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corrupter_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o preserver_n and_o advancer_n of_o it_o so_o much_o be_v there_o between_o a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian._n the_o heathen_n may_v suspect_v indeed_o some_o kind_n of_o affinity_n between_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ancient_a sophist_n of_o greece_n because_o of_o their_o frequent_a go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o pretend_v a_o kind_n of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o do_v but_o as_o much_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o knight_n errant_a and_o hercules_n between_o a_o mountebank_n and_o hypocrates_n that_o and_o much_o great_a there_o be_v between_o a_o greek_a sophist_n and_o a_o apostle_n socrates_n in_o plato_n euthydemus_n have_v excellent_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o those_o person_n under_o the_o person_n of_o euthydemus_n and_o dionysodorus_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o protagoras_n their_o intent_n be_v only_o like_o the_o retiaries_n in_o the_o roman_a 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world_n good_a though_o they_o find_v so_o bad_a entertainment_n from_o it_o yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o great_a suffering_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n wherein_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o far_o imitate_v they_o that_o etiam_fw-la damnati_fw-la gratias_fw-la agunt_fw-la they_o give_v the_o judge_n 46._o thanks_o that_o they_o think_v they_o worthy_a to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v in_o though_o they_o die_v for_o it_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v apprehend_v they_o discover_v so_o little_a fear_n of_o punishment_n ut_fw-la unum_fw-la solummodo_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la ante_fw-la suerint_fw-la paeniteret_fw-la that_o nothing_o trouble_v they_o so_o much_o as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n no_o soon_o as_o one_o of_o fellix_fw-la their_o number_n speak_v and_o when_o the_o heathen_n usual_o scoff_v at_o 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endure_v torment_n and_o abode_n the_o flame_n what!_o be_v they_o all_o possess_v with_o a_o far_o more_o than_o stoical_a apathy_n that_o no_o sense_n oâ—_n pain_n can_v work_v at_o all_o upon_o they_o or_o be_v they_o all_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v person_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v they_o undergo_v â—t_z be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o
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
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 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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
17._o they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n this_o power_n then_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v a_o twofold_a argument_n in_o it_o both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n when_o his_o name_n so_o long_o after_o his_o ascension_n have_v so_o great_a a_o command_n over_o all_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o that_o so_o evident_o that_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o christian_n do_v as_o it_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o satan_n so_o in_o his_o own_o territory_n yet_o then_o the_o great_a of_o his_o magician_n have_v no_o power_n to_o hurt_v the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n origen_n take_v much_o notice_n of_o for_o when_o celsus_n say_v from_o diogenes_n aegyptius_n that_o magic_n can_v only_o hurt_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o have_v no_o power_n over_o philosopher_n origen_n reply_v first_o that_o philosophy_n be_v no_o such_o charm_n against_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n as_o appear_v by_o maeragenes_n who_o write_v the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n the_o famous_a magician_n and_o philosopher_n who_o therein_o mention_n how_o euphrates_n and_o a_o epicurean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o vulgar_a philosopher_n be_v catch_v by_o the_o magic_n of_o apollonius_n and_o although_o philostratus_n disow_v this_o history_n of_o maeragenes_n as_o fabulous_a yet_o he_o that_o think_v philostratus_n for_o that_o to_o be_v of_o any_o great_a credit_n be_v much_o deceive_v of_o who_o lud._n vives_n give_v this_o true_a character_n that_o he_o do_v magna_fw-la homeri_fw-la mendacia_fw-la majoribus_fw-la mendaciis_fw-la 5._o corrigere_fw-la mend_v one_o hole_n and_o make_v three_o but_o say_v origen_n as_o to_o the_o christian_n this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 302._o this_o say_v he_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o and_o have_v find_v it_o by_o experience_n true_a that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n do_v worship_n god_n over_o all_o through_o jesus_n and_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v constant_a in_o their_o solemn_a prayer_n night_n and_o day_n be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o power_n of_o any_o magic_a or_o devil_n whatsoever_o now_o than_o if_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v then_o so_o much_o power_n over_o other_o have_v none_o upon_o the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o command_a power_n over_o the_o devil_n even_o in_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o his_o disadvantage_n not_o only_a dislodging_n he_o out_o of_o body_n â—â—t_v out_o of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o this_o power_n which_o be_v so_o efficacious_a for_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n must_v needs_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a maxim_n in_o natural_a reason_n that_o whatever_o be_v put_v out_o of_o its_o former_a place_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n be_v extrude_v by_o something_o strong_a than_o its_o self_n for_o if_o the_o force_n on_o either_o side_n be_v equal_a there_o can_v be_v no_o dispossess_v sing_v of_o either_o if_o any_o thing_n then_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o its_o former_a possession_n unwilling_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n there_o be_v some_o power_n great_a than_o his_o who_o be_v dispossess_v now_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o there_o be_v such_o malignant_a spirit_n as_o by_o many_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v willing_o quit_v their_o possession_n to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a ruin_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o power_n of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v overthrow_v the_o devil_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n wherever_o it_o have_v be_v true_o entertain_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o damn_a spirit_n now_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v it_o in_o the_o heathen_n to_o worship_v those_o for_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v if_o they_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n be_v under_o so_o great_a slavery_n to_o a_o power_n above_o they_o which_o can_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v most_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o great_a adorer_n neither_o ought_v the_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o kind_n since_o the_o establishment_n of_o 7._o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o advancer_n of_o particular_a interest_n and_o design_n make_v we_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o first_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o age_n of_o its_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o evidence_n be_v undoubted_a as_o to_o those_o first_o time_n we_o ought_v to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n as_o true_a whatever_o the_o imposture_n have_v be_v among_o those_o who_o have_v apparent_o go_v aside_o from_o that_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v so_o great_a power_n then_o second_o if_o all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o eject_v devil_n where_o christianity_n be_v own_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o imposture_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o real_a possession_n by_o the_o devil_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o dispossess_v he_o if_o the_o first_o than_o hereby_o will_v be_v see_v a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o former_a argument_n that_o where_o christianity_n be_v own_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v more_o curb_v and_o restrain_v then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o be_v much_o overrun_v with_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o latter_a the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o 10._o century_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 16._o current_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o first_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o place_n where_o paganism_n or_o gross_a idolatry_n do_v yet_o reign_v will_v bring_v in_o their_o creditable_a testimony_n how_o tyrannical_a the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v yet_o among_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o where_o careful_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v for_o retrive_v the_o ancient_a pâ—rity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n we_o ought_v to_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o be_v strong_a than_o satan_n who_o wherever_o he_o come_v to_o dwell_v do_v dispossess_v he_o of_o his_o former_a habitation_n if_o the_o second_o then_o be_v entertain_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o conclude_v all_o thing_n as_o imposture_n which_o be_v account_v dispossession_n of_o satan_n viz._n that_o he_o never_o be_v real_o dispossess_v than_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o where_o he_o be_v once_o seize_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o eject_v he_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o absolute_a and_o infinite_a power_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n great_a than_o he_o which_o be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o god_n or_o else_o that_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o tyrannize_v where_o and_o how_o he_o will_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n god_n take_v of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n or_o else_o last_o that_o those_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o such_o person_n who_o be_v arm_v so_o much_o with_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n nor_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o due_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v command_v over_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o this_o in_o the_o case_n pretend_v by_o the_o great_a juggler_n and_o impostor_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o popish_a priest_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_a that_o none_o of_o their_o own_o party_n of_o any_o great_a faith_n or_o credit_n will_v stand_v to_o vouch_v they_o and_o we_o have_v this_o impregnable_a argument_n against_o all_o such_o imposture_n that_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o by_o such_o action_n will_v give_v a_o evidence_n to_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a from_o if_o not_o in_o some_o thing_n diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o first_o delivery_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o way_n use_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o
it_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n by_o any_o real_a miracle_n for_o so_o it_o will_v invalidate_v the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o same_o argument_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a person_n be_v not_o deliver_v when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctriâ—e_n of_o christ_n be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v what_o unconceivable_a prejudice_n have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o stumbling-block_n have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o considerative_a person_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_o christian_a faith_n by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v the_o infallible_a director_n of_o man_n in_o it_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o broad-seal_a of_o heaven_n set_v only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v their_o unwritten_a and_o superstitious_a way_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o i_o once_o see_v that_o which_o i_o look_v on_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v to_o attest_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o must_v either_o conclude_v that_o god_n may_v contradict_v himself_o by_o seal_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v both_o blasphemous_a and_o impossible_a or_o that_o that_o society_n of_o man_n which_o own_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o all_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christain_n doctrine_n but_o seek_v to_o set_v up_o a_o interest_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o matter_n not_o what_o disadvantage_n be_v do_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o unworthy_a pretence_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o true_a let_v every_o one_o conscience_n judge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o have_v all_o such_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n discover_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disservice_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v such_o secret_a fomenter_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n but_o how_o far_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n may_v extend_v 17._o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o generous_a and_o primitive-spirited_n christian_n who_o out_o of_o a_o great_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v go_v among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o only_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o a_o secular_a interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n full_o to_o inquire_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o yet_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n employ_v such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n although_o there_o be_v not_o such_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a then_o as_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o force_v use_v against_o it_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o party_n in_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o yet_o disagree_v froâ—_n each_o other_o with_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o necessity_n now_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v conuâ—yed_v to_o we_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a manner_n yet_o god_n may_v please_v out_o of_o his_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o employ_v good_a man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v manifest_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v above_o the_o â—_z who_o they_o worship_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v far_o soon_o believe_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o xaverius_n and_o his_o brethren_n employ_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n than_o lipsius_n his_o virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n can_v it_o but_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n have_v more_o of_o christianity_n than_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o go_v more_o upon_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o heaven_n then_o to_o enlarge_v the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n or_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n be_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n 8._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n whereby_o christianity_n be_v first_o propagate_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n overthrow_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o power_n be_v great_a than_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v possession_n because_o he_o overcome_v he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v 22._o and_o divide_v his_o spoil_n i_o e._n dispossess_v he_o of_o man_n body_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n silence_v his_o oracle_n nonplus_v his_o magician_n and_o at_o last_o when_o christianity_n have_v overcome_v by_o suffering_n wrest_v the_o worldly_a power_n and_o empire_n out_o of_o the_o devil_n hand_n and_o employ_v it_o against_o himself_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v because_o since_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n have_v get_v some_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n again_o by_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o mahometism_n &_o the_o general_a corruption_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n because_o such_o a_o fall_v away_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o it_o and_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v threaten_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a de'usion_n do_v not_o this_o then_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n confirm_v it_o more_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o who_o god_n employ_v in_o the_o convert_n of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v neither_o without_o some_o fair_a hope_n even_o from_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o uncontrolled_a evidence_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o christ_n will_v recover_v his_o church_n to_o their_o pristine_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n but_o withal_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o future_a felicity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o outward_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o too_o many_o so_o strong_o fancy_v but_o by_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o breathe_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v for_o if_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o ease_n and_o riches_n be_v the_o first_o impairer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o true_a glory_n can_v be_v by_o the_o advance_n of_o that_o which_o give_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o suppose_v man_n free_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o continual_a experience_n still_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n be_v subject_a to_o neither_o may_v that_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o such_o uneveness_n of_o part_n be_v now_o discover_v in_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v find_v to_o have_v his_o maculae_fw-la as_o though_o the_o sun_n have_v a_o purple_a fever_n or_o as_o kiroher_n express_v it_o ipse_fw-la phoebus_n qui_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la in_o universo_fw-it naturae_fw-la theatro_fw-la aspectabilium_fw-la longè_fw-la pulcherrimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la opinion_n 2._o est_fw-la habitus_fw-la hoc_fw-la seculo_fw-la tandem_fw-la fumosa_fw-la fancy_n ac_fw-la infecto_fw-la vultu_fw-la maculis_fw-la prodiit_fw-la diceres_fw-la eum_fw-la variolis_fw-la laborare_fw-la senescentem_fw-la i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o though_o a_o outward_a flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o purity_n for_o then_o the_o way_n to_o refine_v it_o be_v to_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o persecution_n but_o that_o
