_o to_o he_o bear_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n and_o in_o their_o several_a age_n they_o have_v several_a thing_n reveal_v to_o they_o concern_v he_o and_o the_o uniformity_n and_o perfect_a harmony_n of_o all_o these_o several_a prophecy_n by_o person_n at_o so_o great_a distance_n from_o each_o other_o and_o be_v of_o several_a interest_n and_o employment_n and_o in_o several_a place_n yet_o all_o give_a light_n to_o each_o other_o and_o exact_o meet_v at_o last_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n do_v give_v we_o yet_o a_o further_a and_o clear_a evidence_n that_o all_o those_o several_a beam_n come_v from_o the_o same_o sun_n when_o all_o those_o scatter_a ray_n be_v at_o last_o gather_v into_o one_o body_n again_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o have_v we_o now_o clear_v when_o prediction_n be_v expressive_a 10._o of_o god_n internal_a purpose_n by_o observation_n of_o which_o rule_v we_o may_v easy_o resolve_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o disficulty_n when_o they_o only_o express_v the_o series_n and_o dependency_n of_o thing_n which_o will_v have_v their_o issue_n and_o accomplishment_n if_o god_n by_o his_o immediate_a hand_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o entail_n of_o effect_n upon_o their_o natural_a cause_n now_o as_o to_o these_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v thing_n consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o not_o precise_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v these_o rule_n 1._o commination_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v do_v not_o in_o themselves_o speak_v the_o absolute_a futurity_n of_o the_o event_n but_o do_v only_o declare_v what_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v be_v to_o expect_v and_o what_o shall_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v unless_o god_n by_o his_o mercy_n interpose_v between_o the_o threaten_a and_o the_o event_n so_o that_o commination_n do_v speak_v only_o the_o debitum_fw-la poenae_fw-la and_o
presence_n among_o they_o and_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o corah_n moses_n appeal_v to_o god_n immediate_a providence_n to_o manifest_v whether_o god_n have_v immediate_o employ_v he_o or_o no._n for_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o text_n that_o the_o main_a charge_n they_o lay_v against_o moses_n be_v ambition_n and_o usurpation_n be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n say_v they_o that_o thou_o have_v bring_v we_o up_o out_o 13._o of_o a_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n to_o kill_v we_o in_o the_o wilderness_n except_o thou_o make_v thyself_o altogether_o a_o prince_n over_o we_o whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o think_v that_o moses_n act_v out_o of_o a_o private_a design_n and_o aim_v at_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o imputation_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o he_o now_o see_v how_o moses_n proceed_v to_o clear_v himself_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o these_o incredulous_a jew_n for_o he_o lay_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n upon_o a_o present_a miracle_n and_o moses_n say_v hereby_o shall_v you_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v 29._o send_v i_o to_o do_v all_o these_o work_n for_o i_o have_v not_o do_v they_o of_o my_o own_o mind_n if_o these_o man_n die_v the_o common_a death_n of_o all_o man_n than_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o send_v i_o etc._n etc._n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o the_o only_a intent_n of_o this_o miracle_n be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o moses_n take_v not_o his_o office_n upon_o he_o but_o be_v immediate_o send_v and_o employ_v by_o god_n in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o that_o which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n be_v god_n give_v moses_n a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o that_o very_a end_n that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v believe_v he_o exodus_fw-la 8._o 8_o 9_o and_o can_v we_o think_v they_o will_v have_v ever_o leave_v egypt_n as_o they_o do_v and_o follow_v moses_n into_o the_o wilderness_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v full_o convince_v he_o be_v a_o deliverer_n send_v from_o god_n it_o be_v true_a that_o which_o the_o jew_n speak_v so_o much_o of_o the_o statio_fw-la in_o monte_fw-fr sina_n be_v a_o great_a consirmation_n both_o to_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o to_o moses_n his_o according_a to_o what_o god_n have_v tell_v he_o exod._n 3._o 12._o but_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o hence_o they_o have_v no_o firm_a bottom_n for_o their_o faith_n to_o stand_v on_o before_o for_o then_o they_o may_v have_v be_v drown_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n as_o well_o as_o the_o egyptian_n but_o god_n know_v their_o incredulity_n and_o readiness_n to_o disobey_v his_o law_n do_v at_o the_o promulgation_n of_o it_o testify_v to_o their_o eye_n and_o 9_o ear_n his_o own_o presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o to_o oppose_v this_o to_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v produce_v by_o miracle_n be_v only_o to_o oppose_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o a_o power_n of_o do_v they_o so_o vain_a and_o empty_a then_o so_o false_a and_o fallacious_a yea_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o holy_a scripture_n be_v that_o axiom_n of_o the_o jew_n prophetiae_fw-la verit_fw-la as_o non_fw-la confirmatur_fw-la miraculis_fw-la for_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o any_o who_o god_n employ_v to_o all_o but_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o as_o one_o well_o say_v pertinaciae_fw-la nullum_fw-la remedium_fw-la posuit_fw-la deus_fw-la god_n never_o work_v miracle_n to_o convince_v obstinate_a atheist_n and_o wilful_a infidel_n this_o now_o be_v the_o first_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v which_o be_v when_o god_n employ_v any_o upon_o a_o extraordinary_a message_n to_o be_v as_o credential_n to_o confirm_v their_o divine_a commission_n chap._n vii_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n discuss_v the_o second_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v when_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o the_o possibility_n in_o general_n of_o a_o repeal_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n assert_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n prove_v not_o to_o be_v immutable_o obligatory_a because_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n be_v require_v not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o some_o further_a end_n that_o prove_v from_o maimonides_n his_o confession_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n frequent_o dispense_v with_o while_n the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n of_o the_o passeover_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o several_a other_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o repeal_v such_o a_o establish_a law_n abravanels_n argument_n answer_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n compare_v with_o the_o gospel_n whether_o god_n have_v ever_o declare_v he_o will_v never_o repeal_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n of_o add_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o expression_n seem_v to_o imply_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n reason_n assign_v why_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v though_o perpetuity_n be_v not_o employ_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o build_v upon_o immutable_a reason_n because_o many_o particular_a precept_n be_v found_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o zabii_n many_o ceremonial_a precept_n thence_o deduce_v out_o of_o maimonides_n and_o because_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v foretell_v with_o which_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a that_o large_o discover_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o second_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v be_v 1_o just_o expect_v which_o be_v when_o something_o which_o have_v be_v before_o establish_v by_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o some_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o stead_n of_o it_o two_o thing_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o proposition_n first_o whether_o a_o law_n once_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o repeal_n second_o what_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o miracle_n to_o manifest_a god_n intention_n of_o repeal_n a_o former_a law_n these_o two_o contain_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o viz._n whether_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o whether_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o he_o to_o repeal_v the_o former_a law_n establish_v by_o moses_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o whether_o a_o divine_a law_n in_o general_n or_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o particular_a may_v be_v abrogate_a or_o repeal_v after_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o promulgation_n of_o it_o be_v from_o himself_o this_o must_v be_v confess_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o plausible_a plea_n the_o present_a jew_n have_v for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o therefore_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v make_v by_o they_o one_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o present_a creed_n and_o be_v plead_v for_o with_o the_o great_a subtlety_n by_o their_o great_a r._n abravanâ—l_o who_o spend_v his_o whole_a 13._o chapter_n de_fw-fr capite_fw-la fidei_fw-la upon_o it_o but_o with_o what_o success_n will_v be_v see_v in_o our_o clear_n of_o it_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o ground_n why_o a_o law_n once_o promulge_v by_o god_n himself_o shall_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o repeal_n and_o those_o be_v either_o first_o because_o the_o thing_n themselves_o command_v in_o that_o law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v dispense_v with_o or_o second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o repeal_v a_o law_n once_o establish_v or_o three_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n continue_v always_o the_o same_o it_o will_v argue_v mutability_n in_o god_n to_o revoke_v that_o law_n and_o establish_v another_o instead_o of_o it_o if_o we_o can_v therefore_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o a_o positive_a and_o mutable_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o that_o sufficient_a account_n in_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o imaginable_a necessity_n that_o a_o law_n once_o have_v god_n for_o his_o author_n must_v therefore_o derive_v
they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n the_o heathen_n as_o appear_v by_o celsus_n and_o other_o think_v it_o very_o strange_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n with_o so_o little_a grandeur_n and_o have_v no_o great_a train_n than_o twelve_o such_o obscure_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o say_v celsus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o sun_n which_o enlighten_v all_o other_o thing_n dâ—th_v 2._o first_o discover_v himself_o so_o it_o be_v fit_v the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v do_v when_o he_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o we_o say_v he_o do_v to_o all_o such_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o blind_v through_o obstinacy_n and_o wilful_a ignorance_n for_o although_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v please_v for_o the_o better_a carry_v on_o his_o design_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wrap_v up_o himself_o in_o a_o cloud_n yet_o his_o glory_n can_v not_o be_v confine_v within_o it_o but_o do_v break_v through_o that_o dark_a vail_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n and_o do_v discover_v its_o self_n in_o a_o most_o clear_a and_o convince_a manner_n his_o appearance_n indeed_o be_v not_o like_o those_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n because_o his_o design_n be_v not_o to_o amuse_v man_n with_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o terrify_v they_o from_o idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o great_a reason_n of_o those_o dreadful_a phaenomena_fw-la at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n but_o he_o come_v to_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o he_o by_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o afford_v they_o all_o rational_a conviction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v considerable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o the_o intent_n of_o they_o all_o be_v to_o do_v good_a and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v the_o world_n off_o from_o its_o sin_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o he_o come_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n 2._o now_o that_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o great_a subserviency_n to_o the_o give_v full_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v thereby_o so_o clear_o attest_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o obstinacy_n which_o can_v withhold_v assent_n will_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v it_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o 1._o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o there_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a several_a thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v prove_v for_o the_o clear_n this_o proposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n by_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o understand_v so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o perception_n of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n can_v but_o upon_o the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o the_o term_n yield_v a_o certain_a assent_n to_o it_o as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o part_n that_o if_o we_o take_v away_o equal_a thing_n from_o equal_a the_o remainder_n must_v be_v equal_a now_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o as_o to_o all_o these_o common_a notice_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o carry_v such_o evidence_n with_o they_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o proposition_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n abstract_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o these_o do_v not_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n or_o no_o as_o whole_a or_o part_n the_o understanding_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o whole_a carry_v more_o in_o its_o representation_n then_o that_o of_o a_o part_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o mathematical_a truth_n not_o as_o some_o imagine_v because_o man_n have_v no_o interest_n or_o design_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o never_o question_v they_o but_o because_o they_o proceed_v not_o upon_o sensible_a but_o abstract_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o doubt_n as_o the_o other_o be_v for_o that_o a_o triangle_n have_v three_o angle_n no_o man_n question_n but_o whether_o such_o sensible_a part_n of_o matter_n make_v a_o triangle_n may_v be_v very_o questionable_a now_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o being_n or_o the_o certainty_n of_o existence_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v so_o certain_a as_o mathematical_a demonstration_n appear_v from_o hence_o because_o the_o manner_n of_o conveyance_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o my_o mind_n can_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a as_o in_o pure_o intellectual_a operation_n abstract_v from_o existent_a matter_n for_o the_o high_a evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v either_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n or_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o proceed_v in_o a_o mere_a natural_a way_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o either_o of_o these_o for_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n be_v cause_v so_o much_o through_o those_o idea_n or_o phantasm_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o understanding_n through_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n if_o these_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v fallacious_a i_o may_v well_o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o which_o i_o be_o certain_a i_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o suppose_v than_o i_o shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v convey_v in_o a_o uncertain_a way_n to_o my_o mind_n i_o may_v soon_o out-go_v even_o pyrrho_n himself_o in_o real_a scepticism_n neither_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o any_o thing_n though_o not_o come_v through_o the_o sense_n do_v necessary_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o it_o only_o imply_v a_o non-repugnancy_n of_o it_o to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o consequent_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o any_o thing_n any_o long_a than_o it_o exist_v nay_o then_o we_o know_v it_o to_o exist_v for_o existence_n or_o nonexistence_n be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o understanding_n while_o it_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o either_o and_o it_o be_v withal_o evident_a that_o thing_n imaginary_a may_v clear_o affect_v the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o real_a for_o i_o may_v have_v as_o real_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o a_o phoenix_n in_o my_o mind_n as_o of_o a_o partridge_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o one_o be_v real_o existent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o assign_v a_o certain_a difference_n between_o imagination_n and_o pure_a intellection_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o though_o not_o actual_o existent_a yet_o imply_v no_o repugnancy_n at_o all_o to_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n mind_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o there_o can_v be_v so_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n as_o there_o may_v be_v of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o if_o that_o principle_n be_v suppose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o physical_a certainty_n as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n viz._n that_o there_o 3_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a will_v not_o suffer_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o without_o which_o supposition_n we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o we_o can_v know_v but_o we_o be_v so_o make_v that_o we_o may_v be_v then_o most_o deceive_v when_o we_o think_v our_o self_n most_o sure_o if_o this_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a knowledge_n then_o from_o it_o i_o infer_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o much_o advantageous_a to_o our_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n lie_v in_o the_o necessary_a existence_n 1._o of_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a so_o that_o unless_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n i_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o i_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o certain_a manner_n and_o if_o i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o
god_n i_o must_v necessary_o apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a because_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o knowledge_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v from_o those_o absolute_a perfection_n which_o there_o be_v in_o he_o and_o if_o i_o can_v suppose_v he_o not_o absolute_o perfect_a i_o must_v suppose_v he_o not_o to_o be_v god_n for_o that_o be_v necessary_o employ_v in_o his_o definition_n now_o than_o if_o all_o certainty_n do_v suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o be_v so_o absolute_o perfect_a i_o must_v before_o i_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinity_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n in_o this_o god_n for_o those_o be_v thing_n which_o all_o who_o understand_v they_o will_v grant_v to_o be_v perfection_n and_o if_o they_o be_v in_o god_n they_o must_v be_v absolute_a i._n e._n infinite_a and_o if_o they_o be_v infinite_a it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v transcend_v our_o apprehension_n so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v gain_v this_o principle_n in_o order_n to_o faith_n that_o we_o must_v grant_v something_o to_o be_v unconceivable_a before_o we_o can_v come_v certain_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v above_o their_o apprehension_n must_v deny_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n which_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v do_v suppose_v something_o to_o be_v infinite_a or_o above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v that_o we_o have_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v to_o 2._o we_o from_o god_n as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o most_o clear_o understand_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o knowledge_n depend_v on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o goodness_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o thing_n we_o clear_o understand_v there_o be_v the_o same_o foundation_n for_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o that_o of_o knowledge_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o matter_n which_o himself_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o nay_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v far_o great_a on_o these_o account_n first_o that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o reference_n to_o object_n of_o sense_n as_o there_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o object_n of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o object_n of_o sense_n make_v a_o continual_a impression_n upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n and_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n we_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n agree_v in_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o life_n and_o withal_o they_o bear_v a_o great_a correspondency_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o imperfection_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v now_o in_o but_o now_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o man_n mind_n on_o that_o account_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o then_o of_o thing_n obvious_a to_o sense_n and_o withal_o they_o call_v the_o mind_n so_o much_o off_o from_o sense_n that_o on_o these_o account_v the_o proneness_n to_o doubt_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o the_o foundation_n of_o certainty_n from_o god_n not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v must_v be_v strong_a second_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a danger_n in_o be_v deceive_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n as_o there_o be_v in_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o we_o see_v grant_v sense_n to_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n at_o all_o in_o natural_a thing_n yet_o affair_n of_o life_n be_v manage_v still_o mens_fw-la outward_a welfare_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n the_o merchant_n have_v never_o the_o less_o gold_n in_o his_o ship_n because_o his_o sense_n deceive_v he_o in_o judge_v that_o the_o earth_n move_v from_o he_o when_o the_o ship_n move_v from_o it_o the_o sun_n do_v never_o the_o less_o enlighten_v the_o world_n though_o our_o sense_n be_v aâ—l_a of_o epicurus_n his_o mind_n that_o the_o sun_n be_v no_o big_a than_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o now_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o most_o unspeakable_a weight_n and_o importance_n which_o depend_v upon_o our_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v they_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o judgement_n of_o material_a and_o sensible_a being_n how_o much_o less_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o certainty_n as_o to_o thing_n divine_o reveal_v we_o see_v then_o what_o rational_a evidence_n there_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o necessary_o employ_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n even_o as_o great_a as_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v most_o perfect_o know_v so_o that_o the_o in-evidence_n which_o be_v so_o much_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o ingredient_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n do_v stand_v but_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o object_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o faith_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o firm_a 1._o expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o strong_a conviction_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v in_o which_o word_n as_o erasmus_n well_o observe_v be_v contain_v only_o a_o high_a encomium_n of_o faith_n and_o no_o dialectical_a definition_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o faith_n soar_v above_o thing_n of_o sense_n or_o present_a enjoyment_n yea_o though_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o remote_a from_o either_o yet_o where_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n faith_n boggle_v at_o no_o difficulty_n but_o be_v firm_o resolve_v that_o that_o god_n who_o have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n can_v and_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o pass_v in_o his_o own_o time_n there_o be_v not_o then_o any_o such_o contrariety_n between_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n as_o the_o schoolman_n have_v persuade_v the_o world_n we_o see_v both_o of_o they_o proceed_v on_o the_o same_o foundation_n of_o certainty_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v faith_n fix_v on_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n immediate_o in_o reference_n to_o a_o divine_a testimony_n knowledge_n proceed_v upon_o it_o suppose_v no_o divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n it_o do_v discover_v we_o hence_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o knowledge_n 3._o depend_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v than_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n do_v reveal_v to_o we_o though_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v for_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v as_o to_o any_o natural_a cause_n for_o as_o to_o they_o we_o now_o suppose_v from_o the_o former_a principle_n that_o set_v aside_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o they_o but_o that_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o certainty_n be_v resolve_v into_o this_o that_o god_n goodness_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o understanding_n to_o be_v deceive_v as_o to_o these_o thing_n the_o same_o i_o say_v as_o to_o spiritual_a mystery_n reveal_v by_o god_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o certainty_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o undoubted_a veracity_n of_o god_n who_o have_v reveal_v they_o all_o that_o i_o can_v imagine_v possible_a to_o be_v reply_v to_o this_o be_v that_o god_n veracity_n assure_v we_o in_o natural_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v only_o where_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o now_o in_o matter_n above_o our_o reason_n to_o comprehend_v there_o can_v be_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n 1._o of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v viz._n of_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n be_v destroy_v which_o be_v the_o necessary_a existence_n of_o such_o a_o be_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v say_v he_o can_v have_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o god_n without_o comprehend_v he_o do_v contradict_v himself_o for_o if_o he_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a he_o must_v be_v incomprehensible_a therefore_o
sarcastical_o answer_v the_o argument_n from_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o man_n quasi_fw-la verò_fw-la quidquam_fw-la sit_fw-la tam_fw-la valdè_fw-la quam_fw-la nihil_fw-la sapere_fw-la vulgar_a as_o though_o nothing_o man_n do_v more_o general_o agree_v in_o then_o in_o be_v fool_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o scoff_n be_v from_o the_o several_a manner_n of_o divination_n then_o in_o use_n so_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o general_a impeachment_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o consequent_a upon_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o as_o himself_o elsewhere_o prove_v be_v as_o clear_v from_o reason_n as_o from_o that_o testimonium_fw-la gentium_fw-la in_o hac_fw-la una_fw-la re_fw-la non_fw-la dissidentium_fw-la as_o the_o christian_a cicero_n lactantius_n speak_v the_o consent_n of_o nation_n 2._o which_o scarce_o agree_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o which_o we_o now_o infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o way_n infallible_a though_o not_o immediate_a for_o in_o case_n of_o inspiration_n of_o mere_a man_n it_o be_v not_o they_o so_o much_o which_o speak_v as_o god_n by_o they_o and_o in_o case_n that_o god_n himself_o shall_v speak_v through_o the_o vail_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o testimony_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a though_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o divinity_n be_v not_o visible_a those_o evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o leave_v man_n mind_n in_o suspense_n but_o be_v 4._o of_o their_o own_o nature_n convince_a proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o as_o to_o the_o event_n some_o may_v doubt_v and_o other_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n so_o prove_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o eviction_n that_o the_o testimony_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n among_o many_o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n only_o induce_v a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o probable_a which_o they_o be_v join_v with_o or_o else_o be_v they_o sufficient_a for_o the_o produce_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o true_a i_o grant_v they_o be_v not_o demonstrative_a so_o as_o to_o enforce_v assent_n for_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n to_o establish_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v grant_v chief_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v do_v lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o who_o these_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v sufficient_o discover_v and_o otherwise_o of_o all_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n as_o to_o god_n reveal_v his_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o excusable_a and_o pardonable_a sin_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o part_n of_o prudence_n because_o what_o can_v it_o be_v account_v but_o temerity_n and_o imprudence_n in_o any_o to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n as_o true_a only_a upon_o probable_a inducement_n and_o what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o wisdom_n to_o withhold_v assent_n upon_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n consider_v what_o the_o lyric_a poet_n have_v long_o since_o true_o tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o falsehood_n may_v frequent_o seem_v true_o to_o common_a understanding_n then_o truth_n its_o self_n and_o as_o menander_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n may_v have_v more_o force_n on_o vulgar_a mind_n than_o truth_n have_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n give_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o mere_a probability_n what_o sin_n can_v it_o be_v in_o those_o to_o disbelieve_v who_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o true_a what_o be_v only_o discover_v as_o probable_a i_o can_v therefore_o see_v how_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v consistent_a with_o their_o opinion_n who_o make_v the_o utmost_a which_o any_o outward_a evidence_n can_v extend_v to_o to_o be_v only_o the_o bare_a credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o i_o can_v very_o well_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o the_o more_o subtle_a wit_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v essert_v this_o for_o if_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o motive_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o here_o come_v in_o the_o fair_a pretence_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n for_o otherwise_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n which_o can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o a_o moral_a inducement_n and_o beget_v only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o on_o what_o account_n those_o who_o disow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o proposal_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v yet_o consent_v with_o those_o of_o it_o in_o a_o hypothesis_n take_v up_o in_o probability_n mere_o out_o of_o subserviency_n to_o that_o most_o advantageous_a piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o resolve_v unless_o the_o overfondness_n of_o some_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n more_o than_o of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o how_o agreeable_a can_v that_o opinion_n be_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o so_o evident_o put_v the_o most_o defensive_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o unbelief_n for_o doubtless_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o rational_a person_n a_o mere_a probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n where_o a_o assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a be_v require_v can_v never_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o these_o argument_n do_v only_o prove_v a_o probability_n of_o divine_a testimony_n my_o assent_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o to_o a_o thing_n mere_o probable_a which_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v true_a which_o be_v not_o proper_o assent_v but_o a_o suspending_a our_o judgement_n till_o some_o convince_a argument_n be_v produce_v on_o either_o side_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n those_o who_o see_v all_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v can_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o only_o to_o have_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n as_o a_o thing_n which_o though_o not_o evidence_v to_o be_v true_a by_o what_o he_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o pious_o credible_a but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o care_n withal_o of_o venture_v their_o belief_n too_o far_o only_o on_o such_o moral_a inducement_n as_o miracel_n be_v for_o fear_v they_o shall_v go_v far_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v carry_v they_o have_v not_o this_o opinion_n now_o think_v we_o be_v a_o very_a probable_a way_n to_o have_v convert_v the_o world_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o christ_n say_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n 38._o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o nay_o say_v this_o opinion_n that_o be_v more_o than_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v though_o we_o see_v thy_o work_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v thy_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o certain_o true_a but_o we_o will_v do_v all_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v we_o will_v entertain_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o thy_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o wait_v for_o somewhat_o else_o but_o we_o do_v not_o well_o know_v what_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v when_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o danger_n of_o unbelief_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n 4._o and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o a_o fair_a answer_n do_v this_o opinion_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o be_v never_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n
