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one_o of_o the_o art_n of_o design_v priest_n who_o by_o this_o device_n endeavour_v to_o enslave_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v they_o think_v and_o act_n just_a as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o thus_o many_o man_n have_v reason_v themselves_o first_o into_o socinianism_n and_o then_o which_o be_v but_o one_o remove_n from_o the_o former_a into_o deism_n or_o at_o least_o into_o a_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n to_o all_o reveal_v religion_n they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v or_o practise_v any_o thing_n unless_o they_o can_v see_v a_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o they_o owe_v god_n so_o much_o service_n as_o to_o submit_v to_o those_o law_n which_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o his_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o pleasure_n upon_o this_o account_n they_o reject_v the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o
rule_n of_o faith_n dr._n stillingfl_fw-mi defence_n of_o a._n b._n laud._n dr._n sherlock_n protestant_n resolution_n of_o faith_n learned_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n against_o those_o popish_a writer_n that_o set_v up_o tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v evident_a at_o first_o sight_n and_o none_o but_o mere_a enthusiast_n ever_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o god_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n by_o write_v imply_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o easy_a there_o be_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o continue_v this_o to_o posterity_n but_o god_n preserve_v the_o write_n themselves_o by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o providence_n and_o then_o man_n may_v as_o well_o learn_v his_o will_n from_o thence_o as_o they_o can_v know_v the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n the_o opinion_n of_o philosopher_n the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o and_o 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8.20_o testimony_n be_v 8.20_o as_o the_o only_a safe_a guide_n and_o by_o which_o man_n must_v judge_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n or_o not_o our_o saviour_n bid_v the_o jew_n 5.39_o jew_n joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o they_o be_v persuade_v and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v contain_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o in_o all_o his_o contest_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o desire_v no_o other_o voucher_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o method_n to_o instruct_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o he_o do_v the_o jewish_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n conform_v the_o external_n part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o custom_n receive_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v be_v resolve_v to_o give_v no_o offence_n by_o 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deut._n 31_o 9_o 26._o and_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o christian_n themselves_o will_v expect_v to_o be_v provide_v with_o as_o good_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o know_v their_o duty_n as_o the_o jew_n enjoy_v or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v that_o they_o come_v behind_o they_o in_o the_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a conjecture_n but_o the_o real_a sense_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o account_n which_o the_o ancient_a writer_n give_v we_o of_o the_o occasion_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o s._n mark_n be_v writing_n their_o gospel_n eusebius_n tell_v we_o 24._o we_o h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 24._o that_o st._n matthew_n write_v his_o gospel_n particular_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o have_v preach_v because_o go_v into_o other_o part_n he_o will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n by_o write_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v 15._o say_v ap_fw-mi eus_n h._n e._n l._n 2._o c._n 15._o that_o st._n mark_n write_v his_o gospel_n at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o a_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o desire_v he_o to_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v which_o st._n peter_n come_v to_o understand_v approve_a and_o confirm_v this_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o these_o and_o the_o other_o apostolical_a write_n come_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o particular_a command_n from_o god_n to_o make_v they_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v they_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n why_o these_o write_n shall_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n among_o christian_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o last_o the_o 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whatever_o other_o guide_n man_n have_v set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o so_o plausible_a and_o be_v as_o real_a demonstration_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o experience_n that_o tradition_n be_v not_o infallible_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n all_o these_o pretence_n to_o demonstration_n signify_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n may_v demonstrate_v his_o heart_n out_o before_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v experience_n and_o that_o neither_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a nor_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n diffusive_a neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n joint_o or_o separately_z be_v infallible_a guide_n to_o christian_n or_o equivalent_a to_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v make_v out_o with_o such_o admirable_a clearness_n and_o unanswerable_a strength_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o popery_n that_o without_o further_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o they_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o v._o proposition_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o attend_v the_o apostle_n in_o every_o thing_n of_o moment_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a and_o even_o their_o private_a judgement_n as_o man_n be_v so_o upright_a and_o void_a of_o all_o self-interest_n and_o corruption_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n to_o consider_v what_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n they_o themselves_o have_v of_o their_o own_o write_n the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o
elbow_n ezek._n 13.18_o that_o they_o may_v sleep_v on_o secure_o in_o their_o sin_n the_o true_a prophet_n accuse_v the_o false_a one_o of_o several_a vice_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v of_o make_v 18._o make_v jer._n 6.13_o ezek._n 13.19_o mich._n 3.5_o 11._o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v montanus_n his_o follower_n false_a prophet_n because_o they_o take_v money_n for_o prophesy_v beside_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o theft_n and_o other_o crime_n v._o euseb_n h._n e._n l._n 5._o c._n 18._o a_o gain_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o speak_v smooth_a thing_n for_o advantage_n 30.10_o advantage_n be_v 30.10_o of_o adultery_n 14.-29.23_a adultery_n jer._n 23_o 14.-29.23_a and_o riot_n 2.11_o riot_n be_v 28.7_o mic._n 2.11_o of_o be_v fearless_a and_o unconcerned_a at_o god_n judgement_n and_o not_o endeavour_v by_o prayer_n or_o other_o eminent_a act_n of_o piety_n to_o avert_v they_o 27.18_o they_o ezek._n 13.5_o jer._n 27.18_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o mark_v of_o true_a prophet_n viz._n their_o agreement_n with_o other_o prophet_n we_o find_v jeremy_n appeal_n to_o it_o in_o the_o contest_v between_o he_o and_o hananiah_n who_o prophesy_v 4._o prophesy_v jer._n 28_o 3_o 4._o of_o the_o return_n of_o jechoniah_n captivity_n contrary_a to_o what_o jeremy_n have_v foretell_v upon_o which_o jeremy_n tell_v he_o 9_o he_o ib._n ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v before_o i_o and_o before_o thou_o of_o old_a prophesy_v of_o war_n and_o evil_a and_o pestilence_n the_o prophet_n that_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 send_v he_o where_o jeremy_n argue_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o hananiah_n prophecy_n and_o prove_v that_o what_o himself_o have_v prophesy_v be_v much_o more_o credible_a of_o the_o two_o because_o many_o other_o prophet_n agree_v with_o he_o in_o prophesy_v evil_a against_o the_o jew_n and_o several_a other_o country_n whereas_o he_o be_v single_a in_o his_o prophecy_n concern_v peace_n nothing_o but_o the_o punctual_a answer_v of_o the_o event_n can_v give_v he_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o people_n must_v suspend_v their_o judgement_n till_o time_n showld_v discover_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o no._n which_o place_n seem_v likewise_o to_o imply_v that_o hananiah_n have_v never_o before_o give_v a_o sign_n to_o attest_v his_o mission_n and_o therefore_o his_o credit_n will_v just_o be_v questionable_a till_o man_n can_v see_v whether_o his_o sign_n come_v to_o pass_v or_o not_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o probable_a that_o where_o a_o prophet_n give_v no_o sign_n whereby_o man_n may_v make_v trial_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o pretension_n they_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o it_o by_o consider_v his_o education_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v the_o seminary_n of_o inspire_a person_n by_o examine_v his_o manner_n of_o life_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o agreement_n with_o other_o prophet_n and_o the_o more_o any_o of_o these_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n the_o more_o need_n be_v there_o that_o he_o shall_v give_v a_o sign_n to_o attest_v his_o mission_n so_o for_o example_n it_o be_v more_o requisite_a that_o amos_n shall_v give_v a_o sign_n who_o be_v no_o prophet_n by_o education_n or_o prophet_n son_n but_o a_o herdman_n 8.14_o herdman_n amos_n 8.14_o by_o profession_n than_o any_o of_o those_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o priestly_a order_n or_o bring_v up_o among_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o historical_a and_o poetical_a book_n in_o particular_a the_o two_o precede_a chapter_n concern_v prophecy_n be_v a_o digression_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o book_n which_o i_o undertake_v to_o answer_n though_o not_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o general_n design_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o return_v to_o mr._n n_n memorial_n as_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o shall_v examine_v in_o this_o chapter_n the_o exception_n which_o he_o make_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n which_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n general_n and_o particular_a the_o general_a exception_n be_v level_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n canon_n which_o this_o author_n suppose_v 106._o suppose_v fr._n p._n 279._o en._n p_o 106._o to_o consist_v of_o all_o the_o ancient_a write_n whether_o perfect_a or_o imperfect_a whether_o inspire_a or_o not_o which_o be_v remain_v among_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o collection_n be_v make_v the_o particular_a exception_n relate_v to_o particular_a book_n which_o he_o suppose_v not_o to_o be_v inspire_a either_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o