conviction_n shall_v stick_v so_o fast_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o will_v fain_o pull_v out_o those_o pierce_a arrow_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a power_n in_o they_o then_o they_o be_v mnster_n of_o and_o they_o can_v stand_v against_o the_o force_n whereby_o they_o come_v upon_o they_o nor_o find_v any_o salve_n to_o cure_v the_o wound_n which_o be_v make_v within_o they_o but_o by_o those_o weapon_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o wicked_a person_n under_o conflict_n of_o conscience_n can_v ease_v themselves_o by_o direct_a atheism_n or_o find_v reason_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o conviction_n by_o discern_v any_o invalidity_n in_o the_o testimony_n whereon_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n depend_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a truth_n in_o that_o testimony_n when_o man_n will_v fain_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o can_v 5._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o consent_n appear_v from_o the_o unanimity_n of_o it_o among_o those_o person_n who_o have_v yet_o strange_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o in_o many_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o see_v thereby_o this_o unanimity_n be_v no_o force_a or_o design_v thing_n because_o we_o see_v the_o person_n agree_v in_o this_o do_v very_o much_o disagree_v from_o each_o other_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o they_o disagree_v as_o to_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v hold_v as_o to_o these_o too_o be_v there_o not_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n then_o of_o those_o they_o fall_v out_o about_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o become_v a_o question_n among_o those_o who_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n whether_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o very_a account_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o mean_a controversy_n all_o the_o divide_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v yet_o full_o agree_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o do_v many_o great_a miracle_n that_o he_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o these_o contain_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o multitude_n of_o other_o controversy_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o man_n of_o weak_a judgement_n and_o atheistical_a spirit_n preâ—end_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o it_o when_o we_o see_v person_n which_o so_o peevish_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o about_o some_o inferior_a and_o less_o weighty_a part_n of_o religion_n do_v yet_o unanimous_o consent_v in_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o such_o whereon_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n do_v more_o immediate_o depend_v and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o infinite_o wise_a god_n may_v suffer_v such_o lamentable_a contention_n and_o division_n to_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o thereby_o inquisitive_a person_n may_v see_v that_o if_o religion_n have_v be_v a_o mere_a design_n of_o some_o few_o politic_a person_n the_o quarrelsome_a world_n where_o it_o be_v not_o hold_v in_o by_o force_n will_v never_o have_v consent_v so_o long_o in_o the_o own_n such_o common_a principle_n which_o all_o the_o other_o controversy_n be_v build_v upon_o and_o although_o it_o be_v continual_o see_v that_o in_o divide_a party_n one_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o other_o and_o man_n general_o think_v they_o can_v never_o run_v far_o enough_o from_o they_o who_o error_n they_o have_v discover_v that_o yet_o this_o principle_n have_v not_o carry_v any_o considerable_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n out_o of_o their_o indignation_n against_o those_o great_a corruption_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o the_o world_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o disow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v â—artly_o impute_v to_o the_o signal_n hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o partly_o to_o those_o strong_a evidence_n which_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o convey_v to_o uâ—_n the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n thus_o we_o see_v now_o how_o great_a and_o uncontrolled_a this_o consent_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n deliver_v down_o from_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o concern_v the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o authentical_a record_n of_o they_o and_o what_o a_o sure_a foundation_n there_o be_v for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o so_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v now_o manifest_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n 20._o of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o propagate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v the_o admirable_a success_n which_o the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n upon_o its_o be_v preach_v to_o it_o of_o whâ—ch_n no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v unless_o the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v very_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a success_n upon_o its_o first_o preach_v have_v be_v partly_o discover_v already_o and_o be_v withal_o so_o plain_a from_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o it_o in_o these_o european_a part_n that_o none_o any_o way_n conversant_a in_o the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o but_o that_o this_o strange_a and_o admirable_a success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o oppose_v by_o all_o worldly_a power_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o to_o its_o credenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o to_o its_o agenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n both_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o former_a seem_v hard_a and_o incredible_a the_o latter_a harsh_a and_o impossible_a 1._o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o world_n be_v not_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v imagine_v the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o man_n will_v be_v very_o forward_o to_o run_v after_o nor_o very_o greedy_a to_o embrace_v 1._o because_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o 1._o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o tenacious_a of_o those_o principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v suck_v in_o in_o the_o time_n of_o infancy_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n shall_v believe_v they_o but_o only_o on_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o they_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n any_o religion_n have_v against_o another_o that_o it_o come_v to_o speak_v first_o and_o thereby_o insinuate_v such_o a_o apprehension_n of_o its_o self_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o remove_v it_o afterward_o the_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v communis_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o therefore_o primi_fw-la sunt_fw-la possidentis_fw-la when_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o get_v possession_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o usual_o keep_v out_o whatever_o come_v to_o disturb_v it_o now_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o all_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o under_o paganism_n and_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a potent_a prejudice_n against_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v whole_o irreconcilable_a with_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v devote_v to_o now_o the_o strong_a the_o prejudice_n be_v which_o be_v convey_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o the_o force_n of_o education_n the_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n must_v there_o needs_o be_v in_o
seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o ever_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v see_v in_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v still_o dissatisfy_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v from_o divine_a power_n and_o other_o can_v be_v now_o the_o main_a distinction_n be_v place_v here_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o they_o bear_v any_o evidence_n to_o our_o understanding_n in_o stead_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n it_o increase_v more_o for_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o magician_n rod_n turn_v into_o scrpent_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n his_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v this_o yield_v to_o any_o spectator_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o evidence_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o the_o other_o a_o real_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o general_a discourse_n concern_v the_o formal_a difference_n of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v afford_v any_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n that_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o judicious_a and_o considerative_a person_n and_o that_o god_n never_o give_v to_o any_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o he_o give_v some_o such_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v to_o any_o this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n we_o have_v large_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o the_o end_n of_o true_a miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v when_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a this_o power_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o man_n be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o therefore_o if_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o person_n bring_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v some_o assurance_n that_o these_o miracle_n can_v not_o come_v from_o any_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n 2._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o own_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o devil_n who_o only_a design_n be_v to_o ruin_v mankind_n to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v his_o lie_a wonder_n pass_v uncontrolled_a which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v out_o as_o a_o certain_a difference_n between_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o of_o diabolical_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o act_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v produce_v strange_a thing_n either_o we_o must_v impute_v all_o strange_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o must_v be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a which_o cross_v this_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o his_o design_n and_o if_o so_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n pass_v in_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a miracle_n which_o be_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n if_o then_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n there_o must_v be_v some_o mean_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o that_o mean_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v no_o other_o in_o this_o case_n but_o some_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o when_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v some_o that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v 2._o any_o ground_n on_o which_o to_o believe_v a_o testimony_n divine_a when_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o 24._o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n how_o then_o can_v 9_o we_o fix_v on_o miracle_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a testimony_n when_o we_o see_v they_o be_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o may_v seal_v indifferent_o either_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o do_v no_o small_a disservice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o upon_o such_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n they_o give_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o infidelity_n as_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o that_o which_o yield_v so_o ample_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o once_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o any_o but_o themselves_o upon_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v true_a if_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o as_o light_v and_o fire_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o self-evidence_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v imply_v nothing_o but_o either_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n propound_v or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o the_o first_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o any_o other_o person_n any_o further_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n who_o declare_v it_o to_o have_v such_o self-evidence_n to_o he_o do_v extend_v its_o self_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o other_o and_o to_o one_o self_n it_o seem_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v the_o 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that_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a that_o new_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o church_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o chrysostome_n full_o express_v himself_o concern_v miracle_n speak_v of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a eton._n church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d miracle_n be_v very_o useful_a then_o and_o not_o at_o all_o useful_a now_o for_o now_o we_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o which_o that_o excellent_a author_n there_o full_o manifest_v in_o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n why_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v not_o now_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n austin_n speak_v where_o he_o discourse_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n accepimus_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la visibilia_fw-la miracula_fw-la secutos_fw-la esse_fw-la 25._o per_fw-la quos_fw-la id_fw-la actum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la necessaria_fw-la non_fw-la essent_fw-la posteris_fw-la because_o the_o world_n believe_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o miracle_n be_v no_o long_o necessary_a for_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o first_o induce_v to_o believe_v without_o manifest_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n for_o as_o chrysostome_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v believe_v without_o miracle_n which_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v have_v well_o express_v in_o the_o twenty_o four_o canto_n of_o paradise_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o bring_v in_o ask_v the_o poet_n upon_o what_o account_n he_o take_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o answer_n be_v probatio_fw-la quae_fw-la verum_fw-la hoc_fw-la mihi_fw-la recludit_fw-la sunt_fw-la opera_fw-la quae_fw-la secuta_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la quae_fw-la natura_fw-la non_fw-la candefecit_fw-la ferrum_fw-la unquam_fw-la aut_fw-la percussit_fw-la incudem_fw-la i_o e._n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n catechise_v he_o further_o how_o he_o know_v those_o miracle_n be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a his_o answer_n be_v si_fw-mi orbis_fw-la terrae_fw-la seize_v convertit_fw-la ad_fw-la christianismum_fw-la inquiebam_fw-la ego_fw-la sine_fw-la miraculis_fw-la hoc_fw-la unum_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n ut_fw-la reliqua_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la ejus_fw-la cente_fw-la sima_fw-la pars_fw-la i_o e._n if_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o miracle_n this_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n that_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o i_o conclude_v this_o then_o with_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quisquis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la prodigia_fw-la ut_fw-la credat_fw-la inquirit_fw-la magnum_fw-la est_fw-la ipse_fw-la prodigium_fw-la qui_fw-la mundo_fw-la credente_fw-la 8._o non_fw-la credit_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o miracle_n still_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o faith_n when_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o prodigy_n abroad_o he_o want_v only_o a_o look_a glass_n to_o discover_v one_o for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o unde_fw-la temporibus_fw-la erudit_fw-la be_v &_o omne_fw-la quod_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la respuentibus_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la miraculis_fw-la nimium_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la incredibiliter_fw-la credidit_fw-la mundus_fw-la whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o so_o learned_a and_o wary_a a_o age_n as_o that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n without_o miracle_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v thing_n so_o strange_o incredible_a as_o those_o be_v which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v that_o appear_v credible_a which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v seem_v incredible_a but_o to_o what_o end_n now_o when_o this_o divine_a testimony_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v miracle_n be_v continue_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v both_o to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n then_o the_o huge_a outery_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o ambition_n that_o church_n be_v of_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o come_n be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n 10._o of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o have_v they_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o have_v go_v about_o by_o their_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n in_o stead_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o miracle_n when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n then_o popish_a priest_n be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n as_o there_o be_v then_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o those_o miracle_n can_v be_v divine_a which_o be_v do_v now_o for_o 2._o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o uncontrolled_a divine_a miracle_n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o now_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o than_o though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n yet_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o divine_a because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o there_o be_v many_o prophecy_n which_o can_v not_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n but_o under_o a_o new_a state_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n that_o now_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a respect_n only_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o further_a revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o now_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n or_o miracle_n and_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v by_o any_o person_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o under_o the_o law_n after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n its_o self_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n the_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n if_o there_o arise_v 3._o among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o after_o the_o true_a doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a miracle_n god_n may_v give_v the_o devil_n or_o false_a prophet_n power_n to_o work_v if_o not_o real_a miracle_n yet_o such_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v by_o the_o thing_n themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o no_o and_o
