10 Oct. 1815

Jug. True

2

Ch. Miracles

2

Nick Hallam2013-08-09T16:41:00

§. 1. Not so represented.

Thus stands the matter at present in these our times. But of the distinction between what was extraordinary and thence wonderful in what was and the supernatural—between the extraordinary material and the supernatural no clear ordeterminate idea was in those days perhaps in any nation and in particular not in that nation entertained.

In that nation, even down to that time a circumstance which in a particular degree contributed to keep off and exclude the idea of any such determinate time was the supposition in which the foundations of the natural religion had been laid. viz. that of an extraordinary part taken by almighty power at first in the creation and thenceforward in the preservation of this his chosen and pre-eminently formed people: a state of things for the designation of which the single word theocracy a god government is at present employed,

Even in those very histories various degrees gradations of wonder-working power with so many correspondent classes of wonders are represented as having or at any rate (which suffices for the present purpose, as being thought to have place. 1. Wonders performed by magic. (a) 2. Wonders performed by the assistance of evil spirits. (2) 3. Wonders performed by use made of the name of Jesus though without authority from Jesus. (3) 4. Wonders performed by his disciples by commission from him. (a) 5. Wonders not capable of being performed even with the benefit of such a commission nor by any person but himself. (5)

[marginal note:] See whether 1 & 2 are not the same.

Quaere whether d o be false prophets are distinct from 1 & 2?

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)