man_n may_v know_v and_o faithful_o relate_v without_o inspiration_n such_o as_o be_v the_o historical_a book_n 31._o book_n fr._n p._n 233._o en._n p._n 31._o or_o else_o because_o they_o contain_v something_o in_o they_o which_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n be_v its_o author_n which_o exception_n he_o advance_v against_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o proverb_n and_o against_o the_o entire_a book_n of_o job_n ecclesiastes_n and_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n etc._n solomon_n fr._n p._n 271_o &c_n &c_n eng._n p._n 93_o etc._n etc._n in_o answer_n to_o these_o twofold_a exception_n i_o shall_v i._o say_v something_o concern_v the_o authority_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o old-testament_n canon_n in_o general_n ii_o i_o shall_v make_v a_o reply_n to_o his_o objection_n against_o the_o particular_a book_n which_o be_v part_n of_o this_o canon_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o we_o can_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n by_o who_o authority_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v settle_v for_o we_o have_v no_o write_n extant_a that_o give_v we_o a_o history_n of_o that_o affair_n but_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o collection_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v make_v in_o ezra_n time_n or_o not_o long_o after_o 1._o because_o the_o scripture-history_n end_v about_o that_o time_n i_o know_v nothing_o of_o late_a date_n in_o it_o than_o the_o mention_n of_o jaddus_n by_o nehemiah_n 22._o nehemiah_n neh._n 12.10_o 22._o who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o ezra_n which_o jaddus_n be_v high_a priest_n at_o the_o beginning_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v reign_n and_o whatever_o other_o may_v have_v object_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o mention_v of_o this_o jaddus_n be_v very_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o time_n when_o nehemiah_n write_v as_o a_o great_a prelate_n have_v late_o make_v out_o with_o incomparable_a learning_n and_o clearness_n etc._n clearness_n letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o a_o passage_n in_o josephus_n etc._n etc._n 2._o because_o malachi_n the_o prophet_n that_o live_v much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n seem_v to_o seal_v up_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n among_o the_o jew_n by_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o their_o stand_a instructor_n till_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o point_v out_o to_o elias_n the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o the_o next_o great_a prophet_n that_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v 5._o reveal_v mal._n 4.4_o 5._o and_o indeed_o his_o prophecy_n look_v as_o if_o it_o be_v design_v to_o connect_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o by_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n revelation_n and_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o new_a for_o further_a instruction_n this_o argument_n will_v appear_v more_o probable_a if_o we_o consider_v 3_o that_o under_o the_o maccabee_n the_o jew_n look_v upon_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n as_o whole_o cease_v and_o be_v of_o opinion_n it_o have_v be_v so_o for_o a_o considerable_a time_n 46.-9.27.-14.41_a time_n see_v 1_o macc._n 4_o 46.-9.27.-14.41_a the_o same_o opinion_n be_v confirm_v not_o long_o after_o by_o the_o author_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la 16._o ecclesiasticus_fw-la ecclus._n 36.14_o 15_o 16._o 4._o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o lxx_o interpreter_n translate_v all_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o learned_a man_n 8._o man_n walton_n prolegom_n 9_o in_o bibl._n polygl_n n._n 11._o vales._n in_o eus_n h.e._n l._n 5._o c._n 8._o have_v bring_v good_a reason_n for_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o canon_n must_v have_v be_v settle_v before_o the_o time_n when_o that_o version_n be_v make_v which_o be_v do_v under_o ptolomee_n philadelphus_n and_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a at_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o reign_n ibid._n reign_n
order_n of_o minister_n and_o church-governor_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispense_v they_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n found_v upon_o a_o divine_a charter_n and_o to_o who_o member_n alone_o belong_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o meritorious_a efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n towards_o the_o procure_a man_n salvation_n these_o doctrine_n i_o say_v they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v to_o be_v true_a because_o as_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v see_v what_o natural_a force_n there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n towards_o their_o produce_v their_o intend_a effect_n and_o when_o they_o have_v deprive_v christ_n of_o his_o title_n of_o saviour_n and_o highpriest_n though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v still_o be_v content_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n yet_o they_o look_v upon_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n and_o which_o man_n do_v well_o to_o believe_v if_o they_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o or_o if_o after_o have_v use_v reasonable_a diligence_n they_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o great_a harm_n do_v since_o he_o come_v only_o to_o reinforce_v the_o principle_n and_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o man_n reason_n will_v sufficient_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o if_o they_o do_v but_o live_v up_o to_o its_o direction_n and_o lead_v good_a moral_a life_n they_o may_v be_v save_v whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v as_o to_o what_o they_o call_v the_o speculative_a point_n of_o religion_n these_o opinion_n every_o body_n be_v sensible_a be_v very_o much_o in_o vogue_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o value_v themselves_o for_o be_v free_a thinker_n and_o reasoner_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o man_n of_o these_o principle_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o book_n of_o no_o great_a value_n and_o which_o the_o world_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o dispute_v it_o have_v occasion_v have_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o the_o book_n have_v do_v good_a and_o so_o from_o vndervalue_v its_o worth_a they_o come_v to_o question_v its_o authority_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o prevail_a of_o these_o loose_a notion_n concern_v a_o church-state_n and_o reveal_v religion_n at_o first_o give_v rise_v or_o at_o least_o have_v since_o give_v continuance_n to_o those_o controversy_n that_o have_v be_v so_o much_o debate_v of_o late_o concern_v the_o integrity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o atheistical_a party_n have_v be_v industrious_a to_o keep_v alive_a this_o dispute_n as_o well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v do_v no_o small_a piece_n of_o service_n to_o their_o cause_n to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n mr._n hobbs_n and_o the_o author_n of_o theologo-politicus_a be_v the_o chief_a of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v engage_v in_o this_o controversy_n though_o indeed_o they_o ought_v to_o pass_v but_o for_o one_o writer_n since_o the_o latter_a have_v take_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o say_v from_o the_o former_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v little_a of_o his_o own_o invention_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o quote_v of_o a_o text_n now_o and_o then_o in_o hebrew_n which_o he_o do_v i_o suppose_v to_o raise_v in_o his_o unlearned_a reader_n a_o admiration_n of_o his_o profound_a read_n and_o scholarship_n and_o this_o design_n of_o he_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n take_v effect_n for_o his_o atheistical_a admirer_n be_v general_o ignorant_a enough_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o writer_n of_o sense_n and_o learning_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o these_o profess_v advocate_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n the_o most_o considerable_a writer_n that_o have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o integrity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v mr._n simon_n and_o his_o adversary_n who_o learning_n as_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o disparage_v so_o neither_o will_v i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o secret_a intention_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o dispute_n i_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o as_o to_o their_o design_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o think_v as_o charitable_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v that_o though_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o in_o their_o notion_n as_o to_o other_o matter_n yet_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o speak_v slight_o and_o irreverent_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o ready_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o difficulty_n which_o tend_v to_o weaken_v their_o credit_n and_o do_v not_o take_v half_a so_o much_o pain_n to_o improve_v any_o of_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v for_o they_o as_o they_o do_v to_o urge_v objection_n against_o they_o but_o however_o i_o must_v say_v thus_o much_o in_o behalf_n of_o mr._n simon_n that_o many_o to_o show_v their_o good_a will_n to_o the_o bible_n make_v he_o say_v much_o worse_a thing_n than_o he_o real_o do_v and_o such_o as_o they_o will_v fain_o have_v he_o say_v and_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o they_o can_v vouch_v his_o authority_n for_o they_o be_v industrious_a to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o if_o we_o will_v take_v his_o judgement_n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o tell_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o which_o be_v the_o false_a read_n mr._n dryden_n particular_o in_o his_o religio_fw-la laici_fw-la make_v this_o comment_n upon_o mr._n simon_n be_v critic_n and_o tell_v we_o as_o deliver_v that_o author_n sense_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v let_v in_o gross_a error_n to_o corrupt_v the_o text_n omit_v paragrahs_n and_o with_o vain_a tradition_n stop_v the_o gape_v fence_n now_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o account_n of_o his_o work_n that_o mr._n simon_n have_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v wilful_o and_o design_o corrupt_v the_o original_a by_o add_v to_o and_o take_v away_o from_o it_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a but_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v taking_n a_o great_a liberty_n than_o poetry_n itself_o will_v allow_v to_o make_v a_o man_n speak_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o sense_n and_o mean_v for_o mr._n simon_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o book_n 4._o book_n critic_n upon_o the_o o._n t._n l._n 1._o ch_n 17_o 18_o 19_o l._n 2._o c._n 4._o that_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v usual_o bring_v for_o that_o opinion_n all_o that_o he_o affirm_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n that_o other_o book_n be_v through_o the_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n of_o transcriber_n and_o that_o such_o kind_n of_o fault_n creep_v into_o the_o text_n in_o those_o age_n chief_o that_o do_v not_o mind_v the_o nicety_n of_o criticism_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a way_n to_o reform_v those_o error_n be_v by_o correct_v the_o suspect_v place_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o art_n and_o by_o diligent_a compare_v of_o copy_n as_o critic_n correct_v other_o book_n and_o the_o massoret_n have_v already_o the_o hebrew_n text._n and_o as_o for_o the_o addition_n which_o be_v suppose_v by_o many_o to_o have_v be_v make_v to_o the_o original_a text_n he_o suppose_v they_o insert_v by_o prophet_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a succession_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a record_n how_o true_a this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o mr._n simon_n do_v not_o represent_v these_o addition_n as_o so_o many_o corruption_n of_o the_o text._n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n mr._n d._n have_v misrepresent_v mr._n simon_n be_v text_n aswell_o as_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o put_v such_o a_o gloss_n upon_o it_o as_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o intend_v as_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o his_o word_n but_o i_o shall_v pursue_v this_o matter_n no_o further_o because_o mr._n d._n may_v think_v it_o hard_a measure_n to_o urge_v any_o thing_n say_v in_o his_o religio_fw-la laici_fw-la against_o he_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n when_o he_o have_v alter_v his_o mind_n in_o so_o many_o particular_n since_o the_o write_n of_o that_o poem_n and_o have_v make_v amends_o for_o his_o former_a incredulity_n by_o turn_v advocate_n for_o implicit_a faith_n one_o of_o mr._n simon_n be_v antagonist_n who_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n take_v to_o
