principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o miracle_n be_v perform_v which_o both_o for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o performance_n have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o miracle_n can_v have_v if_o it_o be_v real_o wrought_v by_o god_n immediate_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o revelation_n if_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v do_v public_o before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o that_o often_o and_o by_o many_o man_n successive_o for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o design_n if_o neither_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o they_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v any_o deceit_n or_o defect_n in_o they_o but_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o these_o miracle_n and_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o from_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v either_o that_o god_n can_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o revelation_n from_o imposture_n both_o which_o supposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n contrary_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o these_o require_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o miracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a which_o be_v his_o revelation_n but_o if_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v put_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o false_a miracle_n and_o true_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a miracle_n than_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n concern_v which_o nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v either_o impious_a or_o false_a must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v by_o miracle_n and_o we_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a miracle_n without_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n which_o both_o by_o its_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o must_v certain_o be_v true_a because_o the_o goodness_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o mankind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v by_o imposture_n vent_v under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o belzebub_n be_v so_o heinous_a above_o all_o other_o crime_n this_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o utmost_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o man_n salvation_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n and_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o though_o miracle_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v consider_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o proof_n and_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n when_o the_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v wrought_v can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a either_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o miracle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o all_o other_o proof_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 3._o how_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n and_o that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o that_o of_o write_v be_v so_o notorious_o fanciful_a and_o strain_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o serious_a answer_n for_o till_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v will_n and_o bequeath_v and_o purchase_v estate_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n rather_o than_o by_o instrument_n in_o write_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o can_v be_v take_v so_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n declare_v and_o so_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o man_n take_v all_o possible_a care_n about_o and_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o thing_n temporal_a than_o about_o eternal_a which_o afford_v too_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o isa_n thirty_o 8._o 4._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n because_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o under_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n without_o take_v some_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o by_o put_v man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v and_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n 5._o another_o requisite_a of_o a_o divine_a 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divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n will_v not_o so_o whole_o neglect_v mankind_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n so_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v defer_v it_o so_o long_o before_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n as_o till_o the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o the_o work_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o of_o any_o heathen_a author_n can_v be_v compare_v with_o
world_n though_o man_n will_v take_v no_o warn_v by_o never_o so_o many_o example_n but_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a advice_n and_o exhortation_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o be_v there_o the_o less_o certainty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n because_o euclid_n apollonius_n and_o innumerable_a other_o of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v put_v forth_o book_n and_o system_n of_o mathematics_n in_o several_a form_n and_o method_n when_o many_o write_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v in_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v by_o other_o but_o that_o they_o think_v more_o may_v be_v say_v or_o that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v prove_v more_o clear_o in_o another_o method_n with_o more_o advantage_n to_o some_o capacity_n and_o with_o great_a probability_n of_o remove_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o men._n it_o be_v undoubted_o very_o fit_a that_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v shall_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o way_n and_o method_n and_o they_o can_v be_v too_o often_o discourse_v of_o nor_o by_o too_o many_o man_n that_o no_o objection_n may_v remain_v unanswered_a nor_o scruple_n unobserved_a though_o a_o little_a may_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o a_o plain_a matter_n to_o wise_a man_n yet_o too_o much_o can_v be_v say_v upon_o a_o subject_a wherein_o all_o man_n be_v concern_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o have_v engage_v so_o many_o author_n in_o this_o cause_n beside_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o apologist_n man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n and_o ability_n in_o latter_a age_n have_v undertake_v this_o subject_a have_v make_v it_o their_o study_n and_o business_n to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o 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undoubted_a evidence_n of_o their_o unfeigned_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n man_n of_o the_o great_a sagacity_n and_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v move_v with_o such_o objection_n as_o other_o so_o much_o stumble_v at_o but_o have_v live_v and_o die_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o age_n and_o a_o honour_n to_o their_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o learned_a prince_n of_o mirandula_n and_o that_o learned_a french_a nobleman_n mornaeus_n such_o be_v grotius_n sir_n matthew_n hales_n dr._n willis_n and_o many_o beside_o both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o more_o who_o indeed_o be_v so_o eminent_a that_o i_o scarce_o need_v mention_v he_o for_o he_o must_v be_v already_o in_o every_o reader_n be_v thought_n i_o mean_v the_o honourable_a mr._n boyle_n who_o be_v as_o inquisitive_a and_o as_o unwilling_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o know_v as_o much_o of_o nature_n perhaps_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n not_z inspire_a do_v and_o have_v withal_o as_o steadfast_a a_o belief_n and_o as_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o write_n but_o by_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o which_o he_o engage_v and_o reward_v by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n 2._o but_o man_n do_v not_o always_o live_v answerable_o to_o what_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o occasion_n give_v for_o this_o objection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o do_v i_o believe_v the_o most_o mischief_n of_o any_o because_o man_n natural_o govern_v themselves_o more_o by_o the_o example_n than_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o or_o even_o than_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v aright_o the_o example_n of_o one_o man_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n with_o we_o than_o the_o example_n of_o never_o so_o many_o who_o live_v contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n because_o when_o man_n profess_v one_o thing_n and_o act_v another_o their_o action_n be_v sure_o as_o little_a to_o be_v regard_v as_o their_o profession_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v their_o profession_n against_o their_o action_n why_o shall_v we_o regard_v their_o example_n against_o their_o avow_a principle_n and_o profession_n it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o case_n esteem_v a_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n when_o man_n confess_v it_o against_o themselves_o and_o the_o motive_n and_o temptation_n be_v visible_a by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v aside_o from_o their_o own_o declare_a faith_n and_o judgement_n this_o pleasure_n or_o that_o profit_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o which_o every_o man_n can_v point_v to_o but_o when_o he_o who_o live_v conformable_o to_o his_o principle_n deny_v himself_o when_o he_o lose_v and_o suffer_v by_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o great_a earnest_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v apparent_o bribe_v to_o forsake_v that_o in_o practice_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v but_o own_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o old_a prejudice_n against_o philosophy_n that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v not_o observe_v their_o own_o precept_n but_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o wise_a man_n as_o no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o man_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v disregard_v by_o those_o who_o understand_v their_o worth_n and_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o due_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o they_o and_o whoever_o renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o take_v up_o principle_n of_o irreligion_n because_o of_o any_o ill_a practice_n of_o other_o too_o plain_o declare_v either_o that_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n he_o never_o have_v any_o or_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o his_o religion_n all_o man_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o those_o man_n most_o of_o all_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o decry_v religion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o always_o live_v up_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o instruction_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o man_n general_o act_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o against_o relgion_n and_o that_o therefore_o this_o objection_n if_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n must_v banish_v all_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n because_o so_o few_o practice_n it_o as_o they_o ought_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n neither_o because_o the_o life_n of_o so_o many_o man_n contradict_v it_o and_o some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v content_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a religion_n rather_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n because_o than_o they_o must_v be_v no_o long_o allow_v to_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n against_o religion_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n than_o the_o same_o religion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v true_a in_o one_o age_n and_o false_a in_o another_o or_o true_a in_o one_o country_n and_o false_a in_o the_o next_o and_o must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o same_o proportion_n as_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v more_o or_o less_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a indeed_o this_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a a_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o very_a common_a one_o that_o methinks_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o especial_o man_n of_o reason_n
demure_a pretender_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n we_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o age_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v show_v so_o great_a a_o forwardness_n to_o be_v no_o long_o christian_n that_o they_o have_v catch_v at_o all_o the_o little_a cavil_n and_o pretence_n against_o religion_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o more_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n than_o for_o any_o credit_n religion_n can_v have_v of_o they_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n but_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o wish_n for_o they_o both_o think_v and_o live_v so_o ill_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n that_o they_o be_v against_o it_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a riligion_n by_o tertullian_n that_o it_o be_v haved_z and_o persecute_v by_o nero_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a reputation_n to_o it_o in_o any_o age_n if_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v of_o it_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o and_o be_v wont_a to_o talk_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n against_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n in_o their_o keep_n when_o common_o they_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o that_o against_o which_o they_o dispute_v they_o seem_v to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o religion_n that_o have_v any_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o this_o show_v how_o little_o they_o have_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o multitude_n of_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n meet_v a_o observe_a man_n in_o every_o thought_n and_o after_o all_o religion_n have_v but_o one_o fault_n as_o they_o account_v it_o which_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v too_o good_a and_o virtuous_a for_o they_o for_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v this_o be_v their_o great_a quarrel_n against_o it_o and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v no_o charity_n less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o despise_v will_v have_v much_o care_n or_o consideration_n for_o they_o thus_o have_v some_o man_n dishonour_v religion_n by_o their_o life_n some_o by_o a_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n some_o by_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o book_n relate_v true_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o other_o by_o forge_v false_a one_o some_o again_o by_o their_o too_o eager_a and_o imprudent_a dispute_n and_o contention_n about_o religion_n whilst_o from_o hence_o other_o have_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o ridicule_n it_o and_o to_o dispute_v against_o it_o but_o so_o as_o to_o expose_v themselves_o whilst_o they_o will_v expose_v religion_n and_o thus_o have_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n be_v obscure_v and_o despise_v whilst_o it_o have_v be_v betray_v by_o the_o vanity_n and_o quarrel_n of_o its_o friend_n to_o the_o scorn_n and_o weakness_n of_o its_o enemy_n however_o in_o all_o their_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n to_o reveal_v religion_n i_o find_v it_o assert_v by_o these_o man_n that_o atheism_n be_v so_o absurd_a a_o thing_n that_o they_o question_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v therefore_o here_o prove_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n himself_o exist_v which_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n and_o the_o most_o universal_o acknowledge_v of_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o and_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o true_a or_o certain_a but_o something_o may_v be_v allege_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v beside_o discourse_v upon_o such_o head_n as_o have_v be_v most_o except_v against_o in_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o vindicate_v it_o against_o all_o cavil_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o particular_a objection_n which_o be_v both_o a_o needless_a and_o indeed_o a_o endless_a labour_n for_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o cavil_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v well_o and_o full_o explain_v any_o objection_n may_v receive_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n against_o which_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o apply_v it_o to_o particular_a difficulty_n as_o one_o right_a line_n be_v enough_o to_o demonstrate_v all_o the_o variation_n from_o it_o to_o be_v crooked_a it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o cavil_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o thing_n and_o to_o start_v objection_n and_o ask_v question_n be_v even_o to_o a_o proverb_n esteem_v the_o worst_a sign_n that_o can_v be_v of_o a_o great_a wit_n or_o a_o sound_a judgement_n man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o contradict_v their_o vice_n and_o the_o weak_a argument_n with_o strong_a inclination_n to_o a_o cause_n will_v prove_v or_o disprove_v whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n it_o shall_v but_o let_v man_n first_o practice_v the_o virtue_n the_o moral_a virtue_n which_o our_o religion_n enjoin_v and_o then_o let_v they_o disprove_v it_o if_o they_o can_v nay_o let_v they_o disprove_v it_o now_o if_o they_o can_v for_o it_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o their_o favour_n but_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n let_v they_o have_v a_o care_n of_o mistake_v vice_n for_o argument_n and_o every_o profane_a jest_n for_o a_o demonstration_n i_o wish_v they_o will_v consider_v whether_o the_o concern_v they_o have_v to_o set_v up_o natural_a against_o reveal_v religion_n proceed_v not_o from_o hence_o that_o by_o natural_a religion_n they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o just_a what_o they_o please_v themselves_o or_o what_o they_o judge_v convenient_a in_o every_o case_n or_o occasion_n whereas_o reveal_v religion_n be_v a_o fix_a and_o determine_v thing_n and_o prescribe_v certain_a rule_n and_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o contrivance_n which_o they_o may_v alter_v as_o they_o see_v sit_v but_o not_o for_o one_o of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o change_n but_o must_v always_o continue_v the_o same_o whatever_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o that_o be_v the_o case_n there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n to_o trouble_v they_o with_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o the_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v indeed_o so_o weak_a and_o insignificant_a that_o they_o rather_o make_v for_o it_o and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v say_v as_o m._n paschal_n relate_v by_o one_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o his_o companion_n if_o you_o continue_v to_o dispute_v at_o this_o rate_n you_o will_v certain_o make_v i_o a_o christian_n i_o shall_v venture_v at_o least_o to_o say_v of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v of_o his_o that_o if_o these_o man_n will_v be_v please_v to_o spend_v but_o a_o little_a of_o that_o time_n which_o be_v so_o often_o worse_o employ_v in_o the_o perusal_n of_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v i_o hope_v that_o something_o they_o may_v meet_v withal_o which_o may_v satisfy_v their_o doubt_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n but_o though_o they_o shall_v despise_v whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o the_o profess_a adversary_n of_o reveal_v religion_n to_o who_o a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v serviceable_a the_o truth_n be_v notwistand_v the_o great_a plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o ignorance_n be_v one_o chief_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v so_o little_o value_v and_o esteem_v and_o its_o doctrine_n so_o little_o obey_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o very_a slight_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v but_o very_o little_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o profess_v it_o rather_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n than_o of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o because_o they_o find_v it_o contradict_v their_o sensual_a desire_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v as_o little_a of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v other_o cavil_v and_o trifle_n with_o it_o partly_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o partly_o from_o inclination_n they_o take_v every_o idle_a objection_n if_o it_o be_v but_o bold_a enough_o for_o a_o unanswerable_a
worought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o false_a god_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n p._n 401._o chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n absurd_a p._n 403._o their_o religious_a worship_n wicked_a and_o impious_a p._n 405._o humane_a sacrifice_n customary_a in_o all_o heathen_a nation_n p._n 406._o no_o body_n of_o law_n nor_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n p._n 402._o but_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o they_o ibid._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a p._n 411._o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n p._n 423._o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 429_o chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 436._o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 439_o chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a p._n 441_o chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n that_o he_o be_v lustful_a proud_a and_o cruel_a appear_v from_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o p._n 443_o part_n iu_o chap._n i._n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 447_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n consider_v 1._o as_o historical_o true_a 2._o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n p._n 451_o 452._o from_o both_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a p._n 455._o in_o many_o case_n there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o we_o see_v and_o experience_n ourselves_o p._n 456._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n p._n 460._o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o case_n compare_v p._n 462._o the_o certainty_n of_o both_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n a_o objection_n from_o joh._n xx_o 29._o answer_v p._n 467._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n p._n 470_o new_o publish_a christian_a thought_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o month_n with_o reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v add_v prayer_n for_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n price_n 1_o s._n a_o course_n of_o lecture_n upon_o the_o church_n catechism_n by_o thomas_n bray_n d._n d._n the_o three_o edition_n price_n 5_o s._n very_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v in_o family_n a_o minister_n counsel_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o his_o parish_n when_o arrive_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n recommend_v to_o the_o society_n in_o and_o about_o london_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n hertfordshire_n price_n 2_o s._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._n part_n i._n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o method_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n ii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n iv_o that_o no_o other_o book_n or_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n v._o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o show_v that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n both_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n vi_o have_v do_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o objection_n and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v the_o rather_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_o so_o much_o consider_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o certain_o will_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o revelation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o can_v bear_v any_o competition_n with_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n my_o first_o business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o show_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n than_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o beginning_n some_o first_o principle_n of_o be_v from_o whence_o all_o other_o being_n proceed_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o being_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o understand_v or_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o shall_v yet_o be_v produce_v and_o continue_v for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o without_o any_o wisdom_n or_o contrivance_n that_o a_o unaccountable_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o can_v never_o build_v the_o least_o house_n or_o cottage_n shall_v yet_o build_v and_o sustain_v the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o when_o the_o very_a line_n in_o a_o globe_n or_o sphere_n can_v be_v make_v without_o art_n the_o world_n itself_o which_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o shall_v be_v make_v without_o it_o and_o that_o less_o skill_n shall_v be_v require_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o picture_n that_o chance_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o order_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o the_o constancy_n and_o regularity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v their_o original_a from_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n but_o be_v mere_a ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n from_o a_o be_v therefore_o of_o infinite_a perfection_n must_v proceed_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v beside_o with_o all_o their_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o among_o other_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v infinite_o more_o just_a more_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v will_v not_o at_o last_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_o
