enemy_n to_o christianity_n acknowledge_v but_o beside_o their_o testimony_n which_o be_v from_o adversary_n be_v uâ—â—y_a cogent_n we_o have_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o most_o place_n of_o the_o world_n for_o 1600_o year_n and_o upward_o and_o as_o he_o that_o will_v go_v up_o by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o river_n will_v at_o last_o come_v to_o the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o so_o he_o that_o shall_v ascend_v through_o the_o several_a century_n of_o the_o church_n will_v at_o last_o infallible_o come_v to_o the_o head_n of_o it_o christ_n jesus_n to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n his_o preach_a and_o mighty_a work_n that_o he_o do_v his_o bitter_a death_n and_o bloody_a passion_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v descend_v from_o christ_n through_o the_o same_o century_n down_o to_o this_o present_a time_n he_o may_v be_v far_o more_o certain_a of_o the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o work_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o our_o bessed_a saviour_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a julius_n caesar_n pompey_n scipio_n hannibal_n of_o the_o war_n and_o noble_a acheivement_n manage_v by_o they_o of_o william_n the_o conqueror_n the_o baron_n war_n and_o yet_o none_o but_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o mad_a man_n or_o one_o that_o have_v vow_v to_o believe_v no_o far_o then_o what_o he_o can_v see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n will_v doubt_v of_o these_o for_o that_o the_o tradition_n which_o convey_v the_o same_o of_o these_o worthy_n and_o their_o action_n down_o unto_o we_o be_v nothing_o so_o general_a as_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n neither_o be_v it_o at_o all_o practical_a but_o pure_o historical_a wherein_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v whether_o or_o no_o the_o thing_n report_v of_o those_o noble_a warrior_n be_v true_a or_o false_a dub._n he_o that_o will_v not_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o universal_a tradition_n take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a science_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n history_n and_o want_v rather_o a_o cudgel_n then_o a_o argument_n to_o confute_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o undeniable_a tradition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o do_v great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o work_n which_o they_o do_v be_v true_a miracle_n sure_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o know_v what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v a_o imposture_n firm._n tho'_o at_o present_a this_o may_v appear_v difficult_a to_o you_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v make_v this_o difference_n as_o manifest_v to_o you_o as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v betwixt_o gold_n and_o dross_n and_o here_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o nicety_n of_o the_o schoolman_n betwixt_o mirum_fw-la &_o miraculum_fw-la that_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v arduum_fw-la insoliâ—um_fw-la supra_fw-la vim_o naturae_fw-la hard_a unusual_a and_o above_o the_o powèr_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o differ_v from_o a_o â—alse_a one_o in_o the_o efficient_a material_a and_o formal_a cause_n which_o be_v ignotum_fw-la per_fw-la ignotius_fw-la but_o to_o wave_v such_o subtlety_n a_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v know_v from_o a_o false_a one_o 1._o by_o the_o success_n as_o exod._n 7.12_o it_o be_v say_v aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o those_o of_o the_o sorcerer_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o be_v clear_a how_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n swallow_v up_o in_o effect_v all_o false_a one_o â—one_n by_o satin_n instrument_n how_o notwithstanding_o all_o those_o lie_a wonder_n wrought_v by_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n and_o other_o the_o prejudicate_a world_n be_v bring_v over_o from_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n to_o embrace_v poor_a persecute_v christianity_n by_o those_o true_a miracle_n which_o otherwise_o have_v be_v the_o great_a miracle_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o a_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v know_v from_o that_o which_o be_v a_o jugle_n or_o imposture_n by_o the_o design_n or_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o bring_v man_n over_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o propagate_v the_o true_a religion_n the_o end_n of_o false_a one_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o this_o worship_n which_o note_n of_o difference_n god_n himself_o have_v stamp_v upon_o false_a miracle_n deut._n 13_o dub._n but_o do_v not_o you_o now_o run_v into_o the_o same_o error_n which_o you_o so_o late_o condemn_v in_o other_o for_o by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v i_o must_v first_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n before_o i_o can_v know_v which_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n and_o sure_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v i_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o know_v before_o firm._n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a confirmation_n betwixt_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o true_a miracle_n true_a religion_n do_v give_v light_n to_o miracle_n these_o do_v seal_n and_o confirm_v that_o religion_n we_o see_v that_o all_o discursive_a knowledge_n do_v arise_v from_o some_o precedent_a knowledge_n until_o we_o ascend_v to_o such_o principle_n that_o be_v clear_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o evident_a it_o be_v to_o natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o this_o one_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v religious_o worship_v the_o intelligent_a and_o learned_a heathen_n have_v acknowledge_v all_o these_o again_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v never_o but_o four_o general_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n paganism_n turkism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o of_o all_o these_o religion_n none_o be_v so_o rational_a or_o such_o a_o reasonable_a service_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o christian_a which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v the_o old_a of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o father_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n for_o the_o spirituality_n morality_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o god_n heaâ—_n worship_v it_o be_v excellent_a beyond_o all_o other_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o notice_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n here_o upon_o any_o serious_a sober_a man_n may_v conclude_v that_o all_o these_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v attempt_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o christianity_n be_v but_o mere_a imposture_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o wherein_o one_o true_a god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n wisdom_n power_n and_o glory_n be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a true_a miracle_n dub._n pray_v sir_n excuse_v i_o this_o unnecessary_a trouble_n which_o i_o have_v give_v you_o for_o by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o supereminent_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o i_o may_v have_v see_v the_o force_n of_o your_o reason_n which_o as_o i_o conceive_v stand_v thus_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n than_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a miracle_n firm._n you_o right_o conclude_v i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o note_n or_o mark_v of_o a_o true_a mirâ—cle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o such_o a_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o draw_v of_o the_o mind_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n the_o primitive_a christian_n much_o insist_v on_o this_o as_o a_o undoubâ—ed_a evidence_n of_o tâ—e_v miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o effect_n that_o follow_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n of_o souâ—â—_n from_o sin_n and_o idol_n to_o goâ—_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n christ_n by_o his_o miracle_n do_v not_o only_o dispossess_v satan_n out_o of_o man_n body_n but_o out_o of_o his_o temple_n upon_o this_o accouâ—t_n he_o convince_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o most_o irrational_a blasphemy_n when_o they_o object_v against_o he_o that_o he_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o he_o reply_v every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v mat._n 12.25_o besides_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o he_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v in_o every_o thing_n contâ—â—â—y_o to_o the_o devil_n design_n which_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n that_o himself_o may_v be_v worship_v to_o ensnare_v man_n in_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 heathen_a mystery_n which_o indeed_o be_v very_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n abominable_a idolatry_n not_o to_o be_v name_v to_o modest_a ear_n dr._n stillingfleet_v orig._n sac._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 10._o 4._o true_a miracle_n differ_v from_o diabolical_a imposture_n in_o three_o particolar_n 1._o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n 2._o their_o number_n 3._o the_o quality_n of_o â—hings_n wrought_v by_o they_o 1._o the_o impostare_v of_o satan_n be_v do_v by_o a_o great_a deal_n oâ—_n pomp_n and_o ceremony_n magical_a rite_n charâ—es_n and_o medicine_n what_o christ_n do_v be_v with_o a_o word_n speak_v yea_o by_o the_o very_a touch_n oâ—_n his_o garmâ—â—â—_n 2._o for_o their_o number_n those_o satanical_a juggling_n be_v comparative_o very_o few_o there_o be_v not_o many_o that_o be_v cure_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n but_o christ_n cure_v whole_a multitude_n and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o revestrye_n of_o the_o teâ—ple_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 arnoâ—ius's_n objection_n against_o the_o gentile_n be_v very_o rational_a what_o wonder_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 your_o temple_n languish_v for_o want_n of_o cure_n which_o 〈◊〉_d eâ—en_o weary_a your_o god_n esculaâ—ius_n with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n but_o can_v have_v no_o help_n â—rom_fw-mi he_o with_o all_o their_o importunity_n 3._o for_o the_o quality_n of_o thing_n pretend_v to_o be_v do_v by_o miracle_n 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 what_o heathen_a juggler_n do_v ever_o open_a the_o eye_n of_o any_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v or_o raise_v the_o dead_a by_o a_o word_n speak_v or_o by_o a_o touch_n of_o the_o hand_n see_v dr._n sâ—illingflâ—ets_n book_n before_o cite_v there_o be_v one_o other_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o â—_o friend_n cause_v i_o to_o remember_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o divine_a revelation_n this_o learned_a man_n prove_v the_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o that_o high_a testimony_n whâ—ch_n god_n the_o father_n give_v he_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n come_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o thunder_n which_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v know_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o daughter_n of_o a_o voice_n and_o by_o this_o god_n do_v three_o time_n give_v testimony_n unto_o christ_n 1_o immediate_o after_o his_o baptism_n 2._o at_o his_o transfiguration_n 3._o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n and_o all_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o sufficient_a witness_n this_o testimony_n of_o god_n the_o father_n give_v three_o several_a time_n dâ—d_v â—ully_o ratify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n give_v â—he_n very_o same_o testimony_n to_o moses_n and_o hâ—s_a doctrine_n and_o â—hat_n in_o the_o sight_n and_o audience_n of_o many_o thousand_o exod._n 19.16_o thiâ—_n moâ—â—s_v often_o remind_v the_o people_n of_o especial_o deut._n 4.32.33_o where_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o never_o any_o people_n do_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n out_o of_o â—â—e_z midst_n of_o the_o fire_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o thiâ—â—ay_v oâ—â—eâ—â—lation_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o suitable_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z of_o almighty_a god_n and_o so_o pecuâ—â—â—r_v â—o_o hiâ—_n that_o the_o devil_n who_o in_o other_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d aâ—e_v never_o attempt_v to_o imitate_v god_n in_o tâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d nor_o do_v i_o believe_v he_o be_v ever_o aâ—â—e_n gâ—â—_n hâ—ving_v restrain_v he_o by_o â—his_n omnipotent_a 〈◊〉_d â—nd_n reâ—erved_v this_o way_n of_o revelation_n peâ—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_z dâ—b_n 〈◊〉_d discourse_n have_v be_v so_o rational_a that_o 〈…〉_z as_o agrippa'_v almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v a_o 〈…〉_z buâ—â—â—together_o such_o as_o you_o be_v as_o to_z 〈◊〉_d too_o great_a principleâ—_n of_o christianity_n concern_v â—he_n be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n â—f_o â—oly_a scripture_n and_o methinks_v i_o see_v all_o false_a religion_n fall_n flâ—t_o on_o their_o face_n before_o these_o great_a truth_n as_o dagon_n do_v before_o the_o ark_n firm._n no_o marviell_n for_o he_o that_o do_v firm_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n must_v needs_o abominate_a those_o false_a worship_n which_o be_v â—o_o extreme_o contrary_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o his_o most_o sacred_a writ_n but_o see_v you_o be_v so_o well_o persuade_v of_o these_o principle_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o more_o reason_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o only_o if_o you_o shall_v hereafter_o meet_v with_o any_o scoff_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n that_o shall_v deny_v either_o of_o they_o you_o may_v for_o conclusion_n of_o all_o press_v upon_o he_o this_o dilemma_n or_o fork_a argument_n either_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n or_o it_o be_v not_o true_a suppose_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a yet_o thou_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o thou_o be_v only_o in_o a_o error_n for_o this_o short_a span_n of_o time_n but_o what_o if_o they_o prove_v undouted_o true_a and_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o than_o thou_o be_v eternal_o damn_v now_o what_o a_o