if_o the_o marriage_n contract_v be_v break_v on_o the_o unbeliever_n side_n the_o believer_n be_v no_o long_o tie_v 3._o tie_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v._o ver_fw-la 39_o &_o rom._n 7.1_o 2_o 3._o by_o it_o which_o be_v not_o true_a of_o a_o marriage_n where_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n take_v place_n for_o there_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o marriage_n covenant_n on_o one_o side_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o bond_n nor_o release_v the_o other_o party_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o adultery_n which_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o here_o suppose_v which_o seem_v to_o i_o plain_o to_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o marriage_n as_o these_o this_o seem_v too_o to_o have_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n by_o the_o story_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o justin_n martyr_n first_o apology_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o reckon_v concern_v a_o woman_n init_fw-la woman_n apol._n 1._o init_fw-la that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n after_o have_v use_v many_o endeavour_n to_o reclaim_v her_o husband_n from_o his_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n when_o they_o all_o prove_v ineffectual_a send_v he_o a_o divorce_n draw_v up_o according_a to_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o roman_a law_n ibid._n law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n this_o action_n of_o she_o be_v commend_v by_o justin_n martyr_n which_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v think_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n take_v place_n in_o such_o a_o marriage_n as_o this_o which_o be_v contract_v in_o a_o state_n of_o heathenism_n for_o certain_o christianity_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o wife_n to_o put_v away_o her_o husband_n upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o since_o that_o be_v never_o allow_v by_o moses_n law_n nor_o ever_o practise_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o herod_n time_n when_o salome_n send_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o her_o husband_n which_o be_v do_v contrary_a to_o the_o jewish_a law_n as_o josephus_n b._n josephus_n antiq._n l._n 15._o c._n 9_o p._n 532._o b._n who_o relate_v it_o observe_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n concern_v marriage_n where_o one_o party_n be_v a_o convert_n to_o christianity_n and_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o s._n paul_n resolve_v the_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o concern_v this_o matter_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a why_o he_o introduce_v his_o answer_n with_o this_o preface_n i_o not_o the_o lord_n 7.12_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 7.12_o for_o this_o case_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n s._n paul_n discourse_n of_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n where_o he_o give_v his_o judgement_n about_o the_o state_n of_o virginity_n and_o widowhood_n the_o doubt_n concern_v which_o matter_n he_o resolve_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a distress_n 7.26_o distress_n 1_o cor._n 7.26_o and_o the_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o say_v i_o give_v my_o opinion_n about_o these_o question_n as_o one_o that_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v faithful_a 7.25_o faithful_a 1_o cor._n 7.25_o and_o again_o after_o my_o judgement_n and_o i_o think_v that_o i_o also_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 40._o god_n ver_fw-la 40._o but_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n or_o teacher_n send_v by_o god_n but_o in_o such_o a_o style_n as_o imply_v only_o a_o ordinary_a assistance_n such_o as_o any_o pious_a skilful_a pastor_n may_v still_o expect_v for_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v sincere_o give_v you_o the_o best_a advice_n i_o can_v my_o judgement_n be_v not_o bias_v by_o any_o corrupt_a end_n i_o have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o promote_v god_n glory_n and_o your_o good_a and_o therefore_o i_o may_v be_v pretty_a confident_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o influence_n i_o have_v often_o feel_v have_v now_o so_o far_o assist_v i_o that_o i_o have_v advise_v you_o for_o the_o best_a 3._o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n speak_v without_o inspiration_n be_v when_o they_o discourse_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o they_o must_v be_v content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o as_o be_v the_o time_n when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v come_v which_o be_v a_o secret_a god_n have_v reserve_v 24.36_o reserve_v matt._n 24.36_o to_o himself_o and_o of_o restore_a the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n 1.6_o israel_n act._n 1.6_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n think_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v come_v in_o their_o own_o time_n or_o within_o a_o very_a little_a while_n afterward_o 9.26_o afterward_o see_v 1_o thes_n 4.14_o 2_o thes_n 2.2_o 1_o cor._n 10_o 11._o 15.52_o 2_o cor._n 5.3_o 2_o pet._n 3.4_o 1_o pet._n 4.7_o heb._n 9.26_o but_o this_o they_o only_o gather_v by_o humane_a reason_v and_o conjecture_n draw_v from_o some_o expression_n find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n such_o as_o the_o call_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o latter_a day_n a_o expression_n often_o use_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o our_o saviour_n join_v together_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerurusalem_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o s._n matthew_n the_o 24_o and_o as_o the_o event_n have_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v so_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n for_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o case_n but_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o doubtful_a term_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v 〈◊〉_d cite_v 2_o cor._n 5.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o so_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v find_v clothe_v not_o naked_a for_o so_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v translate_v in_o these_o case_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v speak_v like_o men._n and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o to_o pretend_v that_o if_o we_o grant_v thus_o much_o we_o do_v in_o effect_n give_v up_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o than_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o distinguish_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o they_o speak_v of_o themselves_o for_o sure_a man_n may_v distinguish_v if_o they_o please_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n from_o a_o cloak_n and_o parchment_n or_o a_o journey_n to_o corinth_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o first_o except_v case_n and_o in_o the_o second_o we_o have_v the_o apostle_n himself_o plain_o distinguish_v this_o from_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o write_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v he_o speak_v not_o the_o lord_n 11.17_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 7.12_o v._o 2_o cor._n 11.17_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o commandment_n from_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o give_v his_o judgement_n 7.25_o judgement_n 1_o cor._n 7.25_o the_o same_o expression_n we_o find_v elsewhere_o in_o a_o like_a case_n 10._o case_n 2_o cor._n 8.8_o 10._o viz._n concern_v the_o measure_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o do_v it_o fall_v under_o a_o divine_a command_n now_o if_o a_o exception_n confirm_v a_o rule_n in_o case_n not_o except_v we_o may_v just_o infer_v from_o the_o apostle_n set_v a_o mark_n upon_o these_o discourse_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o divine_a command_n that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o distinguish_a mark_n we_o must_v suppose_v he_o to_o deliver_v what_o he_o say_v under_o the_o character_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o messenger_n of_o god_n unless_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o discourse_n do_v plain_o imply_v the_o contrary_a and_o be_v such_o as_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o two_o other_o head_n of_o except_a case_n as_o to_o the_o three_o instance_n of_o except_v case_n the_o evangelist_n have_v sufficient_o forewarn_v we_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o any_o man_n judgement_n as_o infallible_a in_o this_o matter_n since_o they_o have_v record_v 13.32_o record_v matt._n 24.36_o mark_v 13.32_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n where_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o the_o general_n judgement_n be_v a_o secret_a god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v it_o to_o any_o creature_n of_o what_o rank_n or_o degree_n soever_o no_o not_o to_o the_o son_n himself_o and_o though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o commission_n to_o reveal_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v
