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all_o the_o certain_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o another_o and_o a_o far_a world_n and_o the_o great_a account_n of_o all_o invisible_a thing_n and_o second_o because_o it_o be_v the_o high_a motive_n we_o have_v to_o all_o good_a live_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n that_o we_o be_v chief_o oblige_v to_o all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o engage_v against_o all_o the_o corrupt_a prastise_n of_o humane_a life_n when_o we_o consider_v with_o what_o difficulty_n we_o attain_v in_o the_o first_o case_n to_o a_o fix_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o see_v and_o how_o apt_a we_o be_v in_o the_o latter_a to_o decline_v from_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n nothing_o can_v seem_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o rational_a insurance_n about_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o both_o that_o with_o a_o perfect_a security_n to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a 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love_n to_o truth_n you_o possess_v it_o be_v alone_a that_o great_a honour_n and_o that_o entire_a affection_n i_o have_v for_o your_o lordship_n that_o interest_n your_o name_n in_o this_o matter_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o less_o need_v by_o you_o than_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o due_a from_o i_o than_o a_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n that_o myself_o and_o what_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v devote_v to_o your_o service_n i_o know_v my_o lord_n into_o what_o hand_n i_o commit_v these_o paper_n when_o i_o present_v they_o to_o you_o that_o great_a hazard_n to_o which_o they_o be_v expose_v by_o your_o first_o view_n will_v sufficient_o inure_v they_o to_o all_o future_a danger_n i_o consider_v that_o judgement_n with_o which_o they_o be_v put_v to_o encounter_v and_o want_v not_o a_o due_a sense_n what_o the_o success_n must_v needs_o be_v i_o know_v also_o your_o remedying_a kindness_n and_o be_o enough_o secure_v thereby_o be_o in_o this_o case_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n of_o relief_n that_o he_o be_v that_o discourse_v before_o caesar_n who_o thus_o address_v to_o he_o qui_fw-la apud_fw-la te_fw-la caesar_n audent_fw-la dicere_fw-la magnitudinem_fw-la tuam_fw-la ignorant_a qui_fw-la non_fw-la audent_fw-la humanitatem_fw-la my_o lord_n as_o you_o be_v please_v before_o to_o allow_v that_o method_n i_o use_v in_o discover_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n so_o i_o promise_v myself_o some_o acceptance_n in_o the_o account_n i_o now_o give_v you_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture_n belief_n as_o i_o know_v no_o better_a property_n can_v be_v convey_v to_o the_o world_n than_o a_o rational_a possession_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n so_o i_o be_o also_o much_o please_v that_o i_o have_v spend_v some_o part_n of_o my_o time_n in_o do_v what_o you_o require_v to_o who_o i_o owe_v all_o that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o most_o generous_a and_o most_o last_a friendship_n and_o shall_v ever_o be_v as_o 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of_o those_o who_o have_v themselves_o universal_o proclaim_v the_o bible_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o if_o christian-tradition_n be_v credit_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v thereby_o establish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v dis-believed_n in_o thaâ—_n there_o can_v be_v then_o no_o good_a reason_n to_o receiuâ—_v any_o other_o matter_n touch_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o that_o conveyance_n to_o retain_v therefore_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o disow_v the_o bible_n be_v to_o become_v a_o perfect_a problem_n no_o such_o man_n can_v produce_v anâ—_n law_n or_o rule_n of_o his_o religion_n nor_o give_v anâ—_n account_v wherein_o they_o be_v contain_v or_o bâ—_n who_o or_o by_o what_o church_n with_o a_o exclusion_n of_o the_o bible_n they_o have_v be_v at_o any_o timâ—_n receive_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n rational_o make_v a_o partial_a rejection_n of_o 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scripture_n be_v usual_o expose_v to_o this_o be_v admit_v which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n close_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n renounce_v the_o bible_n that_o maxim_n of_o st._n austin_n be_v undeniable_a that_o contra_fw-la scripturas_fw-la nemo_fw-la christianus_n there_o be_v but_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o who_o the_o scripture_n can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v general_o attact_v and_o from_o who_o principle_n their_o sacred_a authority_n can_v receive_v a_o universal_a invasion_n first_o such_o who_o whole_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o religion_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v relative_n such_o who_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o a_o atheistical_a profession_n second_o such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o a_o supreme_a and_o first_o cause_n but_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o believe_v he_o be_v no_o way_n concer_v about_o the_o world_n nor_o trouble_v himself_o to_o exercise_v any_o rule_n or_o dominion_n at_o all_o over_o it_o three_o such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o religion_n and_o providence_n but_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o not_o true_a and_o embrace_v some_o other_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o of_o those_o first-born_a monster_n of_o mankind_n that_o anomalous_a offspring_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n who_o principle_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o utmost_a dregs_n of_o all_o humane_a apostasy_n and_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o absurd_a for_o as_o cicero_n say_v deos_fw-la esse_fw-la ita_fw-la perspicuum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la negate_fw-la vix_fw-la eum_fw-la sanae_fw-la mentis_fw-la existimem_fw-la the_o be_v of_o the_o god_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v think_v well_o in_o his_o wit_n that_o deny_v it_o a_o previous_a consideration_n be_v necessary_a to_o whatever_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o or_o any_o other_o divine_a subject_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v already_o contest_v with_o such_o and_o dispatch_v all_o my_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o last_o converse_n i_o mean_v to_o have_v with_o that_o evil_a generation_n of_o who_o it_o may_v most_o true_o be_v say_v they_o be_v not_o only_o the_o avow_a opposer_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v host_n humani_fw-la generis_fw-la the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n who_o by_o deny_v a_o supreme_a be_v above_o demolish_v the_o great_a support_n of_o all_o well-being_n here_o below_o of_o this_o belief_n they_o be_v heretofore_o at_o athens_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n of_o atheism_n and_o first_o dawning_n of_o â—speculative_a irreligion_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o cotta_n tell_v we_o in_o cicero_n that_o when_o protagoras_n begin_v his_o book_n with_o this_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n de_fw-fr diis_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la sint_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la habeo_fw-la dicere_fw-la atheniensum_fw-la jussu_fw-la urbe_fw-la atque_fw-la agro_n est_fw-la exterminatus_fw-la librique_fw-la ejus_fw-la in_o concione_fw-la combusti_fw-la and_o he_o add_v exit_fw-la quo_fw-la equidem_fw-la existimo_fw-la tardiores_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la profitendam_fw-la multos_fw-la esse_fw-la factos_fw-la quip_n cum_fw-la poenam_fw-la ne_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la quidem_fw-la effugere_fw-la potuisset_fw-la for_o those_o secundary_a enemy_n to_o the_o bible_n and_o together_o with_o that_o of_o all_o religion_n such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o deny_v all_o providence_n and_o divine_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n such_o who_o out_o of_o shame_n disow_v the_o grand_a principle_n of_o atheism_n but_o yet_o by_o this_o method_n secure_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o of_o those_o a_o preliminary_a consideration_n on_o aught_o to_o be_v have_v a_o previous_a confutation_n of_o such_o principle_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o discourse_n in_o hand_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o impracticable_a project_n to_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v any_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o a_o law_n give_v forth_o from_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n any_o where_o in_o be_v which_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o never_o can_v be_v if_o god_n no_o way_n concern_v himself_o with_o what_o man_n do_v nor_o exercise_n any_o dominion_n at_o all_o over_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a such_o principle_n do_v uno_fw-la ictu_fw-la dispatch_v all_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n put_v a_o perfect_a period_n to_o all_o divinity_n and_o render_v it_o a_o thing_n very_o absurd_a to_o submit_v either_o in_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n to_o any_o thing_n as_o divine_a to_o this_o purpose_n cicero_n conclude_v in_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr nat_n deor._n sin_n autem_fw-la dii_fw-la say_v he_o neque_fw-la possunt_fw-la nos_fw-la juvare_fw-la nec_fw-la volunt_fw-la
be_v the_o reasonable_a bound_n of_o all_o such_o future_a debate_n as_o be_v bottom_v upon_o they_o but_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v when_o the_o principle_n themselves_o be_v in_o question_n nor_o upon_o such_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v they_o as_o erroneous_a and_o mistake_v when_o two_o mabumetan_o be_v in_o dispute_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o koran_n be_v to_o they_o a_o proper_a umpirage_n because_o a_o principle_n grant_v by_o both_o but_o when_o a_o mahometan_a dispute_n with_o a_o christian_a the_o proof_n of_o the_o koran_n itself_o must_v precede_v any_o proof_n he_o can_v make_v of_o religion_n from_o thence_o because_o whatever_o be_v itself_o under_o question_n and_o doubt_n can_v never_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o determine_v other_o controversy_n by_o nor_o ought_v this_o the_o fact_n whereof_o be_v so_o verify_v to_o we_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o man_n shall_v often_o mistake_v and_o general_o differ_v and_o divide_v upon_o all_o such_o 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we_o with_o some_o thing_n so_o much_o out_o of_o our_o reach_n that_o they_o exceed_v all_o bound_n of_o comprehension_n be_v beyond_o the_o verge_n of_o problem_n and_o serve_v only_a to_o show_v we_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n or_o second_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o perfect_a information_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o ground_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a judgement_n upon_o there_o be_v not_o a_o little_a share_n of_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_v mingle_v with_o most_o of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o nothing_o but_o experience_n can_v deliver_v we_o from_o or_o three_o which_o be_v most_o general_a and_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o man_n fall_n from_o the_o bias_n of_o some_o interest_n or_o concern_v whereby_o man_n be_v engage_v or_o some_o natural_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o that_o oppose_v and_o undiscerned_o prevail_v over_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a issue_n of_o reason_n enslave_v they_o to_o appetite_n and_o sway_v the_o judgement_n another_o way_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o prudent_a observation_n that_o one_o make_v heretofore_o upon_o those_o various_a sect_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o philosopher_n in_o graece_fw-la that_o qui_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la severo_fw-la rigido_fw-la &_o moroso_fw-la querulo_fw-la &_o aroganti_fw-la ij_o stoicismum_n sun_n amplecti_fw-la qui_fw-la vero_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la molli_fw-la &_o stadiosi_fw-la tranquillitatis_fw-la &_o atij_fw-la ij_o fuerunt_fw-la epicurei_n qui_fw-la denique_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la civili_fw-la modestoque_fw-la &_o liberali_fw-la ij_o peripateticorum_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la sunt_fw-la secuti_fw-la and_o aristotle_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la say_v vnumquemque_fw-la prout_fw-la animo_fw-la affectus_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la de_fw-fr summâ—_n rono_fw-it judicare_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la oriri_fw-la quod_fw-la alij_fw-la summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la collecant_v in_fw-la divitiis_fw-la alij_fw-la in_o honoribus_fw-la alij_fw-la in_o voluptate_fw-la it_o be_v from_o hence_o and_o from_o those_o many_o other_o circumstantial_a impediment_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o all_o our_o rational_a determination_n and_o not_o from_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o itself_o consider_v that_o have_v be_v derive_v that_o great_a variety_n of_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n whereby_o the_o world_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o have_v be_v divide_v of_o this_o second_o sort_n of_o acquire_v and_o accidental_a principle_n be_v man_n assent_n to_o and_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o book_n pen_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o be_v of_o extraordinary_a mission_n from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o those_o first_o bear_v principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o we_o can_v dissent_v without_o a_o apparent_a absurdity_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o those_o first_o praerequisites_n to_o all_o debate_n and_o discourse_n and_o the_o stand_a boundary_n of_o all_o ratiocination_n but_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o admit_v man_n doubt_n query_n and_o debate_n about_o it_o and_o the_o absolute_a positive_a belief_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n but_o all_o man_n reason_v and_o discourse_v into_o a_o assent_n to_o it_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o subject_n and_o man_n satisfaction_n about_o it_o natural_a religion_n be_v bear_v with_o man_n and_o be_v connate_a with_o their_o being_n and_o must_v be_v suppose_v but_o all_o supernatural_a religion_n be_v discourse_v into_o man_n and_o make_v its_o entrance_n that_o way_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o all_o science_n there_o must_v be_v some_o principle_n grant_v yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o need_v to_o be_v than_o such_o as_o be_v general_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o such_o as_o lie_v adequate_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v only_o the_o property_n of_o one_o party_n and_o be_v peculiar_a
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immortality_n in_o the_o second_o place_n more_o express_o and_o explicit_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n among_o they_o who_o have_v utter_v here_o and_o there_o some_o fragment_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v sometime_o speak_v in_o justification_n of_o these_o main_a point_n so_o plato_n and_o other_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o one_o god_n though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o be_v of_o one_o god_n be_v never_o general_o and_o distinct_o acknowledge_v in_o any_o heathen_a country_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o law_n make_v in_o any_o heathen_a state_n to_o establish_v the_o be_v and_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n nay_o some_o have_v suppose_v that_o no_o particular_a person_n do_v ever_o pure_o by_o natural_a light_n determine_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o that_o such_o who_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o have_v it_o from_o a_o tradition_n originate_v in_o revelation_n so_o say_v a_o learned_a author_n in_o reproach_n of_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a learning_n that_o set_v aside_o what_o they_o learn_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o can_v never_o by_o themselves_o determine_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o god_n or_o but_o one_o cicero_n plutarch_n and_o other_o have_v speak_v full_o about_o providence_n and_o other_o of_o they_o have_v say_v much_o to_o justify_v the_o soul_n immortality_n so_o much_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o the_o spark_n of_o divine_a truth_n though_o under_o much_o rubbish_n have_v be_v there_o secret_o keep_v alive_a and_o so_o much_o as_o do_v sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a profession_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a nature_n do_v only_o rectify_v its_o depravation_n and_o have_v be_v some_o way_n witness_v unto_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o often_o make_v use_n of_o their_o testimony_n but_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v leave_v the_o 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to_o be_v
