for_o we_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n for_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v by_o natural_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o without_o some_o other_o light_n moreover_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o mind_v demonstration_n will_v entertain_v no_o scripture_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o philosopher_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o suppose_v philosopher_n can_v err_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o true_o will_v be_v a_o new_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o priesthood_n which_o the_o vulgar_a will_v rather_o scorn_v then_o reverence_n and_o though_o our_o method_n require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v no_o time_n to_o study_v nothing_o can_v upon_o that_o score_n be_v object_v for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o it_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n though_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v which_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v to_o make_v themselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o prophet_n meaning_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o method_n that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v necessary_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n that_o know_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o maimonides_n can_v never_o show_v i_o a_o common_a people_n that_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o knowledge_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o these_o day_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v not_o know_v may_v be_v easy_o understand_v in_o any_o language_n because_o they_o be_v so_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o for_o this_o knowledge_n the_o vulgar_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n in_o other_o thing_n they_o follow_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o to_o return_v to_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o maimonides_n opinion_n first_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v in_o all_o thing_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a philosopher_n because_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o their_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o second_o chapter_n to_o be_v false_a next_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v any_o thing_n nor_o do_v it_o prove_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v by_o definition_n and_o primary_n cause_n wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v neither_o appear_v or_o be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v likewise_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o present_a chapter_n for_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o example_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v derive_v thence_o even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n unknown_a to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n last_o maimonides_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o according_a to_o our_o preconceive_a opinion_n to_o expound_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o deny_v or_o change_v the_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o be_v it_o never_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a which_o liberty_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o what_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o this_o and_o other_o chapter_n and_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o boldness_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o this_o liberty_n what_o advantage_n will_v he_o get_v by_o it_o none_o at_o all_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v by_o this_o way_n make_v out_o nor_o by_o this_o rule_n expound_v or_o interpret_v they_o when_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o follow_v our_o method_n we_o may_v explain_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n perceptible_a their_o sense_n be_v easy_o draw_v from_o the_o context_n and_o as_o maimonides_n method_n be_v unprofitable_a so_o it_o take_v from_o the_o common_a people_n all_o certainty_n which_o they_o and_o all_o that_o follow_v any_o other_o method_n can_v by_o diligent_a read_n have_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o reject_v it_o as_o dangerous_a useless_a and_o absurd_a as_o for_o the_o forementioned_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o and_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n authority_n i_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n deny_v it_o but_o because_o it_o want_v clear_a proof_n for_o have_v they_o as_o much_o scripture_n to_o show_v for_o it_o as_o heretofore_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n have_v for_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o little_a concern_v that_o some_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o that_o the_o high-priest_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v sometime_o as_o bad_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o command_n of_o scripture_n have_v still_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 17_o chap._n of_o deut._n v._n 11_o 12._o chap._n 33._o v._n 10._o and_o mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o but_o because_o the_o pope_n can_v show_v we_o no_o such_o testimony_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o and_o think_v that_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a high-priest_n the_o catholic_a religion_n also_o want_v a_o high_a priest_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o public_a law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o need_v a_o public_a authority_n to_o maintain_v they_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n the_o public_a law_n as_o he_o please_v no_o commonwealth_n can_v stand_v but_o present_o dissolve_v and_o public_a law_n become_v private_a but_o in_o religion_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a for_o see_v religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o external_a action_n as_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v of_o no_o public_a power_n or_o authority_n for_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o infuse_v by_o the_o command_n of_o law_n or_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v compel_v by_o force_n or_o by_o law_n to_o be_v make_v holy_a nothing_o but_o good_a brotherly_a council_n education_n and_o a_o man_n own_o free_a judgement_n can_v do_v that_o see_v then_o every_o man_n have_v right_a to_o think_v of_o religion_n as_o he_o please_v and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v any_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o right_n it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o judge_v of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o expound_v and_o interpret_v it_o to_o himself_o for_o as_o the_o chief_n power_n of_o interpret_n law_n and_o judge_v of_o public_a matter_n reside_v in_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o be_v public_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o explain_v and_o judge_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o every_o particular_a person_n because_o it_o be_v every_o private_a man_n right_a the_o authority_n then_o of_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n to_o interpret_v law_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v the_o pope_n authority_n to_o interpret_v religion_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n i._o the_o best_a for_o see_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o interpret_n it_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o not_o any_o supernatural_a light_n or_o external_a authority_n this_o method_n ought_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a that_o none_o but_o acute_a philosopher_n can_v make_v use_n of_o or_o compose_v it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v
supreme_a magistrate_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o concern_v themselves_o in_o the_o dispute_n the_o controversy_n never_o end_v and_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o divide_v into_o sect_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v but_o private_a person_n sometime_o by_o the_o great_a liberty_n they_o use_v in_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o reproach_v the_o people_n do_v rather_o provoke_v than_o make_v they_o better_o who_o notwithstanding_o will_v with_o much_o great_a patience_n receive_v correction_n and_o instruction_n from_o their_o king_n yea_o the_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o intolerable_a to_o very_o pious_a good_a king_n by_o arrogate_a a_o power_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v well_o and_o what_o ill_o do_v and_o sometime_o by_o reprove_v king_n to_o their_o face_n if_o they_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v public_o or_o private_o do_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n asa_n who_o be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n a_o good_a king_n imprison_v hanani_n the_o prophet_n see_v 2_o chron._n chap._n 16._o for_o too_o bold_o reprove_v and_o reproach_v he_o for_o the_o league_n he_o make_v with_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n beside_o this_o example_n there_o be_v other_o which_o show_v that_o the_o liberty_n the_o prophet_n take_v do_v sometime_o more_o hurt_v than_o good_a i_o need_v not_o instance_n the_o civil_a war_n which_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o prophet_n pretend_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n a_o three_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o during_o the_o time_n the_o people_n govern_v there_o happen_v but_o one_o civil_a war_n which_o be_v end_v the_o victor_n have_v so_o much_o compassion_n for_o the_o conquer_a party_n that_o their_o whole_a care_n and_o study_v be_v how_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a power_n and_o dignity_n but_o after_o the_o people_n not_o accustom_v to_o king_n have_v change_v the_o form_n of_o their_o government_n into_o monarchy_n there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o civil_a war_n they_o fight_v such_o fierce_a and_o bloody_a battle_n as_o almost_o exceed_v belief_n for_o in_o one_o battle_n which_o be_v hardly_o credible_a fifty_o thousand_o israelite_n be_v slay_v by_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o in_o another_o the_o israelite_n slay_v a_o very_a great_a number_n though_o not_o specify_v of_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n take_v the_o king_n himself_o prisoner_n demolish_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o rage_n of_o war_n have_v no_o moderation_n they_o destroy_v the_o temple_n sack_v the_o city_n lade_v and_o glut_v with_o the_o spoil_n and_o blood_n of_o their_o brethren_n take_v hostage_n they_o leave_v the_o king_n in_o his_o almost_o ruine_a kingdom_n and_o more_o secure_v by_o the_o weakness_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o king_n of_o iudah_n subject_n lay_v down_o their_o