the_o heathen_a tribunal_n wherein_o he_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o attack_v two_o or_o three_o passage_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o certain_o never_o be_v there_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n present_a with_o its_o professor_n than_o when_o they_o be_v summon_v before_o the_o magistrate_n to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o vth_z place_n to_o answer_v the_o objection_n which_o he_o have_v advance_v against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o the_o first_o which_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o apostle_n dispute_v and_o confer_v with_o each_o other_o before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n at_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n 57_o jerusalem_n fr._n p._n 248_o 249._o eng._n p._n 57_o which_o he_o think_v be_v needless_a among_o person_n inspire_a as_o likewise_o that_o prophet_n shall_v submit_v what_o they_o say_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o prophet_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n order_n 14.29_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.29_o but_o the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n will_v be_v take_v away_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n distribute_v his_o gift_n to_o each_o person_n several_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a 11._o fit_a 1_o cor._n 12_o 11._o so_o that_o even_o the_o great_a apostle_n may_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o advise_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o matter_n of_o consequence_n where_o the_o edification_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v near_o concern_v and_o indeed_o one_o reason_n why_o god_n give_v his_o spirit_n by_o measure_n to_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o he_o design_v to_o engage_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n into_o a_o strict_a union_n and_o alliance_n with_o each_o other_o by_o this_o mean_n because_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o one_o another_o help_n and_o direction_n and_o the_o eye_n can_v not_o say_v to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o 21._o you_o ibid._n v._o 21._o i._n e._n the_o more_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n very_o often_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o assistance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o inferior_a and_o less_o considerable_a one_o and_o according_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inform_v by_o the_o inferior_a and_o more_o ordinary_a member_n of_o it_o of_o several_a particular_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o before_o so_o agabus_n inform_v st._n paul_n of_o his_o suffering_n at_o jerusalem_n 21.11_o jerusalem_n act._n 21.11_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n witness_v the_o same_o in_o every_o city_n 20.23_o city_n act._n 20.23_o no_o doubt_n by_o person_n of_o a_o much_o inferior_a station_n in_o the_o church_n than_o st._n paul_n himself_o thus_o the_o distribution_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o different_a measure_n and_o degree_n be_v very_o effectual_a to_o prevent_v schism_n in_o the_o body_n 12.25_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.25_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o member_n to_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o saviour_n make_v a_o especial_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o his_o disciple_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 2d_o together_o matth._n 18_o 2d_o to_o engage_v they_o thereby_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o as_o by_o their_o exercise_v their_o gift_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n each_o man_n be_v private_a gift_n be_v produce_v in_o common_a and_o make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a so_o this_o prevent_v false_a prophet_n creep_v in_o among_o they_o because_o they_o will_v present_o be_v detect_v whereas_o if_o private_a prophesy_v have_v be_v in_o use_n a_o impostor_n may_v have_v take_v his_o opportunity_n and_o by_o impose_v upon_o the_o weak_a sort_n have_v get_v such_o a_o reputation_n before_o the_o cheat_n can_v have_v be_v discover_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v difficult_a afterward_o to_o have_v convince_v man_n of_o the_o imposture_n but_o by_o make_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n undergo_v a_o public_a trial_n a_o false_a prophet_n can_v not_o hope_v to_o escape_v long_o without_o be_v convince_v by_o all_o and_o judge_v by_o all_o and_o this_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o command_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v submit_v what_o they_o say_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n 14.29_o brethren_n 1_o cor._n 14.29_o for_o since_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n there_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o deceitful_a worker_n who_o endeavour_v to_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o true_a apostle_n and_o messenger_n of_o christ_n 11.13_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o lay_v down_o rule_n for_o the_o try_v of_o spirit_n etc._n spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o 1_o joh._n 4_o 1_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o discern_a of_o spirit_n be_v a_o particular_a gift_n design_v for_o this_o purpose_n 10._o purpose_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 10._o now_o the_o fit_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v by_o the_o joint_a advice_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n assemble_v together_o as_o we_o find_v the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n meet_v together_o discover_v the_o falseness_n of_o montanus_n and_o his_o follower_n pretence_n to_o prophecy_n 16.19_o prophecy_n v._o euseb_n ii_o e._n l._n 5._o c_o 16.19_o to_o all_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o beside_o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o method_n to_o secure_v the_o church_n against_o imposture_n it_o have_v this_o further_a advantage_n in_o it_o that_o what_o several_a inspire_a person_n do_v agree_v in_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o great_a evidence_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v deliver_v only_o by_o one_o for_o though_o every_o thing_n which_o come_v from_o god_n deserve_v equal_a credit_n in_o itself_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v great_a evidence_n to_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o one_o doctrine_n than_o of_o another_o 26._o another_o v._o cl._n dodwell_n prolegom_o in_o dissert_n iren._n n._n 6-9_a &_o dissert_n 2._o in_o iren._n n._n 26._o and_o as_o there_o be_v great_a and_o more_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o precedence_n of_o the_o prophet_n 12.28_o prophet_n 1_o cor_fw-la 12.28_o and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o order_n and_o regulate_v their_o gift_n by_o their_o injunction_n 3â—_n injunction_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 3â—_n though_o what_o a_o true_a prophet_n speak_v be_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o what_o a_o apostle_n do_v so_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o inspire_a witness_n bring_v great_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n than_o that_o which_o rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n and_o integrity_n of_o one_o because_o two_o or_o three_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o mistake_v than_o one_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n himself_o argue_v from_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o man_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o john_n 5.33_o john_n joh._n 5.33_o as_o a_o corroborate_n evidence_n though_o his_o miracle_n sufficient_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n nay_o he_o reckon_v that_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o his_o father_n and_o himself_o be_v more_o credible_a humane_o speak_v than_o either_o of_o they_o single_o 18._o single_o joh_n 8_o 17_o 18._o and_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v inspire_a person_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n hold_v true_a of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o though_o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v always_o so_o far_o present_a with_o they_o as_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v of_o consequence_n such_o as_o that_o be_v which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n yet_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o this_o assistance_n we_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o observe_v those_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o procure_v this_o assistance_n one_o of_o which_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v already_o be_v their_o assemble_v together_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o where_o the_o case_n concern_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n and_o since_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v but_o know_v in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v in_o part_n 13.9_o part_n 1_o cor._n 13.9_o and_o consequent_o may_v receive_v further_a light_n from_o other_o what_o
wonder_n or_o foretell_v one_o event_n which_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o mere_a chance_n shall_v overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o so_o many_o more_o and_o great_a work_n for_o though_o god_n do_v suffer_v impostor_n to_o work_v strange_a feat_n sometime_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n 24.24_o people_n deut._n 13.3_o matth_n 24.24_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o always_o take_v care_n that_o his_o own_o work_n shall_v visible_o exceed_v they_o both_o in_o power_n in_o gravity_n and_o in_o vsefulness_n so_o that_o their_o trick_n shall_v appear_v as_o just_a nothing_o when_v compare_v with_o his_o miracle_n as_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o those_o of_o the_o magician_n 8.12_o magician_n exod._n 8.12_o or_o else_o god_n will_v allow_v too_o great_a a_o authority_n to_o impostor_n and_o make_v miracle_n by_o themselves_o no_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a mission_n since_o it_o will_v be_v in_o some_o case_n impossible_a to_o distinguish_v true_a one_o from_o counterfeit_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o god_n permit_v evil_a spirit_n and_o seducer_n to_o show_v sign_n and_o wonder_n do_v not_o evacuate_v the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n in_o general_a though_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v other_o mark_v 10._o mark_v v._o orig._n c._n cell_n l._n 1._o p._n 53._o l._n 2._o p._n 90_o 91._o ed._n cant._n bp._n stillingfl_fw-mi orig._n sacr_n l._n 2._o c._n 10._o whereby_o to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a which_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o discourse_v of_o 2._o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o first_o enter_v upon_o their_o prophetic_a office_n give_v some_o sign_n of_o their_o mission_n either_o by_o work_v a_o miracle_n or_o by_o reveal_v some_o secret_n remote_a or_o future_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o be_v such_o that_o a_o little_a time_n will_v quick_o discover_v whether_o the_o prophet_n speak_v true_a or_o not_o we_o may_v find_v footstep_n in_o scripture_n of_o these_o several_a way_n be_v account_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o prophet_n we_o find_v the_o pharisee_n demand_v a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n 12.38_o heaven_n matth._n 16.1_o joh._n 6.30_o matth._n 12.38_o of_o our_o saviour_n such_o as_o joshua_n 10.12_o joshua_n jos_n 10.12_o samuel_n 12.18_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 12.18_o isaiah_n 38.8_o isaiah_n be_v 38.8_o and_o elias_n 1.10_o elias_n 2_o king_n 1.10_o have_v wrought_v and_o the_o samaritan_n woman_n judge_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n because_o he_o tell_v she_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o she_o do_v 4.29_o do_v john_n 4.29_o this_o show_v that_o in_o the_o common_a opinion_n the_o discover_v of_o some_o hide_a thing_n