5. Another way by which this Arrogant I•sidel•ty worketh, is this, When men will not believe any revealed truth of God, unless they can see a possibility of accomplishing the matter by natural means. And therefore, when ever in reading the Scripture, they come to a work that •ass•th the power of the Creature, the N•••dem•tes stagger at it through unbelief, and s•y, [How can these things be?] And the fixed Infidels with Julian deride it: When they read of the Scripture miracles; they cannot believe them because they are miracles. Is this a likely matter, say th•• that such and such things should be? And why is it unlikely? Because it is too hard for God? What I doth his Creature know his ⟨p. 25⟩infinite power? And can you set him his bounds, and say, Thus far God can go, and no further? Thus much God can do, and no more? Is it ever the more difficult to God, because it is impossible to such as we? Will you say, That a horse cannot carry you on his back, because a fly cannot? Creatures may be compared to Creatures; but between the Creator; and the Creature, there is no comparison. Have you read how God posed Job in point of power and knowledge? (Job 38. 39, 40, 41.) But who is he that hath posed God? What is that work that should be difficult to him, that by his Word or Will did make all the Worlds? Are they greater works then those which he hath certainly done, that you speak of so incredulously? If you had never seen the Sun, or Moon, or Stars, or Earth, or Sea, and had merely found it written, that God made such a World, it is like you would as doubtingly have said, [How can these things be?] If you had no more seen the Light or Sun, then you have seen the Angels, or Souls of men its like you would have as little believed, that there is such a thing as Light or a Sun, as you now do, that there are Angels and Immortal Souls. But I hope you are satisfied in the things you see; and may not they shame your incredulity of the things you do not see? You see there is a Sun, and Moon, and Firmament, and Earth; you know these had either a Maker and Cause▪ or else were eternal▪ and as an eternal cause to themselves. If they were eternal, or made themselves, then they are the first Being and Cause, and so are gods. ⟨p. 26⟩And is it not more reasonable to believe one God, then so many?
5. Another way by which this Arrogant I•sidel•ty worketh, is this, When men will not believe any revealed •ruth of God, unless they can see a possibility of accomplishing the matter by natural means. And therefore, when ever in reading the Scripture, they come to a work that •ass•th the power of the Creature, the N•••dem•tes stagger at it through unbelief, and s•y, [How can these things be?] And the fixed Infidels with Julian deride it: When they read of the Scripture miracles; they cannot believe them because they are miracles. Is this a likely matter, say th•• that such and such things should be? And why is it unlikely? Because it is too hard for God? What I doth his Creature know his ⟨p. 25⟩infinite power? And can you set him his bounds, and say, Thus far God can go, and no further? Thus much God can do, and no more? Is it ever the more difficult to God, because it is impossible to such as we? Will you say, That a horse cannot carry you on his back, because a flie cannot? Creatures may be compared to Creatures; but between the Creator; and the Creature, there is no comparison. Have you read how God posed Job in point of power and knowledge? (Job 38. 39, 40, 41.) But who is he that hath posed God? What is that work that should be difficult to him, that by his Word or Will did make all the Worlds? Are they greater works then those which he hath certainly done, that you speak of so incredulously? If you had never seen the Sun, or Moon, or Stars, or Earth, or Sea, and had meerly found it written, that God made such a World, it is like you would as doubtingly have said, [How can these things be?] If you had no more seen the Light or Sun, then you have seen the Angels, or Souls of men its like you would have as little believed, that there is such a thing as Light or a Sun, as you now do, that there are Angels and Immortal Souls. But I hope you are satisfied in the things you see; and may not they shame your incredulity of the things you do not see? You see there is a Sun, and Moon, and Firmament, and Earth; you know these had either a Maker and Cause▪ or else were eternal▪ and as an eternal cause to themselves. If they were eternal, or made themselves, then they are the first Being and Cause, and so are gods.