arms._n the_o man_n of_o judah_n in_o a_o few_o year_n after_o recover_v strength_n come_v again_o into_o the_o field_n and_o fight_v another_o battle_n wherein_o the_o israelite_n be_v again_o victor_n kill_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o of_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o carry_v away_o captive_n two_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n with_o a_o very_a great_a booty_n so_o that_o consume_v by_o these_o and_o other_o battle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n they_o at_o last_o fall_v a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n before_o they_o have_v king_n they_o sometime_o live_v in_o perfect_a peace_n forty_o year_n together_o and_o once_o which_o be_v scarce_o credible_a fourscore_o year_n without_o any_o foreign_a or_o domestic_a war_n but_o after_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n and_o fight_v not_o for_o peace_n and_o liberty_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o monarch_n we_o find_v they_o continual_o embroil_v the_o reign_n of_o solomon_n only_o except_v who_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n better_o appear_v in_o peace_n than_o in_o war_n the_o desire_n of_o reign_v at_o last_o become_v so_o excessive_a that_o their_o king_n sometime_o wade_v to_o the_o throne_n in_o blood._n last_o during_o the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n the_o law_n remain_v in_o their_o first_o purity_n and_o be_v constant_o observe_v for_o before_o king_n come_v in_o there_o be_v very_o few_o prophetsâ—_n but_o after_o the_o election_n of_o king_n the_o prophet_n grow_v very_o numerous_a we_o read_v obadiah_n hide_v at_o one_o time_n a_o hundred_o in_o a_o cave_n to_o save_v their_o life_n we_o likewise_o find_v the_o people_n be_v often_o deceive_v with_o false_a prophet_n the_o people_n before_o king_n have_v the_o government_n be_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n sometime_o haughty_a and_o sometime_o humble_a do_v when_o they_o be_v in_o calamity_n forsake_v their_o evil_a way_n seek_v god_n restore_v the_o law_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v free_v themselves_o from_o danger_n and_o distress_n but_o their_o king_n who_o haughty_a mind_n can_v without_o shame_n stoop_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o vice_n till_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v utter_o destroy_v by_o all_o this_o it_o clear_o appear_v first_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v both_o to_o religion_n and_o government_n to_o put_v the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n and_o govern_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o priest_n and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o meddle_v in_o any_o business_n till_o their_o counsel_n be_v ask_v and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o preach_v and_o teach_v new_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n second_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a by_o scripture_n or_o to_o make_v any_o law_n concern_v opinion_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o disputable_a that_o government_n be_v very_o tyrannical_a where_o opinion_n be_v count_v crime_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o angry_a multitude_n be_v master_n pilate_n to_o gratify_v the_o incense_a pharisee_n command_v christ_n to_o be_v crucify_v it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o pharisee_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v worthy_a person_n out_o of_o their_o place_n and_o office_n of_o dignity_n to_o ask_v question_n concern_v religion_n this_o make_v they_o accuse_v the_o sadducee_n of_o impiety_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o pharisee_n base_a and_o abominable_a hypocrite_n under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o religion_n persecute_v and_o traduce_v honest_a worthy_a virtuous_a man_n who_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o envy_v and_o by_o public_o inveigh_v against_o their_o opinion_n stir_v up_o the_o people_n against_o their_o person_n this_o unworthy_a practice_n because_o it_o be_v cloak_v with_o religion_n can_v hardly_o be_v restrain_v where_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v introduce_v any_o sect_n whereof_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o author_n for_o then_o the_o sectary_n not_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v account_v interpreter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v the_o supreme_a power_n make_v sectary_n interpreter_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n signify_v little_a with_o the_o people_n who_o have_v great_a veneration_n for_o their_o teacher_n to_o who_o doctrine_n and_o decision_n they_o think_v even_o king_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o avoid_v all_o these_o mischief_n nothing_o can_v be_v safe_a for_o a_o commonwealth_n than_o to_o place_v all_o religion_n and_o piety_n only_o in_o work_n that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n free_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o of_o this_o particular_a more_o large_o hereafter_o three_o we_o see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a both_o of_o religion_n and_o government_n to_o fix_v the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o determine_v even_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o judge_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a in_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o if_o the_o power_n of_o judge_a man_n action_n can_v not_o without_o great_a danger_n to_o religion_n and_o government_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o prophet_n much_o less_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o man_n who_o can_v neither_o prophesy_v or_o do_v miracle_n but_o of_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v speak_v express_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n four_o and_o last_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o people_n never_o accustom_v to_o kingly_a government_n and_o have_v law_n according_o frame_v to_o choose_v a_o monarch_n for_o as_o the_o people_n can_v endure_v such_o a_o government_n so_o kingly_a authority_n can_v brook_v law_n or_o any_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n establish_v by_o any_o other_o of_o less_o authority_n and_o a_o king_n will_v have_v very_o little_a mind_n to_o maintain_v law_n wherein_o the_o people_n interest_n be_v more_o intend_v and_o provide_v for_o than_o his_o own_o for_o
their_o king_n can_v not_o personal_o officiate_v as_o a_o priest_n in_o the_o temple_n because_o all_o man_n that_o can_v not_o derive_v their_o pedigree_n from_o aaron_n be_v count_v profane_a and_o unclean_a which_o be_v now_o no_o obstacle_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n for_o in_o these_o day_n the_o priesthood_n not_o be_v entail_v upon_o any_o particular_a family_n but_o require_v only_o some_o particular_a qualification_n king_n or_o supreme_a magistrate_n can_v be_v bar_v from_o meddle_v with_o matter_n belong_v to_o religion_n upon_o any_o account_n of_o profaneness_n but_o all_o be_v in_o their_o power_n and_o no_o body_n but_o by_o their_o authority_n or_o allowance_n have_v any_o right_a to_o officiate_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o power_n of_o choose_v minister_n of_o settle_v the_o church_n of_o state_v and_o determine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o prescribe_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n judge_v of_o man_n piety_n and_o manner_n the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v and_o receive_v again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a be_v all_o in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o true_a but_o likewise_o very_o necessary_a not_o only_o for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o all_o man_n know_v how_o much_o the_o people_n esteem_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o function_n be_v account_v sacred_a they_o have_v a_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o their_o mind_n he_o than_o that_o endeavour_n to_o deprive_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n of_o this_o power_n go_v about_o to_o share_v and_o divide_v or_o else_o usurp_v the_o government_n from_o whence_o must_v necessary_o arise_v such_o contention_n and_o discord_n as_o be_v heretofore_o between_o the_o king_n and_o jewish_a high_a priest_n which_o can_v never_o be_v appease_v if_o this_o power_n be_v take_v away_o from_o supreme_a magistrate_n how_o can_v they_o determine_v of_o peace_n or_o war_n or_o of_o any_o other_o business_n if_o they_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v other_o man_n opinion_n by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n that_o power_n be_v supreme_a and_o there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a which_o have_v the_o right_a of_o declare_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v piety_n what_o impiety_n and_o what_o in_o religion_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a all_o age_n have_v be_v sensible_a how_o many_o mischief_n such_o a_o power_n in_o any_o but_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v produce_v i_o will_v give_v you_o but_o one_o example_n as_o soon_o as_o such_o a_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o degree_n he_o become_v superior_a to_o all_o king_n and_o at_o last_o ascend_v to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n of_o earthly_a dominion_n that_o whatever_o king_n or_o emperor_n have_v since_o do_v to_o lessen_v it_o have_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o they_o have_v rather_o much_o increase_v it_o and_o that_o which_o no_o monarch_n ever_o effect_v by_o fire_n and_o sword_n churchman_n have_v be_v able_a to_o do_v only_o with_o their_o pen_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o the_o pope_n power_n and_o a_o convince_a argument_n to_o persuade_v supreme_a power_n to_o keep_v that_o authority_n he_o pretend_v to_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o observation_n i_o have_v make_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o reside_v of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o declare_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o though_o fill_v with_o divine_a power_n and_o virtue_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v but_o private_a man_n the_o great_a liberty_n they_o take_v in_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o upbraid_v the_o people_n do_v rather_o provoke_v than_o amend_v they_o who_o notwithstanding_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o reproof_n and_o chastisement_n of_o their_o prince_n beside_o king_n themselves_o because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o judge_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o religion_n many_o time_n forsake_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o most_o of_o their_o people_n with_o they_o which_o have_v likewise_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n often_o happen_v in_o christian_a government_n but_o here_o perhaps_o some_o will_v