to_o say_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v all_o along_o so_o many_o stark_a fool_n a_o character_n which_o we_o think_v more_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n consider_v what_o a_o difficult_a and_o hazardous_a office_n the_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n have_v to_o discharge_v how_o think_v you_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o undertake_v it_o with_o such_o readiness_n to_o perform_v it_o with_o such_o vigour_n and_o to_o go_v through_o it_o with_o such_o constancy_n and_o cheerfulness_n notwithstanding_o so_o much_o opposition_n have_v they_o not_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o consider_v what_o vast_a importance_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o and_o how_o direct_o opposite_a it_o be_v to_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o corrupt_a mankind_n and_o how_o it_o be_v discountenance_v and_o hate_v by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n in_o the_o beginning_n how_o can_v we_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o it_o to_o have_v be_v receive_v so_o general_o and_o unexpected_o in_o the_o world_n have_v not_o inquisitive_a man_n who_o have_v the_o fair_a advantage_n of_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o mighty_a miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o jesus_n be_v true_a man_n can_v think_v these_o thing_n possible_a but_o either_o they_o must_v believe_v that_o people_n in_o those_o day_n have_v lose_v all_o their_o sense_n or_o make_v we_o now_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o have_v utter_o lose_v their_o own_o the_o design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v as_o convince_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o true_a divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v as_o can_v rational_o be_v expect_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v do_v in_o former_a time_n because_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o can_v possible_o be_v capable_a of_o strong_a proof_n in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v expect_v be_v moral_a certainty_n when_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o fair_a that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o evidence_n must_v be_v from_o testimony_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v but_o by_o information_n from_o other_o and_o when_o that_o information_n be_v so_o full_a that_o to_o unprejudiced_a understanding_n the_o thing_n seem_v unquestionable_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v since_o therefore_o it_o appear_v by_o indubitable_a testimony_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v miracle_n be_v once_o actual_o live_v in_o the_o world_n since_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n of_o those_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_o credible_a and_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o collateral_a testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v both_o capable_a of_o know_v and_o deep_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o account_n and_o last_o since_o such_o public_a settlement_n and_o constitution_n follow_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n as_o plain_o argue_v a_o firm_a and_o general_a belief_n or_o rather_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v bring_v about_o without_o they_o since_o i_o say_v all_o these_o ground_n of_o credibility_n do_v appear_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n former_o do_v it_o seem_v unconceivable_a how_o strong_a or_o clear_a evidence_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o of_o any_o history_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v next_o the_o second_o evasion_n that_o suppose_v some_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o former_a age_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o god_n existence_n than_o it_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n because_o idolater_n themselves_o have_v pretend_v to_o miracle_n to_o vouch_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o consider_v how_o inconsistent_a and_o impossible_a it_o will_v be_v for_o a_o deity_n to_o act_v for_o and_o against_o itself_o too_o therefore_o man_n of_o atheistical_a mind_n conclude_v that_o those_o wonderful_a work_n which_o have_v go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v real_o nothing_o but_o art_n and_o imposture_n now_o for_o the_o solving_a of_o this_o seem_a difficulty_n i_o shall_v consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o first_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o second_o the_o weakness_n of_o these_o man_n reason_v from_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o that_o i_o may_v carry_v a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a hand_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o man_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o moses_n himself_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o magician_n do_v in_o egypt_n beâ—ore_o his_o own_o face_n jesus_n christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o many_o false_a teacher_n will_v come_v in_o a_o little_a time_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o deceive_v if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect._n to_o verify_v that_o prediction_n divers_a ecclesiastical_a writer_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o wonder_v do_v by_o simon_n magus_n and_o his_o follower_n soon_o after_o the_o lord_n '_o be_v ascension_n into_o heaven_n other_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a be_v cure_v by_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n vespasian_n and_o of_o a_o whetstone_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o by_o a_o razor_n at_o the_o command_n of_o accius_n navius_n and_o of_o several_a prodigious_a thing_n do_v by_o apollmius_n tyanaeus_n who_o the_o pagan_n match_v with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o do_v miracle_n and_o every_o body_n know_v what_o account_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v give_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o deâ—ence_n of_o that_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n wherein_o they_o have_v most_o scandalous_o depart_v from_o true_a primitive_a christianity_n consider_v therefore_o what_o a_o heap_n of_o story_n there_o be_v whereof_o some_o be_v relate_v by_o sacred_a writer_n and_o some_o other_o by_o man_n of_o probity_n and_o temper_v though_o abundance_n of_o fiction_n have_v be_v vend_v among_o they_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o many_o wonderful_a work_n have_v be_v do_v by_o idolater_n but_o then_o second_o this_o can_v be_v no_o plea_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n because_o how_o wonderful_a soever_o those_o work_n have_v seem_v they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o divine_a miracle_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n and_o miracle_n in_o reality_n by_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n which_o shall_v rather_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o sign_n i_o understand_v not_o mere_a imposture_n or_o delusion_n of_o man_n outward_n sense_n but_o such_o real_a effect_n as_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v be_v clear_a from_o deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o god_n himself_o give_v the_o jew_n this_o caution_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereeof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o save_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n you_o shall_v walk_v after_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o you_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n we_o can_v conceive_v that_o when_o god_n have_v any_o where_o establish_v his_o true_a worship_n he_o will_v lift_v up_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o draw_v people_n away_o from_o it_o to_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o when_o sign_n or_o wonder_n be_v show_v to_o that_o end_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a they_o be_v not_o divine_a miracle_n or_o effect_n that_o be_v altogether_o supernatural_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v as_o be_v counterfeiting_n of_o god_n hand_n and_o seem_v to_o carry_v the_o signature_n of_o his_o power_n for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o charge_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o