such_o attempt_n have_v still_o be_v discover_v and_o open_o shame_v how_o many_o heretic_n have_v carry_v about_o their_o own_o confutation_n while_o they_o possess_v this_o book_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o change_v or_o alter_v such_o passage_n as_o have_v be_v most_o cogent_n against_o themselves_o the_o bible_n pass_v through_o the_o arian-world_n with_o all_o those_o plain_a evidence_n it_o contain_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o emperor_n council_n and_o indeed_o upon_o the_o matter_n the_o whole_a christian-world_n wâ—â—etainted_v with_o that_o heresy_n the_o bible_n escape_v the_o infection_n when_o the_o alteration_n of_o two_o or_o three_o plain_a text_n will_v have_v do_v they_o more_o service_n than_o all_o the_o volume_n they_o write_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o great_a design_n be_v on_o foot_n that_o way_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o disappoint_v as_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o we_o find_v in_o st._n ambrose_n the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n need_v no_o other_o confutation_n than_o their_o own_o bible_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o who_o they_o trust_v be_v theiâ—_n great_a accuser_n all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o this_o day_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o uriaâ—_n be_v of_o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n which_o contain_v his_o own_o ruin_n and_o as_o goliaâ—_n be_v of_o hiâ—_n sword_n which_o serve_v at_o last_o to_o cut_v off_o his_o own_o head_n second_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o book_n since_o its_o conveyance_n give_v in_o a_o signal_n and_o most_o undeniable_a evidence_n to_o its_o divinity_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o have_v introduce_v itself_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n the_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o have_v gain_v that_o reception_n we_o find_v it_o have_v have_v among_o mankind_n it_o be_v of_o admirable_a consideration_n that_o a_o religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corrupt_a interest_n of_o humane_a nature_n 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nor_o any_o art_n practise_v to_o deceive_v man_n about_o this_o matter_n no_o man_n can_v prove_v out_o of_o any_o story_n that_o ever_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a professor_n of_o this_o religion_n raise_v arm_n to_o introduce_v or_o promote_v it_o or_o that_o any_o humane_a authority_n do_v countenance_n or_o assist_v it_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o itself_o above_o all_o other_o that_o it_o be_v to_o debtor_n to_o the_o sword_n either_o in_o a_o civil_a or_o military_a way_n neither_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n nor_o the_o sword_n of_o war_n can_v lay_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o as_o a_o product_n of_o they_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n â—ad_v embrace_v it_o and_o be_v become_v criâ—tians_n before_o constantine_n public_o own_v it_o it_o owe_v nothing_o to_o any_o violent_a course_n for_o its_o primitive_a reception_n nor_o indeed_o to_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n neither_o the_o subtlety_n of_o philosopher_n nor_o 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to_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n and_o be_v content_v to_o stand_v and_o fall_v by_o the_o rational_a determination_n of_o every_o man_n own_o breast_n and_o sâ—_n prevail_v such_o who_o embrace_v it_o haâ—_n no_o other_o way_n of_o contest_v but_o holiness_n oâ—_n live_v and_o patience_n in_o suffer_v 〈◊〉_d both_o which_o they_o be_v very_o eminent_a to_o the_o first_o their_o very_a enemy_n the_o heathen_n bear_v testimony_n pliny_n and_o other_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n harmless_a and_o holy_a behaviour_n for_o the_o latter_a never_o be_v any_o religion_n so_o begin_v and_o propagate_v by_o such_o indefatigable_a suffering_n how_o few_o martyr_n for_o religion_n can_v the_o heathen_a world_n boast_v of_o if_o we_o admit_v socrates_n for_o one_o how_o few_o successor_n have_v he_o and_o those_o few_o they_o pretend_v to_o seem_v by_o all_o circumstance_n to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o own_o name_n to_o posterity_n by_o suffer_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v the_o world_n will_v high_o magnify_v but_o for_o christian-religion_n we_o find_v innumerable_a suffering_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o all_o rank_n quality_n age_n and_o condition_n in_o many_o of_o which_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o thing_n but_o conscience_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o motive_n be_v person_n of_o such_o mean_a part_n and_o condition_n as_o can_v no_o way_n be_v think_v to_o design_n a_o name_n to_o themselves_o hereafter_o nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o reasonable_o suppose_v a_o esteem_n upon_o earth_n and_o vainglory_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o any_o of_o they_o suffer_v when_o we_o consider_v they_o suffer_v for_o a_o religion_n the_o very_a name_n of_o which_o be_v every_o where_o odious_a and_o detestable_a and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o bring_v nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o contempt_n it_o swim_v down_o to_o
nec_fw-la curant_fw-la omnino_fw-la nec_fw-la quid_fw-la agamus_fw-la animadvertunt_fw-la nec_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la ad_fw-la hominum_fw-la vitam_fw-la permanare_fw-la possit_fw-la quid_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la ullos_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la cultus_fw-la honour_n praeces_fw-la adhibeamus_fw-la if_o the_o god_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v about_o we_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o worship_v or_o serve_v they_o and_o cotta_n in_o the_o same_o book_n tell_v velleius_n that_o epicurus_n by_o make_v god_n careless_a of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n sustulerit_fw-la omnem_fw-la funditus_fw-la religionem_fw-la have_v utter_o subvert_v all_o religion_n quid_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la cur_n deos_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la colendos_fw-la dicas_fw-la cum_fw-la dii_fw-la non_fw-la modo_fw-la hominibus_fw-la non_fw-la consulant_fw-la sed_fw-la omnino_fw-la nihil_fw-la curent_fw-la nihil_fw-la agant_fw-la the_o same_o justin_n martyr_v observe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o dialogue_n with_o tryphon_n speak_v to_o he_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n say_v he_o hoc_fw-la vero_fw-la ad_fw-la quem_fw-la illi_fw-la referant_fw-la finem_fw-la intelligere_fw-la disicile_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la nam_fw-la hoc_fw-la efficit_fw-la securitas_fw-la atque_fw-la libertas_fw-la loquendi_fw-la &_o eos_fw-la qui_fw-la haec_fw-la docent_fw-la sectandi_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la volunt_fw-la agendi_fw-la &_o dicendi_fw-la impunitas_fw-la neque_fw-la paenam_fw-la aliam_fw-la metuens_fw-la neque_fw-la bonum_fw-la quodque_fw-la sperans_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la that_o man_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o providence_n do_v only_o publish_v another_o edition_n of_o atheism_n be_v evident_a enough_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o equal_o destructive_a to_o all_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o lie_v in_o no_o less_o opposition_n to_o all_o true_a reason_n to_o say_v the_o high_a be_v no_o way_n concern_v himself_o with_o what_o man_n do_v here_o below_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v at_o all_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v and_o that_o this_o be_v be_v a_o punisher_n of_o evil_a doer_n and_o a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o be_v the_o great_a topick_n from_o whence_o all_o religion_n and_o all_o good_a manner_n be_v derive_v if_o god_n regard_v not_o what_o man_n do_v they_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v in_o their_o action_n then_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o and_o it_o be_v not_o more_o unreasonable_a to_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v then_o to_o admit_v he_o to_o be_v and_o then_o deny_v those_o thing_n that_o must_v necessary_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o existence_n that_o the_o fix_a belief_n of_o god_n rule_n over_o the_o world_n accompany_v the_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v among_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a will_v appear_v obvious_a if_o we_o consult_v the_o writing_n of_o seneca_n plutarch_n epictetus_n simplitius_n and_o many_o other_o of_o they_o balbus_n in_o tully_n thus_o begin_v his_o speech_n omnino_fw-la dividunt_fw-la nostri_fw-la totam_fw-la istam_fw-la de_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la questionem_fw-la in_o part_n quatour_n primum_fw-la docent_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la deinde_fw-la quales_fw-la sint_fw-la tum_fw-la mundum_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la administrari_fw-la postremo_fw-la eos_fw-la consulere_fw-la rebus_fw-la humanis_fw-la those_o of_o our_o opinion_n always_o divide_v the_o question_n about_o the_o god_n into_o four_o part_n first_o we_o teach_v that_o the_o god_n be_v then_o how_o they_o exist_v then_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o take_v the_o care_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o tully_n in_o his_o second_o book_n de_fw-fr legib._n tell_v we_o persuasum_fw-la hoc_fw-la sit_fw-la a_o principio_fw-la hominibus_fw-la dominos_fw-la esse_fw-la omnium_fw-la rerum_fw-la ac_fw-la moderatores_fw-la deos_fw-la eaque_fw-la quae_fw-la gerantur_fw-la eorum_fw-la geriditione_n atque_fw-la numine_fw-la man_n have_v believe_v this_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v under_o their_o dominion_n and_o rule_n epicurus_n who_o first_o assault_v the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n and_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o that_o find_v a_o way_n to_o transform_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v man_n into_o a_o mere_a nullity_n will_v needs_o suppose_v it_o a_o thing_n below_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o humane_a affair_n or_o concern_v himself_o with_o what_o man_n do_v here_o and_o therefore_o cotta_n tell_v velleius_n in_o cicero_n speak_v of_o he_o in_o illis_fw-la selectis_fw-la ejus_fw-la brevibusque_fw-la sententiis_fw-la quas_fw-la appellatis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hac_fw-la ut_fw-la opinor_fw-la prio_fw-la sententia_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la beatum_fw-la &_o immortal_a est_fw-la id_fw-la nee_n babet_fw-la nec_fw-la exhibet_fw-la cviquam_fw-la negotium_fw-la this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o chief_a aphorism_n that_o the_o bless_a and_o immortal_a be_v have_v no_o employment_n himself_o nor_o occasion_v any_o trouble_n to_o other_o which_o appear_v a_o thing_n so_o absurd_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o heterodox_n to_o all_o true_a philosophy_n that_o the_o best_a moralist_n sharp_o rebuke_v his_o folly_n think_v this_o opinion_n of_o he_o to_o be_v turpis_fw-la &_o indigna_fw-es base_a and_o unworthy_a and_o refuse_v he_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v style_v a_o philosopher_n who_o will_v be_v so_o unworthy_a to_o suppose_v that_o sloth_n and_o stupidity_n in_o the_o deity_n which_o every_o worthy_a and_o good_a man_n think_v beneath_o himself_o aristotle_n though_o no_o very_a good_a divine_a nor_o very_a orthodox_n asserter_n of_o providence_n yet_o so_o loathe_v this_o absurd_a fiction_n of_o epicurus_n and_o a_o total_a denial_n of_o providence_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o this_o keen_a reflection_n say_v he_o diversity_n of_o question_n require_v diversity_n of_o answer_n some_o ask_v whether_o fire_n be_v hot_a these_o must_v be_v answer_v by_o be_v make_v to_o touch_v it_o some_o ask_v whether_o their_o parent_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discourse_v with_o but_o rebuke_v other_o ask_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o providence_n that_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o refuse_v to_o believe_v it_o without_o apparent_a demonstration_n such_o man_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v answer_v by_o a_o whip_n rather_o than_o by_o a_o philosopher_n how_o extreme_a unreasonable_a the_o denial_n of_o providence_n and_o god_n universal_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n be_v how_o unsuitable_a and_o opposite_a to_o those_o conception_n of_o he_o our_o own_o reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o will_v soon_o appear_v if_o we_o view_v over_o those_o fond_a speculation_n man_n have_v please_v themselves_o with_o about_o this_o matter_n some_o have_v confine_v providence_n to_o the_o heaven_n and_o limit_v it_o to_o what_o be_v above_o we_o will_v needs_o imagine_v that_o god_n regard_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o dominion_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o the_o heavenly_a body_n those_o they_o acknowledge_v be_v under_o a_o divine_a disposure_n god_n settle_v they_o grant_v the_o star_n in_o their_o course_n and_o order_n all_o theâ—â—_n celestial_a body_n but_o have_v no_o concern_n at_o all_o for_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o nor_o regard_v what_o happen_v on_o this_o side_n the_o cloud_n this_o folly_n be_v sufficient_o confute_v when_o we_o consider_v how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o motion_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v all_o design_v for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o good_a of_o all_o sublunary_a thing_n and_o be_v still_o guide_v with_o a_o constant_a and_o suitable_a tendency_n thereunto_o now_o how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v provide_v and_o dispose_v mean_n in_o order_n to_o a_o end_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o end_n itself_o that_o god_n shall_v govern_v the_o heaven_n in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o way_n at_o all_o concern_v about_o it_o and_o that_o man_n for_o who_o sake_n chief_o all_o thing_n above_o as_o well_o as_o below_o appear_v to_o be_v make_v and_o dispose_v shall_v be_v less_o regard_v than_o those_o thing_n make_v subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o use_n other_o have_v imagine_v that_o providence_n be_v exercise_v about_o universals_z but_o not_o about_o singular_n that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o general_n but_o nor_o of_o particular_n this_o justin_n mart._n in_o his_o discourse_n with_o tryphon_n tell_v he_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o philosopher_n in_o graece_fw-la say_v he_o illi_fw-la etiam_fw-la nobis_fw-la persuadere_fw-la moliuntur_fw-la universitatis_fw-la quidem_fw-la huius_fw-la ac_fw-la generum_fw-la specierumque_fw-la ipsarum_fw-la curam_fw-la gerere_fw-la deum_fw-la mei_fw-la autem_fw-la atque_fw-la tui_fw-la &_o unius_fw-la cujusque_fw-la singillatim_fw-la non_fw-la itidem_fw-la they_o will_v needs_o persuade_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o general_a care_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o not_o a_o distinct_a care_n of_o you_o and_o i_o