ask_v if_o supreme_a power_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v wicked_a who_o shall_v then_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o vindicate_v and_o maintain_v religion_n and_o piety_n and_o who_o shall_v then_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o it_o i_o ask_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o if_o priest_n and_o ecclesiastic_n grow_v wicked_a and_o impious_a must_v they_o continue_v interpreter_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n word_n if_o they_o that_o have_v supreme_a power_n shall_v do_v whatever_o they_o please_v whether_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o religion_n all_o thing_n without_o doubt_n both_o sacred_a and_o civil_a be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n but_o in_o much_o worse_o when_o private_a man_n shall_v seditious_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a right_n of_o define_v and_o defend_v all_o ching_n which_o concern_v or_o in_o any_o wise_a pertain_v to_o religion_n the_o deny_v of_o this_o power_n to_o supreme_a magistrate_n must_v necessary_o cause_v very_o ill_a consequence_n for_o they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n as_o do_v the_o jewish_a king_n who_o have_v not_o this_o power_n absolute_o grow_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a and_o from_o that_o which_o be_v but_o uncertain_a and_o contingent_a will_v follow_v most_o certain_a mischief_n and_o ruin_n to_o the_o government_n if_o then_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o just_a right_n of_o supreme_a power_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o government_n or_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o regulate_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o that_o such_o only_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n word_n who_o be_v authorise_a by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n which_o they_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n think_v most_o likely_a to_o procure_v the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n i_o have_v now_o no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o declare_v the_o cause_n why_o in_o christian_a government_n there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o dispute_v about_o this_o power_n when_o in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n it_o never_o that_o i_o know_v come_v into_o controversy_n it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o wonder_n that_o a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a shall_v still_o be_v a_o question_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o continual_a cavil_v and_o that_o supreme_a magistrate_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v this_o power_n without_o contention_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o prejudice_n to_o religion_n if_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o i_o will_v confess_v all_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v mere_a theoretical_a speculative_a notion_n of_o no_o use_n but_o any_o person_n that_o will_v but_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v the_o beginning_n of_o christian_a religion_n may_v easy_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o that_o first_o teach_v christian_n religion_n be_v not_o king_n but_o private_a person_n who_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o those_o in_o supreme_a power_n who_o subject_n they_o be_v preach_v in_o private_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o institute_v form_n of_o worship_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v or_o account_v give_v to_o the_o government_n and_o likewise_o regulate_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n though_o christian_a religion_n after_o many_o year_n begin_v to_o be_v profess_v in_o commonwealth_n by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n yet_o the_o ecclesiastic_n who_o instruct_v emperor_n and_o king_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v without_o any_o difficulty_n still_o acknowledge_v teacher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o god_n word_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o god_n minister_n but_o that_o christian_a king_n and_o prince_n may_v not_o afterward_o assume_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o themselves_o churchman_n very_o wary_o provide_v against_o it_o by_o forbid_v the_o chief_a minister_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o church_n to_o marry_v by_o multiply_v the_o doctrine_n and_o tenet_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o prodigious_a number_n and_o by_o so_o confound_v they_o with_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o chief_a interpreter_n and_o judge_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n as_o
well_o as_o a_o divine_a and_o to_o busy_v himself_o in_o unprofitable_a speculation_n fit_a only_a to_o take_v up_o private_a man_n time_n who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n for_o their_o church_n begin_v with_o their_o government_n and_o moses_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n teach_v the_o people_n religion_n settle_v their_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o choose_v their_o priest_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v kingly_a authority_n so_o much_o esteem_v by_o the_o people_n and_o put_v the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n for_o though_o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n no_o man_n govern_v so_o absolute_o as_o he_o do_v yet_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o determine_v all_o thing_n concern_v religion_n as_o well_o as_o other_o affair_n still_o remain_v as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v in_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o religion_n and_o piety_n be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o go_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n than_o they_o be_v to_o the_o chief_a judge_n deut._n chap._n 17._o v._n 9_o 11_o 12_o thou_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n and_o to_o the_o chief_a judge_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n to_o inquire_v and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o priest_n or_o unto_o the_o judge_n that_o man_n shall_v die_v though_o the_o king_n have_v not_o power_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n yet_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v appoint_v and_o order_v to_o do_v what_o the_o king_n think_v fit_a for_o as_o it_o appear_v in_o 1_o chron._n chap._n 28._o v._n 11_o 12._o king_n david_n order_v how_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v build_v according_a to_o a_o model_n he_o prescribe_v and_o as_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o 23_o d_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n david_n out_o of_o all_o the_o levite_n choose_v twenty_o four_o thousand_o to_o set_v forward_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n six_o thousand_o to_o be_v officer_n and_o judge_n four_o thousand_o to_o be_v porter_n and_o four_o thousand_o to_o praise_v the_o lord_n upon_o musical_a instrument_n he_o likewise_o divide_v the_o levite_n into_o company_n and_o set_v ruler_n over_o they_o which_o company_n be_v to_o serve_v and_o wait_v in_o their_o turn_n for_o other_o particular_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o 28_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o chron._n v._n 13._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o king_n solomon_n command_v offering_n to_o be_v make_v according_a as_o moses_n institute_v and_o ver_fw-la 14._o it_o be_v say_v that_o solomon_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o david_n his_o father_n appoint_v the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o their_o service_n and_o charge_n and_o ver_fw-la 15._o the_o historian_n say_v they_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n give_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n concern_v any_o matter_n or_o concern_v the_o treasure_n by_o all_o which_o &_o by_o other_o history_n of_o their_o king_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o service_n that_o concern_v it_o depend_v only_o upon_o their_o king_n command_n and_o though_o their_o king_n have_v not_o as_o moses_n have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v the_o highpriest_n or_o of_o consult_v god_n without_o he_o or_o of_o condemn_v the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v in_o their_o reign_n the_o prophet_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v a_o new_a king_n and_o to_o pardon_v any_o that_o have_v take_v away_o a_o king_n life_n yet_o i_o say_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v no_o power_n to_o call_v any_o king_n to_o a_o account_n for_o break_v the_o law_n or_o in_o any_o judicial_a manner_n and_o form_n to_o proceed_v against_o or_o condemn_v he_o and_o therefore_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n who_o by_o particular_a revelation_n can_v pardon_v the_o kill_n of_o a_o king_n king_n in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n must_v have_v have_v absolute_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n both_o sacred_a and_o civil_a as_o supreme_a power_n have_v in_o these_o our_o day_n who_o have_v no_o prophet_n nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v any_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n and_o this_o power_n though_o our_o king_n marry_v they_o absolute_o have_v and_o may_v keep_v if_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v multiply_v or_o mingle_v and_o confound_v with_o art_n and_o science_n chap._n xx._n in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v what_o he_o will_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v be_v it_o as_o easy_a to_o command_v man_n mind_n as_o it_o be_v their_o tongue_n all_o supreme_a power_n will_v reign_v secure_o and_o no_o government_n will_v be_v violent_a or_o tyrannical_a for_o then_o every_o man_n will_v live_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o those_o in_o supreme_a power_n and_o will_v think_v every_o thing_n true_a or_o false_a good_a or_o evil_n just_a or_o unjust_a according_a to_o their_o determination_n and_o decree_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a as_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 17_o the_o chapter_n that_o any_o man_n mind_n or_o thought_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o man_n power_n because_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o be_v compel_v to_o transfer_v his_o natural_a right_n of_o reason_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n upon_o any_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o government_n be_v count_v tyrannical_a which_o will_v reign_v over_o man_n mind_n and_o supreme_a power_n do_v their_o subject_n wrong_v and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o just_a right_n when_o they_o command_v they_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o their_o prescription_n whatever_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o positive_o