of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o cheerful_o embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o cordial_o yield_v up_o its_o self_n in_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o mere_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o as_o to_o the_o production_n of_o this_o faith_n i_o acknowledge_v mere_a rational_a evidence_n to_o be_v insufficient_a because_o they_o proceed_v in_o 2d_o very_o different_a way_n the_o one_o be_v to_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o other_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o effectual_o to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o one_o therefore_o do_v no_o more_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o other_o than_o the_o say_n that_o a_o telescope_n will_v help_v we_o to_o discover_v very_o much_o of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n do_v imply_v that_o a_o blind_a man_n may_v see_v they_o if_o he_o make_v but_o use_v of_o they_o although_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v saving_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v so_o much_o rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o divine_a revelation_n that_o suppose_v reason_n to_o be_v pure_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o steep_v in_o sense_n as_o now_o it_o be_v it_o will_v discover_v spiritual_a evidence_n to_o be_v the_o most_o real_a and_o convince_a evidence_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o infallible_a testimony_n there_o be_v sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o it_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aesculapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o believe_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniack_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v of_o all_o rational_a evidence_n which_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a than_o 5._o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n for_o confirmation_n that_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v reveal_v be_v infallible_a the_o possibility_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o assert_v a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o thing_n be_v either_o at_o first_o produce_v or_o be_v still_o conserve_v which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o other_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v alter_v and_o thing_n cause_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o inferior_a cause_n for_o though_o that_o be_v a_o immutable_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o physical_a being_n that_o every_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o course_n and_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v at_o the_o creation_n yet_o that_o only_o hold_v till_o the_o same_o power_n which_o set_v it_o in_o that_o order_n shall_v otherwise_o dispose_v of_o it_o grant_v then_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v 1._o not_o of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a only_o to_o raise_v admiration_n in_o we_o because_o of_o our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n which_o be_v thence_o call_v wonder_n much_o less_o of_o mere_a juggle_v and_o imposture_n whereby_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v deceive_v but_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o either_o contrary_n to_o or_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n that_o order_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o universe_n the_o devil_n no_o question_n may_v and_o do_v often_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o may_v by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o agility_n of_o his_o nature_n perform_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o put_v they_o to_o it_o to_o find_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o real_a miracle_n if_o they_o only_o make_v their_o sense_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o such_o kind_n of_o wonder_n though_o they_o be_v but_o spare_o do_v and_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o secrecy_n as_o though_o they_o be_v consult_v with_o catiline_n about_o the_o burn_a rome_n yet_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v some_o especial_o when_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v ascendant_n to_o keep_v up_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v dispossess_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o all_o he_o than_o try_v his_o utmost_a to_o keep_v as_o many_o to_o he_o as_o may_v be_v thus_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n he_o then_o conjure_v up_o all_o the_o infernal_a power_n to_o do_v something_o parallel_v to_o keep_v possession_n of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v thus_o we_o find_v simon_n magus_n dog_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o heel_n that_o by_o his_o magic_n he_o may_v stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o people_n concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o apollonius_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n but_o his_o wonder_n be_v such_o pitiful_a thing_n compare_v with_o those_o wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o malice_n in_o hierocles_n to_o mention_v he_o in_o competition_n with_o christ._n but_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o considerable_a then_o either_o of_o these_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n by_o vespasian_n in_o egypt_n 7._o mention_v by_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n cure_v the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o man_n tell_v vespasian_n restituturum_fw-la oculos_fw-la si_fw-la inspuisset_fw-la that_o he_o shall_v receive_v his_o sight_n by_o his_o spittle_n so_o spartianus_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v cure_v of_o her_o blindness_n by_o kiss_v the_o knee_n of_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n and_o boxhornius_n have_v produce_v a_o old_a fable_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o
the_o advancement_n of_o the_o flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n and_o that_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o outward_a difficulty_n which_o the_o experience_n oâ—_n the_o primitive_a church_n give_v a_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n conjoin_v with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o that_o great_a antichrist_n the_o devil_n who_o have_v usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o world_n the_o last_o reason_n why_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v so_o necessary_a 9_o for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v propagate_v over_o the_o world_n without_o any_o other_o rational_a evidence_n than_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o now_o the_o admirable_a success_n which_o this_o doctrine_n find_v in_o the_o world_n consider_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o do_v make_v it_o clear_v what_o certainty_n there_o be_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v certain_a evidence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v from_o god_n now_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v undertake_v to_o publish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o have_v 1._o be_v undoubted_o certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o no_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v be_v give_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o propagation_n why_o it_o shall_v meet_v with_o so_o great_a acceptance_n in_o the_o world_n have_v there_o not_o be_v such_o convince_a evidence_n as_o may_v full_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o from_o the_o publisher_n of_o this_o doctrine_n 2._o in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o i_o here_o require_v by_o way_n of_o a_o postulatum_fw-la or_o supposition_n be_v onlythese_fw-mi two_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n right_a in_o his_o wit_n i_o suppose_v will_v deny_v 1._o that_o man_n be_v so_o far_o rational_a agent_n that_o they_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o any_o work_n of_o moment_n and_o difficulty_n without_o sufficient_a ground_n induce_v they_o to_o it_o and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a the_o work_n be_v the_o more_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a have_v the_o ground_n need_v to_o be_v which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n or_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o man_n distract_v or_o bereave_v of_o their_o wit_n but_o act_v by_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v which_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o beside_o his_o wit_n as_o to_o question_v if_o he_o have_v but_o patience_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o read_v and_o consider_v those_o admirable_a write_n of_o they_o which_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o as_o certain_a uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v and_o by_o that_o time_n he_o will_v see_v cause_n to_o alter_v his_o judgement_n and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o mad_a but_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n and_o soberness_n these_o thing_n suppose_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o prove_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n which_o will_v be_v do_v by_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o know_v how_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v to_o they_o second_o that_o no_o motive_n can_v be_v conceive_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v three_o that_o the_o great_a assurance_n they_o have_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v by_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o understand_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n notwithstanding_o which_o they_o cheerful_o undertake_v it_o that_o man_n arm_v with_o no_o external_a power_n nor_o cry_v up_o for_o their_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o carry_v a_o doctrine_n with_o they_o so_o contraâ—y_o to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o mankind_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o part_v with_o the_o religion_n they_o own_v and_o be_v settle_v by_o their_o law_n and_o to_o embrace_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o call_v they_o off_o from_o all_o the_o thing_n they_o love_v in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o by_o mortification_n &_o self-denial_n for_o another_o world_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o humane_a reason_n incredible_a unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o act_v by_o a_o high_a spirit_n than_o mankind_n be_v ordinary_o act_v by_o for_o what_o be_v there_o so_o desirable_a in_o continual_a reproach_n &_o contumely_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o rack_n and_o prison_n what_o agreeableness_n in_o flame_n and_o martyrdom_n to_o make_v man_n undergo_v some_o nay_o all_o of_o these_o rather_o than_o disow_v that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o come_v to_o publish_v yet_o these_o do_v the_o apostle_n cheerful_o undergo_v in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o though_o they_o do_v foresee_v they_o they_o be_v not_o discourage_v from_o this_o undertake_n by_o it_o i_o confess_v when_o man_n be_v upon_o hope_n of_o profit_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n engage_v upon_o a_o design_n which_o they_o promise_v themselves_o impunity_n in_o have_v power_n on_o their_o side_n though_o afterward_o thing_n shall_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o their_o expectation_n such_o person_n may_v die_v in_o such_o a_o cause_n because_o they_o must_v and_o some_o may_v carry_v it_o out_o with_o more_o resolution_n partly_o through_o a_o innate_a fortitude_n of_o spirit_n heighten_v with_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o enthusiastic_a temper_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o person_n will_v have_v undertake_v so_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n if_o beforehand_o they_o have_v foresee_v what_o they_o must_v have_v undergo_v for_o it_o but_o now_o the_o apostle_n do_v foreknow_v that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n nay_o death_n its_o self_n must_v be_v undergo_v in_o a_o violent_a manner_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v yet_o not_o withstand_v all_o this_o they_o go_v bold_o and_o with_o resolution_n on_o with_o their_o work_n and_o give_v not_o over_o because_o of_o any_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n they_o meet_v withal_o one_o of_o the_o chies_a of_o they_o s._n peter_n and_o as_o forward_o as_o any_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v the_o very_a manner_n of_o his_o death_n foretell_v he_o by_o christ_n himself_o 19_o before_o his_o ascension_n yet_o soon_o after_o we_o find_v he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o who_o have_v crucify_v he_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o appeal_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v among_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v if_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v save_v and_o this_o he_o do_v 5._o not_o only_o among_o the_o people_n who_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n but_o soon_o after_o be_v conventedâ—ogether_o â—ogether_z with_o john_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sanbedrin_n probable_o the_o very_a same_o which_o not_o long_o before_o have_v sentence_v christ_n to_o death_n for_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o with_o what_o incredible_a boldness_n do_v he_o to_o their_o face_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_a 12._o christ_n and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o all_o say_v peter_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n and_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_v who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o by_o he_o do_v this_o man_n stand_v here_o before_o you_o whole_a neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v what_o
be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n so_o frequent_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o jesus_n say_v peter_n have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n and_o again_o and_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n who_o 32._o god_n have_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n and_o both_o peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o we_o can_v 15._o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o the_o 20._o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n afterward_o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n 32._o have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o in_o which_o word_n they_o give_v they_o that_o twofold_a rational_a evidence_n which_o do_v manifest_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o withal_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o upon_o believer_n afterward_o we_o read_v the_o sum_n oâ—_n the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o the_o manner_n use_v by_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n to_o cernâ—lius_n and_o his_o company_n how_o god_n anoint_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v 42._o oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o we_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n who_o they_o stew_n and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n him_n god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n even_o to_o we_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o command_v we_o to_o â—reach_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v be_v which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o care_n god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o world_n in_o point_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v discover_v concern_v our_o saviour_n christ_n because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o person_n to_o be_v the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o best_a able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n about_o they_o viz._n such_o as_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o they_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v it_o more_o full_o evident_a what_o 14._o strength_n there_o be_v in_o this_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_v the_o rational_a evidence_n which_o attend_v it_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_o prove_v in_o the_o high_a way_n it_o be_v capable_a 1._o of_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n that_o if_o the_o relation_n concern_v christ_n be_v true_a his_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n bear_v at_o bethlehem_n who_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o reason_n imaginable_a can_v i_o have_v to_o question_v but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o person_n be_v certain_o divine_a and_o consequent_o what_o ever_o he_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n we_o must_v likewise_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o such_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n which_o he_o have_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n no_o prince_n can_v think_v he_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o refuse_v audience_n to_o a_o ambassador_n when_o he_o find_v his_o credential_n such_o as_o he_o may_v rely_v upon_o although_o himself_o do_v not_o see_v the_o seal_n of_o they_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o those_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v the_o great_a evidence_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o be_v the_o attest_v of_o it_o by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o firm_a assent_n be_v build_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o although_o we_o conceive_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o story_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v convey_v only_o in_o a_o general_a way_n by_o a_o uncertain_a fame_n and_o tradition_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o credible_a person_n who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o cye-witness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v account_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o distrust_v any_o long_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v easy_o and_o clear_o perceive_v 2._o when_o many_o witness_n exact_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o perceive_v by_o those_o who_o see_v it_o i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o thus_o it_o certain_o be_v as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o mankind_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o we_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o visible_a miracle_n they_o can_v be_v no_o illusion_n of_o sense_n nor_o deceit_n of_o their_o eye_n the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o his_o cure_n be_v after_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blindness_n before_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o 26._o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o be_v do_v when_o christ_n raise_v up_o the_o dead_a man_n at_o naim_n it_o be_v before_o much_o people_n and_o such_o 12._o person_n in_o probability_n who_o be_v many_o of_o they_o present_a at_o his_o death_n but_o least_o there_o may_v be_v any_o suspicion_n as_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o person_n thereabouts_o dead_a four_o day_n here_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n at_o all_o 39_o when_o the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o and_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o further_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o plain_a object_n of_o sense_n do_v in_o presence_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n the_o soldier_n themselves_o be_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o his_o be_v real_o dead_a when_o they_o come_v to_o break_v his_o bone_n and_o spare_v he_o because_o they_o see_v he_o be_v dead_a already_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o no_o body_n find_v therein_o although_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v guard_v by_o soldier_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n all_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a place_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o real_a body_n which_o he_o rise_v withal_o and_o no_o aerial_a vehicle_n appear_v by_o thomas_n his_o serupulosity_n and_o unbelief_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o â—e_n may_v put_v his_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n and_o see_v 27._o
they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o these_o great_a â—nds_n be_v abundant_o see_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o apostle_n who_o be_v so_o instrumental_a in_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o piety_n and_o sobriety_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n what_o strange_a person_n be_v the_o corinthian_n before_o they_o become_v christian_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v enumerate_v many_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n of_o the_o world_n he_o present_o add_v and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o 11._o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n the_o more_o dangerous_a the_o distemper_n be_v the_o more_o malignant_a its_o nature_n the_o more_o inveterate_a its_o continuance_n the_o great_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o work_v a_o cure_n of_o it_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o see_v in_o conversion_n the_o great_a the_o sin_n have_v be_v before_o it_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n in_o comparison_n to_o remove_v a_o disease_n at_o its_o first_o onset_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o cure_v it_o when_o it_o become_v chronical_a the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n wrought_v upon_o all_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o person_n to_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o distemper_n of_o man_n soul_n so_o great_a but_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o a_o remedy_n for_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o pregnant_a and_o visible_a instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o for_o they_o themselves_o show_v of_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n what_o manner_n of_o enter_v in_o we_o have_v among_o you_o and_o how_o you_o turn_v to_o god_n from_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_n and_o true_a 10._o god_n and_o to_o wait_v for_o his_o son_n from_o heaven_n who_o he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o jesus_n which_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v now_o that_o which_o manifest_v the_o exceed_a great_a power_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o it_o not_o only_o turn_v man_n from_o one_o way_n of_o worship_n to_o another_o which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v man_n together_o with_o that_o from_o their_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n for_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n then_o with_o their_o opinion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a power_n which_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o habitual_a sin_n then_o that_o which_o only_o make_v they_o change_v their_o opinion_n or_o alter_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o be_v that_o which_o origen_n throughout_o his_o book_n against_o celsus_n triumph_v in_o as_o the_o most_o signal_n evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o wrought_v so_o great_a a_o alteration_n on_o all_o that_o true_o embrace_v it_o that_o of_o vicious_a debauch_a and_o dissolute_a it_o make_v they_o temperate_a sober_a and_o religious_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 21._o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v convert_v the_o most_o wicked_a person_n who_o embrace_v it_o from_o all_o their_o debauchery_n to_o a_o life_n most_o suitable_a to_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n therefore_o certain_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o want_v that_o commendation_n among_o all_o ingenuous_a moralist_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a instrument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o to_o promote_v real_a goodness_n in_o it_o when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o so_o many_o person_n continual_o so_o bring_v off_o from_o their_o folly_n and_o vain_a conversation_n to_o a_o life_n serious_a sober_a and_o unblameable_a nay_o and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n be_v of_o so_o much_o integrity_n and_o goodness_n that_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o their_o only_a fault_n be_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n bone_fw-la vir_fw-la cajus_n sejus_n tantum_fw-la quod_fw-la christianus_n a_o very_a good_a man_n only_o a_o christian._n but_o one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v have_v make_v they_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o do_v so_o sudden_o make_v so_o many_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o this_o power_n be_v so_o manifest_a on_o such_o person_n who_o be_v suppose_v uncapable_a of_o be_v reform_v by_o philosophy_n young_a illiterate_a and_o mean-spirited_n person_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o this_o alteration_n be_v wrought_v within_o they_o but_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o tame_v the_o most_o unruly_a to_o instruct_v the_o most_o ignorant_a to_o raise_v up_o the_o most_o sordid_a person_n to_o such_o a_o generous_a temper_n as_o to_o slight_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o to_o come_v and_o so_o remarkable_a be_v the_o difference_n of_o life_n then_o between_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o as_o there_o be_v still_o between_o true_a christian_n and_o mere_a pretender_n that_o origen_n dare_v celsus_n to_o compare_v they_o in_o point_n of_o morality_n with_o any_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n 128._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v disciple_v to_o christ_n be_v compare_v with_o other_o society_n shine_v among_o they_o like_o light_n in_o the_o world_n for_o who_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o even_o the_o worse_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n exceed_v the_o best_a of_o the_o popular_a assembly_n for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o athens_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a because_o it_o seek_v to_o approve_v its_o sell_v to_o god_n but_o the_o popular_a assemby_n at_o athens_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seditious_a and_o quarrelsome_a and_o in_o nothing_o comparable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o alexandria_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n there_o so_o that_o any_o candid_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n will_v exceed_o wonder_v how_o such_o fair_a island_n shall_v appear_v nante_n in_o gurgite_fw-la vasto_fw-la in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o a_o sea_n of_o wickedness_n as_o be_v in_o those_o city_n how_o these_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v plant_v in_o such_o rude_a and_o profane_a place_n so_o the_o same_o author_n go_v on_o to_o compare_v the_o church_n senate_n with_o that_o of_o the_o city_n the_o church_n officer_n with_o they_o and_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o that_o even_o those_o among_o they_o who_o be_v most_o lukewarm_a in_o their_o office_n do_v yet_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o city_n magistrate_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n from_o whence_o he_o rational_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o how_o can_v it_o but_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o adore_v the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v such_o great_a thing_n and_o that_o not_o upon_o one_o or_o two_o but_o upon_o such_o great_a multitude_n as_o be_v then_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o read_v of_o one_o phoedon_n and_o one_o polemon_n bring_v from_o their_o debauchery_n by_o socrates_n and_o xenocrates_n but_o what_o be_v these_o compare_v with_o those_o who_o be_v turn_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 50._o etc._n etc._n the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o plentiful_a harvest_n of_o convert_n which_o follow_v afterward_o and_o although_o celsus_n like_o a_o epicurean_a seem_v to_o deny_v the_o possibility_n 150._o of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o conversion_n because_o customary_a sin_n become_v a_o second_o nature_n that_o no_o punishment_n can_v reform_v they_o yet_o say_v origen_n herein_o he_o not_o only_o contradict_v we_o christian_n but_o all_o such_o as_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o own_v any_o generous_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o do_v not_o despair_v of_o recover_a virtue_n as_o a_o thing_n feasible_a by_o humane_a nature_n and_o give_v instance_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a hero_n hercules_n and_o ulysses_n from_o the_o two_o philosopher_n socrates_n and_o musonius_n and_o the_o two_o famous_a convert_n to_o philosophy_n phoedon_n and_o polemon_n but_o yet_o say_v he_o these_o be_v not_o