and_o out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v esteem_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o prophet_n the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n expect_v the_o woman_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o who_o know_v such_o secret_n must_v be_v the_o messiah_n and_o perhaps_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o jew_n who_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o pretender_n only_o to_o prophecy_n demand_v of_o he_o the_o discovery_n of_o a_o mock-secret_a 26.68_o mock-secret_a matth._n 26.68_o viz._n who_o it_o be_v that_o smite_v he_o when_o he_o be_v blindfolded_a it_o appear_v from_o other_o place_n that_o the_o prophet_n do_v common_o foretell_v something_o which_o shall_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o their_o predidiction_n do_v establish_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o future_a and_o give_v credibility_n to_o those_o prophecy_n of_o they_o who_o accomplishment_n be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n so_o the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o prophesy_v against_o the_o altar_n of_o bethel_n 2._o bethel_n 1_o king_n 13.1_o 2._o beside_o his_o foretell_v above_o 300._o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o that_o prince_n that_o one_o of_o david_n family_n josiah_n by_o name_n shall_v defile_v that_o altar_n at_o the_o same_o time_n give_v another_o sign_n of_o his_o mission_n that_o be_v present_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v viz._n that_o the_o altar_n shall_v be_v rend_v and_o the_o ash_n of_o it_o pour_v out_o 3._o out_o ib._n v._n 3._o the_o fulfil_n of_o which_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o veracity_n as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o prophecy_n where_o the_o event_n be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n that_o though_o it_o shall_v not_o correspond_v with_o the_o prophecy_n it_o can_v not_o at_o present_a be_v disprove_v and_o therefore_o the_o bare_a foretell_v it_o do_v not_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o prophet_n who_o speak_v it_o be_v real_o send_v from_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v say_v of_o samuel_n 9.6_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 3.19_o 20._o c._n 9.6_o that_o all_o israel_n know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o establish_v prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o see_v that_o none_o of_o his_o prophetic_a word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o ezekiel_n have_v deliver_v a_o prediction_n add_v 33.33_o add_v ezek._n 33.33_o when_o this_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v than_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o a_o prophet_n have_v be_v among_o they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v however_o man_n may_v slight_v my_o word_n now_o and_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o a_o song_n 32._o song_n ver_fw-la 32._o which_o man_n harken_v to_o only_o to_o pass_v away_o the_o time_n yet_o the_o fulfil_n of_o what_o i_o say_v will_v establish_v my_o authority_n beyond_o contradiction_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n common_o suspend_v their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o prophet_n till_o they_o have_v try_v his_o veracity_n by_o see_v whether_o some_o one_o prophecy_n of_o he_o which_o he_o deliver_v as_o a_o test_n of_o his_o mission_n come_v to_o pass_v or_o no._n 3._o though_o prophet_n usual_o give_v a_o sign_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o mission_n yet_o some_o prophet_n do_v not_o who_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v try_v by_o other_o rule_n it_o be_v record_v particular_o of_o john_n baptist_n that_o he_o do_v no_o miracle_n 10.41_o miracle_n john_n 10.41_o and_o yet_o the_o people_n count_v he_o a_o prophet_n 21.26_o prophet_n matth._n 21.26_o which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o a_o prophet_n have_v always_o give_v a_o sign_n before_o he_o be_v account_v so_o and_o we_o see_v that_o even_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n can_v not_o find_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o his_o authority_n 25._o authority_n ibid_fw-la ver_fw-la 25._o now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o suppose_v they_o judge_v of_o a_o prophet_n pretence_n by_o some_o of_o these_o follow_a token_n by_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n by_o the_o agreement_n of_o what_o he_o say_v with_o the_o prediction_n or_o discourse_n of_o other_o prophet_n and_o especial_o if_o another_o prophet_n of_o undoubted_a authority_n bare_a witness_n to_o he_o according_a to_o that_o maxim_n of_o the_o jewish_a master_n 9_o master_n maimonid_n fundam_fw-la legis_fw-la c._n 10._o sect._n 9_o the_o prophet_n of_o who_o some_o other_o undoubted_a prophet_n witness_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n be_v assure_o such_o all_o these_o mark_v concur_v in_o john_n baptist_n his_o office_n be_v plain_o describe_v by_o isaiah_n 40.3_o isaiah_n be_v 40.3_o and_o both_o that_o and_o his_o person_n by_o malachi_n 4.5_o malachi_n mal._n 3.1_o 4.5_o his_o doctrine_n be_v holy_a and_o his_o life_n a_o exact_a copy_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v so_o here_o be_v no_o room_n to_o suspect_v he_o a_o counterfeit_n though_o he_o give_v no_o sign_n to_o attest_v his_o mission_n we_o may_v far_o observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n insist_v upon_o these_o three_o thing_n viz._n purity_n of_o doctrine_n holiness_n of_o life_n and_o agreement_n with_o other_o prophet_n as_o the_o token_n whereby_o they_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o false_a prophet_n they_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o vision_n of_o true_a prophet_n and_o the_o dream_n of_o false_a one_o as_o betwixt_o chaff_n and_o wheat_n 23.28_o wheat_n jer._n 23.28_o which_o must_v be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o one_o sort_n tend_v to_o discourage_v sin_n and_o set_v forth_o the_o terrible_a consequence_n of_o it_o 29._o it_o ibid._n ver_fw-la 29._o whereas_o the_o other_o design_n to_o sooth_n man_n up_o in_o their_o vice_n by_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o the_o conscience_n slight_o say_v peace_n peace_n 6.14_o peace_n jer._n 6.14_o and_o promise_a man_n prosperity_n without_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ezekiel_n say_v of_o the_o false_a prophet_n that_o they_o sow_v pillow_n to_o man_n elbow_n 13.18_o
vales._n ibid._n 5._o however_o that_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o when_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la be_v write_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v settle_v for_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o twelve_o prophet_n altogether_o 49.10_o altogether_o ecclus._n 49.10_o which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o smaller_n prophet_n be_v then_o collect_v and_o compile_v into_o one_o book_n which_o book_n be_v afterward_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n oxon._n prophet_n see_v act._n 7.42_o justin_n m._n c._n tryph._n p._n 45.50.57_o ed._n steph._n cyprian_a epist_n 59_o ed._n oxon._n nay_o further_o the_o author_n of_o the_o prologue_n to_o that_o book_n speak_v of_o the_o law_n prophet_n and_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o then_o translate_v into_o greek_a which_o be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v then_o complete_v and_o though_o we_o suppose_v that_o prologue_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o grandchild_n of_o the_o principal_a author_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o syrach_n which_o young_a syracide_n live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o euergetes_n ii_o common_o call_v ptolomee_o physcon_n yet_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o beginning_n of_o that_o prologue_n that_o his_o grandfather_n study_v the_o same_o holy_a book_n which_o he_o afterward_o say_v be_v turn_v into_o greek_a and_o this_o elder_a siracides_n speak_v of_o simon_n the_o son_n of_o onias_n the_o high_a priest_n as_o one_o who_o he_o very_o well_o remember_v etc._n remember_v c._n 50._o 1_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o simon_n be_v high_a priest_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o philopator_n reign_n 1.1_o reign_n see_v 3_o macc._n 2.1_o come_v with_o c._n 1.1_o who_o be_v next_o in_o succession_n but_o one_o to_o philadelphus_n so_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v as_o old_a as_o philadelphus_n time_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v translate_v all_o into_o greek_a in_o a_o little_a time_n after_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o suppose_v the_o whole_a work_n perform_v by_o the_o lxx_o last_o to_o these_o consideration_n we_o may_v add_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n both_o jewish_a and_o christian_a who_o agree_v in_o suppose_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o have_v be_v compile_v in_o or_o about_o ezra_n time_n and_o who_o probable_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o ancient_a writer_n for_o what_o they_o say_v which_o now_o be_v lose_v and_o if_o these_o consideration_n take_v all_o together_o have_v any_o force_n in_o they_o to_o prove_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o have_v be_v settle_v in_o ezra_n time_n or_o in_o the_o next_o age_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v settle_v so_o early_o this_o very_a thing_n will_v add_v great_a weight_n to_o its_o authority_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o ezra_n who_o call_v himself_o a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 7.6_o moses_n ezr_n 7.6_o revise_v the_o holy_a write_n retrieve_v they_o from_o the_o corruption_n which_o the_o scarcity_n of_o copy_n and_o the_o disuse_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n during_o the_o captity_n have_v bring_v into_o they_o supply_v and_o complete_v many_o of_o they_o and_o put_v they_o into_o order_n and_o method_n and_o when_o a_o man_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o ezra_n be_v have_v do_v all_o this_o so_o late_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o compiler_n of_o the_o canon_n must_v have_v have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o his_o judgement_n and_o admit_v no_o book_n into_o their_o collection_n but_o what_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o ezra_n or_o if_o they_o be_v of_o late_a date_n than_o his_o time_n the_o write_n of_o they_o must_v have_v be_v within_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o compiler_n so_o that_o they_o be_v proper_a judge_n whether_o a_o book_n deserve_v to_o be_v esteem_v sacred_a or_o not_o so_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o canon_n bottom_n upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o ezra_n who_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v to_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n yet_o we_o can_v think_v but_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n as_o the_o revise_v and_o put_v in_o order_n the_o holy_a write_n he_o will_v not_o only_o use_v the_o best_a skill_n he_o have_v himself_o but_o likewise_o consult_v with_o haggai_n zechary_n or_o malachi_n the_o last_o of_o which_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v alive_a in_o his_o time_n and_o possible_o the_o other_o two_o also_o and_o do_v nothing_o without_o their_o advice_n for_o we_o find_v that_o at_o the_o first_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o much_o less_o moment_n viz._n