appoint_v what_o opinion_n and_o notion_n man_n in_o their_o devotion_n shall_v have_v of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n whole_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o power_n and_o from_o which_o no_o man_n though_o he_o will_v can_v part_v i_o confess_v a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v so_o many_o way_n prepossess_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o direct_o and_o absolute_o in_o another_o man_n power_n yet_o it_o may_v have_v such_o a_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o to_o be_v think_v very_o much_o at_o his_o dispose_n but_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o art_n can_v do_v man_n will_v abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o there_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v as_o many_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o palate_n though_o moses_n not_o by_o craft_n but_o by_o divine_a power_n have_v so_o prepossess_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o say_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o escape_v ill_a report_n and_o sinister_a interpretation_n much_o less_o than_o can_v other_o monarch_n be_v the_o thing_n possible_a it_o may_v rather_o be_v do_v in_o monarchical_a than_o in_o democratical_a government_n which_o be_v manage_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o reason_n i_o think_v be_v obvious_a though_o supreme_a power_n have_v right_a to_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v interpreter_n both_o of_o law_n and_o religion_n yet_o they_o can_v never_o keep_v man_n from_o judge_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o reason_n and_o capacity_n nor_o from_o be_v this_o or_o that_o way_n affect_v they_o may_v indeed_o account_v all_o man_n enemy_n who_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o think_v as_o they_o do_v but_o we_o do_v not_o here_o dispute_v of_o their_o power_n but_o of_o what_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o profitable_a i_o grant_v that_o supreme_a power_n may_v reign_v tyrannical_o and_o put_v subject_n to_o death_n for_o very_o slight_a cause_n if_o they_o please_v but_o all_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o this_o can_v be_v do_v with_o reason_n or_o prudence_n because_o it_o will_v prove_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v deny_v that_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v absolute_a power_n and_o consequent_o have_v not_o absolute_a right_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o because_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v determine_v by_o their_o power_n if_o then_o no_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o liberty_n of_o judge_v and_o think_v what_o he_o will_v but_o every_o man_n by_o the_o sovereign_n right_o of_o nature_n be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o thought_n supreme_a power_n in_o any_o commonwealth_n can_v never_o hope_v for_o success_n in_o prescribe_v to_o man_n of_o different_a
be_v most_o likely_a to_o incline_v he_o most_o religious_o and_o hearty_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o of_o this_o mind_n be_v josephus_n for_o he_o conclude_v his_o second_o book_n of_o antiquity_n with_o these_o word_n neither_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o marvel_n at_o this_o so_o wonderful_a discourse_n that_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n a_o passage_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o save_v so_o many_o person_n in_o time_n past_a and_o they_o rude_a and_o simple_a whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o that_o it_o chance_v of_o itself_o since_o not_o long_a time_n ago_o god_n so_o think_v it_o good_a the_o sea_n of_o pamphilia_n divide_v itself_o to_o give_v way_n to_o alexander_n king_n of_o macedon_n soldier_n have_v no_o other_o passage_n to_o destroy_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o persian_n and_o this_o all_o acknowledge_v who_o have_v write_v the_o act_n of_o alexander_n and_o therefore_o of_o these_o thing_n let_v every_o one_o think_v as_o he_o please_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n most_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v mankind_n the_o way_n to_o true_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o this_o opinion_n have_v so_o little_a influence_n upon_o man_n life_n that_o the_o common_a people_n take_v no_o care_n to_o regulate_v they_o according_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o every_o man_n believe_v himself_o divine_o inspire_v will_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n compel_v all_o other_o to_o be_v of_o his_o opinion_n we_o often_o see_v those_o who_o we_o call_v divine_n very_o solicitous_a to_o father_n their_o own_o fancy_n upon_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o make_v no_o scruple_n with_o great_a boldness_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o fear_v mistake_v the_o holy_a spirit_n meaning_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n as_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o error_n and_o by_o lose_v their_o authority_n to_o fall_v into_o contempt_n but_o if_o man_n do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o profess_v concern_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v lead_v other_o kind_n of_o life_n there_o will_v not_o be_v half_a so_o much_o contention_n and_o hatred_n in_o the_o world_n as_o now_o there_o be_v nor_o will_v man_n with_o so_o much_o blind_a zeal_n and_o boldness_n venture_v upon_o expound_v scripture_n and_o introduce_v so_o many_o novelty_n into_o religion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a will_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o maintain_v any_o thing_n for_o scripture_n doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o man_n who_o have_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o adulterate_a scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n will_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o impious_a sacrilege_n but_o ambition_n and_o wickedness_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v that_o religion_n do_v now_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o in_o defend_v man_n own_o fantastical_a opinion_n charity_n be_v now_o no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o discord_n and_o implacable_a hatred_n pass_v under_o the_o mask_n of_o godly_a zeal_n to_o these_o evil_n superstition_n have_v join_v itself_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v reason_n and_o nature_n and_o to_o admire_v and_o reverence_v that_o only_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o both_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n to_o be_v think_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o scripture_n shall_v study_v so_o to_o expound_v it_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v contradictory_n both_o to_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o dream_v of_o profound_a mystery_n hide_v in_o it_o which_o mystery_n that_o be_v their_o own_o absurdity_n they_o labour_v and_o weary_v themselves_o to_o find_v out_o and_o neglect_v thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o use_n ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o the_o dotage_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o with_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n endeavour_v to_o defend_v their_o own_o idle_a conceit_n whatever_o be_v the_o result_n of_o man_n understanding_n that_o man_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v by_o clear_a and_o pure_a reason_n but_o all_o opinion_n derive_v from_o their_o passion_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v defend_v by_o they_o to_o avoid_v these_o trouble_n and_o to_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o theological_a prejudices_fw-la that_o we_o may_v not_o rash_o receive_v the_o foolish_a invention_n of_o man_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n i_o will_v now_o treat_v of_o a_o right_a method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n of_o which_o method_n whoever_o be_v ignorant_a he_o can_v never_o certain_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n either_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o say_v in_o few_o word_n that_o the_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o method_n of_o interpret_n nature_n for_o as_o the_o method_n of_o explain_v nature_n chief_o consist_v in_o frame_v a_o history_n thereof_o from_o whence_o as_o from_o undeniable_a concession_n shall_v follow_v the_o definition_n of_o natural_a thing_n so_o likewise_o to_o expound_v scripture_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o compose_v a_o true_a history_n thereof_o that_o thence_o as_o from_o sure_a principle_n we_o may_v by_o rational_a consequence_n collect_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o who_o be_v author_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o every_o one_o who_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o principle_n or_o concession_n in_o expound_v scripture_n or_o in_o reason_v of_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v but_o such_o as_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o or_o the_o history_n of_o it_o may_v proceed_v without_o danger_n of_o err_v and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v and_o reason_n as_o secure_o of_o thing_n which_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v by_o natural_a light_n now_o that_o it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o method_n of_o explain_v nature_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n very_o often_o treat_v of_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n because_o revelation_n make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n history_n which_o principaly_n contain_v miracle_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n narration_n of_o thing_n not_o common_a or_o usual_a in_o nature_n suit_v and_o fit_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o historian_n that_o write_v they_o revelation_n also_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n wherefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o almost_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n aught_o to_o be_v derive_v only_o from_o scripture_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v from_o nature_n as_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n though_o they_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o common_a and_o general_a notion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o those_o notion_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v those_o doctrine_n nothing_o but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o make_v out_o that_o and_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n we_o must_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o moral_a doctrine_n which_o it_o teach_v because_o in_o that_o truth_n only_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n appear_v for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n consist_v in_o their_o be_v just_a and_o virtuous_a which_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v they_o ought_v likewise_o appear_v to_o we_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o miracle_n can_v prove_v the_o divine_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v wrought_v by_o false_a prophet_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n appear_v then_o in_o its_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v true_a and_o real_a virtue_n and_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v only_o by_o scripture_n itself_o if_o not_o we_o can_v not_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o prejudice_n believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o think_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o definition_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o it_o treat_v so_o neither_o do_v nature_n and_o therefore_o as_o from_o several_a action_n of_o nature_n we_o make_v definition_n of_o natural_a thing_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o several_a narration_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v conclusion_n to_o be_v draw_v the_o general_a rule_n than_o of_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v that_o we_o conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v doctrine_n which_o do_v not_o manifest_o