so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o eloquence_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o philosopher_n shall_v prevail_v on_o some_o very_a few_o person_n but_o that_o the_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a language_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v convert_v such_o multitude_n from_o intemperance_n to_o sobriety_n from_o injustice_n to_o fair_a deal_n from_o cowardice_n to_o the_o high_a constancy_n yea_o so_o great_a as_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o virtue_n how_o can_v we_o but_o admire_v so_o divine_a a_o power_n as_o be_v see_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o we_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o difficult_a for_o corrupt_v nature_n to_o be_v change_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lactantius_n excellent_o manifest_v that_o philosophy_n can_v never_o do_v so_o much_o good_a in_o the_o world_n as_o 25._o christianity_n do_v because_o that_o be_v not_o suit_v at_o all_o to_o common_a capacity_n and_o do_v require_v so_o much_o skill_n in_o the_o art_n to_o prepare_v man_n for_o it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a all_o shall_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o which_o yet_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o be_v happy_a as_o any_o other_o be_v and_o how_o inefficacious_a the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n be_v appear_v by_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v command_n by_o they_o over_o their_o masterless_a passion_n and_o be_v fain_o sometime_o to_o confess_v that_o nature_n be_v too_o headstrong_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o by_o such_o weak_a reins_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n be_v but_o say_v he_o what_o great_a command_n divine_a precept_n have_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n daily_a experience_n show_v dam_fw-la mihi_fw-la virum_fw-la qui_fw-la sit_fw-la iracundus_fw-la maledicus_fw-la effrenatus_fw-la 26._o paucissimis_fw-la dei_fw-la verbis_fw-la tam_fw-la placidum_fw-la quam_fw-la ovem_fw-la reddam_fw-la dam_fw-la cupidum_fw-la avarum_fw-la tenacem_fw-la jam_fw-la tibi_fw-la eum_fw-la liberalem_fw-la dabo_fw-la &_o pecuniam_fw-la svam_fw-la plenis_fw-la manibus_fw-la largientem_fw-la dam_fw-la timidum_fw-la doloris_fw-la ac_fw-la mortis_fw-la jam_fw-la cruces_fw-la &_o ignes_fw-la taurum_fw-la contemnet_fw-la dam_fw-la libidinosum_fw-la adulterum_fw-la ganeonem_fw-la jam_fw-la sobrium_fw-la castum_fw-la â—ontinentem_fw-la videbis_fw-la dam_fw-la crudelem_fw-la &_o sanguinis_fw-la appetentem_fw-la jam_fw-la in_o veram_fw-la clementiam_fw-la furor_fw-la ille_fw-la mutabitur_fw-la dam_fw-la injustum_fw-la insipientem_fw-la peccatorem_fw-la continuo_fw-la &_o aequus_fw-la &_o prudens_fw-la &_o innocens_fw-la crit_fw-fr in_o which_o word_n that_o elegant_a writer_n do_v by_o a_o rhetorical_a scheme_n set_v out_o the_o remarkable_a alteration_n which_o be_v in_o any_o who_o become_v true_a christian_n that_o although_o they_o be_v passionate_a covetous_a fearful_a lustful_a cruel_a unjust_a vicious_a yet_o upon_o their_o be_v christian_n they_o become_v mild_a liberal_a courageous_a temperate_a merciful_a just_a and_o unblameable_a which_o never_o any_o be_v bring_v to_o by_o mere_a philosophy_n which_o rather_o teach_v the_o art_n of_o conceal_v vice_n then_o of_o heal_v they_o but_o now_o when_o christianity_n be_v so_o effectual_a in_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o distemper_n which_o philosophy_n give_v over_o as_o beyond_o its_o skill_n and_o power_n when_o it_o cure_v they_o with_o so_o great_a success_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o paracelsian_a way_n for_o they_o to_o relapse_n afterward_o with_o great_a violence_n but_o it_o do_v so_o thorough_o unsettle_v the_o foam_n morbi_fw-la that_o it_o shall_v never_o gather_v to_o so_o great_a a_o head_n again_o do_v not_o this_o argue_v a_o power_n more_o than_o philosophical_a and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o to_o promote_v true_a goodness_n in_o it_o thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 24._o of_o christ_n to_o man_n natural_a inclination_n and_o yet_o the_o strange_a success_n it_o have_v in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o the_o last_o place_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o strange_a when_o we_o add_v the_o almost_o continual_a opposition_n it_o meet_v with_o from_o worldly_a power_n and_o policy_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o any_o mere_a contrivance_n of_o impostor_n to_o have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o most_o potent_a and_o subtle_a person_n bend_v their_o whole_a wit_n and_o design_n for_o suppress_v it_o whatever_o it_o be_v in_o other_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n as_o julian_n and_o dioclesian_n that_o it_o be_v their_o master-design_n to_o root_v out_o and_o abolish_v christianity_n and_o be_v it_o only_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o make_v these_o person_n give_v over_o their_o work_n in_o despair_n of_o accomplish_v it_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v such_o subtle_a man_n whence_o come_v all_o their_o enemy_n to_o agree_v in_o one_o common_a calumny_n that_o they_o be_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a weak_a ignorant_a inconsiderable_a man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o by_o all_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n they_o can_v never_o exterminate_v these_o person_n but_o as_o they_o cut_v they_o down_o they_o grow_v up_o the_o fast_a and_o multiply_v by_o their_o substraction_n of_o they_o there_o be_v something_o then_o certain_o peculiar_a in_o christianity_n from_o all_o other_o doctrine_n that_o it_o not_o only_o be_v not_o advance_v by_o any_o civil_a power_n but_o it_o get_v ground_n by_o the_o opposition_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o observable_a circumstance_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n who_o act_v as_o emperor_n for_o christianity_n viz._n constantine_n for_o otherwise_o i_o know_v what_o may_v be_v say_v for_o philippus_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n till_o christianity_n have_v spread_v its_o self_n over_o most_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n god_n thereby_o let_v we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o civil_a power_n when_o become_v christian_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a for_o protect_a christianity_n yet_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v mars_n its_o ascendant_n viz._n mahometism_n for_o like_o paracelsus_n his_o daemon_n it_o always_o sit_v upon_o the_o pummel_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o make_v its_o way_n in_o the_o world_n mere_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o as_o its_o first_o constitution_n have_v much_o of_o blood_n in_o it_o so_o by_o it_o have_v it_o be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v ever_o since_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o never_o thrive_v better_a than_o in_o the_o most_o barren_a place_n nor_o triumph_v more_o than_o when_o it_o suffer_v most_o nor_o spread_v its_o self_n further_o than_o when_o it_o encounter_v the_o great_a opposition_n because_o therein_o be_v see_v the_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o bear_v up_o man_n spirit_n under_o the_o great_a misery_n of_o life_n and_o make_v they_o with_o cheerfulness_n to_o undergo_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n which_o the_o cruelty_n of_o tyrant_n can_v invent_v the_o stoic_n and_o epicurean_o boast_n that_o their_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o bull_n of_o phalaris_n be_v but_o empty_a and_o thrasonical_a word_n which_o none_o will_v venture_v the_o truth_n of_o by_o a_o experiment_n upon_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a alone_o and_o not_o the_o epicurean_a that_o can_v true_o say_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n suave_fw-la est_fw-la &_o nihil_fw-la curo_fw-la and_o may_v just_o alter_v a_o little_a of_o that_o common_a say_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o say_v non_fw-la magna_fw-la lâ—quimur_fw-la sed_fw-la patimur_fw-la as_o well_o as_o vivimus_fw-la the_o christian_n do_v not_o speak_v great_a thing_n but_o do_v and_o suffer_v they_o and_o this_o gain_v not_o only_o great_a reputation_n of_o integrity_n to_o themselves_o but_o much_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_o see_v that_o no_o force_n or_o power_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v it_o will_v not_o this_o at_o least_o persuade_v you_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o srom_o god_n say_v arâ—â—bius_n quod_fw-la cum_fw-la genera_fw-la poenarum_fw-la tanta_fw-la sint_fw-la à _fw-la vobis_fw-la proposita_fw-la â—_o religionis_fw-la huius_fw-la sequentibus_fw-la leges_fw-la augeatur_fw-la res_fw-la magis_fw-la &_o contra_fw-la omnes_fw-la minas_fw-la atque_fw-la interdicta_fw-la formidinum_fw-la animosius_fw-la populus_fw-la obnitatur_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la credendi_fw-la studium_fw-la prohibitionis_fw-la ipsius_fw-la stimulis_fw-la â—xcitetur_fw-la itane_n istud_fw-la non_fw-la divinum_fw-la &_o sacrum_fw-la est_fw-la
pimple_n any_o the_o most_o trivial_a thing_n with_o a_o word_n speak_v or_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o hand_n upon_o this_o arnobius_n challenge_v the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o heathen_a magician_n zoroastres_n armenius_n pamphilus_n apollonius_n damigero_fw-la dardanus_n velus_n julianus_n and_o baebulus_fw-la or_o any_o other_o renown_a magician_n to_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o to_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v or_o bring_v life_n into_o a_o dead_a body_n or_o if_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a with_o all_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o incantation_n but_o to_o do_v that_o quod_fw-la à _fw-la rusticis_fw-la christianis_fw-la jussienibus_fw-la factitatum_fw-la est_fw-la nudis_fw-la which_o ordinary_a christian_n do_v by_o their_o mere_a word_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o magic_n and_o the_o least_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_o divine_a god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o 6_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n do_v exceed_v all_o create_a power_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o though_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n may_v go_v far_o the_o power_n of_o magician_n further_o when_o god_n permit_v they_o yet_o when_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n do_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o all_o this_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n first_o moses_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v some_o miracle_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v pharaoh_n at_o all_o amaze_v at_o it_o but_o send_v present_o for_o the_o magician_n to_o do_v the_o same_o who_o do_v it_o whether_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o purpose_n but_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o they_o the_o next_o time_n 12_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n by_o moses_n the_o magician_n they_o do_v so_o too_o after_o this_o moses_n bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n 22._o so_o do_v the_o magician_n so_o that_o here_o now_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_o contest_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n between_o 7._o moses_n and_o the_o magician_n and_o they_o try_v for_o victory_n over_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o moses_n do_v no_o more_o than_o they_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o he_o but_o as_o a_o magician_n but_o if_o moses_n do_v that_o which_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o magician_n themselves_o can_v be_v only_o by_o divine_a power_n than_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o magic_a as_o god_n be_v above_o the_o devil_n according_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a next_o miracle_n in_o turn_v the_o dust_n into_o ciniphes_n which_o we_o render_v lice_n the_o magician_n be_v nonplus_v and_o give_v 19_o out_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o great_a acknowledgement_n can_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n then_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o contest_v with_o it_o and_o to_o imitate_v it_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a after_o this_o we_o find_v not_o the_o magician_n offer_v to_o contest_v with_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o plague_n of_o boil_v we_o particular_o read_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o 11._o moses_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n above_o all_o power_n of_o magic_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o although_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n or_o other_o may_v do_v some_o small_a thing_n or_o make_v some_o great_a show_n and_o noise_n by_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o come_v near_o the_o do_v thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v cure_v the_o bear_v blind_a restore_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o four_o day_n and_o so_o as_o to_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n after_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o word_n a_o touch_n with_o that_o frequency_n and_o openness_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n as_o well_o as_o follower_n and_o in_o such_o a_o uncontrolled_a manner_n that_o neither_o jew_n or_o heathen_n ever_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o after_o all_o these_o when_o he_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n exact_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n appear_v frequent_o among_o his_o disciple_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o after_o which_o in_o their_o presence_n he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o soon_o after_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o by_o which_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n wrought_v miracle_n go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o great_a boldness_n cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o after_o undergo_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n in_o it_o they_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o they_o speak_v with_o their_o blood_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o thus_o abundant_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o good_a man_n have_v god_n give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o concern_v the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n from_o the_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v to_o deliver_v god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o have_v i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o both_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v come_v with_o sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v person_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n have_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n large_o give_v a_o rational_a 1_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o can_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o sacred_a record_n which_o we_o embrace_v as_o divine_o inspire_v contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o name_n or_o unbecoming_a person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o justify_v our_o religion_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o revelation_n to_o be_v divine_a for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v unless_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o question_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o uncertain_a or_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o those_o general_a foundation_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o
religion_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v after_o death_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o 6._o they_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o suppose_v as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a reason_n we_o can_v imagine_v upon_o what_o ground_n mankind_n shall_v embrace_v any_o way_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n who_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o religion_n nor_o motive_n induce_v to_o it_o for_o all_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n must_v suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o be_v which_o have_v power_n to_o command_v i_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a scatter_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o life_n the_o motive_n engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n must_v suppose_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a thereby_o firm_o establish_v it_o will_v present_o follow_v as_o a_o matter_n most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o be_v to_o serve_v shall_v himself_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o if_o the_o right_n of_o donation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o man_n soul_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v alone_o in_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o shall_v declare_v the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v for_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endue_v with_o a_o free_a principle_n of_o act_v which_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o and_o therefore_o not_o be_v carry_v to_o his_o end_n by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o external_a violence_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n on_o man_n part_n whereby_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n and_o that_o he_o free_o quit_v all_o other_o interest_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v be_v expression_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n as_o his_o creator_n and_o governor_n and_o of_o his_o gratitude_n for_o the_o tender_v of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o his_o maker_n we_o can_v suppose_v any_o one_o to_o have_v power_n to_o prescribe_v these_o condition_n but_o he_o that_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o her_o happiness_n upon_o non-performance_n and_o that_o must_v be_v god_n himself_o but_o in_o order_n to_o man_n understanding_n his_o duty_n and_o his_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o condition_n must_v not_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o cabinet_n council_n of_o heaven_n but_o muâ—â—_n be_v so_o far_o declare_v and_o reveal_v that_o he_o may_v be_v full_o acquaâ—ted_v with_o those_o term_n which_o his_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o else_o his_o neglect_n of_o they_o will_v be_v excusable_a and_o his_o misery_n unavoidable_a have_v man_n indeed_o remain_v without_o offend_v his_o maker_n he_o may_v still_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o favour_n upon_o the_o general_a term_n of_o obedience_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o his_o creator_n and_o to_o all_o such_o particular_a precept_n which_o shall_v bear_v the_o impress_n of_o his_o maker_n will_n upon_o they_o beside_o which_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n without_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n within_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a director_n to_o he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o he_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o be_v thereby_o guilty_a of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o continue_a propensity_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o strangeness_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o particular_a revelation_n be_v now_o become_v necessary_a that_o mankind_n may_v thereby_o understand_v on_o what_o term_n god_n will_v be_v please_v again_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o last_o it_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o free_a and_o communicative_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o first_o original_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n to_o suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o folly_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o way_n for_o man_n recovery_n to_o be_v somewhere_o prescribe_v and_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o to_o be_v somewhere_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o from_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o have_v deduce_v by_o clear_a and_o evident_a reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o dâ—vine_a revelation_n for_o it_o must_v be_v suitable_a to_o that_o divine_a nature_n from_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v and_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o faithful_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o divine_a discovery_n of_o those_o way_n whereby_o man_n soul_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o must_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o all_o its_o narration_n it_o must_v be_v excellent_a and_o become_a god_n in_o all_o its_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v desire_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n or_o that_o there_o ie_fw-fr a_fw-fr god_n and_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v immortal_a second_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o faithful_o relate_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a antiquity_n therein_o contain_v which_o do_v most_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o man_n three_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n of_o those_o term_n on_o which_o happiness_n may_v be_v expect_v in_o another_o world_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o they_o which_o concern_v the_o existence_n 2._o of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suppose_v as_o general_a prolepse_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o as_o thing_n so_o consonant_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o none_o to_o who_o his_o write_n shall_v come_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o question_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o spend_v no_o time_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la prove_v of_o either_o of_o these_o know_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n his_o write_n will_v be_v to_o such_o who_o deny_v these_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o may_v be_v these_o account_n give_v why_o these_o main_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n first_o because_o these_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_n of_o they_o believe_v with_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o more_o early_a day_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o be_v more_o fresh_a and_o entire_a it_o be_v scarce_o imaginable_a that_o man_n shall_v question_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n when_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n after_o it_o by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrab_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n as_o have_v be_v do_v so_o few_o generation_n before_o they_o and_o by_o what_o remain_v of_o any_o history_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o those_o elder_a time_n man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o atheism_n that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o relation_n of_o the_o ancient_a chaldean_n egyptian_n phaenician_o and_o other_o nation_n who_o all_o suppose_a these_o two_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o polytheism_n be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n of_o irreligion_n and_o thence_o we_o find_v the_o
be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o tully_n say_v epicurus_n do_v only_o nomine_fw-la poncre_n re_fw-la tollere_fw-la deos_fw-la because_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v repugnant_a to_o natural_a light_n so_o that_o if_o this_o idea_n do_v whole_o abstract_a from_o corporeal_a phantasm_n it_o thereby_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a faculty_n in_o man_n soul_n then_o mere_a imagination_n and_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a whence_o a_o faculty_n which_o thus_o extend_v its_o self_n to_o a_o infinite_a object_n shall_v come_v but_o from_o a_o infinite_a be_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o that_o the_o understanding_n in_o form_v this_o idea_n of_o god_n do_v not_o by_o distinct_a act_n first_o collect_v one_o perfection_n and_o then_o another_o and_o at_o last_o unite_v these_o together_o but_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unity_n of_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v as_o necessary_o conceive_v as_o any_o of_o they_o grant_v then_o 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in_o this_o idea_n of_o god_n yet_o man_n do_v not_o attribute_v all_o kind_n of_o infinite_a thing_n to_o god_n for_o there_o be_v conceivable_a infinite_a number_n infinite_a longitude_n as_o well_o as_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n our_o mind_n ready_o attribute_v the_o latter_a to_o god_n and_o as_o ready_o abstract_a the_o other_o from_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n this_o idea_n be_v not_o fictitious_a but_o argue_v reality_n in_o the_o thing_n correspondent_a to_o our_o conception_n of_o it_o so_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o clear_v the_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o to_o that_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o they_o proceed_v by_o in_o form_v the_o conception_n of_o thing_n those_o who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v assert_v other_o thing_n 2._o on_o far_o less_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o must_v by_o their_o own_o principle_n deny_v 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hypothesis_n urge_v with_o the_o same_o or_o great_a difficulty_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o far_o more_o weak_o prove_v than_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v or_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n by_o he_o 1._o they_o run_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o difficulty_n which_o they_o will_v avoid_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o entangle_a mind_n then_o this_o be_v to_o deny_v a_o thing_n because_o of_o some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o instead_o of_o it_o to_o assert_v another_o thing_n which_o be_v chargeable_a with_o the_o very_a same_o difficulty_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n thus_o when_o they_o reject_v a_o deity_n because_o they_o can_v understand_v what_o infinity_n mean_v both_o these_o hypothesis_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o intricacy_n in_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o something_o infinite_a for_o according_a to_o the_o epicurean_o
atom_n or_o be_v it_o because_o we_o find_v in_o natural_a being_n how_o much_o these_o particle_n of_o matter_n serve_v to_o solve_v the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n but_o do_v it_o at_o all_o follow_v because_o now_o under_o divine_a providence_n which_o wise_o order_v the_o world_n and_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o these_o particle_n with_o their_o several_a affection_n and_o motion_n may_v give_v we_o a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o many_o appearance_n as_o to_o body_n that_o therefore_o the_o universe_n have_v its_o original_n mere_o by_o a_o concretion_n of_o these_o without_o any_o divine_a hand_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v their_o motion_n but_o of_o this_o more_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n our_o design_n now_o be_v only_o to_o compare_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o the_o atheist_n hypothesis_n in_o point_n of_o perspicuity_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n of_o which_o let_v any_o one_o who_o have_v reason_n judge_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o atheist_n in_o deny_v a_o deity_n must_v assert_v something_o else_o instead_o of_o it_o which_o be_v press_v with_o the_o same_o if_o not_o great_a difficulty_n and_o prove_v by_o far_o less_o reason_n the_o atheist_n by_o the_o same_o principle_n on_o which_o he_o deny_v a_o god_n 2._o must_v deny_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v apparent_o true_a which_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o our_o run_v over_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n which_o he_o insist_o upon_o 1._o because_o the_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v but_o how_o do_v the_o atheist_n mean_v it_o be_v it_o because_o god_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o sense_n that_o we_o can_v digito_fw-la monstrari_fw-la &_o dieier_fw-la hic_fw-la est_fw-la point_n at_o he_o with_o our_o finger_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n there_o be_v little_a of_o reason_n leave_v where_o sense_n be_v make_v the_o only_a umpire_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o being_n must_v all_o intellectual_a being_n be_v proscribe_v out_o of_o the_o 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way_n of_o proof_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_n must_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n what_o these_o proof_n be_v will_v appear_v afterward_o i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o ground_n of_o the_o atheist_n opinion_n which_o be_v 2._o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o argument_n bring_v to_o prove_v a_o deity_n but_o let_v we_o grant_v that_o some_o argument_n will_v not_o do_v it_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o none_o can_v do_v it_o what_o if_o some_o have_v prove_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o very_o weak_a argument_n will_v the_o atheist_n therefore_o question_v it_o what_o if_o epicurus_n have_v prove_v his_o atomical_a hypothesis_n by_o some_o silly_a sophism_n will_v the_o atheist_n therefore_o rather_o believe_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n than_o it_o what_o if_o the_o atheist_n may_v make_v himself_o sport_n at_o some_o story_n of_o apparition_n insist_v on_o to_o prove_v a_o dâ—ity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o some_o person_n have_v be_v over-credulous_a what_o if_o some_o have_v more_o zeal_n than_o knowledge_n may_v attribute_v such_o thing_n to_o god_n immediate_a hand_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v by_o natural_a cause_n do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n at_o all_o what_o if_o fear_n and_o hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v depend_v much_o on_o principle_n of_o education_n must_v conscience_n then_o be_v resolve_v whole_o into_o these_o what_o if_o some_o devont_a melancholist_n may_v embrace_v the_o issue_n of_o his_o own_o imagination_n for_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o strength_n of_o fancy_n improve_v by_o principle_n of_o education_n what_o if_o some_o of_o the_o numerous_a proof_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o only_o 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but_o give_v they_o in_o the_o lump_n to_o the_o main_a question_n without_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o several_a place_n they_o do_v more_o disservice_n to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o battle_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o force_n than_o they_o can_v advantage_v it_o by_o the_o number_n of_o they_o 3._o another_o great_a pretence_n the_o atheist_n have_v be_v that_o religion_n be_v only_o a_o invention_n of_o politician_n which_o they_o awe_n people_n with_o as_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n as_o mother_n send_v young_a child_n to_o school_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o better_a order_n that_o they_o may_v govern_v they_o with_o the_o great_a ease_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o religion_n i_o grant_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o well-governing_a the_o world_n nay_o so_o great_a that_o be_v the_o atheist_n opinion_n true_a and_o the_o world_n persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o world_n can_v be_v 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2._o it_o be_v impossible_a religion_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o people_n be_v there_o not_o a_o real_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n to_o religion_n imprint_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o as_o do_v not_o man_n love_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n their_o estate_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o law_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v because_o magistrate_n persuade_v people_n to_o obedience_n by_o suit_v law_n to_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o man_n that_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n first_o make_v they_o love_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o concern_v so_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v use_n of_o this_o propensity_n to_o religion_n in_o man_n for_o civil_a end_n but_o his_o make_n use_v of_o it_o do_v suppose_v it_o and_o not_o instill_v it_o for_o be_v religion_n nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o design_n only_o of_o politician_n it_o 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such_o thing_n as_o love_v because_o that_o may_v be_v cheat_v as_o that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o design_n because_o man_n may_v make_v it_o stalk_v to_o their_o private_a end_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o atheist_n by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o principle_n on_o which_o he_o deny_v a_o god_n must_v be_v force_v to_o deny_v other_o thing_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n be_v apparent_o true_a so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v that_o we_o have_v 3._o as_o certain_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o we_o can_v have_v consider_v his_o nature_n when_o we_o demand_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o thing_n our_o first_o eye_n must_v be_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o desire_v may_v be_v prove_v for_o thing_n equal_o true_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o equal_a evidence_n nor_o have_v like_o manner_n of_o probation_n there_o be_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n will_v serve_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o indies_n we_o can_v prove_v the_o earth_n be_v round_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n nor_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a by_o corporeal_a phantasm_n every_o distinct_a kind_n of_o be_v have_v its_o peculiar_a way_n of_o probation_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o wonder_v at_o if_o the_o supreme_a and_o infinite_a be_v have_v his_o peculiar_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v himself_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n if_o then_o we_o have_v as_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v have_v consider_v the_o infinity_n of_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v all_o which_o in_o reason_n we_o can_v desire_v and_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o proof_n we_o have_v these_o follow_v for_o 1._o if_o god_n have_v stamp_v a_o universal_a character_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 2._o if_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o manifest_a effect_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n 3._o if_o 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have_v find_v out_o as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n he_o be_v no_o such_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o god_n as_o to_o have_v retain_v it_o as_o a_o anticipation_n or_o prolepsis_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n among_o the_o philosopher_n who_o go_v by_o nothing_o but_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n which_o they_o can_v not_o so_o clear_o discover_v in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o those_o which_o all_o mankind_n do_v unanimous_o consent_v in_o two_o thing_n i_o shall_v make_v out_o this_o by_o 1._o that_o no_o sufficient_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o so_o universal_a a_o consent_n unless_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n 2._o that_o the_o dissent_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o control_v so_o universal_a a_o agreement_n 1._o that_o no_o sufficient_a account_n of_o it_o can_v be_v give_v but_o only_o by_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n in_o so_o strange_a a_o dissent_n as_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v most_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o mankind_n in_o common_a as_o the_o model_n of_o government_n the_o law_n they_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o custom_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o judge_v that_o those_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o all_o these_o several_a different_a custom_n be_v build_v be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o positive_a law_n nor_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o principle_n of_o education_n but_o something_o which_o have_v a_o deep_a root_n and_o foundation_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n