the_o gnostic_n and_o especial_o appollonius_n tyanaeus_n that_o they_o may_v draw_v people_n off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o same_o motive_n which_o have_v induce_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o those_o time_n abound_v with_o magician_n and_o sorceress_n who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o work_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v yet_o use_v all_o their_o art_n to_o lessen_v and_o disparage_v they_o by_o pretend_v to_o do_v the_o like_a our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v his_o disciple_n that_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o will_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o will_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a matth._n 24._o 24._o according_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o that_o set_v of_o seducer_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n say_v that_o his_o come_n be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n that_o be_v with_o wonder_n that_o serve_v to_o confirm_v and_o give_v testimony_n to_o false_a doctrine_n 2_o thess_n 2._o 9_o all_o these_o appearance_n be_v so_o many_o imitation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o jesus_n intend_v by_o those_o man_n to_o deceive_v who_o try_v to_o counterfeit_v thing_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o contradict_v for_o fear_v of_o be_v contradict_v themselves_o by_o all_o the_o world_n nor_o do_v those_o bitter_a adversary_n to_o christianity_n in_o aftertime_n celsus_n and_o julian_n presume_v to_o disow_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v as_o other_o heathen_n do_v that_o he_o cure_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a but_o to_o keep_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o work_v upon_o man_n mind_n they_o revile_v his_o action_n as_o though_o they_o be_v do_v not_o by_o any_o divine_a power_n but_o by_o art_n of_o magic_n after_o his_o return_n out_o of_o egypt_n where_o they_o pretend_v he_o have_v learn_v his_o skill_n brief_o 30._o orig._n cont_n cell_n lib._n 1._o p._n 30._o in_o the_o age_n which_o be_v near_a to_o our_o saviour_n all_o sort_n of_o know_a man_n acknowledge_v the_o miraculous_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n and_o have_v some_o sceptic_n of_o our_o day_n live_v then_o even_o jew_n and_o pagan_n will_v in_o that_o point_n have_v accuse_v their_o infidelity_n from_o notoriety_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v unquestionable_a 4._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v one_o consideration_n more_o that_o give_v further_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o moses_n and_o jesus_n christ_n do_v viz._n that_o thing_n of_o great_a and_o public_a concernment_n be_v the_o consequent_n of_o they_o than_o which_o no_o strong_a evidence_n can_v be_v give_v or_o desire_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n there_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o better_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v former_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o england_n than_o the_o government_n they_o establish_v and_o the_o law_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o our_o whole_a constitution_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o action_n and_o the_o polity_n we_o be_v under_o show_v what_o king_n and_o parliament_n they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o have_v do_v though_o the_o man_n be_v long_o ago_o dead_a so_o do_v the_o state_n of_o judaisme_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o christianity_n show_v what_o moses_n and_o what_o christ_n do_v all_o on_o each_o hand_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o to_o say_v at_o last_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o accuse_v all_o their_o disciple_n of_o the_o high_a madness_n for_o follow_v their_o institution_n without_o ground_n or_o reason_n a_o censure_n that_o be_v too_o hard_a to_o be_v give_v of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n who_o think_v they_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o profession_n moses_n his_o business_n be_v to_o form_v the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o commonwealth_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n to_o give_v they_o peculiar_a law_n to_o prescribe_v they_o a_o peculiar_a form_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v their_o neck_n under_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n under_o a_o sort_n of_o discipline_n that_o be_v the_o most_o strict_a the_o most_o cumbersome_a and_o laborious_a and_o how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o a_o froward_a people_n just_o deliver_v out_o of_o one_o bondage_n will_v present_o have_v submit_v to_o another_o nay_o a_o bondage_n which_o they_o think_v be_v to_o last_o for_o ever_o have_v they_o not_o see_v such_o sign_n and_o wonder_v do_v before_o their_o eye_n as_o plain_o argue_v that_o their_o lawgiver_n come_v to_o they_o by_o immediate_a commission_n from_o god_n or_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o their_o posterity_n who_o groan_v so_o often_o under_o the_o curse_n which_o moses_n have_v leave_v they_o will_v have_v endure_v the_o severity_n of_o such_o a_o taskmaster_n have_v they_o not_o well_o know_v that_o his_o authority_n over_o they_o be_v attest_v from_o heaven_n nay_o how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o the_o jew_n at_o this_o day_n shall_v not_o yet_o depart_v from_o moses_n but_o stick_v to_o he_o to_o death_n and_o will_v undergo_v any_o suffering_n rather_o than_o leave_v he_o though_o their_o religion_n as_o distinct_a from_o christianity_n have_v no_o inward_a natural_a goodness_n to_o commend_v it_o no_o human_a power_n without_o to_o support_v it_o and_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o most_o ignominious_a hate_a people_n in_o the_o world_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o must_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o strong_a assurance_n the_o jew_n have_v always_o have_v that_o to_o erect_v their_o polity_n and_o to_o establish_v their_o religion_n moses_n do_v such_o work_n as_o wear_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o all_o art_n and_o nature_n and_o plain_a token_n that_o he_o act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o christian_a institution_n it_o have_v be_v long_o ago_o receive_v and_o profess_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o meet_v with_o and_o indeed_o carry_v in_o its_o nature_n such_o vast_a and_o manifest_a discouragement_n as_o can_v never_o have_v be_v conquer_v have_v not_o christ_n show_v the_o necessity_n and_o divinity_n thereof_o by_o miracle_n a_o religion_n who_o author_n die_v a_o most_o reproachful_a death_n a_o religion_n that_o lay_v hard_a restraint_n upon_o man_n natural_a desire_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n a_o religion_n that_o make_v people_n prefer_v future_a expectation_n before_o all_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o wait_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o full_a reward_n a_o religion_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n and_o expose_v its_o professor_n to_o death_n it_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o short_a a_o religion_n that_o bring_v with_o it_o all_o the_o seem_a disadvantage_n and_o discouragement_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o inconvenience_n this_o religion_n wherever_o it_o have_v be_v preach_v have_v continual_o prevail_v over_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o teachable_a man_n in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o no_o other_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o this_o that_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n prove_v his_o authority_n and_o confirm_v all_o his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n by_o work_a miracle_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n the_o work_n that_o he_o do_v in_o his_o father_n name_n they_o bear_v witness_v of_o he_o joh._n 10._o 25._o for_o all_o people_n know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n because_o no_o man_n can_v have_v do_v those_o miracle_n that_o he_o do_v except_o god_n have_v be_v with_o he_o joh._n 2._o 3._o so_o that_o miracle_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o great_a reason_n which_o congregat_v all_o people_n into_o that_o body_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n and_o which_o still_o hold_v they_o firm_a together_o against_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o storm_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v upon_o they_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o stand_v visible_a monument_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n as_o the_o jewish_a state_n be_v of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v monument_n of_o such_o vast_a and_o public_a consequence_n as_o can_v never_o have_v be_v erect_v without_o they_o much_o less_o can_v they_o have_v stand_v against_o all_o wind_n and_o weather_n and_o after_o all_o to_o imagine_v as_o some_o do_v that_o no_o such_o divine_a supernatural_a effect_n be_v ever_o do_v be_v
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o god._n by_o edward_n pell_v d._n d._n rector_n of_o petworth_n in_o sussex_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleet_n street_n mdcxcvi_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1_o chap._n 1._o concern_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n in_o general_a viz._n a_o be_v that_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a what_o such_o perfection_n mean_v a_o more_o particular_a notion_n of_o god_n draw_v out_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v independent_a eternal_a spiritual_n intelligent_a omnipotent_a perfect_o good_a and_o righteous_a this_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v intelligible_a and_o rational_a 7_o chap._n ii_o the_o existence_n of_o this_o most_o perfect_a be_v prove_v by_o four_o great_a argument_n first_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o first_o independent_a cause_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o motion_n and_o life_n the_o world_n not_o eternal_a but_o make_v by_o a_o deity_n 37_o chap._n iii_o second_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n even_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n and_o modern_a idolater_n touch_v one_o supreme_a numon_n the_o singularity_n of_o a_o few_o atheist_n of_o old_a not_o to_o be_v value_v this_o consent_n proceed_v not_o from_o mere_a tradition_n nor_o fear_v nor_o state-polity_n nor_o common_a compact_n but_o from_o a_o principle_n in_o humane_a nature_n derive_v from_o the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o no_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n 54_o chap._n iu_o three_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n as_o first_o miracle_n three_o sort_n of_o true_a miracle_n these_o argument_n of_o a_o god_n true_a miracle_n have_v be_v rea_o do_v the_o credibility_n of_o those_o do_v by_o moses_n and_o jesus_n christ_n of_o strange_a work_n do_v by_o idolater_n a_o distinction_n between_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n and_o miracle_n divine_a 107_o chap._n v._o then_o prediction_n