and_o of_o seduce_v and_o apostate_n spirit_n without_o any_o sufficient_a mean_n afford_v they_o to_o undeceive_v and_o rescue_v themselves_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o power_n and_o who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o shall_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n to_o make_v themselves_o god_n of_o wood_n and_o stone_n nay_o to_o offer_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n unto_o devil_n and_o to_o commit_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n and_o make_v murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n not_o only_o their_o practice_n but_o their_o religion_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o true_a god_n will_v behold_v all_o this_o for_o so_o many_o age_n among_o so_o many_o people_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v himself_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o honour_n and_o restore_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n upon_o earth_n i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v at_o large_a that_o mankind_n have_v in_o all_o age_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n for_o a_o revelation_n to_o direct_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o that_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o teach_v abominable_o wicked_a doctrine_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o best_a teacher_n and_o instructor_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o we_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n and_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o we_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o imagine_v that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v affront_v and_o despise_v without_o require_v any_o satisfaction_n that_o infinite_a holiness_n shall_v behold_v the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o find_v out_o no_o way_n to_o remedy_v it_o and_o that_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n shall_v enslave_v and_o torment_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o compassion_n in_o infinite_a mercy_n nor_o any_o care_n over_o a_o erroneous_a and_o delude_a world_n in_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n see_v his_o child_n run_v on_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reclaim_v they_o nor_o give_v they_o any_o advice_n but_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o themselves_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o ruin_n and_o if_o this_o be_v unworthy_a to_o suppose_v of_o natural_a parent_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v this_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o we_o can_v but_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o with_o all_o the_o compassion_n of_o the_o tender_a father_n or_o mother_n without_o the_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n that_o accompany_v they_o in_o humane_a parent_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n of_o almighty_a god_n infinite_a in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v mankind_n to_o make_v themselves_o as_o miserable_a as_o they_o can_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o without_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o fatal_a a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n or_o interpose_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o direction_n to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v destruction_n and_o to_o obtain_v happiness_n the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v know_v to_o we_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n when_o we_o argue_v upon_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o i_o consider_v mankind_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o fact_n set_v aside_o the_o advantage_n of_o revelation_n wicked_a and_o abandon_v to_o wickedness_n in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n unable_a to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n lose_v and_o undo_v without_o power_n or_o strength_n without_o any_o help_n or_o remedy_n and_o in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o world_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v there_o no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n shall_v take_v some_o course_n and_o not_o disregard_n all_o mankind_n lie_v in_o this_o condition_n the_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o scoffer_n of_o the_o last_o day_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o will_v be_v this_o that_o all_o thing_n go_v on_o in_o their_o constant_a course_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o meddle_v or_o concern_v himself_o with_o they_o where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_v for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n 2_o pet._n three_o 4._o and_o if_o no_o promise_n have_v ever_o be_v make_v they_o will_v have_v have_v some_o reason_n in_o their_o argue_n for_o that_o which_o render_v the_o heathen_a without_o excuse_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v of_o god_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o they_o have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o have_v many_o memorial_n of_o it_o among_o they_o in_o every_o nation_n but_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o st._n paul_n argument_n act._n xvii_o &_o rom._n i._n unless_o this_o latter_a chapter_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o dr._n hammond_n interpret_v it_o of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n that_o the_o gentile_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v and_o stifle_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o write_a law_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o habitation_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v determine_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v the_o lord_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o find_v and_o discover_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o that_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o deut._n xxxii_o 8._o act._n xvii_o 26_o 27._o they_o may_v have_v be_v less_o vicious_a than_o they_o be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therein_o they_o be_v inexcusable_a that_o though_o they_o can_v not_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o have_v give_v themselves_o so_o whole_o up_o to_o it_o as_o to_o become_v exclude_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o all_o who_o will_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o by_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n endeavour_n from_o natural_a religion_n to_o arrive_v at_o reveal_v become_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o negligence_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o talent_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v man_n warning_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o they_o will_v not_o regard_v it_o they_o must_v be_v wilful_o ignorant_a if_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v that_o one_o day_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n and_o it_o be_v argument_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a that_o he_o do_v not_o bring_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o a_o disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a world_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o we_o ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n but_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n now_o this_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a and_o exceed_o agreeable_a with_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v man_n warn_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v righteous_a and_o happy_a or_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a and_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o punish_v they_o nor_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o advantage_n against_o they_o but_o give_v they_o time_n for_o second_o thought_n and_o space_n for_o consideration_n and_o repentance_n but_o if_o they_o abuse_v so_o much_o patience_n and_o lovingkindness_n that_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o come_v
come_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v god_n isai_n xlii_o 23._o but_o because_o thing_n foretell_v may_v sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n to_o foretell_v they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o design_n and_o agitation_n and_o just_o ready_a for_o action_n or_o to_o discern_v thing_n do_v at_o distant_a place_n and_o to_o make_v probable_a guess_n which_o may_v prove_v true_a from_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v therefore_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n by_o diabolical_a prediction_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v such_o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o deut._n xviii_o 22._o this_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o a_o false_a and_o a_o true_a prophet_n that_o whatever_o the_o latter_a foretell_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o whatever_o the_o first_o foretell_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o imply_v that_o god_n will_v disappoint_v such_o prediction_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v otherwise_o the_o come_a to_o pass_v of_o thing_n foretell_v can_v be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n because_o they_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o jer._n xxviii_o 9_o but_o if_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o be_v give_v out_o with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o entice_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n then_o god_n may_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v fulfil_v to_o prove_v his_o people_n deut._n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3._o for_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n especial_o after_o warn_v give_v and_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n if_o any_o man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v seduce_v by_o any_o wonder_n or_o prophecy_n to_o follow_v other_o god_n it_o must_v be_v great_a perverseness_n in_o he_o but_o when_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v by_o many_o prophet_n in_o divers_a age_n and_o different_a place_n all_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o design_n in_o their_o several_a revelation_n and_o that_o end_n be_v the_o discouragement_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n these_o prophecy_n have_v all_o that_o can_v be_v requisite_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o god_n by_o suffer_v they_o to_o pass_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o with_o all_o the_o character_n of_o his_o authority_n upon_o they_o have_v give_v we_o all_o possible_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v his_o and_o engage_v we_o in_o honour_n to_o his_o divine_a attribute_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o real_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n beside_o the_o direct_a evidence_n which_o they_o afford_v to_o whatever_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o they_o add_v a_o undeniable_a confirmation_n to_o those_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v and_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o person_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophecy_n likewise_o receive_v as_o great_a a_o confirmation_n from_o such_o miracle_n for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o be_v single_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v mutual_o support_v and_o confirm_v each_o other_o and_o hereby_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v expect_v of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o as_o prophecy_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n so_o in_o conjunction_n with_o miracle_n it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v 2._o the_o suitableness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v a_o extravagant_a thing_n to_o conceive_v that_o god_n shall_v exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o creation_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v establish_v they_o upon_o such_o inviolable_a law_n as_o not_o to_o alter_v they_o upon_o some_o occasion_n when_o he_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o do_v it_o for_o unless_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v thus_o alterable_a it_o will_v have_v be_v defective_a in_o regard_n to_o one_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n upon_o such_o occasion_n the_o same_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o contrive_v the_o law_n for_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n contrive_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o alterable_a when_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o god_n by_o suspend_v the_o power_n or_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o extraordinary_a will_n and_o power_n and_o by_o the_o same_o decree_n by_o which_o he_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o he_o subject_v they_o to_o such_o alteration_n as_o his_o wisdom_n foresee_v will_v be_v necessary_a we_o can_v as_o little_a doubt_n but_o that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o it_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o it_o but_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o influence_n or_o at_o least_o by_o his_o permission_n and_o that_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o at_o first_o appoint_v can_v at_o no_o time_n be_v alter_v but_o for_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n he_o be_v not_o give_v to_o change_v as_o man_n be_v and_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o design_n but_o when_o any_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o contrary_a to_o it_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o revelation_n which_o for_o the_o importance_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v his_o do_v and_o there_o be_v still_o further_a evidence_n of_o it_o if_o this_o revelation_n be_v prophesy_v of_o before_o by_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n as_o when_o man_n bear_v blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n when_o other_o be_v cure_v of_o the_o most_o desperate_a disease_n by_o a_o touch_n or_o at_o a_o distance_n when_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v and_o the_o devil_n cast_v out_o these_o be_v evident_a sign_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o those_o by_o who_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v and_o the_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n be_v produce_v for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o teach_v for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a and_o convince_a to_o man_n or_o more_o worthy_a of_o god_n than_o to_o force_v the_o devil_n themselves_o to_o confess_v and_o proclaim_v his_o come_v to_o cause_v the_o most_o insensible_a thing_n in_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o power_n by_o give_v way_n as_o it_o be_v and_o start_v back_o in_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n at_o his_o more_o immediate_a and_o particular_a presence_n to_o inform_v man_n that_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n be_v there_o this_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o challenge_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o man_n in_o a_o language_n more_o powerful_a than_o any_o humane_a voice_n whilst_o god_n show_v forth_o his_o glory_n and_o make_v know_v his_o will_n by_o exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o nature_n in_o make_v the_o whole_a creation_n bow_n and_o tremble_v and_o obey_v all_o which_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o express_v prophecy_n concern_v christ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a concurrence_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o testimony_n of_o he_o and_o this_o dispensation_n of_o miracle_n be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o propagate_v that_o religion_n which_o concern_v the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a miracle_n be_v suitable_a
to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a design_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v equal_o adapt_v to_o awaken_v the_o attention_n and_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o wise_a and_o confute_v or_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o captious_a or_o contentious_a and_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n by_o work_v somewhat_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o there_o never_o be_v any_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o something_o miraculous_a we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o whenever_o any_o thing_n happen_v extraordinary_a they_o always_o imagine_v something_o supernatural_a in_o it_o they_o expect_v that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o false_a religion_n can_v have_v gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o they_o the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o will_v be_v to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a or_o those_o which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v or_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o behalf_n of_o false_a religion_n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o controversy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o determine_v what_o the_o power_n of_o spirit_n be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o what_o work_n can_v proceed_v only_o from_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o know_v that_o god_n precide_v over_o all_o that_o good_a spirit_n act_v in_o constant_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o evil_a spirit_n act_v for_o evil_a end_n that_o good_a spirit_n will_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evil_a to_o do_v it_o under_o any_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v the_o delusion_n and_o the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v any_o strange_a work_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o allege_v to_o be_v the_o author_n but_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o establish_v religion_n in_o his_o name_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o wonder_n wrought_v in_o the_o world_n which_o exceed_v all_o humane_a power_n and_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o to_o what_o other_o power_n to_o ascribe_v this_o make_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o present_a case_n because_o here_o not_o only_o the_o work_n themselves_o but_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o instance_n whether_o the_o miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o vespasian_n be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o a_o divine_a or_o a_o diabolical_a power_n they_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n to_o we_o he_o establish_v no_o new_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v to_o no_o divine_a authority_n but_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o work_v they_o and_o suppose_v they_o true_a and_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o as_o god_n mention_v cyrus_n by_o name_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o may_v by_o miracle_n signalise_v this_o prince_n who_o be_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v with_o this_o declare_a purpose_n and_o design_n that_o they_o be_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o introduce_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v premise_v this_o i_o must_v resume_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v concern_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o false_a prophecy_n may_v be_v detect_v it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o man_n have_v ever_o expect_v to_o receive_v revelation_n by_o if_o then_o there_o have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v either_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o after_o those_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v deliver_v if_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n than_o the_o same_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o oblige_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n must_v oblige_v he_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o imposture_n of_o those_o false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o some_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v discover_v but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o true_a revelation_n shall_v be_v first_o make_v to_o man_n before_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v with_o false_a one_o and_o if_o the_o false_a be_v after_o the_o true_a revelation_n than_o the_o true_a revelation_n themselves_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o present_a subject_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a truth_n and_o honour_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v delude_v by_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v there_o have_v past_o any_o time_n before_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v man_n but_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o miracle_n but_o either_o by_o the_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o promote_v and_o establish_v as_o idolatry_n uncleanness_n murder_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o some_o other_o token_n of_o imposture_n they_o may_v have_v be_v undeceive_v and_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n have_v give_v we_o warn_v against_o false_a miracle_n deut._n xiii_o 1._o mat._n xxiv_o 24._o gal._n i_o 8._o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o any_o miracle_n that_o can_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v certify_v that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n which_o give_v testimony_n and_o evidence_n to_o they_o we_o need_v concern_v ourselves_o about_o no_o other_o and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v and_o authorise_a must_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o contradict_v nor_o any_o immoral_a or_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o they_o whereby_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o in_o this_o case_n that_o which_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a must_v be_v true_a or_o else_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v usurp_v and_o abuse_v and_o mankind_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a consequence_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o to_o permit_v but_o either_o by_o the_o work_v themselves_o or_o by_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o the_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o detect_v all_o such_o imposture_n if_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o who_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n assure_v we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o seduce_v man_n to_o immoral_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v perform_v to_o contradict_v the_o religion_n already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o which_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v possible_o be_v discover_v if_o never_o so_o astonish_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o such_o ill_a design_n as_o these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o reject_v with_o that_o constancy_n which_o become_v a_o man_n who_o will_v act_v according_a to_o the_o