diversity_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o many_o nation_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o they_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o this_o tradition_n we_o have_v none_o to_o fix_v on_o as_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n fabulous_a we_o can_v understand_v by_o what_o artifice_n a_o fabulous_a tradition_n can_v come_v to_o be_v so_o universal_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n that_o no_o nation_n of_o old_a can_v be_v instance_a in_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n but_o however_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a it_o be_v yet_o it_o own_v a_o deity_n how_o can_v such_o a_o tradition_n be_v spread_v so_o far_o but_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n it_o can_v not_o be_v by_o force_n because_o embrace_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n where_o no_o force_n at_o all_o have_v be_v use_v and_o have_v be_v so_o root_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o those_o people_n who_o have_v be_v most_o tender_a of_o their_o liberty_n that_o they_o have_v resent_v no_o indignity_n so_o high_o as_o any_o affront_v they_o conceive_v to_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o god_n nay_o and_o where_o any_o person_n will_v seem_v to_o quit_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n we_o find_v what_o force_n and_o violence_n they_o have_v use_v to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o atheism_n which_o they_o can_v not_o subdue_v their_o mind_n to_o any_o long_a than_o the_o will_n can_v command_v the_o understanding_n which_o when_o it_o gain_v but_o a_o little_a liberty_n to_o examine_v itself_o or_o view_v the_o world_n or_o be_v alarm_a with_o thunder_n earthquake_n or_o violent_a sickness_n do_v bring_v back_o again_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n with_o great_a force_n and_o power_n than_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o off_o with_o now_o have_v this_o tradition_n come_v by_o force_n into_o the_o world_n there_o will_v have_v be_v a_o 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of_o gain_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v by_o take_v upon_o one_o the_o great_a appearance_n of_o simplicity_n and_o integrity_n and_o this_o now_o can_v not_o be_v do_v by_o such_o politician_n which_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o but_o by_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o people_n which_o be_v so_o consonant_a to_o their_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v suspect_v no_o design_n at_o all_o in_o the_o matter_n propound_v to_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n in_o all_o those_o politic_a governor_n who_o at_o first_o bring_v the_o world_n into_o both_o civil_a and_o religious_a society_n after_o they_o be_v grow_v rude_a and_o barbarous_a for_o as_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o civil_a society_n unless_o there_o have_v be_v suppose_v a_o inclination_n to_o society_n in_o they_o so_o it_o have_v be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o embrace_v any_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n unless_o there_o have_v be_v a_o natural_a propensity_n to_o religion_n implant_v in_o they_o and_o found_v in_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o we_o never_o find_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a founder_n of_o commonwealth_n go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o this_o they_o suppose_v and_o make_v their_o advantage_n of_o it_o the_o better_a to_o draw_v the_o people_n on_o to_o embrace_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o they_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o design_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o evident_a in_o the_o vast_a difference_n of_o design_n and_o interest_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n upon_o this_o general_a apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n how_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v so_o easy_o abuse_v into_o religion_n of_o all_o shape_n and_o fashion_n have_v not_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a inclination_n in_o man_n soul_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o indelible_a idea_n of_o a_o deity_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v then_o this_o propensity_n groundless_a and_o this_o idea_n fictitious_a it_o be_v the_o great_a slur_n imaginable_a which_o can_v be_v cast_v upon_o nature_n that_o when_o the_o instinct_n of_o irrational_a agent_n argue_v something_o real_a in_o they_o only_a man_n the_o most_o noble_a be_v of_o the_o visible_a world_n must_v be_v fatal_o carry_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o never_o be_v which_o yet_o have_v so_o great_a a_o force_n and_o awe_n upon_o man_n that_o nothing_o create_v so_o great_a anxiety_n in_o his_o life_n as_o this_o do_v nothing_o lay_v he_o more_o open_a to_o the_o design_n of_o any_o who_o have_v a_o intent_n to_o abuse_v he_o but_o yet_o further_o these_o politician_n who_o first_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v they_o themselves_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v than_o they_o have_v no_o such_o end_n as_o abuse_v the_o world_n into_o such_o a_o belief_n if_o they_o do_v not_o upon_o what_o account_n do_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o when_o the_o people_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o be_v that_o as_o certain_a a_o tradition_n before_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o afterward_o they_o make_v it_o to_o be_v that_o there_o be_v if_o so_o than_o all_o those_o people_n who_o they_o persuade_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v before_o all_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o and_o how_o can_v it_o possible_o enter_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o people_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o nor_o any_o state_n after_o this_o life_n shall_v all_o unanimous_o quit_v the_o principle_n of_o education_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n here_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n and_o thereby_o to_o fill_v themselves_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o disquietment_n mere_o because_o their_o ruler_n tell_v they_o so_o again_o if_o these_o ruler_n themselves_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v a_o deity_n can_v we_o imagine_v there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o happy_o that_o only_o the_o ruler_n be_v wise_a and_o all_o the_o subject_n fool_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o all_o who_o be_v wise_a themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o deity_n but_o yet_o consent_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v so_o useful_a for_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n but_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o all_o these_o wise_a man_n which_o we_o must_v suppose_v of_o several_a rank_n and_o degree_n for_o philosopher_n be_v not_o always_o statesman_n nor_o statesman_n philosopher_n shall_v so_o ready_o concur_v in_o such_o a_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o to_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o world_n will_v none_o of_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o assert_v the_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v but_o to_o make_v a_o party_n of_o their_o own_o and_o discover_v to_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o ambition_n and_o design_n of_o their_o governor_n which_o seek_v to_o bring_v the_o people_n to_o slavery_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o will_v make_v their_o life_n if_o they_o believe_v they_o continual_o troublesome_a and_o unquiet_a or_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v thing_n shall_v hit_v thus_o in_o one_o nation_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o the_o atheist_n here_o suppose_v eternal_a
wisdom_n dispose_v of_o they_o tully_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o speech_n of_o aristotle_n to_o this_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v suppose_v 95._o person_n to_o have_v live_v in_o some_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o have_v enjoy_v every_o thing_n there_o of_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n or_o whatever_o it_o be_v which_o we_o think_v make_v man_n life_n happy_a and_o have_v never_o be_v abroad_o upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v only_o have_v some_o obscure_a report_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o be_v and_o that_o afterward_o these_o person_n shall_v by_o a_o open_n of_o the_o cavern_n wherein_o they_o be_v come_v abroad_o into_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v sudden_o behold_v the_o earth_n sea_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o observe_v the_o vastness_n of_o the_o cloud_n and_o violence_n of_o wind_n and_o behold_v the_o bigness_n beauty_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o how_o the_o day_n depend_v upon_o his_o presence_n and_o upon_o his_o withdraw_a shall_v view_v the_o face_n of_o the_o heaven_n again_o as_o it_o be_v the_o second_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o order_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o star_n the_o variety_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n their_o rise_n and_o set_v and_o their_o fix_a and_o immovable_a course_n they_o can_v not_o hold_v from_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o deity_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n so_o vast_o different_a be_v the_o free_a and_o natural_a emanation_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o that_o which_o we_o force_v and_o strain_v out_o of_o our_o self_n by_o distort_v and_o wring_v those_o free_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o when_o a_o few_o sorry_a experiment_n and_o some_o arbitrarious_fw-la hypothesis_n must_v make_v we_o form_v other_o conception_n of_o thing_n than_o the_o majesty_n order_n and_o beauty_n of_o they_o do_v natural_o suggest_v to_o we_o we_o see_v when_o once_o we_o can_v but_o abstract_n our_o mind_n from_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o continual_a conversation_n with_o the_o world_n bring_v upon_o we_o by_o that_o speech_n of_o aristotle_n how_o ready_o our_o mind_n will_v frame_v a_o excellent_a commentary_n upon_o those_o word_n of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o bandy-work_n to_o which_o purpose_n likewise_o those_o word_n of_o the_o excellent_a orator_n himself_o in_o another_o place_n be_v very_o observable_a quid_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verius_fw-la quam_fw-la neminem_fw-la esse_fw-la oportere_fw-la tam_fw-la 2._o stultè_fw-la arrogantem_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o se_fw-la mentem_fw-la &_o rationem_fw-la putet_fw-la inesse_fw-la in_fw-la coelo_fw-la mundóque_fw-la non_fw-la putet_fw-la aut_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la vix_fw-la summâ_fw-la ingenii_fw-la ratione_fw-la comprehendat_fw-la nulla_fw-la ratione_fw-la moveri_fw-la putat_fw-la quem_fw-la verb_n astrorum_fw-la ordines_fw-la quem_fw-la dierum_fw-la noctiumque_fw-la vicissitudines_fw-la quem_fw-la mensium_fw-la temperatio_fw-la quemque_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la gignuntur_fw-la nobis_fw-la ad_fw-la fruexdum_fw-la non_fw-la gratume_fw-fr esse_fw-la cogant_fw-la hunc_fw-la hominem_fw-la omninò_fw-la numerare_fw-la qui_fw-la decet_fw-la what_o monstrous_a arrogancy_n will_v it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n to_o think_v there_o be_v a_o mind_n and_o reason_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n or_o to_o think_v those_o thing_n be_v move_v without_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o all_o that_o he_o have_v be_v scarce_a able_a to_o comprehend_v neither_o can_v he_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o man_n from_o who_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o course_n of_o the_o star_n the_o succession_n and_o order_n of_o season_n and_o the_o innumerable_a benefit_n which_o he_o enjoy_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o extort_v gratitude_n towards_o that_o be_v which_o order_v all_o these_o thing_n what_o a_o low_a opinion_n than_o have_v those_o more_o resin_a and_o generous_a spirit_n who_o go_v only_o upon_o principle_n of_o pure_a and_o undistorted_a reason_n of_o those_o mean_a and_o ignoble_a soul_n which_o be_v incline_v to_o atheism_n especial_o then_o when_o religion_n be_v so_o abuse_v that_o it_o be_v true_a of_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o what_o one_o say_v of_o erasmus_n magis_fw-la habuit_fw-la quid_fw-la fugeret_fw-la quam_fw-la quid_fw-la sequeretur_fw-la they_o know_v what_o to_o avoid_v but_o not_o what_o they_o shall_v embrace_v and_o vet_n when_o they_o see_v so_o much_o into_o the_o folly_n and_o superstition_n of_o heathen_a worship_n they_o see_v the_o great_a reason_n still_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o may_v be_v clear_o see_v especial_o in_o the_o second_o of_o those_o excellent_a dialogue_n of_o tully_n de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la where_o this_o particular_a argument_n to_o prove_v a_o deity_n from_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n 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animal_n and_o chief_o of_o man_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o main_a argument_n which_o have_v induce_v some_o otherwise_o atheistical_a enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v a_o deity_n and_o although_o the_o epicurean_o be_v lamentable_o puzzle_v to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o many_o other_o appearance_n in_o nature_n yet_o they_o nowhere_o discover_v so_o much_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n as_o when_o they_o come_v to_o discourse_v de_fw-fr usu_fw-la partium_fw-la about_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o man_n body_n who_o opinion_n be_v thus_o brief_o deliver_v by_o lucretius_n nil_fw-la ideo_fw-la quoniam_fw-la natum'_v in_fw-la corpore_fw-la ut_fw-la uti_fw-la possemus_fw-la sed_fw-la quodnatum'_v id_fw-la procreate_v usum_fw-la 4._o i_o e._n that_o no-part_n of_o man_n body_n be_v design_v for_o that_o use_n which_o they_o be_v employ_v for_o but_o the_o part_n by_o chance_n fall_v into_o that_o form_n they_o be_v in_o and_o man_n by_o degree_n bring_v they_o to_o their_o present_a use_n and_o serviceableness_n a_o opinion_n at_o first_o view_n so_o strange_o unreasonable_a that_o we_o can_v think_v epicurus_n shall_v have_v ever_o embrace_v it_o have_v it_o not_o unavoidable_o follow_v upon_o his_o hypothesis_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o universe_n result_v only_o from_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n according_a to_o which_o he_o suppose_v in_o man_n a_o different_a configuration_n of_o part_n will_v happen_v from_o the_o various_a agitation_n and_o concretion_n of_o those_o little_a particle_n which_o at_o first_o run_v together_o in_o the_o fashion_n of_o a_o man_n and_o because_o that_o man_n have_v in_o he_o a_o more_o florid_n and_o vivacious_a spirit_n make_v up_o of_o the_o most_o subtle_a and_o movable_a atom_n thence_o motion_n come_v into_o the_o several_a part_n suitable_a to_o the_o different_a conformation_n of_o they_o and_o because_o those_o atom_n of_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v compose_v be_v capable_a of_o sensation_n thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o see_v in_o the_o eye_n hear_v in_o the_o ear_n and_o smell_v in_o the_o nostril_n this_o be_v the_o most_o which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o epicurus_n by_o the_o late_a sedulous_a vindicator_n of_o he_o which_o yet_o himself_o call_v intoleranda_fw-la opinio_fw-la and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o as_o contradict_v what_o god_n himself_o have_v deliver_v concern_v man_n but_o what_o reason_n its_o self_n will_v easy_o suggest_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o man_n body_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o philosopher_n elder_a than_o epicurus_n who_o be_v much_o incline_v to_o this_o opinion_n as_o democritus_n empedocles_n anaxagoras_n and_o other_o yet_o we_o find_v those_o who_o more_o narrow_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o live_a creature_n be_v thereby_o bring_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a providence_n which_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n do_v order_v the_o several_a part_n of_o animal_n and_o adapt_v they_o to_o their_o peculiar_a
the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o contrive_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n so_o that_o that_o whole_a book_n contain_v in_o it_o a_o most_o full_a and_o pregnant_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o every_o man_n carry_v about_o with_o he_o in_o the_o structure_n of_o his_o body_n on_o which_o account_n man_n need_v not_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o find_v proof_n of_o a_o deity_n whether_o they_o consider_v their_o mind_n or_o their_o body_n of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v more_o true_o say_v than_o heraclitus_n of_o old_a do_v of_o his_o stove_n etiam_fw-la hic_fw-la dii_fw-la sunt_fw-la so_o that_o of_o all_o person_n i_o shall_v 4._o most_o wonder_v at_o those_o who_o employment_n particular_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o part_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n body_n if_o the_o proverb_n be_v not_o a_o great_a injury_n to_o they_o since_o they_o have_v full_a insight_n into_o this_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o the_o fabric_n of_o man_n body_n than_o many_o other_o who_o converse_v only_o with_o some_o jejune_n and_o sapless_a write_n and_o certain_o whatever_o be_v imagine_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o man_n of_o weak_a understanding_n the_o best_a way_n to_o cure_v the_o world_n of_o atheism_n be_v true_a philosophy_n or_o a_o search_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o more_o deep_a and_o profound_a it_o be_v the_o more_o impossible_a will_v it_o be_v find_v to_o explicate_v all_o the_o phaenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n by_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n it_o be_v wise_o observe_v of_o a_o great_a person_n and_o philosopher_n that_o a_o narrow_a and_o slight_a inspection_n into_o nature_n incline_v man_n of_o weak_a head_n to_o atheism_n but_o a_o more_o through_o insight_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n make_v they_o more_o evident_o see_v the_o necessary_a dependence_n of_o thing_n on_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a creator_n of_o they_o a_o little_a knowledge_n of_o philosophy_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v man_n head_n dizzy_a and_o then_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n but_o a_o more_o careful_a and_o diligent_a view_n of_o it_o bring_v they_o into_o sobriety_n and_o their_o right_a wit_n again_o such_o a_o slight_a inspection_n have_v the_o follower_n of_o epicurus_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o when_o they_o find_v how_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n the_o various_a motion_n and_o configuration_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n will_v handsome_o salve_v many_o appearance_n of_o nature_n they_o drink_v with_o the_o success_n reel_v present_o into_o a_o infinite_a space_n and_o there_o imagine_v they_o behold_v infinite_a world_n make_v of_o the_o concretion_n of_o atom_n and_o ever_o since_o their_o eye_n have_v be_v so_o du_v with_o these_o little_a atom_n that_o they_o can_v see_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o which_o how_o gross_a and_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v will_v appear_v from_o our_o present_a subject_n for_o who_o but_o lucretius_n or_o epicurus_n can_v ever_o think_v that_o our_o nostril_n be_v at_o first_o fashion_v as_o they_o be_v mere_o by_o the_o violent_a impulse_n of_o the_o air_n within_o which_o will_v force_v its_o self_n a_o passage_n out_o but_o how_o come_v the_o air_n into_o the_o body_n before_o it_o be_v force_v out_o do_v it_o first_o break_v open_a the_o lip_n make_v all_o that_o round_a cavity_n in_o the_o mouth_n for_o a_o passage_n through_o the_o aspera_fw-la arteria_fw-la but_o if_o when_o it_o be_v in_o it_o will_v come_v out_o again_o be_v not_o the_o mouth_n wide_a enough_o to_o let_v it_o go_v or_o do_v the_o first_o man_n shut_v his_o mouth_n on_o purpose_n to_o find_v another_o vent_n for_o the_o air_n if_o so_o how_o chance_v the_o force_n of_o the_o air_n do_v not_o carry_v away_o the_o epiglottis_fw-la or_o if_o it_o get_v safe_o up_o to_o the_o nose_n how_o come_v it_o not_o to_o force_v a_o passage_n out_o about_o the_o eye_n rather_o than_o to_o go_v down_o so_o low_o first_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v these_o rare_a contriver_n of_o man_n body_n all_o the_o inward_a vessel_n of_o the_o body_n be_v make_v by_o the_o course_n of_o water_n as_o channel_n be_v but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o oesophagus_n and_o the_o stomach_n shall_v be_v so_o curious_o contrive_v by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o water_n and_o that_o all_o the_o intestine_n shall_v be_v make_v only_o as_o channel_n to_o let_v it_o out_o again_o when_o it_o be_v once_o in_o but_o how_o come_v then_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o reciprocation_n and_o peristactick_a motion_n in_o those_o vessel_n how_o come_v the_o several_a coat_n of_o they_o to_o be_v so_o firm_a if_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o force_a passage_n it_o will_v have_v be_v direct_a and_o through_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o part_n as_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o all_o force_a passage_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o earth_n beside_o if_o the_o water_n receive_v into_o the_o stomach_n force_v the_o passage_n through_o the_o gut_n how_o come_v it_o not_o to_o run_v in_o the_o channel_n it_o have_v make_v for_o its_o self_n or_o do_v it_o not_o like_o that_o passage_n when_o other_o thing_n come_v into_o it_o and_o therefore_o find_v out_o a_o more_o secret_a one_o into_o the_o bladder_n but_o if_o that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o water_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o membrane_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o dilatation_n thus_o ridiculous_a will_n man_n make_v themselves_o rather_o than_o show_v themselves_o man_n in_o own_v and_o adore_v that_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a god_n who_o order_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will._n what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o evident_a than_o the_o peculiar_a usefulness_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o man_n body_n be_v what_o other_o intent_n can_v be_v imagine_v that_o man_n be_v form_v with_o a_o mouth_n but_o only_o for_o take_v in_o of_o nourishment_n and_o for_o receive_v and_o let_v forth_o of_o air_n or_o that_o a_o infant_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o open_v his_o mouth_n but_o that_o there_o be_v breast_n and_o milk_n for_o he_o to_o suck_v in_o order_n to_o his_o nourishment_n why_o shall_v the_o oesophagus_n be_v so_o hollow_a and_o the_o stomach_n so_o wide_o but_o that_o one_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o better_a conveyance_n of_o the_o meat_n down_o and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o fermentation_n of_o it_o whence_o come_v all_o the_o other_o vessel_n to_o be_v so_o convenient_o place_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o distribution_n of_o nourishment_n into_o the_o several_a part_n or_o for_o convey_v away_o the_o excrement_n of_o it_o can_v any_o one_o think_v that_o the_o several_a muscle_n and_o tendon_n shall_v be_v place_v in_o the_o more_o solid_a part_n for_o any_o other_o end_n then_o for_o the_o better_a motion_n of_o they_o or_o that_o the_o nerve_n shall_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o brain_n into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o body_n for_o any_o other_o design_n then_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o sense_n and_o motion_n or_o that_o the_o continual_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v for_o any_o other_o purpose_n then_o for_o receive_v and_o distribution_n of_o the_o blood_n through_o the_o artery_n into_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n or_o that_o the_o eye_n with_o all_o its_o curious_a fabric_n shall_v be_v only_o accidental_o employ_v in_o see_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o however_o the_o epicurean_o may_v more_o easy_o lose_v themselves_o and_o deceive_v other_o in_o explain_v the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n in_o some_o inanimate_a being_n yet_o when_o they_o come_v with_o their_o blind_a concourse_n of_o atom_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o part_n of_o animal_n they_o miserable_o befool_v themselves_o and_o expose_v themselves_o only_o to_o contempt_n and_o pity_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o multiply_v example_n in_o this_o kind_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o be_v if_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n body_n have_v no_o high_a original_n than_o the_o concourse_n of_o atom_n in_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o what_o be_v the_o umbilical_a vessel_n form_v whereby_o the_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n receive_v its_o nourishment_n by_o what_o atom_n be_v the_o passage_n of_o the_o succus_fw-la nutritius_fw-la frame_v from_o the_o mother_n to_o the_o child_n how_o come_v those_o vessel_n to_o close_v up_o so_o natural_o upon_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o child_n and_o it_o to_o seek_v its_o nourishment_n in_o quite_o another_o way_n will_v the_o particle_n of_o matter_n which_o by_o their_o concretion_n form_v the_o first_o pair_n salve_v this_o too_o thus_o still_o we_o see_v how_o
a_o opinion_n do_v and_o be_v sufficient_o deride_v and_o refute_v by_o pomponatius_n himself_o now_o than_o it_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n in_o nature_n that_o every_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o course_n it_o be_v in_o till_o something_o more_o powerful_a put_v it_o out_o if_o then_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v real_a alteration_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n then_o there_o must_v be_v something_o above_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o jonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v thus_o establish_v in_o 1_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o now_o come_v to_o erect_v our_o supper_n structure_n upon_o they_o by_o assert_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o account_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o world_n its_o self_n lead_v we_o to_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o which_o have_v very_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o although_o we_o shall_v assert_v with_o epicurus_n the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n if_o yet_o with_o he_o we_o add_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n all_o that_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o lie_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v unavoidable_o destroy_v all_o that_o be_v leave_v be_v only_o a_o kind_n of_o veneration_n of_o a_o bâ—ing_n more_o excellent_a than_o our_o own_o which_o reach_v not_o to_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n and_o so_o will_v have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v only_o allure_v by_o hope_n or_o awe_v by_o fear_n to_o that_o which_o of_o their_o choice_n they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v free_v from_o beside_o what_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n can_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n for_o his_o goodness_n if_o he_o interpose_v not_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n what_o dependence_n can_v there_o be_v on_o divine_a goodness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n what_o apprehension_n can_v we_o have_v of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n if_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o epicurus_n destroy_v religion_n so_o do_v that_o of_o aristotle_n which_o attribute_n eternity_n to_o the_o universe_n and_o a_o necessary_a emanation_n of_o it_o from_o the_o first_o cause_n as_o light_n come_v from_o the_o sun_n for_o if_o so_o as_o maimonides_n well_o observe_v the_o whole_a religion_n of_o moses_n be_v overthrow_v all_o his_o miracle_n be_v but_o 25._o imposture_n all_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o if_o the_o world_n do_v of_o necessity_n exist_v than_o god_n be_v no_o free_a agent_n and_o if_o so_o then_o all_o institute_v religion_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o expectation_n of_o reward_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n from_o he_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o set_v the_o great_a wheel_n of_o the_o heaven_n go_v so_o much_o be_v it_o our_o concernment_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o on_o what_o evidence_n of_o reason_n those_o opinion_n be_v build_v which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o that_o account_n give_v of_o it_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o the_o bâ—oks_n of_o moses_n wherein_o we_o read_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o production_n of_o it_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v then_o the_o plain_a assertion_n of_o moses_n we_o come_v to_o compare_v it_o in_o point_n of_o reason_n with_o all_o those_o several_a hypothesis_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o which_o have_v be_v embrace_v in_o several_a age_n by_o the_o philosopher_n of_o great_a esteem_n in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o 1._o such_o as_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v exi_v as_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n 2._o such_o as_o attribute_v the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o god_n but_o withal_o assert_v the_o praeexistence_n and_o eternity_n of_o matter_n 3._o such_o as_o deny_v any_o eternity_n to_o the_o world_n but_o assert_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n 4._o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n and_o all_o appearance_n of_o nature_n mere_o by_o the_o mechanical_a law_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o matter_n i_o begin_v with_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o 2._o it_o be_v among_o who_o aristotle_n have_v bear_v the_o great_a name_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v arrogate_a this_o opinion_n to_o himself_o for_o when_o he_o inquire_v into_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o have_v writ-before_a he_o he_o say_v of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 10._o all_o the_o philosopher_n assert_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v though_o some_o one_o way_n some_o another_o and_o be_v this_o true_a which_o aristotle-saith_a it_o will_v be_v the_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o his_o opinion_n for_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v eternal_a how_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o elder_a philosopher_n shall_v so_o ready_o and_o unanimous_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n which_o assert_v the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o strong_a presumption_n of_o the_o novity_n of_o the_o universe_n that_o all_o nation_n to_o who_o the_o philosopher_n resort_v have_v memorial_n leave_v among_o they_o of_o the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o the_o humour_n of_o philosophize_v begin_v to_o take_v the_o greek_n about_o the_o xl._o olympiad_n when_o we_o may_v suppose_v thales_n to_o flourish_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v the_o enquiry_n be_v out_o of_o what_o material_a principle_n the_o universe_n be_v form_v of_o which_o thales_n thus_o deliver_v his_o opinion_n in_o tully_n aquam_fw-la 25._o dixit_fw-la esse_fw-la initium_fw-la rerum_fw-la deum_fw-la autem_fw-la eam_fw-la mentem_fw-la quae_fw-la ex_fw-la aqua_fw-la cuncta_fw-la fingeret_fw-la wherein_o he_o plain_o distinguish_v the_o efficient_a from_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prime_a efficient_a be_v god_n the_o material_a principle_n water_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o first_o