madness_n be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o seem_a temporary_a error_n to_o come_v within_o the_o danger_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n dub._n this_o argument_n may_v startle_v any_o atheist_n and_o make_v he_o consider_v with_o himself_o how_o sad_a his_o condition_n will_v be_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o solid_a and_o undeniable_a reason_n do_v demonstrate_v and_o yet_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o die_v a_o infidel_n o_o what_o will_v become_v of_o such_o a_o one_o unto_o all_o eternity_n i_o be_o full_a of_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n that_o see_v there_o be_v such_o convince_a reason_n against_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v firm._n you_o will_v cease_v to_o wonder_v when_o you_o shall_v right_o consider_v the_o certain_a reason_n of_o those_o gross_a error_n which_o be_v 1._o drollery_n and_o foolish_a jest_n which_o render_v man_n inconsiderate_a and_o mindless_a even_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n much_o more_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n a_o man_n that_o be_v give_v to_o droll_fw-fr and_o jest_n be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o serious_a business_n 2._o many_o man_n be_v man_n of_o short_a discourse_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o discursive_a faculty_n which_o be_v altogether_o rusty_a for_o want_v of_o use_n exercise_n and_o ingenious_a education_n though_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v write_v in_o large_a character_n yet_o every_o one_o can_v read_v in_o that_o book_n no_o more_o than_o he_o that_o never_o go_v to_o school_v can_v read_v the_o primer_n half_a psalter_n or_o any_o book_n of_o the_o fair_a print_n dub._n this_o be_v true_a of_o many_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a man_n that_o be_v very_a brute_n not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o by_o the_o erect_a figure_n of_o their_o body_n their_o rational_a soul_n mean_a while_n be_v sink_v down_o into_o mere_a sensuality_n such_o as_o have_v not_o god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n they_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o to_o think_v of_o he_o either_o that_o he_o be_v or_o be_v not_o these_o digenerate_a creature_n do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o i_o hope_v you_o wilâ—_n not_o say_v that_o the_o wittâ—_n of_o the_o time_n be_v such_o ignorant_a animal_n firm._n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o affirm_v it_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o you_o may_v observe_v that_o these_o witty_a man_n be_v person_n of_o no_o serious_a or_o solid_a judgement_n especial_o in_o thing_n of_o high_a concernment_n they_o be_v such_o as_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o idleness_n drollery_n vain_a recreation_n so_o that_o albeit_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o those_o two_o great_a book_n to_o read_v in_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o read_v or_o meditate_v upon_o
god_n 2._o pet._n 1.20_o now_o there_o be_v but_o four_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n judaism_n christianity_n paganism_n and_o mahometism_n if_o i_o shall_v prove_v unto_o you_o that_o christianity_n who_o rule_n and_o foundation_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o the_o other_o three_o false_a i_o hope_v you_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v be_v the_o true_a revelation_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n dub._n if_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o other_o three_o religion_n be_v false_a it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o revelation_n to_o which_o they_o pretend_v be_v likewise_o false_a firm._n this_o i_o shall_v easy_o do_v beginning_n with_o paganism_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o â—_z 1._o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n 2._o dâ—â—d_a man_n that_o call_v sabaisme_n this_o hâ—llâ—nisme_n from_o the_o nation_n that_o fiâ—st_v use_v these_o mode_n of_o worship_n of_o both_o which_o we_o have_v a_o short_a account_n in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n chap._n 13._o and_o 14._o but_o more_o full_o in_o vossius_fw-la de_fw-la idolaâ—ria_fw-la and_o in_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gentile_n court_n who_o have_v mâ—de_v use_n of_o divers_a excellent_a man_n that_o have_v write_v of_o this_o subject_a that_o this_o religion_n of_o pagan_n be_v against_o the_o lâ—w_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n worship_v and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o abominable_a â—ites_n and_o ceremony_n any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o that_o light_n remain_v in_o he_o may_v â—asily_o discern_v first_o the_o thing_n worship_v be_v the_o creature_n some_o of_o they_o that_o never_o have_v life_n other_o thâ—t_v once_o live_v but_o be_v now_o dead_a who_o ghost_n or_o mane_n the_o heathen_n imagine_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o their_o idol_n whereas_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v câ—pable_a of_o religious_a worship_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o all_o right_a reason_n that_o one_o creature_n shall_v thus_o worship_v another_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o such_o worship_n because_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n therefore_o deo_n datori_fw-la to_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n all_o religious_a worship_n be_v only_o due_a beside_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n it_o be_v a_o common_a say_n among_o they_o dicite_fw-la plures_fw-la dicite_fw-la nullum_fw-la it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v there_o be_v many_o god_n as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o the_o notion_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v ens_fw-la infinitum_fw-la a_o be_v of_o infinite_a power_n and_o perfection_n but_o natural_a reason_n show_v they_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o infinite_a because_o infinite_a power_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n comprehend_v all_o power_n and_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o many_o or_o more_o than_o one_o second_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v so_o ridiculous_a and_o so_o filthy_a that_o the_o apostle_n style_v they_o abominable_a idolatry_n it_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a modesty_n either_o to_o hear_v or_o speak_v of_o they_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o see_v paganism_n smart_o and_o solid_o confute_v let_v he_o peruse_v the_o ancient_a father_n lactantius_n arnobius_n minutius_n felix_fw-la eusebius_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n st._n augustine_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la etc._n etc._n dub._n i_o always_o conceive_v paganism_n to_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a and_o vile_a superstition_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o be_o no_o better_o persuade_v of_o mahometism_n however_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v your_o reason_n against_o it_o firm._n you_o may_v please_v to_o receive_v they_o thus_o my_o first_o reason_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o novelty_n of_o it_o be_v not_o much_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n since_o that_o false_a prophet_n mahomet_n publish_v his_o rhapsody_n of_o nonsense_n fabulous_a fiction_n and_o damnable_a blasphemy_n to_o the_o world_n first_o from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v truth_n be_v before_o falsehood_n illud_fw-la verum_fw-la quod_fw-la antiquum_fw-la see_v the_o world_n be_v now_o above_o 5500_o year_n old_a and_o see_v religion_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o it_o from_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n before_o mahomet_n or_o that_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v suffer_v gross_a error_n to_o infect_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o least_o 3000_o year_n before_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n be_v know_v unto_o man_n second_o mahometism_n be_v a_o mixture_n of_o judaisme_n heresy_n and_o paganism_n with_o some_o sprinkling_n of_o christianity_n a_o bundle_n of_o ridiculous_a fable_n prodigious_a lie_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v peruse_v the_o alcoran_n three_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o such_o carnal_a weapon_n by_o sensual_a motive_n and_o promise_n of_o fleshly_a pleasure_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o that_o grand_a impostor_n which_o be_v so_o unworthy_a of_o the_o rational_a soul_n that_o they_o can_v be_v call_v the_o cord_n of_o man_n but_o be_v only_o proper_a allurement_n for_o those_o who_o reason_n be_v sink_v down_o into_o brutish_a sensuality_n dub._n these_o reason_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_v the_o folly_n and_o falseness_n of_o this_o new_a or_o rather_o no_o religion_n but_o pray_v you_o inform_v i_o why_o you_o rank_v judaisme_n in_o the_o number_n of_o false_a religious_a see_v it_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o you_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n firm._n when_o i_o reckon_v judaisme_n among_o false_a religion_n i_o mean_v only_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o the_o modern_a jew_n under_o &_o against_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o which_o their_o forefather_n under_o the_o law_n live_v and_o die_v in_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o true_a religion_n consist_v of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n holy_a obedience_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o father_n before_o the_o law_n the_o israelite_n under_o the_o law_n the_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 10.1.2.3_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n to_o come_v the_o christian_n do_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v already_o come_v to_o they_o he_o be_v veil_v in_o type_n and_o shadow_n to_o we_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o those_o shadow_n be_v vanish_v at_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n dub._n by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a thaâ—_n all_o religion_n that_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o jewish_a under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o christian_a under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o very_a same_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o consequent_o their_o pretend_a revelation_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o satanical_a delusion_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a and_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a and_o divine_a revelation_n your_o argument_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o conclude_v i_o pray_v you_o proceed_v firm._n my_o second_o argument_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o excellency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n first_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a resolve_v itself_o into_o most_o excellent_a principle_n and_o end_n the_o glorify_v of_o god_n and_o humble_v man_n pointing_z out_o unto_o we_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n in_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o the_o dedication_n and_o devotion_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v place_v our_o felicity_n in_o spiritual_a not_o in_o fleshly_a pleasure_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v holy_a scripture_n contain_v law_n most_o holy_a most_o pure_a most_o righteous_a let_v all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o can_v answer_v the_o challenge_n make_v by_o moses_n deu._n 4.8_o what_o nation_n be_v there_o so_o great_a that_o have_v statue_n and_o judgement_n so_o
either_o 2._o they_o be_v under_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n god_n have_v give_v they_o reason_n and_o understanding_n eye_n that_o they_o may_v see_v heart_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v but_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n and_o then_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o almighty_a god_n this_o light_n be_v take_v from_o they_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o be_v the_o ancient_a heathen_n rome_n 1._o 3._o their_o life_n be_v utter_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o his_o sacred_a word_n there_o be_v a_o antipathy_n a_o enmity_n betwixt_o their_o debauchery_n their_o filthiness_n their_o profaneness_n and_o his_o most_o holy_a law_n rom._n 8.7_o every_o line_n of_o it_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n threaten_v they_o with_o hell_n and_o damnation_n whereupon_o they_o cavil_v with_o they_o quarrel_n against_o it_o they_o wish_v there_o be_v neither_o god_n to_o punish_v nor_o scripture_n to_o threaten_v destruction_n against_o they_o and_o so_o by_o insensible_a degree_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o think_v and_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o the_o fool_n do_v psal._n 14._o so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n quod_fw-la nimis_fw-la miseri_fw-la volunt_fw-la hoc_fw-la facile_fw-la crâ—dunt_fw-la the_o thoughâ—â—_n and_o imagination_n of_o wretched_a man_n be_v govern_v by_o their_o desire_n they_o hate_v the_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a though_o their_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o unansweareable_a argument_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o great_a principle_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o such_o be_v the_o perverseness_n of_o their_o will_n that_o it_o either_o blind_v their_o mind_n or_o else_o draw_v they_o against_o self_n conviction_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o conclusion_n against_o the_o most_o evident_a proof_n and_o premise_n dub._n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o you_o have_v give_v very_o good_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o be_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v irreligious_a and_o profane_a liver_n that_o practical_a atheism_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o iâ—_n dogmatic_a or_o atheism_n in_o opinion_n it_o be_v the_o fool_n that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o waâ—_n no_o god_n first_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n i._n e._n a_o sinner_n and_o very_o wicked_a as_o he_o be_v describe_v in_o that_o psalm_n and_o thence_o he_o proceed_v atheist_n a_o fool_n in_o practice_n and_o then_o a_o fool_n in_o judgement_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o a_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a life_n be_v the_o true_a parent_n of_o ungodly_a