supernatural_a illumination_n to_o fit_a and_o apply_v religion_n which_o they_o have_v before_o confirm_v by_o sign_n to_o every_o man_n be_v ordinary_a capacity_n that_o it_o may_v be_v ready_o embrace_v nor_o be_v supernatural_a assistance_n necessary_a to_o mind_n man_n of_o it_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o all_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v man_n to_o live_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n judge_v best_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o religion_n and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v what_o be_v say_v a_o little_a before_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o only_o enable_v to_o preach_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o confirm_v what_o they_o preach_v by_o sign_n as_o prophet_n but_o have_v also_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o admonish_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o that_o way_n which_o every_o particular_a apostle_n think_v best_a both_o which_o gift_n paul_n mention_n in_o his_o 2_o d_o epist._n to_o timothy_n chap._n 1._o v._n 11._o whereunto_o i_o be_o appoint_v a_o preacher_n and_o a_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n likewise_o in_o his_o 1_o sy_n epist._n to_o timothy_n chap._n 2._o v._n 7._o whereunto_o i_o be_o ordain_v a_o preacher_n and_o a_o apostle_n i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n and_o lie_v not_o a_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o faith_n and_o verity_n which_o text_n clear_o prove_v both_o his_o office_n of_o apostle_n and_o doctor_n but_o his_o authority_n to_o warn_v and_o instruct_v whosoever_o and_o whensoever_o he_o please_v he_o express_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o philemon_n verses_z the_o 8_o the_o and_o 9_o the_o though_o i_o may_v be_v much_o bold_a in_o christ_n to_o enjoin_v thou_o that_o which_o be_v convenient_a yet_o for_o love_n sake_n i_o rather_o beseech_v thou_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o note_v that_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o paul_n be_v to_o command_v philemon_n have_v be_v receive_v from_o god_n by_o paul_n as_o a_o prophet_n and_o which_o as_o a_o prophet_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v command_v he_o than_o it_o have_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o paul_n to_o change_v that_o command_n of_o god_n into_o entreaty_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v necessary_o understand_v that_o paul_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o liberty_n of_o warn_v and_o admonish_v which_o he_o have_v as_o a_o teacher_n and_o not_o as_o a_o prophet_n though_o it_o be_v not_o clear_o prove_v that_o every_o apostle_n may_v choose_v that_o way_n of_o teach_v which_o he_o himself_o think_v best_a but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v both_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o apostleship_n yet_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o whoever_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o teach_v have_v also_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v his_o own_o way_n of_o do_v it_o but_o because_o it_o will_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o every_o apostle_n choose_v his_o own_o particular_a way_n of_o teach_v consider_v what_o paul_n himself_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 15._o v._n 20._o so_o have_v i_o strive_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o where_o christ_n be_v name_v lest_o i_o shall_v build_v upon_o another_o man_n foundation_n if_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o way_n of_o teach_v and_o all_o build_v christian_a religion_n upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n what_o reason_n have_v paul_n to_o call_v those_o foundation_n another_o man_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v conclude_v that_o every_o one_o build_v religion_n upon_o a_o several_a foundation_n and_o it_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v with_o other_o doctor_n who_o have_v a_o peculiar_a method_n of_o teach_v desire_v always_o to_o teach_v those_o who_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a and_o never_o learn_v of_o any_o other_o master_n if_o we_o careful_o read_v over_o the_o epistle_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v agree_v concern_v religion_n itself_o but_o differ_v about_o its_o foundation_n to_o establish_v man_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o salvation_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n paul_n doctrine_n be_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o boast_v of_o his_o work_n but_o only_o of_o his_o faith_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o work_n but_o only_o by_o faith_n rom._n chap._n 3._o v._n 27_o 28._o by_o paul_n also_o be_v preach_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o predestination_n but_o james_n on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o his_o epistle_n declare_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o james_n chap._n 2._o v._n 24._o and_o in_o few_o word_n give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o religion_n not_o at_o all_o concern_v himself_o with_o any_o of_o paul_n disputation_n without_o doubt_v the_o apostle_n build_v religion_n upon_o several_a foundation_n have_v be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o controversy_n and_o schism_n wherewith_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v be_v ever_o since_o and_o for_o ever_o will_v be_v trouble_v unless_o religion_n be_v purge_v and_o separate_v from_o all_o philosophical_a speculation_n and_o reduce_v to_o those_o few_o and_o plain_a doctrine_n which_o christ_n teach_v his_o follower_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o because_o man_n then_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o because_o the_o novity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o offend_v their_o ear_n they_o as_o near_o as_o possible_a suit_v and_o fit_v it_o to_o the_o genius_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n in_o that_o time_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 9_o v._n 19_o 20._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o most_o know_a foundation_n and_o receive_v principle_n of_o those_o time_n therefore_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n philosophised_a so_o much_o as_o paul_n who_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o rest_n preach_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v despiser_n of_o philosophy_n likewise_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o genius_n see_v the_o epist._n to_o the_o galath_n chap._n 2._o from_o the_o 11_o verse_n forward_o and_o preach_v religion_n stripe_v naked_a from_o all_o philosophical_a speculation_n how_o happy_a likewise_o will_v our_o time_n be_v can_v we_o see_v religion_n free_v from_o all_o superstition_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a handwriting_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n why_o scripture_n be_v call_v holy_a and_o why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o that_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a they_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o bible_n however_o it_o be_v as_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o heaven_n by_o god_n to_o man_n will_v certain_o exclaim_v and_o say_v i_o be_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o maintain_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v faulty_a maim_a adulterate_a and_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o that_o we_o have_v but_o fragment_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o original_a write_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o jew_n perish_v but_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v they_o well_o consider_v the_o thing_n itself_o they_o will_v cease_v their_o exclamation_n for_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n plain_o declare_v that_o the_o eternal_a word_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n that_o be_v imprint_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v that_o true_a handwriting_n of_o god_n which_o he_o seal_v with_o the_o idea_n of_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o image_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n religion_n be_v first_o deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o write_a law_n because_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o their_o understanding_n little_o more_o than_o child_n but_o afterward_o moses_n deut._n chap._n 30._o v._n 6._o and_o jeremy_n chap._n 31._o v._n 33._o prophesy_v that_o in_o time_n to_o come_v god_n will_v write_v his_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o the_o jew_n and_o among_o they_o chief_o the_o zaduce_n always_o contend_v for_o their_o law_n write_v in_o table_n which_o other_o do_v not_o who_o have_v it_o engrave_v on_o their_o heart_n he_o than_o that_o consider_v this_o will_v find_v nothing_o in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n or_o that_o will_v weaken_v faith_n and_o religion_n but_o rather_o as_o i_o have_v show_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ten_o chapter_n what_o will_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v both_o have_v not_o that_o be_v my_o intention_n i_o have_v be_v altogether_o silent_a upon_o this_o subject_a and_o to_o avoid_v dispute_n will_v have_v free_o grant_v that_o there_o