upon_o he_o for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v original_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o good_a nor_o ill_a in_o they_o it_o be_v then_o indifferent_a whether_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o lawmaker_n or_o any_o law_n make_v authority_n itself_o be_v indifferent_a and_o if_o that_o be_v itself_o indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o intrinsical_a good_a nor_o evil_a in_o it_o my_o obedience_n must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a too_o for_o if_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o civil_a authority_n or_o no_o and_o civil_a authority_n have_v no_o real_a internal_a good_a or_o ill_o annex_v to_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o inward_a conscience_n whether_o i_o shall_v obey_v it_o or_o no._n if_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o positive_a law_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o because_o the_o power_n by_o which_o those_o positive_a law_n be_v make_v be_v in_o its_o nature_n indifferent_a too_o and_o have_v neither_o essential_a good_a nor_o ill_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o whether_o i_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o for_o the_o thing_n they_o command_v or_o forbid_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o power_n command_v be_v itself_o indifferent_a as_o to_o its_o own_o be_v whether_o it_o shall_v so_o command_v or_o no_o for_o although_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o circumstance_n whole_o indifferent_a cease_v to_o be_v so_o to_o i_o when_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n because_o of_o the_o conscience_n i_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o authority_n command_v or_o forbid_v as_o have_v a_o intrinsical_a good_a in_o it_o to_o which_o i_o be_o positive_o oblige_v and_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n obligatory_a to_o i_o yet_o be_v that_o authority_n whole_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o in_o its_o be_v whether_o it_o shall_v be_v or_o no_o and_o have_v no_o essential_a good_a or_o ill_a in_o its_o constitution_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o whether_o i_o shall_v obey_v it_o or_o not_o there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o good_a or_o ill_a in_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n where_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a indifferency_n in_o the_o be_v of_o that_o power_n that_o require_v it_o second_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o mankind_n in_o themselves_o alike_o and_o indifferent_a and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o original_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n make_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a ever_o to_o frame_v any_o amiable_a or_o excellent_a idea_n of_o god_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whatever_o we_o think_v of_o he_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v he_o cruel_a and_o unjust_a as_o merciful_a and_o just_a for_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o god_n but_o from_o that_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o make_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n when_o the_o epicurean_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n for_o its_o excellency_n what_o excellency_n be_v it_o we_o can_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o from_o whence_o can_v we_o derive_v the_o notion_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n if_o to_o our_o own_o reason_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o and_o there_o be_v no_o innate_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o rational_a nature_n this_o maxim_n of_o the_o epicurean_o do_v in_o truth_n put_v a_o total_a end_n to_o all_o well-doing_n and_o to_o all_o well-thinking_a and_o do_v utter_o extinguish_v all_o religion_n among_o mankind_n the_o noble_a and_o best_a ground_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v good_a thought_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o a_o amiable_a apprehension_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o this_o be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o be_v make_v but_o upon_o gross_a delusion_n and_o mistake_n if_o no_o one_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o man_n better_a than_o another_o but_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o their_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o themselves_o equal_a and_o indifferent_a it_o be_v that_o distinction_n found_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o a_o ability_n arise_v from_o thence_o to_o frame_v to_o itself_o a_o idea_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o right_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o by_o find_v thing_n distinguish_v in_o our_o own_o rational_a nature_n we_o come_v to_o know_v they_o be_v eternal_o distinguish_v in_o god_n nature_n because_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o conceive_v he_o shall_v create_v a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o his_o own_o and_o so_o we_o know_v there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o reason_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n why_o some_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o some_o thing_n be_v evil_a but_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n why_o they_o be_v so_o what_o i_o think_v good_a i_o must_v necessary_o think_v agreeable_a to_o god_n and_o what_o i_o think_v evil_a i_o must_v needs_o judge_v contrary_a to_o he_o or_o else_o i_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o original_a notion_n my_o reason_n give_v i_o of_o his_o be_v and_o so_o by_o the_o distinction_n i_o sin_v make_v of_o thing_n in_o my_o own_o rational_a nature_n i_o come_v to_o know_v there_o be_v the_o same_o eternal_a distinstinction_n in_o god_n nature_n and_o so_o a_o unalterable_a obligation_n arise_v from_o thence_o because_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o god_n nature_n must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o i_o think_v most_o excellent_a by_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o faculty_n god_n have_v make_v i_o withal_o and_o of_o this_o i_o be_o as_o well_o assure_v as_o i_o be_o of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o same_o faculty_n that_o tell_v i_o god_n be_v tell_v i_o also_o his_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v in_o itself_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o direct_o opposite_a to_o whatever_o it_o tell_v i_o be_v in_o itself_o evil._n three_o be_v it_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n that_o do_v only_o constitute_v the_o difference_n of_o action_n and_o thing_n that_o difference_n must_v needs_o be_v regulate_v thereby_o and_o it_o will_v then_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n may_v possible_o invert_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o universal_a opinion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o world_n be_v now_o possess_v with_o that_o be_v honesty_n truth_n and_o virtue_n may_v come_v to_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o wickedness_n falsehood_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o we_o now_o think_v the_o best_a action_n reckon_v the_o worst_a and_o the_o worst_a adjudge_v to_o be_v the_o best_a the_o very_a mention_n whereof_o will_v be_v as_o nauseous_a as_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v ruinous_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o every_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o in_o his_o own_o reason_n such_o a_o innate_a abhorrency_n of_o it_o as_o render_v it_o utter_o impossible_a upon_o any_o term_n ever_o to_o be_v it_o will_v be_v also_o a_o task_n too_o hard_o for_o the_o wise_a epicurean_a to_o give_v any_o rational_a account_n how_o the_o world_n without_o a_o divine_a disposal_n and_o the_o admission_n of_o providence_n shall_v be_v continue_v in_o that_o orderly_a frame_n we_o see_v it_o never_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v out_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v it_o how_o all_o thing_n even_o some_o contrary_n to_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a tendency_n shall_v be_v make_v so_o subservient_fw-fr as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o common_a end_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o rational_a eye_n to_o view_v over_o the_o general_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n arise_v from_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o each_o particular_a and_o exclude_v the_o influence_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n from_o it_o if_o we_o look_v up_o of_o how_o admirable_a consideration_n be_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o suitable_a influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n to_o the_o good_a of_o thing_n here_o below_o though_o the_o motion_n by_o the_o equator_fw-la only_o have_v be_v more_o simple_a and_o direct_a yet_o we_o see_v they_o have_v also_o a_o oblique_a motion_n whereby_o with_o more_o variety_n they_o dispense_v their_o favour_n to_o the_o world_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o star_n eccentrick_a and_o epiciclike_a as_o the_o best_a observer_n of_o they_o find_v not_o only_o declare_v the_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o material_n but_o plain_o point_v to_o we_o the_o regulation_n of_o a_o superior_a agent_n which_o see_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o
his_o ripe_a year_n and_o as_o plutarch_n tell_v the_o athenian_n if_o themistocles_n have_v be_v punish_v as_o the_o enormity_n of_o his_o youth_n deserve_v and_o miltiades_n for_o his_o rebellion_n in_o chersonesus_n where_o have_v be_v say_v he_o those_o great_a victory_n those_o two_o afterward_o obtain_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o marathon_n on_o the_o coast_n of_o arlesia_n and_o at_o the_o river_n eurimedon_n the_o truth_n be_v in_o all_o humane_a judgement_n we_o be_v bound_v by_o particular_n individual_a action_n be_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o man_n proceed_v nor_o can_v they_o look_v forward_o to_o know_v what_o any_o will_v be_v hereafter_o but_o god_n have_v the_o whole_a of_o every_o man_n before_o he_o and_o have_v not_o only_a respect_n to_o the_o all_o of_o every_o action_n but_o to_o the_o all_o of_o every_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o of_o his_o act_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o three_o there_o be_v a_o harmony_n in_o providence_n which_o unless_o we_o know_v all_o from_o its_o beginning_n to_o its_o end_v we_o can_v never_o full_o comprehend_v it_o be_v one_o entire_a system_n a_o complete_a bottom_n wherein_o all_o end_n be_v exact_o wind_v up_o a_o rare_a contrivance_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n a_o curious_a piece_n of_o divine_a workmanship_n wherein_o all_o particular_n be_v so_o interweave_v as_o to_o make_v up_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o world_n from_o first_o to_o last_o have_v in_o the_o providential_a dominion_n of_o god_n over_o they_o some_o dependency_n each_o upon_o other_o and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v full_o judge_v off_o single_o and_o a_o part_n no_o one_o action_n but_o relate_v to_o million_o of_o other_o nay_o have_v some_o reference_n to_o all_o other_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o of_o the_o world_n each_o particular_a have_v some_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a like_o the_o part_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n where_o every_o part_n refer_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o be_v not_o in_o its_o use_n to_o be_v full_o comprehend_v without_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o whole_a every_o part_n of_o providence_n have_v somewhat_o in_o it_o relative_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n though_o god_n be_v just_o in_o each_o particular_a yet_o he_o still_o execute_v his_o justice_n to_o every_o part_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o time_n and_o order_n all_o particular_n that_o the_o beautiful_a season_n of_o every_o part_n be_v when_o it_o bear_v its_o exact_a proportion_n to_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o whole_a nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o god_n who_o by_o a_o infinite_a comprehension_n have_v all_o thing_n present_a and_o before_o he_o shall_v so_o rank_v and_o dispose_v they_o that_o at_o last_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v appear_v but_o one_o complicate_v and_o orderly_o unite_a mean_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o first_o design_v ends._n this_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o incapacity_n to_o make_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o of_o many_o part_n of_o divine_a providence_n aught_o to_o prevent_v such_o rash_a censure_n as_o man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o make_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o deny_v it_o where_o they_o can_v full_o comprehend_v it_o and_o to_o answer_v in_o many_o case_n the_o doubt_n man_n may_v propose_v to_o themselves_o about_o this_o matter_n but_o do_v not_o answer_v this_o objection_n full_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o particular_a case_n wherein_o god_n justice_n and_o his_o providence_n be_v visible_o not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v together_o in_o this_o world_n and_o upon_o that_o consideration_n i_o say_v it_o be_v much_o more_o reconcileable_a and_o natural_a to_o suppose_v the_o be_v of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n by_o which_o all_o objection_n against_o providence_n be_v full_o answer_v then_o to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o it_o thereupon_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o general_a providence_n be_v upon_o convince_a evidence_n prove_v to_o we_o we_o have_v as_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v god_n rule_v the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v just_a and_o in_o that_o case_n when_o we_o find_v we_o can_v here_o in_o this_o world_n accommodate_v his_o rule_n and_o his_o justice_n together_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o oppose_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o when_o neither_o can_v be_v rational_o deny_v but_o to_o admit_v a_o state_n beyond_o this_o world_n by_o which_o they_o be_v both_o safe_o reconcile_v second_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o future_a state_n in_o itself_o any_o way_n unreasonable_a nay_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n beside_o the_o evidence_n it_o have_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o providence_n have_v also_o many_o other_o rational_a proof_n peculiar_o appertinent_a to_o it_o and_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o upon_o other_o ground_n high_o probable_a he_o that_o will_v bottom_v a_o denial_n of_o providence_n single_o upon_o this_o objection_n must_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o this_o life_n or_o at_o least_o have_v it_o grant_v to_o he_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o the_o grant_n of_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a when_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a consequent_a to_o all_o that_o rational_a proof_n that_o be_v make_v of_o a_o providence_n in_o general_n and_o i_o can_v deny_v the_o one_o without_o reject_v the_o other_o the_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v great_o credible_a and_o have_v be_v believe_v in_o all_o age_n not_o only_o by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a but_o even_o of_o the_o rude_a and_o most_o barbarous_a 〈…〉_o which_o strong_o tend_v to_o persuade_v we_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o the_o existence_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o be_v of_o a_o future_a state_n have_v a_o necessary_a dependency_n each_o upon_o other_o and_o be_v no_o way_n separable_a if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n there_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o state_n hereafter_o it_o must_v relate_v to_o a_o providence_n here_o the_o epicurean_o therefore_o deny_v both_o epicurus_n under_o all_o his_o pressure_n make_v his_o retreat_n to_o this_o maxim_n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o time_n when_o we_o be_v not_o in_o be_v and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o we_o shall_v exist_v no_o more_o of_o how_o little_a a_o signification_n to_o the_o world_n the_o bare_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n will_v prove_v abstract_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n here_o or_o any_o state_n hereafter_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n be_v whoever_o admit_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o supreme_a and_o first_o be_v will_v be_v rational_o force_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o other_o two_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v rule_v infinite_a power_n can_v be_v set_v by_o and_o if_o he_o do_v rule_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reversion_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n so_o plutarch_n observe_v the_o same_o reason_n which_o confirm_v providence_n do_v likewise_o confirm_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o one_o be_v take_v away_o the_o other_o follow_v so_o that_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o all_o virtue_n and_o religion_n will_v appear_v sufficient_o justify_v to_o we_o from_o the_o regular_a determination_n of_o right_a reason_n upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o invincible_a proof_n be_v god_n providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n establish_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o which_o free_v we_o from_o the_o manifold_a absurdity_n of_o epicurus_n his_o chance_n and_o chrysippus_n his_o destiny_n the_o two_o wide_a extreme_n on_o either_o hand_n the_o first_o be_v the_o poor_a account_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v of_o such_o oeconomy_n as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o monstrous_a piece_n of_o folly_n to_o think_v chance_n shall_v be_v predominant_a whilst_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v exist_v the_o other_o such_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o abusive_a fiction_n of_o providence_n if_o relate_v to_o god_n as_o render_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o rational_a agent_n the_o one_o deny_v all_o providence_n and_o make_v god_n to_o do_v nothing_o the_o other_o destroy_v man_n freedom_n and_o make_v god_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n both_o equal_o false_a it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n rule_v over_o