and_o vile_a opinion_n froâ—_n which_o by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o your_o good_a endeavoure_v i_o be_o now_o deliver_v and_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v undoubted_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n but_o observe_v that_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v this_o religion_n there_o be_v several_a party_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o you_o that_o heretofore_o i_o have_v adhaer_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o will_v willing_o learn_v from_o you_o which_o party_n they_o of_o rome_n or_o we_o of_o england_n be_v most_o orthodox_n and_o catholic_n firm_a your_o demand_n be_v rational_a i_o shall_v most_o willing_o gratify_v you_o in_o itâ—_n oâ—ely_o you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o propose_v these_o two_o question_n to_o you_o and_o let_v i_o receive_v your_o answer_n unto_o they_o at_o our_o next_o meeting_n 1._o what_o inducement_n you_o have_v to_o turn_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o what_o reason_n you_o have_v to_o leave_v it_o dub._n you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v also_o to_o recollect_v myself_o that_o i_o may_v be_v â—he_v better_a able_a to_o give_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o your_o query_n dialogue_n iii_o against_o popery_n firm._n i_o hope_v you_o have_v well_o consider_v of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o late_o propose_v unto_o you_o dub._n to_o the_o first_o i_o return_v this_o answer_n my_o reason_n that_o induce_v i_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v these_o 1._o the_o antiquity_n of_o that_o church_n which_o have_v continue_v ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o st._n paul_n her_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n rom._n 1.8_o 2._o the_o universality_n of_o it_o no_o church_n have_v spread_v itself_o so_o far_o and_o never_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o that_o of_o rome_n 3._o her_o consent_n in_o doctrine_n with_o the_o primitive_a church_n 4._o the_o unity_n of_o it_o under_o one_o infallible_a head_n which_o can_v err_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n 5_o the_o sanctity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o â—aith_n free_a from_o all_o immorality_n and_o improbity_n in_o point_n of_o manner_n 6._o the_o sanctity_n of_o life_n in_o the_o author_n and_o first-fathers_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a motive_n that_o cause_v i_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n firm._n indeed_o these_o be_v six_o of_o those_o 15_o note_n which_o bellaâ—mine_n lib._n 4._o the_o not_o eccle._n and_o other_o of_o his_o persuasion_n appropriate_v to_o that_o church_n but_o have_v you_o not_o some_o other_o inducement_n as_o first_o a_o vicious_a life_n and_o the_o cheap_a and_o easy_a pardon_n of_o your_o sin_n upon_o confession_n of_o they_o to_o a_o priest_n his_o absolution_n and_o injunction_n of_o a_o pitiful_a penance_n two_o be_v you_o not_o under_o some_o discontent_n for_o your_o present_a low_a condition_n or_o three_o be_v you_o not_o ambitious_a of_o preferment_n deem_v popery_n to_o be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o it_o or_o four_o be_v you_o not_o tickle_v with_o the_o cunning_a extol_n of_o your_o excellent_a part_n by_o some_o subtle_a jesuit_n lament_v your_o sad_a condition_n that_o a_o person_n oâ—_n so_o rare_a endowment_n shall_v be_v so_o miserable_o mistake_v in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o your_o soul_n persuade_v you_o that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o you_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v past_o all_o peradventure_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o unless_o you_o return_v to_o that_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o your_o salvation_n or_o last_o before_o you_o set_v up_o for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v you_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a in_o any_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o one_o that_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o his_o way_n be_v allure_v with_o the_o joyed_a of_o heaven_n and_o affright_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n to_o pitch_v upon_o any_o religion_n that_o confident_o promise_v those_o and_o as_o confident_o a_o freedom_n from_o these_o and_o we_o know_v that_o priest_n and_o jesuit_n want_v neither_o art_n nor_o impudence_n to_o perswage_v silly_a wretch_n that_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o church_n dub._n true_o sir_n i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o many_o who_o have_v leave_v your_o church_n and_o go_v over_o to_o that_o of_o rome_n have_v stumble_v at_o such_o straw_n but_o you_o have_v know_v i_o long_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o no_o vicious_a life_n no_o male_a content_n not_o ambitious_a of_o honour_n or_o preferment_n not_o apt_a to_o be_v paff_v up_o with_o a_o proud_a conceit_n of_o my_o own_o part_n not_o cold_a or_o careless_a in_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o chief_a reason_n that_o move_v i_o to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v those_o before_o name_v which_o make_v i_o believe_v that_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n to_o these_o i_o beg_v your_o answer_n firm._n and_o you_o shall_v have_v it_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n which_o alone_o can_v denominate_v her_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a be_v in_o several_a weighty_a point_n quite_o contrary_a to_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o have_v it_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o more_o like_a to_o what_o it_o once_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a primitive_a time_n than_o a_o old_a decrepit_a man_n full_a of_o disease_n gout_n stone_n palsy_n dropsy_n scurvy_a blindness_n deafness_n wrinkle_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o
god_n dub._n you_o have_v abundant_o satisfy_v i_o that_o the_o sun_n have_v not_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o consequent_o that_o neither_o man_n beast_n or_o plant_n can_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n however_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v from_o you_o some_o particular_a argument_n against_o the_o eternity_n of_o mankind_n firm._n there_o be_v no_o particular_a man_n but_o have_v beginning_n be_v make_v and_o beget_v by_o his_o parent_n they_o by_o they_o and_o so_o we_o must_v ascend_v from_o son_n to_o father_n up_o to_o all_o eternity_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la infinitum_fw-la which_o be_v utter_o impossible_a or_o else_o we_o must_v come_v to_o a_o first_o man_n who_o can_v not_o make_v or_o beget_v himself_o now_o if_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v make_v and_o beget_v than_o the_o whole_a kind_n must_v be_v make_v because_o the_o whole_a kind_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collection_n of_o all_o particular_n every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o be_v beget_v or_o make_v therefore_o it_o be_v make_v by_o some_o other_o for_o quicquid_fw-la fit_a fit_a ab_fw-la alio_fw-la and_o this_o of_o some_o other_o and_o so_o forward_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o supreme_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n again_o either_o all_o man_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o some_o be_v make_v and_o some_o not_o make_v but_o have_v be_v of_o themselves_o if_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o man_n that_o be_v make_v for_o that_o which_o be_v make_v depend_v upon_o another_o can_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o be_v not_o make_v and_o independent_a because_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o make_v infinite_a independent_a be_v of_o another_o kind_n from_o what_o be_v make_v finite_a and_o dependent_a and_o these_o two_o finite_a and_o infinite_a dependent_a and_o independent_a be_v opposite_a member_n divide_v one_o and_o the_o same_o most_o common_a kind_n dub._n it_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v make_v the_o whole_a kind_n must_v be_v make_v hut_n pray_v tell_v i_o may_v there_o not_o be_v a_o perpetual_a successive_a generation_n of_o man_n up_o to_o all_o eternity_n and_o so_o a_o processus_fw-la in_o infinitum_fw-la a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o without_o all_o beginning_n firm._n this_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o in_o a_o catalogue_n or_o series_n of_o thing_n every_o one_o of_o which_o have_v a_o beginning_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a series_n there_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o processus_fw-la in_o infinitum_fw-la up_o to_o all_o eternity_n or_o a_o infinite_a succession_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n without_o all_o beginning_n eternity_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v neither_o beginning_n noâ—_n end_n for_o it_o be_v duratio_fw-la interminabilis_fw-la a_o infinite_a unlimited_a duration_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o have_v a_o beginning_n can_v possible_o be_v eternal_a but_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o man_n have_v a_o beginning_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v have_v a_o beginning_n but_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o man_n be_v make_v therefore_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n for_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v a_o begin_n therefore_o the_o whole_a series_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o collection_n of_o all_o particular_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v equal_a or_o comensurable_a to_o eternity_n which_o be_v without_o beginning_n again_o if_o the_o series_n or_o rank_n of_o man_n do_v run_v up_o to_o eternity_n or_o into_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o successive_a generation_n than_o that_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n have_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o death_n many_o million_o of_o year_n before_o this_o age_n we_o live_v in_o and_o so_o death_n have_v pass_v over_o that_o number_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o certain_a principle_n infinitum_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la pertransiri_fw-la it_o be_v impossible_a to_o pass_v over_o or_o through_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a nay_o then_o â—here_o will_v not_o be_v any_o man_n live_v at_o present_a for_o if_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n be_v already_o dead_a than_o all_o the_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o may_v be_v be_v dead_a for_o infinito_fw-la nihil_fw-la potâ—st_fw-la â—ddi_fw-la yea_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v continue_v ten_o million_o of_o year_n long_o there_o can_v not_o be_v after_o those_o ten_o million_o of_o year_n more_o man_n in_o it_o than_o there_o be_v ten_o million_o of_o year_n before_o this_o present_a for_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o infinite_a to_o make_v it_o great_a in_o magnitude_n or_o more_o in_o number_n neither_o can_v the_o father_n be_v before_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o greâ—t_a grandfather_n before_o or_o elder_n then_o either_o na_o in_o aternitate_fw-la non_fw-la datur_fw-la prius_fw-la &_o posterius_fw-la in_o this_o infinite_a duration_n there_o be_v no_o former_a or_o latter_a and_o consequent_o have_v the_o world_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n it_o can_v not_o true_o be_v say_v that_o any_o man_n be_v before_o another_o not_o abraham_n before_o isaac_n or_o he_o before_o jacob._n dub._n you_o have_v make_v it_o very_o plain_a that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o consequent_o because_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o suppose_v that_o it_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o itself_o chance_n or_o atom_n that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a cause_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v which_o be_v the_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a god_n of_o who_o be_v i_o hope_v i_o shall_v hence_o forth_o never_o entertain_v the_o least_o doubt_n firm._n though_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o these_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v urge_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n yet_o because_o something_o in_o they_o be_v not_o so_o intelligible_a to_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n who_o perhaps_o may_v cast_v their_o eye_n upon_o these_o paper_n you_o shall_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o use_v other_o reason_n that_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o familiar_a and_o such_o as_o may_v persuade_v more_o with_o man_n of_o ordinary_a ability_n than_o those_o that_o i_o have_v propose_v to_o youâ—_n self_n dub._n though_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v in_o that_o great_a fundamental_a point_n yet_o in_o this_o i_o commend_v your_o charity_n and_o do_v not_o envy_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o but_o i_o believe_v you_o can_v allege_v more_o convince_a reason_n thâ—n_o those_o which_o you_o have_v already_o make_v use_n of_o however_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v what_o you_o can_v further_o say_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o very_a great_a truth_n firm._n the_o other_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v produce_v shall_v bâ—_n take_v from_o the_o goodly_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n the_o harmonious_a order_n of_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n in_o wicked_a man_n the_o dread_a of_o perjury_n in_o very_a heathen_n the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a spirit_n their_o strange_a work_n in_o witch_n and_o wizard_n which_o may_v be_v see_v more_o large_o treat_v of_o in_o doctor_n fotherbys_n atheomastix_n doctor_n andrews_n cattechisme_n du-plessis_n truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n grotius_n of_o the_o same_o doctor_n moor_n antidote_n against_o atheism_n parson_n resolution_n doctor_n stillingfleet_v origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la gales_n gentile_n court_v mr._n baxter_n christian_n religion_n with_o many_o other_o i_o shall_v brief_o sum_v up_o what_o these_o learned_a man_n have_v write_v at_o large_a begin_v with_o that_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o goodly_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o it_o be_v excellent_o say_v of_o tertul._n lib._n de_fw-la resur_n facilius_fw-la credas_fw-la prophetiae_fw-la si_fw-la sis_fw-la discipulus_fw-la naturae_fw-la if_o we_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n they_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o most_o sweet_a harmony_n betwixt_o those_o two_o book_n the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o book_n of_o grace_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o one_o monstrat_fw-la quaelibet_fw-la herba_fw-la deum_fw-la every_o herb_n or_o plant_n do_v show_v there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v most_o true_a of_o the_o scripture_n quaelibet_fw-la linea_fw-la deum_fw-la refert_fw-la every_o line_n in_o this_o book_n show_v we_o the_o power_n providence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o atheist_n will_v disdain_v to_o read_v this_o excellent_a commentary_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n let_v he_o serious_o peruse_v the_o text_n the_o harmonious_a beauty_n and_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n plato_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v use_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o