destruction_n of_o soul_n 2._o the_o devil_n great_a design_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o all_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n which_o the_o more_o recondite_v and_o hide_a they_o be_v the_o great_a wickedness_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v to_o purpose_n mystery_n of_o iniquity_n but_o now_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o great_a purity_n both_o of_o heart_n and_o life_n there_o be_v in_o no_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n either_o such_o incomparable_a precept_n of_o holiness_n or_o such_o encourage_v promise_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o as_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o help_v man_n here_o or_o such_o prevail_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n the_o excellent_a pattern_n we_o have_v to_o follow_v in_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n now_o these_o thing_n make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o 3._o the_o design_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o set_v god_n and_o mankind_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o each_o other_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o near_o together_o the_o devil_n first_o tempt_v to_o sin_n and_o then_o for_o sin_n he_o make_v man_n presume_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o despair_v because_o they_o have_v sin_v christ_n first_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o his_o precept_n and_o threaten_n and_o then_o suppose_v sin_n encourage_v they_o to_o repent_v with_o hope_n of_o pardon_n procure_v by_o himself_o for_o all_o true_o penitent_a and_o believe_a sinner_n thus_o in_o every_o thing_n the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v contrary_a which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v from_o no_o evil_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v from_o a_o true_o divine_a power_n true_a and_o divine_a miracle_n may_v be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v from_o false_a and_o diabolical_a from_o the_o circumstance_n or_o the_o manner_n 5._o of_o their_o operation_n there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a signature_n on_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o wrought_v by_o a_o power_n less_o than_o divine_a which_o arnobius_n etc._n well_o express_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o heathen_n potestis_fw-la aliquem_fw-la nobis_fw-la designare_fw-la monstrare_fw-la ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la illis_fw-la magis_fw-la qui_fw-la unquam_fw-la fuere_fw-la per_fw-la secula_fw-la consimile_n aliquid_fw-la christo_fw-la millesima_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la qui_fw-la fecerit_fw-la qui_fw-fr sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la vi_fw-la carâ—â—inum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la succis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la atqui_fw-la constitit_fw-la christum_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la adminiculis_fw-la rerum_fw-la sine_fw-la ullius_fw-la ritus_fw-la observatione_fw-la vel_fw-la lege_fw-la omne_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la fecit_fw-la nominis_fw-la svi_fw-la possibilitate_fw-la fecisse_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la proprium_fw-la consentaneum_fw-la deo_fw-la dignum_fw-la fuerat_fw-la vero_fw-la nihil_fw-la nocens_fw-la aut_fw-la noxium_fw-la sed_fw-la opiferum_fw-la sed_fw-la salutare_fw-la sed_fw-la auxiliaribus_fw-la plenum_fw-la bonis_fw-la potestatis_fw-la munificae_fw-la liberalitate_fw-la donasse_n he_o challenge_v the_o heathen_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o of_o all_o their_o magician_n who_o do_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v who_o make_v use_v of_o none_o of_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o observation_n in_o what_o ever_o he_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o he_o do_v be_v mere_o by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o be_v withal_o most_o become_a god_n and_o most_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o thence_o he_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o heathen_n about_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o their_o god_n which_o fall_v short_a of_o those_o of_o christ_n in_o three_o main_a particular_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v 1._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n what_o they_o do_v be_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n what_o christ_n do_v be_v with_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o sometime_o without_o it_o by_o the_o touch_n of_o his_o garment_n non_fw-la inquiro_fw-la non_fw-la exigo_fw-la say_v he_o quis_fw-la deus_fw-la aut_fw-la quo_fw-la tempore_fw-la cui_fw-la fuerit_fw-la auxiliatus_fw-la aut_fw-la quem_fw-la fractum_fw-la restituerit_fw-la sanitati_fw-la illud_fw-la solum_fw-la audire_fw-la desidero_fw-la a_o sine_fw-la ullius_fw-la adjunctione_fw-la materiae_fw-la i._n e._n medicaminis_fw-la alicujus_fw-la ad_fw-la tactum_fw-la morbos_fw-la jusserit_fw-la abhominibus_fw-la evolare_fw-la imperaverit_fw-la fecerit_fw-la &_o emori_fw-la valetudinum_fw-la causam_fw-la &_o debilium_fw-la corpora_fw-la ad_fw-la svas_fw-la remeare_fw-la naturas_fw-la omit_v all_o other_o circumstance_n name_v i_o say_v he_o but_o which_o of_o your_o god_n ever_o cure_v a_o disease_n without_o any_o adjoin_v matter_n some_o prescription_n or_o other_o or_o which_o of_o they_o ever_o command_v disease_n out_o of_o body_n by_o their_o mere_a touch_n and_o quite_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o distemper_n aesculapius_n he_o say_v cure_v disease_n but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o ordinary_a physician_n do_v by_o prescribe_v something_o or_o other_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o patient_n nulla_fw-la autem_fw-la virtus_fw-la est_fw-la medicaminibus_fw-la amovere_fw-la quae_fw-la noceant_fw-la beneficia_fw-la ista_fw-la rerum_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la curantium_fw-la potestates_fw-la to_o cure_v disease_n by_o prescription_n argue_v no_o power_n at_o all_o in_o the_o prescriber_n but_o virtue_n in_o the_o medicine_n 2._o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o person_n cure_v they_o be_v very_o few_o which_o be_v cure_v in_o the_o heathen_a temple_n christ_n cure_v whole_a multitude_n and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o revestrye_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n may_v be_v easy_o suspect_v but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o bring_v to_o he_o all_o manner_n of_o person_n sick_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o disease_n which_o be_v cure_v by_o he_o and_o these_o so_o numerous_a that_o the_o evangelist_n who_o record_v many_o of_o christ_n miracle_n which_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o the_o other_o yet_o tell_v we_o at_o last_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o many_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v not_o contain_v they_o but_o now_o arnobius_n tell_v the_o heathen_n quid_fw-la prodest_fw-la ostendere_fw-la 25._o tinum_fw-la aut_fw-la alterum_fw-la fortasse_fw-la curatos_fw-la cum_fw-la tot_fw-la millibus_fw-la subvenerit_fw-la nemo_fw-la &_o plena_fw-la sint_fw-la omne_fw-la miserorum_fw-la infeliciumque_fw-la delubra_fw-la what_o matter_n be_v it_o to_o show_v one_o or_o two_o cure_v when_o thousand_o lie_n continual_o in_o the_o temple_n perish_v for_o want_n of_o cure_n yea_o such_o as_o do_v aesculapium_fw-la ipsum_fw-la precibus_fw-la fatigare_fw-la &_o invitare_fw-la miserrimis_fw-la votis_fw-la that_o can_v not_o beg_v a_o cure_n of_o aesculapius_n with_o all_o their_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n 3._o in_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o disease_n cure_v the_o cure_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v some_o slight_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o perform_v by_o christ_n the_o most_o acute_a the_o most_o chronical_a the_o most_o malignant_a of_o disease_n cure_v by_o a_o touch_n a_o word_n a_o evangel_n thought_n a_o learned_a physician_n have_v undertake_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o from_o the_o receive_a principle_n among_o the_o most_o authentic_a physician_n that_o the_o disease_n cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o incurable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o physic_n if_o so_o the_o great_a the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o cure_v they_o with_o so_o much_o facility_n as_o he_o do_v and_o he_o not_o only_o cure_v all_o disease_n himself_o but_o give_v a_o power_n to_o other_o who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o verse_v in_o matter_n of_o art_n and_o subtlety_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v miracle_n likewise_o sine_fw-la fucis_fw-la &_o adminiculis_fw-la without_o any_o fraud_n or_o assistance_n quid_fw-la dicitis_fw-la o_o mentes_fw-la incredulae_fw-la difficiles_fw-la durae_fw-la alicuine_a mortalium_fw-la jupiter_n ille_fw-la capitolinus_n hujusmodi_fw-la potestatem_fw-la dedit_fw-la when_o do_v ever_o the_o great_a jupiter_n capitolinus_n ever_o give_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o any_o i_o do_v not_o say_v say_v he_o of_o raise_v the_o dead_a or_o cure_v the_o blind_a or_o heal_v the_o lame_a sed_fw-la ut_fw-la pustulam_fw-la reduviam_fw-la pupulam_fw-la aut_fw-la vocis_fw-la imperio_fw-la aut_fw-la manus_fw-la contrectatione_fw-la comprimeret_fw-la but_o to_o cure_v a_o wart_n a_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
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 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receive_v notion_n
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put_v the_o case_n to_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o debate_v of_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o tell_v they_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o send_v i_o to_o deliver_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o i_o how_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v they_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v this_o objection_n of_o moses_n as_o favour_v of_o unbelief_n but_o present_o show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o by_o cause_v a_o miracle_n before_o his_o face_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o god_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 5._o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o it_o seem_v god_n himself_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o their_o face_n nay_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v one_o single_a miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a god_n in_o the_o immediate_a follow_a verse_n adjoin_v two_o more_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o further_o verse_n 21._o god_n give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n before_o pharaoh_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o according_o we_o find_v pharaoh_n present_o demand_v a_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 7._o 9_o which_o according_o moses_n do_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o he_o may_v suppose_v pharoahs_n demand_n not_o to_o proceed_v from_o desire_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o from_o some_o hope_n that_o for_o want_n of_o it_o he_o may_v have_v render_v his_o credit_n suspect_v among_o the_o israelite_n indeed_o after_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o people_n and_o have_v settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n deliver_v 6._o by_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v by_o 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the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o same_o miracle_n that_o the_o other_o be_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a come_n of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v foretell_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o now_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o be_o i_o certain_a the_o intent_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o that_o those_o be_v deceive_v who_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n then_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v they_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n do_v these_o miracle_n serve_v be_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 3._o but_o what_o need_v they_o any_o confirmation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n ever_o since_o be_v these_o truth_n sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v from_o god_n before_o or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o all_o former_a age_n have_v believe_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o now_o certain_o god_n who_o never_o do_v anything_o but_o for_o very_o great_a purpose_n will_v never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n mere_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n vain_a curiosity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v something_o not_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n but_o 7._o where_o have_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o anything_o not_o full_o reveal_v
convince_v they_o of_o that_o which_o they_o believe_v already_o for_o we_o never_o read_v among_o all_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v lapse_v so_o far_o as_o total_o to_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n although_o they_o do_v enormous_o offend_v against_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v main_o concern_v as_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o their_o frequent_a and_o gross_a idolatry_n which_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v as_o though_o they_o whole_o cast_v off_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o they_o superinduce_v as_o the_o samaritan_n do_v the_o worship_n of_o heathen_a idol_n with_o that_o of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o when_o the_o revolt_n grow_v so_o great_a and_o dangerous_a that_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n unless_o some_o apparent_a evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o heathen_a mixture_n and_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o establish_a religion_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o send_v his_o prophet_n on_o this_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o main_a instrument_n of_o this_o revolt_n as_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o that_o dangerous_a design_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la when_o he_o out_o of_o a_o politic_a end_n set_v up_o his_o two_o calf_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therein_o it_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o design_v not_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o worship_n itself_o but_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n for_o his_o interest_n lie_v not_o in_o draw_v of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o from_o his_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o 27._o design_n of_o cantonize_a the_o kingdom_n and_o take_v the_o great_a share_n to_o himself_o now_o that_o god_n may_v confirm_v his_o people_n faith_n in_o this_o dangerous_a juncture_n of_o time_n he_o send_v a_o prophet_n to_o bethel_n who_o by_o the_o work_n of_o present_a miracle_n there_o viz._n the_o rent_v the_o altar_n and_o wither_v of_o jeroboam_n hand_n do_v manifest_a to_o they_o that_o these_o altar_n be_v displease_v to_o god_n 2._o and_o that_o the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n so_o in_o that_o famous_a fire-ordeal_a for_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n between_o 38._o god_n and_o baal_n upon_o mount_n carmel_n by_o elijah_n god_n be_v please_v in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n to_o give_v the_o most_o pregnant_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n by_o cause_v a_o fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n by_o which_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n be_v confound_v and_o the_o people_n confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n for_o present_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o miracle_n the_o people_n fall_v on_o their_o face_n and_o say_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n whereby_o we_o plain_o 39_o see_v what_o clear_a evidence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v attest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n thus_o the_o widow_n of_o sarepta_n which_o be_v in_o the_o country_n of_o zidon_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v elijah_n to_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n by_o his_o raise_n up_o her_o son_n to_o life_n and_o the_o woman_n say_v to_o elijah_n now_o by_o this_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o 24._o thy_o mouth_n be_v truth_n so_o we_o see_v how_o naaman_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o true_a god_n by_o his_o miraculous_a cure_n in_o jordan_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o elisha_n behold_v now_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o 15._o all_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o israel_n by_o which_o instance_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o either_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o these_o person_n be_v build_v upon_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a ground_n or_o that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v a_o