opposition_n who_o power_n be_v so_o great_a that_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v it_o by_o which_o power_n he_o produce_v the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n either_o of_o its_o beginning_n or_o of_o its_o be_v or_o continuance_n but_o only_o his_o will._n who_o sully_v answer_n in_o a_o philosophical_a manner_n the_o particular_a allegation_n out_o of_o aristotle_n concern_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n his_o design_n be_v as_o he_o say_v to_o show_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n in_o their_o discourse_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o creation_n be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v as_o good_a as_o their_o word_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o demonstration_n but_o instead_o of_o they_o proceed_v only_o upon_o opinion_n and_o conjecture_n and_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o another_o way_n of_o production_n beside_o that_o of_o generation_n he_o prove_v it_o from_o aristotle_n own_o opinion_n from_o the_o equal_a necessity_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o matter_n as_o of_o god_n for_o say_v he_o if_o god_n can_v produce_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o matter_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_o existent_a as_o himself_o he_o may_v produce_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o for_o the_o same_o repugnancy_n that_o there_o be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o nothing_o to_o be_v produce_v 123._o the_o same_o must_v there_o be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_o existent_a how_o then_o can_v god_n produce_v something_o out_o of_o matter_n which_o necessary_o exist_v &_o not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o for_o if_o matter_n have_v its_o original_n from_o its_o self_n how_o can_v it_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o another_o and_o beside_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o have_v his_o be_v from_o himself_o and_o on_o that_o account_n attribute_v infinite_a power_n to_o he_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v attribute_v it_o to_o matter_n but_o whatever_o have_v infinite_a power_n in_o its_o self_n have_v a_o power_n upon_o something_o beyond_o its_o self_n but_o if_o god_n and_o matter_n have_v it_o both_o they_o can_v never_o have_v power_n upon_o each_o other_o or_o without_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o far_o great_a absurdity_n than_o the_o mere_a assert_v a_o power_n to_o produce_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o infinite_a power_n for_o if_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o any_o matter_n the_o power_n be_v not_o infinite_a because_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o bound_n of_o it_o for_o it_o extend_v no_o further_a than_o matter_n do_v so_o that_o a_o power_n of_o creation_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a sophism_n to_o argue_v because_o the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v generate_v therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v produce_v unless_o any_o other_o way_n of_o production_n but_o by_o generation_n be_v prove_v impossible_a a_o three_o false_a hypothesis_n they_o proceed_v on_o be_v this_o that_o the_o be_v of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o effect_n of_o god_n will_n but_o of_o the_o 3._o necessity_n of_o nature_n for_o although_o the_o philosopher_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o did-assert_a a_o deity_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v call_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o withal_o assert_v that_o the_o world_n be_v coaeval_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o priority_n in_o order_n of_o cause_n between_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o in_o order_n of_o time_n or_o duration_n as_o we_o see_v the_o light_n though_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o sun_n yet_o the_o sun_n be_v never_o without_o light_n this_o aristotle_n he_o prove_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o motion_n and_o time_n for_o say_v he_o what_o ever_o be_v move_v must_v be_v move_v by_o something_o else_o and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v a_o run_v in_o infinitum_fw-la but_o this_o run_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o continual_a physical_a motion_n in_o thing_n which_o we_o deny_v since_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a power_n may_v give_v motion_n to_o that_o which_o have_v it_o not_o before_o and_o so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v be_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o first_o cause_n which_o we_o assert_v but_o no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o his_o continual_a act_n since_o he_o may_v cause_v motion_n when_o he_o please_v and_o for_o time_n continual_o exist_v it_o denote_v nothing_o real_a in_o its_o self_n exist_v but_o only_o our_o manner_n of_o conception_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o motion_n and_o so_o can_v argue_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o real_a existence_n of_o thing_n from_o all_o eternity_n but_o the_o late_a platonist_n look_v upon_o these_o as_o insufficient_a way_n of_o probation_n and_o therefore_o argue_v from_o those_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o they_o conceive_v most_o necessary_a and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n nature_n and_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v produce_v if_o at_o all_o so_o that_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o god_n they_o prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n it_o be_v well_o and_o true_o say_v of_o plato_n in_o his_o timaeus_n that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n from_o which_o speech_n the_o more_o modern_a platonist_n gather_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o world_n eternity_n for_o from_o hence_o they_o infer_v that_o since_o god_n be_v always_o good_a he_o must_v always_o have_v a_o object_n to_o exercise_v his_o goodness_n upon_o as_o the_o sun_n disperse_v his_o light_n assoon_o as_o he_o be_v himself_o true_o be_v god_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sun_n it_o will_v be_v so_o with_o he_o or_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o with_o it_o but_o there_o be_v this_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o that_o though_o god_n be_v essential_o and_o necessary_o good_a yet_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o goodness_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n and_o not_o mere_o of_o his_o nature_n for_o be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o beneficence_n and_o goodness_n in_o god_n the_o free_a act_n of_o his_o will_n man_n must_v be_v make_v as_o happy_a as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v not_o only_o upon_o his_o first_o existence_n in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v continue_v by_o mere_a necessity_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o intervention_n of_o the_o will_n or_o action_n of_o man_n and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o difference_n as_o that_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o let_n forth_o of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o world_n be_v so_o necessary_a all_o man_n must_v become_v necessary_o good_a if_o god_n goodness_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n so_o which_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v question_v by_o this_o than_o we_o see_v that_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o world_n be_v free_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v a_o depth_n too_o great_a for_o we_o to_o approach_v or_o look_v into_o by_o what_o necessity_n then_o if_o god_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o of_o infinite_a wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o goodness_n must_v we_o either_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o fear_v to_o deprive_v god_n of_o his_o essential_a goodness_n whereas_o to_o make_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n add_v extra_fw-la necessary_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v the_o world_n from_o eternity_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o object_n to_o exercise_v his_o goodness_n on_o be_v to_o take_v as_o much_o off_o from_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o self_n sufficiency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o flatter_v his_o goodness_n for_o god_n can_v be_v himself_o without_o his_o goodness_n and_o if_o his_o goodness_n can_v be_v without_o some_o creature_n to_o show_v or_o display_v it_o upon_o god_n can_v be_v perfect_a nor_o happy_a without_o his_o creature_n because_o these_o be_v necessary_a issue_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o consequent_o we_o make_v the_o be_v of_o the_o creature_n necessary_a to_o his_o be_v god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a derogation_n from_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o assert_v then_o so_o much_o goodness_n in_o god_n as_o none_o can_v be_v imagine_v great_a we_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v the_o communication_n of_o this_o divine_a goodness_n which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o world_n but_o withal_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v a_o agent_n infinite_o
wise_a and_o free_a who_o dispense_v this_o goodness_n of_o he_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v best_a please_v to_o himself_o though_o ever_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o so_o whatever_o he_o do_v be_v suitable_a to_o this_o nature_n of_o he_o but_o the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o act_n of_o god_n beneficence_n belong_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o most_o free_a and_o independent_a agent_n so_o that_o goodness_n as_o it_o import_v the_o necessary_a rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n imply_v a_o perfection_n inseparable_a from_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o god_n but_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o expression_n of_o divine_a bounty_n to_o somewhat_o without_o as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o employ_v in_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n as_o to_o his_o nature_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o his_o will._n we_o can_v then_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o particular_a way_n of_o god_n bounty_n towards_o the_o whole_a universe_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o any_o further_a than_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o we_o now_o we_o see_v the_o world_n exist_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o adore_v that_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o not_o only_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o universe_n but_o continual_o uphold_v it_o and_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v in_o it_o which_o the_o heathen_a be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o abundant_a provision_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o for_o z._n man_n necessity_n but_o for_o delight_n and_o ornament_n cry_v out_o ut_fw-la interdum_fw-la pronaea_n nostra_fw-la epicurea_fw-la esse_fw-la videatur_fw-la god_n providence_n do_v abundant_o exceed_v man_n necessity_n we_o see_v then_o from_o this_o discourse_n how_o unsafe_a and_o unsatisfactory_a that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a those_o argument_n be_v which_o be_v draw_v from_o a_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o goodness_n without_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o will_n as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v certain_o then_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a force_n with_o any_o candid_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n and_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v late_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o that_o pythagorean_n hypothesis_n of_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n viz._n that_o if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v at_o all_o the_o soon_o they_o be_v the_o better_a but_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n will_v do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a and_o therefore_o if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o terrestrial_a body_n it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o enjoy_v themselves_o than_o not_o they_o must_v be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o body_n wherefore_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o can_v no_o more_o fail_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a than_o he_o can_v to_o understand_v it_o i_o now_o serious_o inquire_v of_o such_o who_o love_n reason_n above_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n whether_o if_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v put_v into_o the_o argument_n instead_o of_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n this_o argument_n will_v not_o hold_v as_o strong_o for_o that_o as_o it_o do_v for_o praeexistence_n and_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v praeexistence_n on_o this_o ground_n i_o be_v not_o likewise_o bind_v to_o believe_v at_o least_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n eternal_a if_o not_o the_o universe_n but_o how_o reconcileable_a the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n of_o the_o creation_n i_o be_o yet_o to_o understand_v but_o if_o this_o argument_n do_v not_o at_o all_o infer_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v show_v it_o do_v not_o much_o less_o do_v it_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n we_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o first_o hypothesis_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o moses_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n 8._o which_o be_v that_o which_o assert_n the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o which_o attribute_n the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o god_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n but_o attribute_n eternity_n to_o the_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o who_o will_v be_v take_v for_o the_o master_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o conceive_v this_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n that_o they_o 4._o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o preaexistent_a matter_n out_o of_o which_o god_n form_v the_o world_n but_o i_o will_v willing_o understand_v how_o moses_n will_v have_v express_v that_o matter_n its_o self_n be_v create_v suppose_v it_o have_v be_v his_o intention_n to_o have_v speak_v it_o for_o although_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v not_o of_o its_o self_n imply_v necessary_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o i._n e._n out_o of_o no_o preaexistent_a matter_n yet_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o no_o word_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n be_v more_o proper_a to_o that_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o p._n fagius_n cite_v it_o from_o r._n nachmani_n that_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v no_o other_o word_n to_o signify_v such_o a_o production_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v therefore_o a_o very_a weak_a manner_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o the_o world_n be_v create_v out_o of_o preaexistent_a matter_n all_o that_o can_v rational_o be_v infer_v be_v that_o from_o the_o mere_a force_n and_o importance_n of_o that_o word_n the_o contrary_n can_v be_v collect_v but_o if_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v and_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n do_v make_v it_o clear_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o preaexistent_a matter_n which_o be_v uncreated_a than_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o creation_n must_v be_v take_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_a jew_n and_o christian_n but_o even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o understand_v moses_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o galen_n where_o he_o compare_v the_o opinion_n 11._o of_o moses_n with_o that_o of_o epicurus_n and_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o of_o moses_n which_o attribute_v the_o production_n of_o thing_n to_o god_n to_o be_v far_o more_o rational_a and_o probable_a then_o that_o of_o epicurus_n which_o assign_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n to_o a_o mere_a casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n but_o withal_o add_v that_o he_o must_v dissent_v from_o both_o and_o side_n with_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o such_o thing_n as_o depend_v on_o generation_n but_o assert_n the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n and_o withal_o that_o god_n power_n can_v not_o extendit_n self_n beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o wrought_v upon_o atque_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o in_o quo_fw-la ratio_fw-la nostra_fw-la ac_fw-la platonis_fw-la tum_fw-la aliorum_fw-la qui_fw-la apud_fw-la graecos_n de_fw-la rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la recte_fw-la conscripserunt_fw-la à _fw-la mose_n dissidet_fw-la how_o true_a these_o word_n be_v will_v appear_v afterward_o chaleidius_fw-la in_o his_o commentary_n on_o plato_n timaeus_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o he_o be_v still_o translate_v sylva_fw-la and_o inquire_v into_o the_o different_a opinion_n of_o all_o philosopher_n about_o it_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o according_a to_o moses_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v its_o production_n from_o god_n hebraei_n sylvam_fw-la generatam_fw-la esse_fw-la confitentur_fw-la quorum_fw-la 372._o sapientissimus_fw-la moses_n non_fw-la humana_fw-la facundia_fw-la sed_fw-la divina_fw-la ut_fw-la ferunt_fw-la inspiratione_n vegetatus_fw-la in_fw-la eo_fw-la libro_fw-la qui_fw-la de_fw-la genitura_fw-la mundi_fw-la censetur_fw-la ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la sic_fw-la est_fw-la profatus_fw-la juxta_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la lxx_o prudentium_fw-la initio_fw-la deus_fw-la fecit_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la terra_fw-la autem_fw-la erat_fw-la invisibilis_fw-la &_o incompta_fw-la ut_fw-la vero_fw-la ait_fw-la aquila_n caput_fw-la rerum_fw-la condidit_fw-la deus_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la terra_fw-la porro_fw-la inanis_fw-la erat_fw-la &_o nihil_fw-la vel_fw-la nt_v symachus_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la condidit_fw
disseminated_a vacuity_n which_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o because_o a_o coacervate_a vacuity_n be_v not_o only_o assert_v as_o possible_a but_o as_o probable_o existent_a i_o assume_v only_o then_o that_o which_o be_v insist_v on_o as_o probable_a viz._n that_o that_o space_n which_o lie_v between_o our_o atmosphere_n and_o the_o star_n be_v empty_a of_o any_o other_o thing_n but_o only_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o star_n which_o pass_v through_o it_o i_o then_o suppose_v it_o a_o vacuity_n whether_o will_v not_o the_o particle_n of_o those_o body_n which_o lie_v contiguous_a to_o that_o space_n present_o dislodge_v from_o the_o body_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o begin_v a_o new_a rendezvous_n of_o atom_n there_o for_o all_o atom_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o the_o cause_n assign_v why_o in_o solid_a body_n they_o do_v not_o fly_v away_o be_v because_o of_o the_o repercussion_n of_o other_o atom_n that_o when_o they_o once_o begin_v to_o stir_v they_o receive_v such_o knock_n as_o make_v they_o quiet_a in_o their_o place_n now_o this_o can_v hold_v in_o the_o body_n contiguous_a to_o this_o space_n for_o both_o those_o body_n be_v more_o fluid_a and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o such_o knock_n of_o particle_n to_o keep_v they_o at_o rest_n but_o which_o be_v more_o those_o which_o be_v contiguous_a have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o motion_n and_o so_o those_o particle_n will_v necessary_o remove_v into_o that_o empty_a space_n where_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n of_o their_o motion_n and_o so_o the_o next_o atom_n to_o those_o must_v remove_v because_o that_o space_n wherein_o the_o other_o be_v be_v make_v empty_a by_o their_o removal_n and_o so_o the_o next_o and_o so_o on_o till_o not_o only_o the_o air_n but_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o the_o earth_n wâ—ll_n on_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o vacuity_n be_v dissolve_v into_o its_o first_o particle_n which_o will_v all_o mutiny_n in_o the_o several_a body_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o never_o rest_n till_o they_o come_v to_o that_o empty_a space_n where_o they_o may_v again_o rendezvous_n together_o so_o dangerous_a be_v the_o news_n of_o liberty_n or_o of_o a_o empty_a space_n to_o these_o democratical_a particle_n of_o the_o universe_n neither_o can_v i_o see_v how_o a_o disseminated_a vacuity_n can_v salve_v the_o difficulty_n for_o those_o particle_n of_o the_o most_o solid_a body_n be_v in_o continual_a motion_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o union_n be_v repercussion_n it_o thence_o follow_v that_o towards_o that_o part_n where_o the_o disseminated_a vacuum_n be_v the_o particle_n meet_v with_o no_o such_o stroke_n may_v sair_o take_v their_o leaf_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v in_o and_o so_o one_o succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o another_o till_o the_o configuration_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v alter_v and_o consequent_o different_a appearance_n and_o effect_n may_v be_v cause_v in_o the_o same_o body_n though_o it_o result_v from_o seminal_a principle_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o atomical_a principle_n no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v see_v in_o nature_n this_o dionysius_n in_o eusebius_n urge_v against_o the_o atomist_n that_o 24._o from_o the_o same_o principle_n without_o evident_a reason_n give_v for_o it_o they_o make_v of_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n some_o thing_n conspicuous_a to_o sense_n other_o not_o some_o short-lived_a other_o extreme_o long-lived_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o size_n and_o shape_n say_v that_o excellent_a person_n who_o there_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o eloquence_n lay_v open_a â—he_n folly_n of_o the_o atomical_a philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o rare_a democraty_n of_o atom_n say_v he_o where_o the_o friendly_a atom_n meet_v and_o embrace_v each_o other_o and_o from_o thenceforward_o live_v in_o the_o close_a society_n together_o 2._o not_o only_o the_o variety_n but_o the_o exact_a order_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o thing_n unaccountable_a by_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n still_o a_o hesiod_n chaos_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o diogenes_n laertius_n tell_v we_o epicurus_n 10._o begin_v to_o philosophize_v we_o may_v probable_o believe_v a_o agitation_n of_o particle_n suppose_v matter_n create_v may_v settle_v it_o in_o such_o a_o confuse_a manner_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o blind_a impetus_fw-la of_o atom_n to_o produce_v those_o vast_a and_o most_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n to_o order_v the_o passage_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o so_o great_a conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o the_o alternate_a succession_n of_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n which_o shall_v cut_v such_o channel_n for_o the_o ocean_n and_o keep_v that_o vast_a body_n of_o the_o water_n who_o surface_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n from_o overflow_a it_o which_o shall_v furnish_v the_o earth_n with_o such_o seminal_a and_o prolific_a principle_n as_o to_o provide_v food_n and_o nourishment_n for_o those_o animal_n which_o live_v upon_o it_o and_o furnish_v out_o every_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o comfort_n and_o delight_n of_o man_n life_n to_o believe_v i_o say_v that_o all_o thâ—se_a thing_n come_v only_o from_o a_o blind_a and_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n be_v the_o most_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o credulity_n and_o folly_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v subject_a to_o but_o this_o part_n which_o concern_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o the_o argument_n thence_o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o blind_a fortuitous_a principle_n but_o a_o infinite_o wise_a god_n have_v be_v so_o full_o and_o 2._o judicious_o handle_v by_o a_o learned_a person_n already_o that_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o his_o discourse_n then_o insist_v any_o more_o upon_o it_o 3._o the_o production_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o atomist_n be_v most_o shameful_o puzzle_v with_o as_o well_o as_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o man_n body_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n it_o will_v pity_v one_o to_o see_v what_o lamentable_a shift_n the_o atomist_n be_v put_v to_o to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n for_o the_o production_n of_o mankind_n viz._n that_o our_o teem_a mother_n the_o earth_n at_o last_o cast_v forth_o some_o kind_n of_o bag_n like_o womb_n upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o these_o by_o degree_n break_v at_o last_o come_v out_o child_n which_o be_v nourish_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o juice_n of_o the_o earth_n like_o milk_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v man_n oh_o what_o will_v not_o atheist_n believe_v rather_o than_o a_o deity_n and_o providence_n but_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o atomist_n hear_v what_o censorinus_n say_v of_o epicurus_n be_v enim_fw-la credidit_fw-la limo_fw-la calefactos_fw-la uteros_fw-la nescio_fw-la quos_fw-la radicihus_fw-la terrae_fw-la cohaerentes_fw-la primum_fw-la increvisse_fw-la â—_o &_o infantibus_fw-la ex_fw-la seeditis_fw-la ingenitum_fw-la lactis_fw-la humorem_fw-la natura_fw-la ministrante_fw-la praebuisse_fw-la quos_fw-la it_o a_o educatos_fw-la &_o adultos_fw-la genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la propagasse_n but_o because_o lucretius_n may_v be_v think_v to_o speak_v more_o impartial_o in_o the_o case_n how_o rare_o do_v he_o describe_v it_o crescebant_fw-la uteri_fw-la terrae_fw-la radicibus_fw-la apti_fw-la quos_fw-la ubi_fw-la tempore_fw-la maturo_fw-la patefecerit_fw-la aetas_fw-la infantum_fw-la fugiens_fw-la humorem_fw-la aurasque_fw-la petissens_fw-la convertebat_fw-la ibi_fw-la natura_fw-la foramina_fw-la terrae_fw-la et_fw-la succum_fw-la venis_fw-la cogebat_fw-la fundere_fw-la apertis_fw-la consimilem_fw-la lactis_fw-la sicut_fw-la nunc_fw-la foemina_fw-la quaeque_fw-la quum_fw-la peperit_fw-la dulci_fw-la repletur_fw-la lacte_fw-la quodomnis_fw-la impetus_fw-la in_o mamma_n convert_v itur_fw-la ille_fw-la alimenti_fw-la terracibum_fw-la pveris_fw-la vestem_fw-la vapour_n herbacubile_n praebebat_fw-la multa_fw-la &_o molli_fw-la lanugine_fw-la abundans_fw-la have_v lucretius_n be_v only_o a_o poet_n this_o may_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o handsome_o describe_v fable_n but_o to_o deliver_v it_o for_o a_o piece_n of_o philosophy_n make_v it_o the_o great_a mythology_n that_o man_n body_n be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n we_o believe_v because_o we_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v but_o that_o the_o earth_n shall_v cast_v forth_o such_o folliculi_fw-la as_o he_o express_v it_o and_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o describe_v deserve_v a_o place_n among_o the_o most_o incredible_a of_o poetic_a fable_n but_o if_o poet_n