the_o ammonite_n be_v descend_v from_o lot_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v through_o their_o great_a sin_n and_o negligence_n if_o they_o do_v not_o retain_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v possession_n give_v they_o of_o the_o land_n they_o dwell_v in_o by_o god_n himself_o by_o who_o the_o former_a inhabitant_n a_o wicked_a and_o formidable_a race_n of_o giant_n be_v destroy_v before_o they_o as_o the_o canaanite_n afterward_o be_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n deut._n two_o 9_o 19_o our_o saviour_n be_v descend_v from_o ruth_n the_o moabitess_n and_o the_o ammonite_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_a ezek._n twenty-five_o 7._o but_o as_o abraham_n have_v the_o peculiar_a character_n give_v he_o of_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o his_o power_n and_o influence_n be_v very_o great_a he_o be_v say_v 8._o say_v justin_n l._n 36._o 〈◊〉_d 2._o nic._n damas_n apud_fw-la joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 1._o c._n 8._o both_o by_o justin_n and_o nicolaus_n damascenus_n to_o have_v be_v king_n of_o damascus_n and_o the_o latter_a further_o add_v that_o in_o his_o own_o time_n the_o name_n of_o abraham_n be_v famous_a in_o that_o city_n and_o that_o a_o village_n be_v nominate_v from_o he_o be_v call_v abraham_n house_n or_o palace_n he_o be_v a_o mighty_a prince_n among_o the_o child_n of_o heth_n and_o be_v respect_v as_o such_o by_o they_o gen._n xxiii_o 6_o 10._o the_o saracen_n and_o other_o arabian_n be_v descend_v from_o abraham_n and_o circumcision_n which_o be_v practise_v by_o so_o many_o nation_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o a_o rite_n of_o initiation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v some_o notion_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o communicate_v together_o with_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n that_o circumcision_n use_v as_o a_o religious_a and_o mysterious_a rite_n can_v have_v any_o other_o original_a among_o heathen_a nation_n than_o from_o abraham_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o have_v another_o beginning_n among_o they_o be_v because_o it_o be_v use_v upon_o a_o natural_a cause_n and_o vary_v in_o the_o time_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o time_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v change_v by_o some_o unknown_a accident_n and_o it_o be_v always_o i_o think_v use_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n whatever_o natural_a cause_n may_v be_v likewise_o assign_v and_o such_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v moimonid_v be_v philo_z moimonid_v wont_a to_o assign_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o in_o some_o place_n the_o religious_a cause_n of_o its_o observation_n may_v be_v forget_v and_o the_o natural_a only_o retain_v beside_o the_o other_o son_n of_o abraham_n which_o be_v many_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n must_v have_v be_v very_o instrumental_a in_o propagate_a the_o true_a religion_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v none_o educate_v under_o abraham_n or_o belong_v to_o he_o but_o they_o must_v have_v be_v well_o qualify_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o must_v more_o or_o less_o retain_v the_o impression_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o god_n himself_o give_v of_o abraham_n i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n xviii_o 19_o the_o jew_n make_v particular_a mention_n of_o the_o care_n which_o both_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n take_v in_o instruct_v proselyte_n and_o maimonides_n the_o idololatr_n l._n 1._o write_v that_o abraham_n leave_v a_o book_n behind_o he_o upon_o that_o subject_a ishmael_n be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o egyptian_a mother_n gen._n xuj_o 1._o and_o his_o wife_n be_v a_o egyptian_a his_o son_n be_v twelve_o in_o number_n and_o of_o great_a power_n be_v style_v prince_n and_o their_o dominion_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n gen._n twenty-five_o 16_o 18._o isaac_n be_v to_o marry_v none_o of_o the_o daughter_n of_o canaan_n but_o one_o of_o his_o own_o kindred_n and_o a_o messenger_n be_v send_v into_o mesopotamia_n to_o bring_v rebekah_n from_o thence_o god_n direct_v and_o prosper_v he_o in_o his_o jurney_n which_o alliance_n and_o affinity_n renew_v with_o the_o chaldoean_n can_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o good_a effect_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o advancement_n of_o religion_n in_o those_o country_n but_o a_o famine_n be_v again_o in_o the_o land_n isaac_n remove_v to_o abimelech_n king_n of_o the_o philistine_n unto_o gerar_n and_o by_o he_o the_o beauty_n of_o rebekah_n be_v admire_v as_o sarah_n have_v be_v by_o pharaoh_n in_o egypt_n and_o here_o by_o abimelech_n but_o though_o he_o have_v say_v she_o be_v his_o sister_n as_o abraham_n say_v likewise_o of_o sarah_n meaning_n in_o that_o latitude_n of_o the_o word_n usual_a in_o those_o country_n whereby_o woman_n be_v call_v the_o sister_n of_o all_o to_o who_o they_o be_v near_o relate_v yet_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o no_o attempt_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o her_o dishonour_n but_o the_o king_n of_o the_o philistine_n have_v a_o great_a regard_n and_o reverence_n for_o isaac_n and_o his_o wife_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v visible_a in_o all_o his_o undertake_n he_o become_v much_o mighty_a than_o the_o philistine_n and_o therefore_o they_o envy_v he_o which_o occasion_v his_o remove_n to_o beersheba_n whither_o abimelech_n with_o his_o friend_n and_o attendance_n come_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a league_n and_o covenant_n with_o he_o profess_v that_o they_o see_v certain_o that_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v jehovah_n the_o true_a god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o bless_a of_o the_o lord_n gen._n xxvi_o 11_o 14_o 16_o 26._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o philistine_n have_v former_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n say_v god_n be_v in_o thou_o with_o all_o that_o thou_o do_v etc._n etc._n gen._n xxi_o 22._o esau_n at_o the_o age_n of_o forty_o year_n marry_v two_o wife_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o hittite_n gen._n xxvi_o 34._o which_o though_o it_o grieve_v isaac_n and_o rebekah_n who_o will_v have_v have_v he_o marry_v with_o their_o own_o kindred_n yet_o must_v give_v the_o hittite_n further_a opportunity_n of_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o hebrew_n but_o he_o marry_v beside_o a_o daughter_n of_o ishmael_n abraham_n son_n gen._n xxviii_o 9_o which_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v the_o alliance_n between_o true_a believer_n esau_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o edomite_n and_o of_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n of_o duke_n or_o prince_n gen._n xxxvi_o 9_o and_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o design_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o generation_n descend_v from_o esau_n have_v not_o be_v so_o particular_o set_v down_o unless_o they_o have_v retain_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o edomite_n as_o well_o as_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n be_v put_v into_o possession_n of_o their_o country_n by_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o the_o israelite_n become_v possess_v of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o deut._n two_o 5._o jacob_n be_v send_v to_o padan-aram_n to_o take_v to_o wife_n one_o of_o the_o daughter_n of_o laban_n and_o with_o he_o he_o abide_v twenty_o year_n gen._n xxxi_o 38._o and_o all_o which_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n prosper_v so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o visible_a power_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o it_o as_o laban_n confess_v gen._n thirty_o 27._o isaac_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o be_v forbid_v to_o remove_v into_o egypt_n when_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n gen._n xxvi_o 2._o and_o he_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o return_v into_o chaldaea_n or_o to_o go_v out_o of_o canaan_n gen._n xxiv_o 6_o 8._o but_o jacob_n go_v out_o of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o abraham_n house_n beside_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o canaanite_n afterward_o god_n manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o egyptian_n by_o a_o various_a and_o wonderful_a providence_n for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n dwell_v in_o egypt_n four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n till_o at_o last_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o dreadful_a judgement_n by_o judgement_n upon_o their_o first-born_a and_o upon_o their_o god_n num._n xxxiii_o 4._o they_o be_v bring_v out_o from_o thence_o and_o the_o nation_n hear_v the_o fame_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n num._n fourteen_o 15_o 21._o thus_o chaldaea_n and_o egypt_n the_o most_o famous_a and_o flourish_a country_n in_o those_o age_n
the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n do_v not_o worship_v they_o after_o their_o manner_n and_o yet_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o roman_n themselves_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o cybele_n flora_n bacchus_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o wicked_a and_o all_o their_o sport_n and_o spectacle_n which_o have_v nothing_o sure_o in_o they_o that_o can_v be_v proper_a for_o divine_a worship_n be_v invent_v and_o perform_v in_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n 8._o god_n quintil_n institut_fw-la lib._n iii._o c._n 8._o whence_o quinctilian_n say_v the_o theatre_n may_v be_v style_v a_o kind_n of_o temple_n 3._o but_o beside_o their_o bloody_a spectacle_n where_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v kill_v by_o beast_n or_o by_o one_o another_o their_o altar_n themselves_o be_v not_o free_a from_o humane_a blood_n for_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o deity_n some_o of_o the_o rabbin_n have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o jephtha_n sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n but_o other_o deny_v it_o 40._o it_o vicunque_fw-la autem_fw-la seres_fw-fr ea_fw-la habuerit_fw-la id_fw-la certum_fw-la puto_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la reperiri_fw-la apud_fw-la magistros_fw-la qui_fw-la ex_fw-la jure_fw-la aliquo_fw-la immolandam_fw-la eam_fw-la esse_fw-la affirmaveâ—it_fw-la selden_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la nat._n &_o gent._n lib._n four_o c._n 2._o the_o daughter_n of_o israel_n go_v yearly_a to_o lament_v or_o to_o talk_v with_o 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n judg._n xi_o 40._o and_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o if_o he_o do_v sacrifice_v she_o he_o sin_v in_o do_v it_o and_o we_o know_v that_o abraham_n be_v hinder_v by_o a_o miracle_n and_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o slay_v isaac_n but_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o 10._o the_o grot._fw-la ad_fw-la deutr._fw-la xviii_o 10._o phoenician_n and_o canaanites_n for_o their_o king_n in_o time_n of_o great_a calamity_n to_o sacrifice_v one_o of_o their_o son_n who_o they_o love_v best_a and_o it_o be_v common_a both_o with_o they_o and_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n the_o egyptian_n the_o athenian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n and_o general_o all_o the_o grecian_n the_o roman_n and_o carthaginian_n the_o german_n and_o gaul_n and_o britain_n and_o in_o brief_a all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n throughout_o the_o world_n offer_v up_o man_n upon_o their_o altar_n and_o this_o not_o on_o certain_a emergency_n and_o in_o imminent_a danger_n only_o but_o constant_o and_o in_o some_o place_n every_o day_n but_o upon_o extraordinary_a accident_n multitude_n be_v sacrifice_v at_o once_o to_o their_o bloody_a deity_n festo_fw-la deity_n diodo_fw-la sic._n apud_fw-la euseb_n de_fw-fr laudib_n constant_n c._n xiii_o lanctant_fw-la lib._n i_o c._n 21._o ex_fw-la piscennio_n festo_fw-la as_o diodorus_n siculus_n and_o other_o relate_v that_o in_o africa_n two_o hundred_o child_n of_o the_o principal_a nobility_n be_v sacrifice_v to_o saturn_n at_o one_o time_n and_o ult_v and_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 16._o macrob._n saturn_n lib._n i_o c._n 7._o alex._n ab_fw-la alexand._n lib._n 6._o c._n ult_v aristomenes_n sacrifice_v three_o hundred_o man_n together_o to_o jupiter_n ithometes_n one_o of_o who_o be_v theopompus_n king_n of_o the_o lacedæmonians_n and_o the_o same_o custom_n be_v find_v practise_v among_o the_o idolatrous_a indian_n of_o offer_v whole_a hecatomb_n of_o humane_a sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a go_n 21._o go_n jos_n accost_n hist_o lib._n 5._o c._n 19_o 21._o in_o peru_n when_o their_o new_a ingra_n be_v crown_v they_o sacrifice_v two_o hundred_o child_n from_o four_o to_o ten_o year_n of_o age_n and_o the_o son_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o father_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n sometime_o the_o mexican_n have_v sacrifice_v above_o five_o thousand_o of_o their_o captive_n in_o a_o day_n and_o in_o divers_a place_n above_o twenty_o thousand_o as_o acosta_n write_v out_o of_o the_o information_n he_o have_v from_o the_o indian_n 57_o indian_n liv._o lib._n xxii_o c._n 57_o livy_n make_v mention_n of_o humane_a sacrifice_n at_o rome_n and_o initio_fw-la and_o plutarch_n in_o marcello_n initio_fw-la plutarch_n say_v they_o continue_v in_o his_o time_n and_o it_o be_v not_o till_o about_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n reign_n that_o a_o final_a stop_n be_v put_v to_o so_o strange_a and_o abominable_a a_o practice_n for_o though_o it_o abate_v very_o much_o under_o adrian_n yet_o it_o be_v use_v when_o minutius_n felix_n write_v and_o 21._o and_o lact._n lib._n 1._o c._n 21._o lanctantius_n mention_n it_o as_o not_o lay_v aside_o in_o his_o time_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v so_o much_o against_o humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n yet_o it_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n and_o be_v become_v so_o customary_a that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o it_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n demonstate_v both_o how_o false_a such_o religion_n be_v and_o that_o man_n have_v a_o most_o undoubted_a experience_n of_o invisible_a power_n or_o else_o in_o so_o many_o nation_n both_o the_o king_n and_o people_n will_v never_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o own_o child_n to_o their_o false_a god_n to_o avert_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v threaten_v withal_o the_o person_n that_o introduce_v the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v either_o man_n of_o design_n who_o establish_v themselves_o in_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o it_o as_o numa_n or_o man_n of_o fancy_n and_o fiction_n as_o the_o poet_n who_o plato_n will_v have_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v always_o more_o wicked_a than_o their_o votary_n who_o great_a immorality_n consist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o the_o gross_a enormity_n not_o only_o of_o venus_n and_o bacchus_n but_o of_o saturn_n and_o jupiter_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v any_o particular_a relation_n there_o be_v no_o body_n of_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v in_o commendation_n of_o lascivions_n poet_n or_o they_o flatter_v tyrant_n or_o they_o appoint_v divine_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o such_o as_o win_v the_o mastery_n at_o the_o olympic_a game_n or_o to_o inanimate_a thing_n or_o they_o promote_v some_o other_o ill_o or_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a design_n as_o oenomaus_n the_o philosopher_n observe_v and_o prove_v by_o particular_a instance_n recite_v out_o of_o he_o by_o 35._o by_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n 34_o 35._o eusebius_n the_o law_n of_o lycurg_n of_o plutarch_n in_o lycurg_n lycurgus_n be_v approve_v of_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o delphic_a oracle_n and_o yet_o theft_n and_o a_o community_n of_o wife_n and_o the_o murder_n of_o infant_n be_v allow_v by_o these_o law_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n can_v not_o be_v from_o god_n since_o they_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o of_o devil_n and_o the_o mystery_n and_o rite_n of_o they_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o whoever_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a indian_n by_o their_o ridiculous_a and_o cruel_a penance_n and_o other_o superstition_n beside_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o man_n and_o sometime_o of_o themselves_o as_o the_o woman_n who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v burn_v with_o the_o body_n of_o their_o dead_a husband_n and_o the_o like_a will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o god_n institution_n the_o chineses_n themselves_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n be_v like_o the_o rest_n both_o in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o in_o many_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o that_o none_o of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n can_v make_v any_o probable_a claim_n to_o divine_a revelation_n have_v none_o of_o the_o requisite_n to_o such_o a_o revelation_n but_o be_v but_o of_o a_o late_a original_a not_o far_o divulge_v support_v neither_o by_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n from_o god_n and_o contain_v doctrine_n that_o be_v idolatrous_a impure_a cruel_a and_o every_o way_n wicked_a and_o absurd_a chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o beside_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a divers_a of_o the_o philosopherss_n pretend_v to_o something_o supernatural_a as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n and_o some_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a here_o to_o examinlikewise_o the_o justice_n of_o their_o pretension_n and_o
but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
last_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n p._n 388._o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n mean_v by_o the_o last_o day_n p._n 389._o st._n paul_n do_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v approach_v in_o his_o time_n p._n 391._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o last_o judgement_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o one_o day_n p._n 393._o chap._n xxiii_o of_o sacrament_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o sacrament_n p._n 396._o 1._o they_o be_v outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n or_o of_o our_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o ib._n 2._o they_o be_v token_n and_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n p._n 402._o 3._o they_o be_v mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n p._n 404._o 4._o they_o be_v federal_n rite_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o visible_a society_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o it_o as_o such_o p._n 406._o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n full_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n p._n 407._o chap._n xxiv_o of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n p._n 412_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n p._n 413._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n p._n 414._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o humane_a person_n 417._o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o be_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o this_o doctrine_n p._n 421._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n explain_v and_o defend_v p._n 423._o this_o doctrine_n exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o man_n p._n 427._o chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a god_n be_v certain_o able_a to_o raise_v the_o dead_a p._n 431._o body_n after_o their_o corruption_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n which_o compose_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n by_o the_o reunion_n of_o these_o part_n again_o p._n 436._o we_o may_v rise_v again_o with_o the_o same_o body_n which_o we_o have_v here_o notwithstanding_o any_o change_n or_o flux_n of_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n while_o we_o live_v or_o any_o accident_n after_o death_n p._n 437._o it_o be_v not_o only_o credible_a and_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n can_v but_o likewise_o that_o he_o will_v raise_v the_o dead_a p._n 443._o chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n do_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o dispensation_n of_o his_o resurrection_n why_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 449._o it_o have_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o other_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n for_o he_o to_o have_v do_v it_o p._n 451_o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v over_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 452._o if_o the_o jew_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v p._n 453._o the_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v p._n 454._o chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o christ_n remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o â—â—â—surrection_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n many_o thing_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n before_o his_o passion_n omit_v by_o the_o evangelist_n p._n 459._o and_o likewise_o after_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 461._o what_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o that_o which_o we_o read_v of_o his_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n after_o it_o p._n 463._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n p._n 465._o chap._n xxviii_o why_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o especial_o ascribe_v to_o god_n why_o mean_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o work_v of_o miracle_n and_o why_o faith_n be_v sometime_o require_v of_o those_o upon_o who_o or_o before_o who_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v all_o creature_n act_v with_o a_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o influence_n but_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n his_o power_n and_o his_o will_n be_v more_o particular_o manifest_v or_o his_o promise_n fulfil_v p._n 469._o miracle_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o work_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v wrought_v without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o subserviency_n of_o natural_a mean_n ib_n mean_v use_v as_o circumstance_n to_o render_v miracle_n more_o observable_a not_o as_o concur_v to_o the_o production_n of_o the_o effect_n 470._o christ_n have_v give_v undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n before_o he_o require_v faith_n as_o a_o condition_n in_o such_o as_o come_v to_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o p._n 471._o whether_o he_o require_v faith_n of_o any_o before_o his_o work_n of_o a_o miracle_n who_o have_v not_o already_o see_v he_o work_v miracle_n p._n 481._o great_a reason_n that_o no_o miracle_n shall_v be_v purposely_o wrought_v for_o the_o captious_a and_o malicious_a p._n 482._o the_o case_n of_o his_o own_o countryman_n be_v particular_a ib._n the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o desire_v his_o help_n p._n 487._o our_o saviour_n hereby_o signify_v that_o he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o see_v his_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v they_o p._n 489._o chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o cease_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n the_o antiquity_n of_o prophecy_n add_v to_o their_o force_n and_o evidence_n p._n 491._o the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n p._n 492._o neither_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o more_o than_o four_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n p._n 495._o miracle_n if_o common_a will_v lose_v the_o design_n and_o nature_n of_o miracle_n p._n 498._o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o frame_v hypothesis_n to_o solve_v they_o p._n 499._o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n will_v occasion_v imposture_n ib._n they_o will_v occasion_v pride_n in_o those_o that_o wrought_v they_o p._n 501._o no_o more_o reason_n for_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o christian_a religion_n among_o christian_n than_o there_o be_v need_n of_o they_o to_o prove_v a_o god_n ib._n a_o divine_a power_n be_v notwithstanding_o evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n p._n 502._o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n asupernatural_a grace_n necessary_a to_o true_a faith_n p._n 504._o jew_n and_o proselyte_n be_v convert_v in_o great_a number_n p._n 508._o many_o dare_v not_o own_o christ_n other_o have_v their_o heart_n harden_v p._n 511._o they_o have_v violent_a prejudidice_n against_o the_o gospel_n p._n 512._o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n of_o false_a prophet_n a_o cause_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n p._n 514._o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 515._o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_n convert_v p._n 516._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o philosopher_n ib._n of_o epictetus_n and_o seneca_n p._n 518._o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o gentile_n p._n 521._o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n right_o to_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 522._o oracle_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o last_v above_o 365_o year_n p._n ib._n heresy_n and_o schism_n give_v great_a scandal_n p._n 523._o many_o heathen_n however_o have_v more_o favourable_a and_o just_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 524._o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n against_o it_o p._n 528._o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n confirm_v it_o p._n 530._o chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o martyr_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o