be_v deep_a mystery_n hide_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o from_o thence_o have_v spring_v up_o intolerable_a superstition_n and_o many_o other_o mischievous_a inconvenience_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n i_o can_v not_o possible_o pass_v they_o by_o religion_n need_v not_o be_v attire_v with_o any_o superstitious_a ornament_n but_o rather_o lose_v part_n of_o its_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n when_o it_o be_v adorn_v with_o such_o foppery_n but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o though_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n yet_o nevertheless_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o say_v of_o scripture_n as_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v maim_v or_o corrupt_v i_o on_o the_o other_o side_n fear_v such_o man_n pretend_v too_o much_o sanctity_n and_o convert_v religion_n into_o superstition_n yea_o that_o they_o worship_v picture_n and_o image_n that_o be_v paper_n and_o ink_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o misbecome_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o no_o position_n which_o i_o have_v not_o make_v good_a by_o clear_a reason_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v positive_o aver_v that_o i_o have_v not_o publish_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v impious_a or_o that_o savour_v of_o the_o least_o impiety_n i_o confess_v some_o profane_a person_n to_o who_o religion_n be_v a_o burden_n may_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v and_o without_o any_o reason_n indulge_v their_o sensual_a pleasure_n may_v infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o faulty_a and_o falsify_v and_o consequent_o of_o no_o authority_n to_o such_o man_n nothing_o will_v be_v a_o answer_n for_o according_a to_o the_o common_a say_n that_o which_o be_v never_o so_o well_o and_o true_o speak_v may_v be_v abuse_v by_o a_o ill_a and_o sinister_a interpretation_n they_o that_o be_v lover_n of_o their_o pleasure_n will_v take_v any_o occasion_n to_o do_v it_o and_o they_o who_o in_o time_n past_o have_v those_o original_n the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n the_o more_o obedient_a or_o the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o all_o as_o well_v jew_n as_o gentiles_n be_v alike_o still_o the_o same_o and_o virtue_n in_o all_o age_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o rare_a but_o to_o clear_v all_o scruple_n i_o will_v now_o show_v upon_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n scripture_n or_o any_o other_o mute_a thing_n may_v be_v call_v sacred_a or_o holy_a next_o what_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n and_o last_o that_o as_o it_o contain_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n and_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v corrupt_v by_o these_o particular_n every_o one_o may_v easy_o judge_v that_o i_o speak_v nothing_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o give_v any_o occasion_n for_o man_n to_o be_v wicked_a or_o ungodly_a that_o be_v call_v holy_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o piety_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o thing_n continue_v holy_a so_o long_o as_o man_n make_v a_o religious_a use_n thereof_o when_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v religious_a that_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v sacred_a and_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v use_v to_o impious_a purpose_n than_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o sacred_a become_v unholy_a and_o profane_a for_o example_n the_o very_a place_n call_v by_o jacob_n the_o patriarch_n beth-el_a the_o house_n of_o god_n because_o he_o there_o worship_v god_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v afterward_o call_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o house_n of_o iniquity_n amos_n chap._n 5._o v._n 5._o hoshea_n chap._n 10._o v._n 5._o because_o the_o israelite_n by_o the_o command_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la do_v there_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n another_o example_n will_v plain_o prove_v the_o thing_n word_n have_v a_o certain_a signification_n only_o by_o use_n and_o custom_n and_o if_o they_o be_v according_a to_o that_o use_n so_o dispose_v that_o they_o move_v man_n who_o read_v they_o to_o devotion_n than_o those_o word_n be_v esteem_v sacred_a and_o likewise_o the_o book_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v but_o if_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o use_n of_o those_o word_n be_v lose_v and_o thereby_o the_o word_n become_v insignificant_a and_o the_o book_n wherein_o such_o word_n be_v be_v quite_o neglect_a and_o lay_v aside_o either_o through_o malice_n or_o because_o man_n have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o than_o the_o word_n and_o the_o book_n as_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n so_o have_v they_o no_o sanctity_n in_o they_o last_o if_o those_o word_n come_v to_o be_v otherwise_o construe_v and_o custom_n so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o clean_a contrary_a sense_n and_o signification_n than_o the_o word_n and_o the_o book_n which_o be_v before_o esteem_v sacred_a may_v become_v filthy_a and_o profane_a whence_o it_o follow_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v absolute_o either_o sacred_a or_o profane_a but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n mind_n or_o understanding_n which_o clear_o appear_v by_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v quote_v only_o one_o or_o two_o jeremy_n chap._n 7._o v._n 24._o say_v the_o jew_n do_v false_o call_v solomon_n temple_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o as_o he_o further_o say_v in_o that_o chapter_n the_o name_n of_o god_n can_v remain_v in_o that_o temple_n no_o long_o than_o it_o be_v frequent_v by_o man_n who_o worship_v he_o and_o maintain_v justice_n but_o when_o murderer_n robber_n and_o idolater_n resort_v to_o it_o it_o be_v then_o but_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o declare_v what_o become_v of_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n certain_o it_o be_v either_o lose_v or_o burn_v with_o the_o temple_n though_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v more_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a among_o the_o jew_n the_o scripture_n than_o be_v sacred_a and_o its_o say_n divine_a so_o long_o as_o man_n be_v thereby_o move_v to_o devotion_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v quite_o neglect_v as_o it_o be_v heretofore_o by_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o paper_n and_o ink_n it_o be_v then_o profane_v and_o leave_v liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o perish_v it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v corrupt_v and_o lose_v as_o in_o the_o prophet_n ieremy_n time_n it_o can_v not_o be_v true_o say_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v burn_v which_o jeremy_n himself_o declare_v of_o the_o law_n for_o chap._n 8._o v._n 8._o he_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a in_o these_o word_n how_o do_v you_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o lo_o certain_o in_o vain_a make_v he_o it_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scribe_n be_v in_o vain_a that_o be_v though_o you_o have_v the_o scripture_n yet_o you_o false_o say_v you_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n since_o you_o have_v make_v it_o of_o no_o effect_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o moses_n break_v the_o first_o table_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o in_o anger_n he_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o god_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o break_v it_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o think_v so_o he_o break_v only_o the_o stone_n which_o though_o before_o account_v sacred_a because_o upon_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o covenant_n by_o which_o the_o jew_n bound_v themselves_o to_o obey_v god_n yet_o afterward_o have_v not_o the_o least_o sanctity_n in_o they_o because_o the_o people_n by_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n make_v that_o covenant_n void_a for_o the_o same_o cause_n the_o second_o table_n with_o the_o ark_n wherein_o they_o be_v keep_v may_v likewise_o perish_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o none_o of_o those_o original_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o that_o the_o like_a shall_v befall_v the_o book_n we_o have_v when_o the_o very_a original_a of_o god_n law_n the_o most_o sacred_a of_o all_o thing_n be_v utter_o lose_v let_v man_n then_o forbear_v to_o charge_v i_o with_o impiety_n see_v i_o have_v speak_v nothing_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v any_o way_n profane_v it_o if_o their_o anger_n be_v just_a let_v it_o be_v vent_v against_o the_o people_n of_o old_a who_o wickedness_n profane_v and_o destroy_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n the_o temple_n the_o law_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v sacred_a if_o according_a to_o the_o 2_o d_o epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 3._o v._n 3._o the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n
man_n nevertheless_o bless_v and_o happy_a have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n only_o and_o the_o universal_a divine_a law_n be_v proper_o call_v scripture_n it_o now_o remain_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v neither_o maim_v faulty_a or_o corrupt_v and_o here_o i_o call_v that_o thing_n faulty_a maim_a and_o corrupt_v which_o be_v so_o false_o write_v and_o compose_v that_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n can_v either_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o language_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v find_v out_o for_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o divine_a law_n always_o observe_v the_o same_o letter_n point_n accent_n and_o word_n i_o leave_v that_o to_o the_o masorite_n who_o so_o superstitious_o adore_v the_o letter_n but_o only_o that_o the_o signification_n and_o sense_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o only_o any_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v call_v divine_a be_v derive_v to_o we_o uncorrupted_a though_o the_o word_n whereby_o that_o sense_n be_v signify_v have_v be_v often_o change_v that_o can_v as_o we_o have_v say_v detract_v from_o the_o sacredness_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v one_o jot_n less_o divine_a have_v it_o be_v write_v in_o other_o word_n or_o in_o any_o other_o language_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o divine_a law_n in_o this_o respect_n uncorrupted_a no_o body_n can_v question_v for_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o without_o any_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n we_o perceive_v that_o the_o sum_n thereof_o be_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o this_o can_v be_v adulterate_v nor_o write_v by_o a_o too_o hasty_a err_a pen_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n ever_o teach_v any_o other_o thing_n it_o must_v necessary_o teach_v all_o other_o thing_n otherwise_o see_v this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n take_v away_o this_o foundation_n and_o the_o whole_a fabric_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o scripture_n but_o quite_o another_o book_n it_o remain_v then_o