there_o be_v no_o prevalency_n at_o all_o in_o any_o one_o particle_n above_o another_o in_o bigness_n or_o motion_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o universal_a matter_n to_o who_o motion_n be_v so_o essential_a and_o natural_a will_v be_v ineffectual_a for_o the_o produce_v of_o any_o variety_n of_o appearance_n in_o nature_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v cause_v by_o this_o thin_a and_o subtle_a matter_n but_o what_o will_v be_v whole_o imperceptible_a to_o any_o of_o our_o sense_n and_o what_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o visible_a world_n will_v this_o be_v from_o hence_o then_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infinite_o powerful_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o must_v both_o put_v matter_n into_o motion_n and_o regulate_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o produce_v all_o those_o variety_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o necessity_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o matter_n by_o a_o power_n give_v it_o from_o god_n be_v free_o acknowledge_v by_o mr._n des_n cartes_n himself_o in_o these_o word_n considero_fw-la materiam_fw-la sibi_fw-la libere_fw-la permissam_fw-la &_o nullum_fw-la aliunde_fw-la impulsum_fw-la suscipientem_fw-la ut_fw-la plane_n quiescentem_fw-la illa_fw-la 104._o autem_fw-la impellitur_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la tantundem_fw-la motus_fw-la five_o translationis_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la conservante_fw-la quantum_fw-la abinitio_fw-la posuit_fw-la so_o that_o this_o great_a improver_n and_o discoverer_n of_o the_o mechanical_a power_n of_o matter_n do_v free_o confess_v the_o necessity_n not_o only_o of_o god_n give_v motion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n but_o of_o his_o conserve_n motion_n in_o it_o for_o the_o uphold_v it_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v from_o this_o hypothesis_n the_o exclude_v of_o a_o deity_n from_o be_v the_o prime_n efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o question_n than_o be_v concern_v the_o particular_a manner_n which_o be_v use_v by_o god_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n in_o give_v be_v to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o in_o general_n suggest_v what_o maimonides_n say_v of_o it_o omnia_fw-la simul_fw-la creata_fw-la â—rant_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la successive_a ab_fw-la inuicem_fw-la separata_fw-la although_o i_o be_o somewhat_o inclinable_a to_o that_o of_o 6._o gassendus_fw-la majus_fw-la â—st_fw-la mundus_fw-la opus_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la assâ—qui_fw-la mens_fw-la humana_fw-la illius_fw-la molitionem_fw-la possit_fw-la to_o which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v well_o apply_v that_o speech_n of_o solomon_n then_o i_o behold_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n can_v find_v out_o the_o work_n that_o be_v do_v under_o 17._o the_o sun_n because_o though_o a_o man_n labour_n to_o sack_v it_o out_o yea_o further_o though_o a_o wise_a man_n think_v to_o know_v it_o yet_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v able_a to_o sinde_v it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epieurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o permian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o senecâ—_n plutarch_n and_o other_o it_o be_v now_o manifest_a not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o 1_o that_o the_o world_n have_v its_o be_v from_o he_o it_o thence_o follow_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o rational_a deduction_n that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a band_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o uphold_v the_o world_n in_o its_o be_v and_o wise_o dispose_v all_o event_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n to_o assert_v a_o deity_n and_o deny_v providence_n and_o in_o nothing_o do_v epicurus_n more_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o puerility_n of_o his_o judgement_n then_o in_o this_o indeed_o if_o epicurus_n have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o assert_v a_o deity_n than_o as_o many_o ancient_a philosopher_n imagine_v to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o direct_a atheism_n and_o yet_o to_o take_v away_o all_o foundation_n of_o religion_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v to_o serve_v his_o hypothesis_n well_o though_o he_o do_v assert_v the_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n which_o he_o call_v god_n while_o yet_o he_o make_v he_o sit_v as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o elbow_n fold_v up_o in_o the_o heaven_n and_o take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a action_n for_o he_o well_o know_v that_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v once_o root_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n the_o thought_n of_o a_o excellent_a be_v above_o the_o heaven_n will_v have_v no_o more_o awe_n or_o power_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o the_o tell_v man_n that_o there_o be_v jewel_n of_o inestimable_a value_n in_o the_o indies_n make_v they_o more_o ready_a to_o pay_v tax_n to_o their_o prince_n for_o that_o philosopher_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a but_o power_n nor_o speculation_n but_o interest_n that_o rule_v the_o world_n the_o poor_a tenant_n more_o regard_v his_o petty_a landlord_n than_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o and_o he_o think_v he_o have_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o he_o neither_o fear_n punishment_n nor_o hope_n for_o reward_n from_o he_o whereas_o his_o landlord_n may_v dispossess_v he_o of_o all_o he_o have_v upon_o displeasure_n and_o may_v advantage_v he_o the_o most_o if_o he_o gain_v his_o favour_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o excellent_a be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v complete_o happy_a in_o himself_o and_o think_v it_o a_o impair_n of_o his_o happiness_n to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o a_o inspection_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n may_v then_o be_v indeed_o derive_v à _fw-la relegendo_fw-la but_o not_o à _fw-la religando_fw-la there_o may_v be_v some_o pleasure_n in_o contemplate_v his_o nature_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n so_o that_o epicurus_n be_v the_o first_o sound_a of_o a_o kind_n of_o philosophical_a antinomianism_n place_v all_o religion_n in_o a_o veneration_n of_o the_o deity_n pure_o for_o its_o own_o excellency_n without_o any_o such_o mercenary_a eye_n as_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n for_o their_o own_o end_n as_o they_o say_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v to_o reward_v and_o punishment_n and_o i_o much_o doubt_v that_o good_a woman_n who_o the_o story_n go_v of_o who_o in_o a_o enthusiastic_a posture_n run_v up_o and_o down_o the_o strect_v with_o emblem_n in_o her_o hand_n fire_n in_o the_o one_o as_o she_o say_v to_o burn_v up_o heaven_n and_o water_n in_o the_o other_o to_o quench_v hell_n that_o man_n may_v serve_v god_n pure_o for_o himself_o will_v if_o she_o have_v compass_v her_o design_n soon_o bring_v proselyte_n enough_o to_o epicurus_n and_o by_o burn_a heaven_n will_v have_v burn_v up_o the_o cord_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o quench_v hell_n will_v have_v extinguish_v the_o awe_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o the_o incomparable_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o spirit_n advance_v to_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a height_n in_o religion_n make_v they_o exceed_o value_v their_o choice_n while_o they_o disregard_n what_o ever_o rival_n with_o god_n for_o it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o for_o
possibility_n of_o existence_n what_o be_v it_o then_o which_o give_v actual_a existence_n to_o it_o that_o can_v be_v its_o self_n for_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_o existent_a if_o another_o than_o give_v existence_n this_o existence_n must_v whole_o depend_v upon_o he_o who_o give_v it_o for_o nothing_o can_v continue_v existence_n to_o its_o self_n but_o what_o may_v give_v it_o to_o its_o self_n for_o it_o give_v it_o for_o the_o moment_n it_o continue_v it_o and_o what_o give_v existence_n to_o its_o self_n must_v necessary_o exist_v which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o create_v be_v so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v deny_v a_o possibility_n of_o nonexistence_n or_o annihilation_n in_o a_o creature_n which_o follow_v upon_o necessity_n of_o existence_n or_o else_o we_o must_v assert_v that_o the_o duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o its_o be_v do_v immediate_o depend_v on_o divine_a providence_n and_o conservation_n which_o be_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o frequency_n say_v to_o be_v a_o continue_a creation_n but_o yet_o further_o be_v a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n necessary_a to_o put_v thing_n into_o that_o order_n they_o be_v in_o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessary_a for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n when_o set_v in_o motion_n shall_v either_o bring_v thing_n into_o that_o exquisite_a order_n and_o dependence_n which_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v upon_o each_o other_o much_o less_o that_o by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o that_o first_o motion_n all_o thing_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o perpetual_a motion_n be_v yet_o one_o of_o the_o desiderata_fw-la of_o the_o world_n the_o most_o exquisite_a mechanism_n can_v put_v a_o engine_n beyond_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v look_v after_o can_v we_o then_o think_v this_o dull_a unactive_a matter_n mere_o by_o the_o force_n of_o its_o first_o motion_n shall_v be_v able_a still_o to_o produce_v the_o effect_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o tumble_v at_o least_o by_o degree_n into_o its_o pristine_a chaos_n it_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n i_o grant_v which_o give_v that_o first_o moâ—ion_n but_o that_o it_o give_v power_n to_o continue_v that_o motion_n till_o the_o constagration_n of_o the_o world_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v prove_v some_o therefore_o find_v that_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n matter_n will_v not_o serve_v for_o all_o the_o note_a and_o common_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o the_o world_n have_v call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o nature_n which_o may_v serve_v instead_o of_o a_o man-midwife_n to_o matter_n to_o help_v she_o in_o her_o production_n of_o thing_n or_o as_o though_o god_n have_v a_o plurality_n of_o world_n to_o look_v after_o they_o have_v take_v care_n to_o substitute_v he_o a_o vicar_n in_o this_o which_o be_v this_o spirit_n of_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v rather_o believe_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v perpetual_o resident_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o power_n which_o give_v life_n and_o be_v and_o motion_n to_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o own_o providence_n especial_o since_o we_o have_v learn_v from_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v 28_o thus_o than_o we_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o assert_v divine_a providence_n 4._o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o there_o be_v two_o grand_a objection_n behind_o which_o have_v be_v the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o the_o wit_n of_o inquisitive_a man_n almost_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o one_o concern_v the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a the_o other_o concern_v the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o good_a man_n fare_v so_o hard_o in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o bad_a triumph_n and_o flourish_v if_o these_o two_o can_v be_v clear_v with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a vindication_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o such_o clear_a light_n and_o direction_n in_o these_o profound_a speculation_n which_o the_o dim_a reason_n of_o man_n be_v so_o much_o to_o seek_v in_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hand_n of_o providence_n which_o order_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o come_v evil_a then_o into_o it_o without_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o speculation_n of_o as_o great_a depth_n as_o necessity_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o entertain_v the_o high_a apprehension_n of_o god_n holiness_n and_o how_o far_o he_o be_v from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n so_o to_o explain_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o easy_o then_o assent_v to_o what_o origen_n say_v on_o this_o 207._o subject_n when_o celsus_n upon_o some_o mistake_a place_n of_o scripture_n have_v charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o lay_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a upon_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o thing_n which_o call_v for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v of_o difficult_a investigation_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o simplicius_n well_o begin_v his_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 34._o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o be_v well_o state_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o great_a impiety_n towards_o god_n and_o pervert_v the_o principle_n of_o good_a life_n anâ—_n involve_v they_o in_o innumerable_a perplexity_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o it_o so_o much_o then_o be_v it_o our_o great_a concernment_n to_o fix_v on_o sure_a ground_n in_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o important_a question_n in_o which_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o launch_v out_o into_o the_o depth_n and_o intricacye_n of_o it_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o any_o internal_a purpose_n of_o god_n will_v which_o be_v beyond_o our_o present_a scope_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v that_o account_n of_o it_o which_o the_o scripture_n plain_o give_v in_o relate_v the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o man_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n 2._o that_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a do_v not_o charge_v it_o upon_o god_n 3._o that_o no_o account_n give_v by_o philosopher_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a be_v so_o clear_a and_o rational_a as_o this_o be_v 4._o that_o the_o most_o material_a circumstance_n of_o this_o account_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o 1._o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a we_o be_v bind_v without_o hesitation_n to_o yield_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o in_o their_o plain_a and_o direct_a affirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n of_o suspending_a assent_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n but_o the_o want_n of_o certain_a evidence_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o no._n no_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o numerous_a controversy_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n especial_o to_o those_o bold_a dispute_n concern_v the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o god_n decree_n if_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a assertion_n of_o scripture_n be_v make_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a and_o can_v man_n but_o rest_n content_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o it_o which_o on_o that_o account_n be_v write_v with_o all_o imaginable_a perspicuity_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o moment_n of_o all_o other_o controversy_n be_v judge_v by_o their_o reference_n to_o these_o there_o will_v be_v few_o controversy_n and_o more_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n now_o there_o be_v two_o grand_a principle_n which_o concern_v man_n eternal_a condition_n of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o great_a certainty_n from_o scripture_n and_o on_o which_o we_o may_v with_o safety_n rely_v without_o perplex_v our_o mind_n about_o those_o more_o nice_a and_o subtle_a speculation_n
from_o eternity_n together_o with_o matter_n it_o must_v necessary_o exist_v as_o matter_n do_v and_o so_o evil_a will_v be_v invincible_a and_o unavoidable_a in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o once_o grant_v render_v religion_n useless_a make_v god_n command_n unrighteous_a and_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 3._o this_o opinion_n make_v god_n not_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o good_a while_o it_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n 3._o for_o either_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o evil_a in_o this_o eternal_a matter_n or_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a if_o nothing_o else_o but_o evil_a which_o do_v necessary_o exist_v it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o produce_v good_a out_o of_o it_o as_o to_o annihilate_v the_o necessary_o existent_a matter_n if_o thâ—re_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n they_o be_v both_o there_o either_o necessary_o or_o contingent_o how_o can_v either_o of_o they_o be_v contingent_o in_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v necessary_o existent_a and_o no_o free_a agent_n if_o they_o be_v both_o there_o necessary_o 1._o it_o be_v hard_o conceive_v how_o two_o such_o contrary_a thing_n as_o good_a and_o evil_n shall_v both_o necessary_o be_v in_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n 2._o then_o god_n be_v no_o more_o the_o author_n of_o good_a then_o of_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v the_o authâ—r_n of_o evil_a because_o it_o come_v from_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o appear_v good_a do_v too_o and_o so_o god_n according_a to_o this_o opinion_n be_v no_o more_o the_o author_n of_o good_a than_o he_o be_v of_o evil_a but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o good_a be_v not_o in_o matter_n but_o god_n produce_v that_o out_o of_o nothing_o then_o i_o reply_v 1._o if_o god_n do_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o nothing_o why_o do_v he_o not_o produce_v matter_n out_o of_o nothing_o too_o iâ—_n he_o be_v so_o powerful_a as_o to_o do_v the_o one_o there_o can_v be_v no_o de_fw-la ect_fw-la of_o power_n as_o to_o the_o other_o what_o insufficiency_n be_v there_o in_o god_n nature_n for_o produce_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o if_o he_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o 2._o if_o god_n do_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a why_o can_v he_o not_o have_v remove_v all_o evil_a out_o of_o matter_n for_o good_a can_v not_o be_v produce_v but_o by_o the_o remove_n of_o some_o evil_n which_o be_v before_o that_o good_a and_o so_o god_n may_v have_v remove_v all_o evil_a out_o of_o matter_n and_o so_o by_o not_o do_v it_o when_o he_o may_v this_o opinion_n give_v not_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n for_o acquit_v god_n from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n nor_o for_o clear_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o evil_a thus_o we_o have_v now_o compare_v the_o account_n give_v of_o it_o in_o scripture_n with_o that_o give_v by_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o 13_o find_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n more_o clear_a rational_a and_o satisfactory_a than_o they_o be_v which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o more_o modern_a philosopher_n such_o as_o hierocles_n porphyry_n simplicius_n and_o other_o though_o otherwise_o great_a opposer_n of_o christianity_n do_v yet_o in_o this_o side_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o attribute_v the_o original_n of_o evil_n not_o to_o matter_n but_o to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o whoever_o be_v serious_o conversant_a with_o the_o write_n of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o sacred_a succâ—ssion_n out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o ammonius_n at_o alexandria_n such_o as_o plotinus_n porphyrius_n jamblichus_n and_o hierocles_n will_v find_v they_o wriâ—â—_n in_o a_o high_a strain_n concern_v many_o weighty_a and_o important_a 〈◊〉_d as_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n soul_n from_o god_n and_o tâ—e_v way_n of_o the_o soul_n return_v to_o he_o than_o the_o most_o sublime_a of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n have_v do_v which_o speculation_n of_o they_o no_o doubt_n arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n as_o of_o that_o great_a restorer_n oâ—_n philosophy_n ammonius_n of_o alexandria_n who_o sâ—bolars_n herâ—nnius_n origen_n and_o plotinus_n be_v who_o live_v and_o die_v a_o â—hristian_n as_o eusebius_n and_o hierom_n assure_v we_o whatever_o porphyrius_n suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a do_v 6._o communicate_v to_o his_o scholar_n the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o divine_a reuâ—lâ—tion_n together_o wâ—â—h_v the_o speculation_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n which_o holstenius_fw-la conceive_v he_o do_v with_o a_o adjuration_n oâ—_n secrecy_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o porphyrius_n himself_o acknowledge_v that_o those_o three_o scholar_n of_o ammonius_n herennius_n origen_n and_o plâ—tinus_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o each_o other_o not_o to_o reveal_v and_o discover_v though_o it_o be_v after_o violate_v by_o they_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o conceive_v what_o a_o excellent_a improvement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o ancient_a platonic_a philosophy_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o one_o who_o be_v so_o well_o verse_v in_o both_o of_o they_o as_o ammonius_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v and_o how_o agreeable_a and_o become_a will_v that_o philosophy_n seem_v which_o have_v only_o its_o rise_n from_o plato_n but_o its_o height_n and_o improvement_n from_o those_o rich_a and_o true_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v inlay_v with_o they_o the_o want_n of_o observe_v this_o viz._n whence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o excellent_a discourse_n in_o the_o late_a platonist_n have_v their_o true_a original_n have_v give_v occasion_n to_o several_a mistake_n among_o learned_a man_n as_o first_o the_o over_o value_v of_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n as_o though_o in_o many_o of_o the_o discourse_n and_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o seem_v to_o some_o who_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o philosophy_n then_o the_o scripture_n to_o outgo_v what_o be_v discover_v therein_o concern_v the_o same_o thing_n a_o most_o groundless_a and_o unworthy_a censure_n when_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a and_o may_v be_v large_o manifest_v be_v it_o here_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n that_o whatever_o be_v true_o generous_a and_o noble_a in_o the_o sublimest_n discourse_n of_o the_o platonist_n have_v not_o only_o its_o primitive_a rise_n but_o its_o accession_n and_o improvement_n from_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o it_o be_v still_o contain_v in_o its_o native_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n without_o those_o painting_n and_o impure_a mixture_n which_o the_o suâ—â—â—mest_a truth_n be_v corrupt_v with_o in_o the_o platonic_a writing_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v though_o these_o philosopher_n grow_v â—â—ddenly_o rich_a through_o the_o spoil_n they_o have_v take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v know_v from_o whence_o they_o have_v they_o and_o will_v seem_v to_o have_v have_v that_o out_o of_o their_o own_o garden_n which_o be_v only_o transplant_v from_o the_o sacred_a write_n therefore_o we_o find_v they_o not_o mention_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n without_o some_o contempt_n of_o its_o meanness_n and_o simplicity_n &_o what_o ever_o improvement_n they_o have_v gain_v by_o they_o they_o will_v have_v it_o less_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o profess_v their_o opposition_n to_o the_o christian_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o those_o great_a philosopher_n porphyrius_n jamblichus_n hierocles_n simplicius_n and_o oâ—hers_n it_o be_v their_o design_n to_o take_v so_o much_o and_o no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o they_o can_v well_o suit_n with_o their_o platonic_a notion_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o so_o disguise_v the_o face_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o steal_v that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o right_a owner_n of_o they_o to_o know_v they_o again_o which_o be_v the_o grand_a artifice_n of_o their_o great_a master_n plato_n who_o doubtless_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o abode_n and_o acquaintance_n in_o egypt_n about_o the_o time_n when_o the_o jew_n begin_v to_o flock_n thither_o have_v more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o many_o truth_n of_o grand_a importance_n concern_v the_o deity_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n than_o many_o other_o greek_a philosopher_n have_v but_o yet_o therein_o lay_v his_o great_a fault_n that_o he_o wrap_v up_o and_o disguise_v his_o notion_n in_o such_o a_o fabulous_a and_o ambiguous_a manner_n that_o partly_o it_o may_v be_v less_o know_v from_o whence_o he_o have_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v find_v better_a entertainment_n among_o the_o greek_n than_o they_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v in_o their_o plain_a and_o native_a dress_n which_o plato_n himself_o seem_v somewhere_o to_o intimate_v when_o he_o say_v that_o what_o
one_o to_o reach_v unless_o he_o be_v a_o mountainer_n bear_v any_o other_o will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o ascend_v above_o six_o furlong_n perpendicular_a for_o in_o the_o ascent_n of_o a_o mountain_n every_o pace_n do_v reach_v but_o to_o a_o hand_n breadth_n perpendicular_a but_o if_o we_o do_v allow_v eight_o furlong_n to_o a_o day_n ascent_n yet_o thereby_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o high_a mountain_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o above_o twenty_o four_o furlong_n in_o height_n since_o they_o may_v be_v ascend_v in_o three_o day_n time_n and_o it_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n caucasus_n that_o it_o may_v be_v ascend_v in_o less_o than_o the_o compass_n of_o three_o day_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v much_o above_o two_o mile_n in_o height_n which_o may_v be_v the_o easy_a believe_v of_o any_o other_o mountain_n when_o that_o which_o be_v repute_v the_o high_a of_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o pike_n of_o teneriffe_n which_o the_o inhabitant_n call_v pica_n de_fw-fr terraria_n may_v be_v ascend_v in_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n viz._n three_o day_n for_o in_o the_o month_n of_o july_n and_o august_n which_o be_v the_o only_a month_n in_o which_o man_n can_v ascend_v it_o because_o all_o other_o time_n of_o the_o year_n snow_n lie_v upon_o it_o although_o neither_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o teneriffe_n nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o 3_o canary_n island_n there_o be_v snow_n ever_o see_v the_o inhabitant_n than_o ascend_v to_o the_o top_n of_o it_o in_o three_o day_n time_n which_o top_n of_o it_o be_v not_o pyramidal_a but_o plain_n from_o whence_o they_o gather_v some_o sulphureous_a stone_n which_o be_v carry_v in_o great_a quantity_n into_o spain_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o eight_o furlong_n to_o a_o day_n journey_n this_o pike_n of_o teneriffe_n will_v not_o exceed_v the_o height_n of_o a_o german_a mile_n perpendicular_a as_o varenius_n confess_v than_o which_o he_o think_v likewise_o that_o no_o mountain_n in_o the_o world_n be_v high_a for_o what_o pliny_n speak_v of_o the_o alps_n be_v fifty_o mile_n in_o height_n must_v be_v understand_v not_o perpendicular_a but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o obliquity_n of_o the_o ascent_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o may_v account_v so_o much_o from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o alps_n to_o the_o top_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o the_o alps_n in_o a_o perpendicular_a line_n not_o come_v near_o the_o height_n of_o a_o german_a mile_n if_o then_o the_o high_a mountain_n do_v not_o exceed_v much_o above_o three_o mile_n in_o height_n for_o the_o spaniard_n themselves_o affirm_v that_o those_o lofty_a mountain_n of_o peru_n in_o comparison_n of_o which_o they_o say_v the_o alps_n be_v but_o like_a cottage_n may_v be_v ascend_v in_o four_o day_n compass_n we_o see_v from_o hence_o then_o far_o great_a probability_n how_o the_o water_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o general_a flood_n may_v overtop_v the_o high_a mountain_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o abyss_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n that_o the_o break_v open_a of_o 6._o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o may_v so_o much_o increase_v the_o inundation_n arise_v from_o the_o cloud_n and_o from_o the_o break_n in_o of_o the_o ocean_n upon_o the_o main_a land_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mass_n of_o water_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n for_o the_o opinion_n of_o aristotle_n impute_v they_o to_o the_o condensation_n of_o air_n in_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o of_o other_o philosopher_n ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o fall_n of_o rain-water_n receive_v into_o such_o cistern_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o be_v both_o equal_o unsatisfactory_a unless_o we_o suppose_v a_o mass_n of_o water_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o may_v be_v as_o the_o common_a stock_n to_o supply_v those_o fountain_n with_o for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a conceive_v how_o mere_a air_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o condense_v as_o to_o cause_v not_o only_o such_o a_o number_n of_o fountain_n but_o so_o great_a a_o quantity_n of_o water_n as_o run_v into_o the_o sea_n by_o those_o river_n which_o come_v from_o they_o as_o the_o river_n volga_n be_v suppose_v to_o empty_a so_o much_o water_n in_o a_o year_n time_n into_o the_o caspian_a sea_n as_o may_v suffiâ—e_v to_o cover_v the_o whole_a earth_n by_o which_o likewise_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o subterranean_a passage_n in_o the_o sea_n or_o else_o of_o necessity_n by_o that_o abundance_n of_o water_n which_o continual_o run_v into_o it_o from_o the_o river_n it_o will_v overflow_v and_o drown_v the_o world_n and_o from_o this_o multitude_n of_o water_n which_o come_v from_o fountain_n it_o be_v likewise_o evident_a that_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n can_v be_v mere_o from_o such_o water_n which_o fall_v from_o the_o cloud_n which_o will_v never_o suffice_v to_o maintain_v so_o full_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o stream_n as_o many_o fountain_n have_v especial_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o some_o assert_v that_o rain-water_n do_v never_o moisten_v the_o earth_n above_o ten_o foot_n deep_a for_o of_o far_o great_a profundity_n many_o fountain_n be_v and_o beside_o the_o rain-water_n run_v most_o upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o do_v rather_o swell_v the_o river_n which_o thereby_o run_v with_o great_a force_n in_o their_o passage_n to_o the_o ocean_n and_o do_v not_o lodge_v itself_o present_o in_o the_o earth_n especial_o if_o it_o descend_v in_o a_o great_a quantity_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o fill_v such_o cistern_n suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n especial_o in_o mountain_n which_o may_v keep_v a_o stream_n continual_o run_v although_o therefore_o we_o may_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o fall_n of_o rain_n may_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o overflow_a and_o continuance_n of_o fountain_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o great_a force_n of_o spring_n after_o continue_a rain_n and_o by_o the_o decay_n of_o many_o of_o they_o in_o hot_a and_o dry_a weather_n which_o yet_o i_o have_v rather_o impute_v to_o the_o sun_n exhale_v by_o his_o continue_a heat_n those_o moist_a vapour_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o shall_v continual_o supply_v the_o spring_n then_o mere_o to_o the_o want_n of_o rain_n and_o by_o the_o rise_n of_o most_o great_a river_n from_o such_o fountain_n which_o come_v from_o the_o foot_n of_o mountain_n where_o the_o ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o so_o hard_a and_o consistent_a a_o substance_n as_o stone_n or_o chalk_n or_o something_o of_o like_a nature_n which_o may_v help_v to_o the_o conservation_n of_o water_n there_o from_o whence_o it_o after_o run_v in_o stream_n to_o the_o ocean_n which_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o famous_a peireskius_n for_o this_o opinion_n although_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n may_v argue_v thus_o far_o that_o rain-water_n do_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o 292._o preservation_n of_o spring_n yet_o it_o can_v give_v a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o they_o which_o with_o the_o great_a reason_n and_o probability_n be_v impute_v to_o those_o subterraneous_a water_n which_o pass_v up_o and_o down_o through_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n some_o have_v fancy_v the_o earth_n to_o be_v as_o one_o great_a animal_n who_o subterraneous_a passage_n be_v like_o vein_n in_o the_o body_n which_o receive_v water_n out_o of_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o vein_n do_v blood_n out_o of_o the_o liver_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o hot_a vapour_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o vital_a spirit_n which_o be_v diffuse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o body_n through_o the_o artery_n and_o that_o as_o in_o a_o animal_n there_o be_v some_o part_n which_o upon_o the_o least_o prick_n do_v send_v forth_o blood_n and_o other_o be_v more_o callous_a where_o the_o incision_n must_v be_v deep_a before_o any_o blood_n appear_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n when_o it_o be_v open_v in_o a_o right_a vein_n we_o find_v present_o a_o spring_n of_o water_n but_o if_o we_o chance_v to_o hit_v on_o a_o wrong_a place_n we_o go_v deep_a and_o may_v find_v none_o not_o that_o water_n be_v want_v but_o we_o have_v not_o hit_v on_o the_o vein_n through_o which_o it_o run_v and_o thence_o as_o the_o blood_n with_o equal_a freedom_n and_o velocity_n ascend_v into_o the_o head_n as_o it_o run_v into_o the_o leg_n because_o it_o be_v equal_o disperse_v into_o all_o the_o part_n from_o the_o centre_n of_o it_o so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o the_o water_n to_o ascend_v into_o the_o top_n of_o mountain_n as_o it_o be_v to_o