where_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o priesthood_n can_v not_o prove_v their_o pedigree_n the_o governor_n will_v determine_v nothing_o but_o leave_v the_o matter_n undecided_a till_o a_o priest_n shall_v arise_v who_o have_v vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n 63._o thummim_n ezr._n 2.62_o 63._o and_o if_o any_o such_o priest_n do_v arise_v afterward_o as_o if_o we_o believe_v josephus_n there_o do_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o that_o oracle_n cease_v but_o 200._o year_n before_o his_o time_n gen._n time_n antiq._n jud._n l._n 3._o c._n 9_o p._n 90._o c._n ed._n gen._n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v leave_v to_o he_o to_o determine_v which_o be_v such_o as_o the_o learned_a mr._n dodwell_n have_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o appendix_n 9_o appendix_n sect._n 9_o to_o his_o lecture_n now_o in_o the_o press_n 2._o this_o early_a date_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n quite_o destroy_v that_o fancy_n of_o our_o author_n 106._o author_n fr._n p._n 279._o eng_n p._n 106._o that_o the_o jew_n put_v together_o all_o the_o fragment_n that_o remain_v of_o their_o ancient_a book_n so_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v their_o whole_a library_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o chronicle_n be_v extract_v out_o of_o large_a record_n which_o they_o often_o refer_v to_o and_o yet_o these_o book_n be_v compile_v after_o the_o captivity_n as_o appear_v by_o several_a passage_n etc._n passage_n 1_o chr._n 3.17_o 〈…〉_o etc._n etc._n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o the_o original_n which_o escape_v the_o destruction_n of_o record_n occasion_v by_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o captivity_n which_o ensue_v shall_v be_v lose_v in_o so_o little_a a_o time_n as_o be_v between_o the_o compile_n the_o chronicle_n and_o make_v the_o canon_n especial_o since_o josephus_n d._n josephus_n l._n 1._o c._n app._n p._n 136._o d._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o high-priest_n and_o their_o succession_n for_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n past_a be_v preserve_v in_o the_o public_a record_n and_o remain_v to_o his_o own_o time_n again_o several_a book_n which_o never_o be_v in_o the_o canon_n be_v extant_a when_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v and_o be_v cite_v there_o as_o write_n of_o credit_n and_o antiquity_n such_o as_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n and_o the_o assumption_n of_o moses_n both_o refer_v to_o by_o st._n judas_n 14._o judas_n judas_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 14._o as_o also_o several_a other_o ancient_a book_n from_o whence_o both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v many_o passage_n concern_v historical_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o the_o canonical_a writer_n african_n writer_n â—ee_n matth._n 23_o 3â—_n luk._n 4.25_o jam._n 5.17_o act._n 7.22_o 52._o heb._n 11_o 37.-12.21_a 2_o tim._n 3.8_o v._o orig._n epist_n and_o african_n and_o it_o be_v from_o such_o ancient_a write_n probable_o that_o josephus_n take_v some_o story_n which_o he_o relate_v of_o moses_n 5._o moses_n antiq._n l._n 2._o c._n 5._o and_o of_o other_o person_n beside_o we_o find_v apocryphal_o quote_v by_o barnabas_n in_o every_o page_n of_o his_o epistle_n almost_o by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o other_o ancient_a writer_n in_o several_a place_n many_o of_o which_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v write_v original_o in_o hebrew_a since_o by_o the_o matter_n they_o treat_v of_o we_o may_v reasonable_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v as_o old_a as_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o be_v certain_o look_v upon_o as_o book_n of_o great_a antiquity_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v cite_v by_o these_o author_n under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o scripture_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o compiler_n of_o the_o canon_n do_v not_o take_v in_o promiscuous_o whatever_o hebrew_n write_n they_o can_v find_v but_o use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o distinguish_v sacred_a write_n and_o such_o as_o be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o church_n from_o those_o
which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o reason_n which_o confute_v this_o opinion_n of_o our_o author_n concern_v the_o collection_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o represent_v all_o together_o when_o i_o be_v upon_o this_o subject_a though_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o of_o these_o consideration_n which_o can_v be_v infer_v as_o a_o corollary_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o early_a date_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n canon_n what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o authority_n and_o antiquity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n canon_n i_o can_v call_v absolute_o certain_a or_o demonstrative_a but_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o probability_n than_o any_o thing_n the_o adversary_n of_o the_o canon_n have_v advance_v to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v what_o our_o author_n say_v 102._o say_v fr._n p._n 276._o eng._n p._n 102._o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o that_o esdras_n and_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n of_o that_o time_n among_o who_o be_v haggai_n zachary_n and_o malachi_n compile_v the_o canon_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v make_v by_o those_o that_o be_v so_o near_o their_o time_n that_o they_o know_v what_o their_o sentiment_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o make_v this_o collection_n according_o but_o if_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o think_v satisfactory_a i_o shall_v think_v any_o christian_n ought_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o look_v upon_o the_o jewish_a canon_n which_o be_v undoubted_o the_o same_o in_o his_o time_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n i_o say_v he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o collection_n of_o holy_a write_n design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n the_o jew_n be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o when_o they_o will_v inform_v themselves_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o bid_v they_o 5.39_o they_o jâ—h_o 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n without_o distinguish_v as_o our_o author_n do_v 116._o do_v fr._n p._n 277_o 279_o 285._o eng_n p._n 100l_n 106_o 116._o the_o true_o inspire_a book_n from_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o in_o they_o say_v he_o you_o think_v and_o so_o far_o you_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n it_o be_v strange_a our_o saviour_n shall_v not_o correct_v this_o mistake_n of_o they_o if_o some_o of_o the_o book_n they_o have_v such_o a_o great_a veneration_n for_o favour_v such_o dangerous_a doctrine_n as_o our_o author_n think_v the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n do_v 96._o do_v fr._n p._n 272._o eng._n p._n 96._o and_o contain_v expression_n very_o like_o blasphemy_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o job_n 101._o job_n fr._n p._n 275._o eng._n p._n 101._o for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v certain_o very_o dangerous_a for_o man_n to_o search_v or_o be_v too_o much_o conversant_a in_o these_o book_n especial_o since_o they_o come_v recommend_v under_o the_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n it_o be_v strange_a our_o saviour_n 24.44_o saviour_n luk._n 24.44_o shall_v prove_v the_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o messiah_n not_o only_o out_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o out_o of_o the_o psalm_n by_o which_o our_o author_n 123._o author_n fr._n p._n 277._o eng._n p._n 123._o understand_v those_o write_n which_o the_o jew_n call_v chetubim_n if_o these_o book_n be_v of_o so_o little_a authority_n as_o he_o will_v persuade_v we_o they_o be_v mr._n n._n will_v fain_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o our_o saviour_n authority_n by_o tell_v we_o 105._o we_o fr._n p._n 278._o eng._n p._n 104_o 105._o that_o christ_n never_o design_v to_o criticise_v upon_o the_o sacred_a book_n or_o to_o correct_v those_o error_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v of_o small_a importance_n but_o since_o our_o saviour_n criticise_v so_o far_o upon_o the_o sacred_a book_n as_o to_o confute_v the_o false_a gloss_n 23._o gloss_n matt._n 5._o c._n 23._o which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v make_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o reject_v the_o tradition_n 15.1_o tradition_n c._n 15.1_o which_o they_o have_v equal_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o some_o case_n prefer_v before_o it_o it_o seem_v as_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o have_v distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a scripture_n and_o those_o book_n which_o be_v undeserved_o esteem_v such_o especial_o if_o these_o latter_a advance_v doctrine_n that_o do_v not_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o former_a as_o our_o author_n etc._n author_n fr._n p._n 272_o etc._n etc._n eng_n p._n 95_o etc._n etc._n endeavour_v to_o prove_v concern_v several_a place_n of_o the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o job_n for_o then_o the_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n be_v of_o as_o ill_a consequence_n as_o the_o receive_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v be_v nay_o with_o his_o leave_n i_o think_v it_o a_o error_n of_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o equal_a a_o book_n that_o be_v not_o inspire_a when_o it_o contain_v false_a doctrine_n with_o one_o that_o be_v true_o divine_a than_o to_o equal_a such_o tradition_n as_o the_o pharisee_n hold_v with_o a_o inspire_a write_n because_o a_o tradition_n will_v probable_o in_o time_n be_v forget_v and_o so_o lose_v all_o its_o authority_n which_o we_o see_v have_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o most_o of_o the_o pharisaical_a tradition_n whereas_o a_o book_n that_o have_v once_o be_v general_o repute_a of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v likely_a will_v maintain_v that_o character_n for_o ever_o for_o its_o very_a character_n will_v make_v man_n careful_a to_o preserve_v it_o and_o the_o old_a it_o grow_v the_o strong_a will_v the_o plea_n of_o prescription_n be_v for_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o consequent_o the_o more_o will_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o it_o as_o we_o see_v have_v actual_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o if_o our_o author_n opinion_n be_v true_a for_o the_o whole_a christian_a and_o jewish_a church_n have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n look_v upon_o the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a canon_n to_o be_v inspire_a and_o have_v upon_o all_o occasion_n appeal_v to_o their_o authority_n as_o such_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o error_n if_o it_o have_v be_v one_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o after_o age_n than_o his_o confute_v a_o unwritten_a tradition_n can_v be_v but_o further_a we_o find_v the_o apostle_n judgement_n do_v evident_o concur_v with_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o matter_n st._n paul_n say_v 3.2_o say_v rom._n 3.2_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v entrust_v 〈◊〉_d entrust_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n but_o sure_o