the_o whole_a and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o his_o rule_n no_o way_n destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n nor_o be_v the_o world_n subject_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o stoical_a fate_n from_o any_o necessary_a connection_n of_o cause_n but_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o the_o free_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n every_o man_n own_o will_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o his_o own_o do_n thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o silence_n and_o shame_v all_o the_o ignorant_a doubt_n and_o profane_a denial_n of_o providence_n to_o assure_v man_n there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o rule_n be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o supreme_a '_o dominion_n over_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o validity_n of_o all_o divine_a law_n must_v necessary_o depend_v such_o who_o in_o the_o three_o place_n admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n of_o providence_n and_o religion_n but_o reject_v the_o christian-religion_n and_o consequent_o the_o bible_n as_o not_o true_a and_o close_o with_o some_o other_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o against_o those_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o discourse_n will_v chief_o tend_v if_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v sufficient_o make_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n prove_v in_o truth_n to_o be_v what_o themselves_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v law_n send_v we_o from_o god_n by_o which_o he_o will_v rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n two_o thing_n will_v result_v from_o it_o first_o all_z other_z religion_n but_o the_o christian_a will_v thereby_o appear_v to_o be_v false_a and_o fictitious_a second_o such_o who_o have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a profession_n will_v be_v abundant_o confirm_v in_o the_o verity_n thereof_o free_v from_o all_o such_o doubt_n as_o may_v arise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o deal_v with_o antiscriptural_a man_n such_o as_o pay_v no_o homage_n at_o all_o to_o the_o bible_n nor_o yield_v any_o obedience_n to_o its_o authority_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o order_n to_o their_o confutation_n first_o it_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a step_n towards_o it_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v build_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o we_o because_o in_o every_o particular_a science_n some_o principle_n must_v be_v grant_v as_o the_o substratum_fw-la without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v uphold_v and_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o which_o the_o be_v of_o it_o be_v subvert_v this_o unwary_a demand_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o six_o every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o profession_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o to_o prevent_v the_o most_o important_a discourse_n of_o religion_n among_o all_o such_o who_o have_v already_o embrace_v any_o religion_n for_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n without_o some_o prime_a principle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v erect_v and_o by_o the_o grant_n of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v establish_v and_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o it_o will_v be_v equal_o expect_v so_o there_o be_v no_o better_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v nor_o no_o less_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v admit_v the_o principle_n of_o other_o man_n religion_n than_o they_o grant_v we_o and_o if_o so_o we_o shall_v soon_o come_v to_o a_o full_a point_n in_o all_o our_o debate_n about_o different_a religion_n to_o such_o who_o have_v already_o close_v with_o the_o christian-profession_n this_o hold_v good_a and_o he_o that_o admit_v not_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o discourse_n upon_o any_o internal_a point_n of_o the_o christian-religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispute_v with_o because_o in_o disow_v that_o principle_n he_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n he_o be_v contend_v about_o and_o subvert_v the_o whole_a by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o dispute_v about_o a_o part_n but_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o the_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o scripture_n itself_o we_o can_v otherwise_o defend_v it_o then_o by_o admit_v it_o a_o matter_n debateable_a and_o endeavour_v its_o justification_n upon_o principle_n common_a to_o we_o both_o and_o such_o rational_a ground_n as_o carry_v in_o they_o the_o great_a aptness_n to_o convince_v such_o opponent_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o all_o rational_a inquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o all_o humane-debate_n there_o must_v be_v some_o common_a maxim_n and_o principle_n acknowledge_v on_o all_o side_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o due_a measure_n of_o any_o discourse_n nor_o any_o standard_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v proceed_v either_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o or_o convince_v another_o and_o it_o will_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o come_v to_o a_o rational_a end_n of_o any_o debate_n whatever_o for_o if_o one_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v as_o it_o must_v be_v where_o thing_n be_v in_o controversy_n by_o another_o and_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v still_o deny_v we_o must_v prove_v in_o infinitum_fw-la he_o that_o oppose_v needs_o nothing_o to_o help_v he_o but_o a_o bare_a negative_a and_o he_o that_o be_v to_o prove_v will_v be_v lose_v in_o a_o endless_a circle_n some_o principle_n therefore_o there_o be_v which_o govern_v all_o man_n thought_n and_o discourse_n as_o thing_n grant_v by_o they_o and_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o rational_a conduct_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o obvious_o true_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o they_o gain_v a_o universal_a assent_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o common_a vote_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o 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to_o man_n of_o one_o persuasion_n whenever_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o sound_n of_o any_o science_n lay_v down_o position_n and_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o proceed_v if_o such_o principle_n be_v beyond_o the_o first_o and_o common_a rudiment_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n though_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o true_a yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o debate_v and_o admit_v questionable_a in_o all_o reason_n about_o that_o very_a science_n not_o to_o admit_v some_o universal_a maxim_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v mankind_n certain_a of_o nothing_o and_o to_o admit_v any_o particular_a man_n opinion_n as_o indisputable_a principle_n be_v the_o way_n to_o enslave_v the_o world_n to_o every_o party_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_n but_o not_o of_o men._n the_o first_o of_o christian_a religion_n but_o not_o of_o all_o science_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o begin_v their_o proof_n against_o all_o antiscriptural_a 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wise_a people_n laugh_v at_o those_o mystery_n never_o any_o man_n scorn_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o caesar_n himself_o do_v his_o own_o god_n and_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v please_v himself_o often_o in_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v his_o god_n feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o anger_n what_o a_o childish_a folly_n it_o be_v then_o to_o believe_v that_o a_o roman_a consul_n lose_v his_o whole_a army_n because_o he_o slight_v the_o feed_n of_o some_o young_a chicken_n or_o that_o marcus_n crassus_n be_v therefore_o slay_v by_o the_o parthian_n because_o he_o despise_v some_o foppery_n of_o atteius_n if_o we_o look_v off_o from_o their_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o their_o divinity_n and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a thought_n what_o a_o poor_a product_n be_v all_o their_o notion_n compare_v with_o the_o bible_n what_o a_o midnight_n be_v man_n in_o in_o respect_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n socrates_n who_o see_v the_o further_a of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v into_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o heathen_a theology_n and_o die_v for_o a_o pretend_a contempt_n of_o it_o for_o the_o charge_n that_o melius_n one_o of_o his_o accuser_n bring_v against_o he_o at_o athens_n as_o laertius_n say_v be_v jura_n violat_a socrates_n quos_fw-la ex_fw-la majorum_fw-la instituto_fw-la suscepit_fw-la civitas_n deos_fw-la esse_fw-la negans_fw-la alia_fw-la vero_fw-la nova_fw-la demonia_fw-la inducens_fw-la the_o first_o philosophical_a martyr_n that_o we_o read_v of_o have_v yet_o leave_v but_o little_o better_a divinity_n behind_o he_o nor_o can_v i_o perceive_v he_o have_v any_o design_n or_o ability_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n that_o way_n for_o he_o answer_v his_o charge_n by_o a_o flat_a denial_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o apology_n in_o plato_n and_o his_o whole_a carriage_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v out_o of_o choice_n and_o not_o 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uncertainty_n in_o his_o thought_n about_o those_o matter_n that_o make_v he_o say_v he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v better_o to_o die_v or_o to_o live_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o be_v trouble_v about_o that_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v or_o fear_v and_o when_o he_o come_v near_o to_o his_o end_n he_o express_v great_a contentment_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v with_o hercules_n and_o palamedes_n in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o still_o qualify_v those_o hope_n with_o this_o doubtful_a parenthesis_n in_o case_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o extinguish_v with_o the_o body_n he_o choose_v indeed_o to_o be_v rather_o a_o good_a moralist_n and_o to_o deal_v in_o those_o notion_n wherein_o he_o find_v some_o certainty_n then_o to_o attempt_v much_o in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o divinity_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o frame_v any_o satisfactory_a notion_n to_o himself_o about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o divine_a worship_n he_o often_o plain_o declare_v that_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o business_n of_o another_o world_n he_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a and_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o think_v those_o thing_n utter_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n all_o notion_n about_o they_o to_o be_v full_a of_o uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o choose_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o vulgar_a sentiment_n rather_o than_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubtful_a and_o unsatisfy_a speculation_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o contradict_v the_o public_a religion_n of_o those_o country_n where_o they_o live_v plato_n the_o famous_a divine_a philosopher_n who_o exceed_v all_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n as_o much_o in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o socrates_n do_v in_o the_o practic_n though_o there_o be_v more_o true_a divinity_n utter_v by_o he_o then_o by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n where_o he_o first_o have_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v yet_o attend_v with_o marvellous_a vanity_n and_o intolerable_a error_n '_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o forbear_v smile_v in_o read_v over_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v eternal_a the_o fabulous_a conceit_n he_o have_v about_o that_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o will_v tire_v out_o any_o ordinary_a patience_n to_o read_v a_o great_a promoter_n he_o be_v of_o that_o gross_a idolatry_n of_o damon-worship_n for_o he_o say_v that_o when_o man_n die_v their_o soul_n become_v daemon_n and_o if_o their_o merit_n be_v good_a they_o be_v lar_n if_o evil_a lemures_n if_o different_a manes_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n give_v a_o large_a account_n de_n civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 9_o ch._n 11._o though_o he_o speak_v much_o of_o one_o god_n yet_o himself_o then_o as_o all_o the_o platonist_n since_o hold_v that_o many_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o in_o his_o timaeus_n he_o call_v saturn_n ops_n juno_n and_o other_o god_n and_o say_v the_o daemon_n and_o heroe_n be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o and_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o city_n commend_v to_o they_o cicero_n observe_v likewise_o out_o of_o his_o timaeus_n that_o he_o speak_v with_o great_a obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o this_o one_o god_n sometime_o call_v he_o a_o eternal_a mind_n and_o sometime_o call_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n &_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o whatever_o the_o heathen_n worship_v go_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o principle_n per_fw-la se_fw-la sunt_fw-la falsa_fw-la &_o sibi_fw-la inuicem_fw-la repugnantia_fw-la be_v in_o themselves_o false_a and_o self_n contradictious_a aristotle_n that_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o sagacious_a wit_n who_o travel_v with_o such_o unparalleled_a success_n through_o all_o the_o theorem_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o part_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n what_o mushrom-divinity_n have_v he_o leave_v behind_o he_o with_o what_o obscurity_n uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n with_o himself_o have_v he_o speak_v of_o those_o two_o great_a fundamental_o of_o all_o religion_n the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n since_o have_v avow_v that_o he_o deny_v the_o latter_a if_o out_o of_o aristotle_n book_n we_o shall_v but_o extract_v a_o model_n of_o his_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v for_o a_o monument_n of_o wonder_n that_o such_o a_o giant_n in_o all_o natural_a knowleage_n shall_v die_v such_o a_o child_n in_o divinity_n cicero_n who_o carry_v the_o topsail_n of_o learning_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v to_o who_o the_o elder_a pliny_n give_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o only_o have_v a_o wit_n equal_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n why_o do_v not_o he_o compose_v a_o right_a systeme_n of_o divinity_n and_o leave_v a_o good_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n to_o posterity_n behind_o he_o from_o who_o may_v we_o with_o more_o reason_n have_v expect_v it_o he_o design_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o god_n and_o divinity_n for_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o book_n he_o tell_v we_o with_o what_o unequal_a sentiment_n man_n have_v debate_v those_o matter_n some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o god_n as_o protagoras_n some_o positive_o affirm_v there_o be_v none_o as_o diagoras_n and_o theodorus_n cyrenaicus_n â—â—â—i_fw-la vero_fw-la deos_fw-la esse_fw-la dixerunt_fw-la tanta_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o varietate_fw-la ac_fw-la dissentione_fw-la constituti_fw-la ut_fw-la corum_fw-la molestum_fw-la sit_fw-la annumerare_fw-la sententias_fw-la no_o &_o de_fw-la siguris_fw-la deorum_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr locis_fw-la atque_fw-la sedibus_fw-la &_o actione_n aquavitae_fw-la multadicuntur_fw-la deque_fw-la