in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o moâ—t_o sacred_a word_n if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o these_o great_a fundamental_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v both_o a_o orthodox_n and_o a_o serious_a christian._n dub._n if_o you_o can_v give_v i_o as_o good_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o have_v in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n you_o will_v perform_v a_o work_n of_o great_a charity_n but_o i_o fâ—ar_v of_o as_o great_a difficulty_n firm._n happy_o you_o may_v perceive_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o your_o reason_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o chief_o arise_v from_o that_o contrariety_n which_o be_v betwixt_o man_n carnal_a corrupt_a heart_n and_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v by_o his_o blessing_n who_o cause_n i_o plead_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o give_v your_o full_a assent_n to_o this_o other_o great_a principle_n of_o christianity_n dub._n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o weigh_v your_o reason_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o a_o even_o unbiased_a judgement_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o aâ—imo_fw-la defaecato_fw-la with_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o the_o dregs_o of_o sensuality_n interest_n partiality_n or_o prejudice_n firm._n upon_o the_o confidence_n to_o find_v this_o ingenuity_n in_o you_o i_o shall_v present_v you_o with_o these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o you_o do_v belive_o that_o there_o be_v a_o omnipotent_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v that_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n he_o make_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o some_o good_a end_n that_o he_o have_v order_v they_o to_o act_v and_o work_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v their_o be_v faculty_n operation_n from_o their_o all_o wise_a and_o glorious_a maker_n they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n to_o do_v homage_n and_o service_n to_o he_o that_o make_v they_o dub._n all_o this_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v very_o rational_a firm._n these_o thing_n be_v grant_v that_o not_o to_o mention_v other_o creature_n as_o man_n have_v his_o be_v reason_n and_o understanding_n from_o almighty_a god_n so_o be_v he_o bind_v to_o serve_v he_o in_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o man_n excellent_a nature_n which_o must_v be_v therefore_o a_o reasonable_a service_n which_o all_o the_o world_n as_o well_o pagan_n as_o jew_n and_o christian_n call_v religion_n which_o according_a to_o all_o sober_a people_n comprehend_v duty_n of_o piety_n as_o prayer_n praise_n and_o sacrifice_n duty_n of_o temperance_n sobriety_n and_o chastity_n duty_n of_o honesty_n justice_n righteousness_n and_o all_o morality_n dub._n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a then_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n that_o make_v man_n endue_v he_o with_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o there_o be_v a_o debt_n and_o duty_n owe_v from_o man_n to_o god_n his_o maker_n which_o all_o the_o world_n call_v religion_n and_o no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o so_o barbarous_a say_v cicero_n as_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o religion_n yea_o there_o be_v such_o a_o tendency_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n where_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o extinguish_v by_o brutish_a sensuality_n that_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v worship_v no_o god_n at_o all_o he_o will_v bow_v down_o to_o a_o sock_n or_o a_o stone_n so_o that_o clear_v it_o be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o man_n by_o he_o create_v there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o religion_n firm._n true_o nothing_o do_v more_o necessary_o follow_v as_o du-plessis_n have_v well_o observe_v then_o a_o god_n a_o man_n a_o religion_n but_o if_o almighty_a god_n do_v make_v man_n to_o worship_v he_o sure_o he_o give_v he_o some_o rule_n for_o that_o worship_n some_o law_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o this_o great_a concern_n of_o his_o soul_n dub._n i_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o that_o this_o law_n be_v no_o law_n write_v in_o paper_n or_o engrave_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n which_o make_v tertullian_n utter_v these_o excellent_a word_n o_o aniâ—a_fw-la naturaliter_fw-la christiana_n o_o divine_a soul_n that_o be_v natural_o a_o christian._n we_o see_v that_o the_o fire_n ascend_v the_o water_n move_v towards_o the_o centre_n bird_n make_v their_o nest_n beast_n feed_v their_o young_a not_o by_o any_o outward_a positive_a law_n but_o by_o the_o unerring_a hand_n of_o nature_n and_o may_v not_o man_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a inclination_n to_o serve_v his_o maker_n perform_v this_o service_n without_o any_o institue_v law_n or_o prescribe_v canon_n firm._n there_o be_v no_o dispute_v against_o experience_n you_o see_v he_o do_v not_o and_o when_o you_o shall_v embrace_v and_o understand_v the_o holy_a scripture_n you_o will_v see_v he_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o fall_n from_o that_o perfect_a staâ—e_v in_o which_o he_o be_v first_o make_v whereas_o the_o inferior_a creature_n keep_v their_o station_n dub._n i_o confess_v there_o be_v different_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n opposite_a one_o to_o another_o so_o that_o all_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n some_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a firm._n if_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n all_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_n how_o will_v you_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o false_a this_o you_o can_v discern_v by_o any_o imprint_v law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n unless_o excite_v by_o art_n and_o industry_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n common_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v not_o natural_a fool_n and_o madman_n stupid_a inconsiderate_a wretch_n or_o debauch_a bruit_n who_o reason_n be_v â—unk_v down_o into_o gross_a sensuality_n dub._n it_o be_v very_o true_a if_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o point_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o say_v why_o so_o many_o sober_a man_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o debauch_v their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n shall_v so_o strange_o differ_v about_o it_o firm._n i_o believe_v you_o can_v nor_o yet_o why_o jew_n and_o pagan_n do_v offer_v up_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o these_o deitys_n they_o worship_v do_v any_o light_n of_o nature_n make_v it_o rational_a that_o the_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o poor_a innocent_a beast_n or_o be_v it_o rational_a to_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v delight_v in_o humane_a sacrifice_n dub._n i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v teach_v man_n that_o such_o sacrifice_n shall_v please_v the_o go_n i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o this_o part_n of_o worship_n use_v by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n pray_v sir_n give_v yourself_o the_o trouble_n of_o inform_v i_o whence_o this_o practice_n spring_v firm._n you_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o have_v not_o its_o original_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o albeit_o some_o kind_n of_o sacrifice_n as_o prayer_n praise_n alms-deed_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n deo_fw-la datori_fw-la to_o god_n that_o give_v they_o may_v spring_v from_o that_o light_n yet_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o beast_n be_v never_o show_v to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n by_o nature_n candle_n but_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n appoint_v by_o almighty_a god_n to_o prefigure_v the_o grand_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v term_v god_n ape_n teach_v his_o servant_n the_o gentile_n to_o imitate_v who_o have_v the_o shell_n but_o not_o the_o kernel_n the_o shadow_n but_o not_o the_o substance_n the_o outward_a rite_n but_o not_o christ_n crucify_v represent_v by_o it_o dub._n i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o beast_n come_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o you_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v from_o divine_a revelation_n and_o positive_a institution_n firm._n you_o will_v be_v better_o satisfy_v when_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o founder_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v pretend_v to_o revelation_n numa_n lycurgus_n mahomet_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o devil_n teach_v they_o to_o do_v in_o imitation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o
righteous_a as_o all_o the_o law_n which_o be_v set_v before_o you_o this_o day_n which_o as_o to_o their_o clearness_n be_v high_o improve_v under_o the_o gospel_n engage_v we_o upon_o high_a and_o more_o heavenly_a motive_n those_o under_o the_o law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n temporal_a to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n which_o christian_n religion_n commend_v not_o b._n no_o duty_n which_o it_o command_v not_o no_o vice_n no_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o condemn_v pride_n worldly-mindedness_a sensuality_n filthy_a lust_n a_o poor_a private_a narrow_a spirit_n selfishness_n as_o this_o no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o commend_v humility_n meekness_n selfe-denyal_n charity_n peace_n unity_n no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o exalt_v reason_n above_o passion_n and_o sense_n do_v so_o much_o ennoble_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n make_v it_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n as_o so_o many_o vain_a shadow_n delude_a dream_n transitory_a nothing_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a but_o high_a and_o heavenly_a as_o to_o set_v forth_o tâ—e_v gloâ—y_a of_o god_n to_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n above_o the_o creature_n to_o lead_v man_n by_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n this_o religion_n give_v we_o the_o high_a motive_n for_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o piety_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o virtuous_a live_a thâ—t_n possible_a câ—n_n be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n here_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n hereafter_o it_o give_v the_o strong_a reason_n against_o the_o power_n oâ—_n temptation_n teâ—â—hing_v we_o to_o mortify_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n anâ—_n to_o contemn_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n put_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n whiâ—h_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o feather_n to_o the_o massy_a glob_n of_o the_o earth_n last_o christian_a religion_n from_o holy_a scripture_n on_o which_o it_o be_v found_v do_v reveâ—l_o unto_o we_o the_o nature_n attribute_n and_o work_n of_o god_n beyond_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n how_o do_v it_o magnify_v and_o reconcile_v the_o justiâ—e_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinful_a man_n how_o doâ—h_v it_o set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o â—oâ—_n in_o make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a form_n and_o beauty_n which_o have_v draw_v all_o â—oâ—sidering_v man_n into_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o goodly_a fabric_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o must_v acute_a philosopher_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o and_o when_o it_o be_v make_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n or_o have_v a_o beginning_n in_o time_n whether_o it_o be_v mâ—de_v of_o preexistent_a mâ—tter_n oâ—_n of_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n whiâ—h_o fond_a opinion_n deserve_v not_o any_o serious_a confutation_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v â—leâ—rly_o solve_v all_o these_o doubt_n &_o be_v indeed_o the_o best_a comment_n on_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n the_o time_n and_o method_n of_o its_o production_n the_o people_n of_o nation_n the_o confusion_n of_o language_n the_o depravation_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o heathen_n understand_v not_o fancy_v two_o principal_n one_o good_a the_o other_o evil_n from_o which_o all_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n do_v proceed_v man_n recovery_n by_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o want_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n thereof_o all_o the_o bloody_a sacrifice_n practise_v by_o the_o heathen_n be_v mere_a imposture_n and_o ridiculous_a nothing_o these_o and_o divers_a other_o mystery_n far_o above_o man_n capacity_n to_o devise_v and_o not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o natural_a corrupt_a reason_n be_v make_v plain_a unto_o we_o by_o scripture_n revelation_n which_o do_v abundant_o prove_v that_o none_o but_o a_o infinite_a god_n can_v be_v author_n of_o this_o divine_a revelation_n of_o which_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_n &_o that_o of_o mahomet_n be_v so_o many_o apish_a imitation_n &_o diabolical_a cheat_n dub._n i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v by_o the_o character_n which_o you_o have_v give_v of_o the_o religion_n in_o practice_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n especial_o with_o the_o christian_n that_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o must_v be_v from_o heaven_n &_o not_o