evident_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o they_o for_o this_o we_o see_v be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n do_v improve_v any_o of_o his_o prophet_n to_o work_v miracle_n viz._n to_o be_v as_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o so_o that_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o mere_o a_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o a_o probable_a inducement_n to_o remove_v prejudice_n from_o the_o person_n as_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n speak_v but_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n to_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n the_o truth_n of_o who_o message_n be_v attest_v both_o among_o the_o 16._o egyptian_n and_o the_o israelite_n by_o that_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v but_o herein_o we_o have_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o moses_n our_o great_a enemy_n viz_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o enmity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n be_v grow_v very_o shy_a of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o in_o so_o much_o that_o their_o great_a dr._n maimonides_n lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o confident_a maxim_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o israelite_n do_v not_o believe_v in_o moses_n our_o master_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v do_v they_o not_o the_o more_o shame_n for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v the_o more_o shame_n for_o this_o great_a rabbi_n thus_o to_o bely_v they_o but_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o it_o be_v because_o there_o may_v remain_v some_o suspicion_n in_o one_o mind_n that_o all_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o power_n of_o magic_n or_o incantation_n say_v you_o so_o what_o when_o moses_n confound_v all_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o make_v themselves_o who_o be_v the_o most_o cunning_a in_o these_o thing_n confess_v it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o at_o last_o give_v out_o as_o not_o able_a to_o stand_v before_o moses_n may_v one_o still_o suspect_v all_o this_o to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o magical_a power_n credat_fw-la judaeus_fw-la apella_n non_fw-la ego_fw-la this_o be_v much_o like_o what_o another_o of_o their_o doctor_n say_v who_o they_o call_v the_o divine_a philosopher_n that_o elisha_n his_o raise_v the_o child_n 18._o to_o life_n and_o cure_v naaman_n leprosy_n and_o daniel_n escape_v the_o lion_n and_o jonas_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n may_v all_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n or_o by_o pythonisme_n very_o probable_a but_o it_o be_v most_o true_a which_o vortius_n there_o observe_v of_o the_o jew_n nibil_n non_fw-la nugacissimi_fw-la mortalium_fw-la fingunt_fw-la ne_fw-la cogantur_fw-la agnoscere_fw-la virtute_fw-la ac_fw-la digito_fw-la quasi_fw-la ipsius_fw-la dei_fw-la jesum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la effecisse_fw-la miracula_fw-la sua_fw-la all_o their_o design_n in_o this_o be_v only_o to_o elevate_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o to_o derogate_v all_o they_o can_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o hence_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v as_o miracle_n the_o mere_a recital_n of_o the_o tetragrammaton_fw-gr will_n work_v wonder_n &_o that_o by_o this_o jeremiah_n and_o our_o saviour_n do_v all_o their_o miracle_n it_o be_v well_o yet_o that_o he_o do_v more_o than_o one_o of_o their_o own_o prophet_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o where_o i_o wonder_v do_v we_o read_v that_o ever_o the_o pronounce_v of_o four_o letter_n raise_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a who_o have_v lie_v four_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n or_o by_o what_o power_n do_v christ_n raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o can_v his_o dead_a body_n pronounce_v the_o tetragrammaton_fw-gr to_o awaken_v its_o self_n with_o but_o maimonides_n further_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v among_o the_o israelite_n be_v mere_o for_o necessity_n and_o not_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o divide_v the_o red_a sea_n the_o rain_v of_o manna_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o complice_n but_o set_v aside_o that_o these_o two_o latter_a be_v the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o not_o miracle_n do_v by_o moses_n yet_o it_o be_v evidence_n that_o the_o intent_n of_o they_o be_v to_o manifest_v a_o divine_a
of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o cheerful_o embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o cordial_o yield_v up_o its_o self_n in_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o mere_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o as_o to_o the_o production_n of_o this_o faith_n i_o acknowledge_v mere_a rational_a evidence_n to_o be_v insufficient_a because_o they_o proceed_v in_o 2d_o very_o different_a way_n the_o one_o be_v to_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o other_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o effectual_o to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o one_o therefore_o do_v no_o more_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o other_o than_o the_o say_n that_o a_o telescope_n will_v help_v we_o to_o discover_v very_o much_o of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n do_v imply_v that_o a_o blind_a man_n may_v see_v they_o if_o he_o make_v but_o use_v of_o they_o although_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v saving_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v so_o much_o rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o divine_a revelation_n that_o suppose_v reason_n to_o be_v pure_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o steep_v in_o sense_n as_o now_o it_o be_v it_o will_v discover_v spiritual_a evidence_n to_o be_v the_o most_o real_a and_o convince_a evidence_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o infallible_a testimony_n there_o be_v sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o it_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aesculapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o believe_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniack_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v of_o all_o rational_a evidence_n which_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a than_o 5._o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n for_o confirmation_n that_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v reveal_v be_v infallible_a the_o possibility_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o assert_v a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o thing_n be_v either_o at_o first_o produce_v or_o be_v still_o conserve_v which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o other_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v alter_v and_o thing_n cause_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o inferior_a cause_n for_o though_o that_o be_v a_o immutable_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o physical_a being_n that_o every_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o course_n and_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v at_o the_o creation_n yet_o that_o only_o hold_v till_o the_o same_o power_n which_o set_v it_o in_o that_o order_n shall_v otherwise_o dispose_v of_o it_o grant_v then_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v 1._o not_o of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a only_o to_o raise_v admiration_n in_o we_o because_o of_o our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n which_o be_v thence_o call_v wonder_n much_o less_o of_o mere_a juggle_v and_o imposture_n whereby_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v deceive_v but_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o either_o contrary_n to_o or_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n that_o order_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o universe_n the_o devil_n no_o question_n may_v and_o do_v often_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o may_v by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o agility_n of_o his_o nature_n perform_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o put_v they_o to_o it_o to_o find_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o real_a miracle_n if_o they_o only_o make_v their_o sense_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o such_o kind_n of_o wonder_n though_o they_o be_v but_o spare_o do_v and_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o secrecy_n as_o though_o they_o be_v consult_v with_o catiline_n about_o the_o burn_a rome_n yet_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v some_o especial_o when_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v ascendant_n to_o keep_v up_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v dispossess_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o all_o he_o than_o try_v his_o utmost_a to_o keep_v as_o many_o to_o he_o as_o may_v be_v thus_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n he_o then_o conjure_v up_o all_o the_o infernal_a power_n to_o do_v something_o parallel_v to_o keep_v possession_n of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v thus_o we_o find_v simon_n magus_n dog_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o heel_n that_o by_o his_o magic_n he_o may_v stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o people_n concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o apollonius_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n but_o his_o wonder_n be_v such_o pitiful_a thing_n compare_v with_o those_o wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o malice_n in_o hierocles_n to_o mention_v he_o in_o competition_n with_o christ._n but_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o considerable_a then_o either_o of_o these_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n by_o vespasian_n in_o egypt_n 7._o mention_v by_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n cure_v the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o man_n tell_v vespasian_n restituturum_fw-la oculos_fw-la si_fw-la inspuisset_fw-la that_o he_o shall_v receive_v his_o sight_n by_o his_o spittle_n so_o spartianus_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v cure_v of_o her_o blindness_n by_o kiss_v the_o knee_n of_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n and_o boxhornius_n have_v produce_v a_o old_a fable_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o
ignes_fw-la theophylact_fw-mi be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n become_v daemon_n and_o thence_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o daemoniack_n 28_o among_o the_o tomb_n but_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a which_o grotius_n conceive_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n do_v hover_v up_o and_o down_o about_o their_o body_n and_o that_o these_o be_v so_o long_o under_o the_o devil_n power_n which_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n believe_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o pythonisse_fw-la raise_v samuel_n on_o which_o account_n the_o devil_n to_o favour_v a_o opinion_n so_o advantageous_a to_o their_o interest_n may_v appear_v with_o great_a terror_n and_o fury_n about_o their_o bury_a place_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o those_o possess_a person_n but_o on_o whatever_o account_n it_o be_v we_o find_v it_o evident_a that_o about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n and_o some_o time_n after_o the_o true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v very_o frequent_a whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n by_o such_o frequent_a possession_n of_o person_n and_o make_v they_o do_v such_o strange_a thing_n may_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o pharisee_n raise_v their_o calumny_n that_o christ_n do_v miracle_n by_o belzebub_n because_o they_o see_v so_o many_o strange_a appearance_n cause_v by_o possess_v person_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v through_o the_o admirable_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o may_v give_v satan_n the_o great_a liberty_n at_o that_o time_n on_o purpose_n to_o heighten_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o dispossess_v of_o he_o and_o thereby_o to_o give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n that_o his_o power_n be_v of_o god_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o hence_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v so_o much_o triumph_n and_o as_o it_o be_v insult_v over_o the_o devil_n where_o ever_o they_o find_v 5._o he_o make_v he_o to_o remove_v his_o lodging_n from_o possess_a person_n by_o a_o writ_n of_o ejection_n from_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n thence_o origen_n rational_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o power_n give_v he_o from_o above_o because_o at_o his_o very_a name_n the_o devil_n forsake_v the_o body_n which_o they_o have_v possess_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o and_o he_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o even_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o christian_n without_o any_o ceremony_n but_o mere_o by_o their_o prayer_n do_v ordinary_o eject_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o man_n body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 7._o ordinary_a christian_n say_v he_o most_o common_o do_v this_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n by_o its_o word_n thereby_o discover_v the_o contemptibleness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o in_o order_n to_o their_o ejection_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o want_v any_o learned_a or_o experience_a christian._n and_o for_o this_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o challenge_n of_o tertullian_n already_o mention_v but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o almost_o all_o of_o they_o who_o have_v write_v against_o the_o heathen_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n thence_o minutius_n felix_n haec_fw-la omne_fw-la sciunt_fw-la plerique_fw-la pars_fw-la vestrum_fw-la ipsos_fw-la ouz_n daemonas_fw-la de_fw-la semetipsis_fw-la confiteri_fw-la quoties_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la torment_n be_v verborum_fw-la &_o orationis_fw-la incendiis_fw-la de_fw-la coâ—poribus_fw-la exiguntur_fw-la ipse_fw-la saturnus_n &_o serapis_n et_fw-fr jupiter_n et_fw-la quiequid_fw-la daemonum_fw-la colitis_fw-la victi_fw-la dolore_fw-la quod_fw-la sunt_fw-la eloquuntur_fw-la nec_fw-la utique_fw-la in_o turpitudinem_fw-la svi_fw-la nonnullis_fw-la praesertim_fw-la vestrum_fw-la assistentibâ—s_fw-la mentiuntur_fw-la ipsis_fw-la testibus_fw-la eos_fw-la esse_fw-la daemonas_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la verum_fw-la confitentibus_fw-la credit_n adjuratienim_fw-la per_fw-la deum_fw-la verum_fw-la et_fw-la solum_fw-la inviti_fw-la miseri_fw-la corporibus_fw-la inhorrescunt_fw-la et_fw-la vel_fw-la exiliunt_fw-la statim_fw-la vel_fw-la evanesount_n gradatim_fw-la prout_fw-la fides_fw-la patientis_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la aut_fw-la gratia_fw-la curantis_fw-la aspirat_fw-la can_v we_o now_o think_v the_o devil_n shall_v not_o only_o forsake_v his_o tyranny_n over_o the_o body_n of_o man_n but_o let_v go_v so_o advantageous_a a_o pillar_n of_o his_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o idolatroius_fw-la worship_n as_o the_o conceal_n himself_o be_v have_v he_o not_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o a_o power_n far_o great_a than_o his_o own_o so_o cyprian_n ad_fw-la demetrianum_n appeal_v to_o he_o be_v the_o proconsul_n of_o africa_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n who_o have_v write_v sharp_o against_o the_o christian_n for_o speak_v of_o the_o devil_n who_o they_o worship_v in_o their_o idol_n o_o si_fw-la audire_fw-la eos_fw-la velles_fw-fr et_fw-la 12._o videre_fw-la quando_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la adjurantur_fw-la et_fw-la torquentur_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la flagris_fw-la et_fw-la verborum_fw-la tormentis_fw-la de_fw-la obsessis_fw-la corporibus_fw-la ejiciuntur_fw-la quando_fw-la ejulantes_fw-la et_fw-la gemente_n voce_fw-la humana_fw-la et_fw-la potestate_fw-la divina_fw-la flagella_fw-la et_fw-la verbera_fw-la sentientes_fw-la venturum_fw-la judicium_fw-la confitentur_fw-la veni_fw-la et_fw-la cognosce_fw-la vera_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la dicimus_fw-la and_o a_o little_a after_o videbis_fw-la sub_fw-la manu_fw-la nostra_fw-la stare_v vinctos_fw-la et_fw-la tremere_fw-la captivos_fw-la quos_fw-la tu_fw-la suspicis_fw-la et_fw-la veneraris_fw-la ut_fw-la dominos_fw-la do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a magician_n of_o which_o there_o be_v good_a store_n extort_v such_o thing_n from_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o christian_n do_v mere_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v they_o ever_o make_v they_o confess_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o only_o in_o possess_a body_n but_o in_o their_o temple_n too_o that_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o their_o ephesian_a letter_n or_o any_o of_o their_o magical_a incantation_n do_v the_o devil_n ever_o dread_a so_o much_o the_o name_n of_o socrates_n or_o aristides_n as_o they_o do_v that_o of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n of_o which_o lactantius_n thus_o speak_v quo_fw-la audito_fw-la 〈◊〉_d tremunt_fw-la exclamant_fw-la et_fw-la urise_fw-la verberarique_fw-la testantur_fw-la et_fw-la interrogati_fw-la qui_fw-la sint_fw-la quando_fw-la venerint_fw-la quando_fw-la in_o hominem_fw-la irrepserint_fw-la confitentur_fw-la sic_fw-la extorti_fw-la et_fw-la excruciati_fw-la virtate_fw-la divininuminis_fw-la exulant_fw-la propter_fw-la haec_fw-la verbera_fw-la et_fw-la minas_fw-la sanctos_fw-la et_fw-la justos_fw-la viros_fw-la semper_fw-la oderunt_fw-la and_o even_o apollo_n himself_o at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n tremble_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o the_o pythian_a prophetess_n do_v in_o her_o great_a fury_n so_o prudentius_n tell_v we_o torquetur_fw-la apollo_n nomine_fw-la percussus_fw-la christi_fw-la nec_fw-la fulmina_fw-la verbi_fw-la apothâ—os_fw-la ferre_n potest_fw-la agitant_fw-la miserum_fw-la tot_fw-la verbera_fw-la linguae_fw-la quot_fw-la laudata_fw-la dei_fw-la resonant_n miracula_fw-la christi_fw-la to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v what_o firmicus_n say_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ecce_fw-la daemon_n est_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la cum_fw-la dei_fw-la et_fw-la christi_fw-la ejus_fw-la nomen_fw-la audierit_fw-la contremiseit_n et_fw-la ut_fw-la interrogantibus_fw-la nob_n be_v respondeat_fw-la relig_n trepidantia_fw-la verba_fw-la vix_fw-la se_fw-la colligit_fw-la adhaerens_fw-la homini_fw-la laceratur_fw-la uritur_fw-la vapulat_fw-la et_fw-la statim_fw-la de_fw-fr commissis_fw-la sceleribus_fw-la confitetur_fw-la by_o which_o testimony_n it_o appear_v what_o power_n over_o satan_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o christian_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o as_o though_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o christ_n have_v so_o great_a a_o efficacy_n in_o the_o ejection_n of_o devil_n as_o origen_n seemâ—_n to_o be_v of_o opinion_n in_o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o efficacy_n of_o name_n unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o philosopher_n but_o that_o god_n câ—ls_n may_v manifest_v to_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o name_n he_o do_v give_v a_o power_n to_o such_o as_o make_v use_v of_o it_o of_o work_a miracle_n by_o it_o and_o thence_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o some_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o christian_n but_o yet_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n through_o his_o name_n by_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n which_o may_v be_v 6._o produce_v out_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o our_o saviour_n promise_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o they_o and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v