consider_v in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o a_o enquiry_n first_o the_o internal_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o second_o the_o external_n mean_v by_o which_o it_o have_v be_v bring_v about_o the_o internal_a cause_n of_o it_o have_v lie_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o a_o insussiciency_n in_o our_o natural_a ability_n since_o the_o fall_n to_o ascertain_v we_o full_o about_o divine_a thing_n and_o to_o give_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o all_o those_o inquiry_n we_o natural_o make_v about_o they_o second_o the_o general_a ill_a improvement_n the_o world_n have_v make_v of_o those_o ability_n it_o have_v and_o the_o universal_a declension_n and_o apostasy_n of_o mankind_n from_o that_o knowledge_n they_o may_v have_v arrive_v at_o for_o the_o first_o though_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n be_v witness_v to_o by_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o every_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o relation_n to_o somewhat_o above_o he_o and_o there_o be_v many_o maxim_n of_o natural_a divinty_a connate_a to_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v attain_v by_o any_o natural_a search_n first_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n what_o god_n be_v and_o second_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n how_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v neither_o a_o satisfy_v account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o be_v nor_o of_o a_o worship_n acceptable_a to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v compass_v without_o revelation_n about_o these_o two_o thing_n when_o man_n have_v have_v nothing_o tell_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o fix_v they_o their_o opinion_n have_v be_v as_o various_a as_o their_o invention_n the_o grosser_n part_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v only_o a_o intellectual_a object_n who_o they_o can_v not_o see_v general_o fall_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o by_o what_o they_o do_v see_v cicero_n himself_o confess_v that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v qualis_fw-la sit_fw-la deorum_fw-la natura_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la dificilius_fw-la quam_fw-la a_o consuctudine_fw-la oculorum_fw-la aciem_fw-la mentis_fw-la abducere_fw-la lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a and_o the_o more_o refine_a part_n lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o abstract_a speculation_n about_o what_o they_o can_v never_o distinct_o comprehend_v for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n arise_v not_o only_o from_o their_o mistake_v in_o what_o they_o can_v not_o know_v but_o from_o a_o corrupt_a defection_n from_o what_o they_o may_v know_v those_o notice_n their_o own_o natural_a ability_n give_v they_o of_o god_n thwart_v their_o sensual_a inclination_n they_o delight_v not_o to_o retain_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o willing_o turn_v aside_o to_o delusion_n leave_v the_o guide_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o choose_v the_o conduct_n of_o appetite_n the_o stupendous_a folly_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v as_o a_o thousand_o witness_n to_o this_o truth_n that_o they_o live_v not_o only_o below_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o god_n but_o far_o beneath_o the_o exercise_n of_o right_a reason_n for_o though_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n do_v much_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a extent_n of_o what_o be_v mere_o natural_a and_o do_v much_o enkindle_v our_o natural_a light_n and_o we_o see_v many_o thing_n now_o to_o be_v attainable_a by_o nature_n which_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v discern_v never_o find_v out_o without_o revelation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o a_o rational_a be_v without_o some_o way_n extinguish_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o faculty_n shall_v make_v a_o god_n of_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o know_v to_o be_v but_o a_o perish_a creature_n or_o shall_v think_v to_o please_v a_o be_v of_o such_o perfection_n as_o every_o man_n reason_n must_v needs_o ascribe_v to_o god_n by_o debase_v himself_o before_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o external_n mean_v by_o which_o these_o internal_a cause_n have_v operate_v and_o how_o all_o that_o rubbish_n of_o pagan_a theology_n have_v be_v visible_o induce_v to_o defile_v and_o cumber_v the_o world_n from_o five_o thing_n chief_o we_o may_v derive_v it_o first_o from_o a_o corrupt_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n first_o original_a and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o flood_n and_o many_o passage_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n which_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n first_o convey_v down_o to_o the_o world_n in_o its_o repeople_a and_o the_o jew_n from_o moses_n afterward_o inform_v they_o off_o this_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v a_o great_a rise_n to_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a superstion_n and_o vanity_n and_o most_o especial_o among_o the_o phaenician_o much_o of_o who_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a corruption_n of_o those_o original_a truth_n and_o a_o apparent_a mythology_n upon_o the_o true_a history_n of_o thing_n before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n as_o appear_v by_o diodorus_n sicubus_n and_o more_o ancient_o by_o their_o own_o famous_a antiquary_n sanconiathon_n in_o the_o version_n of_o philo_n biblius_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o corruption_n in_o the_o tradition_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v probable_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n at_o first_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o barbarism_n after_o the_o proud_a desire_n every_o nation_n have_v to_o apply_v all_o traditional_a story_n of_o famous_a person_n to_o some_o of_o themselves_o with_o many_o other_o reason_n which_o scaliger_n bochart_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n give_v for_o it_o second_o from_o the_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n who_o it_o be_v clear_a be_v the_o first_o beginner_n of_o all_o the_o grecian_a learning_n and_o be_v therefore_o ancient_o call_v in_o graece_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d teacher_n and_o as_o strabo_n say_v and_o i_o think_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n be_v also_o the_o first_o beginner_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a learning_n every_o where_n all_o other_o speech_n whether_o historical_a or_o rhetorical_a be_v but_o the_o progeny_n of_o poetry_n the_o ancient_n know_v no_o other_o artificial_a or_o set_a form_n of_o speech_n but_o what_o be_v in_o verse_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o same_o author_n say_v poetry_n be_v ancient_o call_v prima_fw-la quaedam_fw-la philosophia_fw-la these_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o innumerable_a fable_n mythologize_v upon_o every_o thing_n and_o do_v great_o promote_v their_o theological_a vanity_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o all_o true_a story_n three_o from_o the_o wild_a speculation_n and_o multiply_v theory_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o who_o there_o be_v some_o hundred_o of_o sect_n which_o serve_v great_o to_o puzzle_v and_o mislead_v man_n there_o be_v as_o cicero_n say_v no_o absurdity_n but_o have_v some_o philosopher_n for_o its_o patron_n four_o from_o their_o oracle_n by_o which_o the_o world_n lie_v subject_v to_o all_o diabolical_a delusion_n and_o five_o from_o their_o corrupt_a legislator_n such_o as_o numa_n in_o rome_n and_o other_o who_o find_v the_o world_n sequacious_a in_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o mankind_n apt_a to_o adore_v every_o fiction_n impose_v upon_o their_o belief_n whatever_o they_o think_v most_o conduce_v to_o their_o own_o politic_a ends._n nor_o have_v the_o world_n without_o revelation_n be_v free_a from_o defect_n in_o its_o moral_n though_o man_n attain_v far_o therein_o and_o their_o morality_n much_o outgo_v their_o divinity_n cicero_n wrought_v with_o much_o better_a success_n de_fw-fr officiis_n than_o he_o he_o do_v the_o nat._n deorum_n yet_o the_o bible_n have_v great_o improve_v the_o world_n herein_o let_v any_o man_n extract_v the_o most_o exact_a scheme_n he_o can_v of_o morality_n out_o of_o the_o best_a philosopher_n and_o the_o acute_a moralist_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o doctrine_n the_o bible_n propose_v to_o we_o about_o those_o thing_n and_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v visible_a amiraldus_n observe_v in_o his_o treatise_n of_o religion_n that_o scarce_o can_v there_o be_v find_v any_o commonwealth_n among_o those_o which_o have_v be_v esteem_v the_o best_a policy_v in_o which_o some_o grand_a and_o signal_n vice_n have_v not_o be_v excuse_v or_o permit_v or_o even_o sometime_o recommend_v by_o public_a law_n plato_n make_v a_o community_n of_o woman_n one_o of_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o his_o republic_n socrates_n and_o cato_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o be_v two_o as_o famous_a moralist_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o graece_fw-la or_o in_o rome_n cato_n the_o great_a exemplar_n for_o virtue_n and_o justice_n among_o the_o roman_n and_o socrates_n the_o phoenix_n of_o graece_fw-la for_o virtue_n and_o piety_n of_o who_o xenophon_n give_v this_o admirable_a account_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr socratis_n memorabilibus_fw-la dictis_fw-la nemo_fw-la autem_fw-la unquam_fw-la socratem_n
implum_fw-la qâ—iddam_fw-la &_o irreligiosum_fw-la aut_fw-la facere_fw-la vidit_fw-la aut_fw-la dicere_fw-la audivit_fw-la no_o man_n ever_o hear_v socrate_n speak_v or_o ever_o see_v he_o do_v a_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a thing_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o conception_n they_o then_o have_v of_o those_o thing_n himself_o the_o first_o author_n of_o ethic_n and_o the_o first_o that_o contemn_v the_o fruitless_a speculation_n of_o the_o philosopher_n about_o other_o thing_n and_o reduce_v man_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o morality_n so_o say_v laertius_n of_o he_o animadvertens_fw-la autem_fw-la naturalis_fw-la speculationis_fw-la fructum_fw-la nullum_fw-la esse_fw-la eamque_fw-la ad_fw-la officia_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la nihil_fw-la esse_fw-la necessariam_fw-la invenit_fw-la primus_fw-la ethicen_fw-la deque_fw-la illa_fw-la &_o in_fw-la officijs_fw-la &_o in_o publico_fw-la quotidie_fw-la philosophans_fw-la ea_fw-la potius_fw-la inquirenda_fw-la hortabatur_fw-la quae_fw-la mores_fw-la instituerent_fw-la &_o quorum_fw-la usus_fw-la domi_fw-la esses_fw-la necessarius_fw-la yet_o these_o two_o famous_a vertuoso_n be_v no_o better_o principled_a in_o morality_n but_o that_o they_o can_v part_v with_o their_o wife_n unto_o other_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n cry_v out_o in_o derision_n of_o they_o o_o famous_a example_n of_o a_o grecian_n wisdom_n and_o roman_a severity_n a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o censor_n make_v a_o shameful_a trade_n of_o their_o wife_n chastity_n aristotle_n and_o cicero_n both_o commend_v revenge_n as_o a_o laudable_a part_n of_o magnanimity_n self-murder_n in_o many_o case_n be_v general_o allow_v off_o by_o the_o best_a of_o their_o casuist_n one_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o most_o general_a use_n among_o mankind_n we_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n whole_o oblige_v to_o divine_a revelation_n for_o that_o excellent_a virtue_n of_o humility_n have_v not_o 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fire_n and_o sword_n war_n and_o massacre_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o law_n second_o wherever_o that_o religion_n be_v introduce_v all_o inquirie_n into_o it_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v and_o man_n be_v make_v without_o the_o least_o taste_v or_o chew_v to_o swallow_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o mahomet_n divinity_n at_o once_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n ignorance_n be_v grow_v so_o natural_a a_o appertinent_a to_o that_o religion_n that_o wherever_o it_o be_v settle_v it_o do_v not_o only_o silence_v all_o discourse_n of_o divinity_n but_o total_o ruin_v all_o learning_n and_o bring_v man_n into_o perfect_a enmity_n with_o all_o liberal_a science_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o spread_v the_o base_a metal_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pure_a if_o we_o can_v prevent_v its_o trial._n falshood_n and_o truth_n be_v upon_o even_o term_n
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can_v be_v admit_v as_o such_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d they_o find_v peculiar_o appertinent_a to_o the_o â—iblâ—_n and_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o other_o book_n or_o write_n or_o to_o any_o other_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o have_v thus_o establish_v these_o two_o general_a point_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n some_o supernatural_a law_n promulge_v as_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o man_n life_n here_o and_o god_n judgement_n hereafter_o and_o that_o these_o law_n shall_v be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o extant_a upon_o record_n that_o mankind_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v and_o ascertain_v about_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v great_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n and_o second_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v many_o general_a qualification_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v appertinent_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v extant_a and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o mankind_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o every_o pretence_n to_o it_o and_o that_o all_o those_o qualification_n be_v find_v punctual_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o bible_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o any_o other_o extant_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a proof_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o send_v we_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o revelation_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v from_o above_o and_o that_o we_o have_v all_o those_o reason_n concur_v to_o make_v we_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o as_o such_o from_o whence_o a_o judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n ought_v final_o to_o result_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evidence_n to_o be_v give_v in_o to_o prove_v its_o divinity_n as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o desire_v nor_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v more_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o so_o much_o that_o where_o man_n corrupt_a interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o predominant_a will_v appear_v sufficient_a to_o every_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v prosecute_v in_o this_o method_n i_o will_v these_o several_a way_n consider_v this_o book_n first_o in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n second_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n three_o in_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o since_o its_o conveyance_n and_o last_o in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o and_o from_o each_o of_o these_o consideration_n will_v a_o signal_n testimony_n be_v give_v in_o to_o its_o divinity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o book_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attend_v it_o do_v eminent_o relate_v itself_o to_o god_n as_o its_o author_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o judge_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o first_o when_o we_o reslâ—ct_v upon_o the_o â—â—me_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a weight_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o relate_v to_o we_o and_o inform_v we_o of_o and_o second_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d iâ—â—â—lâ—_n since_o compose_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o with_o such_o a_o relation_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n â—â—ch_a aâ—_n far_o as_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n since_o his_o first_o mâ—â—â—_n and_o original_a and_o of_o a_o oral_a and_o â—erâ—all_a intâ—â—â—â—â—â—se_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o two_o thousand_o four_o hundred_o and_o old_a year_n before_o it_o be_v any_o where_o extant_a upon_o râ—â—â—â—d_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o write_v which_o no_o other_o bâ—â—â—_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o much_o as_o make_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—â—â—ce_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o revelation_n historical_o contain_v in_o this_o book_n it_o be_v wat_fw-mi be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o of_o the_o same_o 〈…〉_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o edition_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n and_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d this_o book_n aâ—â—ual_a publication_n with_o all_o the_o aâ—â—â—tional_a revelation_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o book_n to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o its_o kind_n to_o precede_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o truth_n to_o be_v extant_a while_n thales_n mileâ—â—us_n hamer_n hâ—rmes_n and_o the_o most_o primative_a writer_n the_o world_n have_v be_v unborn_a and_o unthought_a of_o moses_n write_v of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n have_v a_o write_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o god_n please_v so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o although_o the_o revelation_n he_o make_v to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o write_v from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o they_o be_v write_v long_o before_o any_o other_o write_n be_v extant_a and_o his_o own_o law_n be_v first_o record_v and_o all_o other_o write_n be_v of_o a_o subsequent_a date_n to_o this_o holy_a book_n first_o i_o will_v evidence_n this_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o due_a the_o right_n of_o primogeniture_n and_o that_o all_o other_o book_n be_v of_o a_o much_o after-edition_n and_o becond_o examine_v what_o reasonable_o result_v from_o thence_o towards_o that_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v about_o to_o all_o which_o this_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o thus_o ancient_n we_o intend_v actual_o no_o more_o of_o it_o then_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v above_o four_o thousand_o year_n in_o a_o gradual_a publication_n and_o the_o bible_n itself_o above_o a_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o year_n in_o writing_n for_o so_o long_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o moses_n write_v to_o st._n john_n the_o revealer_n nor_o need_v we_o intend_v more_o to_o justify_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o it_o be_v all_o there_o virtual_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v superstruct_v upon_o that_o as_o its_o â—oâ—ndation_n and_o every_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n after_o moses_n till_o the_o top-stone_n be_v lay_v appear_v evident_o to_o be_v write_v in_o direct_a pursuance_n of_o what_o moses_n at_o first_o deliver_v and_o so_o much_o st._n paul_n affirm_v before_o foelix_n that_o he_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v long_o before_o extant_a in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o first_o that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o fact_n the_o most_o ancient_a i_o find_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v be_v great_o concern_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a as_o judge_v it_o a_o point_n that_o do_v great_o credit_v their_o profession_n and_o high_o justify_v that_o religion_n they_o adhere_v to_o josephus_n and_o other_o of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n have_v much_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o among_o the_o christian_a writer_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n cyrill_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o book_n against_o julian_n st._n austin_n and_o other_o but_o most_o especial_o justin_n martyr_n and_o eusebius_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o parenaetick_n to_o the_o grecian_n because_o they_o use_v with_o great_a arrogance_n to_o boast_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o religion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o look_v with_o great_a contempt_n upon_o other_o prove_v against_o they_o out_o of_o pagan_a author_n and_o those_o chief_o their_o own_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n than_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n they_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o natural_a issue_n of_o those_o write_n found_v upon_o they_o and_o derive_v from_o they_o be_v no_o new_a or_o upstart_a invention_n but_o indeed_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a write_v and_o unwritten_a truth_n the_o world_n be_v possess_v of_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v afterward_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o prove_v and_o make_v good_a by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n who_o thus_o conclude_v quare_fw-la omnibus_fw-la diis_fw-la ac_fw-la heroibus_fw-la graecorum_n multo_fw-la vetustior_fw-la