from_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o holy_a scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v &_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n firm._n i_o can_v further_o acquaint_v you_o with_o many_o moâ—e_n reason_n to_o confirm_v you_o in_o this_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v common_a in_o every_o author_n that_o treat_v of_o it_o â—s_n namely_o the_o antiquity_n of_o holy_a scripture_n some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v before_o all_o write_n the_o continuance_n of_o it_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o cruel_a bloody_a persecutor_n the_o sincerity_n impartiality_n candour_n simplicity_n of_o its_o writer_n quibus_fw-la nullum_fw-la fuit_fw-la mendac_fw-la two_o praemium_fw-la they_o have_v no_o earthly_a motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o utter_v such_o forgery_n as_o atheist_n deem_v they_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n loss_n of_o good_n and_o life_n again_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o good_a man_n or_o very_o bad_a for_o man_n of_o a_o cold_a indifferency_n they_o can_v not_o be_v if_o they_o be_v very_o good_a man_n they_o will_v never_o have_v conspire_v together_o to_o put_v such_o a_o cheat_n such_o a_o grand_a imposture_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o antiscripturists_a will_v have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v if_o very_o bad_a they_o will_v never_o have_v write_v with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o especial_o against_o lie_v and_o hypocrisy_n certain_o they_o will_v never_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o hazard_v life_n and_o fortune_n for_o no_o other_o reward_n then_o to_o be_v esteem_v both_o knave_n and_o fool_n by_o all_o prudent_a man_n add_v to_o this_o that_o liar_n and_o cheat_n do_v not_o usual_o agree_v one_o with_o the_o other_o but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n &_o consent_n betwixt_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n though_o they_o live_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o that_o questionless_a they_o be_v act_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n last_o the_o averseness_n the_o slowness_n that_o be_v in_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 24.25_o arise_v from_o that_o contrariety_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o carnal_a and_o deprave_a mind_n be_v no_o small_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v otherwise_o impossible_a to_o render_v any_o rational_a account_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v or_o disbelieve_v this_o sacred_a word_n and_o never_o once_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a history_n which_o be_v convey_v down_o unto_o we_o not_o with_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o that_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o wave_v these_o reason_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v two_o of_o the_o best_a which_o be_v urge_v against_o infidelity_n to_o bring_v up_o the_o rear_n of_o my_o discourse_n the_o first_o whereof_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n the_o other_o from_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o our_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la dub._n though_o i_o be_o sufficient_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o great_a principle_n by_o what_o you_o have_v already_o say_v yet_o i_o will_v most_o glad_o hear_v your_o argument_n from_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n firm._n first_o for_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v acquaint_v you_o with_o some_o few_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o your_o own_o read_n may_v suggest_v many_o more_o which_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v according_a as_o they_o be_v foretell_v dub._n do_v not_o astrologer_n and_o heathen_a oracle_n foretell_v many_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v foretell_v firm._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o hear_v what_o judgement_n a_o learned_a heathen_a pass_n upon_o they_o the_o god_n do_v foretell_v some_o natural_a thing_n to_o come_v for_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o order_n &_o conjunction_n of_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o of_o thing_n
that_o be_v contingent_a or_o such_o as_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n they_o have_v but_o conjecture_n and_o do_v often_o time_n lie_v and_o deceive_v we_o in_o both_o kind_n for_o as_o natural_a thing_n be_v variable_a so_o much_o more_o the_o will_n of_o man_n porphyrius_n lib._n de_fw-la resp._n &_o oraâ—_n cite_v by_o parson_n in_o his_o resol_n pag._n 62._o dub._n this_o testimony_n of_o porphyrius_n be_v a_o heathen_a and_o a_o great_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o experience_n show_v it_o to_o be_v very_o true_a for_o oracle_n have_v deceive_v many_o and_o we_o see_v that_o astrologer_n can_v give_v no_o certain_a prediction_n concern_v the_o weather_n which_o depend_v upon_o natural_a cause_n and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o sheâ—_n i_o if_o you_o can_v any_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v more_o certain_a firm._n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o abraham_n concern_v his_o posterity_n inherit_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n of_o their_o servitude_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n of_o their_o mighty_a deliverance_n 400_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v you_o may_v for_o this_o compare_n cen._n 15.13.14_o etc._n etc._n with_o exod._n 12._o second_o jacob_n be_v in_o egypt_n on_o his_o death_n bed_n prophesy_v thus_o of_o his_o â—on_n judah_n that_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o until_o shilo_n come_v which_o fall_v out_o according_o at_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n at_o which_o time_n the_o sceptre_n be_v in_o the_o hâ—nd_n of_o a_o stranger_n herod_n by_o name_n and_o then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o it_o final_o depart_v from_o juda_n three_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o josiasâ—00_n â—00_z year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o he_o shall_v destroy_v the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n 1._o king_n 13._o which_o be_v exact_o fullfil_v 2._o king_n 23._o four_o you_o may_v see_v how_o punctual_a the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v in_o fortel_v the_o nativity_n the_o life_n the_o passion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o so_o much_o that_o he_o write_v more_o like_o a_o historian_n than_o a_o prophet_n as_o also_o how_o he_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o hierâ—salem_n and_o the_o grievous_a captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o and_o under_z the_o babylonian_n and_o then_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o babylonian_n and_o the_o rebuild_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o cyrus_n 200_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v the_o same_o be_v foretell_v by_o jeremy_n about_o a_o 100_o year_n after_o isaiah_n and_o these_o prophecy_n be_v so_o famous_a and_o so_o certain_o believe_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o captivity_n that_o when_o the_o time_n of_o their_o expiration_n draw_v near_o daniel_n thus_o write_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o darius_n i_o daniel_n understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o number_n of_o the_o 70_o year_n etc._n etc._n dan._n 9.1_o neither_o do_v the_o jew_n only_o understand_v and_o believe_v this_o prophecy_n but_o cyrus_n himself_o a_o heathen_a which_o be_v his_o great_a inducement_n to_o restore_v the_o jew_n and_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n at_o his_o own_o proper_a charge_n ezra_n 1._o and_o heathen_a historian_n confess_v as_o much_o five_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o four_o great_a monarchy_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a so_o distinct_o describe_v as_o if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o they_o all_o dan._n 2._o and_o dan._n 8._o how_o also_o he_o foretell_v the_o come_n and_o suffer_v of_o the_o messiah_n after_o 70_o week_n cap._n 9_o many_o more_o of_o such_o prophecy_n may_v be_v allege_v but_o these_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o attest_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n dub._n it_o be_v very_o true_a if_o you_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v ever_o such_o prophet_n or_o prophecys_n in_o the_o world_n firm._n what_o proof_n do_v you_o expect_v will_v you_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o see_v with_o your_o own_o eye_n dub._n that_o be_v irrational_a if_o you_o can_v prove_v by_o a_o certain_a tradition_n that_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o prophecy_n deliver_v by_o such_o man_n as_o you_o name_n i_o shall_v assent_v unto_o they_o firm._n this_o i_o shall_v perform_v first_o from_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o have_v deliver_v they_o from_o father_n to_o son_n down_z along_o for_o many_o generation_n do_v you_o think_v that_o a_o people_n so_o careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o keep_n and_o transcribe_v their_o record_n can_v or_o will_v agree_v together_o upon_o no_o worldly_a interest_n at_o all_o yea_o even_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n dub._n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o very_o probable_a but_o have_v you_o any_o other_o proof_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o prophecy_n firm._n yes_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o very_a heathen_n it_o be_v say_v by_o josephus_n lib._n 1_o de_fw-fr antiq._n jud._n cap._n 4._o that_o the_o public_a write_n of_o the_o syrean_o chaldaean_n phoenicians_n grecians_n be_v sufficient_a to_o testify_v the_o antiquity_n truth_n authority_n and_o certainity_n of_o holy_a scripture_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o proof_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o memorable_a passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o it_o be_v mention_v by_o some_o heathen_a writer_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n noah_n flood_n the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n live_v in_o and_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypâ—_n the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o babylonish_n captivity_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o euseb._n grotius_n de_fw-fr verit_fw-la christ._n relig._n parson_n resol_n cap._n 3._o lib._n 1._o part_n 1._o dub._n indeed_o a_o testimony_n from_o a_o adversary_n be_v beyond_o all_o exception_n i_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o what_o you_o have_v say_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v you_o any_o thing_n to_o say_v for_o the_o new_a more_o than_o what_o you_o have_v say_v in_o general_a for_o they_o both_o together_o firm._n yes_o i_o have_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v acknoledge_v by_o heathen_n grotius_n de_fw-fr ver_fw-la chris._n relig._n beside_o if_o you_o assent_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n you_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o history_n of_o those_o prophecy_n now_o fullfil_v which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n you_o may_v add_v to_o this_o the_o miraculous_a preservation_n of_o both_o testament_n not_o withstand_v the_o malice_n of_o persecute_v heathen_n who_o use_v all_o art_n of_o cruelty_n to_o extinguish_v they_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n into_o so_o many_o part_n of_o the_o prejudicate_a world_n without_o yea_o contrary_a to_o all_o carnal_a force_n and_o worldly_a interest_n by_o a_o few_o simple_a unlearned_a man_n which_o if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o a_o miracle_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a miracle_n that_o ever_o we_o read_v of_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o opposition_n of_o many_o subtle_a heretic_n who_o never_o dare_v so_o much_o as_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o rather_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o false_a gloss_n that_o they_o may_v shift_v of_o those_o clear_a text_n which_o make_v against_o they_o whereas_o it_o have_v be_v a_o more_o compendious_a way_n to_o have_v utter_o deny_v they_o if_o their_o impudence_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o oppose_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o those_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v dub._n though_o i_o be_o sufficient_o convince_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wronght_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v yet_o to_o remove_v all_o scruple_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o they_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v in_o two_o exception_n that_o be_v urge_v by_o antiscripturist_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n 2._o that_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o ever_o wrought_v such_o mighty_a work_n as_o be_v record_v of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n firm._n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o wrought_v those_o miracle_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o history_n of_o they_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n swear_v