a_o heroickfreedom_n of_o spirit_n appear_v in_o these_o word_n what_o magnanimity_n and_o courage_n be_v there_o now_o in_o that_o person_n who_o dare_v in_o the_o face_n of_o this_o court_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v well_o may_v they_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o the_o man_n who_o fear_v not_o the_o same_o death_n which_o they_o have_v so_o late_o bring_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o neither_o be_v this_o single_o the_o case_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n but_o all_o 10._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n undertake_v their_o work_n with_o the_o same_o resolution_n and_o preparation_n of_o spirit_n to_o under_o go_v the_o great_a hardship_n in_o the_o world_n sor_n the_o sake_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o preach_v and_o according_o as_o far_a as_o ecclesiastical_a history_n can_v ascertain_v we_o of_o it_o they_o do_v all_o but_o john_n and_o that_o to_o make_v good_a 22._o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n suffer_v violent_a death_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o persecute_v they_o mere_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a when_o christ_n design_v they_o first_o of_o all_o for_o this_o work_n he_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n of_o reproach_n persecution_n all_o manner_n of_o hardship_n nay_o of_o death_n its_o self_n which_o they_o must_v undergo_v for_o his_o sake_n all_o that_o he_o give_v they_o 28._o by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n be_v that_o they_o can_v only_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o not_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o shall_v fear_v he_o only_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o the_o support_n they_o have_v be_v a_o expectation_n in_o another_o world_n and_o that_o animate_v they_o to_o go_v through_o all_o the_o hardship_n of_o this_o where_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v of_o any_o such_o boldness_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o most_o know_v philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n with_o what_o saintness_n and_o misgive_n of_o mind_n do_v socrates_n speak_v in_o his_o famous_a discourse_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v by_o he_o before_o his_o death_n how_o phaed._n uncertain_o do_v he_o speak_v of_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o probability_n plato_n set_v it_o forth_o with_o all_o advantage_n imaginable_a where_o do_v we_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o great_a friend_n of_o socrates_n who_o be_v present_a at_o his_o death_n as_o phaedo_fw-la cebes_n crito_n and_o simmias_n dare_v enter_v the_o areopagus_n and_o condemn_v they_o there_o for_o the_o murder_n of_o socrates_n though_o this_o will_v be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v why_o be_v they_o not_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o inform_v the_o world_n better_o of_o those_o grand_a truth_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o they_o themselves_o why_o do_v not_o plato_n at_o least_o speak_v out_o and_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o truth_n and_o not_o disguise_v his_o discourse_n under_o feign_a name_n the_o better_a to_o avoid_v accusation_n and_o the_o fate_n of_o socrates_n how_o do_v he_o mince_v his_o excellent_a matter_n and_o play_v as_o it_o be_v at_o bo-peep_a with_o his_o reader_n sometime_o appear_v and_o then_o pull_v in_o his_o horn_n again_o it_o may_v not_o be_v a_o improbable_a conjecture_n that_o the_o death_n of_o socrates_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o academy_n i_o mean_v of_o that_o cautelous_a doctrine_n of_o withhold_v assent_n and_o be_v both_o pro_fw-la and_o con_v sometime_o of_o this_o side_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o for_o socrates_n his_o death_n have_v make_v all_o his_o friend_n very_o fearful_a of_o be_v too_o dogmatical_a and_o plato_n himself_o have_v too_o much_o riches_n and_o withal_o too_o much_o of_o a_o courtier_n in_o he_o to_o hazard_v the_o dear_a prison_n of_o his_o soul_n viz._n his_o body_n mere_o for_o a_o aethereal_a vehicle_n he_o have_v rather_o let_v his_o soul_n flutter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o a_o terrestrial_a matter_n or_o the_o cage_n it_o be_v pâ—nt_v up_o in_o then_o hazard_v too_o violent_a a_o open_n of_o it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o areopagus_n and_o the_o great_a roman_a orator_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o plato_n sentiment_n have_v learn_v this_o too_o for_o although_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o have_v many_o time_n sufficient_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o theology_n yet_o he_o know_v how_o to_o bring_v himself_o off_o safe_a enough_o with_o the_o people_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v dogmatical_a only_o in_o this_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v innovate_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v observe_v which_o principle_n have_v they_o be_v true_a as_o they_o be_v safe_a for_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v they_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v never_o gain_v any_o entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o where_o ever_o it_o come_v it_o meet_v with_o this_o potent_a prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o innovation_n and_o therefore_o be_v shrewd_o suspect_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o punish_v as_o factious_a and_o seditious_a person_n which_o be_v all_o the_o pretext_n the_o wise_a politician_n of_o the_o world_n have_v for_o their_o cruel_a and_o inhuman_a persecution_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o peaceable_a and_o innocent_a christian_n now_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o their_o go_v abroad_o so_o plain_o that_o with_o the_o same_o say_v they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v to_o be_v true_a they_o must_v believe_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n be_v it_o in_o they_o thus_o to_o encounter_v danger_n and_o as_o it_o be_v court_v the_o slame_n nay_o and_o before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o they_o must_v die_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a peregrination_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o job_n in_o pilgrimage_n encounter_v with_o peril_n and_o danger_n on_o every_o side_n of_o which_o one_o of_o the_o most_o painful_a and_o successful_a s._n paul_n have_v give_v in_o such_o a_o large_a inventory_n of_o his_o peril_n that_o the_o very_a read_n of_o they_o be_v 9_o enough_o to_o undo_v a_o poor_a epicurean_a philosopher_n and_o at_o once_o to_o spoil_v he_o of_o the_o two_o pillar_n of_o his_o happiness_n the_o quietness_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o ease_v of_o his_o body_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o hazardous_a employment_n that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n go_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o they_o very_o well_o understand_v the_o difficulty_n of_o before_o they_o set_v upon_o it_o second_o we_o 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〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o miserable_a people_n have_v not_o you_o way_v enough_o to_o 5._o end_v your_o life_n at_o hâ—me_n but_o you_o must_v crowd_n for_o a_o execution_n this_o be_v a_o high_a ambition_n by_o far_o then_o any_o of_o those_o mancipia_fw-la gloriae_fw-la those_o chamaeleon_n that_o live_v on_o the_o breath_n of_o applause_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n ever_o reach_v to_o who_o be_v as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o homines_fw-la gloriae_fw-la &_o eloquentiae_fw-la solius_fw-la libidinosi_fw-la unsatiable_a thirster_n after_o the_o honour_n and_o eloquence_n of_o 47._o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v soar_v too_o high_a to_o quarry_n on_o so_o mean_v a_o prâ—y_n when_o the_o more_o sober_a heathen_n have_v take_v a_o strict_a notice_n of_o the_o carriage_n and_o life_n of_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o
in_o his_o hand_n the_o â—rint_n of_o the_o nail_n now_o our_o saviour_n condeseend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o satisfy_v the_o incredulity_n of_o thomas_n have_v make_v it_o thereby_o evident_a that_o the_o body_n which_o our_o saviour_n rise_v from_o the_o grave_n with_o be_v the_o same_o individual_a body_n which_o before_o be_v crucify_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o we_o sin_v all_o the_o apostle_n together_o upon_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n so_o far_o from_o be_v credulous_a in_o embrace_v a_o phantasm_n instead_o of_o christ_n that_o they_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v either_o a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o a_o evil_a spirit_n which_o appear_v among_o they_o upon_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v terrify_v 37._o and_o affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n can_v not_o beat_v they_o off_o from_o but_o by_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o sense_n handle_v i_o and_o see_v for_o a_o spirit_n 39_o have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v and_o afterward_o more_o full_o to_o convince_v they_o he_o do_v eat_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o now_o the_o more_o suspicious_a and_o incredulous_a the_o apostle_n themselves_o 43._o at_o first_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n be_v it_o how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o any_o design_n of_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o what_o they_o after_o preach_v unto_o it_o and_o what_o strong_a conviction_n there_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n which_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v such_o scrupulous_a and_o suspicious_a person_n 2._o when_o many_o witness_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n nothing_o can_v disparage_v more_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o testimony_n than_o the_o counter_a witness_n of_o such_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o action_n but_o when_o all_o the_o witness_n full_o agree_v not_o only_o in_o the_o substance_n but_o in_o all_o material_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n what_o ground_n or_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o suspect_v a_o forgery_n or_o design_n in_o it_o especial_o when_o the_o person_n can_v by_o any_o fear_n or_o threaten_n be_v bring_v to_o vary_v from_o each_o other_o in_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o find_v no_o real_a dissent_n at_o all_o mention_v either_o as_o to_o the_o birth_n miracle_n life_n death_n or_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o witness_n attest_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o write_v in_o different_a place_n and_o upon_o different_a occasion_n no_o alteration_n in_o any_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n out_o of_o any_o design_n of_o please_a or_o gratify_v any_o person_n by_o it_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n not_o only_o his_o apostle_n but_o the_o people_n and_o his_o very_a enemy_n be_v witness_n of_o who_o posterity_n to_o this_o day_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o strange_a work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o for_o his_o resurrection_n it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a that_o five_o hundred_o person_n shall_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o no_o torment_n or_o death_n can_v bring_v any_o of_o they_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v the_o great_a certainty_n in_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o eye-witness_n but_o either_o from_o question_v their_o knowledge_n 3._o of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o or_o their_o fidelity_n in_o report_v they_o now_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o doubt_n either_o of_o these_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o person_n who_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v intimate_o conversant_a both_o with_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v 1._o choose_v and_o train_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o qualify_v to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n concern_v himself_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o according_o they_o follow_v he_o up_o and_o down_o wheresoever_o he_o go_v they_o be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n and_o have_v thereby_o occasion_n to_o observe_v all_o his_o action_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o unspotted_a innocency_n of_o his_o life_n some_o of_o his_o disciple_n be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o transfiguration_n other_o in_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n they_o hear_v the_o expression_n which_o come_v from_o his_o mouth_n in_o all_o which_o he_o discover_v a_o wonderful_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n now_o therefore_o the_o first_o thing_n can_v at_o all_o be_v question_v their_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v neither_o second_o be_v there_o any_o reasâ—n_n to_o suspect_v their_o fidelity_n 1_o in_o report_v what_o they_o know_v for_o 1._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n wrought_v so_o far_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o part_v with_o all_o their_o worldly_a subsistence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o although_o their_o riches_n be_v not_o great_a yet_o their_o way_n of_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n be_v necessary_a they_o leave_v their_o house_n their_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o to_o gain_v any_o high_a preferment_n in_o this_o world_n which_o have_v they_o do_v it_o will_v have_v render_v their_o design_n suspicious_a to_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a world_n but_o they_o let_v go_v at_o least_o a_o quiet_a and_o easy_a life_n for_o one_o most_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o how_o much_o they_o part_v withal_o but_o how_o free_o they_o do_v it_o and_o with_o what_o cheerfulness_n they_o undergo_v disgrace_n persecution_n nay_o death_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o man_n be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o their_o ease_n and_o life_n as_o to_o throw_v both_o of_o they_o away_o upon_o a_o thing_n which_o themselves_o be_v not_o full_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o high_a folly_n imaginable_a to_o have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o they_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v because_o all_o their_o hope_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v non_fw-la fas_fw-la est_fw-la ulli_fw-la de_fw-fr suâ_fw-la religione_fw-la mentiri_fw-la for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o say_v he_o worship_v any_o thing_n be_v side_n what_o he_o do_v he_o deny_v what_o he_o do_v worship_n and_o transfer_v his_o worship_n upon_o another_o and_o thereby_o do_v not_o worship_n that_o which_o he_o thus_o deny_v beside_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o man_n shall_v lie_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o tell_v they_o that_o those_o which_o do_v so_o shall_v not_o receive_v the_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o cordial_o adhere_v unto_o it_o nay_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o person_n if_o their_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o present_a life_n can_v we_o now_o 19_o think_v that_o any_o who_o have_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v part_v with_o all_o the_o contentment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o continual_a hazard_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v death_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o something_o which_o be_v mere_o the_o fiction_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n what_o shall_v make_v they_o so_o sedulous_a and_o industrious_a in_o preach_v such_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v say_v necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o yea_o woe_n be_v unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o 16._o gospel_n when_o yet_o they_o see_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v they_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v some_o more_o powerful_a attractive_a in_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v than_o any_o can_v be_v in_o the_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o apostle_n manifest_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o no_o other_o witness_n be_v ever_o yet_o willing_a to_o hazard_v they_o and_o therefore_o origen_n deserve_o 127_o condemn_v celsus_n of_o a_o ridiculous_a impertinency_n when_o he_o will_v parallel_v the_o relation_n of_o herodotus_n and_o pindarus_n concern_v aristeus_n proconnesius_n with_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n for_o faith_n he_o do_v either_o of_o those_o two_o