fit_v to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n but_o then_o we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o take_v his_o word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o not_o apply_v our_o principle_n and_o maxim_n take_v from_o thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n to_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o conception_n but_o from_o revelation_n which_o will_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o for_o a_o deaf_a man_n to_o apply_v the_o notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o colour_n to_o sound_n or_o for_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o fancy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o colour_n because_o he_o be_v tell_v they_o can_v be_v hear_v and_o there_o must_v be_v a_o due_a proportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o its_o object_n for_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v confine_v and_o limit_v in_o their_o exercise_n about_o their_o several_a object_n the_o part_n of_o matter_n may_v be_v too_o small_a and_o fine_a to_o be_v any_o long_o discern_v or_o perceive_v by_o sense_n for_o only_a body_n which_o be_v so_o big_a as_o to_o reflect_v a_o due_a quantity_n of_o ray_n to_o the_o eye_n can_v be_v perceive_v by_o the_o sight_n itself_o the_o quick_a and_o subtle_a of_o all_o our_o sense_n and_o as_o object_n in_o their_o bulk_n be_v sensible_a but_o be_v insensible_a in_o their_o minute_n part_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o inward_a sensation_n or_o preception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n we_o may_v puzzle_v and_o perplex_v ourselves_o in_o the_o deduction_n which_o may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o most_o common_a notion_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a and_o familiar_a to_o our_o mind_n than_o our_o own_o thought_n that_o we_o think_v and_o understand_v and_o will_v we_o all_o know_v but_o what_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o subject_n of_o thought_n in_o we_o and_o how_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_v act_v upon_o and_o determine_v each_o other_o be_v matter_n of_o perpetual_a dispute_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o our_o faculty_n be_v finite_a and_o of_o no_o very_a large_a extent_n in_o their_o operation_n but_o be_v confine_v to_o certain_a object_n and_o limit_v to_o certain_a bound_n and_o period_n both_o our_o natural_a and_o acquire_v knowledge_n be_v conversant_a about_o certain_a kind_n of_o object_n and_o our_o faculty_n be_v fit_v and_o suit_v to_o they_o and_o from_o the_o property_n and_o affection_n which_o we_o observe_v in_o they_o we_o form_n notion_n and_o make_v conclusion_n and_o raise_v maxim_n and_o axiom_n now_o if_o we_o apply_v our_o natural_a notion_n to_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v only_o by_o revelation_n we_o must_v be_v very_o liable_a to_o great_a mistake_n about_o they_o for_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o thing_n not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o capacity_n and_o which_o be_v not_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n if_o we_o frame_v speculative_a and_o abstract_a idea_n from_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n which_o be_v form_v in_o our_o mind_n from_o sensible_a object_n we_o may_v soon_o puzzle_v ourselves_o and_o seem_v to_o demonstrate_v contradiction_n which_o demonstrate_v only_o that_o all_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v vain_a and_o unconcluding_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o will_v not_o come_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n and_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a science_n what_o have_v be_v here_o allege_v concern_v the_o contradictious_a about_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n be_v no_o more_o than_o have_v be_v general_o confess_v by_o the_o best_a philosopher_n and_o mathematician_n and_o the_o excellent_a mr_n boyle_n have_v produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o galileo_n and_o des_n cartes_n upon_o this_o subject_n conclude_v with_o this_o observation_n 2._o observation_n considerate_a about_o the_o reconcileableness_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n sect_n 2._o if_o then_o such_o bold_a and_o pierce_a wit_n and_o such_o excellent_a mathematician_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o not_o only_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o that_o of_o mankind_n may_v be_v pass_v and_o non-plussed_a about_o quantity_n which_o be_v a_o object_n of_o contemplation_n natural_a nay_o mathematical_a and_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o rigid_a demonstration_n of_o pure_a mathematics_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n who_o be_v essential_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o a_o ens_fw-la singularissimum_fw-la and_o in_o divers_a other_o divine_a thing_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n without_o revelation_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o thing_n that_o our_o finite_a understanding_n can_v especial_o in_o this_o life_n clear_o comprehend_v ii_o every_o man_n believe_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o 2._o by_o sunt_fw-la onim_fw-la plurima_fw-la vera_fw-la quidem_fw-la sed_fw-la parum_fw-la credibilia_fw-la sicut_fw-la falsa_fw-la quoque_fw-la frequenter_a verisimilia_fw-la quintil._n institut_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 2._o quintilian_n and_o may_v be_v observe_v by_o any_o one_o that_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o very_o many_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o scarce_o seem_v credible_a and_o as_o many_o be_v false_a which_o have_v all_o the_o appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v chief_o this_o that_o we_o be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o we_o never_o see_v do_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n not_o from_o any_o principle_n of_o reason_n but_o from_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o make_v this_o the_o measure_n of_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v not_o consider_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v altogether_o as_o possible_a which_o we_o never_o know_v do_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v many_o thing_n impossible_a of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o daily_a experience_n if_o we_o have_v never_o see_v nor_o know_v they_o to_o be_v for_o what_o we_o have_v the_o daily_a experience_n of_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v very_o easy_a and_o scarce_o suspect_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o frame_n to_o ourselves_o some_o kind_n of_o account_n of_o it_o and_o please_v ourselves_o perhaps_o with_o a_o conceit_n that_o we_o perfect_o understand_v it_o and_o conclude_v that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n must_v needs_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o cause_n which_o we_o assign_v for_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v common_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o we_o either_o take_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o or_o when_o we_o do_v observe_v and_o consider_v it_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v our_o own_o ignorance_n we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o fancy_n we_o understand_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o carelessness_n of_o some_o in_v not_o mind_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o other_o in_o fancy_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o which_o be_v the_o constant_a object_n of_o their_o sense_n i_o be_o perthat_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o experience_n that_o will_v seem_v as_o wonderful_a almost_o as_o the_o resurrection_n itself_o or_o any_o mystery_n in_o religion_n the_o great_a philosopher_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a account_n of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a and_o obvious_a thing_n in_o nature_n and_o if_o we_o have_v only_o a_o relation_n of_o they_o without_o any_o trial_n or_o experience_n we_o shall_v be_v incline_v to_o conclude_v they_o impossible_a the_o king_n of_o siam_n it_o be_v say_v will_v not_o believe_v the_o dutch_a ambassador_n but_o think_v himself_o affront_v when_o he_o be_v tell_v by_o he_o that_o in_o holland_n water_n will_v become_v so_o hard_o in_o cold_a weather_n that_o man_n or_o elephant_n may_v walk_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o relation_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o country_n will_v have_v seem_v as_o strange_a to_o we_o if_o the_o constant_a report_n of_o man_n who_o have_v be_v there_o have_v not_o make_v they_o familiar_a to_o we_o it_o be_v former_o disbelieved_a nay_o absolute_o deny_v as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o place_n as_o that_o which_o be_v now_o know_v
cause_v the_o christian_n in_o their_o apology_n to_o press_v earnest_o for_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a hear_v of_o their_o cause_n beseech_v their_o enemy_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o themselves_o as_o to_o despise_v and_o condemn_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o be_v desirous_a to_o undergo_v any_o trial_n if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v hear_v 6._o yet_o many_o who_o do_v not_o actual_o become_v christian_n have_v more_o favourable_a and_o just_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n severo_fw-la religion_n ael_n lamprid._n in_o alex._n severo_fw-la alexander_n severus_n have_v the_o effigy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o chapel_n and_o have_v design_v to_o erect_v a_o temple_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o to_o insert_v his_o name_n among_o the_o heathen_a go_n as_o it_o be_v report_v that_o adrian_n likewise_o with_o the_o same_o intention_n have_v command_v temple_n to_o be_v build_v without_o image_n in_o all_o city_n but_o be_v dissuade_v by_o some_o who_o consult_v the_o oracle_n about_o it_o which_o give_v out_o that_o all_o man_n will_v then_o become_v christian_n and_o the_o other_o temple_n will_v soon_o be_v forsake_v this_o which_o be_v relate_v concern_v adrian_n have_v be_v by_o some_o suppose_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n because_o the_o father_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o ael_n lampridius_n or_o rather_o spartianus_n who_o mention_n it_o be_v a_o heathen_a may_v perhaps_o have_v it_o from_o the_o gentile_n for_o it_o be_v only_o in_o adrian_n intention_n to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v be_v unknown_a by_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n the_o design_n be_v lay_v aside_o upon_o consult_v the_o oracle_n it_o be_v certain_o report_v in_o the_o historian_n time_n as_o he_o declare_v and_o yet_o this_o objection_n lie_v as_o well_o against_o the_o report_n as_o against_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o a_o report_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v mention_v by_o no_o christian_a writer_n though_o there_o have_v be_v no_o truth_n in_o it_o 11_o it_o euseb_n hist_o lib_n vii_o c._n 11_o aemilianus_n the_o perfect_a of_o egypt_n ask_v dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n when_o he_o be_v bring_v before_o he_o why_o if_o he_o who_o the_o christian_n worship_v be_v god_n they_o can_v not_o worship_v he_o with_o the_o other_o god_n many_o admire_v the_o doctrine_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o can_v not_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n they_o will_v have_v be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o take_v in_o among_o other_o but_o can_v not_o bring_v themselves_o to_o relinquish_v all_o their_o old_a religion_n for_o it_o the_o calumny_n raise_v against_o the_o christian_n have_v cause_v the_o popular_a odium_n and_o rage_n against_o they_o but_o they_o be_v vindicated_n by_o 13._o by_o plin._n lib._n x._o epist_n 97._o just_a mar._n apol._n 2._o eus_n hist_o lib._n iu._n c._n 8_o 9_o 13._o pliny_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n by_o serenius_fw-la granianuâ—_n proconsul_n of_o asia_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o adrian_n by_z adrian_z himself_z in_o his_o rescript_n by_o antoninus_n pius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o common_a council_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o asia_n though_o some_o ascribe_v this_o epistle_n to_o m._n antoninus_n not_o to_o mention_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n dial._n rome_n just_a martyr_n dial._n trypho_n the_o jew_n likewise_o free_v they_o from_o the_o crime_n common_o lay_v against_o they_o and_o own_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o crime_n which_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o christian_n by_o their_o former_a adversary_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o julian_n in_o discourse_n write_v to_o oppose_v they_o who_o 305._o who_o epist_n 49._o &_o fragm_n epist_n p._n 305._o elsewhere_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o so_o much_o to_o their_o commendation_n as_o show_v the_o mighty_a force_n of_o truth_n which_o can_v extort_v it_o from_o he_o but_o the_o fear_n and_o shame_n of_o man_n hinder_v divers_a from_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n who_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n than_o to_o approve_v of_o their_o own_o 11._o own_o aug._n civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n vi_o c._n 11._o seneca_n expose_v the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o express_v himself_o with_o bitterness_n against_o the_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v able_a to_o find_v nothing_o to_o blame_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o dare_v to_o commend_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o heathen_n he_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o at_o all_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v account_v for_o than_o the_o notion_n and_o action_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o hard_a to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o lycurg_n how_o senec._n de_fw-fr ira._n lib._n i._o c._n 25._o plut._n in_o lycurg_n seneca_n and_o plutarch_n shall_v allow_v of_o the_o murder_v or_o starve_v of_o poor_a infant_n as_o they_o certain_o do_v as_o why_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n no_o phaenomena_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o variable_a and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o cause_n than_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n which_o differ_v according_a to_o their_o temper_n and_o capacity_n and_o circumstance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o can_v find_v out_o any_o probable_a solution_n and_o have_v several_a to_o offer_v which_o may_v take_v place_n according_a to_o several_a case_n but_o the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o slight_a and_o frivolous_a contain_v a_o confession_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v establish_v and_o raise_v only_o some_o weak_a cavil_n which_o never_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a cause_n or_o undertake_v to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o miracle_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v establish_v and_o then_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v what_o reason_n they_o can_v have_v for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o indeed_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o all_o manner_n of_o disadvantage_n as_o to_o humane_a mean_n show_v that_o the_o adversary_n of_o it_o have_v little_a to_o say_v against_o it_o for_o they_o must_v be_v but_o poor_a argument_n which_o can_v not_o dissuade_v man_n from_o become_a christian_n when_o they_o must_v incur_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v so_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o heathen_a writer_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v frequent_o cite_v by_o st._n jerom_n and_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o author_n of_o their_o time_n as_o common_o know_v and_o probable_o they_o be_v extant_a long_o after_o so_o that_o their_o argument_n be_v baffle_v and_o destroy_v long_o before_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o they_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n enough_o to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o their_o write_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o lose_v but_o that_o we_o still_o know_v their_o principal_a argument_n which_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v not_o conceal_v but_o have_v give_v they_o their_o full_a force_n and_o common_o in_o their_o own_o word_n origen_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o omit_v nothing_o considerable_a which_o celsus_n have_v allege_v that_o he_o be_v often_o force_v to_o make_v apology_n for_o mention_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o let_v any_o thing_n pass_v which_o be_v material_a that_o his_o adversary_n have_v say_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o 43._o it_o ambr._n lib._n 2._o epist_n 11._o aug._n epist_n 43._o and_o some_o piece_n be_v preserve_v entire_a as_o the_o petition_n of_o symmachus_n among_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n ambrose_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o maximus_n madaurensis_fw-la among_o those_o of_o st._n austin_n the_o argument_n of_o julian_n be_v set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o st._n cyril_n and_o we_o learn_v from_o praefat_fw-la from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n spanhem_n in_o julian_n oper_n praefat_fw-la st._n chrisostom_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o philosopher_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v by_o the_o gentile_n themselves_o and_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o the_o christian_n before_o the_o edict_n of_o theodosius_n junior_n to_o prohibit_v they_o there_o
be_v a_o long_a succession_n of_o philosopher_n and_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o school_fw-mi of_o platonist_n which_o continue_v at_o athens_n for_o some_o age_n will_v revive_v or_o reinforce_v any_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v use_v by_o their_o predecessor_n in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n proclus_n and_o damascius_n who_o be_v of_o this_o school_n live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o six_o age_n and_o the_o write_n of_o damascius_n be_v extant_a lxxvii_o extant_a phot._n cod_n clxxxi_o ccxlii_o lxxvii_o in_o photius_n time_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o nine_o age_n the_o history_n of_o eunapius_n be_v then_o likewise_o extant_a and_o be_v hist_o be_v voss_n de_fw-fr graec._n hist_o say_v to_o be_v preserve_v at_o venice_n we_o have_v the_o abridgement_n of_o it_o by_o zosimus_n and_o a_o sufficient_a specimen_fw-la of_o his_o malicious_a invective_n in_o his_o other_o write_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o and_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v continue_v much_o long_o than_o any_o account_n which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v of_o they_o mention_n of_o about_o thirty_o answer_n 10._o answer_n holstein_n de_fw-fr vit._n &_o script_n porphyt_n c._n 10._o which_o be_v write_v to_o porphyry_n by_o several_a author_n not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o the_o world_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o insufficieny_n of_o his_o objection_n the_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n be_v as_o little_o regard_v as_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o they_o the_o jew_n who_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n before_o but_o especial_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o vast_a number_n be_v spread_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n to_o detect_v any_o falsehood_n in_o it_o and_o have_v never_o omit_v any_o advantage_n of_o improve_n and_o enforce_v the_o argument_n against_o it_o and_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o retain_v any_o thing_n considerable_a which_o have_v be_v object_v by_o their_o forefather_n or_o by_o the_o heathen_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v the_o jew_n have_v be_v a_o perpetual_a restless_a enemy_n in_o all_o part_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o material_a in_o this_o case_n will_v escape_v their_o observation_n but_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a many_o thing_n have_v be_v allege_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o the_o unbelief_n therefore_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o those_o age_n be_v no_o material_a objection_n nor_o altogether_o so_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o unbelief_n of_o too_o many_o now_o who_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o have_v have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n be_v example_n be_v always_o the_o weak_a argument_n in_o any_o case_n and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o authority_n against_o the_o clear_a rational_a evidence_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v infinite_o surpass_v all_o other_o in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o martyr_n of_o both_o sex_n of_o every_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o rank_a and_o condition_n mistake_v ignorant_a zealot_n may_v often_o have_v suffer_v for_o other_o religion_n but_o man_n of_o the_o high_a station_n and_o worth_n and_o inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n esteem_v excellent_a have_v renounce_v all_o and_o upon_o choice_n and_o after_o a_o full_a consideration_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n tyrant_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o cruelty_n have_v make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o ambition_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n to_o extirpate_v the_o christian_a religion_n they_o esteem_v their_o persecution_n matter_n of_o triumph_n and_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o the_o 280._o the_o gâ—uter_n inscript_n p._n 238_o 280._o inscription_n of_o monument_n erect_v to_o their_o memory_n but_o the_o invincible_a patience_n and_o glorious_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n prevail_v against_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o force_n of_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o martyrology_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v there_o will_v soon_o appear_v so_o manifest_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o the_o sufferer_n for_o other_o religion_n that_o nothing_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o remember_v with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n at_o the_o low_a and_o argue_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n let_v we_o for_o a_o while_o set_v aside_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v say_v in_o preference_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o suppose_v the_o number_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o martyr_n for_o so_o we_o must_v call_v they_o at_o present_a of_o other_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o the_o cause_n itself_o make_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o they_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n in_o a_o wrong_n cause_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n which_o be_v maintain_v and_o promote_v by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o proceed_v upon_o sure_a ground_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o very_o strange_a if_o that_o which_o be_v true_a shall_v be_v ever_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o esteem_v because_o there_o may_v be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a of_o which_o some_o man_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v and_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o they_o as_o any_o one_o can_v be_v for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a thing_n that_o many_o have_v to_o pretend_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o there_o be_v many_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n and_o none_o be_v without_o its_o zealot_n to_o appear_v in_o vindication_n of_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n ever_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o religion_n upon_o so_o weak_a a_o pretence_n a_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v a_o undeserved_a value_n but_o their_o country_n their_o friend_n and_o themselves_o they_o be_v common_o as_o much_o mistake_v in_o and_o do_v as_o high_o overprize_v be_v there_o then_o no_o real_a difference_n or_o solid_a worth_n in_o any_o of_o these_o some_o of_o the_o most_o unlikely_a country_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v admire_v by_o the_o native_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o garden_n of_o eden_n and_o the_o place_n of_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o easy_a than_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n concern_v different_a country_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o elysium_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o mahomet_n paradise_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o between_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o they_o for_o which_o man_n have_v not_o show_v themselves_o passionate_o concern_v and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o more_o infallible_a in_o religion_n than_o in_o other_o thing_n or_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o less_o in_o earnest_n about_o it_o as_o not_o to_o discover_v the_o same_o frailty_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o the_o other_o action_n and_o business_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v often_o see_v in_o most_o case_n that_o some_o be_v as_o earnest_n and_o zealous_a in_o a_o false_a cause_n as_o other_o be_v in_o a_o true_a but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n when_o two_o man_n of_o opposite_a party_n be_v equal_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n as_o he_o contradict_v the_o other_o because_o as_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v both_o true_a so_o they_o can_v be_v both_o false_a if_o then_o a_o confident_a and_o zealous_a