without_o controversy_n this_o be_v always_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o no_o error_n can_v creep_v into_o it_o to_o corrupt_v its_o sense_n which_o will_v have_v be_v quick_o perceive_v by_o every_o body_n and_o who_o ever_o have_v go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v it_o his_o malice_n will_v have_v present_o appear_v if_o then_o this_o foundation_n be_v immovable_a and_o incorruptible_a the_o same_o must_v be_v conclude_v of_o other_o thing_n which_o indisputable_o follow_v from_o it_o and_o which_o be_v also_o fundamental_o as_o that_o god_n be_v that_o he_o provide_v for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o that_o he_o have_v decree_v it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o good_a and_o ill_o with_o wicked-man_n and_o that_o our_o salvation_n depend_v only_o upon_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o plain_o teach_v and_o aught_o always_o to_o teach_v else_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v vain_a and_o without_o any_o foundation_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o corrupt_v any_o other_o moral_a doctrine_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o and_o evident_o follow_v from_o this_o foundation_n namely_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o succour_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o distress_n not_o to_o kill_v not_o to_o covet_v and_o none_o of_o these_o moral_a precept_n can_v be_v misinterpret_v or_o corrupt_v by_o malice_n or_o obliterated_a by_o length_n of_o time_n if_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v blot_v out_o they_o will_v be_v again_o dictate_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o first_o general_a foundation_n and_o more_o especial_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v every_o where_o so_o much_o commend_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o wickedness_n which_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o some_o person_n or_o other_o have_v not_o commit_v yet_o never_o be_v there_o any_o man_n who_o to_o excuse_v or_o justify_v his_o crime_n endeavour_v to_o blot_v out_o the_o law_n or_o to_o preach_v impiety_n for_o good_a and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v every_o man_n nature_n whether_o king_n or_o subject_a when_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a to_o palliate_v the_o fact_n with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v as_o little_a as_o be_v possible_a dishonest_a or_o unjust_a we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o universal_a divine_a law_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v be_v deliver_v and_o derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o incorruptible_a there_o be_v other_o thing_n also_o which_o have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o we_o namely_o the_o general_a collection_n of_o scripture_n history_n because_o they_o be_v universal_o know_v the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v the_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a fact_n of_o their_o nation_n in_o psalm_n or_o song_n the_o principal_a thing_n do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o passion_n be_v quick_o publish_v through_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v unless_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n shall_v agree_v in_o that_o which_o be_v incredible_a that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o scripture_n history_n shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o posterity_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v first_o receive_v whatever_o then_o be_v adulterate_v or_o faulty_a must_v happen_v only_o in_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n of_o a_o prophecy_n or_o history_n the_o more_o to_o move_v people_n to_o devotion_n or_o in_o some_o miracle_n to_o puzzle_v and_o nonplus_n philosopher_n or_o last_o in_o matter_n speculative_a after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o religion_n by_o schismatic_n abuse_v divine_a authority_n to_o support_v their_o own_o invention_n but_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o adulterate_v and_o corrupt_v do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v salvation_n which_o i_o will_v express_o show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n though_o i_o think_v enough_o have_v be_v already_o say_v to_o prove_v it_o in_o this_o and_o the_o second_o chapter_n chap._n xiii_o show_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a intend_v nothing_o but_o man_n obedience_n neither_o do_v it_o teach_v or_o declare_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o a_o man_n may_v in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o life_n in_o some_o degree_n imitate_v we_o have_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o so_o much_o excel_v in_o perfection_n of_o mind_n and_o understanding_n as_o in_o a_o singular_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o imagination_n that_o god_n reveal_v to_o they_o no_o deep_a point_n of_o philosophy_n but_o only_a thing_n very_o plain_a and_o easy_a condesend_v and_o apply_v himself_o to_o their_o capacity_n and_o preconceived_a opinion_n we_o have_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n show_v that_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v and_o teach_v thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v render_v they_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o man_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v deduce_v and_o link_v thing_n together_o by_o maxim_n and_o definition_n but_o only_o plain_o relate_v and_o declare_v thing_n and_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v confirm_v what_o it_o say_v by_o experience_n that_o be_v by_o miracle_n and_o history_n make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o style_n and_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o move_v and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o common_a people_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o prove_v the_o three_o particular_a of_o the_o six_o chapter_n last_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o language_n wherein_o it_o be_v original_o write_v and_o not_o in_o the_o sublimity_n and_o abstruceness_n of_o the_o subject_a whereof_o it_o treat_v and_o moreover_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o preach_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a but_o in_o general_a to_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o common_a and_o universal_a assembly_n of_o all_o people_n by_o all_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o scripture_n doctrine_n contain_v no_o high_a speculation_n nor_o philosophical_a argument_n but_o only_a thing_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a by_o the_o mean_a and_o dull_a capacity_n i_o strange_o admire_v the_o accuteness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o discover_v in_o the_o scripture_n mystery_n so_o profound_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n to_o unfold_v they_o and_o who_o have_v
idolise_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o account_v it_o great_a piety_n in_o a_o man_n not_o to_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o reason_n but_o great_a wickedness_n to_o doubt_v their_o fidelity_n who_o communicate_v to_o we_o the_o sacred_a volume_n certain_o such_o man_n folly_n exceed_v their_o piety_n what_o trouble_v they_o what_o be_v it_o they_o fear_v can_v religion_n and_o faith_n be_v defend_v unless_o man_n be_v profess_o ignorant_a and_o bid_v reason_n farewell_n they_o that_o think_v so_o do_v rather_o fear_v than_o believe_v scripture_n god_n forbid_v that_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o servant_n to_o reason_n or_o reason_n to_o religion_n both_o may_v with_o great_a peace_n and_o concord_n preserve_v their_o own_o proper_a dominion_n which_o i_o will_v present_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v a_o little_a examine_v the_o tenet_n and_o opinion_n of_o our_o rabbin_z alpakhar_n he_o as_o i_o have_v say_v will_v have_v we_o receive_v every_o thing_n for_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n as_o false_a which_o the_o scripture_n deny_v and_o maintain_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o in_o another_o place_n it_o have_v positive_o affirm_v or_o deny_v both_o which_o be_v very_o bold_a and_o rash_a position_n i_o will_v not_o press_v he_o with_o what_o perhaps_o he_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v several_a book_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o several_a author_n in_o several_a age_n for_o the_o use_n of_o divers_a people_n and_o see_v upon_o his_o own_o authority_n only_o he_o maintain_v what_o neither_o reason_n or_o scripture_n ever_o say_v he_o ought_v to_o show_v that_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v but_o by_o consequence_n contradict_v other_o may_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o language_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o place_n convenient_o bear_v a_o metaphorical_a interpretation_n and_o he_o ought_v likewise_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o we_o without_o any_o corruption_n or_o adulteration_n to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o business_n i_o ask_v he_o concern_v his_o first_o position_n whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n as_o false_a which_o it_o deny_v though_o both_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o reason_n if_o he_o answer_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o press_v he_o with_o this_o instance_n in_o the_o decalogue_n exod._n 34._o 14._o deut._n 4._o 24._o and_o in_o other_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o gâ—d_n be_v jealous_a but_o that_o such_o a_o passion_n as_o jealousy_n shall_v be_v in_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n now_o if_o there_o be_v other_o place_n in_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v god_n not_o to_o be_v jealous_a they_o must_v be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o scripture_n express_o say_v that_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 19.20_o and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o other_o local_a motion_n no_o where_o express_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o move_v so_o that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o solomon_n say_v of_o god_n in_o 1_o king_n 8._o 27._o that_o he_o can_v be_v comprehend_v or_o contain_v in_o any_o place_n though_o it_o do_v not_o express_o but_o only_o consequential_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o move_v aught_o to_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n metaphorical_o understand_v the_o heaven_n also_o must_v be_v take_v for_o god_n throne_n and_o habitation_n because_o the_o scripture_n declare_v positive_o they_o be_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n consonant_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o people_n which_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n but_o not_o scripture_n say_v be_v false_a all_o which_o according_a to_o