moses_n invenitur_fw-la and_o indeed_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o grecian_a god_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o own_o history_n be_v not_o of_o a_o much_o early_a date_n than_o the_o war_n and_o ruin_n of_o troy_n which_o moses_n precede_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n josephus_n say_v in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n that_o the_o grecian_n have_v no_o elder_a write_v then_o homer_n who_o live_v as_o pliny_n say_v two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o trojan_a war_n which_o war_n be_v about_o four_o hundred_o and_o seven_o year_n before_o the_o olympiad_n begin_v according_a to_o solinus_n two_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o year_n as_o herodotus_n think_v three_o hundred_o but_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o his_o own_o poem_n that_o he_o live_v some_o very_a considerable_a time_n after_o at_o least_o one_o hundred_o year_n by_o the_o low_a calculation_n moses_n be_v so_o long_o before_o he_o and_o so_o much_o his_o predecessor_n that_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o make_v mention_n of_o he_o that_o he_o live_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n at_o least_o four_o hundred_o and_o odd_a before_o the_o battle_n of_o troy_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o olympiad_n not_o less_o than_o eight_o hundred_o and_o forty_o year_n till_o which_o time_n the_o grecian_a history_n be_v general_o confuse_a and_o impâ—râ—â—â—â—_n nâ—r_o have_v they_o any_o certainty_n in_o stâ—ry_a till_o thâ—n_v which_o varro_n positive_o affirm_v and_o eusâ—bâ—â—â—_n also_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o annal_n of_o africaâ—us_n who_o tell_v we_o usâ—iad_n oâ—â—mpiadas_n niâ—il_fw-la exploratum_fw-la in_o histori_n graecorum_n mâ—â—tur_fw-la sed_fw-la omne_fw-la consusis_fw-la conscripta_fw-la temporiâ—us_fw-la sunt_fw-la post_v olympiad_a â—s_n uâ—ro_fw-la quoniam_fw-la quadrâ—â—unto_n dilâ—gentissime_fw-la oâ—nia_fw-la notahantuâ—_n nulla_fw-la penitus_fw-la confusio_fw-la temporum_fw-la su_fw-es and_o indeed_o till_o that_o time_n there_o be_v little_a certainty_n in_o any_o story_n but_o that_o o_o the_o bible_n he_o live_v bâ—fore_o the_o build_a oâ—_n rome_n about_o eight_o hundred_o sixty_o and_o five_o year_n for_o rome_n be_v found_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o olimpiad_n which_o be_v twenty_o five_o year_n after_o their_o first_o beginning_n but_o suppose_v homer_n be_v not_o the_o first_o grecian_a writer_n as_o euschius_n and_o other_o think_v and_o perhaps_o true_o enough_o that_o they_o have_v other_o before_o he_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o agree_v to_o by_o all_o they_o have_v no_o letter_n among_o they_o till_o cadmus_n nor_o any_o written-â—earning_a for_o some_o considerable_a time_n after_o he_o and_o â—tis_o well_o know_v that_o cadmus_n be_v late_a than_o moses_n those_o that_o carry_v he_o high_a make_v he_o but_o contemporary_a with_o josuah_n and_o he_o be_v as_o some_o think_v more_o true_o to_o be_v reckon_v of_o the_o same_o time_n with_o othâ—icl_n mention_v in_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o ancient_a learning_n the_o world_n possess_v of_o beside_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v in_o the_o greek_a toâ—â—â—e_n so_o justin_n martyr_n observe_v speak_v of_o this_o matter_n say_v â—e_n si_fw-mi quis_fw-la vel_fw-la pâ—etarâ—â—_n veterum_fw-la vel_fw-la legislaterum_fw-la vel_fw-la â—isioâ—â—orâ—m_fw-la well_fw-mi plilosopherum_n meminissâ—_n velit_fw-la comperiet_fw-la tamen_fw-la illâ—s_fw-la libros_fw-la sue_v â—râ—cerum_fw-la composâ—â—sse_fw-la literis_fw-la both_o justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v within_o a_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o of_o christ_n and_o â—uschiâ—s_a aâ—our_n two_o hundred_o aâ—ter_v he_o have_v evident_o prove_v from_o the_o best_a and_o most_o acknowledge_a calculation_n and_o from_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v of_o moses_n by_o prophâ—â—e_a writer_n such_o as_o sanconiathon_n the_o phaenician_a antiquate_v berâ—sus_n caldeus_n ptolomen_n and_o manâ—tho_n egyptian_a chronologer_n and_o among_o the_o creacâ—aâ—s_n artapanus_n polemon_n eupolemus_n and_o from_o tregus_fw-la pompâ—ius_n epitomise_v by_o justin_n and_o other_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o legislator_n and_o live_v long_o before_o any_o author_n of_o book_n be_v extant_a and_o this_o be_v also_o very_o particular_o affirm_v by_o dioderus_fw-la siculus_n the_o best_a and_o most_o eminent_a historian_n the_o graciansâ—â—d_n â—â—d_z who_o say_v himself_o he_o spend_v thirty_o year_n in_o travel_n to_o search_v out_o the_o antiquity_n of_o all_o country_n and_o to_o enable_v himself_o to_o write_v a_o general_n story_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o history_n that_o â—e_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o legislator_n and_o precede_v all_o other_o in_o that_o kind_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o many_o ancient_a author_n that_o he_o live_v with_o and_o to_o they_o st._n austin_n agree_v in_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civet_n dei_fw-la and_o by_o other_o that_o he_o precede_v cecrops_n the_o founder_n of_o athens_n after_o who_o all_o those_o ancient_n and_o memorable_a thing_n fall_v out_o in_o greece_n as_o deucalion_n flood_n phaeton_n sire_n the_o birth_n of_o ericthonius_n the_o ripe_a of_o proserpina_n the_o mystery_n of_o ceres_n the_o â—â—titution_n of_o the_o eliâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n sacrifice_n triptolemus_n his_o art_n of_o tilling_n the_o ground_n the_o carry_v away_o of_o europa_n the_o birth_n of_o apollo_n the_o build_n of_o thebes_n by_o cadmus_n after_o who_o also_o where_o bacchus_n minos_n perseus_n esculapius_n hercules_n and_o other_o who_o we_o find_v mention_v in_o the_o grecian_a author_n as_o most_o ancient_a nor_o have_v the_o grecian_n any_o high_a term_n to_o express_v antiquity_n by_o than_o cecropian_a and_o ogygian_a which_o they_o use_v to_o call_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v most_o ancient_a from_o cecrops_n and_o ogyges_n in_o who_o time_n they_o suppose_v man_n like_o mushroom_n spring_v natural_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n about_o athens_n but_o the_o certain_a account_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o direct_a time_n in_o which_o moses_n live_v be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v contemporary_a with_o inachus_n the_o first_o king_n of_o the_o archieâ—es_n in_o this_o chronologer_n seem_v most_o general_o to_o agree_v as_o scaliger_n show_v in_o his_o most_o learned_a animadversion_n upon_o eusebius_n his_o chronologie_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n tatianus_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n athenagoras_n theophilus_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n affirm_v it_o and_o from_o many_o heathen_a author_n we_o have_v direct_a evidence_n for_o it_o polemon_n in_o his_o first_o book_n rerum_fw-la graecanicarum_fw-la be_v express_v in_o it_o and_o apion_n both_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o he_o write_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o in_o other_o of_o his_o write_n speak_v of_o the_o jew_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n regnante_fw-la apud_fw-la archivos_fw-la inacho_n quibus_fw-la say_v he_o prefuit_n moses_n and_o ptolomen_n mendiâ—us_n a_o egyptian_a that_o write_v the_o chronicle_n of_o egypt_n say_v that_o moses_n govern_v the_o jew_n and_o lead_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n quando_fw-la inachus_n argis_n regnabat_fw-la and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n verse_v in_o antiquity_n that_o inachus_n and_o also_o cecrops_n live_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o trojan_a war_n and_o long_o enough_o before_o any_o book_n or_o the_o most_o ancient_a write_a learning_n the_o world_n have_v be_v extant_a tertullian_n in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n of_o his_o apology_n tell_v the_o roman_n they_o also_o as_o well_o as_o the_o grecian_n glorify_v much_o in_o antiquity_n say_v he_o our_o religion_n far_o out_o do_v all_o you_o can_v produce_v of_o that_o kind_n for_o the_o book_n of_o one_o of_o our_o prophet_n only_o viz._n moses_n wherein_o it_o seem_v god_n have_v enclose_v as_o in_o a_o treasury_n all_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o christian_a 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in_o some_o respect_v more_o to_o credit_v it_o upon_o which_o we_o receive_v any_o humane_a author_n and_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o as_o true_a and_o all_o such_o far_a evidence_n as_o we_o can_v well_o expect_v to_o insure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o book_n that_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o be_v divint_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o instrument_n god_n employ_v in_o the_o write_n of_o it_o and_o such_o humane_a circumstance_n as_o attend_v their_o do_v it_o and_o second_o the_o divine_a witness_n god_n himself_o have_v in_o the_o most_o eminent_a way_n give_v to_o this_o book_n in_o its_o conveyance_n to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o write_v it_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n those_o amanuensis_n god_n make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o and_o such_o circumstance_n as_o attend_v their_o do_v it_o how_o 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and_o sanctity_n in_o those_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o very_o many_o of_o they_o give_v the_o high_a testimony_n to_o their_o integrity_n in_o become_a martyr_n in_o justification_n of_o what_o themselves_o write_v for_o the_o second_o the_o various_a quality_n and_o condition_n of_o these_o writer_n seem_v much_o to_o secure_v we_o against_o so_o vile_a a_o design_n as_o this_o book_n must_v needs_o be_v compose_v with_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n some_o of_o they_o be_v king_n and_o man_n of_o the_o great_a quality_n before_o they_o write_v and_o not_o very_o likely_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o much_o baseness_n and_o meanness_n to_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o work_n and_o also_o man_n of_o deep_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n other_o of_o they_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o most_o of_o the_o
at_o large_a in_o the_o 12_o book_n of_o his_o jewish_a antiquity_n some_o will_v needs_o imagine_v that_o antiochus_n so_o far_o prevail_v in_o this_o undertake_n that_o the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a be_v whole_o destroy_v but_o the_o contrary_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o a_o special_a providence_n in_o their_o preservation_n sufficient_o visible_a for_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o storm_n over_o but_o the_o bible_n be_v every_o where_o public_o extant_a have_v be_v particular_o preserve_v by_o mathias_n the_o son_n of_o asmonaeus_fw-la and_o his_o son_n who_o as_o josephus_n say_v resolute_o venture_v their_o life_n in_o the_o do_v it_o and_o also_o by_o other_o good_a man_n and_o be_v universal_o know_v in_o that_o age_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v so_o calvin_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o institutes_n observe_v that_o though_o the_o jew_n have_v undergo_v the_o malice_n of_o manifold_a enemy_n on_o all_o hand_n yet_o neither_o the_o loss_n nor_o the_o change_n nor_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o law_n be_v ever_o by_o their_o worst_a enemy_n object_v against_o they_o and_o indeed_o how_o great_a soever_o their_o enmity_n be_v against_o their_o religion_n yet_o they_o never_o deny_v but_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o law_n they_o have_v be_v the_o same_o he_o deliâ—cred_a at_o first_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n since_o the_o closure_n and_o completion_n of_o the_o whole_a what_o a_o fâ—â—ious_a persecution_n do_v the_o bible_n escape_v in_o the_o time_n of_o dioclesian_n who_o after_o the_o grievous_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o i_o before_o persecution_n assault_v they_o about_o the_o year_n 302_o with_o the_o sore_a and_o most_o cruel_a of_o all_o and_o with_o a_o full_a purpose_n to_o root_n christianity_n utter_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o destroy_v its_o very_a name_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n euselius_fw-la tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o nineteenth_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o publish_v a_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o christianity_n itself_o in_o which_o he_o so_o much_o glory_v that_o he_o cause_v a_o pillar_n to_o be_v erect_v as_o his_o memorial_n to_o all_o posterity_n with_o this_o inscription_n dioclesiano_n casari_fw-la augusto_fw-la superstitione_n christi_fw-la ubique_fw-la deleta_fw-la to_o dioclesian_n the_o emperor_n have_v abolish_v the_o superstition_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o by_o that_o edict_n he_o command_v that_o the_o christian-churche_n shall_v every_v where_o be_v demolish_v the_o christian_n all_o seize_v and_o imprison_v et_fw-la quibuâ—cunque_fw-la adhiâ—itis_fw-la machinis_fw-la victimas_fw-la idolis_fw-la immolare_fw-la cogerentur_fw-la that_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o mean_n fair_a and_o foul_a they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o sacrifice_v unto_o his_o idol_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v every_o where_o seek_v for_o burn_v and_o destroy_v and_o whoever_o retain_v they_o shall_v be_v most_o sharp_o torment_v dioclesian_n at_o this_o time_n have_v the_o command_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n for_o as_o one_o of_o the_o roman_a writer_n say_v romanâ—_n spatium_fw-la est_fw-la vrbis_fw-la &_o orbis_n idem_fw-la the_o scripture_n be_v then_o but_o in_o write_a hand_n man_n general_o quake_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o rage_a tyrant_n very_o many_o apostatise_v and_o deliver_v up_o the_o bible_n to_o his_o wrath_n and_o be_v thereupon_o brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o traditores_fw-la of_o which_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a business_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v have_v a_o large_a account_n have_v not_o the_o life_n of_o deoclesian_n write_v by_o eusthenius_n his_o secretary_n be_v since_o lose_v for_o as_o baronius_n have_v right_o observe_v in_o his_o annal_n we_o have_v now_o no_o writer_n who_o do_v at_o that_o time_n historical_o set_v down_o the_o action_n of_o that_o emperor_n yet_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n deliver_v this_o book_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n disappoint_v his_o fury_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o these_o divine_a law_n the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n tire_v out_o the_o invention_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o find_v out_o way_n to_o torment_v they_o and_o by_o their_o constant_a and_o patient_a suffer_v the_o utmost_a of_o humane_a misery_n even_o weary_v out_o their_o executioner_n one_o remarkable_a passage_n we_o have_v in_o euseblus_fw-la that_o happen_v upon_o this_o occasion_n a_o noble_a man_n in_o nicomedia_n of_o eminent_a quality_n hear_v this_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o bible_n publish_v at_o nicemedâ—a_n after_o it_o be_v read_v and_o open_o fix_v to_o a_o public_a pillar_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o