Christianismus primitivus, or, The ancient Christian religion, in its nature, certainty, excellency, and beauty, (internal and external) particularly considered, asserted, and vindicated from the many abuses which have invaded that sacred profession, by humane innovation, or pretended revelation comprehending likewise the general duties of mankind, in their respective relations : and particularly the obedience of all Christians to magistrates, and the necessity of Christian-moderation about things dispensible in matters of religion : with divers cases of conscience discussed and resolved / by Thomas Grantham ...

SECT. V.

That these Works were not done by natural force, which worketh by Instrumental Causes. For as they are called Miracles, so it is certain that by the force of Nature, it is impossible by a word of the Mouth only, or touch of the Hand, grievous Diseases should be cured, and that up∣on the sudden; And that as well when the Patient was absent as present, Luke 7. 10. Again, If these Works might have been in whole, or in part, referred to Natural Efficacy, it may justly be presumed, that some of those that were professed Enemies to Christ himself living, and no less Enemies to his Gospel which he left behind him, would have told us so long since, and have demonstrated the same, either by doing the like, or shewing how without a Miracle those things might be done.

Nor were those Miracles Impostures; Or things done in appearance only: Because most of the Works were done among the People, and in the view of many Learned Men among the People, such as had Wit enough and Malice enough, to observe all the Actions of Christ with curiosity. Nor did they bring any thing of that nature against him, when they Arraigned him before the Judgment-Seat, and would have been glad of such Articles, to have rendred him more Obnoxious to their Revenge.

And besides, the like Works were often repeated, and the Effects not Momentanous but Permanent. These things weighed, it clearly fol∣lows (which the Jews also confess) these Works proceeded from some Spirit, either Good, or Evil. They said (through Malice) against Rea∣son and their own Experience, that these Works (at least his casting out un∣clean Spirits) was done by Beelzebub the Prince of Devils, blaspheming the Power of God, by which these things were wrought.