swear_v by_o a_o good_a man_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a how_o the_o gross_a superstition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v crooked_a silly_a soul_n and_o that_o all_o such_o image_n be_v teacher_n of_o lie_n very_a vanity_n as_o the_o scripture_n show_v and_o reason_n demonstrate_v for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o blasphemous_a image_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a trinity_n do_v not_o the_o image_n of_o any_o saint_n who_o these_o pseudo-catholicks_a worship_n lie_v to_o their_o imagination_n represent_v that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o those_o saint_n do_v now_o remain_v so_o that_o while_o they_o picture_n and_o worship_n they_o in_o bodily_a shape_n which_o picture_n represent_v what_o be_v not_o they_o worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o pray_v only_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o saint_n yet_o phansy_v they_o in_o bodily_a shape_n as_o when_o they_o live_v here_o on_o earth_n how_o do_v it_o concern_v all_o serious_a christian_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o religious_a worship_n of_o any_o creature_n of_o god_n or_o man_n make_v of_o angel_n saint_n or_o image_n which_o be_v so_o express_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sure_o if_o we_o may_v worship_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v man_n creature_n it_o be_v much_o more_o rational_a to_o worship_v a_o true_a man_n yea_o the_o son_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o all_o thâ—_n host_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o creature_n of_o almighty_a god_n firm._n you_o right_o conclude_v be_v not_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n upon_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o adversary_n they_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o dangerous_a a_o suspicion_n dub._n i_o shall_v trouble_v you_o but_o with_o one_o reason_n more_o for_o my_o forsakeing_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v brief_o their_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n a_o practice_n manifest_o contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n a_o most_o unreasonable_a service_n opposite_a to_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v to_o almighty_a god_n it_o be_v so_o baffle_v by_o st._n paul_n that_o all_o the_o learned_a â—en_n of_o the_o roman_a party_n have_v nothing_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n to_o answer_v and_o as_o for_o antiquity_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v upon_o in_o the_o first_o age_n in_o the_o church_n the_o liturgy_n than_o every_o where_o be_v in_o the_o know_a and_o vulgar_a tongue_n otherwise_o how_o shall_v the_o unlearned_a say_v amen_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o divers_a other_o of_o their_o fopperye_n a_o very_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o for_o the_o undeceive_a of_o ignorant_a papist_n their_o missale_n pontifical_n breviarye_n lady_n psaltre_n etc._n etc._n be_v translate_v into_o the_o english_a and_o other_o vulgar_a tongue_n that_o such_o poor_a delude_a soul_n may_v see_v to_o what_o absurd_a prayer_n they_o say_v amen_o to_o what_o childish_a ridiculous_a ceremony_n they_o submit_v i_o may_v here_o add_v the_o vain_a reptition_n of_o so_o many_o ave-maria_n &_o pater-noster's_a upon_o their_o bead_n their_o say_n of_o they_o at_o certain_a hour_n as_o a_o pensum_fw-la or_o task_n or_o a_o penance_n to_o make_v a_o compensation_n for_o their_o sin_n rather_o than_o as_o a_o willing_a serious_a duty_n from_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o religious_a pray_v but_o a_o childish_a say_n of_o prayer_n a_o vain_a heathenish_a babble_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o old_a wife_n charm_n rest_v in_o the_o work_n do_v as_o if_o the_o bare_a say_n of_o prayer_n without_o any_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o only_a end_n of_o pray_v or_o the_o effectual_a â—ervenâ—_n prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n jam._n 5.16_o i_o may_v also_o add_v their_o cheat_a purgatory_n their_o purchase_n of_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n to_o come_v by_o sum_n of_o money_n set_v down_o in_o the_o tax_n book_n of_o their_o chancery_n their_o pilgrimage_n and_o bodily_a severitye_n to_o expiate_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o soul_n their_o allow_v of_o brothel_n house_n to_o gratiâ—ye_v the_o unmarried_a clergy_n and_o other_o in_o their_o unclean_a lust_n for_o which_o the_o pope_n receive_v a_o lusty_a pension_n but_o to_o deal_v true_o with_o you_o no_o one_o thing_n wrought_v a_o great_a dislike_n of_o popery_n in_o i_o then_o their_o barbarous_a bloody_a cruelâ—y_n towards_o those_o that_o they_o please_v to_o call_v heretic_n their_o savage_a inquisition_n their_o parisian_a irish_a and_o other_o massacre_n history_n their_o marian_n butchering_n their_o intend_a matchless_a powder_n treason_n their_o poison_n and_o stab_v of_o king_n their_o justifie_v of_o rebellion_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n by_o their_o right_a intention_n and_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o jesuitism_n in_o the_o jesuit_n morrall_n can_v such_o villainy_n such_o cruelty_n and_o christianity_n stand_v together_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n propagate_v the_o gospel_n with_o such_o carnal_a weapon_n how_o severe_o do_v our_o saviour_n rebuke_v his_o angry_a disciple_n when_o they_o will_v have_v call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o destroy_v the_o uncivil_a schismatical_a samaritan_n 10.4_o yâ—e_n know_v not_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o luk._n 9.55_o o_o that_o christ_n pretend_v vicar_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o meek_a and_o holy_a jesus_n these_o sir_n be_v the_o reason_n which_o move_v i_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o can_v not_o believe_v she_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n or_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o but_o a_o very_a schismatical_a haeretical_a one_o that_o have_v depart_v exceed_v much_o from_o primitive_a christianity_n from_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o sainâ—s_n firm._n you_o have_v give_v very_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o your_o departure_n from_o that_o unsound_a church_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o serious_a consider_v christian_n and_o you_o have_v save_v i_o the_o trouble_n of_o any_o further_a addition_n to_o they_o i_o be_o now_o full_o persuade_v that_o you_o be_v neither_o atheist_n infidel_n or_o papist_n pray_v you_o let_v i_o know_v what_o be_v your_o present_a persuasion_n and_o what_o church_n you_o most_o approve_v dub._n true_o sir_n there_o be_v so_o many_o sect_n among_o the_o protestant_n that_o i_o be_o in_o no_o small_a doubt_n with_o which_o of_o they_o to_o hold_v commuion_n but_o my_o inclination_n lead_v i_o chief_o to_o return_v to_o my_o old_a mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o most_o unhappy_o as_o i_o be_o now_o convince_v i_o heretofore_o separate_v however_o for_o the_o remouâ—l_n of_o some_o scruple_n which_o yet_o remain_v with_o i_o â—_o earnest_o desire_v you_o to_o give_v yourself_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o short_a discourse_n concern_v the_o several_a sect_n now_o in_o england_n firm._n i_o shall_v most_o â—readily_o gratify_v you_o in_o this_o your_o very_a reasonable_a request_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n gracious_a assistance_n remove_v all_o your_o scruple_n and_o fix_v you_o a_o true_a son_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o catholic_n apostolical_a church_n now_o exstant_fw-la in_o all_o the_o world_n which_o those_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o christianity_n both_o for_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o have_v some_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o trace_v christian_a religion_n through_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o these_o present_a time_n i_o say_v those_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v these_o thing_n can_v doubt_v of_o dub._n you_o much_o confirm_v i_o in_o what_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v from_o grave_n and_o learned_a man_n that_o one_o great_a cause_n of_o error_n in_o religion_n be_v ignorance_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n counsel_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n this_o be_v not_o every_o man_n work_n that_o have_v neither_o book_n to_o read_v nor_o brain_n to_o understand_v they_o and_o that_o tâ—e_v sure_a way_n to_o be_v a_o orthodox_n christian_n be_v by_o study_v descendendo_fw-la beginning_n with_o the_o record_n of_o the_o first_o century_n then_o
because_o of_o personal_a abuse_n in_o the_o governor_n or_o under_o officer_n where_o the_o government_n in_o '_o its_o constitution_n be_v not_o faulty_a neither_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n intolerable_a but_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n that_o nonconformist_n shall_v be_v more_o sharp_o deal_v with_o then_o debauch_v profane_a person_n firm._n if_o we_o shall_v compare_v schism_n separation_n nonconformity_n with_o profaneness_n it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a or_o which_o be_v the_o least_o sin_n the_o first_o may_v be_v majoris_fw-la culpae_fw-la the_o other_o majoris_fw-la infamiae_fw-la as_o aquinas_n right_o judge_v 1.2_o q._n 73._o a._n 5._o of_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a sin_n those_o as_o pride_n and_o malice_n be_v great_a sin_n but_o these_o as_o drunkenness_n fornication_n be_v more_o scandalous_a but_o to_o wave_v the_o comparison_n and_o to_o give_v you_o free_o my_o own_o sentiment_n in_o this_o particular_a i_o do_v conceive_v that_o debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n aught_o to_o be_v more_o severe_o punish_v then_o negative_a separation_n and_o simple_a nonconformity_n my_o reason_n be_v these_o 1._o every_o prudent_a parent_n will_v be_v moâ—e_n severe_a against_o a_o wicked_a child_n that_o continue_v under_o his_o roof_n profess_v obedience_n aâ—d_a subjection_n then_o against_o that_o child_n which_o have_v utter_o forsake_v his_o father_n and_o utter_o abandon_v his_o house_n and_o family_n 2._o the_o sin_n of_o proâ—â—ness_n and_o debauchery_n be_v wilful_a for_o drunkard_n and_o profane_a person_n do_v not_o pleâ—d_a ignorance_n and_o weakness_n be_v oâ—â—_n more_o malignant_a nature_n than_o sin_n of_o ignorancâ—_n though_o it_o be_v such_o a_o ignorance_n which_o be_v not_o all_o together_o invincible_a but_o contract_v by_o pride_n pevishness_n interest_n or_o prejudice_n under_o which_o many_o separatist_n and_o nonconformist_n be_v in_o bondage_n and_o captivity_n 3._o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n oâ—_n debauch_v and_o profane_a person_n who_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o protestant_n and_o member_n of_o our_o church_n though_o intruth_o they_o be_v not_o but_o rather_o limb_n of_o satan_n be_v the_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o it_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o furnish_v shismaticks_n and_o nonconformist_n with_o their_o best_a argument_n which_o they_o urge_v against_o we_o for_o what_o they_o object_n against_o our_o church_n government_n liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n be_v â—or_a the_o most_o part_n very_o frivolous_a and_o there_o be_v no_o quaker_n anabaptist_n independent_o but_o mâ—kes_v the_o profaneness_n of_o the_o episcopal_a party_n the_o chief_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o separation_n dub._n this_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a from_o my_o own_o experience_n nothing_o wrought_v so_o much_o upon_o i_o to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a life_n of_o those_o which_o she_o receive_v into_o her_o communion_n firm._n that_o be_v your_o error_n for_o you_o can_v say_v thâ—t_o she_o receive_v any_o into_o her_o communion_n who_o by_o her_o rubric_n and_o canon_n she_o â—xcludes_v and_o although_o through_o the_o laziness_n and_o connivance_n of_o church_n officer_n or_o governor_n or_o both_o many_o a_o ungodly_a person_n receive_v the_o sacament_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n which_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v catholic_n and_o apostolical_a only_o i_o confess_v thaâ—_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n she_o come_v short_a of_o the_o primitive_a severity_n against_o obstinate_a sinner_n yet_o the_o present_a canon_n be_v so_o strict_a that_o if_o they_o be_v due_o observe_v no_o open_o wicked_a or_o ungodly_a person_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n i_o be_o persuade_v to_o those_o that_o now_o separate_v from_o we_o dub._n but_o see_v the_o primitive_a discipline_n have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n wish_v for_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n since_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o rubric_n before_o the_o commination_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o be_v not_o restore_v shall_v we_o be_v still_o wish_v and_o never_o act_v or_o do_v firm._n why_o it_o have_v not_o be_v restore_v i_o know_v no_o other_o reason_n that_o be_v give_v but_o this_o the_o time_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o why_o the_o â—â—mes_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o seâ—taries_n who_o cry_v down_o many_o ancient_a usage_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o popery_n anâ—_n these_o man_n must_v not_o be_v offend_v lest_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o a_o utter_a hatred_n oâ—_n opposition_n to_o our_o church_n or_o else_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a such_o be_v the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o the_o time_n that_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o primitive_a severity_n when_o will_v that_o time_n come_v that_o such_o strict_a discipline_n will_v be_v endure_v the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o expectation_n of_o it_o above_o this_o hundred_o year_n but_o still_o schism_n and_o sect_n profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n increase_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o no_o question_n the_o time_n as_o to_o sect_n and_o profaneness_n if_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v much_o more_o unfit_a to_o bear_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n than_o they_o be_v when_o that_o wish_n be_v first_o make_v and_o the_o long_o it_o be_v disuse_v the_o more_o unfit_a they_o will_v be_v which_o i_o wish_v our_o prudent_a governor_n will_v take_v into_o their_o serious_a consideration_n dub._n certain_o a_o strict_a discipline_n impartial_o execute_v upon_o all_o transgressor_n of_o god_n holy_a law_n by_o sharp_a reproof_n severe_a admonition_n due_a suspensation_n from_o the_o sacrament_n excommunication_n penance_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n will_v give_v a_o great_a check_n to_o that_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n which_o reign_v so_o much_o in_o our_o land_n and_o take_v away_o much_o of_o the_o scandal_n which_o be_v give_v by_o our_o mix_a communion_n at_o which_o block_n of_o offence_n many_o have_v stumble_v and_o fall_v out_o of_o our_o church_n into_o conventicle_n and_o separate_a congregation_n firm._n no_o question_n a_o strict_a discipline_n will_v do_v much_o towards_o a_o hâ—ppy_a reformation_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o episcopal_a party_n but_o as_o you_o have_v observe_v the_o great_a scandal_n that_o be_v take_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n at_o the_o profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o party_n so_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o as_o great_a a_o scandal_n be_v give_v by_o they_o to_o those_o who_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v contrary_a to_o her_o law_n &_o canon_n they_o be_v no_o more_o member_n of_o our_o church_n than_o a_o glass_n eye_n or_o wooden_a leg_n be_v live_v part_n of_o a_o man_n body_n dub._n i_o do_v not_o see_v wherein_o the_o nonconformist_n whether_o presbyterian_o or_o independent_o have_v give_v any_o just_a occasion_n of_o scandal_n to_o any_o they_o be_v man_n that_o be_v very_o sober_a in_o their_o life_n and_o great_a professor_n of_o religion_n give_v much_o to_o family-duty_n to_o prayer_n to_o hear_v of_o sermon_n firm._n hinc_fw-la illae_fw-la lachrymae_fw-la here_o lie_v the_o scandal_n which_o mâ—kes_v religion_n stink_v in_o the_o nostril_n of_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o man_n profess_v holiness_n shall_v make_v no_o conscience_n of_o disobedience_n of_o perjury_n of_o rebellion_n against_o and_o at_o last_o of_o murder_v their_o liege_n sovereign_a a_o man_n upon_o who_o his_o most_o malicious_a and_o critical_a enemy_n can_v never_o charge_v any_o scanlous_a sin_n dub._n these_o indeed_o be_v very_o grievious_a sin_n and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v but_o sure_o you_o can_v charge_v they_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o theseman_n but_o only_o upon_o some_o ambitious_a hypocrite_n that_o make_v religion_n a_o stalking-horse_n to_o bring_v about_o their_o devilish_a design_n firm._n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o the_o nonconformists_a in_o england_n be_v not_o in_o actual_a arm_n against_o the_o king_n neither_o do_v they_o sit_v in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o injustice_n upon_o he_o neither_o do_v they_o all_o as_o natural_a agent_n cut_v of_o his_o head_n but_o moral_o that_o be_v very_o sinful_o and_o wicked_o they_o have_v their_o hand_n stain_v with_o that_o royal_a blood_n for_o whosoever_o do_v abet_v these_o son_n of_o belial_n in_o their_o rebellion_n treason_n murder_n of_o their_o king_n and_o fellow_n subject_n either_o by_o consent_v to_o their_o villainy_n pray_v for_o their_o prosperity_n praise_v god_n for_o their_o victorious_a success_n or_o by_o assist_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n advice_n free_a and_o voluntary_a contribution_n by_o write_v and_o preach_v up_o the_o