persuasion_n do_v not_o determine_v right_o and_o wrong_n true_a and_o false_a the_o remain_a difficulty_n be_v how_o to_o distinguish_v they_o and_o that_o must_v be_v by_o the_o proper_a evidence_n and_o the_o intrinsic_a goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o our_o evidence_n in_o behalf_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n and_o if_o our_o religion_n have_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o what_o we_o assert_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o that_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o lay_v claim_v this_o must_v determine_v the_o point_n though_o a_o mahometan_a or_o pagan_n shall_v be_v as_o zealous_a for_o his_o religion_n as_o a_o christian_a can_v be_v it_o be_v common_o and_o true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o suffer_a but_o the_o cause_n which_o make_v the_o martyr_n and_o if_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n have_v never_o so_o much_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o ground_n and_o proof_n upon_o which_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n depend_v other_o religion_n may_v have_v their_o zealot_n who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o die_v for_o they_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n proper_o have_v the_o only_a martyr_n for_o martyr_n be_v witness_n and_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v attest_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n no_o other_o religion_n be_v ever_o propagate_v by_o witness_n who_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o be_v every_o way_n conversant_a in_o what_o they_o witness_v concern_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n no_o religion_n beside_o be_v ever_o preach_v by_o man_n who_o after_o a_o unalterable_a constancy_n under_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n at_o last_o die_v for_o assert_v it_o when_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o therefore_o certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v and_o die_v in_o that_o manner_n for_o it_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v ever_o atto_v from_o its_o first_o propagation_n for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n together_o by_o man_n who_o have_v either_o see_v the_o first_o preacher_n themselves_o or_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o other_o who_o have_v see_v they_o or_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n and_o see_v other_o work_v they_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v contain_v in_o book_n which_o be_v write_v at_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o it_o and_o disperse_v into_o all_o country_n in_o all_o language_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o be_v most_o concern_v and_o most_o able_a and_o desirous_a to_o disprove_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a no_o religion_n beside_o have_v by_o so_o weak_a and_o unlikely_a mean_n prevail_v over_o all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o world_n none_o be_v in_o its_o doctrine_n so_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o so_o worthy_a of_o god_n for_o its_o author_n and_o none_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o with_o so_o clear_a a_o continue_a and_o uninterrupted_a testimony_n through_o all_o age_n and_o convey_v by_o a_o succession_n of_o testimony_n to_o this_o present_a age_n and_o therefore_o no_o other_o religion_n can_v have_v martyr_n who_o can_v die_v in_o confirmation_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o this_o or_o who_o can_v be_v martyr_n and_o witness_n to_o it_o by_o assure_v the_o world_n at_o their_o death_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o religion_n thus_o testify_v and_o confirm_v for_o which_o they_o die_v it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a assert_v a_o thing_n bold_o and_o then_o die_v for_o it_o which_o make_v a_o martyr_n but_o the_o qualification_n necessary_a in_o a_o witness_n be_v necessary_a in_o he_o that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v all_o opportunity_n needful_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o no_o temptation_n to_o speak_v the_o contrary_n which_o qualification_n be_v evident_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o martyr_n who_o testimony_n be_v that_o upon_o which_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v found_v and_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o latter_a age_n be_v additional_a testimony_n which_o without_o the_o former_a will_v be_v insignificant_a but_o suppose_v they_o be_v all_o the_o testimony_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o be_v as_o much_o beyond_o the_o suffering_n in_o behalf_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v beyond_o the_o evidence_n for_o all_o other_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o zeal_n though_o it_o proceed_v even_o to_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n upon_o which_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n but_o the_o reason_n which_o christian_n have_v for_o their_o zeal_n divers_a nation_n have_v be_v as_o earnest_a assertor_n of_o their_o fabulous_a antiquity_n as_o other_o can_v be_v of_o they_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a but_o be_v these_o ever_o the_o less_o or_o those_o ever_o the_o more_o true_a upon_o that_o account_n we_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o we_o have_v book_n to_o show_v and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o produce_v for_o what_o we_o maintain_v and_o these_o have_v be_v examine_v by_o many_o man_n in_o every_o age_n and_o compare_v with_o what_o be_v to_o be_v allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o contrary_a religion_n and_o man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o prudence_n have_v choose_v to_o die_v rather_o than_o to_o renounce_v this_o religion_n for_o any_o other_o after_o the_o nice_a and_o most_o impartial_a examination_n they_o can_v make_v whereas_o the_o zealot_n and_o martyr_n for_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o christianity_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v man_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o antiquity_n but_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o history_n of_o their_o several_a religion_n and_o take_v all_o upon_o uncertain_a report_n and_o absurd_a tradition_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o possibility_n of_o it_o and_o even_o against_o manifest_a reason_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o undoubted_a history_n so_o plain_o be_v it_o that_o the_o zeal_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o die_v for_o they_o can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o enthusiasm_n and_o vain_a notion_n and_o conceit_n of_o some_o zealot_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o our_o religion_n than_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o human_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o fool_n and_o madman_n in_o the_o world_n chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o have_v prove_v a_o a_o great_a snare_n and_o scandal_n to_o weak_a mind_n nor_o which_o give_v the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n great_a advantage_n as_o they_o think_v against_o it_o than_o the_o dissension_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o different_a sect_n and_o party_n into_o which_o they_o be_v divide_v this_o make_v some_o willing_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n on_o any_o side_n when_o they_o see_v equal_a zeal_n and_o equal_a confidence_n in_o man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n that_o contend_v for_o their_o several_a opinion_n but_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o there_o must_v be_v not_o only_a division_n but_o heresy_n also_o and_o not_o only_o that_o they_o must_v be_v but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o without_o their_o use_n and_o expediency_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o real_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o do_v indeed_o conduce_v to_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o 1_o cor._n xi_o 19_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v show_v i._o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v among_o christian_n unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v iii_o that_o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v even_o the_o worst_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o religion_n i._o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v among_o
they_o hold_v a_o correspondence_n after_o their_o separation_n and_o live_v long_o to_o educate_v and_o train_v up_o their_o child_n in_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o be_v instruct_v in_o themselves_o and_o beside_o they_o have_v little_a else_o to_o discourse_v upon_o but_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v necessary_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o family_n be_v that_o which_o man_n be_v natural_o most_o fond_a of_o and_o in_o these_o age_n the_o particular_n can_v be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o very_a remarkable_a and_o almost_o within_o the_o memory_n of_o some_o yet_o live_v and_o every_o occurrence_n must_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v be_v teach_v concern_v god_n and_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o and_o their_o forefather_n moreover_o there_o be_v the_o special_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o a_o particular_a overrule_v providence_n in_o the_o dispersion_n and_o division_n of_o nation_n for_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v to_o the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n when_o he_o separate_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n he_o set_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n deut._n xxxii_o 8._o he_o determine_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n that_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n if_o haply_o they_o may_v feel_v after_o he_o and_o find_v he_o act._n xvii_o 26_o 27._o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o particular_a regard_n have_v to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o choose_a seed_n that_o they_o may_v bear_v a_o fit_a proportion_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o may_v be_v as_o so_o much_o leaven_n to_o the_o whole_a mass_n as_o a_o quicken_a and_o enliven_a principle_n to_o excite_v and_o maintain_v due_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n give_v why_o polygamy_n be_v permit_v they_o that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n and_o be_v to_o teach_v his_o commandment_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n may_v sufficient_o increase_v and_o multiply_v for_o though_o it_o appear_v by_o our_o register_n mortality_n register_n see_v grant_v on_o the_o bill_n of_o mortality_n that_o here_o more_o male_n be_v bear_v than_o female_n to_o a_o considerable_a disproportion_n and_o that_o therefore_o polygamy_n among_o we_o will_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n but_o rather_o to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o in_o judaea_n it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o or_o the_o captive_a woman_n who_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o marry_v may_v raise_v the_o number_n of_o female_n above_o that_o of_o the_o male_n or_o their_o perpetual_a war_n lessen_v the_o number_n of_o male_n to_o a_o degree_n beneath_o the_o female_n however_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n allege_v by_o learned_a man_n why_o polygamy_n which_o be_v not_o permit_v from_o the_o beginning_n shall_v be_v allow_v the_o israelite_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n that_o they_o shall_v multiply_v so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o due_a proportion_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o survive_a brother_n be_v to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o the_o decease_a barrenness_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o to_o die_v childless_a a_o curse_n and_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n a_o blessing_n so_o often_o promise_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o dispensation_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o better_a to_o revive_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n those_o who_o be_v most_o eminent_a for_o piety_n be_v employ_v to_o be_v god_n herald_n and_o ambassador_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n be_v appeal_v to_o as_o his_o witness_n isai_n xliii_o 12._o and_o xliv_o 8._o the_o jew_n have_v a_o tradition_n 25._o tradition_n s._n hierom_n quaest._n in_o genes_n s._n august_n quaest_n in_o genes_n l._n v._o qu._n 25._o that_o abraham_n refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o fire_n the_o god_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n be_v throw_v by_o they_o into_o it_o and_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o it_o by_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o that_o he_o go_v forth_o from_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o place_n but_o from_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o chaldee_n ur_fw-la in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n signify_v fire_n but_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o recourse_n to_o such_o tradition_n this_o be_v certain_a abraham_n be_v send_v by_o god_n command_n out_o of_o chaldaea_n into_o canaan_n and_o there_o he_o have_v no_o fix_a or_o settle_a habitation_n but_o journey_v go_v on_o still_o towards_o the_o south_n gen._n twelve_o 9_o till_o a_o famine_n happen_v in_o that_o country_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o dispose_v of_o thing_n that_o he_o and_o lot_n go_v into_o egypt_n and_o when_o he_o be_v there_o he_o be_v by_o a_o very_a remarkable_a accident_n take_v great_a notice_n of_o by_o pharaoh_n himself_o for_o pharaoh_n admire_v the_o beauty_n of_o sarah_n abraham_n wife_n take_v she_o into_o his_o house_n for_o which_o great_a plague_n be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o his_o household_n and_o pharaoh_n perceive_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o send_v he_o away_o with_o his_o wife_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v by_o this_o it_o become_v notorious_a to_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o prince_n that_o abraham_n be_v under_o god_n peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o regard_v what_o he_o profess_v concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n abimelech_n likewise_o king_n of_o gerar_n send_v and_o take_v sarah_n upon_o which_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n and_o declare_v to_o he_o that_o abraham_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o he_o and_o this_o abimelech_n tell_v to_o all_o his_o servant_n gen._n 20.7_o 8._o and_o he_o call_v upon_o god_n by_o his_o name_n jehovah_n ver_fw-la 4._o which_o show_v that_o he_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o abraham_n and_o lot_n be_v return_v into_o canaan_n from_o egypt_n upon_o some_o disagreement_n between_o their_o herdsman_n they_o part_v from_o each_o other_o lot_z going_z towards_o sodom_n and_o abraham_n to_o the_o plain_a of_o mamre_n in_o hebron_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v war_n between_o nine_o king_n of_o that_o country_n four_o be_v confederate_a on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o five_o on_o the_o other_o but_o the_o king_n of_o sodom_n and_o his_o confederate_n be_v defeat_v in_o battle_n lot_n who_o dwell_v in_o sodom_n be_v with_o all_o his_o good_n carry_v away_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o which_o when_o abraham_n be_v inform_v he_o arm_v his_o servant_n and_o with_o no_o more_o than_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o man_n gain_v a_o signal_n victory_n retake_v lot_n and_o bring_v he_o back_o with_o all_o his_o family_n and_o good_n and_o at_o his_o return_n he_o be_v meet_v by_o the_o king_n of_o sodom_n and_o by_o melchizedeck_v king_n of_o salem_n who_o be_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n bless_v abraham_n who_o give_v he_o the_o ten_o of_o all_o his_o spoil_n which_o whole_a action_n must_v needs_o render_v abraham_n mighty_o renown_v in_o all_o that_o country_n so_o much_o mercy_n do_v god_n extend_v to_o the_o canaanite_n who_o after_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n be_v to_o be_v root_v out_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o israelite_n to_o possess_v their_o land_n that_o abraham_n and_o lot_n and_o melchizedeck_v and_o their_o family_n be_v appoint_v as_o monitor_n and_o instructor_n to_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o piety_n and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v ineffectual_a to_o their_o amendment_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v destroy_v by_o a_o most_o miraculous_a and_o visible_a judgement_n with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n after_o god_n have_v declare_v at_o abraham_n intercession_n that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o ten_o righteous_a person_n in_o those_o city_n he_o will_v have_v save_v the_o rest_n for_o their_o sake_n lot_z with_o his_o family_n only_o escape_v this_o dreadful_a judgement_n and_o his_o wife_n look_v back_o out_o of_o fondness_n for_o the_o place_n she_o have_v leave_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n which_o be_v so_o strange_a and_o so_o remarkable_a judgement_n that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o prodigious_a obstinacy_n in_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n power_n and_o authority_n by_o they_o the_o moabite_n and_o
after_o a_o captivity_n of_o seventy_o year_n and_o cyrus_n send_v forth_o his_o proclamation_n declare_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o kigdom_n from_o god_n with_o a_o charge_n to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n 2_o chron._n xxxvi_o 23._o and_o this_o decree_n of_o cyrus_n be_v reinforce_v by_o darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n ezra_n vi_fw-la seven_o now_o so_o many_o several_a decree_n put_v forth_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o miraculous_a power_n and_o wisdom_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o they_o and_o the_o advancement_n of_o daniel_n and_o other_o and_o the_o long_a life_n and_o continuance_n of_o daniel_n in_o that_o power_n and_o esteem_n must_v leave_v all_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o excuse_n who_o be_v not_o convert_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o advancement_n of_o esther_n and_o mordecai_n under_o ahasuerus_n and_o of_o nehemiah_n under_o artaxerxes_n give_v the_o jew_n great_a authority_n and_o great_a opportunite_v of_o propagate_a their_o religion_n from_o india_n even_o unto_o aethiopia_n over_o a_o hundred_o and_o seven_o and_o twenty_o province_n for_o this_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o ahasuerus_n esth_n i._o 1._o and_o the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o babylon_n chap._n iii._o 8._o and_o they_o want_v no_o care_n nor_o diligence_n to_o improve_v every_o opportunity_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o book_n of_o ezekiel_n daniel_n ezra_n nehemiah_n and_o esther_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o such_o person_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v want_v no_o mean_n of_o conversion_n confess_v he_o before_o the_o gentile_n you_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o he_o have_v scatter_v we_o among_o they_o there_o declare_v his_o greatness_n and_o extol_v he_o before_o all_o the_o live_n for_o he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o he_o be_v the_o god_n our_o father_n for_o ever_o in_o the_o land_n of_o my_o captivity_n do_v i_o praise_v he_o and_o declare_v his_o might_n and_o majesty_n to_o a_o sinful_a nation_n tob._n xiii_o 3_o 4_o 6._o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o pious_a man_n among_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o who_o some_o be_v likewise_o in_o great_a place_n and_o authority_n chap._n i._n 13_o 21_o 22._o and_o as_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v first_o carry_v away_o captive_a so_o upon_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n all_o but_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o tribe_n remain_v in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o captivity_n and_o many_o 75._o many_o joseph_n antiq._n l._n 11._o c._n 1._o mede_n discourse_n 20._o p._n 75._o of_o those_o two_o tribe_n also_o choose_v rather_o to_o continue_v in_o babylon_n than_o forsake_v the_o possession_n which_o they_o enjoy_v there_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o not_o much_o more_o than_o half_a of_o they_o return_v and_o there_o be_v afrerwards_o three_o celebrate_a university_n 799._o university_n lightf_n harm_n n.t._n p._n 335._o exercit._n on_o act_n p._n 681_o 799._o of_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n nehardea_n pombeditha_n and_o soria_n beside_o several_a other_o place_n famous_a for_o learning_n the_o jew_n relate_v x._o relate_v hier._n in_o zech._n x._o that_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v away_o not_o only_o into_o media_n and_o persia_n but_o into_o the_o northern_a country_n beyond_o the_o bosphorus_n and_o ortelius_n find_v they_o in_o tartary_n the_o odomantes_n a_o people_n of_o thrace_n be_v circumcise_a and_o the_o 4._o the_o aristophan_v acharnens_fw-la act._n 1._o scen_n 4._o scholiast_n of_o aristophanes_n say_v that_o they_o be_v report_v to_o be_v jew_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o cyrus_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o before_o appoint_v and_o name_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o work_n be_v ordain_v for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o from_o the_o west_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n beside_o he_o isa_n xlv_o 6._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n be_v never_o give_v to_o idolatry_n and_o though_o they_o be_v bofore_o too_o much_o addict_v to_o it_o yet_o this_o give_v occasion_n to_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o it_o and_o these_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o befall_v they_o for_o their_o iniquity_n give_v continual_a manifestation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v from_o samaria_n and_o strange_a nation_n be_v transplant_v thither_o in_o their_o room_n god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o name_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v quite_o neglect_v and_o forget_v among_o they_o but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o send_v for_o a_o priest_n back_o again_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o king_n xvii_o and_o after_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalem_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o the_o death_n of_o gedaliah_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o that_o be_v leave_v behind_o in_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v not_o before_o carry_v to_o babylon_n flee_v into_o egypt_n jeremiah_n be_v force_v along_o with_o they_o who_o there_o prophesy_v against_o egypt_n and_o foretell_v its_o destruction_n by_o the_o babylonian_n jer._n xliii_o and_o at_o last_o suffer_v maâ—yrdom_n their_o go_v into_o egypt_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o jeremiah_n but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o order_v thing_n that_o jeremiah_n shall_v be_v carry_v thither_o with_o the_o rest_n to_o testify_v against_o their_o wickedness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o upon_o the_o egyptian_n in_o who_o they_o place_v their_o confidence_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o then_o to_o die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v cyrus_n and_o darius_n desire_v the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o kingdom_n alexander_n the_o great_a pâ—olemaeus_n philadelphus_n augustus_n tiberius_n and_o vitellius_n send_v victim_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v at_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o philo_n and_o josephus_n the_o jew_n constant_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o king_n and_o emperor_n under_o who_o they_o live_v and_o for_o their_o ally_n and_o confederate_n 1_o maccab._n seven_o 33._o &_o twelve_o 11._o and_o it_o be_v expect_v of_o they_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o this_o contrary_a to_o their_o know_a and_o approve_a custom_n in_o all_o former_a time_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o hasten_v their_o final_a destruction_n by_o the_o roman_n the_o course_n of_o alexander_n victory_n be_v so_o unexpected_a so_o sudden_a and_o every_o way_n so_o wonderful_a that_o it_o alarm_v the_o world_n and_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n only_o to_o gratify_v the_o ambition_n and_o vanity_n of_o a_o rash_a youth_n but_o to_o open_v a_o way_n for_o a_o communication_n between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o when_o this_o work_n be_v do_v he_o be_v no_o long_o the_o same_o man_n he_o have_v be_v before_o but_o soon_o resign_v his_o conquest_n with_o his_o life_n alexander_n be_v say_v by_o ult_n by_o joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 11._o c._n ult_n josephus_n to_o have_v be_v mighty_o encourage_v in_o his_o enterprise_n against_o persia_n by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n he_o remit_v the_o tribute_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n in_o which_o by_o their_o law_n they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o sow_v their_o ground_n 17._o ground_n ibid._n l._n 14._o c._n 17._o which_o be_v afterward_o remit_v to_o they_o likewise_o by_o the_o roman_n he_o grant_v the_o jew_n who_o in_o great_a number_n list_v themselves_o in_o his_o army_n the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o promise_v to_o grant_v the_o same_o to_o the_o jew_n of_o babylon_n and_o media_n and_o those_o of_o sanballat_n faction_n who_o follow_v he_o into_o egypt_n he_o place_v in_o thebais_n hecatoeus_n who_o live_v in_o alexander_n time_n write_v etc._n write_v joseph_n contra_fw-la ap._n lib._n 1._o pag._n 1048_o etc._n etc._n a_o book_n concern_v the_o jew_n in_o which_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o great_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o this_o instance_n that_o when_o alexander_n repair_v the_o temple_n of_o belus_n at_o babylon_n his_o soldier_n who_o be_v jew_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o help_v forward_o that_o work_n and_o at_o last_o the_o king_n excuse_v they_o he_o relate_v that_o hezechias_n the_o highpriest_n of_o the_o jew_n