then_o these_o be_v have_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n why_o can_v not_o the_o jew_n prevail_v with_o judas_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o betray_v his_o person_n judas_n have_v do_v but_o a_o good_a work_n if_o christ_n have_v be_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v he_o be_v what_o make_v judas_n then_o so_o little_o satisfy_v with_o his_o work_n that_o he_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n upon_o it_o and_o throw_v himself_o away_o in_o the_o most_o horrid_a despair_n no_o person_n certain_o have_v be_v so_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v produce_v as_o a_o witness_n against_o christ_n as_o judas_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o with_o he_o and_o have_v hear_v his_o speech_n and_o observe_v his_o miracle_n but_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n enough_o to_o stay_v after_o that_o horrid_a fact_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n at_o that_o time_n for_o he_o when_o he_o who_o have_v betray_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sanhedrim_n when_o consult_v about_o his_o death_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n what_o possible_a evidence_n 5._o can_v have_v be_v give_v more_o in_o behalf_n of_o our_o saviour_n then_o that_o be_v when_o a_o person_n so_o covetous_a as_o to_o betray_v his_o master_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n be_v so_o weary_a of_o his_o bargain_n that_o he_o come_v and_o throw_v back_o the_o money_n and_o declare_v the_o person_n innocent_a who_o he_o have_v betray_v and_o this_o person_n too_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o know_v our_o saviour_n far_o better_o than_o any_o of_o the_o witness_n who_o afterward_o they_o suborn_v against_o he_o who_o yet_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o at_o last_o can_v produce_v nothing_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_a governor_n can_v make_v he_o judge_n christ_n worthy_a of_o death_n 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o design_n then_o any_o counterwitness_n at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v we_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o affirm_v what_o they_o do_v but_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o now_o if_o any_o among_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n have_v assert_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o it_o and_o what_o motive_n may_v induce_v they_o to_o it_o viz._n the_o preserve_n of_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n the_o uphold_v their_o tradition_n beside_o their_o open_a and_o declare_v enmity_n against_o christ_n without_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n at_o all_o for_o it_o now_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o have_v so_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o people_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v if_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a before_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o part_v with_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o venture_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n 4._o none_o ever_o do_v so_o much_o to_o attest_v the_o negative_a as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o prove_v their_o fidelity_n as_o to_o the_o affirmative_a have_v sufficient_a counterwitness_n be_v timely_o produce_v we_o can_v think_v the_o apostle_n will_v have_v run_v so_o many_o continual_a hazard_n in_o preach_v the_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o christ._n do_v ever_o any_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v guilty_a of_o abuse_v it_o 5._o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n have_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v all_o ready_a as_o most_o of_o they_o do_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o their_o life_n whence_o shall_v so_o many_o man_n grow_v so_o sudden_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o former_a persuasion_n interest_n education_n have_v they_o not_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o they_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v first_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o receive_v with_o a_o universal_a and_o uncontrolled_a 5._o assent_n by_o all_o such_o person_n who_o have_v think_v themselves_o concern_v in_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v yield_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v to_o question_v the_o evidence_n which_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o this_o present_a 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can_v no_o more_o wonder_n at_o this_o than_o i_o do_v to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o greâ—t_n turk_n neither_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v i_o wonder_v that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o profess_v christianity_n shall_v together_o with_o it_o believe_v a_o great_a number_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o gross_a superstition_n because_o i_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a prevalency_n education_n have_v upon_o soft_a spirit_n and_o more_o easy_a intellectual_n and_o what_o a_o awe_n a_o inquisition_n bear_v upon_o timorous_a and_o irresolved_a person_n but_o now_o when_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o person_n sober_a and_o inquisitive_a shall_v contrary_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o any_o humane_a force_n which_o they_o beforehand_o see_v will_v persecute_v they_o and_o after_o diligent_a enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o ground_n 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of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v 27._o the_o strong_a yet_o soon_o afâ—er_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v person_n of_o great_a place_n and_o reputation_n of_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n engage_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n we_o read_v of_o sergius_n a_o proconsul_n of_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n many_o person_n of_o great_a esteem_n for_o their_o excellent_a learning_n and_o ability_n such_o be_v justin_n martyr_n one_o who_o before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a be_v conversant_a with_o all_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n stoic_n peripatetic_n pythagorean_n and_o at_o last_o be_v a_o profess_a platonist_n till_o he_o
have_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n have_v be_v deceive_v either_o we_o must_v deny_v altogether_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o say_v the_o devil_n have_v more_o power_n to_o deceive_v man_n then_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o former_a or_o else_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o either_o god_n or_o devil_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o inexplicable_a why_o such_o multitude_n of_o rational_a and_o serious_a man_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n shall_v all_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o profane_a wicked_a and_o ignorant_a any_o person_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a they_o be_v to_o mock_v and_o deride_v they_o if_o such_o man_n than_o see_v more_o into_o truth_n and_o reason_n then_o the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a part_n of_o mankind_n let_v we_o bid_v adieu_o to_o humanity_n and_o adore_v the_o brute_n since_o we_o admire_v their_o judgement_n most_o who_o come_v the_o near_a to_o they_o 3._o the_o multitude_n of_o these_o person_n thus_o consent_v in_o this_o testimony_n can_v have_v no_o other_o engagement_n to_o this_o consent_n but_o only_o their_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o because_o those_o who_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o this_o thing_n be_v such_o person_n who_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n do_v if_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o consent_n of_o jew_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o probable_a pretence_n to_o have_v suspect_v a_o matter_n of_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o as_o to_o this_o thing_n we_o find_v the_o jew_n divide_v among_o themselves_o about_o it_o and_o the_o stiff_a denier_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v yet_o inviolable_o preserve_v those_o sacred_a record_n among_o they_o from_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v undoubted_o prove_v have_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v enforce_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o first_o promulgation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o suspicion_n of_o particular_a design_n in_o it_o but_o it_o come_v with_o no_o other_o strength_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n yet_o it_o find_v sudden_a and_o strange_a entertainment_n among_o person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o a_o short_a time_n it_o have_v eat_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o make_v so_o large_a a_o spread_v therein_o that_o it_o make_v tertullian_n say_v hesterni_fw-la sumus_fw-la &_o vestra_fw-la omne_fw-la implevimus_fw-la urbes_fw-la insulas_fw-la castella_fw-la municipia_fw-la conciliabula_fw-la castraipsa_fw-la tribus_fw-la decurias_fw-la 36._o palatium_fw-la senatum_fw-la forum_n sola_fw-la vobis_fw-la relinquimus_fw-la templa_fw-la we_o have_v but_o new_o appear_v say_v he_o &_o yet_o we_o have_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o our_o company_n but_o only_o your_o temple_n and_o before_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_n obsessam_fw-la vociferantur_fw-la civitatem_fw-la in_fw-la agris_fw-la in_fw-la castellis_fw-la in_fw-la insulis_fw-la christianos_n omnem_fw-la sexum_fw-la aetatem_fw-la conditionem_fw-la etiam_fw-la dignitatem_fw-la transgredi_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la nomen_fw-la 3._o quasi_fw-la detrimento_fw-la moerent_fw-la all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o all_o place_n be_v sudden_o become_v christian_n what_o common_a tie_n can_v there_o be_v now_o to_o unite_v all_o these_o person_n together_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n action_n and_o have_v leave_v sacred_a record_n behind_o they_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o admirable_a instruction_n which_o be_v their_o only_a certain_a guide_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n 4._o because_o many_o person_n do_v join_v in_o this_o consent_n with_o true_a christian_n who_o yet_o can_v hearty_o with_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a such_o be_v all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v sensual_a in_o their_o life_n and_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o dare_v not_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o such_o who_o can_v hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n nor_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n without_o fear_n of_o another_o yet_o their_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o and_o awe_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o raise_v many_o perplexity_n and_o anxiety_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o they_o will_v most_o willing_o be_v rid_v of_o which_o they_o can_v never_o thorough_o be_v till_o instead_o of_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n they_o come_v to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christian_n and_o become_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o withal_o we_o find_v that_o the_o more_o man_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o be_v more_o full_o and_o rational_o persuade_v of_o it_o to_o such_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v such_o powerful_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o soul_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n as_o to_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o these_o as_o to_o which_o those_o verse_n of_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v render_v into_o latin_a by_o f._n s._n be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o significant_a for_o when_o he_o have_v introduce_v the_o apostle_n peter_n ask_v he_o what_o it_o be_v which_o his_o faith_n be_v found_v on_o he_o answer_v deinde_fw-la exivit_fw-la ex_fw-la luce_fw-fr profundâ_fw-la quae_fw-la illic_fw-la splendebat_fw-la pretiosa_fw-la gemma_fw-la super_fw-la quam_fw-la omnis_fw-la virtus_fw-la fundatur_fw-la i_o e._n that_o god_n be_v please_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o discover_v that_o divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o faith_n do_v stand_v as_o on_o its_o sure_a foundation_n but_o when_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o to_o inquire_v how_o he_o know_v this_o come_v at_o first_o from_o god_n his_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v larga_fw-la pluvia_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la diffusa_fw-la super_fw-la veteres_fw-la &_o super_fw-la novas_fw-la membranas_fw-la est_fw-la syllogismus_fw-la ille_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la mihi_fw-la conclusit_fw-la adâ—ò_fw-la acutè_fw-la ut_fw-la prae_fw-la illâ_fw-la demonstratione_fw-la omnis_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la alia_fw-la mihi_fw-la videatur_fw-la obtusa_fw-la i_o e._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o full_o discover_v its_o self_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v but_o dull_a and_o heavy_a if_o compare_v with_o this_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v so_o to_o a_o true_o enlighten_v conscience_n which_o discover_v so_o much_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o ravish_v the_o soul_n although_o it_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o this_o unto_o other_o who_o want_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o beauty_n with_o which_o a_o heart_n true_o gracious_a have_v we_o see_v ordinary_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o attraction_n of_o beauty_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a thing_n and_o one_o may_v discern_v that_o which_o ravish_v he_o which_o another_o look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o ordinary_a and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v much_o more_o thus_o in_o divine_a object_n which_o want_v spiritual_a eye_n to_o discover_v they_o therefore_o i_o grant_v that_o good_a man_n enjoy_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o yet_o i_o say_v that_o such_o do_v likewise_o see_v the_o most_o strong_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n which_o do_v induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o evidence_n be_v then_o most_o convince_a when_o it_o be_v second_v by_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o great_a even_o upon_o such_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o mould_v into_o the_o fashion_n of_o true_a goodness_n that_o it_o may_v awe_v with_o its_o light_n and_o clearness_n where_o it_o do_v not_o soften_v and_o alter_v by_o its_o heat_n and_o influence_n now_o whence_o can_v it_o be_v that_o such_o
the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o demolish_v these_o strong_a hold_n and_o captivate_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n to_o which_o purpose_n arnobius_n excellent_o speak_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o heathen_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la creditis_fw-la gesta_fw-la haec_fw-la sed_fw-la qui_fw-la ea_fw-la conspicati_fw-la sunt_fw-la fieri_fw-la &_o sub_fw-la oculis_fw-la suis_fw-la viderunt_fw-la agi_fw-la testes_fw-la optimi_fw-la certissimique_fw-la auctores_fw-la â—_o &_o crediderunt_fw-la haec_fw-la ipsi_fw-la &_o credenda_fw-la posteris_fw-la nobis_fw-la haud_fw-la exilibus_fw-la cum_fw-la approbationibus_fw-la tradiderunt_fw-la quinam_fw-la isti_fw-la fortasse_fw-la quaeritis_fw-la gentes_fw-la populi_fw-la nationes_fw-la &_o incredulum_fw-la illud_fw-la genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la quod_fw-la nisi_fw-la aperta_fw-la res_fw-la esset_fw-la &_o luce_fw-fr ipsa_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la clarior_fw-la nunquam_fw-la 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coire_fw-la qui_fw-la potuërunt_fw-la mentem_fw-la gentes_fw-la regionibus_fw-la dissiâ—â—ae_fw-la ventis_fw-la coelique_fw-la convexionibus_fw-la dimotae_fw-la asseverationibus_fw-la illectae_fw-la sunt_fw-la nudis_fw-la inductae_fw-la in_o spes_fw-la cassas_fw-la &_o in_o pericula_fw-la capitis_fw-la immittere_fw-la se_fw-la sponte_fw-la temeraria_fw-la desperatione_n voluërunt_fw-la cum_fw-la nihil_fw-la tale_n vidissent_fw-la quod_fw-la eas_fw-la in_o hos_fw-la cult_a we_o novitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la possit_fw-la excitare_fw-la miraculo_fw-la imo_fw-la quia_fw-la haec_fw-la omne_fw-la ab_fw-la ipso_fw-la cernebant_fw-la geri_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la ejus_fw-la praeconibus_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la orbem_fw-la totum_fw-la missi_fw-la beneficia_fw-la patris_fw-la &_o munera_fw-la sanandis_fw-la animus_fw-la hominibusque_fw-la portabant_fw-la veritatis_fw-la ipsius_fw-la vi_fw-la victae_fw-la &_o dedërunt_fw-la se_fw-la deo_fw-la nec_fw-la in_o magnis_fw-la posuëre_fw-la despendiis_fw-la 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into_o more_o than_o civility_n that_o man_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o part_n orator_n grammarian_n rhetorician_n lawyer_n physician_n philosopher_n who_o not_o have_v for_o saken_a then_o former_a sentiment_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n now_o i_o say_v if_o the_o power_n of_o education_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o which_o atheistical_o dispose_v person_n make_v so_o much_o advantage_n of_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o prove_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o it_o because_o it_o obtain_v so_o much_o upon_o its_o first_o preach_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o high_a prejudices_fw-la from_o education_n be_v against_o it_o if_o then_o man_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v most_o true_a which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v under_o it_o must_v argue_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n and_o power_n in_o that_o religion_n which_o unsettle_v so_o much_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n as_o to_o make_v man_n not_o only_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o to_o renounce_v they_o and_o embrace_v a_o religion_n contrary_n to_o they_o especial_o when_o we_o withal_o consider_v what_o stronghold_n these_o principle_n of_o education_n be_v back_v with_o among_o the_o 21._o heathen_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v first_o divulge_v among_o they_o i._n e._n what_o plausible_a pretence_n they_o have_v of_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o christianity_n and_o those_o be_v 1._o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o their_o religion_n above_o the_o christian_a the_o main_a thing_n plead_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v templis_fw-la divortium_fw-la ab_fw-la institutis_fw-la majorum_fw-la that_o they_o think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o forefather_n and_o symmachus_n libanius_n and_o other_o plead_v this_o most_o in_o behalf_n of_o paganism_n servanda_fw-la est_fw-la tot_fw-la seculis_fw-la fides_fw-la &_o sequendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la nobis_fw-la parent_n qui_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la feliciter_fw-la suos_fw-la their_o religion_n plead_v prescription_n against_o any_o other_o and_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o sollow_v the_o step_n of_o their_o ancestor_n wherein_o they_o think_v themselves_o happy_a and_o secure_a caecilius_n in_o minutius_n felix_n first_o argue_v much_o against_o dogmatize_v in_o religion_n but_o withal_o say_v it_o 6._o most_o become_v a_o lover_n of_o truth_n majorum_fw-la excipere_fw-la disciplinam_fw-la religiones_fw-la tradit_fw-la as_o colere_fw-la deos_fw-la quos_fw-la à _fw-la parentibus_fw-la ante_fw-la imbutus_fw-la es_fw-la timere_fw-la nec_fw-la de_fw-la numinibus_fw-la far_o sententiam_fw-la sed_fw-la prioribus_fw-la credere_fw-la so_o arnobius_n tell_v we_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v against_o 90._o the_o christian_n be_v novellam_fw-la esse_fw-la religionem_fw-la nostram_fw-la &_o ante_fw-la dies_fw-la natam_fw-la propemodum_fw-la paucos_fw-la nâ—que_fw-la vos_fw-la potuisse_fw-la antiquam_fw-la &_o patriam_fw-la linquere_fw-la &_o in_o barbaros_fw-la ritus_fw-la peregrinosque_fw-la traduci_fw-la and_o cotta_n in_o tully_n long_v before_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o pagan_a religion_n majoribus_fw-la nostris_fw-la etiam_fw-la nulla_fw-la 3._o ratione_fw-la reddita_fw-la credere_fw-la to_o believe_v the_o tradition_n of_o our_o father_n although_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o after_o he_o have_v discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o stoical_a argument_n about_o religion_n conclude_v with_o this_o as_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o resolve_v his_o religion_n into_o mihi_fw-la unum_fw-la satis_fw-la erit_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la it_o a_o tradidisse_fw-la it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o that_o it_o come_v by_o tradition_n from_o our_o forefather_n lactantius_n full_o set_v forth_o the_o manner_n of_o 6._o plead_v use_v by_o the_o heathen_n against_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n hae_fw-la sunt_fw-la religiones_fw-la quas_fw-la sibi_fw-la à _fw-la majoribus_fw-la suis_fw-la traditas_fw-la pertinacissime_fw-la tueri_fw-la ac_fw-la defendere_fw-la persiverant_a nec_fw-la considerant_fw-la quales_fw-la sint_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la hoc_fw-la probat_fw-la as_o atque_fw-la veras_fw-la esse_fw-la confidunt_fw-la quod_fw-la eas_fw-la veteres_fw-la tradiderâ—nt_fw-la tantaque_fw-la est_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la vetustatis_fw-la ut_fw-la inquircre_fw-la in_o eam_fw-la scelus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la the_o english_a be_v they_o account_v tradition_n infallible_a and_o know_v no_o other_o way_n whereby_o to_o find_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o its_o conveyance_n from_o their_o forefather_n how_o like_v herein_o do_v they_o speak_v to_o those_o