of_o their_o ancestor_n those_o who_o recede_v from_o the_o common_a opinion_n lest_o they_o shall_v give_v advantage_n to_o infidel_n by_o attribute_v that_o to_o a_o miracle_n which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o wary_a than_o wise_a in_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o miracle_n may_v be_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v effect_v otherwise_o by_o natural_a cause_n when_o they_o be_v produce_v without_o the_o help_n of_o those_o cause_n and_o in_o a_o space_n of_o time_n impossible_a to_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v as_o yet_o prove_v how_o such_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v effect_v without_o such_o a_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o miracle_n in_o it_o and_o what_o great_a difficulty_n there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o variety_n of_o language_n then_o in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o same_o word_n i_o understand_v not_o but_o i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o family_n have_v a_o distinct_a language_n and_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o 70._o or_o 72._o as_o the_o gr._n family_n and_o as_o many_o language_n be_v now_o take_v for_o a_o groundless_a fancy_n by_o learned_a man_n as_o be_v easy_o prove_v from_o the_o divide_v father_n and_o child_n who_o family_n can_v not_o certain_o be_v without_o 68_o they_o and_o some_o suppose_a to_o be_v unborn_a then_o as_o joctans_n 13._o child_n especial_o if_o we_o say_v as_o many_o do_v that_o the_o confusion_n be_v at_o the_o birth_n of_o phaleg_n and_o joctan_n be_v his_o young_a brother_n as_o the_o jew_n general_o do_v to_o the_o last_o objection_n it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o the_o agreement_n of_o language_n in_o some_o radical_a word_n do_v not_o infer_v the_o derivation_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o persian_a and_o german_a in_o which_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v so_o many_o word_n alike_o and_o so_o by_o busbequius_fw-la of_o the_o inhabitant_n about_o 24._o taunche_v cheelsonese_n and_o so_o in_o most_o of_o our_o modern_a tongue_n there_o may_v be_v some_o word_n alike_o without_o any_o such_o dependence_n or_o derivation_n again_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o language_n of_o they_o who_o be_v at_o babel_n be_v confound_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v say_v that_o all_o noah_n posterity_n be_v there_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o that_o they_o be_v chief_o cham_fw-mi 6._o and_o his_o company_n if_o so_o then_o sem_fw-mi and_o his_o posterity_n may_v retain_v the_o language_n they_o have_v before_o only_o with_o some_o variation_n but_o this_o be_v very_o uncertain_a unless_o we_o take_v it_o for_o heber_n and_o peleg_n from_o who_o vicinity_n other_o border_a nation_n may_v make_v use_n of_o many_o of_o their_o primitive_a word_n and_o for_o the_o greek_n it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o many_o of_o their_o word_n especial_o the_o old_a baeotick_a have_v affinity_n with_o the_o hebrew_n but_o it_o be_v from_o the_o pelasgi_n at_o first_o and_o cadmus_n the_o phaenician_a afterward_o the_o old_a canaanitish_a language_n be_v if_o not_o the_o pure_a hebrew_n yet_o a_o dialect_n of_o that_o tongue_n as_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n but_o however_o these_o thing_n be_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o say_v that_o all_o mother_n tongue_n so_o call_v be_v then_o existent_a at_o that_o confusion_n but_o the_o present_a curse_n do_v divide_v their_o language_n who_o be_v there_o and_o that_o all_o division_n of_o language_n since_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o curse_n it_o be_v thus_o manifest_v what_o a_o strange_a confusion_n of_o language_n be_v cause_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v thereby_o easy_o understand_v how_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o alter_v in_o the_o world_n another_o reason_n of_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n 4._o be_v the_o fabulousness_n of_o the_o poet_n for_o these_o make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o disguise_v all_o their_o ancient_a story_n under_o fable_n in_o which_o they_o be_v so_o lose_v that_o they_o can_v never_o recover_v they_o afterward_o for_o the_o elder_a poet_n of_o greece_n be_v man_n of_o great_a learning_n then_o general_o the_o people_n be_v of_o and_o be_v conversant_a in_o egypt_n and_o other_o part_n do_v bring_v in_o new_a report_n of_o the_o ancient_a time_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o nation_n they_o go_v to_o and_o by_o mix_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o other_o together_o and_o by_o suit_v what_o be_v remain_v of_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n to_o these_o they_o must_v needs_o make_v a_o strange_a confusion_n of_o thing_n together_o and_o leave_v they_o much_o more_o obscure_a and_o fabulous_a than_o they_o find_v they_o and_o herein_o all_o their_o cunning_a and_o subtlety_n lie_v in_o put_v a_o new_a face_n on_o whatever_o they_o borrow_v from_o other_o nation_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v among_o themselves_o in_o a_o greek_a habit_n that_o the_o former_a owner_n of_o those_o tradition_n can_v scarce_o challenge_v they_o as_o they_o under_o so_o strange_a a_o metamorphosis_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o historical_a in_o the_o fountain_n whence_o they_o derive_v they_o they_o do_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n speak_v or_o as_o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o wrap_v they_o up_o under_o so_o great_a mythology_n that_o the_o original_a truth_n can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v because_o of_o that_o multitude_n of_o prodigious_a fable_n with_o which_o they_o have_v inlay_v they_o but_o as_o great_a as_o their_o artifice_n be_v in_o the_o do_v this_o we_o may_v yet_o discern_v apparent_o many_o of_o those_o particular_a course_n which_o be_v take_v by_o they_o to_o disguise_n and_o alter_v the_o primitive_a tradition_n 1._o attribute_v what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o great_a ancestor_n of_o mankind_n to_o some_o person_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n thus_o the_o thessalian_n make_v deucalion_n to_o be_v the_o person_n who_o escape_v the_o flood_n and_o from_o who_o the_o world_n be_v people_v after_o it_o and_o whoever_o compare_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o flood_n of_o deucalion_n in_o apollodorus_n with_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n may_v easy_o render_v apollodorus_n his_o greek_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n only_o change_v greece_n into_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o deucalion_n 19â—_n into_o noah_n parnassus_n into_o ararat_n and_o jupiter_n into_o jehova_n on_o the_o same_o account_n the_o athenian_n attribute_v the_o flood_n to_o ogyges_n not_o that_o the_o flood_n of_o ogyges_n and_o deucalion_n be_v particular_a and_o distinct_a deluge_n which_o many_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o needless_a pain_n to_o place_n in_o their_o several_a age_n but_o as_o deucalion_n be_v of_o the_o elder_a memory_n in_o thessaly_n so_o be_v ogyges_n at_o athens_n and_o so_o the_o flood_n as_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o remote_a antiquity_n be_v on_o the_o same_o account_n in_o both_o place_n attribute_v to_o both_o these_o because_o as_o mankind_n be_v suppose_v to_o begin_v again_o after_o the_o flood_n so_o they_o have_v among_o they_o no_o memory_n extant_a of_o any_o elder_a than_o these_o two_o from_o who_o on_o that_o account_n they_o suppose_v mankind_n derive_v and_o on_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o assyrian_n attribute_v the_o â—lood_o to_o xisuthrus_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o king_n of_o assyria_n but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n as_o deliver_v by_o alexander_n polyhistor_n and_o abydenus_n be_v such_o as_o 1._o make_v it_o clear_a to_o be_v only_o a_o remainder_n of_o the_o universal_a flood_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n so_o the_o thessalian_n make_v prometheus_n to_o be_v the_o protoplast_n the_o pelopponesians_n phoroneus_n as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n tell_v we_o who_o phoronides_n the_o poet_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o father_n of_o mankind_n 1._o this_o may_v be_v now_o the_o first_o way_n of_o corrupt_v the_o ancient_a tradition_n by_o suppose_v all_o that_o be_v convey_v by_o it_o to_o have_v be_v act_v among_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v impute_v partly_o to_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o ancient_a time_n and_o partly_o to_o their_o pride_n lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v behind_o other_o in_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n 2._o another_o fountain_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n be_v the_o take_v the_o idiom_n of_o the_o oriental_a language_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n for_o whether_o we_o suppose_v the_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o in_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n by_o the_o pelasgi_n or_o be_v
the_o indian_n be_v in_o darkness_n while_o the_o bacchae_n enjoy_v light_n which_o circumstance_n consider_v will_v make_v every_o one_o that_o have_v judgement_n say_v as_o bochartus_n do_v ex_fw-la mirabili_fw-la illâ—_n concentu_fw-la vel_fw-la coecis_fw-la apparebit_fw-la priscos_fw-la fabularum_fw-la architectos_fw-la e_fw-la scriptoribus_fw-la sacris_fw-la multa_fw-la â—sse_fw-la mutuatos_fw-la from_o this_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n with_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v but_o appear_v that_o one_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o other_o that_o the_o memory_n of_o iâ—shua_n and_o samson_n be_v preserve_v under_o hercules_n tyrius_n be_v make_v 169._o likewise_o very_o probable_a from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n other_o have_v deduce_v the_o many_o rite_n of_o heathen_a worship_n from_o those_o use_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n among_o the_o jew_n several_a other_o may_v be_v insist_v on_o as_o the_o parallel_n between_o og_n and_o typho_n and_o between_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o balaam_n both_o note_v for_o their_o skill_n in_o divination_n both_o take_v by_o the_o water_n num._n 22._o 5._o both_o note_a for_o ride_v on_o a_o ass_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v lucian_n of_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o that_o 203._o which_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o probable_a be_v that_o of_o pausanias_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v much_o puzzle_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o this_o conjecture_n which_o i_o here_o propound_v may_v pass_v at_o least_o for_o a_o probable_a account_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v no_o long_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o suppose_v do_v what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o footstep_n there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o mest_z universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n have_v thus_o large_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o passage_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o concern_v the_o history_n 1_o of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o a_o subject_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o only_a thing_n leâ—t_v in_o order_n to_o our_o full_a prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o â—hose_v matter_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a maâ—neâ—_n say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o historical_a passage_n though_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o suppose_v no_o divine_a revelation_n may_v have_v be_v know_v sufficient_o to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o man_n bâ—en_o want_v to_o themselves_o as_o to_o the_o care_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v they_o but_o those_o matter_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o be_v of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o transcendent_a nature_n such_o as_o it_o have_v be_v impâ—ssible_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o reach_v have_v they_o not_o be_v immediate_o discover_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o those_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n expect_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o we_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a authentic_a and_o infallible_a record_n of_o man_n may_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o sagacity_n of_o their_o mind_n discover_v much_o not_o only_o of_o the_o lapse_v condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o purgation_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o felicity_n but_o may_v in_o the_o general_n know_v what_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o those_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v unalterable_o fix_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o which_o way_n to_o obtain_v any_o certainty_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o recover_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v perfect_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v able_a to_o please_v god_n in_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o these_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o eternal_a bliss_n have_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v ever_o find_v have_v not_o god_n himself_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o man_n may_v still_o have_v bewilder_v themselves_o in_o follow_v the_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o hunt_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n for_o a_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n but_o can_v have_v find_v none_o unless_o god_n himself_o take_v pity_n of_o the_o wander_n of_o man_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hang_v out_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o way_n thither_o and_o by_o this_o pharos_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o to_o steer_v their_o course_n as_o to_o escape_v split_v themselves_o on_o the_o rock_n of_o open_a impiety_n or_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o quicksand_n of_o terrene_a delight_n neither_o do_v he_o show_v they_o only_o what_o shelf_n and_o rock_n they_o must_v escape_v but_o what_o particular_a course_n they_o must_v steâ—re_v what_o star_n they_o must_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n what_o compass_n they_o must_v observe_v what_o wind_n and_o gale_n they_o must_v expect_v and_o pray_v for_o if_o they_o will_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o eternal_a bliss_n eternal_a bliss_n what_o more_o can_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n ever_o wish_v â—or_a a_o reward_n to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o â—ar_o from_o deserve_v that_o they_o be_v still_o provoke_v glory_n to_o such_o who_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o duty_n then_o of_o their_o offence_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v a_o glorious_a reward_n but_o eternal_a too_o be_v that_o which_o though_o it_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o desert_n of_o the_o receiver_n yet_o it_o high_o discover_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o when_o we_o not_o only_o know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o rich_a a_o mine_n of_o inestimable_a treasure_n but_o if_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o undertake_v to_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o give_v we_o certain_a and_o infallible_a direction_n how_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o how_o much_o be_v we_o in_o love_n with_o misery_n and_o do_v we_o court_v our_o own_o ruin_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o hearken_v to_o his_o direction_n and_o observe_v his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a concern_v 2._o the_o scripture_n that_o these_o alone_o contain_v those_o sacred_a discovery_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v come_v at_o last_o to_o enjoy_v a_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n one_o will_v think_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o needless_a in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o bid_v man_n regard_v their_o own_o welfare_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o be_v happy_a yet_o whoever_o cast_v his_o eye_n into_o the_o world_n will_v find_v no_o counsel_n so_o little_o hearken_v to_o as_o this_o nor_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o general_o look_v on_o
as_o a_o matter_n trivial_a and_o impertinent_a which_o can_v arise_v but_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o ground_n that_o either_o they_o think_v it_o no_o great_a wisdom_n to_o let_v go_v their_o present_a hold_n as_o to_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o that_o which_o they_o secret_o question_v whether_o they_o shall_v ever_o live_v to_o see_v or_o no_o or_o else_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o suspense_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o send_v on_o a_o guiana_n voyage_n to_o heaven_n whâ—ther_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o be_v yet_o full_o discover_v or_o the_o instruction_n which_o be_v give_v be_v such_o as_o may_v infallible_o conduct_v they_o thâ—her_o the_o first_o though_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o sense_n fruition_n delight_n and_o further_a expectation_n yet_o to_o a_o rational_a person_n who_o serious_o reflect_v on_o himself_o and_o sum_n up_o what_o after_o all_o his_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n in_o the_o procure_n his_o care_n in_o keep_v his_o disappointment_n in_o his_o expectation_n his_o fear_n of_o lose_v what_o he_o do_v enjoy_v and_o that_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n which_o attend_v all_o these_o he_o have_v gain_v of_o true_a contentment_n to_o his_o mind_n can_v never_o certain_o believe_v that_o ever_o these_o thing_n be_v intend_v for_o his_o happiness_n for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v ever_o enjoy_v its_o full_a and_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n when_o nothing_o be_v â—ble_n to_o make_v it_o happy_a but_o what_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n able_a to_o fill_v up_o its_o large_a capacity_n and_o commensurate_a with_o its_o duration_n but_o in_o this_o life_n the_o matter_n of_o man_n great_a delight_n be_v strange_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o rational_a being_n the_o measure_n of_o they_o too_o short_a for_o our_o vast_a desire_n to_o stretch_v themselves_o upon_o the_o proportion_n too_o scant_o and_o narrow_a to_o run_v parallel_n with_o immortality_n it_o must_v be_v then_o only_o a_o supreme_a insinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v which_o by_o the_o free_a communication_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n can_v fix_v and_o satiate_v the_o soul_n desire_n and_o by_o the_o constant_a flow_n forth_o of_o his_o uninterrupted_a stream_n of_o favour_n will_v always_o keep_v up_o desire_n and_o yet_o always_o satisfy_v it_o one_o who_o goodness_n can_v only_o be_v feel_v by_o some_o tansient_a touch_n here_o who_o love_n can_v be_v see_v but_o as_o through_o a_o lattice_n who_o constant_a presence_n may_v be_v rather_o wish_v for_o then_o enjoy_v who_o have_v reserve_v the_o full_a sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o himself_o to_o that_o future_a state_n when_o all_o these_o dark_a vail_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v continual_o sun_v herself_o under_o immediate_a beam_n of_o light_n and_o love_n but_o how_o or_o in_o what_o way_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o this_o degenerate_a condition_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o god_n our_o nature_n be_v now_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a enquiry_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o we_o continual_o see_v how_o successless_a and_o unsatisfactory_a the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o have_v be_v to_o themselves_o at_o last_o who_o have_v seek_v for_o this_o happiness_n in_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o the_o large_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n wherein_o god_n have_v describe_v so_o much_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v yet_o too_o dark_a and_o obscure_a too_o short_a and_o imperfect_a to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n unless_o then_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v man_n soul_n at_o first_o do_v show_v they_o the_o way_n for_o their_o recovery_n as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o degenerate_a so_o they_o will_v be_v in_o a_o desperate_a condition_n but_o the_o same_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o do_v at_o first_o display_v its_o self_n in_o give_v be_v to_o man_n soul_n have_v in_o a_o high_a manner_n enlarge_v the_o discovery_n of_o its_o self_n by_o make_v know_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v take_v into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n again_o which_o it_o now_o concern_v we_o particular_o to_o discover_v thereby_o 3_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o way_n be_v of_o that_o peculiar_a excellency_n that_o we_o may_v have_v from_o thence_o the_o great_a evidence_n it_o can_v come_v from_o no_o other_o author_n but_o god_n himself_o and_o do_v tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o that_o incomparable_a excellency_n which_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n will_v full_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o under_o this_o threefold_a capacity_n 1._o as_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 2._o as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n 3._o as_o contain_v that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o relate_v to_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n general_o as_o contain_v in_o it_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v 2._o the_o manner_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v 1._o the_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n may_v be_v consider_v these_o three_o way_n 1._o as_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n 2._o as_o mâ—tters_n of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n 3._o as_o matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 1._o they_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v most_o know_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v and_o therefore_o that_o wherein_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v discover_v can_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v mean_a and_o trivial_a they_o must_v be_v matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n which_o the_o supreme_a ruler_n of_o the_o world_n vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v to_o man_n concern_v and_o such_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v which_o either_o concern_v the_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o make_v know_v to_o man_n their_o state_n and_o condition_n or_o discover_v the_o way_n whereby_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n now_o which_o be_v there_o of_o these_o three_o which_o suppose_v god_n to_o discover_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o high_o become_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o man_n of_o 1._o what_o be_v there_o which_o it_o do_v more_o high_o concern_v man_n to_o know_v then_o god_n himself_o or_o what_o more_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a 4._o object_n can_v he_o discover_v then_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_o which_o shall_v more_o commend_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o then_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v grow_v more_o acquaint_v with_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v more_o of_o his_o nature_n and_o all_o his_o perfection_n and_o many_o of_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o his_o act_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v by_o they_o understand_v with_o safety_n what_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n be_v as_o to_o the_o wâ—y_n of_o man_n recovery_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n we_o may_v there_o see_v and_o understand_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o order_v of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o gradual_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o his_o people_n by_o what_o step_n he_o train_v up_o his_o church_n till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v what_o his_o aim_n be_v in_o lay_v such_o a_o load_n of_o ceremony_n on_o his_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o what_o step_n &_o degrce_v he_o make_v way_n for_o the_o full_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o speak_v in_o these_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n after_o he_o have_v speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o divers_a manner_n by_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o father_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o read_v the_o most_o rich_a and_o admirable_a discovery_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n he_o use_v in_o allure_a sinner_n to_o himself_o with_o what_o majesty_n he_o command_v with_o what_o condiscension_n he_o entreat_v with_o what_o importunity_n he_o woo_v man_n soul_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o with_o what_o favour_n he_o embrace_v with_o what_o tenderness_n he_o chastise_v with_o what_o bowel_n he_o pity_v those_o who_o have_v choose_v he_o to_o be_v their_o god_n with_o what_o power_n he_o support_v with_o what_o wisdom_n he_o directâ—th_v with_o what_o cordial_n he_o
refesh_v the_o soul_n of_o such_o who_o be_v deject_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o yet_o their_o love_n be_v sincere_a towards_o he_o with_o what_o profound_a humility_n what_o holy_a boldness_n what_o become_v distance_n and_o yet_o what_o restless_a importunity_n do_v we_o therein_o find_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n address_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o prayer_n with_o what_o cheerfulness_n do_v they_o serve_v he_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v they_o trust_v he_o with_o what_o resolution_n do_v they_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o all_o straits_n and_o difficulty_n with_o what_o patience_n do_v they_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n in_o their_o great_a extremity_n how_o fearful_a be_v they_o of_o sin_v against_o god_n how_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o how_o regardless_o of_o suffer_v when_o they_o must_v choose_v either_o that_o or_o sin_v how_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o man_n displeasure_n while_o they_o enjoy_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o full_o and_o pathetical_o express_v in_o scripture_n do_v abundant_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o exuberancy_n and_o pleonasm_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o goodness_n towards_o his_o people_n which_o make_v they_o delight_v so_o much_o in_o he_o and_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o his_o displeasure_n but_o above_o all_o other_o discovery_n of_o god_n goodness_n his_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a life_n and_o eloquence_n by_o eloquence_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o artificial_a composure_n of_o word_n but_o the_o gravity_n weight_n and_o perswasiveness_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o what_o can_v tend_v more_o to_o melt_v our_o freeze_a heart_n into_o a_o current_n of_o thankful_a obedience_n to_o god_n than_o the_o vigorous_a reflection_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_n through_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o ever_o so_o great_a a_o expression_n of_o love_n hear_v of_o nay_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v imagine_v that_o that_o god_n who_o perfect_o hate_v sin_n shall_v himself_o offer_v the_o pardon_n of_o it_o and_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v it_o to_o the_o sinner_n who_o do_v so_o hearty_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 15._o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n how_o dry_a and_o sapless_a be_v all_o the_o voluminous_a discourse_n of_o philosopher_n compare_v with_o this_o sentence_n how_o jejune_n and_o unsatisfactory_a be_v all_o the_o discovery_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n well_o might_n paul_n then_o say_v that_o he_o determine_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o 2._o library_n which_o triumphant_a soul_n will_v be_v study_v in_o to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v the_o only_a library_n which_o be_v the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o cure_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o its_o malady_n and_o distemper_n other_o knowledge_n make_v man_n mind_n giddy_a and_o flatulent_a this_o settle_v and_o compose_v they_o other_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o swell_v man_n into_o high_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o this_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o true_a view_n of_o themselves_o and_o thereby_o to_o humility_n and_o sobriety_n other_o knowledge_n leave_v man_n heart_n as_o it_o find_v they_o this_o alter_v they_o and_o make_v they_o better_o so_o transcendent_a a_o excellency_n be_v there_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n crucify_v above_o the_o sublimest_n speculation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o inestimable_a benefit_n we_o enjoy_v by_o the_o 5._o scripture_n that_o therein_o we_o can_v read_v and_o converse_v with_o all_o these_o expression_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o in_o his_o own_o language_n shall_v we_o admire_v and_o praise_v what_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o heathen_a philosopher_n which_o be_v generous_a and_o handsome_a and_o shall_v we_o not_o adore_v the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o run_v over_o with_o continue_a expression_n of_o that_o and_o a_o high_a nature_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o magnify_v those_o lean_a cow_n the_o notion_n of_o philosopher_n and_o to_o contemn_v the_o fat_a the_o plenty_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v not_o far_o more_o valuable_a and_o excellent_a discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n if_o there_o be_v not_o far_o more_o excellent_a direction_n and_o rule_n of_o practice_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n then_o in_o the_o sublimest_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n then_o let_v we_o leave_v our_o full_a ear_n and_o feed_v upon_o the_o thin_a but_o certain_o no_o sober_a &_o rational_a spirit_n that_o put_v any_o value_n upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o same_o account_n that_o he_o do_v prize_v the_o discourse_n of_o any_o philosopher_n concern_v god_n he_o can_v but_o set_v a_o value_n of_o a_o far_o high_a on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o discover_v in_o scripture_n so_o be_v his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n we_o have_v therein_o record_v the_o most_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o contumacious_a sinner_n the_o severe_a denunciation_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v against_o all_o that_o live_v in_o sin_n the_o exact_a precept_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o can_v be_v desire_v more_o to_o discover_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n than_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v he_o if_o therefore_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n perfection_n design_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v as_o god_n be_v be_v a_o thing_n desirable_a to_o humane_a nature_n we_o have_v the_o great_a cause_n to_o admire_v the_o excellency_n and_o adore_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o so_o large_a rational_a and_o complete_a account_n of_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o which_o tend_v yet_o more_o to_o commend_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o full_o discover_v concern_v god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o contradict_v those_o prime_n &_o common_a notion_n which_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n concern_v he_o but_o do_v exceed_o advance_v and_o improve_v they_o and_o tend_v the_o most_o to_o regulate_v our_o conception_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v not_o miscarry_v therein_o as_o otherwise_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n so_o far_o to_o love_v themselves_o as_o to_o set_v the_o great_a value_n upon_o those_o excellency_n which_o they_o think_v themselves_o most_o master_v oâ—_n thence_o man_n come_v to_o be_v exceed_o mistake_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o attribute_v one_o thing_n as_o a_o perfection_n another_o a_o different_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o inclination_n thus_o imperious_a self-willed_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o cry_v up_o god_n absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n as_o his_o great_a perfection_n easy_a and_o soft-spirited_n man_n his_o patience_n and_o goodness_n severe_a and_o rigid_a man_n his_o justice_n and_o severity_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o humour_n and_o temper_n make_v his_o god_n of_o his_o own_o complexion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o in_o thing_n remote_a enough_o from_o be_v perfection_n at_o all_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o prize_v and_o value_n they_o suppose_v of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v in_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o eicureans_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o they_o exclude_v providence_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v and_o withal_o consider_v how_o very_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o one_o who_o real_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v of_o a_o pure_a just_a and_o holy_a nature_n and_o that_o he_o have_v grievous_o offend_v he_o by_o his_o sin_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o god_n will_v pardon_v he_o upon_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v thence_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v make_v know_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v our_o misconception_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o to_o assure_v a_o suspicious_a because_o guilty_a creature_n how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgession_n and_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o unfeigned_o repent_v of_o their_o folly_n and_o return_v unto_o himself_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v dictate_v much_o to_o we_o of_o the_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o that_o