dioclesian_n himself_o maximinius_n galerius_n constantius_n and_o other_o the_o chief_a person_n in_o the_o empire_n for_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o emperor_n to_o come_v themselves_o in_o person_n with_o their_o chief_a attendants_n to_o hear_v their_o own_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n proclaim_v to_o see_v the_o christian_n torment_v and_o to_o make_v themselves_o sport_n with_o their_o misery_n this_o noble_a man_n have_v such_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o before_o the_o emperor_n face_n he_o take_v down_o that_o profane_a and_o impious_a edict_n and_o with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n open_o tear_v it_o to_o piece_n and_z and_o thereby_o willing_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a suffering_n the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o emperor_n can_v any_o way_n make_v he_o the_o subject_n of_o two_o thing_n be_v usual_o urge_v in_o diminution_n of_o the_o â—â—ble_a and_o its_o authority_n upon_o a_o quite_o contrary_a account_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v preserve_v entire_a in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o its_o part_n that_o first_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o be_v then_o extant_a when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v carry_v into_o babylon_n periâ—â—ed_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o esdras_n write_v it_o himself_o all_o over_o again_o upon_o their_o return_n and_o that_o we_o have_v now_o so_o much_o of_o the_o bible_n only_o from_o he_o and_o as_o he_o re-pâ—â—ned_n it_o in_o this_o mr._n hobbs_n in_o the_o 33_o chapter_n of_o his_o leviathan_n where_o he_o have_v not_o fail_v to_o insinuate_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v gratify_v man_n of_o sceptical_a notion_n about_o the_o bible_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o tell_v we_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o from_o no_o other_o time_n then_o that_o of_o esdras_n and_o be_v retrive_v by_o he_o when_o they_o be_v lose_v and_o second_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o many_o particular_a book_n and_o write_n pen_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o once_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v since_o consume_v by_o time_n and_o be_v now_o whole_o lose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o that_o so_o much_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v then_o extant_a which_o be_v the_o whole_a as_o we_o have_v it_o save_o some_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o prophecy_n of_o ezeâ—iel_n daniel_n haggai_n zachary_n and_o masachai_n and_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n be_v total_o lose_v and_o all_o the_o copy_n destroy_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v a_o assertion_n very_o weak_o ground_v and_o there_o be_v very_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n first_o weak_o ground_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o that_o in_o a_o apocryphal_a book_n that_o go_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o esdras_n a_o book_n every_o where_o stuff_v with_o childish_a and_o fabulous_a stoties_fw-la there_o we_o find_v this_o absurd_a fiction_n that_o esdras_n shall_v speak_v unto_o god_n and_o tell_v he_o thy_o law_n be_v burn_v and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v inspire_v to_o write_v it_o all_o over_o again_o and_o to_o wrire_fw-fr all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v be_v forty_o day_n and_o night_n with_o god_n in_o a_o apish_a foolish_a imitation_n of_o moses_n and_o have_v take_v a_o potion_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o he_o dictate_v all_o the_o bible_n over_o again_o to_o five_o man_n now_o of_o how_o little_a credit_n this_o relation_n be_v no_o where_n find_v but_o in_o this_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o any_o consider_a man_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o only_o constant_o reject_v as_o apocryphal_a by_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o a_o counterfeit_n under_o esdras_n his_o name_n and_o none_o of_o he_o but_o have_v be_v so_o by_o all_o
these_o latter_a age_n in_o whole_a stream_n of_o blood_n that_o run_v from_o its_o primitive_a martyr_n god_n please_v to_o introduce_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o without_o any_o thing_n humane_a to_o befriend_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o ascertain_v of_o its_o author_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o by_o a_o power_n from_o above_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v can_v have_v enable_v a_o few_o mean_a ignorant_a and_o contemptible_a man_n so_o to_o confront_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n of_o it_o when_o other_o religion_n have_v so_o long_o last_v and_o be_v so_o fast_o root_v to_o erect_v a_o religion_n destructive_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o philosophy_n and_o learning_n of_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o law_n and_o force_n of_o the_o roman-empire_n in_o its_o great_a splendour_n and_o strength_n can_v form_v against_o it_o and_o what_o doctrine_n but_o one_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n diâ—â—â—â—_n and_o attend_v with_o the_o visible_a effect_n 〈◊〉_d almighty_a power_n to_o own_o and_o juâ—â—â—â—â—_n can_v we_o conceive_v can_v have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n so_o to_o bow_v before_o it_o how_o ridiculous_a do_v it_o appear_v to_o suppose_v a_o company_n of_o mean_a impostor_n that_o have_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n beside_o themselves_o to_o befriend_v they_o nor_o any_o other_o foundadation_n but_o a_o design_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o world_n can_v have_v effect_v all_o this_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v final_o so_o prevail_v and_o impose_v the_o gross_a delusion_n imaginable_a upon_o mankind_n against_o all_o such_o opposition_n have_v i_o no_o other_o consideration_n to_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o bible_n but_o what_o arise_v from_o hence_o this_o one_o seem_v single_o sufficient_a to_o i_o to_o justify_v its_o divinity_n against_o all_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o imposture_n and_o for_o ever_o to_o silence_v all_o the_o doubt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v about_o it_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v that_o a_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a and_o come_v from_o above_o then_o when_o we_o see_v it_o have_v venture_v itself_o upon_o its_o own_o divine_a evidence_n against_o all_o humane_a opposition_n and_o single_o by_o that_o prevail_v and_o spread_v itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o neither_o arm_n nor_o council_n neither_o the_o policy_n of_o julian_n nor_o the_o sword_n of_o dioclesian_n can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o its_o progress_n have_v god_n disow_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o nay_o have_v he_o not_o eminent_o and_o visible_o witness_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v have_v take_v one_o step_n forward_o it_o have_v doubtless_o as_o it_o be_v then_o circumstance_v be_v stifle_v in_o its_o first_o birth_n and_o bury_v in_o perpetual_a silence_n we_o find_v all_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n have_v still_o grow_v up_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o have_v still_o decay_v when_o humane_a prop_n have_v be_v remove_v i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o show_v i_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o ever_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n without_o humane_a help_n and_o that_o ever_o stand_v out_o the_o brunt_n of_o persecution_n all_o other_o religion_n but_o what_o have_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o bible_n have_v still_o fall_v before_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n it_o be_v only_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n found_v at_o first_o upon_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o have_v weather_v out_o all_o attempt_n for_o its_o eradication_n it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a evidence_n of_o that_o solemn_a and_o divine_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v at_o first_o establish_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v suffer_v and_o their_o very_a be_v in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o their_o national_a worship_n in_o which_o their_o religion_n chief_o consist_v be_v utter_o extinguish_v yet_o still_o they_o retain_v their_o profession_n submit_v to_o a_o yoke_n of_o most_o burdensome_a ceremony_n &_o remain_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n a_o monument_n of_o scripture-verity_n and_o so_o many_o stand_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o many_o eminent_a prediction_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o thus_o from_o the_o success_n of_o this_o book_n also_o since_o its_o first_o conveyance_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v attend_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o since_o its_o first_o publication_n have_v we_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n as_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o can_v well_o expect_v that_o god_n himself_o and_o no_o other_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o come_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n to_o consider_v this_o book_n in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o at_o the_o present_a we_o find_v it_o and_o as_o it_o now_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o i_o mean_v not_o to_o insist_v separately_z and_o abstract_o upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n that_o result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o to_o take_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a and_o all_o other_o collateral_a proof_n it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o warrantable_a to_o disjoin_v the_o proof_n god_n have_v afford_v we_o of_o his_o word_n and_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o its_o justification_n upon_o any_o one_o single_a evidence_n for_o when_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v this_o book_n as_o his_o word_n and_o impose_v the_o high_a penalty_n upon_o our_o not_o do_v it_o he_o lay_v not_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o command_n or_o the_o penalty_n nor_o ought_v we_o upon_o any_o one_o particular_a sort_n of_o evidence_n external_n or_o internal_a but_o upon_o the_o whole_a entire_a proof_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o it_o and_o all_o those_o mean_n he_o have_v afford_v for_o our_o conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o when_o we_o be_v upon_o a_o general_a proof_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o insist_v upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n that_o result_v from_o the_o bible_n itself_o as_o single_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o or_o enter_v into_o any_o debate_n whether_o it_o real_o be_v so_o or_o no_o because_o we_o have_v all_o the_o cumulative_a advantage_n of_o a_o external_n justification_n and_o if_o all_o together_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v what_o we_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n take_v it_o to_o be_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o with_o what_o ever_o evidence_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o 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moses_n i_o mean_v the_o true_a ancient_a berosus_n and_o not_o the_o latter_a counterfeit_n of_o he_o set_v down_o the_o story_n of_o it_o in_o the_o very_a same_o way_n that_o moses_n do_v begin_v his_o history_n ante_fw-la aquarum_fw-la cladem_fw-la famosam_fw-la quâ_fw-la universus_fw-la perut_fw-la orbis_fw-la and_o say_v there_o be_v only_o eight_o person_n save_v cyril_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o julian_n show_v that_o alexander_n polybistor_n and_o abidene_n under_o the_o feign_a name_n of_o saturn_n and_o xyfuthrus_n have_v write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o same_o story_n that_o moses_n have_v do_v of_o the_o flood_n and_o of_o the_o ark_n and_o the_o place_n of_o its_o rest_a and_o in_o very_a many_o other_o ancient_a author_n have_v we_o particular_a narrative_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o poetical_a fiction_n and_o fabulous_a story_n that_o we_o find_v among_o the_o ancient_a heathen-writer_n have_v their_o derivation_n from_o thence_o so_o that_o to_o doubt_v about_o the_o fact_n of_o what_o moses_n have_v write_v in_o this_o particular_a be_v extreme_o unreasonable_a for_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v what_o be_v eminent_o witness_v unto_o by_o several_a historian_n of_o several_a country_n and_o to_o withstand_v the_o stream_n of_o a_o universal_a tradition_n the_o story_n of_o building_n the_o babylontan_n tower_n be_v particular_o set_v down_o by_o the_o same_o alexander_n polyhistor_n and_o abidene_n as_o we_o find_v they_o quote_v at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o man_n will_v needs_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o god_n build_v up_o a_o tower_n to_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o place_n where_o babylon_n now_o be_v and_o when_o they_o have_v build_v it_o very_o high_a the_o god_n overthrow_v it_o and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n begin_v the_o diversity_n of_o language_n and_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o common_a understanding_n that_o all_o that_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n about_o the_o giant_n war_a 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there_o be_v such_o a_o king_n as_o solomon_n that_o build_v a_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n josephus_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n prove_v from_o the_o ancient_a chronicle_n of_o the_o tyrian_n which_o say_v he_o they_o have_v keep_v with_o great_a diligence_n and_o therein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o solomon_n league_n with_o the_o king_n of_o tyre_n and_o of_o his_o building_n the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o exact_a time_n of_o it_o a_o hundred_o forty_o three_o year_n and_o eight_o month_n before_o the_o build_n of_o carthage_n the_o same_o account_n we_o have_v in_o eupolemus_n alexander_n polyhistor_n haecateus_fw-la dius_n a_o phenician_a and_o many_o other_o who_o have_v write_v so_o large_o about_o that_o temple_n that_o as_o some_o have_v observe_v there_o be_v not_o a_o vessel_n nor_o any_o tool_n or_o instrument_n in_o it_o which_o they_o have_v not_o particular_o mention_v which_o exactness_n we_o find_v not_o in_o any_o heathen_a story_n in_o the_o description_n of_o any_o temple_n of_o their_o own_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n cyrus_n his_o obtain_v the_o persian_a empire_n and_o his_o conquest_n of_o babylon_n be_v all_o punctual_o set_v down_o by_o profane_a writer_n alexander_n polyhistor_n write_v a_o exact_a story_n of_o jeremiah_n prophecy_n and_o of_o the_o captivity_n and_o diocles_n and_o berosus_n both_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jew_n deliverance_n by_o cyrus_n and_o that_o they_o be_v captive_n in_o babylon_n 70_o year_n and_o alexander_n polyhistor_n and_o haecateus_fw-la both_o write_v of_o cyrus_n his_o re-building_n the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n daniel_n prediction_n about_o the_o four_o monarchy_n and_o other_o thing_n have_v be_v visible_o fulfil_v beyond_o all_o denial_n porphiry_n so_o rage_v heretofore_o at_o that_o prophetical_a instance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o he_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o evade_v it_o spend_v his_o whole_a twelve_o book_n which_o he_o write_v against_o the_o christian_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o find_v no_o other_o way_n at_o last_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o a_o absurd_a pretence_n that_o those_o prophecy_n about_o the_o four_o monarchy_n be_v write_v long_o after_o daniel_n death_n by_o some_o other_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochas_n which_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v not_o only_o by_o the_o credible_a relation_n we_o have_v in_o history_n that_o daniel_n prophecy_n be_v show_v by_o jaddus_n the_o highpriest_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o alexander_n who_o live_v many_o year_n before_o antiochus_n when_o he_o be_v march_v towards_o jerusalem_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o destroy_v it_o who_o find_v himself_o so_o particular_o in_o that_o prophecy_n prophesy_v of_o spare_v the_o city_n thereupon_o but_o because_o the_o 70_o interpreter_n who_o tranâ—tated_v the_o old_a testament_n for_o ptolemy_n about_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o antiochus_n tranâ—â—â—ated_v the_o book_n of_o daniel_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a and_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n after_o the_o captivity_n it_o be_v clear_a from_o all_o story_n that_o the_o jew_n that_o return_v out_o of_o babylon_n continue_v under_o a_o national_a establishment_n though_o not_o under_o a_o succession_n of_o kingly_a government_n from_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n for_o god_n have_v declare_v by_o jeremiah_n that_o none_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o jeconaih_n shall_v any_o