perjury_n be_v so_o frequent_o observe_v by_o some_o heathen_n that_o when_o diagoras_n hear_v a_o man_n for_o swear_v himself_o in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o be_v impatient_a to_o see_v that_o he_o be_v not_o present_o thunder-stricken_a become_v a_o atheist_n and_o because_o sentence_n against_o so_o great_a a_o evil_n be_v not_o sudden_o execute_v therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o fool_n this_o wicked_a man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o he_o about_o that_o great_a mischief_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n psal._n 14.1_o eccl._n 8.11_o dub._n some_o pagan_n aâ—d_v false_a christian_n have_v dare_v to_o take_v false_a oath_n the_o jesuit_n whether_o they_o be_v pagan_n or_o christian_n i_o know_v not_o will_v swear_v anything_o even_o solemn_o in_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o therefore_o this_o argument_n impious_a meâ—_n dare_v not_o take_v a_o false_a oath_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n or_o some_o supreme_a power_n which_o they_o fear_v hold_v not_o for_o the_o antecedent_n be_v evident_o fall_v but_o this_o be_v rational_a strange_a horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fearful_a judgement_n have_v follow_v perjure_a person_n though_o no_o man_n know_v they_o be_v so_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o invisible_a superior_a power_n whence_o such_o horror_n and_o terror_n and_o judgement_n proceed_v frm._n i_o do_v confess_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a perjure_a person_n in_o former_a and_o be_v in_o these_o present_a time_n but_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o exception_n see_v what_o be_v reply_v to_o another_o very_a like_o it_o pag._n 4._o however_o i_o be_o content_a the_o argument_n shall_v stand_v as_o you_o have_v propose_v it_o strange_a horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fearful_a judgement_n have_v follow_v perjure_a person_n etc._n etc._n which_o sufficient_o prove_v what_o i_o intend_v and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v another_o argument_n very_o like_a to_o this_o or_o which_o be_v rather_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o former_a may_v be_v takâ—n_v from_o the_o fear_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n even_o among_o the_o very_a heathen_n nero_n have_v kill_v his_o mother_n confess_v that_o he_o be_v often_o trouble_v which_o her_o ghost_n the_o wretched_a caligula_n at_o the_o report_n of_o a_o thunder_n clap_v will_v â—un_v under_o his_o bed_n a_o thousand_o instance_n there_o be_v among_o heathen_a writer_n of_o wicked_a man_n labour_v under_o the_o fear_n and_o terror_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o juvenal_n do_v describe_v to_o the_o life_n in_o one_o or_o two_o of_o his_o satyr_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o mere_a pagan_n man_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o of_o his_o severity_n against_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v torment_v with_o the_o sad_a prospect_n of_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n attend_v upon_o their_o villainy_n though_o never_o so_o secret_o practise_v but_o the_o timor_fw-la numinis_fw-la vindicantis_fw-la the_o fear_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n a_o three_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o certainty_n that_o there_o be_v devil_n evil_a spirit_n together_o with_o their_o wicked_a instrument_n witch_n magician_n sorcerer_n conjurer_n which_o none_o but_o a_o foolish_a atheist_n who_o will_v believe_v no_o further_o than_o his_o sight_n lead_v he_o can_v doubt_v of_o how_o frequent_o the_o devil_n have_v appear_v in_o this_o nation_n in_o time_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o how_o he_o do_v so_o still_o to_o the_o poor_a '_o indian_n thâ—t_v worship_v he_o for_o their_o god_n be_v abundant_o manifest_a by_o the_o tradition_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o know_v christian_n that_o have_v be_v in_o those_o part_n what_o prank_n and_o diabolical_a feat_n have_v be_v act_v by_o witch_n and_o conjurer_n may_v be_v see_v in_o those_o learned_a author_n that_o have_v write_v against_o they_o as_o dr._n moor_n and_o many_o other_o and_o albeit_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a spirit_n witchcraft_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o now_o so_o frequent_a in_o this_o nation_n as_o heretofore_o in_o time_n of_o popery_n and_o dark_a ignorance_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o our_o forefather_n be_v melancholy_a hypocondriack_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o deceive_v we_o with_o vain_a and_o groundless_a fancy_n but_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v this_o in_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n the_o devil_n appear_v more_o frequent_o to_o uphold_v his_o kingdom_n over_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o false_a worship_n but_o in_o time_n of_o knowledge_n and_o gospel_n light_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n use_v all_o his_o art_n to_o render_v man_n sceptic_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o atheist_n infidel_n profane_a so_o that_o his_o very_a appear_v will_v pull_v down_o his_o kingdom_n which_o he_o exercise_v over_o these_o wretch_n who_o like_a sadducee_n believe_v neither_o angel_n nor_o spirit_n nor_o any_o thing_n further_o than_o they_o can_v see_v now_o the_o prince_n oâ—_n the_o air_n be_v too_o subtle_a to_o confute_v this_o groâ—s_n error_n in_o his_o best_a servant_n by_o any_o or_o often_o apparition_n the_o last_o reason_n i_o shall_v take_v from_o that_o allow_a distinction_n that_o be_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n better_a and_o worse_o which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o measure_n of_o man_n action_n and_o this_o measure_n must_v be_v a_o law_n either_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n or_o institute_v and_o write_v in_o book_n or_o table_n and_o thiâ—_n law_n must_v have_v a_o law_n maker_n which_o must_v be_v able_a both_o to_o know_v reward_n and_o punish_v not_o only_a man_n word_n and_o action_n but_o his_o very_a thought_n which_o none_o can_v do_v according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o justice_n but_o he_o that_o be_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v none_o but_o the_o omniscient_a god_n beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v degree_n in_o good_a and_o evil_a for_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a some_o be_v better_o than_o other_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a some_o be_v worse_o than_o other_o now_o these_o degree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n take_v their_o rise_n and_o fall_v by_o their_o approach_a to_o or_o declination_n from_o that_o which_o be_v summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la or_o the_o chief_a good_a so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o best_o or_o chief_a good_a there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a or_o worse_o no_o good_a or_o evil_n at_o all_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v one_o infinite_a good_a to_o conclude_v this_o first_o discourse_n see_v the_o inclination_n of_o all_o people_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n to_o confess_v it_o the_o excellent_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v it_o the_o force_n of_o wicked_a man_n conscience_n to_o fear_v it_o the_o custom_n of_o civil_a nation_n to_o adore_v it_o do_v abundant_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v yea_o doubtless_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n what_o a_o monstrous_a creature_n be_v the_o fool_n atheist_n that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n dub._n though_o i_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o your_o former_a reason_n against_o atheism_n yet_o i_o hearty_o thank_v you_o for_o these_o which_o you_o have_v here_o add_v which_o though_o they_o be_v more_o large_o treat_v on_o by_o several_a learned_a author_n yet_o as_o you_o have_v brief_o sum_v they_o up_o they_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o of_o short_a discourse_n who_o lose_v themselves_o in_o long_a treatise_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o middle_n and_o be_v more_o tire_v with_o the_o length_n then_o please_v with_o the_o soundness_n and_o excellency_n of_o such_o discourse_n sir_n be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o your_o reason_n against_o atheism_n i_o humble_o beseech_v the_o almighty_a creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o bless_v they_o unto_o i_o to_o preserve_v i_o from_o all_o profane_a irreligious_a course_n from_o practical_a atheism_n which_o by_o its_o own_o natural_a propensity_n and_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speculative_a and_o dogmatical_a dialogue_n ii_o against_o antiscrpturisme_n firm._n have_v give_v you_o such_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o have_v full_o remove_v all_o your_o doubt_n concern_v that_o first_o and_o great_a principle_n if_o you_o please_v we_o will_v discourse_v of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o upon_o these_o two_o depend_v the_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n of_o religion_n he_o that_o be_v steadfast_a
firm._n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n rom._n 14._o so_o neither_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o gesture_n vesture_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a when_o the_o church_n command_v we_o to_o wear_v such_o a_o vestment_n or_o to_o use_v such_o a_o gesture_n for_o uniformity_n sake_n and_o outward_a decency_n not_o place_v any_o intrinsical_a holiness_n or_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o any_o of_o those_o ceremony_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o not_o any_o superstition_n at_o all_o to_o be_v obedient_a yea_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n and_o superstition_n also_o if_o we_o stand_v out_o against_o lawful_a authority_n for_o there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v superstition_n one_o positive_a as_o when_o we_o ascribe_v holiness_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a morral_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a another_o negative_a as_o when_o we_o dogmatise_v and_o call_v that_o evil_n which_o moral_o be_v not_o so_o and_o in_o such_o thing_n wear_v not_o kneel_v not_o be_v as_o much_o superstition_n as_o wear_v or_o kneel_v possible_o can_v be_v what_o be_v it_o to_o any_o understand_a man_n whether_o he_o pray_v or_o preach_v in_o black_a or_o white_a or_o any_o other_o colour_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n limit_n we_o to_o a_o white_a surplice_n rather_o than_o to_o a_o black_a jump_v or_o short_a cloak_n dub._n but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o entrenchment_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o particular_a mode_n and_o form_n firm._n not_o at_o all_o so_o long_o as_o our_o practice_n only_o be_v limit_v and_o our_o judgement_n leave_v free_a as_o before_o any_o such_o canon_n be_v make_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o same_o man_n who_o enjoin_v three_o ceremony_n at_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o be_v bare_a head_v bear_v hand_v the_o right_a hand_n lift_v up_o shall_v so_o much_o scruple_n they_o in_o our_o public_a service_n but_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a scripture_n that_o every_o soul_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n now_o unless_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v bring_v as_o plain_a scripture_n against_o our_o ceremony_n to_o prove_v they_o moral_o evil_a they_o must_v incur_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o disobedience_n to_o those_o power_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o these_o be_v far_o great_a sin_n than_o the_o wear_n of_o a_o surplice_n though_o we_o have_v borrow_a it_o from_o the_o pope_n himself_o dub._n you_o mind_v i_o now_o of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a exception_n against_o the_o surplice_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o papist_n use_v it_o in_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n therefore_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o wear_v it_o in_o we_o firm._n if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n it_o will_v follow_v whatsoever_o the_o papist_n do_v use_n or_o have_v abuse_v in_o their_o superstition_n it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o who_o have_v abandon_v such_o trash_n and_o i_o rumpery_n to_o use_v but_o papist_n have_v abuse_v our_o church_n halice_n and_o other_o ornament_n in_o their_o false_a worship_n and_o service_n therefore_o we_o may_v not_o use_v they_o but_o down_o with_o they_o