shall_v discover_v further_o than_o god_n general_a goodness_n to_o such_o as_o please_v he_o but_o no_o foundation_n can_v be_v gather_v thence_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v offender_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n must_v alone_o be_v discover_v by_o his_o will._n i_o can_v think_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n be_v such_o itinerant_a preacher_n as_o to_o unfold_v unto_o we_o the_o whole_a counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o man_n acceptance_n with_o god_n upon_o repentance_n it_o be_v not_o every_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n can_v do_v that_o which_o the_o star_n once_o do_v to_o the_o wise_a man_n lead_v they_o unto_o christ._n the_o sun_n in_o the_o heaven_n be_v no_o parhelius_fw-la to_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n the_o best_a astronomer_n will_v never_o find_v the_o daystar_n from_o on_o high_a in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o number_n what_o st._n austin_n say_v oâ—_n tully_n work_n be_v true_a of_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n there_o be_v admirable_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o legible_a there_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n be_v not_o engrave_v on_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n if_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v on_o a_o needless_a errand_n which_o the_o world_n have_v understand_v without_o their_o preach_v viz_o that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v to_o man_n their_o trespass_n and_o have_v commit_v to_o they_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n 19_o how_o be_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o apostle_n quaere_fw-la elsewhere_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o answer_v how_o can_v man_n hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n for_o than_o they_o may_v have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n without_o 14._o any_o special_a messenger_n send_v to_o deliver_v it_o to_o they_o i_o grant_v that_o god_n long_o suffer_v and_o patience_n be_v intend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o that_o some_o general_a collection_n may_v be_v make_v from_o providence_n of_o the_o placability_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o that_o god_n never_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n be_v king_n to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o do_v good_a in_o give_v rain_n and_o fruitful_a season_n but_o though_o 36._o these_o thing_n may_v sufficient_o discover_v to_o such_o who_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o god_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o his_o great_a severity_n and_o thereby_o do_v give_v man_n encouragement_n to_o hearken_v out_o &_o inquire_v after_o the_o true_a way_n of_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n yet_o all_o this_o amount_v not_o to_o a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o do_v suppose_v god_n himself_o publish_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o indemnity_n to_o the_o world_n wherein_o he_o assure_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o true_o repent_v and_o unfeigned_o believe_v his_o holy_a gospel_n now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o inestimable_a advantage_n we_o enjoy_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o therein_o we_o understand_v what_o god_n himself_o have_v discover_v of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v sin_n upon_o those_o gracious_a term_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o these_o two_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n 2._o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o most_o faithful_a representation_n of_o â—_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o world_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o dispute_n concern_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n before_o divine_a revelation_n be_v make_v know_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v brrught_v to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o discover_v in_o a_o uncertain_a platonical_a way_n but_o with_o the_o great_a light_n and_o evidence_n from_o that_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o best_o know_v and_o understand_v they_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o full_o reveal_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n when_o every_o one_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n and_o god_n will_v call_v man_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n here_o of_o all_o the_o receipt_n they_o have_v have_v from_o he_o and_o the_o expense_n they_o have_v be_v at_o and_o the_o improvement_n they_o have_v make_v of_o the_o talent_n he_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o full_a instrument_n of_o discovery_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o condition_n which_o abide_v it_o upon_o its_o be_v dislodge_v from_o the_o body_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n discover_v as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o prospective-glass_n reach_v to_o its_o future_a state_n but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o faithful_a looking-glass_n to_o discover_v all_o the_o spot_n and_o deformity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o only_o show_v where_o they_o be_v but_o whence_o they_o come_v what_o their_o nature_n be_v and_o whether_o they_o tend_v the_o true_a original_a of_o all_o that_o disorder_n and_o discomposure_n which_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v only_o full_o and_o satisfactory_o give_v we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o this_o corruption_n in_o man_n have_v never_o be_v so_o clear_o manifest_v have_v 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condition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o the_o scripture_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n that_o clear_o reveal_v the_o way_n which_o man_n may_v have_v seek_v for_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o particular_a revelation_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o whatever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v through_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n through_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n will_v show_v favour_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v ground_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d access_n 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apprehension_n yet_o other_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o nature_n as_o origen_n bid_v celsus_n see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 135._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o which_o prevail_v most_o upon_o all_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a auditor_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n his_o book_n what_o he_o understand_v be_v excellent_a and_o therefore_o he_o suppose_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v so_o too_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o reason_n those_o can_v contradict_v our_o reason_n which_o yet_o be_v above_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n 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there_o must_v be_v a_o infinite_a space_n and_o what_o great_a ease_n to_o the_o mind_n be_v there_o in_o conceive_v a_o idea_n of_o that_o then_o of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a there_o must_v have_v be_v past_o a_o infinite_a succession_n of_o age_n and_o be_v not_o the_o understanding_n as_o easy_o lose_v in_o this_o as_o in_o a_o eternal_a be_v which_o create_v the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o course_n of_o generation_n in_o the_o world_n have_v no_o beginning_n at_o all_o which_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n than_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o succession_n be_v already_o past_a and_o if_o past_a then_o at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o we_o find_v a_o infinite_a which_o have_v have_v a_o end_n which_o be_v a_o consequence_n become_v one_o who_o avoid_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o infinity_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a thing_n beside_o if_o the_o number_n of_o generation_n have_v be_v infinite_a these_o two_o 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bestow_v these_o attribute_n upon_o a_o empty_a space_n or_o upon_o dull_a and_o unactive_a matter_n it_o can_v be_v reason_n then_o but_o some_o more_o base_a and_o unworthy_a principle_n which_o make_v the_o atheist_n question_v the_o be_v of_o god_n because_o his_o perfection_n be_v unconceivable_a when_o according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n the_o most_o puzzle_v attribute_n of_o god_n return_n upon_o he_o with_o more_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o inexplieable_a manner_n as_o the_o atheist_n must_v admit_v those_o thing_n himself_o which_o he_o reject_v the_o be_v of_o god_n for_o so_o he_o admit_v they_o upon_o far_o 2._o weak_a ground_n than_o we_o do_v attribute_v they_o to_o god_n if_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o man_n natural_a reason_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o be_v so_o infinite_a as_o god_n be_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o have_v great_a assurance_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o how_o far_o must_v the_o atheist_n go_v how_o hearty_o must_v he_o beg_v before_o his_o hypothesis_n either_o of_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n or_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v grant_v to_o he_o for_o if_o we_o stay_v till_o he_o prove_v either_o of_o these_o by_o evident_a and_o demonstrative_a reason_n the_o world_n may_v have_v a_o end_n before_o he_o prove_v his_o atom_n can_v give_v it_o a_o beginning_n and_o we_o may_v find_v it_o eternal_a à _fw-la parte_fw-la post_fw-la before_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o be_v so_o á_o parte_fw-la ante_fw-la for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n we_o appeal_v to_o his_o own_o faculty_n reason_n and_o conscience_n we_o make_v use_v of_o argument_n before_o his_o eye_n we_o bring_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n along_o with_o we_o but_o for_o his_o principle_n we_o must_v whole_o alter_v the_o present_a stage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o crumble_v the_o whole_a universe_n into_o little_a particle_n we_o must_v grind_v the_o sun_n to_o powder_v and_o by_o a_o new_a way_n of_o interment_n turn_v the_o earth_n into_o dust_n and_o ash_n before_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o imagine_v how_o the_o world_n can_v be_v frame_v and_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o beg_v leave_n to_o imagine_v thing_n to_o be_v what_o they_o never_o be_v we_o must_v then_o stand_v by_o in_o some_o infinite_a space_n to_o behold_v the_o frisking_n and_o dance_n about_o of_o these_o little_a particle_n of_o matter_n till_o by_o their_o frequent_a rencounter_n and_o justling_n one_o upon_o another_o they_o at_o last_o link_v themselves_o together_o and_o run_v so_o long_o in_o a_o round_a till_o they_o make_v whirlpool_n enough_o for_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o all_o the_o body_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o emerge_n out_o of_o but_o what_o be_v it_o which_o at_o first_o set_v these_o little_a particle_n of_o matter_n in_o motion_n whence_o come_v so_o great_a variety_n in_o they_o to_o produce_v such_o wonderful_a diversity_n in_o body_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n how_o come_v these_o casual_a motion_n to_o hit_v so_o lucky_o into_o such_o admirable_a contrivance_n as_o be_v in_o the_o universe_n when_o once_o i_o see_v a_o thousand_o blind_a man_n run_v the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n in_o at_o a_o keyhole_n without_o one_o miss_v when_o i_o find_v they_o all_o frisk_a together_o in_o a_o spacious_a field_n and_o exact_o meet_v all_o at_o last_o in_o the_o very_a middle_n of_o it_o when_o i_o once_o find_v as_o tully_n speak_v the_o annal_n of_o ennius_n fair_o write_v in_o a_o heap_n of_o sand_n and_o as_o keplers_n wife_n tell_v he_o a_o room_n full_a of_o herb_n move_v up_o and_o down_o fall_v down_o into_o the_o exact_a order_n of_o salad_n i_o may_v then_o think_v the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n probable_a and_o not_o before_o but_o what_o evidence_n of_o reason_n or_o demonstration_n have_v we_o that_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o world_n do_v result_v from_o such_o a_o motion_n of_o these_o small_a particle_n it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v so_o say_v epicurus_n what_o if_o we_o grant_v it_o possible_a can_v no_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v which_o it_o be_v possible_a may_v have_v be_v otherwise_o what_o else_o think_v epicurus_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o thing_n now_o they_o be_v such_o certain_o as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o believe_v it_o be_v once_o otherwise_o must_v therefore_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_n make_v we_o deny_v our_o reason_n silence_n conscience_n contradict_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n by_o exclude_v a_o deity_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o whence_o do_v it_o appear_v possible_a do_v we_o ever_o find_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o world_n produce_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n by_o such_o a_o concourse_n of_o
to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o difficulty_n from_o natural_a reason_n which_o will_v be_v most_o satisfactory_o do_v by_o the_o produce_v those_o ground_n from_o which_o they_o have_v resolve_v this_o question_n cur_n malisbenâ—_n &_o bonis_fw-la male_a who_o either_o have_v not_o have_v or_o at_o least_o own_a any_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o do_v concern_v the_o prosperity_n and_o impunity_n of_o wicked_a man_n which_o man_n have_v with_o moâ—â—_n confidence_n insist_v on_o oâ—_n this_o account_n because_o all_o man_n can_v not_o but_o understand_v a_o general_a reason_n of_o suffering_n by_o reason_n there_o be_v none_o who_o conscience_n can_v whole_o acquit_v they_o of_o evil_a action_n but_o why_o person_n notorious_o wicked_a shall_v live_v in_o impunity_n when_o other_o suffer_v that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a pretence_n of_o atheism_n as_o simplicius_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 223._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o such_o who_o have_v no_o ground_a belief_n of_o a_o deity_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o misery_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o tranquillity_n and_o felicity_n of_o bad_a man_n they_o regard_v not_o the_o common_a notion_n they_o have_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o tragedian_n or_o rather_o of_o aristophanes_n in_o his_o plutus_n shall_v i_o not_o dare_v to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n when_o those_o do_v prosper_v who_o have_v injure_v i_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o most_o of_o those_o who_o have_v take_v occasion_n among_o the_o heathen_n to_o question_v providence_n have_v do_v it_o upon_o some_o remarkable_a injury_n which_o they_o have_v conceive_v to_o be_v do_v to_o themselves_o and_o so_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v more_o passion_n and_o interest_n than_o any_o clear_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o inducement_n to_o it_o so_o diagoras_n resolve_v to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o atheist_n because_o the_o perjure_a person_n be_v not_o strike_v dead_a in_o the_o place_n and_o jason_n in_o seneca_n when_o he_o see_v medea_n fly_v away_o after_o kill_v his_o child_n cry_v out_o testare_fw-la nullos_fw-la esse_fw-la qua_fw-la veheris_fw-la deos._n thou_o tell_v the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o way_n where_o thou_o do_v fly_v and_o so_o claudian_n who_o large_o reason_v the_o case_n on_o both_o side_n for_o providence_n and_o against_o it_o at_o last_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o his_o doubt_n viz._n the_o long_a impunity_n of_o rufinus_n abstulit_fw-la hunc_fw-la tandem_fw-la rufini_n poena_fw-la tumultum_fw-la absolvitque_fw-la deos._n rufinus_n death_n do_v clear_v the_o god_n and_o set_v my_o mind_n at_o ease_n but_o because_o some_o carry_v it_o high_o as_o cotta_n in_o tully_n who_o deor._n reason_n the_o most_o as_o become_v a_o statesman_n in_o reference_n to_o such_o person_n who_o have_v be_v useful_a or_o hurtful_a to_o common_a wealth_n we_o may_v suppose_v there_o may_v be_v somewhat_o more_o of_o reason_n then_o interest_n in_o such_o argumentation_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o those_o discourse_n we_o may_v still_o find_v that_o the_o main_a original_n of_o this_o quarrel_n against_o providence_n be_v a_o over-high_a esteem_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o think_v they_o deserve_v better_a from_o the_o god_n then_o to_o receive_v such_o injury_n or_o undergo_v such_o calamity_n therefore_o cotta_n cry_v out_o on_o providence_n because_o such_o person_n who_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n be_v destroy_v when_o the_o enemy_n to_o it_o escape_v as_o though_o providence_n have_v be_v only_o a_o tutelar_a deity_n of_o rome_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v elsewhere_o thence_o he_o cry_v out_o if_o there_o be_v providence_n why_o be_v the_o two_o scipio_n destroy_v in_o spain_n by_o the_o carthaginian_n why_o be_v maximus_n kill_v by_o hannibal_n why_o be_v the_o roman_n with_o paulus_n ruin_v at_o cannae_n why_o do_v regulus_n undergo_v so_o much_o cruelty_n by_o the_o carthaginian_n why_o do_v not_o africanus_n die_v in_o his_o own_o bed_n nay_o say_v he_o to_o come_v near_a home_n why_o be_v my_o uncle_n rutilius_n in_o banishment_n why_o be_v my_o friend_n drusus_n kill_v in_o his_o own_o house_n on_o the_o otherside_n why_o do_v marius_n die_v in_o peace_n and_o the_o most_o cruel_a cinna_n enjoy_v so_o long_a tranquillity_n with_o many_o other_o instance_n of_o both_o sort_n but_o this_o be_v it_o which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o for_o because_o we_o hereby_o see_v how_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o questiâ—â—_n providence_n more_o out_o of_o passion_n and_o interest_n than_o ouâ—_n of_o any_o solid_a ground_n of_o reason_n let_v we_o therefore_o appeal_v from_o person_n who_o be_v particular_o 21._o engage_v by_o some_o private_a interest_n in_o those_o passage_n from_o whence_o they_o will_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n to_o such_o who_o stand_v by_o unconcerned_a and_o make_v use_v of_o the_o free_a dictate_v of_o their_o reason_n in_o these_o case_n and_o such_o person_n when_o they_o come_v to_o reason_v the_o case_n like_o philosopher_n and_o man_n out_o of_o passion_n have_v give_v satisfactory_a and_o rational_a account_n why_o god_n in_o his_o wise_a providence_n may_v sometime_o suffer_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o impunity_n when_o good_a man_n may_v go_v through_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o world_n as_o 1._o god_n forbear_v wicked_a man_n to_o propound_v the_o example_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o their_o imitation_n to_o teach_v they_o not_o to_o revenge_v their_o injury_n too_o greedy_o on_o each_o other_o this_o plutarch_n in_o that_o admirable_a discourse_n of_o he_o on_o this_o subject_n insist_o on_o as_o fr._n his_o first_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v not_o present_o punish_v wicked_a man_n for_o say_v he_o out_o of_o plato_n god_n have_v set_v forth_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n for_o our_o imitation_n and_o true_a virtue_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o god_n say_v plato_n give_v man_n the_o use_n of_o fight_n that_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o the_o exact_a motion_n which_o be_v in_o they_o man_n shall_v learn_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v comely_a and_o orderly_o and_o hate_v all_o disorderly_a and_o irregular_a motion_n for_o as_o he_o excellent_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o great_a benefit_n man_n can_v receive_v from_o god_n then_o to_o attain_v true_a virtue_n by_o the_o imitation_n and_o pursuit_n of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o he_o and_o thence_o say_v plutarch_n god_n forbear_v to_o punish_v wicked_a man_n present_o not_o least_o if_o he_o shall_v punish_v they_o he_o may_v do_v that_o he_o will_v repent_v of_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n in_o revenge_v their_o injury_n on_o each_o other_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o in_o wrath_n and_o anger_n with_o as_o much_o eagerness_n as_o they_o satisfy_v their_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n whereby_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d leap_v upon_o they_o who_o have_v injure_v they_o with_o as_o much_o sury_n as_o a_o wild_a beast_n upon_o his_o prey_n but_o man_n shall_v learn_v to_o imitate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n gentleness_n and_o patience_n whereby_o he_o give_v the_o offender_n time_n to_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o he_o have_v do_v before_o he_o do_v severe_o punish_v he_o as_o plato_n when_o his_o boy_n have_v anger_v he_o stand_v still_o a_o while_n without_o strike_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o say_v punish_v himself_o first_o for_o his_o anger_n before_o he_o will_v chastise_v the_o boy_n for_o his_o fault_n and_o archytas_n when_o he_o see_v how_o negligent_a his_o workman_n have_v be_v and_o begin_v to_o be_v very_o angry_a with_o they_o tell_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v well_o for_o you_o that_o i_o be_o angry_a with_o you_o now_o say_v plutarch_n if_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o forbearance_n in_o man_n shall_v tend_v to_o moderate_v man_n heat_n and_o violence_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o leniâ—y_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n do_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o account_v gentleness_n and_o forbearance_n to_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o divine_a perfection_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o rational_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o apprchension_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n then_o this_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v show_v his_o
goodness_n to_o all_o and_o by_o his_o forbearance_n of_o so_o many_o teach_v the_o world_n more_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n towards_o each_o other_o for_o if_o offence_n rise_v by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v no_o injury_n can_v be_v so_o great_a in_o one_o man_n to_o another_o as_o those_o affront_n be_v man_n put_v upon_o god_n by_o their_o continual_a provocation_n of_o he_o and_o if_o god_n then_o be_v of_o so_o infinite_a patience_n to_o forbear_v such_o who_o have_v offend_v he_o what_o justice_n and_o reason_n be_v there_o but_o that_o man_n shall_v express_v more_o lenity_n and_o patience_n towards_o each_o other_o so_o hierocâ—â—â—_n excellent_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a man_n imitate_v god_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o friendship_n who_o hate_v no_o man_n and_o extend_v his_o love_a kindness_n to_o all_o mankind_n of_o which_o seneca_n likewise_o somewhere_o speak_v ne_fw-fr deos_fw-la quidem_fw-la immortales_fw-la ab_fw-la hac_fw-la tam_fw-la effusa_fw-la benignitate_fw-la sacrilegi_fw-la negligentesque_fw-la corum_fw-la deterrent_fw-la utuntur_fw-la natura_fw-la sua_fw-la &_o cuncta_fw-la interque_fw-la illa_fw-la ipsos_fw-la munerum_fw-la suorum_fw-la malos_fw-la interpretes_n juvant_n the_o divine_a benignity_n extend_v its_o self_n to_o all_o even_o to_o such_o as_o affront_v and_o dishonour_v they_o and_o abuse_v the_o gift_n they_o bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o since_o there_o be_v so_o much_o truth_n and_o reason_n in_o that_o of_o plato_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o goodness_n to_o be_v like_a to_o god_n we_o see_v what_o excellent_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o thaâ—_n command_v of_o our_o saviour_n love_v your_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a and_o lend_v hope_v for_o nothing_o again_o and_o your_o reward_n shall_v be_v great_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o 36._o child_n of_o the_o high_a for_o he_o be_v kind_a unto_o the_o unthankful_a and_o to_o the_o evil_n be_v you_o therefore_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n be_v merciful_a 2._o god_n forbear_v present_o to_o punish_v wicked_a man_n to_o give_v they_o time_n to_o become_v better_o this_o the_o same_o excellent_a moralist_n give_v as_o another_o account_n of_o god_n patience_n that_o thereby_o he_o give_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o space_n to_o repent_v as_o 21._o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o for_o man_n say_v plutarch_n in_o their_o punishment_n look_v at_o nothing_o further_o than_o mere_a satisfy_v their_o revenge_n and_o malice_n and_o that_o make_v they_o pursue_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v they_o with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o eagerness_n but_o god_n say_v he_o aim_v at_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o incurable_a to_o such_o he_o give_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o time_n to_o reform_v in_o here_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o example_n of_o such_o who_o be_v bad_a at_o first_o and_o come_v afterward_o to_o be_v change_v from_o what_o they_o be_v for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o cecrops_n who_o be_v thence_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o from_o a_o cruel_a severe_a prince_n he_o become_v gentle_a and_o mild_a and_o so_o gelon_n and_o hieron_n of_o sicily_n and_o pisistratus_n the_o son_n of_o hypocrates_n who_o from_o be_v usurper_n become_v excellent_a prince_n if_o miltiades_n say_v he_o have_v be_v cut_v off_o while_o he_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o tyrant_n or_o cimon_n in_o his_o incest_n or_o themistocles_n in_o his_o debauchery_n what_o have_v become_v of_o marathon_n eurymedon_n dianium_n by_o which_o the_o athenian_n get_v so_o great_a glory_n and_o liberty_n and_o as_o he_o well_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a spirit_n do_v nothing_o mean_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o sharp_a and_o active_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o they_o can_v never_o lie_v at_o rest_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o vigour_n but_o they_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o tempest_n till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o settle_a compose_a life_n but_o as_o the_o multitude_n of_o weed_n argue_v the_o richness_n and_o softness_n of_o the_o ground_n though_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o weed_n one_o not_o skill_v in_o husbandry_n will_v not_o account_v such_o ground_n worth_n look_v after_o so_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a spirit_n usual_o bring_v forth_o no_o commenaable_a fruit_n at_o first_o which_o we_o consider_v the_o danger_n and_o hurtfulness_n of_o be_v present_o for_o cut_v they_o down_o but_o one_o that_o more_o wise_o consider_v the_o generous_a nature_n which_o may_v lie_v under_o this_o ill_a fruit_n wait_v time_n and_o leisure_n till_o reason_n and_o age_n begin_v to_o master_v these_o headstrong_a passion_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o prudent_a law_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o woman_n with_o child_n must_v be_v reprieve_v till_o the_o time_n of_o her_o delivery_n 3._o god_n spare_v some_o wicked_a man_n from_o punishment_n to_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o punish_v other_o euâ—olâ—_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o plutarch_n go_v on_o god_n spare_v some_o from_o punishment_n that_o by_o they_o he_o may_v punish_v other_o which_o he_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o tyrant_n and_o thereby_o cotta_n difficulty_n concern_v marius_n cinna_n sylla_n and_o those_o other_o cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a person_n who_o have_v usurp_v authority_n among_o they_o be_v clear_o take_v off_o for_o divine_a providence_n may_v let_v those_o tree_n grow_v from_o whence_o he_o intend_v to_o take_v his_o rod_n to_o scourge_v other_o with_o all_o god_n make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o tyrant_n say_v plutarch_n to_o commonwealth_n that_o physician_n do_v of_o the_o gall_n of_o a_o hyaena_fw-la and_o other_o hurtful_a creature_n which_o may_v be_v good_a for_o cure_v some_o dangerous_a disease_n so_o may_v the_o tyrannical_a severity_n and_o sharpness_n of_o such_o person_n be_v continue_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d till_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o political_a body_n be_v cure_v by_o these_o sharp_a medicine_n such_o a_o one_o be_v phalaris_n to_o the_o agrigentines_n and_o marius_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o oracle_n tell_v the_o sicyonian_o in_o express_a term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o city_n want_v some_o severe_a discipline_n thence_o totilas_n when_o he_o find_v what_o strange_a success_n he_o have_v in_o his_o enterprise_n call_v himself_o flagellum_fw-la dei_fw-la and_o think_v god_n raise_v he_o up_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o scourge_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o no_o doubt_n those_o strange_a passage_n of_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n which_o make_v cato_n at_o least_o dispute_v providence_n and_o say_v res_fw-la divinas_fw-la multum_fw-la habere_fw-la caliginis_fw-la when_o he_o see_v pompey_n successful_a as_o long_o as_o he_o serve_v his_o ambition_n but_o present_o overthrow_v when_o he_o stand_v for_o the_o commonwealth_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v have_v a_o high_a end_n than_o they_o look_v at_o which_o be_v to_o make_v both_o pompey_n and_o caesar_n the_o instrument_n of_o divine_a justice_n to_o punish_v the_o roman_n for_o their_o lust_n ambition_n and_o cruelty_n which_o be_v never_o great_a than_o in_o that_o age_n now_o than_o if_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v offender_n why_o may_v he_o not_o spare_v some_o to_o make_v they_o his_o instrument_n in_o the_o punish_n of_o other_o especial_o since_o after_o he_o have_v use_v his_o rod_n he_o may_v cast_v they_o into_o the_o fire_n too_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o instance_n of_o caesar_n who_o after_o all_o his_o slaughter_n and_o triumph_n be_v murder_v in_o the_o senate_n and_o that_o by_o some_o who_o have_v be_v as_o active_a as_o any_o for_o he_o and_o herein_o divine_a justice_n both_o as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o have_v be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o multitude_n of_o instance_n which_o every_a one_o read_v may_v afford_v he_o 4._o therefore_o another_o account_n why_o god_n may_v spare_v wicked_a man_n a_o great_a while_n be_v that_o divine_a providence_n may_v more_o remarkable_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o punishment_n afterward_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o of_o callippus_n who_o be_v stab_v by_o his_o enemy_n with_o the_o samd_a dagger_n with_o which_o he_o have_v kill_v dion_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o friendship_n and_o when_o mitius_n the_o argive_a be_v kill_v in_o a_o tumult_n afterward_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o a_o solemn_a show_n a_o brass_n statue_n in_o the_o market_n place_n fall_v upon_o his_o murderer_n and_o kill_v he_o there_o but_o most_o remarkable_a be_v the_o story_n of_o belsus_n record_v by_o the_o same_o author_n who_o have_v kill_v his_o father_n and_o a_o long_a time_n conceal_v it_o go_v one_o night_n to_o supper_n to_o some_o