of_o future_a contingent_a event_n such_o prediction_n there_o have_v be_v some_o relate_n to_o the_o ancient_a empire_n other_o to_o jesus_n christ_n other_o to_o some_o memorable_a event_n after_o christ_n ascension_n 161_o chap._n vi_o a_o four_o argument_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v take_v from_o the_o admirable_a state_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o first_o of_o the_o excellent_a order_n into_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v digest_v their_o commodious_a situation_n their_o mutual_a relation_n and_o the_o permanency_n of_o they_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o operation_n all_o this_o can_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n but_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n the_o senseless_a conceit_n of_o sceptic_n with_o a_o confutation_n of_o they_o 191_o chap._n vii_o a_o second_o thing_n observable_a in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v the_o beauty_n of_o its_o part_n their_o multitude_n splendour_n variety_n together_o with_o the_o comeliness_n of_o their_o frame_n the_o pretence_n of_o sceptic_n answer_v concern_v the_o operation_n of_o plastic_a nature_n 257_o chap._n viii_o the_o three_o be_v the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o visible_a word_n first_o as_o to_o their_o end_n and_o tendency_n the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o air_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o their_o saltness_n of_o spring_n and_o mountain_n and_o of_o all_o the_o furniture_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o useful_a structure_n of_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o their_o end_n particular_o of_o tree_n and_o animal_n of_o natrition_n and_o sensation_n in_o animal_n and_o of_o the_o fabrication_n of_o their_o part_n in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o evasion_n of_o sceptic_n concern_v the_o uses_n of_o thing_n answer_v 285_o chap._n ix_o the_o four_o be_v the_o resemblance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n which_o appear_v even_o in_o irrational_a creature_n the_o constant_a regularity_n of_o they_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n and_o the_o seem_a sagacity_n of_o they_o as_o to_o their_o ends._n this_o a_o clear_a argument_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o of_o themselves_o they_o design_v no_o end_n nor_o do_v they_o understand_v the_o reason_n or_o tendency_n of_o mean_n nor_o do_v they_o deliberate_v about_o the_o choice_n of_o mean_n this_o too_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o shift_n of_o atheist_n as_o to_o this_o consider_v also_o 352_o chap._n x._o the_o five_o be_v the_o ample_a provision_n which_o be_v make_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o needy_a creature_n for_o their_o formation_n and_o production_n and_o for_o their_o preservation_n afterward_o from_o outward_a assault_n and_o untimely_a death_n proper_a food_n provide_v in_o all_o climate_n and_o suitable_a to_o all_o condition_n and_o temper_n proper_a remedy_n for_o all_o endemial_a disease_n 385_o chap._n xi_o the_o six_o be_v the_o admirable_a frame_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o excellence_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o faculty_n which_o be_v prove_v at_o large_a to_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n the_o evasion_n of_o sceptic_n consider_v the_o conclusion_n 419_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o god._n the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o rational_a being_n be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o faculty_n that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o capable_a of_o religion_n that_o be_v sit_v and_o qualify_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v vast_o superior_a to_o they_o and_o to_o know_v and_o worship_n that_o high_o be_v in_o some_o agreeable_a sort_n and_o measure_n but_o they_o be_v moreover_o general_o incline_v to_o religion_n prone_a to_o it_o and_o please_v with_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v suitable_a and_o correspondent_a to_o their_o faculty_n so_o that_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o nation_n people_n have_v profess_v some_o kind_n of_o religion_n or_o other_o nay_o even_o barbarous_a people_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v be_v want_v in_o religious_a performance_n have_v abound_v in_o great_a variety_n of_o supersition_n and_o before_o they_o will_v be_v atheist_n have_v be_v downright_a idolater_n adore_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v own_v no_o deity_n at_o all_o which_o show_v that_o religion_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n natural_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o man_n practice_n proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n of_o light_n in_o their_o understanding_n from_o those_o many_o ignorances_n and_n error_n wherewith_o they_o be_v possess_v be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o true_a religion_n will_v be_v the_o great_a profession_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v especial_o three_o great_a error_n which_o have_v strange_o misguide_v and_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n and_o consequent_o have_v take_v off_o that_o power_n and_o influence_n which_o otherwise_o religion_n will_v have_v have_v over_o they_o even_o from_o natural_a conscience_n and_o these_o relate_v either_o to_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o to_o his_o nature_n or_o to_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o judiciary_n power_n over_o it_o 1._o first_o some_o reject_v all_o belief_n of_o god_n be_v or_o at_o least_o question_n very_o much_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n and_o so_o of_o course_n conceive_v religion_n to_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a but_o humane_a institution_n a_o piece_n of_o state-policy_n devise_v and_o set_v up_o by_o cunning_a man_n for_o the_o better_a keep_n of_o human_a society_n in_o order_n and_o peace_n to_o such_o man_n religion_n must_v needs_o seem_v a_o indifferent_a matter_n not_o worth_a their_o time_n or_o pain_n to_o concern_v themselves_o much_o about_o nor_o to_o care_n whether_o this_o or_o that_o mode_n of_o religion_n be_v profess_v because_o they_o look_v upon_o all_o religion_n as_o a_o artifice_n a_o invention_n that_o be_v alterable_a at_o pleasure_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o civil_a policy_n require_v 2._o second_o some_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o inward_a necessity_n reasonableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a but_o yet_o be_v much_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o their_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n because_o they_o be_v great_o mistake_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o they_o apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v not_o such_o as_o he_o real_o be_v but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o they_o will_v have_v he_o be_v either_o a_o very_a tame_a and_o gentle_a be_v that_o be_v easy_o please_v with_o formal_a profession_n of_o respect_n or_o a_o very_a partial_a be_v that_o be_v kind_a only_a to_o one_o sect_n of_o people_n or_o a_o arbitrary_a austere_a and_o rigid_a be_v that_o seek_v to_o hurt_v and_o delight_v in_o
force_n of_o this_o argument_n the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n have_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o first_o that_o no_o true_a miracle_n or_o supernatural_a work_n have_v be_v ever_o wrought_v 2._o and_o second_o that_o the_o wonder_n we_o read_v of_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n existence_n than_o they_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n because_o idolater_n themselves_o have_v pretend_v to_o miracle_n these_o two_o subterfuge_n and_o shift_n must_v be_v now_o consider_v in_o their_o order_n 1._o first_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o high_a miracle_n than_o what_o have_v be_v find_v here_o in_o nature_n when_o some_o unusual_a thing_n have_v happen_v the_o natural_a cause_n whereof_o can_v not_o be_v well_o assign_v as_o for_o supernatural_a effect_n they_o be_v fable_n in_o the_o account_n of_o these_o man_n because_o they_o can_v admit_v of_o such_o effect_n without_o admit_v of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n to_o produce_v they_o that_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v most_o afraid_a to_o own_o now_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o weighty_a matter_n i_o will_v first_o ask_v these_o great_a pretender_n to_o reason_n this_o general_a question_n whether_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o deny_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v not_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n if_o this_o be_v rational_a then_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o faith_n among_o mankind_n and_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o sense_n bear_v witness_n to_o and_o so_o no_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o history_n or_o relation_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a then_o have_v we_o as_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o supernatural_a effect_n or_o miracle_n as_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v my_o next_o business_n to_o show_v that_o the_o account_v we_o have_v of_o such_o and_o such_o miracle_n do_v carry_v with_o it_o as_o strong_a evidence_n at_o least_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o find_v in_o any_o history_n of_o former_a age_n so_o that_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n man_n may_v reject_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o nay_o of_o all_o account_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o i_o do_v not_o here_o in_o the_o least_o pretend_v to_o