familiarly beholds the inward Workings of Things; and thence perceives that many Effects, which use to affright the Ignorant, are brought forth by the common Instruments of Nature. He cannot be suddenly inclined to pass Censure on Mens eternal Condition, from any Temporal Judgments that may befal them; because his long Converse with all Matters, Times, and Places, has taught him the Truth of what the Scripture says, that all things happen alike to all. He cannot blindly consent to all Imaginations of devout Men, about future Contingencies; seeing he is so rigid in examining all particular Matters of Fact: he cannot be forward to assent to Spiritual Raptures and Revelations, because he is truly acquainted with the Tempers of Mens Bodies, the Conposition of their Blood, and the Power of Fancy; and so better understands the Difference between Diseases and Inspirations.
But in all this he commits nothing that is irreligious. 'Tis true, to deny that God has heretofore warn'd the World of what was to come, is to contradict the very Godhead itself; but to reject the Sense, which any private Man shall fatten to it, is not to disdain the Word of God, but the Opinions of Men like ourselves. To declare against the Possibility, that new Prophets may be sent from Heaven, is to insinuate that the fame infinite Wisdom, which once mew'd itself that Way, is now at an end. But to slight all Pretenders that come without the help of Miracles, is not a Contempt of the Spirit, but a just Circumspection, that the Reason of Men be not over-reach'd. To deny that God directs the Course of human Things, is Stupidity; but to hearken to every Prodigy, that Men frame against their Enemies, or for themselves,