down_o with_o they_o even_o to_o the_o ground_n dub._n this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o very_a necessary_a consequent_a but_o a_o very_a costly_a one_o i_o fear_v the_o man_n that_o make_v this_o exception_n will_v not_o be_v very_o forward_o to_o build_v they_o up_o again_o if_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v a_o just_a cause_n to_o make_v we_o lay_v aside_o our_o surplice_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v pull_v down_o our_o church_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o primitive_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n neither_o to_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o heathen_n temple_n to_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n firm._n you_o see_v then_o how_o frivolous_a the_o exception_n against_o the_o surplice_n be_v and_o so_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v offer_v against_o the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v very_o brief_o pass_v they_o over_o 1._o for_o the_o ring_n it_o be_v as_o ancient_a at_o least_o as_o turtullian_n who_o live_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o more_o than_o once_o and_o our_o church_n do_v use_v it_o as_o a_o ancient_a ceremony_n no_o way_n essential_a to_o matrimony_n 2._o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n be_v likewise_o very_a ancient_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v 1._o to_o show_v our_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n to_o who_o all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v and_o to_o who_o every_o knee_n must_v bow_v phil._n 2.10_o the_o ancient_a christian_n rather_o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n then_o at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n who_o most_o of_o all_o blaspheme_v that_o sweet_a and_o save_a name_n of_o jesus_n which_o therefore_o they_o do_v endeavour_v the_o more_o high_o to_o exalt_v 3._o to_o declare_v their_o certain_a belief_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n thing_n in_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v subject_a unto_o he_o phil._n 2._o 3._o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n our_o church_n conceive_v to_o be_v the_o most_o humble_a and_o reverend_a posture_n and_o therefore_o most_o suitable_a to_o so_o high_a and_o heavenly_a a_o mystery_n especial_o it_o be_v administer_v with_o a_o prayer_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o other_o church_n where_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v receive_v sit_v or_o stand_v neither_o shall_v they_o condemn_v we_o for_o kneel_v because_o christ_n disciple_n receive_v it_o in_o a_o table_n gesture_n to_o which_o we_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v then_o to_o the_o place_n or_o time_n in_o which_o they_o receive_v it_o a_o upper_a room_n and_o after_o supper_n as_o the_o learned_a dr._n sanderson_n have_v evident_o demonstrate_v 4._o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n be_v also_o a_o very_a ancient_a ceremony_n which_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n use_v in_o a_o courageous_a and_o undaunted_a opposition_n against_o the_o heathen_n and_o jew_n who_o scoff_v and_o deride_v they_o for_o believe_v in_o and_o worship_v a_o crucify_a god_n for_o their_o saviour_n who_o can_v not_o save_v himself_o true_a it_o be_v in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o cross_n be_v abuse_v to_o gross_a superstition_n and_o therefore_o say_v some_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o ezekias_o abollished_a the_o brazen_a serpent_n when_o the_o people_n make_v it_o a_o idol_n dub._n much_o more_o ought_v the_o cross_n to_o be_v take_v away_o be_v abuse_v to_o superstition_n because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a invention_n where_o as_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v set_v up_o by_o god_n own_o direction_n and_o command_n firm._n very_o true_a but_o then_o let_v ezekias_n do_v it_o not_o the_o people_n on_o their_o own_o head_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n however_o the_o use_n of_o a_o innocent_a ceremony_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o because_o of_o '_o its_o abuse_n and_o here_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o use_v the_o cross_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o duty_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n crusify_v as_o also_o of_o the_o courage_n and_o boldness_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o not_o withstand_v the_o scoff_v and_o reproach_n of_o infidel_n will_v make_v such_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n crucify_a as_o to_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n not_o only_o in_o baptism_n but_o also_o upon_o sundry_a other_o occasion_n or_o else_o whether_o it_o be_v better_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o it_o because_o it_o have_v be_v so_o much_o abuse_v to_o superstition_n let_v the_o suprem_fw-mi power_n judge_v which_o of_o these_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o determine_v according_o either_o for_o the_o negative_a or_o the_o affirmative_a and_o i_o believe_v every_o sober_a and_o peaceable_a christian_a will_v esteem_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o submit_v unto_o such_o a_o determination_n dub._n but_o see_v these_o and_o other_o ceremony_n have_v be_v and_o be_v a_o great_a scandal_n to_o
tender_a conscience_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o many_o shâ—rp_a contention_n among_o christian_n agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n and_o see_v that_o conformist_n themselves_o confess_v they_o not_o to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n necessary_a but_o only_o expedient_a for_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v it_o not_o better_o they_o be_v lay_v aside_o then_o continue_v be_v they_o be_v the_o perpetual_a cause_n of_o discord_n and_o dissension_n among_o we_o firm._n and_o be_v order_n decency_n and_o uniformity_n without_o which_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o â—ove_n peace_n or_o unity_n suâ—h_v inconsiderable_a nothing_o that_o a_o few_o innocent_a ceremony_n must_v be_v utter_o abollish_v to_o gratify_v the_o dogmatize_v humour_n of_o those_o man_n who_o esteem_v thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a to_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a which_o be_v sâ—â—t_a superstition_n it_o be_v indeed_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o we_o shall_v quarrel_v about_o mint_n and_o cummin_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o more_o weighty_a and_o material_a duty_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o innate_a and_o acquit_v corruption_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o offence_n shall_v come_v yet_o woe_n be_v unto_o that_o man_n by_o who_o they_o come_v i_o know_v weakness_n and_o renderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v much_o pretend_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o offend_v any_o of_o christ_n little_a one_o but_o how_o can_v these_o man_n be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o weak_a or_o little_a one_o who_o seem_v to_o themselves_o so_o great_a so_o strong_a and_o able_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o their_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n we_o appeal_v to_o their_o bloody_a civil_a war_n it_o be_v well_o know_v by_o who_o and_o how_o they_o be_v begin_v and_o carryâ—d_v on_o till_o at_o length_n they_o come_v up_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o king_n though_o i_o believe_v very_o much_o against_o the_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o sober_a man_n of_o that_o party_n dub._n but_o real_o sir_n be_v it_o not_o more_o beseem_v christian_a prudence_n so_o far_o to_o condescend_v to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n in_o take_v away_o at_o least_o some_o of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o exception_n then_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o superstitious_a papist_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o firm._n i_o confess_v some_o moderate_a man_n have_v think_v so_o especial_o since_o we_o be_v frustrate_v of_o of_o one_o main_a end_n for_o which_o our_o first_o reformer_n retain_v they_o which_o be_v to_o draw_v over_o the_o papist_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o they_o do_v adhere_v unto_o for_o the_o ten_o first_o year_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n until_o they_o be_v interdict_v by_o the_o pope_n bull_n but_o see_v we_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o that_o much_o desire_a issue_n and_o that_o by_o the_o cunning_a of_o priest_n and_o jesuit_n stir_v up_o and_o animate_v the_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n against_o each_o other_o about_o these_o ceremony_n our_o difference_n among_o ourselves_o do_v daily_o increase_v and_o multiply_v some_o wise_a and_o peaceable_a man_n have_v desire_v that_o the_o use_n of_o certain_a of_o those_o ceremony_n may_v be_v forbear_v at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n which_o not_o withstand_v they_o be_v still_o continue_v these_o peaceable_a man_n abhor_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o separation_n &_o do_v continue_v their_o conformity_n to_o the_o rite_n of_o our_o church_n daily_o beg_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n will_v for_o his_o mercy_n â—ake_v so_o assist_v those_o power_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v that_o they_o may_v be_v instrumental_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n among_o we_o dub._n i_o like_v well_o of_o the_o temper_n of_o these_o man_n and_o wish_v that_o their_o moderation_n be_v not_o only_o know_v unto_o but_o practise_v by_o all_o man_n for_o certain_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o meekness_n do_v rule_n more_o in_o our_o peevish_a and_o froward_a heart_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o peace_n love_n and_o christian_a charity_n than_o these_o angry_a time_n have_v hither_o to_o be_v happy_a with_o i_o return_v you_o my_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o that_o satisfaction_n which_o you_o have_v give_v i_o in_o those_o scruple_n which_o have_v much_o trouble_v i_o about_o the_o government_n liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n behind_o at_o which_o i_o have_v somewhat_o be_v scandallize_v it_o be_v this_o your_o church_n do_v receive_v person_n who_o be_v notorious_o profane_a in_o their_o life_n and_o gross_o ignorant_a in_o the_o principl_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n beside_o she_o tolerate_v at_o least_o minister_n that_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o conversation_n frequenter_n of_o alehouse_n not_o at_o all_o serious_a in_o religion_n show_v little_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o their_o discourse_n preach_v or_o practice_n man_n of_o little_a conscience_n and_o of_o as_o little_a learning_n firm._n this_o accusation_n be_v most_o false_o whether_o it_o spring_v from_o spite_n or_o malice_n or_o extreme_a ignorance_n i_o know_v not_o sure_o i_o be_o our_o church_n order_n that_o no_o suâ—h_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n thâ—t_v no_o such_o minister_n be_v permit_v to_o officiate_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suspend_v once_o and_o again_o and_o if_o they_o do_v no_o not_o reform_v they_o be_v to_o be_v deprive_v for_o the_o first_o you_o may_v see_v the_o rubric_n before_o the_o communion_n and_o the_o 26._o canon_n for_o the_o second_o see_v artic_a 26._o and_o canon_n the_o 74._o and_o 75._o and_o canon_n 10._o make_v 1640._o which_o be_v so_o clear_a against_o the_o admit_v of_o profane_a person_n to_o to_o the_o communion_n or_o tollerate_v of_o scandalous_a minister_n without_o due_a punishment_n that_o whosoever_o charge_v these_o abuse_n upon_o our_o church_n must_v be_v gross_o ignorant_a or_o very_a malicious_a dub._n yet_o we_o see_v that_o such_o profane_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o member_n of_o your_o church_n and_o such_o unworthy_a minister_n be_v allow_v to_o officiate_v firm._n such_o person_n be_v no_o member_n of_o out_o church_n but_o rather_o the_o synagoge_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o minister_n who_o do_v admit_v such_o person_n natorious_o profane_a to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v a_o great_a nonconformist_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o that_o scruple_n at_o a_o surplice_n and_o those_o churchwarden_n who_o neglect_v to_o present_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v debar_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n can._n 26._o dub._n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o minister_n be_v not_o punish_v either_o by_o admonition_n suspensition_n or_o deprivation_n firm._n this_o be_v not_o true_a in_o all_o place_n to_o my_o knowledge_n where_o such_o minister_n or_o people_n escape_v unpunished_a it_o be_v most_o by_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o sides-man_n in_o not_o present_v they_o for_o what_o judge_n either_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v punish_v offence_n that_o be_v not_o bring_v before_o he_o dub._n but_o many_o time_n offence_n and_o scandal_n have_v be_v present_v and_o the_o offender_n not_o punish_v yea_o your_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n be_v more_o severe_a against_o those_o who_o be_v nonconformist_n to_o the_o law_n oâ—_n the_o church_n â—hen_o against_o those_o that_o be_v nonconformist_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o profane_v irreligious_a wretch_n firm._n no_o mâ—n_z câ—n_o excuse_v the_o personal_a abuse_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o any_o court_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a all_o court_n officer_n never_o yet_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v man_n of_o integrity_n â—nd_v of_o unbiased_a judgement_n no_o question_n that_o many_o abuse_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n may_v be_v prevent_v if_o the_o bishop_n will_v be_v sometime_o personal_o present_a in_o their_o respective_a consistory_n as_o be_v intimate_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v canon_n 11._o make_v 1640._o if_o we_o must_v separate_v from_o a_o church_n that_o enjoin_v no_o intolerable_a condition_n for_o communion_n with_o she_o because_o of_o some_o personal_a â—aulâ—s_n of_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o her_o government_n we_o must_v turn_v seeker_n for_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o church_n who_o officer_n be_v always_o all_o of_o they_o impartial_o just_a and_o upright_o dub._n i_o confess_v there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n we_o shall_v separate_v from_o a_o church_n