he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o true_a to_o their_o trust_n if_o he_o have_v think_v they_o have_v mix_v profane_a book_n with_o the_o sacred_a one_o but_o that_o text_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n 3.16_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v so_o clear_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o evasion_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v timothy_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n by_o which_o he_o must_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o write_n which_o the_o jew_n look_v upon_o as_o such_o for_o in_o that_o religion_n he_o have_v be_v educate_v by_o the_o care_n of_o his_o mother_n who_o be_v a_o jewess_n 16.1_o jewess_n act._n 16.1_o then_o it_o follow_v in_o this_o verse_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n where_o the_o apostle_n certain_o understand_v the_o word_n scripture_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n which_o he_o take_v it_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o viz._n for_o that_o collection_n of_o write_n which_o the_o jew_n receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o pray_v let_v we_o hear_v our_o author_n paraphrase_n 270._o paraphrase_n eng._n p._n 192._o fr._n p._n 270._o upon_o these_o two_o verse_n it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v to_o timothy_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o keep_v close_o as_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o will_v instruct_v he_o sufficient_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o join_v thereunto_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o all_o scripture_n inspire_v as_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n i_o think_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n
it_o be_v of_o no_o long_a stand_n since_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n for_o josephus_n often_o call_v daniel_n a_o prophet_n 12._o prophet_n antiq._n l._n 10._o c._n 12._o nay_o one_o of_o the_o great_a genev_n great_a ib._n p._n 353._o g._n ed._n genev_n prophet_n and_o agreeable_o to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n our_o saviour_n give_v he_o the_o same_o title_n 24.15_o title_n matth._n 24.15_o but_o further_a the_o same_o josephus_n g._n josephus_n l._n 1._o c._n app._n p._n 1036._o g._n make_v use_v of_o another_o division_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n viz._n into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o prophetical_a under_o which_o he_o comprehend_v the_o historical_a because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n as_o he_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n suppose_v and_o the_o poetical_a book_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v or_o those_o which_o contain_v hymn_n to_o god_n and_o precept_n of_o good_a life_n which_o division_n agree_v much_o better_a with_o that_o mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n 24.44_o saviour_n luke_n 24.44_o viz._n into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n than_o the_o other_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v since_o that_o time_n invent_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v show_v that_o mr._n n._n by_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o receive_v book_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n nay_o and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n too_o what_o reason_n he_o have_v for_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o but_o at_o present_a let_v we_o examine_v what_o authority_n he_o have_v to_o oppose_v to_o such_o a_o powerful_a one_o as_o all_o these_o join_v together_o amount_v to_o and_o i_o can_v find_v no_o body_n that_o stand_v by_o he_o in_o this_o opinion_n but_o grotius_n and_o he_o he_o call_v in_o to_o his_o assistance_n at_o every_o turn_v but_o though_o i_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o grotius_n judgement_n yet_o i_o think_v if_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n to_o counterpoise_v that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o will_v be_v find_v too_o light_n that_o great_a man_n extraordinary_a learning_n and_o merit_n and_o particular_o his_o have_v so_o well_o deserve_v of_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n and_o give_v such_o light_n into_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o design_n make_v i_o willing_a to_o pass_v over_o his_o failure_n and_o not_o be_v severe_a upon_o his_o memory_n for_o those_o false_a gloss_n and_o some_o of_o they_o deserve_v a_o hard_a name_n which_o he_o have_v make_v upon_o other_o book_n of_o it_o only_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o this_o opinion_n of_o he_o concern_v the_o old_a testament_n canon_n be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o main_a design_n of_o his_o votum_fw-la pro_fw-la pace_n and_o those_o other_o treatise_n where_o he_o have_v assert_v it_o for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o those_o project_n for_o peace_n be_v to_o magnify_v antiquity_n tradition_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o show_v that_o catholic_n unity_n be_v never_o to_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o submit_v all_o controversy_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o these_o three_o as_o so_o many_o arbitrator_n or_o umpire_n between_o the_o different_a party_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antiquity_n and_o tradition_n he_o reject_v those_o book_n which_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n that_o the_o universal_a church_n uninterrupted_a tradition_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n can_v give_v they_o ii_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o exception_n which_o our_o author_n make_v against_o particular_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n he_o except_v against_o be_v either_o historical_a or_o those_o they_o common_o call_v poetical_a as_o to_o the_o historical_a write_n i_o agree_v with_o he_o thus_o far_o that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n be_v not_o usual_o inspire_a with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o they_o relate_v nor_o with_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o express_v the_o thing_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n 37._o chapter_n p._n 37._o of_o this_o treatise_n that_o a_o book_n may_v be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a mean_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n inspire_a the_o evangelist_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o they_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o or_o may_v easy_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o be_v so_o so_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o groundless_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n reveal_v those_o particular_n to_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n history_n which_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o by_o consult_v the_o record_n and_o ancient_a monument_n in_o which_o these_o matter_n be_v relate_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n and_o design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o mr._n n._n himself_o grant_v 28._o grant_v fr._n p._n 231._o en._n p._n 28._o that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v mere_o to_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n but_o to_o be_v a_o stand_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n to_o after_o age_n to_o show_v we_o the_o care_n that_o god_n always_o take_v of_o good_a people_n and_o the_o punishment_n he_o inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a to_o give_v we_o example_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o last_o to_o inform_v we_o of_o several_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n as_o contain_v many_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o set_v aside_o the_o squabble_n between_o f._n simon_n and_o his_o adversary_n about_o the_o scribe_n and_o keeper_n of_o the_o public_a register_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o prophet_n usual_o write_v the_o history_n of_o their_o king_n and_o those_o book_n which_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n and_o be_v annal_n from_o whence_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n be_v take_v for_o we_o find_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o hezekiah_n incorporate_v into_o isaiah_n prophecy_n 39_o prophecy_n be_v c._n 36_o 37_o 38_o 39_o which_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o that_o king_n reign_n be_v record_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n and_o indeed_o so_o much_o be_v express_o assert_v 2_o chron._n 32.32_o so_o the_o act_n of_o david_n be_v record_v by_o samuel_n the_o seer_n by_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o by_o gad_n the_o seer_n 29.29_o seer_n 1_o chr._n 29.29_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n and_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n 9.29_o seer_n 2_o chr._n 9.29_o the_o history_n of_o rehoboam_n reign_n be_v write_v by_o shemaiah_n the_o prophet_n and_o by_o iddo_n the_o seer_n in_o his_o genealogy_n 12.15_o genealogy_n 2_o chr._n 12.15_o the_o last_o of_o these_o record_v likewise_o the_o act_n of_o abijah_n rehoboam_n son_n 13.22_o son_n chap._n 13.22_o jehu_n the_o son_n of_o hanani_n who_o be_v a_o prophet_n 19.2_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 16.1_o 2_o chron._n 19.2_o write_v the_o history_n of_o jehoshaphat_n 20.34_o jehoshaphat_n 2_o chr._n 20.34_o the_o act_n of_o vzziah_n be_v record_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 26.22_o isaiah_n ch._n 26.22_o and_o those_o of_o manasses_n among_o the_o say_n of_o the_o seer_n 33.19_o seer_n ch._n 33.19_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o think_v we_o may_v most_o probable_o interpret_v those_o word_n of_o josephus_n genev._n josephus_n joseph_n c._n appion_n l._n 1._o p._n 1036._o ed._n genev._n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o quote_v of_o late_a upon_o this_o subject_a where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v write_v only_o by_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o they_o look_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o as_o authentic_a which_o be_v write_v after_o artaxerxe_n time_n because_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a succession_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n nor_o be_v huetius_n objection_n 161._o objection_n demon._n evangel_n p._n 161._o against_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n of_o any_o weight_n who_o affirm_v that_o josephus_n contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o just_a before_o viz._n that_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o care_n of_o write_v the_o public_a