who_o contend_v for_o the_o corruption_n creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o pretence_n for_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o the_o father_n tantaque_fw-la est_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la vetustatis_fw-la ut_fw-la inquirere_fw-la in_o eam_fw-la scelus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la who_o be_v we_o who_o will_v see_v further_o than_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o antiquity_n be_v accompany_v with_o dimness_n of_o sight_n and_o so_o it_o be_v undoubted_o as_o to_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a too_o when_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o heathenism_n come_v into_o it_o and_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o pleader_n for_o christianity_n do_v justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n notwithstanding_o this_o pretend_a antiquity_n will_v with_o equal_a force_n hold_v for_o a_o reformation_n of_o such_o inveterate_a abuse_n which_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la symmach_n meliora_fw-la transire_fw-la say_v ambrose_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o symmachus_n what_o shame_n be_v it_o to_o grow_v better_o quid_fw-la facies_fw-la say_v lactantius_n majores_fw-la ne_fw-la potius_fw-la a_o rationem_fw-la sequeris_fw-la sirationem_fw-la mavis_fw-la 6._o discedere_fw-la te_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la institutis_fw-la &_o auctoritate_fw-la majorum_fw-la quoniam_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la rectum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la ratio_fw-la praescribit_fw-la sin_n autem_fw-la â—ietas_fw-la majores_fw-la sequi_fw-la suadet_fw-la sateris_fw-la igitur_fw-la &_o stultos_fw-la illos_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la excogitatis_fw-la contra_fw-la rationem_fw-la religionibus_fw-la servierint_fw-la &_o te_fw-la ineptum_fw-la qui_fw-la id_fw-la colas_fw-la quod_fw-la falsum_fw-la esse_fw-la conviceris_fw-la where_o reason_n and_o mere_a authority_n of_o forefather_n stand_v in_o competition_n he_o be_v more_o a_o child_n then_o a_o man_n that_o know_v not_o on_o which_o side_n to_o give_v his_o suffrage_n but_o with_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o clear_a reason_n arnobius_n speak_v in_o this_o case_n 2._o itaque_fw-la cum_fw-la nobis_fw-la intenditis_fw-la aversionem_fw-la à _fw-la religione_fw-la priorum_fw-la causam_fw-la convenit_fw-la ut_fw-la inspiciat_fw-la be_v non_fw-la sactum_fw-la nec_fw-la quid_fw-la reliquerimus_fw-la opponere_fw-la sed_fw-la secuti_fw-la quid_fw-la simus_fw-la potissimum_fw-la contueri_fw-la when_o you_o charge_v we_o say_v he_o that_o we_o be_v revolt_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o forefather_n you_o ought_v not_o present_o to_o condemn_v the_o fact_n but_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o neither_o ought_v you_o so_o much_o to_o look_v at_o what_o we_o have_v leave_v as_o what_o it_o be_v we_o have_v embrace_v nam_fw-la simutare_fw-la sententiam_fw-la culpa_fw-la est_fw-la ulla_fw-la vel_fw-la crimen_fw-la &_o i_fw-it veteribus_fw-la institutis_fw-la in_o alius_fw-la res_fw-la novas_fw-la voluntatesque_fw-la migrare_fw-la criminatio_fw-la ista_fw-la &_o vos_fw-la spectat_fw-la qui_fw-la totic_n vitam_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la que_fw-la mutasti_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o mores_fw-la alios_fw-la atque_fw-la alios_fw-la ritus_fw-la priorum_fw-la condemnatione_fw-la transistis_fw-la if_o mere_a depart_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v the_o great_a salt_n all_o those_o who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n be_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o it_o when_o they_o revolt_v from_o heathenism_n if_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o case_n be_v different_a because_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v not_o as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o so_o than_o all_o the_o dispute_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o the_o revolt_n to_o the_o cause_n induce_v to_o it_o and_o if_o the_o protestant_a be_v not_o able_a as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a let_v he_o then_o be_v triumph_v over_o by_o the_o romanist_n and_o not_o before_o i_o affert_fw-la then_o and_o that_o with_o much_o assurance_n of_o mind_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v justifiable_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o embrace_a christianity_n be_v when_o man_n of_o heathen_n become_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o romanist_n against_o our_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v have_v justify_v a_o pagan_a philosopher_n in_o not_o embrace_v christianity_n for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o party_n of_o man_n to_o divide_v from_o other_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o pretend_v antiquity_n and_o universality_n it_o have_v be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o philosopher_n to_o have_v desert_v paganism_n as_o well_o as_o for_o a_o protestâ—nt_n to_o depart_v from_o rome_n for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o romanist_n the_o judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o separation_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o that_o party_n from_o which_o we_o depart_v if_o we_o do_v now_o but_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o old_a roman_a senate_n or_o emperor_n in_o the_o case_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o divide_v from_o heathen_a worship_n we_o shall_v quick_o see_v how_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v to_o make_v christianity_n its_o self_n a_o schism_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a here_o sie_a but_o as_o strong_a as_o those_o pretence_n be_v then_o or_o have_v be_v since_o the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conquer_v they_o and_o thereby_o to_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n when_o such_o potent_a prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o able_a to_o withstand_v it_o of_o which_o antiquity_n be_v the_o first_o 2._o the_o large_a and_o universal_a spread_v of_o pagan_a religion_n when_o christianity_n come_v into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a catholicism_n as_o in_o heathen_a worship_n when_o the_o apostle_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o gentile_a world_n ind_n adeo_fw-la per_fw-la universa_fw-la imperia_fw-la provincias_fw-la oppida_fw-la videmus_fw-la singulos_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la ritus_fw-la 6._o gentile_n babere_fw-la &_o dcos_fw-la colere_fw-la municipes_fw-la say_v caecilius_n in_o minutius_n fellix_fw-la the_o great_a charge_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v novellism_n that_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o religion_n the_o common_a question_n be_v where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n which_o serve_v then_o will_v stand_v unmovable_a now_o there_o where_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o primitive_a christian_n defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o paganism_n and_o the_o evidence_n they_o bring_v that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v original_o from_o god_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o overthrow_v paganism_n notwithstanding_o its_o pretend_a universality_n 3._o settlement_n by_o law_n of_o heathen_a worship_n this_o be_v so_o much_o pretend_v and_o plead_v for_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o pretence_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n suffer_v be_v sedition_n and_o oppose_v the_o establish_a law_n the_o christian_n be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la illicitas_fw-la factiones_fw-la as_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n among_o unlawful_a corporation_n the_o 38._o politician_n and_o statesman_n be_v all_o for_o preserve_v the_o law_n they_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o much_o about_o any_o religion_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v settle_v by_o law_n they_o seek_v to_o uphold_v because_o the_o act_n contrary_a to_o it_o may_v bring_v some_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n there_o be_v several_a law_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v then_o bring_v under_o and_o condemn_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o 1._o the_o law_n against_o hetaeriae_fw-la or_o conventicle_n as_o they_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o style_v the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n together_o thence_o the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v for_o worship_n be_v common_o call_v conventicula_fw-la 4._o it_o a_o appellabant_fw-la loca_fw-la say_v heraldus_n ubi_fw-la congregabantur_fw-la christiani_n oraturi_fw-la &_o verbi_fw-la divini_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la accepturi_fw-la ac_fw-la sacras_fw-la synaxes_n habituri_fw-la but_o elmenhorstius_n more_o short_o conventicula_fw-la loca_fw-la sunt_fw-la ubi_fw-la christiani_n congregati_fw-la orare_fw-la consucverunt_fw-la the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n do_v meet_v and_o pray_v together_o be_v call_v conventicle_n in_o basiâ—ica_n siciunini_fw-la ubi_fw-la ritus_fw-la christiani_n est_fw-la conventiculum_fw-la say_v 4._o ammianus_n marccllinus_fw-la cur_n immaniter_fw-la conventicula_fw-la dirui_fw-la say_v arnobius_n qui_fw-la universum_fw-la populum_fw-la cum_fw-la ipso_fw-la pariter_fw-la conventiculo_fw-la concremavit_fw-la as_o lactantius_n likewise_o speak_v now_o 11._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n be_v
because_o the_o heathen_n judge_v these_o assembly_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v illegal_a society_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n when_o they_o grow_v suspicious_a of_o their_o own_o safety_n they_o severe_o prohibit_v ail_fw-we those_o sodalitia_fw-la or_o society_n and_o college_n which_o be_v very_o much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n of_o greece_n these_o be_v such_o society_n of_o person_n which_o voluntary_o confederate_v together_o either_o for_o some_o particular_a design_n or_o for_o preserve_v love_n and_o friendship_n among_o each_o other_o and_o thence_o have_v their_o frequent_a meeting_n in_o common_a together_o now_o the_o more_o numerous_a these_o be_v and_o the_o more_o close_o they_o confederate_v the_o more_o jealous_a eye_n the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v upon_o they_o because_o of_o some_o clandestine_v design_n which_o they_o suspect_v may_v be_v carry_v on_o for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n in_o such_o suspicious_a meeting_n thence_o come_v out_o many_o particular_a edict_n of_o the_o emperor_n against_o all_o such_o kind_n of_o society_n now_o when_o the_o christian_n begin_v to_o be_v somewhat_o numerous_a and_o have_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n frequent_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o do_v confederate_a together_o by_o such_o symbol_n of_o be_v wash_v with_o water_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o which_o be_v all_o the_o heathen_n apprehend_v by_o their_o use_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o proconsul_n and_o other_o magistrate_n in_o their_o several_a province_n bring_v the_o christian_n under_o these_o edict_n and_o so_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n which_o as_o appear_v by_o pliny_n his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n be_v the_o only_a account_n on_o which_o 97._o the_o wise_a heathen_n do_v proceed_v against_o the_o christian_n for_o we_o see_v he_o trouble_v not_o himself_o much_o about_o the_o truth_n and_o evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o such_o person_n be_v bring_v before_o he_o and_o after_o he_o have_v interrogated_a they_o whether_o they_o be_v christian_n or_o no_o several_a time_n if_o they_o persist_v he_o then_o punish_v they_o not_o so_o much_o for_o their_o religion_n as_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n for_o so_o much_o be_v employ_v in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la dubitabam_fw-la qualâ—cunque_fw-la esset_fw-la quod_fw-la faterentur_fw-la pervicaciam_fw-la certè_fw-la &_o inflexibilem_fw-la obstinâ—tionem_fw-la debere_fw-la puniri_fw-la that_o whatever_o their_o religion_n be_v their_o obstinacy_n and_o disobedience_n deserve_v punishment_n that_o which_o the_o christian_n now_o plead_v for_o themselves_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o faction_n of_o the_o people_n be_v that_o which_o they_o give_v in_o answer_n to_o pliny_n that_o all_o their_o fault_n be_v quod_fw-la essent_fw-la soliti_fw-la stato_fw-la die_fw-la ante_fw-la lucem_fw-la convenire_fw-la carmenque_fw-la christo_fw-la quasi_fw-la deo_fw-la dicere_fw-la secum_fw-la inuicem_fw-la seque_fw-la sacramento_fw-la non_fw-la in_o scelus_fw-la aliquod_fw-la obstringere_fw-la sed_fw-la ne_fw-la furta_fw-la nelatrocinia_fw-la ne_fw-la adulteria_fw-la committerent_fw-la ne_fw-la fidem_fw-la fallerent_fw-la ne_fw-la depositum_fw-la appellati_fw-la abnegarent_fw-la that_o they_o be_v wont_n upon_o their_o solemn_a day_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o divine_a worship_n and_o to_o covenant_n with_o each_o other_o only_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o much_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n as_o their_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o will_v not_o wrong_v and_o defraud_v other_o as_o to_o their_o body_n or_o estate_n and_o tertullian_n approve_v of_o the_o law_n against_o faction_n as_o de_fw-fr providentia_fw-la &_o modestia_fw-la publica_fw-la nè_fw-la civitas_fw-la in_o part_n seinderetur_fw-la as_o wise_o intend_v to_o prevent_v 38._o sedition_n but_o withal_o plead_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n can_v not_o be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la illicitas_fw-la factiones_fw-la for_o say_v he_o haec_fw-la coitio_fw-la christianorum_fw-la merito_fw-la sane_fw-la illicita_fw-la si_fw-la illicitis_fw-la par_fw-fr merito_fw-la damnanda_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la de_fw-fr ea_fw-la queritur_fw-la eo_fw-la titulo_fw-la quo_fw-la de_fw-la factionibus_fw-la querela_fw-la est_fw-la in_o cujus_fw-la perniciem_fw-la aliquando_fw-la convenimus_fw-la hoc_fw-la sumus_fw-la congregati_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o dispersi_fw-la hoc_fw-la universi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o singuli_fw-la neminem_fw-la laedentes_fw-la neminem_fw-la contristantes_fw-la quum_fw-la probi_fw-la quum_fw-la boni_fw-la coëunt_fw-la quum_fw-la pii_fw-la quum_fw-la casti_fw-la congregantur_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la factio_fw-la dicenda_fw-la sed_fw-la curia_fw-la if_o say_v he_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v like_o other_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n to_o condemn_v they_o under_o the_o head_n of_o faction_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o meet_v together_o for_o no_o man_n injury_n that_o whether_o divide_v or_o assemble_v we_o be_v still_o the_o same_o that_o we_o grieve_v and_o injure_v no_o body_n when_o such_o a_o company_n of_o good_a man_n meet_v together_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o council_n then_o a_o faction_n 2._o another_o law_n the_o christian_n be_v bring_v under_o be_v that_o against_o innovation_n in_o religion_n thence_o it_o be_v lay_v so_o much_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d go_v contrary_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n as_o porphyry_n say_v of_o origen_n because_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a he_o do_v 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o ammonius_n revolt_a from_o christianity_n to_o paganism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o turn_v to_o the_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n now_o christianity_n be_v every_o where_o look_v on_o as_o a_o great_a innovation_n insomuch_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v accuse_v to_o be_v legum_fw-la morum_fw-la 4._o naturae_fw-la inimici_fw-la as_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n because_o they_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o that_o way_n of_o religion_n which_o mankind_n have_v general_o agree_v in_o thence_o aemilianus_n the_o 11._o praefect_n of_o egypt_n when_o he_o bid_v the_o christian_n return_v to_o paganism_n he_o use_v these_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o return_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o forget_v what_o be_v so_o much_o against_o it_o as_o he_o suppose_v christianity_n to_o be_v when_o paul_n preach_v at_o athens_n his_o first_o accusation_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o strange_a deity_n because_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n and_o demctrius_fw-la at_o ephesus_n know_v no_o such_o potent_a 18._o argument_n against_o paul_n as_o that_o his_o religion_n destroy_v the_o worship_n of_o diana_n who_o all_o asia_n and_o the_o world_n worship_n 27._o so_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v then_o account_v the_o antipode_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n on_o which_o account_n they_o be_v so_o severe_o deal_v with_o most_o commonwealth_n observe_v the_o counsel_n of_o maecenas_n to_o augustus_n in_o dio_n to_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o all_o innovation_n in_o religion_n because_o they_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n 3._o the_o law_n of_o sacrilege_n thence_o lactantius_n call_v their_o law_n constitutiones_fw-la sacrilegae_fw-la quin_fw-la etiam_fw-la sceleratissimi_fw-la homicidae_fw-la contra_fw-la pios_fw-la jura_fw-la impia_fw-la condiderunt_fw-la nam_fw-la &_o constitutiones_fw-la 11._o sacrilegae_fw-la &_o disputationes_fw-la jurisperitorum_fw-la leguntur_fw-la injustae_fw-la and_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o domitius_n ulpianus_n have_v collect_v all_o those_o rescripta_fw-la nefaria_fw-la together_o which_o concern_v the_o christian_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v christianity_n by_o pliny_n be_v call_v amentia_fw-la by_o tacitus_n exitiabilis_fw-la superstitio_fw-la by_o suetâ—nius_fw-la one_o superstitio_fw-la nova_fw-la &_o exitiabilis_fw-la so_o much_o do_v these_o three_o great_a man_n agree_v in_o condemn_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o madness_n and_o new_a and_o detestable_a superstition_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o great_a pique_n be_v the_o enmity_n declare_v by_o christian_n against_o the_o idolatrous_a temple_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_n 4._o the_o law_n against_o treason_n for_o sometime_o they_o proceed_v so_o high_a as_o to_o accuse_v the_o christian_n laesae_fw-la majestatis_fw-la and_o thence_o they_o be_v common_o call_v publici_fw-la host_n enemy_n to_o all_o civil_a government_n which_o they_o infer_v from_o hence_o 35._o 1._o because_o they_o will_v not_o sacrifice_v for_o the_o emperor_n safety_n ideo_fw-la committimus_fw-la say_v tertullian_n in_o majestatem_fw-la imperatorum_fw-la 29._o quia_fw-la illos_fw-la non_fw-la subjicimus_fw-la rebus_fw-la suis_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la ludimus_fw-la de_fw-fr officio_fw-la salutis_fw-la