support_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o those_o appearance_n which_o have_v go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n especial_o in_o latter_a age_n we_o read_v of_o multitude_n which_o have_v be_v either_o downwright_n forgery_n and_o fiction_n purposely_o invent_v to_o carry_v on_o lucrative_n and_o superstitious_a design_n or_o else_o have_v be_v no_o better_o than_o illusion_n of_o man_n sense_n whereby_o the_o credulity_n of_o weak_a people_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o and_o abuse_v nay_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o ridiculous_a nature_n that_o some_o have_v be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o story_n though_o they_o have_v make_v money_n by_o the_o invention_n to_o talk_v of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o prejudice_n to_o christ_n religion_n however_o it_o may_v serve_v man_n private_a interest_n the_o miracle_n i_o urge_v as_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v those_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o moses_n chief_o and_o in_o the_o new_a by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o how_o slight_a soever_o sceptic_n make_v of_o they_o there_o be_v as_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o there_o can_v be_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o we_o will_v be_v so_o just_a to_o those_o writer_n as_o to_o allow_v they_o the_o common_a reputation_n of_o have_v be_v fair_a historian_n though_o at_o present_a we_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v now_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v former_o do_v depend_v upon_o these_o four_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o person_n say_v to_o have_v do_v it_o do_v real_o exist_v or_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o person_n 2._o that_o the_o relator_n of_o the_o action_n be_v sufficient_o credible_a 3._o that_o other_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o 4._o that_o thing_n of_o great_a and_o public_a concernment_n be_v the_o consequent_n of_o it_o where_o there_o be_v all_o these_o ground_n of_o evidence_n no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v question_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n though_o it_o be_v do_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o they_o and_o from_o all_o these_o it_o appear_v that_o such_o true_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v as_o argue_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a agent_n 1._o for_o first_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v as_o evident_a even_o from_o humane_a testimony_n as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o alexander_n caesar_n and_o cato_n josephus_n show_v out_o of_o those_o ancient_a writer_n manetho_n and_o 1._o cont._n appion_n l._n 1._o chaeremon_n what_o a_o great_a esteem_n the_o old_a egyptian_n have_v of_o moses_n and_o what_o a_o admirable_a divine_a person_n he_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o that_o nation_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a writer_n what_o a_o honour_n the_o old_a philosopher_n 1._o stromat_n l._n 1._o among_o they_o have_v for_o moses_n memory_n and_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o his_o time_n and_o give_v he_o the_o character_n of_o a_o prince_n a_o lawgiver_n a_o general_n a_o just_a and_o holy_a person_n belove_v of_o god_n the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o egyptian_a mystae_fw-la believe_v that_o moses_n be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o that_o eupolenius_n give_v he_o the_o character_n of_o the_o first_o wise_a man_n and_o that_o the_o mystae_fw-la relate_v the_o story_n of_o his_o kill_v the_o egyptian_a say_v that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o that_o artapanus_n own_a the_o story_n of_o his_o imprisonment_n add_v some_o fabulous_a stuff_n concern_v his_o deliverance_n numenius_n the_o pythagorean_n say_v 5._o â—irom_fw-la 5._o that_o moses_n be_v a_o divine_a and_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o his_o write_n be_v worthy_a of_o belief_n 28._o id._n 28._o and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o powerful_a man_n with_o god_n by_o his_o prayer_n trogus_n pompeius_n mention_n abraham_n 8._o euseb_n de_fw-fr prepar_fw-la l._n 9_o c._n 8._o moses_n and_o israel_n as_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o son_n of_o israel_n though_o he_o mistake_v the_o number_n he_o speak_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n of_o those_o two_o son_n of_o israel_n juda_n and_o joseph_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o relate_v the_o story_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o his_o lead_v the_o jew_n out_o of_o egypt_n though_o he_o sophisticate_v the_o story_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n as_o also_o cornelius_n tacitus_n hist._n justin_n l._n 36._o tac._n l._n 5._o hist._n do_v in_o his_o account_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o conduct_n both_o which_o ancient_a historian_n follow_v the_o narration_n which_o be_v give_v of_o this_o matter_n by_o the_o egyptian_n themselves_o who_o mortal_o hate_v the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o tell_v a_o great_a many_o lie_v touch_v the_o reason_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o they_o as_o josephus_n show_v in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n justin_n martyr_n upbraid_v the_o greek_n in_o his_o time_n for_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v to_o they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o author_n that_o moses_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n graec._n exhortat_fw-la ad_fw-la graec._n of_o christianity_n be_v acknowledge_v much_o more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o their_o poet_n '_o historian_n philosopher_n or_o legislator_n '_o and_o out_o of_o that_o noble_a historian_n diodorus_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o moses_n be_v reckon_v a_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o excellent_a wisdom_n and_o for_o teach_v people_n to_o use_v good_a law_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o which_o account_n diodorus_n who_o have_v spend_v thirty_o year_n in_o travel_n say_v he_o have_v from_o the_o priest_n in_o egypt_n to_o these_o observation_n divers_a more_o may_v be_v add_v out_o of_o grotius_n and_o other_o modern_a writer_n be_v it_o needful_a but_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o
people_n from_o who_o alone_o those_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v if_o any_o advantage_n at_o all_o have_v be_v seek_v for_o nay_o when_o he_o let_v those_o advantage_n go_v which_o he_o have_v already_o in_o his_o hand_n whereas_o man_n in_o power_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v their_o authority_n up_o and_o to_o transmit_v it_o to_o their_o posterity_n moses_n be_v content_a to_o let_v all_o that_o power_n die_v with_o he_o wherewith_o he_o be_v vest_v when_o he_o govern_v the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n he_o appoint_v joshua_n to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o civil_a authority_n the_o great_a dignity_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o priesthood_n he_o dispose_v of_o to_o his_o brother_n aaron_n and_o his_o son_n as_o for_o his_o own_o child_n he_o leave_v they_o in_o subjection_n to_o the_o priest_n to_o officiate_v under_o they_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o mean_a ministration_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n not_o allot_v they_o one_o foot_n of_o land_n among_o all_o their_o kindred_n all_o which_o show_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n moses_n design_v nothing_o but_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o common_a good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o that_o no_o honour_n or_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o can_v possible_o sway_v or_o tempt_v he_o to_o violate_v his_o integrity_n and_o what_o can_v the_o four_o evangelist_n propose_v to_o themselves_o that_o shall_v move_v they_o to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o make_v their_o relation_n incredible_a or_o suspect_v honour_n they_o can_v not_o aim_v at_o unless_o man_n think_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o be_v dishonest_a nor_o can_v interest_n tempt_v they_o to_o impose_v fiction_n on_o man_n belief_n when_o they_o be_v sure_a beforehand_o to_o receive_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n but_o hardship_n persecution_n and_o death_n for_o their_o reward_n very_o poor_a encouragement_n for_o man_n to_o invent_v and_o spread_v abroad_o idle_a story_n or_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o must_v be_v think_v the_o odd_a man_n in_o nature_n that_o will_v coin_v fiction_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o religion_n they_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v otherwise_o of_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o know_v it_o to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n for_o they_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v give_v evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n 3._o this_o i_o have_v say_v to_o show_v that_o however_o some_o irreligious_a man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o despise_v the_o scripture-account_n of_o divine_a miracle_n to_o common_a human_a reason_n it_o appear_v sufficient_o credible_a from_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o manifest_a probity_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o have_v as_o fair_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o miracle_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o can_v be_v have_v of_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o former_a age_n to_o which_o let_v we_o add_v in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o