its_o plain_a sense_n without_o those_o stroke_n of_o passion_n which_o be_v mere_o poetical_a ornament_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v better_a never_o to_o have_v be_v bear_v than_o to_o live_v in_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o misery_n and_o that_o there_o be_v this_o benefit_n in_o death_n that_o it_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o trouble_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o humane_a life_n and_o this_o seem_v not_o unfit_a to_o be_v speak_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o reflect_v upon_o those_o many_o excellent_a say_n in_o this_o book_n which_o be_v most_o devout_a expression_n of_o job_n patience_n submission_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n etc._n god_n job_n 1_o 21.-2.10_a c._n 9.2_o 3_o 15._o c._n 40.4_o 5._o c._n 42.3_o etc._n etc._n and_o of_o his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o 27._o he_o ib._n c._n 13._o 15._o 14._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 19_o 25_o 26_o 27._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n etc._n integrity_n c_o 23._o 3_o etc._n etc._n c._n 29._o 31._o per_fw-la tot_fw-la 27._o 3_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o these_o account_v job_n behaviour_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v record_v for_o a_o example_n of_o integrity_n of_o suffering_n and_o of_o patience_n let_v they_o withal_o consider_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o book_n which_o seem_v more_o liable_a to_o exception_n be_v of_o use_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v obnoxious_a and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o first_o assault_v of_o affliction_n and_o the_o sudden_a and_o sharp_a twinge_n of_o pain_n till_o they_o have_v recollect_v their_o strength_n arm_v themselves_o with_o new_a vigour_n and_o resolution_n and_o have_v encourage_v themselves_o in_o god_n and_o call_v in_o the_o divine_a assistance_n thus_o we_o find_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o psalmist_n stir_v in_o he_o at_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a 3._o wicked_a ps_n 73.2_o 3._o and_o tempt_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impatience_n as_o to_o begin_v to_o say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n 14._o god_n ib_a v._n 13._o 14._o but_o he_o present_o check_v such_o thought_n as_o unbecoming_a a_o religious_a man_n 15._o man_n ib._n v._n 15._o and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o god_n be_v please_v that_o those_o expression_n of_o job_n in_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o forget_v his_o character_n shall_v be_v record_v as_o well_o as_o the_o infirmity_n of_o other_o his_o eminent_a servant_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v we_o that_o they_o have_v the_o heavenly_a treasure_n of_o grace_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n and_o thereby_o teach_v we_o to_o cease_v from_o value_v man_n for_o wherein_o be_v he_o to_o be_v account_v of_o and_o to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n and_o magnify_v the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n who_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n and_o more_o eminent_o see_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o notwithstanding_o these_o expression_n it_o be_v no_o such_o unaccountable_a thing_n as_o our_o author_n suppose_v 161._o suppose_v fr._n p._n â—75_n en._n p._n 161._o that_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o book_n shall_v bring_v in_o god_n almighty_n approve_v what_o job_n have_v say_v and_o condemn_v the_o assertion_n of_o his_o friend_n 42.7_o friend_n job_n 42.7_o for_o we_o find_v that_o just_a before_o 6._o before_o ib_fw-la ver_fw-la 3_o 6._o job_n have_v beg_v pardon_n for_o his_o rash_a speech_n in_o a_o most_o submissive_a manner_n and_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o dispute_n job_n certain_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o the_o design_n of_o the_o book_n as_o our_o author_n 100_o author_n fr._n p._n 275._o eng._n p._n 100_o himself_o confess_v be_v to_o show_v by_o job_n example_n that_o god_n oftentimes_o afflict_v good_a people_n not_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o any_o particular_a sin_n as_o if_o they_o have_v deserve_v affliction_n more_o than_o other_o but_o simple_o to_o try_v they_o and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o show_v their_o virtue_n and_o this_o be_v what_o job_n maintain_v throughout_o the_o dispute_n and_o wherein_o he_o perfect_o agree_v with_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v on_o purpose_n to_o check_v man_n rashness_n in_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o interpret_v god_n judgement_n 13.2_o judgement_n luke_n 13.2_o suppose_v you_o that_o these_o galilean_n who_o blood_n pilate_n mingle_v with_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v sinner_n above_o all_o the_o galilean_n because_o they_o suffer_v these_o thing_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o whereas_o job_n friend_n all_o along_o go_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o good_a man_n be_v always_o prosperous_a and_o none_o be_v miserable_a but_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o prove_v this_o they_o appeal_v to_o experience_n the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n 16._o age_n job_n 8.8_o c._n 15.10_o 18_o 20.4_o etc._n etc._n 22.15_o 16._o and_o the_o example_n which_o their_o own_o time_n furnish_v they_o with_o 11._o with_o c._n 4.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o from_o all_o which_o they_o do_v it_o only_o conclude_v as_o our_o author_n imperfect_o represent_v it_o 101._o it_o fr._n p._n 275._o en._n p._n 101._o that_o job_n be_v afflict_v for_o his_o sin_n for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v all_o they_o have_v maintain_v job_n will_v never_o have_v contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o for_o he_o free_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o own_v that_o they_o deserve_v punishment_n 15._o punishment_n job_n 7_o 2d_o 21_o 9.14_o 15._o but_o that_o which_o they_o contend_v for_o be_v that_o job_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o grievous_a sinner_n and_o great_a than_o other_o man_n however_o he_o have_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o conceal_v his_o wickedness_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n or_o else_o he_o have_v never_o be_v so_o terrible_o afflict_a nay_o eliphaz_n be_v so_o confident_a that_o it_o must_v be_v some_o extraordinary_a wickedness_n that_o have_v bring_v down_o these_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o he_o that_o at_o last_o he_o venture_v to_o give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o job_n sin_n etc._n sin_n job_n 22.5_o etc._n etc._n for_o which_o god_n have_v thus_o afflict_a he_o it_o be_v this_o uncharitable_a behaviour_n of_o they_o provoke_v job_n to_o impatience_n more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o affliction_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v reproach_v he_o ten_o time_n have_v vex_v his_o soul_n and_o break_v he_o in_o piece_n with_o word_n 3._o word_n job_n 19.2_o 3._o this_o make_v he_o so_o often_o protest_v his_o innocency_n and_o appeal_v to_o god_n to_o judge_v he_o according_a to_o the_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o he_o etc._n he_o c._n 16.17_o 21._o c._n 27.5_o 6._o c._n 31._o per_fw-la tot_fw-la c._n 23.3_o etc._n etc._n and_o here_o i_o think_v job_n friend_n be_v very_o faulty_a not_o only_o in_o pronounce_v so_o rash_o concern_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n and_o of_o god_n judgement_n but_o likewise_o in_o pass_v such_o unkind_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o their_o friend_n whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v pity_n upon_o he_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o 22._o they_o c._n 19.21_o 22._o since_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n have_v touch_v he_o and_o not_o persecute_v he_o as_o god_n and_o add_v affliction_n to_o the_o afflict_a and_o this_o their_o confidence_n in_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v interpreter_n of_o god_n judgement_n together_o with_o their_o uncharitable_a and_o inhuman_a behaviour_n towards_o a_o man_n in_o affliction_n may_v just_o provoke_v god_n wrath_n against_o they_o for_o what_o they_o have_v say_v when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o pardon_v the_o impatient_a and_o undecent_a expression_n of_o job_n because_o he_o can_v plead_v the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o his_o own_o behalf_n which_o be_v easy_o provoke_v to_o be_v impatient_a under_o violent_a affliction_n especial_o where_o man_n persecute_v those_o who_o god_n have_v smite_v whereas_o job_n friend_n have_v no_o such_o excuse_n to_o allege_v for_o themselves_o but_o still_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v upon_o what_o account_n we_o reckon_v this_o book_n to_o be_v inspire_a in_o answer_n to_o which_o question_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o deliver_v my_o opinion_n free_o but_o with_o all_o due_a submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v inspire_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o person_n who_o maintain_v the_o dispute_n in_o it_o and_o though_o i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n for_o piety_n and_o virtue_n yet_o i_o see_v no_o
gospel_n show_n that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o the_o general_n use_v of_o the_o church_n to_o record_v the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o all_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o though_o it_o be_v some_o particular_a emergency_n that_o may_v induce_v the_o evangelist_n to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n which_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o providential_a motion_n yet_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o not_o only_o answer_v that_o particular_a end_n which_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o their_o be_v write_v but_o be_v of_o general_n use_v and_o fit_v to_o all_o age_n and_o time_n we_o have_v already_o mention_v the_o occasion_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n be_v writing_n their_o gospel_n st._n luke_n give_v a_o 1.1_o a_o luk._n 1.1_o account_n of_o his_o undertake_n himself_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v that_o since_o many_o have_v write_v a_o history_n of_o our_o savior_n life_n and_o action_n who_o want_v some_o advantage_n of_o know_v the_o particular_n which_o he_o have_v he_o himself_o be_v exact_o inform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n and_o party_n concern_v set_v about_o a_o more_o accurate_a account_n of_o these_o matter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o every_o christian_a who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v it_o seem_v from_o hence_o that_o commit_a thing_n to_o write_v be_v in_o st._n luke_n judgement_n the_o most_o certain_a mean_n of_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o other_o as_o for_o st._n john_n it_o be_v plain_a by_o compare_v his_o gospel_n with_o the_o other_o three_o that_o he_o have_v see_v the_o rest_n and_o approve_v they_o 24_o they_o v._o eus_n h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 24_o and_o therefore_o supply_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a which_o the_o former_a evangelist_n have_v omit_v that_o so_o all_o of_o they_o together_o may_v be_v a_o complete_a account_n of_o all_o that_o jesus_n do_v and_o teach_v and_o he_o 〈◊〉_d himself_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o design_n in_o write_v his_o gospel_n be_v 20.31_o be_v joh._n 20.31_o that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n and_o that_o believe_v they_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o many_o of_o st._n paul_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o particular_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o be_v occasion_v by_o some_o dispute_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o time_n which_o may_v be_v think_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o general_n use_v of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v admirable_o illustrate_v by_o they_o and_o many_o of_o the_o more_o mysterious_a part_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n more_o 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