a_o venerable_a man_n of_o about_o sixty_o six_o year_n of_o age_n of_o great_a prudence_n and_o experience_n and_o withal_o very_o eloquent_a who_o he_o know_v and_o have_v converse_v with_o be_v one_o among_o other_o who_o follow_v ptolemaeus_n lagi_n after_o the_o battle_n at_o gaza_n in_o which_o he_o overcome_v demetrius_n poliorcetes_n he_o mention_v likewise_o that_o mosollamus_fw-la a_o jew_n march_v with_o he_o when_o the_o rest_n make_v a_o stand_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o bird_n which_o the_o augur_n say_v portend_v ill_a luck_n to_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v march_v on_o shoot_v that_o bird_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o and_o defend_v what_o he_o have_v do_v by_o argument_n and_o indeed_o the_o jew_n want_v neither_o zeal_n nor_o wit_n nor_o courage_n upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o appear_v in_o behalf_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n against_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a this_o book_n of_o hecataeus_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n and_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n to_o it_o and_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o of_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n and_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n his_o successor_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n 2._o lagi_n joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 12._o c._n 1_o 2._o take_v jerusalem_n he_o transplant_v the_o jew_n in_o great_a multitude_n into_o egypt_n put_v many_o of_o they_o into_o his_o garrison_n and_o allow_v they_o equal_a privilege_n with_o the_o macedonian_n by_o which_o encouragement_n many_o beside_o those_o who_o he_o transport_v voluntary_o go_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o the_o captive_n of_o that_o nation_n set_v at_o liberty_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n be_v above_o 110000._o and_o beside_o the_o signal_n favour_n and_o honour_n bestow_v upon_o the_o jew_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n who_o likewise_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n which_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a furtherance_n to_o the_o propogation_n of_o religion_n seleucus_n nicanor_n grant_v they_o the_o freedom_n of_o antioch_n and_o of_o the_o city_n which_o he_o have_v found_v in_o asia_n and_o the_o low_a syria_n and_o these_o privilege_n remain_v to_o they_o till_o josephus_n time_n after_o all_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v do_v to_o deserve_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o antiochus_n the_o great_a send_v forth_o his_o letter_n and_o edict_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o 3._o in_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 12._o c._n 3._o josephus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n more-especial_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o seleucus_n son_n to_o this_o antiochus_n after_o his_o father_n example_n out_o of_o his_o own_o revenue_n bear_v the_o cost_n belong_v to_o the_o sacrisices_n 2_o mac._n three_o 3._o antiochus_n epiphanes_n himself_o at_o last_o under_o the_o avenge_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o for_o all_o his_o impious_a cruelty_n acknowledge_v himself_o punish_v for_o his_o sacrilege_n and_o other_o mischief_n commit_v at_o jerusalem_n 1_o mac._n vi_o 12_o 13._o &_o 2_o mac._n ix_o 17._o antiochus_n pius_n when_o he_o besiege_v jerusalem_n 16._o jerusalem_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 16._o not_o only_o grant_v a_o truce_n for_o seven_o day_n during_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n but_o send_v rich_a and_o noble_a present_n for_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o city_n be_v deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n upon_o honourable_a condition_n with_o regard_n particular_o to_o religion_n hyrcanus_n accompany_v antiochus_n in_o his_o parthian_a expedition_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n fall_v the_o day_n after_o the_o sabbath_n antiochus_n stop_v his_o army_n those_o two_o day_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o lacedaemonian_n claim_v 3._o claim_v 1_o mac._n viij_o twelve_o fourteen_o 2_o mac._n xi_o joseph_n antiqu_n l._n 13._o c._n 9_o 13._o l._n 14._o c._n 16._o justin_n lib._n 36._o c._n 3._o kindred_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o both_o they_o and_o the_o athenian_n and_o roman_n enter_v into_o league_n with_o they_o which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v continue_v and_o renew_v josephus_n mention_n a_o pillar_n then_o stand_v at_o alexandria_n contain_v the_o privilege_n 2._o privilege_n joseph_n contr_n ap._n l._n 2._o grant_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o julius_n caesar_n and_o when_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v tolerate_v except_o those_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n the_o jew_n only_o have_v allowance_n for_o a_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n even_o in_o rome_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o and_o many_o other_o edict_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o senate_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n josephus_n 6._o josephus_n joseph_n ant._n quit_v l._n 14._o c._n 16._o l._n 16._o c._n 4_o 5_o 10._o l._n i9_n c._n 4_o 6._o appeal_v to_o the_o table_n of_o brass_n then_o extant_a and_o preserve_v in_o the_o capitol_n and_o other_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n under_o the_o maccabee_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n which_o they_o show_v upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n render_v the_o jew_n renown_v over_o all_o nation_n and_o beside_o their_o conquest_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hyrcanus_n 17._o hyrcanus_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 13._o c._n 17._o all_o idumaea_n embrace_v the_o jewish_a religion_n aristobulus_n have_v conquer_v great_a part_n of_o ituraea_n cause_v all_o their_o male_n 19_o male_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 19_o to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o strabo_n testify_v under_o alexander_n father_n to_o hyrcanus_n 3._o hyrcanus_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 23._o l._n 14._o c._n 3._o the_o jew_n take_v twelve_o city_n from_o the_o arabian_n and_o become_v possess_v of_o many_o city_n in_o syria_n idumaea_n and_o phenicia_n all_o which_o they_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o demolish_a pella_n for_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v it_o the_o 12._o the_o see_v mr._n mede_n discourse_n 12._o temple_n build_v by_o sanballat_n for_o manasses_n who_o have_v marry_v his_o daughter_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o samaritan_n leave_v their_o false_a go_n and_o after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o egypt_n the_o babylonian_a talmud_n say_v 205._o say_v lightf_n harmon_n p._n 205._o that_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v double_a the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o come_v out_o from_o thence_o under_o moses_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n do_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v but_o then_o they_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o mat._n xxiii_o 15._o yet_o still_o they_o teach_v the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n though_o in_o hypocrisy_n and_o with_o the_o mixture_n of_o superstition_n and_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v what_o they_o bid_v they_o but_o not_o to_o do_v after_o their_o work_n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n 783._o sanhedrin_n lightf_n excercit_fw-la on_o 1_o cor._n xiii_o 1._o p._n 783._o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v many_o language_n that_o the_o sanhedrin_n may_v hear_v nothing_o by_o a_o interpreter_n which_o qualify_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o aspire_v to_o that_o dignity_n to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o make_v proselyte_n the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v all_o over_o the_o world_n but_o chief_o seat_v themselves_o in_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n and_o antioch_n the_o three_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o all_o which_o they_o have_v great_a and_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o in_o alexandria_n they_o have_v magistrate_n of_o their_o own_o 12._o own_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 14._o c._n 12._o and_o live_v under_o a_o peculiar_a government_n by_o themselves_o never_o any_o other_o nation_n have_v such_o various_a change_n and_o revolution_n to_o mix_v they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o never_o any_o people_n be_v so_o industrious_a and_o zealous_a and_o so_o successful_a in_o the_o propogation_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v their_o proseuchae_n and_o their_o synagogue_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o for_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o scripture_n which_o man_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v admit_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o place_n wherever_o they_o dwell_v and_o in_o egypt_n they_o have_v a_o 30._o a_o joseph_n bell._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 30._o temple_n like_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n build_v by_o onias_n which_o continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o hundred_o and_o forty_o three_o year_n
several_a prophecy_n we_o have_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o ascribe_v to_o other_o and_o the_o last_o comain_v so_o many_o remarkable_a thing_n be_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o enemy_n moses_n himself_o foretell_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v after_o forty_o year_n come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n that_o they_o shall_v prove_v victorious_a over_o the_o canaanite_n and_o that_o their_o country_n shall_v by_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o protection_n be_v preserve_v in_o safety_n whilst_o they_o go_v up_o to_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n thrice_o every_o year_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n shall_v all_o your_o man-child_n appear_v before_o the_o lord_n god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o i_o will_v cast_v out_o the_o nation_n before_o thou_o and_o enlarge_v thy_o border_n netther_o shall_v any_o man_n desire_v thy_o land_n when_o thou_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n exod._n xxxiv_o 23_o 24._o here_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o constant_a miracle_n to_o be_v fulfil_v to_o the_o israelite_n thrice_o every_o year_n as_o long_o as_o their_o government_n stand_v all_o their_o male_n be_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o three_o set_v and_o know_v time_n every_o year_n and_o yet_o their_o enemy_n round_o about_o they_o who_o they_o have_v so_o many_o way_n provoke_v be_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n restrain_v from_o take_v any_o advantage_n of_o this_o opportunity_n which_o be_v frequent_o and_o notorious_o give_v they_o of_o invade_v their_o country_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o their_o government_n to_o subsist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o religion_n without_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o preserve_n of_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o be_v a_o continual_a confirmation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o a_o repeat_v assurance_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n likewise_o every_o seven_o year_n they_o be_v permit_v neither_o to_o sow_v their_o land_n nor_o to_o prune_v their_o vineyard_n nor_o to_o gather_v any_o corn_n or_o fruit_n that_o grow_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n which_o be_v a_o law_n that_o must_v have_v bring_v they_o under_o great_a extremity_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o have_v be_v impracticable_a if_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a blessing_n of_o god_n have_v not_o supply_v this_o constant_a want_n of_o the_o seven_o year_n product_n with_o as_o constant_a a_o overplus_n in_o the_o precede_a year_n for_o as_o god_n by_o moses_n foretell_v that_o on_o the_o six_o day_n there_o shall_v fall_v manna_n enough_o to_o supply_v they_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n so_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o three_o year_n fruit_n precise_o every_o six_o year_n to_o supply_v that_o want_n which_o the_o sabbatical_a year_n must_v otherwise_o have_v reduce_v they_o to_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v the_o seven_o year_n behold_v we_o shall_v not_o sow_v nor_o gather_v in_o our_o increase_n then_o i_o will_v command_v my_o blessing_n upon_o you_o in_o the_o six_o year_n and_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n for_o three_o year_n and_o you_o shall_v sow_v the_o eight_o year_n and_o eat_v yet_o of_o old_a fruit_n until_o the_o nine_o year_n until_o her_o fruit_n come_v in_o you_o shall_v eat_v of_o the_o old_a store_n leu._n twenty-five_o 20_o 21_o 22._o which_o be_v another_o clear_a instance_n that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n can_v never_o have_v subsist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o law_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a and_o miraculous_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o for_o their_o preservation_n in_o blessing_n the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n he_o foretell_v the_o peculiar_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o distinct_a tribe_n deut._n xxxiii_o he_o foretell_v to_o they_o all_o in_o general_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v miraculous_a success_n against_o the_o canaanite_n that_o they_o shall_v possess_v themselves_o of_o their_o land_n that_o they_o shall_v set_v king_n over_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n whither_o they_o shall_v all_o resort_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o divine_a oracle_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n for_o their_o direction_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o difficulty_n and_o joshua_n appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n whether_o all_o have_v not_o be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v promise_v as_o far_o as_o his_o time_n and_o be_v hold_v this_o day_n i_o be_o go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o you_o know_v in_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o all_o your_o soul_n that_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n speak_v concern_v you_o all_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v unto_o you_o and_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v thereof_o josh_n xxiii_o 14._o the_o extent_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n after_o they_o come_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v foretell_v exod._n xxiii_o 31._o and_o fulfil_v 2_o sam._n viij_o 3._o ezra_n four_o 20._o and_o solomon_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n declare_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o people_n that_o there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o god_n good_a promise_n which_o he_o promise_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n 1_o king_n viij_o 56._o moses_n also_o foretell_v that_o beside_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n for_o many_o age_n there_o shall_v arise_v a_o prophet_n of_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v deut._n xviii_o 18._o this_o prophet_n be_v the_o great_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o out_o saviour_n come_v joh._n 1.21_o &_o vi_fw-la 14._o &_o seven_o 40._o and_o the_o apostle_n prove_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v he_o act._n iii._o 22._o &_o seven_o 37._o last_o moses_n foretell_v the_o disobedience_n and_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o judgement_n that_o shall_v befall_v they_o for_o their_o iniquity_n and_o their_o deliverance_n upon_o their_o repentance_n he_o foretell_v so_o many_o year_n before_o they_o have_v any_o king_n that_o they_o and_o their_o king_n who_o they_o will_v set_v over_o they_o shall_v be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o the_o assyrian_n who_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n that_o the_o other_o prophet_n use_v concern_v they_o the_o remainder_n shall_v be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n deut._n xxviii_o 36_o 49_o 50_o 68_o and_o we_o see_v it_o come_v according_o to_o pass_v jer._n xliii_o and_o the_o siege_n of_o samaria_n by_o the_o assyrian_n and_o of_o jerusalem_n both_o by_o they_o and_o the_o roman_n be_v particular_o describe_v to_o the_o very_a circumstance_n of_o their_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o their_o son_n and_o of_o their_o daughter_n deut._n xxviii_o 53._o which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o have_v scarce_o ever_o happen_v in_o any_o other_o siege_n but_o those_o of_o samaria_n and_o of_o jerusalem_n lam._n two_o 20._o &_o four_o 10.2_o king_n vi_o 29._o this_o monstrous_a and_o dreadful_a thing_n be_v twice_o know_v in_o jerusalem_n first_o when_o it_o be_v besiege_v by_o nehuchadnezzar_n and_o again_o when_o it_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o roman_n under_o titus_n and_o such_o a_o circumstance_n can_v not_o be_v foretell_v so_o long_o before_o but_o by_o a_o divine_a prescience_n and_o that_o so_o strange_a and_o unnatural_a a_o thing_n shall_v befall_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n three_o several_a time_n according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o a_o prophecy_n can_v have_v nothing_o of_o chance_n in_o it_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o beside_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o their_o first_o original_a to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o perpetual_a fulfil_v of_o express_a prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n if_o it_o be_v once_o prove_v that_o moses_n do_v what_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o that_o he_o be_v god_n servant_n and_o minister_n and_o that_o
will_v recover_v he_o die_v while_o the_o answer_n be_v read_v that_o foretell_v his_o recovery_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n against_o natural_a conscience_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n make_v to_o mankind_n and_o so_o often_o promulge_v among_o all_o nation_n god_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o such_o sign_n and_o prediction_n as_o either_o be_v indeed_o true_a or_o can_v not_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v false_a but_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o countenance_n and_o establish_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v able_a to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n by_o their_o sagacity_n and_o cunning_a which_o may_v be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n not_o only_o to_o perform_v but_o to_o understand_v or_o find_v out_o but_o their_o miracle_n be_v never_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n nor_o have_v they_o be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v and_o the_o power_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v attest_v and_o establish_v be_v so_o much_o superior_a to_o any_o power_n in_o the_o heathen_a god_n that_o when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o seduce_a spirit_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n declare_v in_o their_o writing_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n of_o their_o own_o time_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o undertake_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o prove_v it_o before_o they_o this_o tertullian_n undertake_v in_o 23._o in_o tertul_n apol._n c._n 23._o his_o apology_n as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v write_v to_o the_o emperor_n and_o senate_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o proconsul_n of_o afric_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o several_a city_n and_o province_n and_o st._n cyprian_n affirm_v the_o like_a in_o his_o treatise_n to_o demetrianus_n a_o judge_n of_o carthage_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o proconsul_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n likewise_o speak_v origen_n minutius_n foelix_n and_o other_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v ever_o have_v make_v such_o public_a and_o repeat_v appeal_n if_o their_o pretence_n have_v be_v false_a to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o life_n and_o the_o utter_a disgrace_n and_o extirpation_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o plead_v for_o by_o such_o confident_a and_o bold_a discourse_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v disprove_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a man_n who_o have_v the_o wealth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n on_o their_o side_n may_v perhaps_o sometime_o make_v large_a boast_n and_o high_a pretence_n when_o they_o can_v easy_o hinder_v other_o from_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o test_n but_o man_n that_o have_v all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o empire_n against_o they_o will_v never_o have_v offer_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o the_o face_n of_o their_o worst_a enemy_n to_o who_o their_o apology_n be_v direct_v chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a religion_n have_v be_v wicked_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n and_o goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n this_o might_n be_v make_v out_o at_o large_a by_o particular_n as_o i._o the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v so_o confuse_v and_o absurd_a that_o the_o only_a evasion_n which_o the_o philosopher_n can_v find_v who_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o paganism_n against_o christianity_n be_v to_o expound_v their_o theology_n by_o allegory_n but_o this_o philo_n 10._o philo_n eâ—seâ—_n praepar_fw-la lib._n i_o c._n 9_o 10._o biblius_n censure_v as_o absurd_a and_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a abuse_n and_o innovation_n in_o their_o divinity_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o he_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o sanchoniathan_n and_o eusebius_n beside_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n iii._o charge_n magnam_fw-la molestiam_fw-la suscepit_fw-la &_o minime_fw-la necessariam_fw-la primus_fw-la zeno_n post_fw-la â—â—eanthes_fw-la deinde_fw-la chrysippus_n commentitiarum_fw-la balarum_fw-la redâ—ere_fw-la rationem_fw-la ciâ—_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n iii._o zeno_n first_o begin_v this_o way_n of_o allegorise_v in_o which_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o cleanthes_n chrysippus_n and_o other_o stoic_n 5._o stoic_n tertull._n ad_fw-la naâ—_n lib._n two_o c._n â—_o aug._n civ_o deâ—_n 〈◊〉_d 6._o c._n 5._o varro_n make_v three_o sort_n of_o heathen_a theology_n in_o the_o fabulous_a invent_v by_o the_o poet_n the_o physical_a or_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o the_o civil_a or_o popular_a be_v such_o as_o the_o several_a city_n and_o country_n have_v set_v up_o 5._o up_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 5._o the_o greek_a theology_n be_v thus_o distinguish_v 1._o god_n who_o rule_v over_o all_o 2._o the_o god_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o govern_v above_o the_o moon_n 3._o the_o daemon_n who_o jurisdiction_n be_v in_o the_o air_n below_o it_o and_o 4._o the_o hero_n or_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v imagine_v to_o preside_v over_o terrestrial_a affair_n which_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o their_o god_n 250._o god_n hesiod_n oper_n &_o dier_n lib._n i_o v._n 250._o whereof_o hesiod_n compute_v thirty_o thousand_o hover_v in_o the_o air_n unless_o he_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o indefinite_a number_n orpheus_n reckon_v but_o 365_o iii._o 365_o theop_n ad_fw-la autol._n lib._n iii._o and_o at_o his_o death_n in_o his_o will_n assert_v only_o one_o 12._o one_o tertul_n apol._n c._n 14._o gauge_n survey_v of_o the_o w._n indies_n c._n 12._o varro_n reckon_v up_o three_o hundred_o jupiter_n and_o the_o god_n of_o mexico_n as_o the_o indian_n report_v to_o the_o spaniard_n be_v two_o thousand_o in_o number_n varro_z tully_n and_o seneca_n and_o most_o sober_a and_o discreet_a man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n the_o verse_n of_o valerius_n soranus_n 9_o soranus_n aug._n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 31._o seven_o 9_o be_v produce_v and_o expound_v by_o varro_n the_o worship_n of_o their_o god_n and_o of_o their_o image_n or_o idol_n be_v so_o gross_a among_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n in_o china_n and_o in_o both_o the_o indies_n that_o one_o will_v almost_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o far_o delude_v by_o the_o devil_n they_o worship_v not_o only_o the_o ghost_n of_o dead_a man_n but_o bird_n and_o beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o the_o devil_n himself_o under_o image_n of_o such_o hideous_a form_n and_o shape_n as_o be_v frightful_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o wise_a heathen_n be_v ashamed_a of_o these_o idolatry_n 31._o idolatry_n aug._n civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 31._o and_o varro_n particular_o commend_v the_o jew_n for_o use_v no_o image_n in_o their_o divine_a worship_n which_o he_o fay_v be_v not_o in_o use_n at_o rome_n till_o above_o one_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o year_n after_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n numae_fw-la city_n plut._n in_o vit_fw-mi numae_fw-la for_o numa_n the_o contriver_n of_o their_o religion_n forbid_v image_n which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a that_o the_o two_o the_o cic._n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a lib._n iii._o the_o legib_n lib._n two_o roman_n shall_v afterward_o erect_v temple_n and_o altar_n to_o the_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n to_o a_o fever_n and_o to_o ill_a fortune_n as_o the_o two_o the_o cic._n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a lib._n iii._o the_o legib_n lib._n two_o athenian_n do_v to_o contumely_n and_o impudence_n but_o it_o be_v still_o more_o amaze_a that_o they_o shall_v deify_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n the_o very_a monster_n and_o reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o whilst_o the_o christian_n suffer_v for_o refuse_v adoration_n to_o their_o emperor_n they_o have_v divine_a honour_n pay_v they_o by_o the_o grave_a heathen_n such_o as_o prooem_n as_o quint_n inst_z lib._n prooem_n quinctilian_n not_o only_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o out_o of_o compliment_n and_o base_a flattery_n 2._o all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n and_o lewdness_n make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v too_o shameful_a and_o too_o notorious_a to_o relate_v two_o relate_v euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n two_o c._n ult_n ex_fw-la diony_n halicaâ—â—_n lib._n two_o the_o roman_n when_o they_o receive_v