three_o ground_n of_o credibility_n viz._n that_o other_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o here_o again_o we_o must_v return_v to_o moses_n and_o first_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o have_v continual_o pass_v through_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o age_n uncontradict_v which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o inquisitive_a and_o know_v man_n in_o most_o nation_n be_v well_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o as_o the_o mosaic_a write_n contain_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n so_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v peruse_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o historian_n because_o the_o thing_n relate_v in_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o own_a general_o by_o the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n though_o sometime_o not_o without_o a_o mixture_n of_o poetical_a fable_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o story_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o of_o the_o ark_n the_o right_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o like_a as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n have_v particular_o show_v in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n spring_v from_o the_o general_a persuasion_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n of_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o moses_n have_v show_v that_o make_v he_o so_o great_a a_o person_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v thousand_o ready_a to_o have_v disprove_v the_o relation_n if_o the_o work_n have_v not_o be_v do_v nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o likely_a that_o of_o so_o many_o neighbour_a nation_n round_o about_o the_o jew_n which_o mortal_o hate_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n none_o will_v have_v discover_v the_o imposture_n have_v they_o not_o be_v satisfy_v that_o what_o moses_n have_v write_v be_v true_a the_o honour_n of_o have_v such_o great_a thing_n do_v for_o they_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v think_v too_o much_o for_o a_o despise_a hate_a people_n to_o have_v go_v away_o with_o 2._o but_o second_o instead_o of_o contradict_v moses_n history_n the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o greek_n do_v own_o his_o greatness_n insomuch_o that_o the_o old_a egyptian_n will_v have_v appropriate_v he_o to_o themselves_o pretend_v that_o he_o be_v of_o egyptian_a parentage_n and_o a_o priest_n of_o heliopolis_n by_o name_n ozarsiph_n change_v his_o name_n afterward_o to_o moses_n some_o indeed_o of_o the_o other_o heathen_n as_o apuleius_n and_o numenius_n the_o pythagorean_n reckon_v he_o among_o the_o old_a magician_n and_o in_o particular_a among_o janne_n and_o jambres_n the_o famous_a magician_n of_o pharaoh_n but_o all_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o very_a wonderful_a person_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o plague_n he_o bring_v upon_o egypt_n 3._o and_o then_o three_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o their_o whole_a nation_n have_v all_o along_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o moses_n for_o their_o whole_a constitution_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n and_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o have_v any_o of_o they_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o that_o point_n those_o rebel_n who_o rise_v up_o against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n allege_v that_o they_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o will_v have_v allege_v that_o they_o pretend_v too_o much_o also_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o what_o be_v true_a nor_o can_v those_o people_n who_o time_n after_o time_n revolt_a from_o moses_n law_n have_v have_v such_o another_o plea_n for_o their_o apostasy_n as_o this_o will_v have_v be_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n giver_n be_v not_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n as_o it_o be_v believe_v i_o have_v say_v thus_o much_o of_o moses_n to_o confront_v some_o in_o our_o day_n who_o have_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o deride_v the_o write_n which_o go_v under_o moses_n name_n and_o the_o miracle_n say_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v with_o the_o great_a boldness_n deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n though_o if_o man_n will_v take_v the_o evidence_n give_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v better_a evidence_n of_o any_o matter_n than_o there_o be_v of_o these_o of_o the_o certainty_n whereof_o those_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o know_v be_v full_o satisfy_v i_o go_v on_o now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n from_o the_o same_o consideration_n to_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o the_o evangelist_n ascribe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o who_o can_v think_v themselves_o more_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o those_o great_a man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v his_o religion_n and_o yet_o that_o many_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o by_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v it_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v for_o their_o infidelity_n be_v that_o christ_n do_v those_o wonderful_a work_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o own_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o soon_o after_o the_o lord_n go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n divers_a pretend_a to_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n such_o as_o simon_n magus_n
a_o distinct_a people_n there_o be_v no_o instance_n like_o this_o in_o any_o story_n as_o if_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o stand_a memorial_n and_o example_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o vengeance_n to_o i_o it_o seem_v among_o rational_a argument_n one_o of_o the_o plain_a not_o only_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o just_a providence_n in_o pursue_v that_o nation_n with_o such_o exemplary_a vengeance_n but_o likewise_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chap._n vi_o hitherto_o i_o have_v show_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v that_o be_v eternal_a independent_a self-existing_a the_o author_n of_o our_o common_a nature_n omnipotent_a omniscient_a all_o which_o character_n be_v include_v in_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o a_o be_v that_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a i_o proceed_v next_o to_o some_o other_o consideration_n which_o argue_v a_o be_v that_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n goodness_n benignity_n as_o well_o as_o power_n in_o order_n thereunto_o let_v we_o now_o begin_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o four_o great_a head_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o mean_v the_o admirable_a frame_n and_o state_n of_o the_o universe_n for_o whoever_o will_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o those_o various_a appearance_n which_o be_v in_o this_o visible_a world_n must_v be_v the_o most_o senseless_a and_o stupid_a thing_n in_o it_o if_o after_o all_o the_o bright_a manifestation_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o be_v every_o where_o discoverable_a he_o can_v at_o last_o permit_v himself_o to_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n god_n have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n say_v st._n paul_n act_v 14._o 17._o no_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a to_o we_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o we_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 19_o 20._o here_o than_o we_o meet_v with_o eight_o observable_a which_o be_v very_o fit_a in_o their_o turn_n to_o fall_v under_o our_o contemplation_n 1._o the_o excellent_a order_n into_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v digest_v 2._o the_o great_a beauty_n that_o appear_v throughout_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o wonderful_a usefulness_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o creation_n 4._o the_o curious_a and_o exquisite_a structure_n of_o they_o for_o the_o use_v and_o end_v to_o which_o they_o serve_v 5._o the_o constant_a regularity_n of_o they_o in_o their_o respective_a operation_n 6._o the_o ample_a provision_n that_o be_v make_v for_o the_o good_a of_o creature_n especial_o mankind_n 7._o the_o resemblance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o operation_n of_o thing_n irrational_a 8._o the_o divine_a frame_n of_o our_o own_o rational_a nature_n o_o lord_n how_o glorious_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v full_a of_o thy_o riches_n the_o various_a testimony_n of_o thy_o greatness_n and_o inexhaustible_a benignity_n 1._o first_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o excellent_a order_n into_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v digest_v this_o order_n be_v see_v 1._o in_o the_o commodious_a situation_n and_o position_n to_o which_o they_o be_v determine_v 2._o in_o the_o near_a relation_n of_o they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o dependence_n on_o each_o other_o 3._o in_o the_o permanency_n of_o they_o in_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v place_v 1._o as_o there_o be_v several_a rank_n and_o class_n of_o creature_n so_o be_v every_o rank_n determine_v to_o its_o due_a and_o proper_a place_n that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n we_o stand_v in_o immediate_a need_n of_o be_v the_o earth_n and_o that_o be_v place_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o may_v receive_v influence_n from_o all_o the_o ambient_fw-la part_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o help_v its_o