such_o a_o impress_n of_o god_n authority_n on_o the_o scripture_n that_o any_o who_o consider_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v can_v but_o discern_v i_o still_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o impress_n lie_v in_o the_o positive_a assertion_n in_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o writing_n shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o in_o the_o write_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o let_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o any_o one_o mere_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o without_o any_o further_a argument_n can_v pronounce_v the_o proverb_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecclesiaste_v to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la or_o else_o the_o self-evidence_n must_v be_v in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n but_o this_o still_o fall_v very_o short_a of_o resolve_v whole_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o utmost_a that_o this_o can_v reach_v to_o be_v that_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o so_o high_a and_o excellent_a a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o god_n himself_o all_o which_o be_v grant_v i_o be_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v as_o ever_o what_o ground_n i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o particular_a write_n which_o we_o call_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n do_v immediate_o employ_v such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o write_v such_o and_o such_o book_n for_o i_o may_v believe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o many_o excellent_a devotional_a book_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o further_o if_o the_o only_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n divine_a be_v the_o self-evidencing_a light_n and_o power_n of_o it_o than_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v without_o write_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v the_o ground_n of_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v send_v as_o the_o mâ—ssias_n send_v from_o god_n must_v be_v whole_o and_o sole_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o self-evidence_n in_o this_o proposition_n utter_v by_o christ_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v bind_v to_o have_v believe_v he_o send_v from_o god_n for_o light_n manifest_v its_o self_n although_o our_o saviour_n have_v never_o do_v any_o one_o miracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o can_v but_o charge_v our_o saviour_n on_o this_o account_n with_o be_v at_o a_o very_a unnecessary_a expense_n upon_o the_o world_n in_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n when_o the_o bare_a naked_a affirmation_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v convince_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o be_v it_o conceivable_a then_o upon_o what_o account_n our_o saviour_n shall_v lay_v so_o much_o force_n on_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o he_o say_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n who_o yet_o doubtless_o have_v 36._o self-evidencing_a light_n go_v along_o with_o his_o doctrine_n too_o for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a or_o have_v great_a self-evidence_n in_o it_o then_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o word_n do_v lay_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a testimony_n upon_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v which_o on_o that_o account_n he_o so_o often_o appeal_v to_o on_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o and_o if_o 24._o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o on_o his_o own_o testimony_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n do_v all_o this_o now_o amount_v only_o to_o a_o remove_n of_o prejudices_fw-la from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o be_v consider_v of_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v do_v if_o these_o miracle_n may_v be_v so_o far_o do_v or_o counterfeit_v by_o false_a christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o which_o the_o objection_n pretend_v and_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n 3_o wherein_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a triumph_v so_o much_o that_o christ_n shall_v foretell_v that_o other_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v miracle_n cels._n which_o they_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o and_o thence_o will_v infer_v as_o from_o christ_n own_o confession_n that_o miracle_n have_v in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nothing_o divine_a but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o wicked_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v it_o not_o a_o wretched_a thing_n say_v he_o that_o from_o the_o same_o work_v one_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o god_n and_o other_o deceiver_n whereby_o those_o who_o will_v invalidate_v the_o argument_n from_o miracle_n may_v take_v notice_n how_o fine_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o one_o of_o the_o most_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o he_o do_v and_o therefore_o origen_n reply_v to_o he_o will_v reach_v they_o too_o for_o say_v he_o our_o saviour_n in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o do_v not_o bid_v man_n beware_v in_o general_a of_o such_o as_o do_v miracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o that_o when_o man_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v christ_n disciple_n from_o he_o by_o some_o mere_a appearance_n in_o stead_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o christ_n be_v evident_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o powerful_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o who_o give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o some_o strange_a wonder_n which_o they_o wrought_v and_o from_o hence_o as_o he_o further_o observe_v may_v be_v just_o infer_v contrary_a to_o what_o celsus_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n in_o miracle_n when_o these_o false_a christ_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o the_o supposal_n that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n and_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o false_a christ_n which_o have_v appear_v they_o have_v make_v this_o their_o great_a pretence_n that_o they_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n may_v just_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v to_o punish_v the_o great_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o those_o frequent_a and_o apparent_a miracle_n which_o he_o do_v which_o do_v infinite_o transcend_v those_o of_o any_o such_o pretender_n such_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v jonathas_n who_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o draw_v many_o of_o the_o people_n into_o the_o wilderness_n of_o cyrene_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d promise_v to_o show_v they_o many_o prodigy_n and_o strange_a appearance_n not_o long_o after_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n appear_v that_o famous_a blazing-star_n barchochebas_n who_o not_o only_o portend_v but_o bring_v so_o much_o mischief_n upon_o the_o jew_n his_o pretence_n be_v that_o he_o vomit_v flame_n and_o so_o he_o do_v such_o as_o consume_v himself_o and_o his_o follower_n after_o he_o many_o other_o impostor_n arise_v in_o egypt_n cyprus_n and_o crete_n who_o all_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o do_v miracle_n in_o latter_a time_n the_o famous_a impostor_n be_v david_n el-david_n who_o story_n be_v thus_o brief_o report_v by_o david_n ganz_n david_n el-david_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o rebel_v against_o 895._o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n before_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o his_o head_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o the_o jew_n fine_v a_o hundred_o talent_n of_o gold_n in_o the_o epistle_n
of_o rambam_n or_o r._n moses_n maimon_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n desire_v of_o he_o a_o sign_n and_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n and_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o which_o he_o cunning_o desire_v to_o avoid_v be_v torment_v which_o the_o king_n be_v resolve_v to_o try_v and_o according_o execute_v he_o but_o i_o suppose_v his_o resurrection_n and_o mahomet_n will_v be_v both_o in_o a_o day_n although_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o such_o fool_n as_o to_o expect_v his_o resurrection_n several_a other_o impostor_n maimonides_n dau._n mention_n in_o his_o epistle_n de_fw-fr australi_fw-la region_fw-la one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o he_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o leprosy_n in_o a_o night_n several_a other_o he_o mention_n in_o spain_n france_n and_o other_o part_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o all_o be_v only_o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o captivity_n of_o the_o poor_a jew_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a in_o follow_v impostor_n and_o yet_o such_o strange_a infidel_n where_o there_o be_v plain_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n we_o free_o grant_v then_o that_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o deceive_v man_n with_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n do_v in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o as_o origen_n yet_o further_o reply_v to_o celsus_n as_o a_o wolf_n do_v very_o much_o resemble_v a_o dog_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o a_o turtle_n dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o magic_n but_o as_o he_o argue_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v only_a deceit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o magical_a operation_n and_o can_v there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n at_o all_o wrought_v be_v humane_a nature_n only_o capable_a of_o imposture_n or_o can_v none_o work_v miracle_n but_o devil_n where_o there_o be_v a_o worse_o there_o may_v be_v a_o better_a and_o so_o from_o the_o imposture_n &_o counterfeit_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v true_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n otherwise_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v counterfeit_n but_o no_o jewel_n or_o there_o be_v sophism_n and_o paralogism_n but_o no_o legitimate_a demonstration_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o deceit_n there_o be_v true_a miracle_n too_o all_o the_o business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strict_o and_o severe_o to_o examine_v the_o pretâ—nders_n to_o do_v they_o and_o that_o from_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o that_o do_v they_o and_o from_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n in_o the_o world_n whâ—ther_o thâ—y_v correct_v man_n manner_n or_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o truth_n and_o on_o this_o account_n we_o be_v neither_o to_o reject_v all_o miracle_n nor_o embrace_v all_o pretence_n but_o careful_o and_o prudent_o examine_v the_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o those_o which_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v know_v from_o such_o which_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o diabolical_a and_o this_o now_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o this_o chapter_n 4._o viz._n what_o rule_v we_o have_v to_o procee_v by_o in_o judge_a miracle_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o may_v be_v these_o follow_v true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o some_o 1._o divine_a testimony_n because_o we_o have_v manifest_v by_o all_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o seal_v some_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o if_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n when_o no_o divine_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v confirm_v god_n will_v set_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o blank_a if_o it_o be_v say_v no_o because_o it_o will_v witness_v to_o we_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v deliver_v so_o many_o age_n since_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_o seal_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o we_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o charter_n of_o a_o corporation_n have_v the_o prince_n broad_a seal_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o every_o succâ—ssion_n of_o man_n in_o that_o corporation_n must_v have_v a_o new_a broad_a seal_n or_o else_o they_o ought_v to_o question_v their_o patent_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o that_o when_o the_o original_a seal_n and_o patent_n be_v preserve_v and_o be_v certain_o convey_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n so_o i_o say_v it_o be_v as_o to_o we_o god_n grand_a charter_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v seal_v by_o divine_a miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n the_o original_a patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o charter_n be_v contain_v be_v convey_v in_o a_o most_o certain_a manner_n to_o we_o to_o this_o patent_n the_o seal_n be_v annex_v and_o in_o it_o be_v contain_v those_o undoubted_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o so_o that_o a_o new_a seal_n of_o this_o patent_n be_v whole_o needless_a unless_o we_o have_v some_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o original_a patent_n itself_o be_v lose_v or_o the_o first_o seal_v be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o lat_a than_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v false_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o verity_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o wrought_v if_o the_o first_o be_v suspect_v viz._n the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n some_o certain_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o suspicion_n must_v be_v discover_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n especial_o when_o the_o great_a and_o many_o society_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v all_o consent_n unanimous_o in_o the_o contrary_n nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n can_v conceive_v that_o the_o patent_n which_o we_o now_o rely_v upon_o be_v supposititious_a or_o corrupt_v in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o from_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n can_v we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o to_o manifest_v his_o signal_n love_n to_o mankind_n shall_v not_o only_o grant_v a_o patent_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o then_o seal_v it_o by_o divine_a miracle_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n cause_v it_o by_o person_n employ_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v record_v in_o a_o language_n fit_a for_o its_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n all_o which_o i_o here_o suppose_v can_v we_o i_o say_v conceive_v that_o this_o god_n shall_v so_o far_o have_v cast_v off_o his_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n of_o the_o grant_v itself_o as_o to_o suffer_v any_o wicked_a man_n or_o malignant_a spirit_n to_o corrupt_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o those_o term_n in_o it_o on_o which_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n depend_v much_o less_o whole_o to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o to_o send_v forth_o one_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o supposititious_a instead_o of_o it_o and_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o that_o corrupt_a copy_n be_v set_v forth_o nor_o by_o any_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a christian_n ever_o since_o they_o who_o can_v give_v any_o the_o least_o entertainment_n to_o so_o wild_a absurd_a and_o irrational_a a_o imagination_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a disposition_n to_o atheism_n and_o next_o to_o the_o suspect_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v corrupt_v they_o may_v rational_o suspect_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o spirit_n most_o malignant_a and_o envious_a of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o suspicion_n only_o become_v those_o heathen_n among_o
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
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