if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n but_o the_o imperfection_n of_o human_a nature_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o god_n that_o this_o shall_v never_o mislead_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n whether_o the_o imperfection_n be_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o in_o short_a the_o miracle_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v as_o effectual_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o we_o as_o they_o can_v to_o those_o that_o see_v they_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v upon_o their_o evidence_n as_o they_o can_v have_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sense_n let_v we_o consider_v history_n as_o a_o medium_n by_o which_o these_o miracle_n become_v know_v to_o we_o and_o compare_v this_o medium_n with_o that_o of_o sight_n if_o a_o man_n will_v be_v sceptical_a he_o may_v doubt_v whether_o any_o medium_n of_o sight_n be_v so_o fit_o dispose_v as_o to_o represent_v object_n in_o their_o due_a proportion_n and_o proper_a shape_n he_o may_v suspect_v that_o any_o miracle_n which_o he_o can_v see_v be_v false_a or_o wrought_v only_o to_o amuse_v and_o deceive_v he_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o way_n to_o satisfy_v such_o a_o one_o but_o by_o tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o in_o this_o other_o medium_n of_o history_n which_o to_o we_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o that_o of_o sight_n a_o man_n may_v doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o he_o please_v notwithstanding_o the_o most_o credible_a evidence_n but_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n where_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v concern_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v mankind_n to_o be_v deceive_v without_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o deceit_n the_o circumstance_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o credibility_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v due_o attend_v to_o can_v but_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o evidence_n of_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o and_o consider_v and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o its_o circumstance_n most_o credible_a and_o in_o its_o matter_n be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v certain_o true_a unless_o god_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n for_o not_o to_o believe_v thing_n credible_a when_o attend_v to_o and_o know_v to_o be_v such_o be_v to_o humane_a nature_n impossible_a and_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o thing_n propose_v as_o from_o god_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a crime_n against_o god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v i_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o be_o oblige_v in_o honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v upon_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o think_v he_o can_v oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v john_n xx_o 29._o which_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o a_o peculiar_a blessing_n belong_v to_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v upon_o less_o evidence_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v there_o pronounce_v bless_a who_o have_v so_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v of_o himself_o as_o to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o not_o because_o other_o may_v not_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o belief_n as_o those_o who_o see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o convince_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n though_o reason_n proceed_v at_o least_o upon_o as_o sure_a and_o as_o undeniable_a principle_n a_o demonstration_n when_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o self_n evident_a principle_n upon_o which_o it_o proceed_v though_o it_o be_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o they_o that_o every_o one_o can_v discern_v the_o connexion_n demonstration_n may_v be_v far_o from_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a but_o be_v oftentimes_o we_o know_v very_o difficult_a and_o intricate_a which_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o make_v out_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o sense_n itself_o the_o blessing_n be_v pronounce_v to_o he_o who_o believe_v not_o upon_o less_o evidence_n but_o upon_o that_o which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v less_o which_o be_v less_o observable_a and_o less_o obvious_a to_o our_o consideration_n but_o not_o less_o certain_a when_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v for_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n that_o be_v effectual_o attest_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v of_o he_o because_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o in_o age_n to_o come_v be_v to_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o faith_n in_o christian_n and_o he_o thereby_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o good_a ground_n for_o faith_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o as_o we_o can_v have_v from_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o general_o those_o who_o come_v in_o unbelief_n go_v away_o no_o better_o satisfy_v wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o his_o own_o country_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n he_o can_v do_v no_o mighty_a work_n save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o heal_v they_o mark_n vi_fw-la 5._o he_o can_v not_o do_v his_o mighty_a work_n because_o they_o will_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o will_v be_v lose_v upon_o they_o and_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o insignificant_a or_o in_o vain_a if_o they_o will_v reject_v what_o have_v be_v so_o full_o witness_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v whatever_o miracle_n they_o shall_v see_v he_o do_v it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o amid_o all_o his_o miracle_n our_o saviour_n direct_v his_o follower_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o very_a miracle_n and_o that_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n who_o see_v and_o discourse_v with_o he_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o luke_n xxiv_o 26_o 27._o he_o require_v the_o jew_n to_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o own_o miracle_n than_o that_o which_o he_o imply_v they_o already_o give_v to_o the_o wriring_n of_o moses_n so_o as_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o create_v in_o they_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o many_o more_o and_o great_a motive_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o believe_v these_o of_o the_o new_a must_v therefore_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o those_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n and_o all_o the_o faith_n which_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v that_o i_o myself_o be_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o maker_n or_o create_v without_o a_o creator_n and_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o this_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n in_o man_n must_v himself_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a that_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o that_o according_a to_o these_o attribute_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v a_o false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o his_o own_o name_n with_o such_o manifest_a token_n of_o credibility_n that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o disprove_v it_o but_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o r._n wellington_n at_o the_o dolphin_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n be_v churchyard_n new_o publish_v a_o treatise_n of_o medicine_n contain_v a_o account_n of_o their_o chemical_a principle_n the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o they_o their_o various_a preparation_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o
or_o other_o preserve_v than_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o omit_v the_o mâ—ntion_n of_o these_o person_n of_o who_o they_o haâ—_n any_o â—islike_n or_o who_o have_v make_v themselves_o oâ—ioâ—s_o to_o they_o thus_o in_o the_o xxth_o dynasty_n of_o their_o king_n there_o be_v a_o total_a vacancy_n for_o the_o spacâ—_n of_o clxxviii_o year_n which_o the_o learned_a mr._n greaves_n with_o great_a probability_n supply_v with_o the_o name_n of_o those_o king_n who_o build_v the_o pyramid_n two_o whereof_o cheops_n and_o chephren_n as_o 128._o as_o herod_n lib._n 2._o c._n 128._o herodotus_n say_v the_o egyptian_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_n but_o call_v the_o pyramid_n which_o they_o have_v erect_v the_o pyramid_n of_o philition_n a_o shepherd_n who_o in_o those_o day_n feed_v his_o cattle_n there_o the_o which_o hatred_n say_v â—â—idoâ—raph_v say_v 〈…〉_o â—â—idoâ—raph_v mr._n greaves_n occasion_v by_o their_o oppressious_a as_o diodorus_n also_o mention_n may_v cause_n manethos_n to_o omit_v the_o rest_n especiaâ—â—_n sabachus_n a_o aethiopian_a and_o a_o usurper_n but_o whatever_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n in_o that_o particular_a this_o make_v the_o history_n of_o that_o nation_n in_o general_a very_o uncertain_a and_o may_v afford_v a_o sufâ—â—erent_a reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v either_o omit_v or_o 〈◊〉_d by_o heathen_a historian_n who_o have_v what_o they_o relate_v of_o they_o from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o hebrew_n neither_o live_v with_o the_o egyptian_n nor_o leave_v they_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o to_o have_v their_o story_n faithful_o tell_v by_o a_o nation_n who_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o to_o pass_v down_o to_o posterity_n if_o they_o can_v help_v it_o that_o be_v displease_v to_o they_o when_o it_o happen_v but_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o notorious_a as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v whole_o stifle_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o vary_v and_o deface_v it_o with_o false_a circumstance_n in_o the_o report_n which_o they_o give_v out_o concern_v it_o and_o here_o i_o must_v once_o more_o complain_v of_o mr._n blount_n who_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o egyptian_a historian_n that_o have_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n of_o our_o religion_n profess_v to_o translate_v that_o place_n of_o tacitus_n which_o concern_v the_o original_a of_o the_o jew_n cut_v his_o translation_n short_a and_o go_v no_o fâ—rther_a than_o the_o vilify_n and_o false_a part_n of_o the_o account_n which_o tacitus_n give_v for_o his_o character_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o relation_n of_o what_o pompey_n discover_v upon_o his_o entrance_n into_o the_o temple_n be_v omit_v and_o beside_o that_o which_o he_o have_v translate_v be_v far_o from_o be_v exact_a but_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o ark_n he_o have_v make_v sir_n thomas_n brown_n say_v that_o will_v not_o appear_v feasible_a which_o the_o learned_a knight_n have_v say_v will_v appear_v feasible_a so_o he_o have_v deal_v no_o better_a with_o tacitus_n make_v he_o likewise_o deny_v what_o he_o have_v affirm_v tacitus_n v._n tacitus_n tâ—â—â—_n hist_o lib._n v._n say_v he_o ritus_fw-la quoquo_fw-la modo_fw-la inducti_fw-la antiquitate_fw-la defenduntur_fw-la these_o rite_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o introduce_v be_v defend_v by_o their_o antiquity_n which_o 13â—_n which_o oâ—â—â—_n of_o reason_n p._n 13â—_n mr._n blount_n translate_v thus_o but_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o have_v be_v introduce_v they_o have_v no_o antiquity_n for_o their_o patronization_n this_o be_v to_o use_v the_o history_n of_o tacitus_n as_o ill_o as_o he_o do_v that_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o much_o worse_a than_o tacitus_n himself_o have_v do_v the_o jew_n for_o if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v what_o tacitus_n have_v write_v of_o the_o jew_n prove_v a_o very_a remarkable_a vindication_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o say_v indeed_o that_o they_o consecrate_v the_o image_n of_o a_o ass_n but_o he_o say_v it_o only_o as_o a_o report_n which_o he_o confute_v afterward_o himself_o by_o acknowledge_v that_o pompey_n when_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n find_v no_o image_n in_o it_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o say_v aegyptij_fw-la pelraque_fw-la animalia_fw-la effigiesque_fw-la compositas_fw-la venerantur_fw-la judaei_n ment_fw-la sell_v unumque_fw-la 〈◊〉_d intelligunt_fw-la profanos_fw-la qui_fw-la deum_fw-la imagine_v mortalibus_fw-la materiis_fw-la in_o species_n hominum_fw-la effingunt_fw-la summum_fw-la illud_fw-la aeternum_fw-la neque_fw-la mutabile_fw-la neque_fw-la interiturum_fw-la igitur_fw-la nulla_fw-la simulachra_fw-la vrbibâ—s_fw-la suis_fw-la nedum_fw-la templis_fw-la sunt_fw-la which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o what_o this_o historian_n write_v before_o in_o these_o word_n effigiem_fw-la animalis_fw-la quo_fw-la monstrante_fw-la errorem_fw-la sitimque_fw-la depâ—lerunt_fw-la penetâ—ali_fw-la sacravere_fw-la that_o some_o have_v charge_v he_o with_o contradict_v himself_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o story_n of_o their_o worship_v a_o ass_n be_v relate_v as_o a_o tradition_n which_o be_v afterward_o sufficient_o confute_v by_o his_o own_o account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o by_o what_o pompey_n find_v nullà _fw-fr nitus_fw-la deum_fw-la effigy_n vacuam_fw-la sedem_fw-la &_o inania_fw-la arcana_fw-la whatever_o his_o design_n be_v and_o however_o his_o obscure_a way_n of_o writing_n have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v misunderstand_v there_o can_v hardly_o be_v any_o thing_n say_v more_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n than_o what_o tacitus_n have_v deliver_v of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o will_v compare_v that_o which_o tully_n have_v say_v in_o the_o same_o flacco_fw-la same_o pro_fw-la flacco_fw-la oration_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n he_o must_v conclude_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o jew_n be_v rather_o to_o their_o commendation_n than_o to_o their_o disgrace_n tully_n there_o declare_v the_o greek_n to_o be_v of_o no_o credit_n nor_o esteem_n but_o unfaithful_a and_o of_o the_o worst_a reputation_n even_o to_o a_o proverb_n in_o their_o testimony_n and_o oath_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o involve_v the_o athenian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n in_o the_o common_a scandal_n who_o appear_v for_o his_o client_n and_o give_v a_o high_a character_n of_o the_o massilian_n and_o will_v seem_v to_o confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o asiatic_a greek_n by_o who_o own_o confession_n he_o say_v the_o people_n of_o phrygia_n mysia_n caria_n and_o lydia_n be_v proverbial_o infamous_a when_o he_o have_v express_v this_o contempt_n of_o the_o greek_n he_o fall_v next_o upon_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o have_v he_o to_o say_v of_o they_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n a_o barbarous_a superstition_n and_o jerusalem_n a_o suspicious_a and_o rail_a city_n and_o he_o pronounce_v the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o splendour_n and_o gravity_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_n he_o insinuate_v that_o they_o be_v a_o people_n not_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o roman_a state_n and_o urge_v the_o conquest_n of_o they_o by_o pompey_n as_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o so_o very_o learned_a a_o orator_n have_v nothing_o but_o these_o common_a topic_n of_o slander_n to_o charge_v they_o withal_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o câ—use_n to_o speak_v the_o worst_a he_o know_v of_o they_o what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a justification_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n one_o of_o the_o accusation_n lay_v against_o flaccus_n who_o defence_n tully_n have_v undertake_v be_v that_o sum_v of_o gold_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v send_v out_o of_o italy_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o roman_a province_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n flaccus_n have_v forbid_v any_o to_o be_v export_v from_o asia_n here_o it_o concern_v tully_n to_o expose_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o prohibition_n relate_v to_o it_o but_o he_o who_o never_o speak_v little_a upon_o any_o subject_a that_o can_v afford_v a_o scope_n for_o his_o eloquence_n say_v so_o little_a here_o to_o the_o dispraise_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n that_o the_o commendation_n of_o another_o have_v be_v less_o to_o their_o honour_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o tully_n mention_n nothing_o of_o their_o worship_v a_o ass_n which_o be_v so_o groundless_a and_o foolish_a a_o slander_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v what_o can_v give_v occasion_n to_o it_o and_o perhaps_o no_o better_a account_n of_o it_o can_v be_v assign_v than_o that_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v resolve_v to_o fasten_v the_o worst_a and_o most_o ridiculous_a falsehood_n they_o can_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v permit_v i_o to_o add_v a_o conjecture_n to_o those_o which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o
other_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v style_v shammatha_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o maran_n atha_n sham_n signify_v lord_n as_o 22._o as_o vid._n grot._n &_o ham._n ad_fw-la 1_o cor._n xuj_o 22._o maran_n also_o do_v in_o the_o syriac_a and_o other_o language_n and_o atha_n signify_v come_v atha_n may_v either_o ignorant_o or_o malicious_o be_v mistake_v for_o athon_n which_o signify_v a_o ass_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o this_o calumny_n may_v be_v first_o raise_v by_o some_o body_n who_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o turn_v apostate_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a wrong_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a and_o other_o heathen_a historian_n for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o relation_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o divers_a author_n may_v put_v most_o part_n of_o history_n past_o doubt_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o those_o which_o have_v be_v mention_v be_v exception_n to_o which_o the_o sacred_a historian_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n liable_a they_o do_v not_o charge_v one_o another_o with_o falsehood_n nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v of_o partiality_n in_o their_o write_n but_o they_o tell_v the_o most_o disgraceful_a truth_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o of_o themselves_o and_o the_o history_n itself_o have_v so_o many_o public_a circumstance_n that_o they_o clear_v it_o beyond_o all_o suspicion_n of_o deceit_n if_o the_o name_n of_o some_o man_n be_v omit_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v they_o mention_v there_o upon_o other_o and_o there_o be_v evident_a reason_n that_o the_o name_n of_o infamous_a man_n shall_v in_o some_o case_n be_v omit_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v insert_v in_o genealogy_n and_o enroll_v in_o the_o register_n of_o honour_n but_o when_o the_o memory_n of_o person_n and_o action_n be_v total_o suppress_v this_o must_v extreme_o abate_v the_o credit_n of_o any_o history_n the_o jew_n be_v the_o only_a people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v have_v their_o antiquity_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n deliver_v down_o and_o preserve_v in_o a_o authentic_a book_n unanimous_o assert_v by_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o all_o age_n which_o they_o have_v never_o change_v nor_o alter_v but_o have_v in_o great_a number_n sacrifice_v their_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o it_o if_o the_o heathen_n in_o divers_a thing_n contradict_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o contradict_v one_o another_o as_o much_o in_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o antiquity_n and_o what_o they_o relate_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v upon_o uncertain_a and_o contrary_a report_n if_o they_o conceal_v what_o concern_v the_o jew_n it_o be_v their_o custom_n to_o stifle_v that_o which_o do_v not_o please_v they_o the_o history_n as_o well_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o most_o other_o nation_n be_v keep_v secret_a and_o not_o communicate_v to_o the_o people_n no_o book_n of_o history_n among_o they_o be_v ever_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n with_o a_o strict_a charge_n to_o every_o one_o to_o read_v and_o study_v it_o as_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v when_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o memorable_a thing_n relate_v be_v within_o the_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n of_o all_o that_o read_v they_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o preserve_v their_o genealogy_n with_o all_o imaginable_a care_n and_o exactness_n if_o they_o will_v make_v good_a the_o claim_n and_o title_n to_o their_o inheritance_n so_o that_o the_o mean_a among_o they_o can_v with_o the_o great_a certainty_n derive_v his_o line_n from_o adam_n whereas_o the_o persian_a king_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 11._o from_o herod_n lib._n seven_o c._n 11._o herodotus_n can_v boast_v but_o of_o a_o short_a descent_n and_o the_o king_n and_o emperor_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o of_o other_o nation_n to_o advance_v their_o pedigree_n be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o fabulous_a report_n and_o the_o heathen_a account_n of_o the_o original_a not_o only_o of_o particular_a family_n but_o of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v fabulous_a or_o at_o the_o best_a but_o very_o uncertain_a by_o the_o most_o accurate_a historian_n the_o account_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v at_o first_o and_o it_o have_v be_v transmit_v with_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o any_o history_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o posterity_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o deluge_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n of_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n their_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o thence_o and_o their_o journey_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n they_o all_o frequent_o assert_v suppose_v or_o imply_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o continue_a series_n and_o line_n of_o truth_n observable_a throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o among_o heathen_a writer_n it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o any_o considerable_a antiquity_n if_o they_o agree_v in_o some_o material_a passage_n it_o be_v common_o with_o much_o variation_n in_o the_o circumstance_n and_o with_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o doubtfulness_n and_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o most_o agree_v be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v take_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o compose_v a_o book_n that_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o antiquity_n and_o learning_n of_o it_o be_v the_o most_o valuable_a of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o but_o vice_n and_o ignorance_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n a_o pretence_n to_o learning_n can_v make_v it_o so_o much_o despise_v ii_o if_o the_o history_n of_o heathen_a nation_n be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v rely_v upon_o their_o philosophy_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v worthy_a of_o no_o more_o regard_n which_o for_o any_o thing_n of_o truth_n and_o usefulness_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o depend_v so_o much_o upon_o historical_a tradition_n that_o poetry_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a way_n of_o write_v be_v not_o only_o assert_v by_o heathen_a author_n but_o may_v with_o great_a probability_n be_v make_v out_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o poet_n be_v the_o chief_a upholder_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o the_o philosophy_n in_o use_n among_o the_o heathen_n both_o these_o be_v at_o the_o first_o teach_v in_o short_a maxim_n which_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o receive_v and_o the_o more_o easy_o retain_v in_o memory_n be_v put_v into_o verse_n without_o any_o far_a ornament_n than_o just_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a expression_n to_o their_o notion_n and_o precept_n 1._o precept_n xenoph._n conviv_n &_o memorab_n lib._n 1._o socrates_n and_o the_o philosopher_n of_o his_o time_n have_v a_o value_n for_o the_o verse_n of_o theognis_n and_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o pythagoras_n be_v at_o least_o as_o ancient_a as_o 2._o as_o apuâ—_n a_o gell._n lib._n vi_o c._n 2._o chrysippus_n who_o allege_v their_o authority_n solon_n himself_o write_v elegy_n whereof_o some_o remain_n be_v still_o preserve_v this_o give_v the_o poet_n a_o mighty_a reputation_n and_o we_o find_v not_o only_a solon_n but_o other_o of_o they_o quote_v and_o appeal_v to_o by_o demosthenes_n and_o aeschines_n in_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n as_o well_o as_o by_o philosopher_n in_o their_o discourse_n but_o the_o poet_n for_o the_o more_o delightful_a entertainment_n of_o the_o people_n not_o only_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o that_o ancient_a and_o useful_a way_n of_o instruction_n by_o fable_n for_o he_o plâ—et_n he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plat._n plâ—et_n be_v hardly_o esteem_v a_o poet_n who_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o none_o but_o they_o become_v the_o promoter_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n the_o oracle_n be_v deliver_v in_o verse_n every_o poet_n write_v something_o in_o honour_n of_o the_o false_a god_n and_o â—b_n and_o plat._n â—b_n socrates_n himself_o during_o his_o imprisonment_n make_v a_o hymn_n in_o praise_n of_o apollo_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o original_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v so_o obscure_v and_o corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o any_o humane_a way_n to_o provide_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n plato_n complain_v of_o the_o fiction_n of_o poet_n but_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o recover_v man_n to_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o ancient_a tradition_n which_o he_o have_v meet_v withal_o he_o fall_v into_o very_o absurd_a and_o sinful_a