fertility_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o celestial_a body_n be_v so_o commodious_a that_o its_o production_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v destroy_v by_o excess_n of_o heat_n or_o cold_a which_o otherwise_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v be_v the_o distance_n near_o or_o more_o remote_a it_o be_v the_o proper_a place_n for_o man_n in_o this_o life_n for_o it_o be_v the_o theatre_n we_o be_v to_o act_n on_o and_o the_o magazine_n that_o yield_v we_o the_o store_n we_o live_v by_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v near_o at_o hand_n hard_o by_o all_o our_o necessity_n and_o rich_o furnish_v with_o plant_n fruit_n meat_n entertainment_n of_o all_o sort_n so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o go_v out_o of_o door_n and_o industrious_a people_n may_v gather_v their_o provision_n and_o whatever_o they_o can_v modest_o desire_v either_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n or_o to_o afford_v they_o pleasure_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v drop_v down_o sudden_o for_o want_v of_o breath_n with_o our_o meat_n between_o our_o tooth_n the_o air_n which_o serve_v for_o digestion_n and_o respiration_n be_v i_o can_v so_o well_o say_v in_o our_o neighbourhood_n as_o in_o our_o nostril_n a_o atmosphere_n so_o apposite_o place_v and_o so_o adapt_v to_o the_o gross_a contexture_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v infinite_o more_o proper_a for_o sensitive_a creature_n than_o the_o fine_a unmixed_a aether_n that_o be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o those_o fluid_a body_n the_o water_n be_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n too_o treasure_v up_o in_o concave_a receptacle_n and_o channel_n and_o there_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o quench_v the_o thirst_n of_o every_o animal_n and_o if_o man_n will_v be_v wanton_a to_o serve_v their_o sensuality_n also_o without_o endanger_v their_o safety_n by_o inordinate_a sweep_a inundation_n the_o heaven_n be_v to_o give_v light_n and_o warmth_n to_o all_o sublunary_a creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o provident_a hand_n which_o form_v they_o have_v set_v they_o very_o remote_a that_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a luminary_n may_v cast_v their_o influence_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o withal_o secure_a all_o thing_n live_v from_o those_o scorching_n and_o death_n to_o which_o their_o vicinity_n will_v otherwise_o have_v unavoidable_o expose_v they_o in_o short_a all_o thing_n be_v situate_a where_o they_o shall_v be_v nor_o can_v the_o wise_a counsel_n have_v place_v they_o better_o suppose_v the_o wise_a be_v to_o have_v have_v the_o disposal_n and_o order_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o excellent_a order_n of_o creature_n be_v see_v in_o the_o near_a relation_n of_o they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o dependence_n on_o each_o other_o where_o i_o shall_v speak_v only_o of_o that_o general_a and_o common_a reference_n which_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o creature_n thus_o situate_v and_o dispose_v do_v bear_v to_o one_o another_o as_o for_o the_o usefulness_n of_o particular_a branch_n of_o the_o creation_n it_o will_v fall_v under_o our_o eye_n in_o its_o due_a place_n at_o present_a i_o be_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o relation_n and_o connection_n that_o respect_n and_o cognation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o species_n and_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o make_v up_o this_o great_a frame_n and_o system_v of_o nature_n for_o in_o the_o great_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n there_o be_v a_o noble_a design_n carry_v on_o this_o creature_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o that_o and_o that_o hang_n upon_o the_o other_o like_a premise_n and_o consequent_n in_o a_o well-composed_a book_n so_o that_o if_o one_o part_n be_v take_v away_o not_o only_o the_o beauty_n but_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v lose_v be_v all_o sensitive_a creature_n destroy_v what_o will_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o a_o blind_a world_n be_v the_o earth_n annihilate_v what_o will_v the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o the_o pleyade_n signify_v or_o be_v but_o the_o fowl_n the_o cattle_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n remove_v what_o will_v become_v of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o little_a lord_n of_o all_o and_o yet_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v a_o dependant_a upon_o these_o poor_a creature_n to_o afford_v he_o provision_n daily_o and_o to_o furnish_v out_o his_o table_n some_o conceive_v that_o the_o only_a great_a design_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o support_v man_n which_o though_o i_o think_v be_v too_o great_a a_o vanity_n to_o imagine_v yet_o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o how_o many_o creature_n be_v there_o to_o be_v serve_v before_o it_o can_v come_v to_o his_o turn_n i_o will_v hear_v the_o heaven_n say_v the_o divine_a be_v and_o the_o heaven_n shall_v hear_v the_o earth_n
letter_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n 4_o to_z dr._n linsord_n dialogue_n between_o mr._n g._n and_o other_o etc._n etc._n 8_o vo_z mr._n johnson_n impossibility_n of_o transubstantiation_n demonstrate_v dr._n wallis_n defence_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n 4_o to_z j._n broccard_n alarm_n to_o all_o protestant_a prince_n with_o a_o discovery_n of_o popish_a plot_n and_o conspiracy_n 4_o to_z mr._n hodges_n sermon_n of_o the_o necessity_n etc._n etc._n of_o gospel-minister_n treatise_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o lord_n north_n light_n in_o the_o way_n to_o paradise_n 8_o vo_z molin_n of_o the_o muscle_n etc._n etc._n 8_o vo_z mr._n perk_n new_a and_o easy_a method_n to_o sing_v by_o book_n 8_o vo_z the_o art_n of_o spell_a 8_o vo_z erasmus_n weapon_n for_o a_o christian_a soldier_n 12_o s._n marlow_n book_n of_o cipher_n or_o letter_n reverse_v etc._n etc._n leonard_n report_n in_o four_o part_n the_o second_o edition_n fol._n bulstrode_n report_n in_o three_o part_n the_o second_o edition_n fol._n bendloe_n and_o dalison_n report_n publish_v by_o mr._n rowe_n 1689._o fol._n ventris_n report_n in_o two_o part_n fol._n callis_n readins_n upon_o the_o statute_n of_o hen._n viii_o 4_o to_z the_o complete_a clerk_n contain_v the_o best_a form_n of_o precedent_n 4_o to_z wingate_n abridgement_n of_o all_o the_o statute_n in_o force_n to_o 1689._o 8_o vo_z washington_n abridgement_n of_o all_o the_o statute_n of_o king_n william_n &c_n &c_n fitz._n herbert_n natura_fw-la brevium_fw-la correct_v and_o revise_v 8_o vo_z brown_n entring-clerk_n vade_fw-la mecum_fw-la 8_o vo_z doctor_n and_o student_n 8_o vo_z goodman_n of_o the_o law_n against_o bankrupt_n 8_o vo_z wentworth_n office_n and_o duty_n of_o executor_n with_o the_o appendix_n sir_n william_n petty_n political_a anatomy_n of_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n 8_o vo_z a_o discourse_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o england_n in_o trade_n since_o the_o reformation_n fol._n col._n parson_n chronological_a table_n mr._n lortie_n practical_a discourse_n concern_v repentance_n 12_o s._n mr._n elis_n letter_n to_o a_o friend_n etc._n etc._n 8_o vo_z reflecter_n defence_n of_o his_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n etc._n etc._n 4_o to_o protestant_n resolve_v or_o a_o discourse_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o his_o turn_n roman-catholick_n for_o salvation_n 4_o to_o religion_n and_o loyalty_n inseprarable_a a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n at_o nottingham_n sept._n 5._o 1692_o 8_o vo_z necessity_n of_o serious_a consideration_n and_o speedy_a repentance_n 8_o vo_z folly_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o unlearned_a reader_n 8_o vo_z a_o short_a scripture-catechism_n 12_o s_o the_o christian_a hearer_n first_o lesson_n a_o sermon_n at_o nottingham_n oct._n 4._o 94._o a_o defence_n of_o dr._n sherleck_n notion_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n 4_o to_z mr._n wilson_n discourse_n of_o religion_n show_v its_o truth_n and_o reality_n or_o the_o suitableness_n of_o religion_n to_o humane_a nature_n 8_o vo_z discourse_v of_o the_o resurrection_n show_v the_o import_n and_o certainty_n of_o it_o 8_o vo_z reason_n and_o religion_n in_o some_o useful_a reflection_n on_o the_o most_o eminent_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n bishop_n of_o bath_n and_o wells_n commentary_n on_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n with_o a_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o author_n or_o writer_n of_o the_o say_a book_n and_o a_o general_n argument_n to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o two_o volume_n 8_o vo_z sermon_n upon_o the_o resurrection_n preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o st._n bridget's-church_n on_o monday_n in_o easter-week_n april_n 9_o 1694_o 4_o to_o mausoleum_n a_o funeral_n poem_n on_o our_o late_a gracious_a sovereign_a queen_n mary_n of_o bless_a memory_n a_o elegy_n on_o his_o grace_n john_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n both_o by_o n._n tate_n mr._n dryden_n translation_n of_o c._n a._n du_fw-fr fresnoy_n art_n of_o paint_v with_o remark_n together_o with_o a_o original_a preface_n contain_v a_o parallel_n betwixt_o paint_v and_o poetry_n as_o also_o a_o account_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a painter_n 4_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o prayer_n assert_v and_o guard_v from_o licentiousness_n by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 8_o vo_z a_o letter_n to_o the_o three_o absolver_n mr._n cook_n mr._n collier_n and_o mr._n snett_n be_v reflection_n on_o the_o paper_n deliver_v by_o sir_n john_n friend_n and_o sir_n william_n parkyns_n to_o the_o sheriff_n of_o london_n and_o middlesex_n at_o tyburn_n the_o place_n of_o execution_n april_n 3_o 1696_o which_o say_v paper_n be_v print_v at_o length_n paragraph_n by_o paragraph_n fol._n price_n 6_o d._n a_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o paper_n deliver_v by_o mr._n r._n charnock_n mr._n ed._n king_n mr._n tho._n key_n at_o tyburn_n march_v 18_o 1696._o and_o of_o the_o paper_n deliver_v by_o sir_n john_n friend_n and_o sir_n william_n parkyns_n at_o tyburn_n april_n 3d_o 1696._o and_o of_o the_o paper_n deliver_v by_o brigadier_n rookwood_n and_o major_n lowick_n at_o tyburn_n the_o place_n of_o execution_n april_n 26_o 1696_o to_o the_o sheriff_n of_o london_n and_o middlesex_n just_a before_o their_o several_a execution_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o behaviour_n of_o brigadier_n rookwood_n major_a lowick_n and_o mr._n cranburne_n but_o more_o particular_o the_o two_o last_o fol._n price_n 4_o d._n a_o reflection_n on_o our_o modern_a poesy_n a_o essay_n fol._n price_n 6_o d._n the_o exact_a effigy_n of_o his_o grace_n john_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n on_o a_o large_a sheet_n of_o paper_n curious_o engrave_v by_o mr._n white_n from_o mrs._n beale_n paint_v price_n 12._o d._n
believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n even_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a gentile_a condition_n the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n there_o be_v no_o speech_n nor_o language_n where_o their_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v their_o sound_n be_v go_v out_o into_o all_o land_n and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n psalm_n 19_o 1_o 3_o 4._o where_o david_n represent_v those_o glorious_a creature_n as_o proclaim_v and_o all_o nation_n as_o hear_v they_o proclaim_v the_o transcendent_a wisdom_n power_n goodness_n and_o majesty_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o conserver_n all_o people_n how_o ignorant_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v of_o other_o language_n have_v understand_v this_o however_o they_o have_v differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o their_o polity_n law_n custom_n or_o manner_n of_o life_n have_v unanimous_o consent_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o though_o many_o have_v live_v as_o if_o they_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o none_o have_v be_v without_o he_o in_o their_o conscience_n here_o fall_v in_o a_o account_n which_o have_v be_v give_v we_o by_o a_o most_o inquisitive_a and_o learned_a writer_n of_o our_o church_n and_o which_o both_o for_o the_o usefulness_n and_o curiosity_n of_o it_o well_o deserve_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o this_o place_n that_o great_a man_n idolatry_n bishop_n stillingfleet_n defence_n of_o his_o discourse_n concern_v idolatry_n undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n though_o they_o believe_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n show_v particular_o that_o the_o gross_a idolater_n of_o late_a time_n both_o in_o the_o east_n and_o west_n part_v of_o the_o world_n have_v acknowledge_v one_o sovereign_a be_v over_o all_o those_o inferior_a deity_n they_o worship_v that_o they_o give_v he_o the_o high_a honour_n and_o that_o that_o they_o call_v he_o in_o their_o respective_a language_n by_o some_o peculiar_a name_n which_o signify_v the_o great_a excellency_n first_o he_o show_v of_o the_o idolater_n of_o the_o east-indies_n that_o they_o all_o believe_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o reign_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o worship_v this_o one_o god_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o refer_v all_o the_o honour_n to_o he_o which_o they_o give_v to_o other_o thing_n that_o some_o call_v the_o supreme_a god_n parabrama_n which_o in_o their_o language_n signify_v absolute_o perfect_a be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o thing_n exist_v from_o himself_o and_o free_a from_o all_o composition_n that_o other_o call_v that_o sovereign_n be_v achar_n that_o be_v immutable_a other_o tento_fw-la believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n other_o sciaxeti_n or_o scianti_n which_o signify_v the_o supreme_a monarch_n and_o tienciu_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n then_o the_o learned_a author_n give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a tartar_n that_o they_o believe_v and_o worship_v one_o god_n own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a and_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o worldly_a good_a and_o punishment_n of_o the_o inhavitant_n of_o madagascar_n he_o show_v that_o they_o believe_v one_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o will_v one_o day_n punish_v the_o bad_a and_o reward_v the_o good_a action_n of_o man_n of_o the_o people_n of_o monomotapa_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n who_o they_o call_v mozimo_n and_o be_v say_v to_o worship_v nothing_o else_o beside_o he_o of_o the_o idolatrous_a muscovite_n that_o they_o worship_v only_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o who_o they_o offer_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o all_o thing_n even_o their_o meat_n and_o drink_n of_o the_o idolater_n of_o cranganor_n that_o they_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n call_v he_o tambram_fw-la and_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v make_v the_o world_n of_o the_o northern_a idolater_n especial_o the_o goths_z he_o show_v that_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o their_o god_n be_v call_v by_o they_o alfader_n that_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o they_o believe_v that_o this_o god_n live_v for_o ever_o that_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o air_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o make_v man_n and_o give_v he_o a_o soul_n that_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o although_o the_o body_n be_v destroy_v and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v good_a shall_v be_v with_o he_o touch_v the_o idolater_n in_o asrick_n that_o excellent_a writer_n show_v that_o they_o worship_v god_n under_o the_o name_n of_o guighimo_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o though_o the_o negro_n adore_v many_o god_n yet_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o supreme_a who_o they_o call_v ferisso_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o receive_v as_o for_o the_o account_n he_o give_v out_o of_o josephus_n acosta_n and_o garcilasso_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr vega_n touch_v the_o idolater_n in_o america_n before_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n i_o have_v reserve_v it_o to_o the_o last_o because_o it_o seem_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o it_o be_v the_o fit_a observation_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o surn_n of_o it_o be_v that_o those_o idolatrous_a indian_n acknowledge_v a_o supreme_a lord_n and_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o they_o of_o peru_n call_v pachacamac_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o world_n the_o true_a sovereign_a creator_n of_o the_o sovereign_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usapu_n which_o be_v admirable_a and_o such_o like_a and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o other_o thing_n yet_o they_o hold_v and_o adore_v pachamac_n as_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o and_o whenever_o they_o mention_v his_o name_n do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n imaginable_a in_o honour_n to_o the_o unexpressible_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o be_v that_o observation_n of_o the_o spanish_a jesuit_n acosta_n that_o those_o who_o at_o that_o time_n do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o indian_n find_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a god_n and_o lord_n over_o all_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o christian_n god_n and_o the_o true_a god_n this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o truth_n conformable_a to_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o he_o the_o gentile_n with_o all_o their_o infidelity_n and_o idolatry_n have_v not_o deny_v so_o that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o plant_v and_o persuade_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n though_o the_o nation_n to_o who_o they_o preach_v be_v never_o so_o barbarous_a and_o brutish_a the_o hard_a thing_n be_v to_o root_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n nor_o any_o other_o deity_n than_o one_o and_o that_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o themselves_o have_v no_o power_n be_v nor_o work_v proper_a to_o themselves_o but_o what_o the_o great_a and_o only_a lord_n do_v give_v and_o impart_v to_o they_o however_o people_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o deitic_n this_o have_v be_v a_o common_a notion_n in_o all_o barbarous_a country_n that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a god_n infinite_o good_n i_o think_v no_o more_o need_n be_v say_v to_o show_v the_o universal_a persuasion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v god_n existence_n however_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o argue_v and_o reason_n from_o it_o and_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n existence_n from_o this_o universal_a persuasion_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o pretence_n which_o be_v common_o use_v to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o some_o whole_a nation_n have_v be_v find_v which_o have_v be_v without_o all_o sense_n of_o god_n as_o be_v report_v particular_o of_o some_o people_n in_o america_n after_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o by_o christian_n to_o this_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o answer_n first_o that_o the_o matter_n allege_v be_v not_o evident_a or_o certain_a because_o the_o man_n who_o first_o relate_v it_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o language_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o people_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o their_o principle_n nay_o they_o be_v abhor_v as_o enemy_n and_o consequent_o be_v uncapable_a of_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o those_o people_n religion_n a_o thing_n which_o man_n be_v general_o very_o shy_a of_o discover_v especial_o to_o those_o who_o use_v they_o hardly_o