more_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n have_v sovereign_a jurisdiction_n among_o they_o which_o the_o ten_o tribe_n have_v whole_o lose_v and_o long_o before_o be_v total_o deprive_v of_o nay_o be_v still_o govern_v by_o some_o of_o themselves_o till_o the_o roman_n impose_v herod_n and_o idumaean_a upon_o they_o in_o who_o time_n our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v so_o that_o the_o sceptre_n do_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloe_n come_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o disbelieve_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o fact_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n that_o erect_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o of_o the_o succession_n of_o it_o in_o multitude_n of_o professor_n ever_o since_o and_o the_o write_a account_n we_o have_v of_o it_o not_o only_o from_o christian_n themselves_o but_o from_o jew_n and_o heathen_n in_o those_o time_n tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n both_o make_v mention_n of_o christ_n tacitus_n in_o the_o 15_o book_n of_o his_o annal_n speak_v of_o nero_n cruelty_n to_o the_o christian_n say_v the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v one_o christ_n who_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n be_v punish_v with_o death_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n procurator_n of_o judea_n josephus_n speak_v of_o he_o pliny_n suetonius_n and_o other_o write_v of_o the_o christian_n extant_a in_o those_o time_n of_o their_o principle_n their_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o of_o their_o suffering_n suetonius_n say_v in_o the_o life_n of_o nero_n christianos_n genus_fw-la hominum_fw-la maleficae_fw-la superstitionis_fw-la suppliciis_fw-la affixit_fw-la that_o he_o pumsh_v the_o christian_n a_o sort_n of_o man_n of_o a_o magical_a superstition_n many_o historical_a passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v attest_v to_o we_o by_o heathen_a and_o jewish-writters_a though_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o roman_a historian_n of_o that_o age_n know_v not_o much_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o palestine_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o they_o have_v write_v concern_v the_o jew_n especial_o tacitus_n who_o appear_v very_o gross_o ignorant_a both_o about_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o our_o saviour_n birth_n be_v mention_v by_o pliny_n lib._n 2._o chap._n 5._o and_o by_o the_o philosopher_n chalcidius_n large_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o plato_n timaeas_n herodi_n kill_v the_o child_n in_o bethlehem_n by_o macrobius_n the_o eclipse_n of_o
of_o the_o first_o people_n of_o america_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v first_o people_v or_o at_o what_o time_n little_a account_n can_v be_v expect_v nor_o can_v any_o objection_n be_v reasonable_o make_v from_o thence_o in_o this_o matter_n because_o of_o the_o perfect_a silence_n in_o all_o ancient_a story_n of_o any_o such_o place_n and_o because_o of_o our_o total_a ignorance_n of_o it_o till_o of_o late_a but_o there_o be_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o much_o late_a plantation_n than_o the_o other_o three_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v not_o record_n find_v among_o the_o people_n of_o that_o country_n that_o exceed_v a_o thousand_o year_n and_o as_o most_o tell_v we_o from_o thence_o not_o above_o eight_o hundred_o the_o exact_a and_o punctual_a account_n of_o this_o whole_a matter_n we_o have_v from_o josephus_n and_o eusebâ—us_n heretofore_o and_o from_o many_o learned_a man_n since_o but_o especial_o from_o the_o most_o excellent_a bochart_n who_o have_v herein_o far_o exceed_v they_o all_o and_o who_o most_o successful_a endeavour_n this_o way_n have_v not_o only_o most_o evident_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o sacred_a history_n in_o this_o particular_a but_o indeed_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o moses_n have_v write_v be_v very_o great_o justify_v thereby_o second_o those_o prophetical_a prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o be_v lead_v captive_a into_o all_o nation_n the_o besiege_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o such_o a_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o that_o one_o stone_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v upon_o another_o with_o many_o other_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o that_o business_n have_v have_v such_o a_o eminent_a and_o notorious_a fulfil_n in_o the_o time_n of_o vespasian_n trajan_n adrian_n and_o since_o as_o great_o justify_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o much_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v speak_v what_o we_o find_v in_o tacitus_n hegysippus_fw-la and_o other_o heathen_a writer_n but_o especial_o the_o story_n of_o josephus_n their_o own_o historian_n have_v write_v of_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o the_o jeus_fw-la their_o city_n and_o temple_n about_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o exact_o correspond_v to_o what_o he_o himself_o foretell_v and_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 24_o of_o st._n matthew_n that_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v that_o any_o future_a event_n be_v ever_o so_o plain_o and_o full_o foretell_v and_o so_o punctual_o fulfil_v in_o any_o age_n nor_o can_v any_o impartial_a man_n consider_v that_o strange_a agreement_n there_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a between_o what_o then_o happen_v and_o what_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v so_o many_o year_n before_o without_o be_v great_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o how_o full_o competent_a josephus_n be_v to_o write_v that_o story_n may_v be_v judge_v by_o what_o he_o himself_o say_v in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n i_o myself_o say_v he_o have_v compose_v a_o most_o true_a story_n of_o those_o war_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a thing_n there_o do_v as_o well_o i_o may_v have_v be_v present_a in_o all_o those_o affair_n for_o i_o be_v captain_n of_o the_o galilaeanâ—_n among_o our_o nation_n so_o long_o as_o any_o resistance_n can_v be_v make_v against_o the_o roman_n and_o than_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o i_o be_v take_v by_o the_o roman_n and_o be_v prisoner_n unto_o titus_n and_o vespasian_n they_o cause_v i_o to_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o pass_v first_o in_o bond_n and_o fetter_n and_o afterward_o free_v from_o they_o i_o be_v bring_v from_o alexandria_n with_o titus_n when_o he_o go_v to_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v then_o pass_v whereof_o i_o have_v not_o notice_n for_o behold_v the_o roman_a army_n i_o commit_v all_o thing_n to_o write_v with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n myself_o do_v only_o manage_v all_o matter_n disclose_v unto_o the_o roman_n by_o such_o as_o yield_v themselves_o for_o that_o i_o only_o do_v perfect_o understand_v they_o last_o be_v at_o rome_n and_o have_v now_o leisure_n all_o business_n be_v past_a i_o use_v the_o help_n of_o some_o for_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o so_o i_o publish_v a_o history_n of_o all_o that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a war_n which_o history_n of_o i_o be_v so_o true_a that_o i_o fear_v not_o to_o call_v vespasian_n and_o titus_n emperor_n in_o those_o war_n to_o witness_v for_o they_o i_o first_o give_v a_o copy_n of_o that_o book_n to_o they_o after_o to_o many_o noble_a roman_n present_v in_o those_o war_n i_o sell_v also_o many_o of_o they_o to_o our_o own_o nation_n to_o such_o as_o understand_v the_o greek_a language_n among_o who_o be_v julius_n archelaus_n herod_n the_o honest_a and_o the_o most_o worthy_a king_n agrippa_n who_o do_v all_o testify_v that_o my_o history_n contain_v nothing_o but_o truth_n who_o will_v not_o have_v be_v silent_a if_o any_o thing_n either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o flattery_n i_o have_v change_v or_o omit_v in_o any_o particular_a the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n time_n by_o vespation_n and_o titus_n total_o ruin_v and_o demolish_a the_o jew_n after_o that_o three_o time_n endeavour_v to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n the_o first_o time_n be_v under_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n in_o the_o year_n after_o christ_n 136._o which_o attempt_n have_v no_o other_o effect_n but_o the_o slaughter_n of_o fifty_o thousand_o of_o they_o with_o many_o other_o sad_a desolation_n which_o we_o find_v set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o that_o noble_a historian_n dion_n cassius_n their_o second_o attempt_n be_v under_o constantine_n which_o he_o soon_o quash_v but_o not_o without_o great_a expression_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o cut_v off_o their_o ear_n and_o brand_a their_o body_n and_o make_v most_o of_o they_o slave_n and_o vagabond_n their_o last_o attempt_n to_o rebuild_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o julian_n when_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o way_n hinder_v that_o they_o be_v high_o encourage_v by_o julian_n himself_o with_o money_n and_o all_o material_n on_o purpose_n as_o sozomon_n tell_v we_o to_o vilify_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o confront_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n the_o story_n of_o it_o we_o have_v from_o one_o that_o we_o be_v sure_o can_v have_v no_o design_n to_o befriend_v the_o christian_n ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen-historian_n and_o a_o soldier_n at_o that_o time_n in_o julian_n army_n he_o tell_v we_o with_o what_o immoderate_a expense_n and_o indefatigable_a industry_n the_o jew_n by_o the_o help_n of_o julian_n set_v about_o it_o intend_v to_o make_v it_o more_o famous_a than_o ever_o and_o that_o to_o expedite_v the_o work_n julian_n appoint_v one_o alyppius_fw-la a_o person_n of_o great_a quality_n in_o his_o army_n to_o oversee_v it_o and_o assist_v in_o it_o and_o at_o last_o conclude_v his_o whole_a relation_n with_o these_o word_n cum_fw-la itaque_fw-la rei_fw-la idem_fw-la fortiter_fw-la instaret_fw-la alyppius_fw-la juvaretque_fw-la provinciae_fw-la rector_n metuendi_fw-la globi_fw-la flammarum_fw-la prope_fw-la fundamenta_fw-la crebis_fw-la assultibus_fw-la erumpentes_fw-la fecere_fw-la locum_fw-la exustis_fw-la aliquoties_fw-la operantibus_fw-la inaccessum_fw-la hocque_fw-la modo_fw-la elemento_fw-la destinatius_fw-la repellente_fw-la cessavit_fw-la incaeptum_fw-la am._n marcel_n lib._n 23._o when_o therefore_o this_o alyppius_fw-la set_v eager_o on_o the_o work_n be_v assist_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o that_o province_n dreadful_a ball_n of_o fire_n burst_v forth_o with_o often_o assault_n near_o the_o foundation_n make_v the_o place_n the_o workman_n be_v several_a time_n devour_v with_o the_o flame_n inaccessible_a and_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o element_n resist_v as_o with_o some_o kind_n of_o destiny_n the_o design_n be_v give_v over_o this_o be_v that_o final_a stroke_n from_o heaven_n that_o put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o endeavour_n of_o rebuild_v that_o place_n and_o to_o all_o future_a attempt_n of_o restore_v again_o the_o jewish_a church-state_n and_o polity_n and_o how_o great_a a_o evidence_n be_v it_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v speak_v to_o sin_v all_o these_o prediction_n against_o his_o great_a opposer_n and_o crucifier_n so_o strange_o and_o so_o exact_o and_o in_o so_o visible_a and_o notorious_a a_o manner_n fulfil_v and_o in_o truth_n that_o general_a prophetic_a spirit_n we_o find_v throughout_o the_o bible_n those_o manifold_a plain_a and_o direct_a prediction_n it_o be_v every_o where_o fill_v with_o of_o thing_n future_a and_o to_o come_v tell_v we_o much_o of_o its_o divinity_n and_o great_o assure_v we_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o effect_n
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that_o in_o a_o very_a singular_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v before_o promise_v and_o foretell_v the_o natural_a offspring_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n before_o write_v throughout_o travel_v withal_o indeed_o the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o all_o former_a revelation_n and_o so_o be_v incirele_v with_o all_o that_o divine_a justification_n that_o any_o former_a revelation_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n accompany_v with_o and_o in_o the_o distinct_a publication_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n have_v these_o two_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o time_n first_o if_o we_o admit_v that_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o come_v either_o from_o st._n paul_n or_o some_o other_o apostolical_a hand_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o the_o epistle_n itself_o sufficient_o assure_v we_o and_o for_o the_o former_a there_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a evidence_n from_o some_o passage_n in_o st._n peter_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o reasonable_o suppose_v to_o write_v a_o determination_n of_o that_o grand_a question_n then_o on_o foot_n about_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o whole_a judaical_a policy_n as_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n i_o say_v if_o we_o admit_v this_o epistle_n to_o come_v from_o a_o apostolical_a hand_n every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v then_o write_v by_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n man_n not_o only_o perfect_o know_v in_o all_o the_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o every_o one_o of_o they_o then_o know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o extraordinary_a endowment_n in_o office_n under_o he_o and_o with_o the_o high_a delegation_n of_o his_o own_o power_n entrust_v by_o he_o and_o as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n end_v with_o the_o prophet_n so_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a have_v its_o period_n in_o the_o apostle_n second_o all_o the_o several_a part_n at_o several_a 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shall_v be_v terminate_v single_o in_o they_o but_o be_v of_o a_o much_o far_a extension_n and_o of_o a_o perpetual_a duration_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o apographa_n copy_n true_o take_v from_o the_o original_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o original_n themselves_o it_o be_v not_o the_o paper_n nor_o the_o ink_n nor_o the_o hand_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v nor_o any_o thing_n circumstantial_a of_o that_o kind_n but_o the_o matter_n itself_o as_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o give_v authority_n to_o they_o and_o wheresoever_o that_o matter_n be_v true_o contain_v there_o be_v also_o the_o same_o authority_n present_a the_o great_a question_n in_o these_o day_n will_v be_v whether_o those_o copy_n we_o have_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o those_o original_a language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o write_v be_v true_a and_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v since_o deface_v or_o corrupt_v the_o satisfaction_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o inquiry_n must_v arise_v these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o consider_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o in_o their_o present_a posture_n and_o second_o by_o consider_v such_o circumstance_n as_o attend_v their_o first_o transcription_n and_o the_o various_a copy_n that_o be_v then_o and_o have_v be_v since_o take_v of_o they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o latter_a first_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o know_v be_v deliver_v over_o as_o it_o first_o become_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o commit_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o their_o custody_n and_o it_o be_v they_o alone_a that_o have_v the_o care_n incumbent_a upon_o they_o punctual_o to_o transcribe_v and_o safe_o to_o secure_v it_o that_o they_o perform_v this_o trust_n with_o great_a care_n and_o exactness_n and_o deliver_v the_o old_a testament_n over_o entire_a to_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o that_o both_o upon_o 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their_o political_a and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v but_o it_o be_v also_o the_o great_a title_n they_o have_v to_o their_o country_n the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o themselves_o the_o deed_n by_o which_o god_n himself_o convey_v to_o they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o give_v they_o the_o high_a right_a to_o possess_v it_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a from_o hence_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o jew_n will_v be_v careful_a of_o such_o a_o book_n wherein_o their_o body_n their_o soul_n their_o estate_n their_o honour_n and_o indeed_o their_o all_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v second_o it_o appear_v more_o particular_o and_o in_o fact_n that_o they_o be_v so_o for_o after_o that_o by_o god_n providential_a disposal_n ezra_n and_o that_o famous_a synagogue_n with_o he_o have_v exact_o settle_v their_o canon_n and_o deliver_v over_o the_o scripture_n pure_a and_o entire_a to_o the_o people_n at_o their_o return_n out_o of_o babylon_n the_o indefatigable_a care_n of_o the_o succeed_a mastoriâ—es_n 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