and_o instrument_n whereby_o he_o be_v please_v to_o convey_v into_o our_o soul_n the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o last_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o visible_a rite_n whereby_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o christ_n church_n or_o profess_v our_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_v it_o will_v appear_v how_o beneficial_a and_o requisite_a the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n be_v and_o how_o fit_n it_o be_v that_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n with_o man_n shall_v appoint_v something_o outward_a and_o visible_a to_o be_v do_v or_o receive_v by_o they_o i._o ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o initiation_n and_o of_o worship_n have_v be_v institute_v in_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n require_v they_o and_o that_o our_o worship_n can_v be_v whole_o mental_a and_o spiritual_a and_o god_n be_v please_v in_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n to_o condescend_v to_o their_o capacity_n to_o ascribe_v to_o himself_o their_o passion_n to_o allude_v to_o their_o custom_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o method_n as_o man_n be_v accustom_v to_o in_o their_o deal_n with_o one_o another_o he_o best_o understand_v humane_a nature_n and_o know_v all_o the_o disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o he_o know_v our_o frame_n he_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v dust_n ps_n ciii_o 14._o he_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n he_o full_o comprehend_v the_o strict_a union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n and_o the_o cause_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o how_o great_a influence_n the_o one_o have_v upon_o the_o other_o in_o their_o several_a operation_n he_o plant_v in_o we_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o see_v all_o their_o motion_n and_o inclination_n the_o secret_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o passion_n and_o have_v according_o fit_v and_o proportion_v the_o institution_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n we_o see_v among_o man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o content_v only_o to_o understand_v one_o another_o mean_v or_o to_o express_v their_o mind_n in_o word_n though_o they_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a and_o significant_a but_o be_v wont_v to_o use_v some_o ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n of_o action_n and_o circumstance_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n because_o this_o make_v great_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o lay_v upon_o it_o a_o more_o forcible_a and_o last_a engagement_n by_o take_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o passion_n as_o party_n concern_v with_o it_o and_o this_o be_v by_o experience_n find_v to_o have_v the_o best_a effect_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o agreement_n and_o obligation_n between_o men._n oath_n themselves_o be_v not_o find_v to_o be_v so_o secure_a to_o be_v rely_v upon_o when_o they_o be_v only_o pronounce_v as_o when_o they_o be_v take_v with_o such_o circumstance_n of_o word_n and_o gesture_n as_o may_v create_v a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o those_o who_o take_v they_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o any_o action_n be_v do_v raise_v and_o fix_v the_o attention_n and_o express_v the_o mind_n and_o design_n of_o the_o doer_n and_o be_v better_o retain_v in_o the_o memory_n and_o work_v more_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n than_o the_o action_n of_o itself_o can_v do_v this_o orator_n very_o well_o understand_v for_o the_o art_n of_o rhetoric_n be_v almost_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o skilful_a management_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o action_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o philosophy_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o evil_a or_o goodness_n of_o action_n depend_v chief_o upon_o their_o circumstance_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v what_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v and_o to_o what_o degree_n of_o resolution_n it_o come_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o action_n if_o a_o action_n be_v perform_v at_o a_o solemn_a time_n and_o place_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o witness_n meet_v together_o for_o that_o very_a purpose_n upon_o great_a deliberation_n with_o such_o word_n and_o gesture_n as_o be_v very_o significant_a to_o express_v our_o full_a design_n and_o intention_n all_o these_o circumstance_n consider_v make_v it_o much_o more_o our_o own_o proper_a act_n and_o deed_n than_o if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o they_o though_o the_o intention_n be_v the_o same_o for_o what_o we_o declare_v before_o other_o to_o be_v our_o mind_n and_o purpose_n to_o do_v or_o undertake_v we_o can_v but_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o under_o more_o obligation_n than_o if_o we_o bare_o design_v it_o or_o promise_v it_o only_o to_o the_o person_n concern_v because_o the_o design_n of_o declare_v it_o be_v to_o lay_v upon_o ourselves_o a_o far_a obligation_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o to_o call_v other_o as_o witness_n against_o we_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o since_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v declare_v as_o well_o by_o action_n as_o by_o word_n he_o that_o express_v his_o resolution_n both_o these_o way_n show_v a_o far_a design_n to_o oblige_v himself_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v only_o use_v word_n to_o express_v it_o and_o if_o the_o circumstance_n of_o action_n be_v state_v and_o solemn_a and_o significant_a than_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n concur_v by_o which_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o declare_v and_o express_v their_o mind_n in_o any_o case_n and_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o covenant_n now_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o receive_v man_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o bare_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v undertake_v they_o but_o it_o be_v far_a necessary_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o word_n and_o action_n that_o may_v engage_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o render_v they_o inexcusable_a if_o they_o transgress_v it_o it_o be_v fit_v it_o shall_v be_v enter_v into_o and_o renew_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o witness_n that_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v solemn_a and_o the_o action_n significant_a and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v want_v which_o may_v testify_v the_o sincerity_n and_o secure_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o undertaker_n for_o if_o covenant_n between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v make_v with_o all_o the_o formality_n of_o witness_n and_o hand_n and_o seal_n and_o delivery_n in_o solemn_a and_o express_a word_n if_o man_n know_v themselves_o too_o well_o to_o trust_v one_o another_o without_o all_o this_o solemnity_n it_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v that_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o he_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o under_o less_o obligation_n of_o caution_n and_o security_n for_o their_o integrity_n than_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o use_v among_o themselves_o for_o every_o breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v infinite_o more_o affront_a and_o sinful_a than_o any_o breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o man_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o god_n who_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v have_v appoint_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o secure_v his_o law_n from_o contempt_n he_o know_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n how_o perverse_a and_o stubborn_a it_o be_v especial_o in_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o these_o be_v of_o to_o which_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o that_o promise_n and_o vow_n that_o they_o be_v require_v to_o make_v to_o he_o and_o that_o all_o the_o restraint_n and_o all_o the_o remembrance_n which_o word_n or_o action_n can_v afford_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o keep_v man_n in_o any_o tolerable_a measure_n to_o their_o duty_n god_n be_v please_v to_o confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n with_o a_o oath_n and_o therein_o show_v himself_o willing_a to_o give_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o the_o most_o incredulous_a man_n can_v desire_v of_o the_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a steadfastness_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o council_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n heb._n vi_fw-la 17_o 18._o and_o when_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v so_o far_o to_o condescend_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o all_o the_o way_n that_o may_v put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o make_v we_o faithful_a and_o constant_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o no_o better_a mean_n than_o by_o outward_a act_n and_o visible_a sign_n to_o testify_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o solemn_a
manner_n what_o our_o inward_a faith_n and_o resolution_n be_v this_o be_v that_o sort_n of_o security_n which_o man_n have_v of_o one_o another_o and_o when_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n he_o consider_v they_o as_o man_n that_o be_v he_o appoint_v such_o solemnity_n of_o it_o as_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n he_o do_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o immaterial_a spirit_n but_o as_o with_o creature_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o who_o little_a regard_n and_o be_v little_o affect_v with_o that_o which_o do_v not_o some_o way_n concern_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v to_o what_o extravagancy_n those_o have_v proceed_v who_o have_v set_v up_o for_o a_o pure_o spiritual_a worship_n without_o any_o thing_n sacramental_a for_o a_o visible_a sign_n in_o it_o for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o pretension_n of_o our_o enthusiast_n who_o by_o decry_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o sacrament_n have_v make_v religion_n nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a and_o uncertain_a name_n among_o they_o prophyry_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o study_n and_o learning_n after_o he_o have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o ridiculous_a occasion_n as_o history_n relate_v it_o be_v ashamed_a to_o return_v to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o after_o the_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n soon_o become_v too_o notorious_o absurd_a and_o abominable_a for_o any_o man_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n to_o own_o it_o but_o he_o place_v all_o divine_a worship_n in_o mental_a prayer_n and_o so_o far_o reject_v all_o outward_a and_o bodily_a worship_n 34._o worship_n porphyr_n de_fw-fr abstinent_a lib._n 2._o §._o 34._o that_o he_o pretend_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v by_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o render_v unacceptable_a to_o the_o deity_n and_o that_o they_o never_o be_v sufficient_o pure_a and_o perfect_a if_o they_o be_v express_v by_o the_o voice_n but_o be_v then_o in_o their_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n when_o they_o be_v all_o contemplation_n and_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o the_o very_a same_o notion_n be_v teach_v by_o 13._o by_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la evang._n lib._n four_o c._n 13._o apollonius_n tyanoeus_fw-la and_o have_v be_v revive_v of_o late_a by_o such_o as_o undervalue_v all_o outward_a ordinance_n which_o may_v be_v a_o warn_v to_o other_o and_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o appoint_v sacrament_n as_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o outward_a sign_n serve_v to_o raise_v our_o attention_n and_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o man_n be_v witness_n against_o we_o if_o we_o prove_v treacherous_a and_o unfaithful_a in_o this_o covenant_n so_o they_o be_v as_o token_n and_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o of_o his_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a intention_n towards_o we_o in_o take_v we_o into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o they_o give_v we_o sensible_a and_o visible_a assurance_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v invisible_a and_o spiritual_a and_o this_o seem_v but_o necessary_a for_o creature_n that_o be_v lead_v so_o much_o by_o sense_n as_o we_o all_o be_v in_o this_o life_n that_o god_n together_o with_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n shall_v beside_o appoint_v something_o which_o may_v be_v perceive_v by_o our_o bodily_a sense_n in_o token_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o soul_n that_o what_o be_v no_o object_n of_o sense_n may_v yet_o be_v represent_v and_o signify_v by_o something_o that_o be_v sensible_a to_o bring_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o most_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n down_o to_o our_o very_a sense_n which_o may_v be_v a_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o present_a grace_n and_o favour_n and_o a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o future_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o this_o be_v what_o be_v find_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a among_o man_n who_o be_v better_o content_v with_o something_o present_a and_o in_o hand_n though_o of_o little_a value_n and_o insignificant_a in_o itself_o as_o a_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v and_o make_v over_o to_o they_o than_o they_o be_v with_o the_o great_a promise_n and_o protestation_n without_o any_o thing_n as_o a_o earnest_a to_o confirm_v they_o because_o this_o be_v a_o natural_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v indeed_o in_o earnest_n as_o our_o english_a word_n express_v it_o and_o real_o intend_v what_o they_o say_v and_o it_o may_v be_v produce_v against_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v fail_v of_o performance_n now_o what_o be_v inward_a and_o invisible_a be_v absent_a as_o to_o sense_n and_o what_o be_v future_a have_v need_n of_o something_o present_a to_o represent_v it_o to_o we_o and_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o bind_v himself_o even_o by_o a_o oath_n for_o our_o far_a comfort_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o have_v be_v please_v likewise_o that_o he_o may_v be_v want_v in_o nothing_o which_o may_v help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o assist_v our_o faith_n he_o have_v be_v please_v in_o condescension_n to_o the_o condition_n and_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o appoint_v visible_a sign_n and_o pledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v invisible_a and_o to_o give_v all_o the_o assurance_n to_o our_o very_a sense_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o grace_n shall_v as_o certain_o be_v fulfil_v to_o we_o as_o the_o outward_a sign_n and_o pledge_n be_v appoint_v for_o we_o and_o due_o receive_v by_o we_o 3._o sacrament_n be_v not_o only_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n but_o they_o be_v ordain_v as_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o we_o that_o as_o the_o body_n partake_v in_o the_o moral_a action_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n so_o it_o may_v concur_v in_o the_o religious_a act_n ordain_v for_o our_o sanctification_n for_o god_n who_o have_v make_v we_o so_o as_o to_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o to_o have_v the_o vital_a union_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n depend_v upon_o a_o fit_a disposition_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o health_n and_o nourishment_n of_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o appoint_v certain_a bodily_a action_n as_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v not_o even_o in_o this_o case_n where_o itself_o be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v be_v whole_o independent_a of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o since_o both_o must_v be_v either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a together_o in_o the_o next_o life_n both_o may_v concur_v in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o this_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a agent_n and_o the_o body_n shall_v act_v only_o in_o subordination_n and_o subserviency_n to_o it_o in_o this_o as_o it_o do_v in_o other_o case_n that_o as_o in_o moral_a action_n the_o soul_n act_v virtuous_o or_o vicious_o by_o the_o body_n so_o in_o spiritual_a action_n the_o soul_n may_v receive_v advantage_n and_o benefit_n by_o bodily_a act_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o upon_o the_o omission_n or_o neglect_v of_o such_o acts._n the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o the_o man_n nor_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o body_n but_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o and_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v dedicate_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n in_o the_o use_n of_o action_n perform_v outward_o in_o the_o body_n and_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v thus_o dedicate_v to_o god_n in_o token_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o that_o happiness_n which_o it_o must_v receive_v in_o heaven_n if_o the_o soul_n be_v happy_a st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o corinthian_n to_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n vi_o 20._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o body_n be_v not_o for_o fornication_n but_o for_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o body_n know_v you_o not_o say_v he_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n what_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o have_v be_v those_o in_o several_a age_n who_o have_v make_v such_o high_a pretence_n to_o spiritual_a worship_n that_o they_o will_v allow_v the_o body_n no_o part_n or_o share_v in_o it_o and_o other_o from_o the_o great_a irregularity_n and_o corruption_n which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v in_o
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o 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against_o it_o which_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n nor_o touch_v these_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a that_o that_o may_v be_v most_o true_a which_o may_v have_v many_o exception_n frame_v against_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v that_o as_o incredible_a which_o come_v recommend_v by_o our_o belief_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v beside_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o who_o most_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v they_o but_o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o become_v false_a there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o its_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o theology_n be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o reject_v this_o as_o a_o science_n of_o no_o value_n nor_o certainty_n and_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o can_v square_a the_o circle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o and_o know_v nothing_o if_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o its_o operation_n nor_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n unless_o we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o part_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v our_o sense_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v to_o sensation_n but_o what_o we_o perfect_o understand_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o object_n in_o the_o world_n till_o we_o know_v the_o exact_a manner_n how_o we_o perceive_v they_o and_o can_v solve_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v incredulous_a to_o this_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n if_o he_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o and_o true_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o can_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o difficulty_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o whilst_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n remain_v unanswered_a and_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v against_o the_o scripture_n can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o uncertainty_n and_o no_o man_n that_o profess_a and_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_a ever_o disbelieved_a the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v visible_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o these_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o life_n that_o he_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a before_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a some_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o intolerable_a spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contradiction_n that_o mere_a vanity_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o make_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o the_o great_a fault_n which_o these_o man_n can_v find_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v heavy_a complaint_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o hindrance_n which_o ingenuous_a mind_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o may_v have_v talk_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n for_o christianity_n as_o they_o now_o talk_v against_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o their_o education_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v and_o think_v like_o other_o man_n and_o they_o may_v almost_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n still_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v singular_a in_o be_v so_o for_o the_o mere_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n make_v they_o despise_v and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o allow_v and_o esteem_v but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o learned_a man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n and_o virtue_n and_o