second_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o probability_n it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o though_o upon_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o those_o nation_n some_o of_o they_o be_v suspect_v of_o atheism_n yet_o a_o different_a account_n be_v give_v afterward_o upon_o further_a inquiry_n nay_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o savage_a people_n among_o they_o do_v worship_v some_o thing_n after_o a_o religious_a sort_n however_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n a_o plain_a sign_n that_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o worship_n almost_o any_o thing_n for_o a_o deity_n than_o not_o to_o own_o any_o deity_n at_o all_o three_o be_v the_o report_n true_a and_o unquestionable_a all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v hence_o be_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o some_o man_n to_o be_v so_o besot_v and_o govern_v by_o outward_a sense_n as_o to_o lose_v in_o a_o manner_n that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o humane_a nature_n reason_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o belluine_a kind_n of_o life_n but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o one_o particular_a exception_n shall_v prevail_v against_o a_o general_a rule_n if_o in_o the_o universe_n there_o be_v now_o and_o then_o a_o little_a irregularity_n it_o can_v argue_v that_o nature_n be_v not_o steady_a and_o uniform_a and_o so_o if_o among_o mankind_n there_o chance_n to_o be_v here_o or_o there_o some_o brutish_a people_n it_o can_v argue_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v no_o reason_n or_o that_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o common_a reason_n be_v false_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o principle_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o if_o some_o odd_a folk_n of_o lose_a understanding_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o what_o weight_n be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v bear_v down_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n after_o this_o rate_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o right_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o credit_n or_o authority_n to_o be_v give_v to_o reason_n because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n beast_n and_o natural_n 2._o but_o to_o take_v off_o this_o answer_n it_o be_v pretend_v second_o that_o philosopher_n and_o man_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v against_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n existence_n as_o theodorus_n bion_n leucippus_n democritus_n protagorus_fw-la diagoras_n epicurus_n and_o the_o like_a now_o as_o to_o this_o these_o four_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v say_v first_o that_o we_o scarce_o find_v the_o name_n of_o twelve_o atheist_n express_o mention_v in_o history_n since_o the_o creation_n set_v aside_o some_o in_o these_o late_a age_n who_o will_v have_v be_v think_v wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n we_o read_v not_o of_o one_o by_o name_n and_o though_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v indefinite_o of_o a_o fool_n in_o his_o time_n that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n psalm_n 14._o 1._o yet_o by_o his_o character_n you_o see_v what_o he_o be_v count_v and_o as_o great_a a_o fool_n as_o he_o be_v he_o will_v not_o speak_v out_o nor_o affirm_v it_o positive_o but_o say_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n so_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o his_o wish_n than_o opinion_n second_o of_o those_o we_o read_v of_o in_o humane_a writer_n some_o be_v call_v atheist_n mere_o because_o they_o despise_v the_o rabble_n of_o deity_n and_o the_o unreasonable_a superstition_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o gentile_n have_v in_o great_a admiration_n such_o be_v the_o humour_n of_o people_n in_o those_o time_n that_o they_o stigmatise_v all_o who_o oppose_v their_o folly_n with_o that_o infamous_a character_n a_o humour_n which_o hold_v on_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o most_o religious_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v charge_v with_o atheism_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n because_o they_o be_v enemy_n too_o though_o upon_o far_o better_a ground_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o pagan_a deity_n so_o that_o upon_o a_o strict_a computation_n i_o think_v the_o notorious_a atheist_n in_o those_o dark_a age_n be_v not_o in_o all_o above_o seven_o and_o of_o those_o it_o be_v observable_a three_o that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o can_v be_v a_o tolerable_a judge_n of_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v infamous_a for_o vice_n and_o immorality_n and_o therefore_o in_o favour_n to_o their_o lust_n do_v think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o destroy_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n existence_n other_o be_v man_n of_o so_o little_a sense_n that_o every_o modern_a insidel_n have_v just_a reason_n to_o be_v alhame_v of_o they_o for_o protagoras_n be_v a_o porter_n and_o diagoras_n a_o slave_n both_o of_o they_o be_v angry_a at_o providence_n for_o not_o have_v dispose_v of_o they_o better_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v easy_o bribe_v and_o hire_v by_o democritus_n to_o make_v up_o a_o small_a paltry_a litter_n and_o of_o all_o of_o they_o it_o be_v remark_v that_o they_o be_v bloat_v up_o with_o pride_n arrogance_n and_o ambition_n whereby_o they_o affect_v to_o be_v singular_a and_o to_o signalise_v themselves_o as_o the_o most_o know_a sage_n in_o the_o world_n by_o reject_v notion_n which_o be_v the_o common_a receive_v principle_n among_o all_o mankind_n and_o yet_o four_o what_o those_o few_o upstart_n do_v they_o do_v by_o strain_v and_o force_v their_o own_o conscience_n there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o conscience_n which_o can_v be_v utter_o fubdue_v especial_o when_o not_o only_o the_o honour_n but_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n be_v concern_v who_o deputy_n it_o be_v then_o conscience_n will_v throb_v and_o possess_v the_o most_o irreligious_a man_n with_o such_o fear_n as_o argue_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n whatever_o argument_n they_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v against_o he_o they_o lie_v say_v seneca_n who_o profess_v a_o unbelief_n of_o god_n for_o though_o they_o maintain_v it_o before_o you_o in_o the_o daytime_n yet_o at_o night_n they_o themselves_o call_v their_o infidelity_n in_o question_n company_n business_n or_o diversion_n may_v banish_v their_o fear_n for_o a_o while_n but_o those_o fear_n return_v in_o the_o dark_a from_o under_o the_o pillow_n when_o conscience_n come_v to_o have_v private_a audience_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n colla_n in_o cicero_n tell_v we_o of_o epicurus_n himself_o who_o doctrine_n 1._o de_fw-fr nat._n dcor_fw-la lib_n 1._o be_v design_v to_o destroy_v the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o he_o never_o see_v any_o man_n more_o afraid_a than_o that_o philosopher_n be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v dread_v that_o be_v death_n and_o god_n a_o clear_a argument_n that_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v and_o teach_v to_o the_o contrary_a his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v a_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n the_o sum_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n existence_n have_v be_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n epicurus_n himself_o be_v willing_a ibid._n ibid._n it_o shall_v pass_v on_o still_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o of_o that_o conceit_a man_n that_o though_o in_o fact_n and_o in_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o his_o principle_n he_o deny_v god_n yet_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n and_o people_n of_o athens_n in_o word_n he_o own_a a_o deity_n and_o that_o for_o this_o consideration_n because_o nature_n itself_o have_v imprint_v on_o all_o man_n mind_n a_o notion_n of_o god_n as_o his_o disciple_n villeius_n in_o cicero_n say_v of_o he_o for_o say_v he_o what_o nation_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v there_o which_o have_v not_o without_o learning_n some_o anticipation_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o epicurus_n call_v a_o prolepsis_n or_o pre-notion_n and_o since_o that_o opinion_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o any_o institution_n custom_n or_o law_n and_o yet_o continue_v the_o firm_a unshaken_a belief_n of_o all_o man_n therefore_o people_n ought_v to_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o now_o what_o be_v the_o singular_a imagination_n of_o a_o few_o vain_a wanton_a wretch_n to_o the_o settle_a persuasion_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o must_v all_o man_n be_v deceive_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o god_n because_o democritus_n and_o epicurus_n will_v not_o seem_v to_o own_v they_o there_o be_v sometime_o monstrosity_n in_o nature_n and_o so_o there_o be_v too_o often_o in_o opinion_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n so_o