the_o rabbi_n opinion_n who_o in_o such_o case_n will_v allow_v no_o consult_v with_o reason_n must_v pass_v for_o truth_n he_o affirm_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a in_o say_v that_o no_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n express_o and_o direct_o contradict_v another_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n for_o moses_n deut._n 4._o 24._o express_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o direct_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v like_o any_o visible_a thing_n deut._n 4._o 12._o now_o if_o the_o rabbi_n will_v have_v this_o latter_a text_n not_o direct_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n to_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v fire_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v so_o interpret_v that_o it_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o deny_v it_o let_v he_o have_v his_o will_n and_o let_v we_o grant_v that_o god_n be_v fire_n or_o rather_o not_o to_o be_v as_o mad_a as_o he_o we_o will_v let_v this_o pass_v and_o make_v use_n of_o another_o example_n samuel_n direct_o deny_v that_o god_n ever_o repent_v of_o his_o decree_n 1_o sam._n 15._o 29._o but_o jeremy_n on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v chap._n 18._o v._n 8_o 10._o that_o god_n do_v sometime_o repent_v both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o purpose_v and_o decree_v do_v not_o these_o two_o text_n direct_o oppose_v one_o another_o which_o of_o these_o two_o must_v be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v both_o the_o opinion_n be_v general_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o what_o one_o direct_o affirm_v the_o other_o positive_o deny_v so_o that_o the_o rabbi_n by_o his_o own_o rule_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o false_a but_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o though_o one_o place_n do_v not_o direct_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n contradict_v another_o if_o the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o metaphorical_a explication_n of_o which_o many_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n we_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v show_v that_o several_a prophet_n have_v different_a opinion_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o contradiction_n which_o i_o in_o the_o 9_o the_o and_o 10_o the_o chapter_n have_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v in_o several_a of_o the_o scripture_n history_n they_o need_v not_o be_v repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v the_o absurdity_n and_o falsity_n which_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o rabbi_n rule_n and_o to_o show_v how_o unadvised_o and_o gross_o the_o author_n be_v mistake_v the_o different_a opinion_n of_o both_o rabbi_n be_v confute_v i_o do_v again_o positive_o declare_v that_o divinity_n or_o theology_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o theology_n but_o both_o aught_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o dominion_n reason_n ought_v to_o rule_v in_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o theology_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n do_v not_o so_o far_o extend_v itself_o as_o to_o determine_v that_o man_n only_o by_o obedience_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v bless_v and_o happy_a but_o theology_n dictate_v nothing_o else_o and_o command_v nothing_o but_o obedience_n not_o intend_v or_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o reason_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n theology_n determin_n doctrine_n of_o faith_n no_o further_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n but_o how_o those_o doctrine_n be_v precise_o in_o respect_n of_o verity_n to_o be_v understand_v it_o leave_v reason_n to_o resolve_v which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o without_o which_o we_o see_v nothing_o but_o dream_n and_o fancy_n but_o here_o by_o theology_n i_o mean_v only_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o it_o declare_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n aim_v namely_o the_o reason_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v obedient_o or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 12_o the_o chapter_n theology_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n if_o we_o consider_v its_o precept_n and_o instruction_n perfect_o agree_v with_o reason_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v its_o end_n and_o design_n in_o nothing_o contradict_v it_o and_o therefore_o universal_o concern_v all_o mankind_n as_o for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n in_o general_n the_o sense_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o scripture_n history_n and_o not_o by_o the_o history_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o
according_a to_o his_o will_n to_o who_o he_o have_v part_v with_o that_o liberty_n and_o from_o he_o only_o must_v expect_v protection_n injury_n or_o wrong_n be_v when_o a_o citizen_n or_o subject_n be_v compel_v to_o suffer_v loss_n or_o damage_n from_o another_o contrary_a to_o civil_a right_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o wrong_n or_o injury_n any_o where_o but_o in_o a_o civil_a state_n nor_o can_v any_o wrong_n be_v do_v to_o subject_n by_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o may_v lawful_o do_v whatever_o it_o please_v and_o therefore_o have_v place_n only_o among_o private_a person_n who_o by_o law_n be_v oblige_v not_o to_o offend_v one_o another_o justice_n be_v a_o constant_a resolution_n of_o give_v to_o every_o one_o that_o which_o by_o the_o law_n right_o interpret_v belong_v to_o he_o justice_n and_o injustice_n be_v sometime_o call_v equity_n and_o iniquity_n because_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o end_v suit_n and_o difference_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o person_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_n and_o equal_o to_o defend_v every_o man_n right_a neither_o envy_v the_o rich_a nor_o despise_v the_o poor_a confederate_n be_v man_n of_o two_o city_n or_o society_n who_o to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o war_n or_o for_o any_o other_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n mutual_o covenant_n not_o to_o offend_v or_o hurt_v one_o another_o but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v one_o another_o both_o preserve_v their_o own_o power_n and_o dominion_n this_o league_n or_o contract_n will_v so_o long_o continue_v firm_a and_o bind_a as_o the_o consideration_n of_o danger_n or_o profit_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v continue_v because_o no_o person_n covenant_n or_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v his_o contract_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o some_o good_a or_o fear_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o contract_n take_v away_o that_o basis_n experience_n tell_v we_o they_o all_o fall_n to_o the_o ground_n for_o though_o divers_a empire_n and_o government_n do_v mutual_o covenant_n not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o hurt_v of_o one_o another_o yet_o it_o be_v always_o the_o endeavour_n of_o both_o to_o hinder_v one_o another_o from_o grow_v too_o powerful_a neither_o do_v they_o believe_v one_o another_o promise_n unless_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o agreement_n be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o both_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o wrong_n in_o the_o case_n for_o who_o but_o a_o fool_n ignorant_a of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n will_v give_v credit_n to_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o have_v supreme_a power_n have_v right_a to_o do_v what_o he_o will_v and_o who_o be_v oblige_v by_o no_o other_o law_n but_o the_o public_a safety_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o people_n under_o his_o government_n we_o likewise_o observe_v that_o religion_n and_o piety_n signify_v very_o little_a for_o who_o ever_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n can_v without_o consequent_a mischief_n keep_v his_o promise_n which_o prove_v prejudicial_a and_o destructive_a to_o his_o people_n and_o government_n or_o that_o he_o can_v perform_v they_o without_o break_v faith_n with_o his_o subject_n by_o which_o faith_n he_o be_v principal_o oblige_v and_o which_o usual_o with_o oath_n he_o solemn_o and_o religious_o promise_v to_o keep_v a_o enemy_n be_v one_o that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o neither_o as_o a_o confederate_a or_o subject_a will_v own_o its_o power_n or_o government_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o hatred_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o its_o right_a and_o power_n which_o make_v a_o man_n a_o enemy_n for_o the_o power_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n over_o he_o who_o will_v by_o no_o kind_n of_o contract_n own_o its_o power_n be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o have_v over_o he_o who_o do_v it_o harm_n because_o it_o have_v right_a to_o compel_v he_o one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o confederate_a with_o it_o last_o treason_n in_o subject_n or_o citizen_n be_v only_o where_o they_o have_v by_o express_v or_o imply_v contract_n transfer_v all_o their_o right_n to_o the_o city_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o subject_a be_v count_v guilty_a of_o treason_n who_o endeavour_v to_o usurp_v the_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o himself_o or_o transfer_v it_o upon_o another_o i_o say_v he_o that_o but_o endeavour_v it_o for_o if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v till_o after_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o fact_n the_o punishment_n will_v many_o time_n come_v too_o late_o therefore_o i_o say_v positive_o he_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n go_v about_o to_o usurp_v or_o take_v away_o the_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n make_v no_o difference_n whether_o the_o commonwealth_n shall_v be_v a_o gainer_n or_o loser_n by_o it_o upon_o what_o account_n soever_o he_o attempt_v or_o do_v it_o yet_o he_o have_v commit_v treason_n and_o be_v just_o condemn_v which_o every_o one_o also_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v just_a in_o war_n for_o if_o a_o soldier_n keep_v not_o his_o station_n but_o without_o his_o general_n be_v knowledge_n or_o command_n assault_v the_o enemy_n though_o he_o beat_v he_o and_o do_v it_o very_o advise_o yet_o do_v it_o of_o his_o own_o head_n he_o deserve_v death_n have_v violate_v his_o own_o oath_n and_o his_o geneneral_n authority_n now_o though_o subject_n do_v not_o see_v that_o their_o case_n and_o a_o soldier_n be_v alike_o yet_o in_o truth_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o sor_n see_v the_o commonwealth_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v defend_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o counsel_n only_o of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o all_o have_v absolute_o covenant_v that_o this_o right_n shall_v reside_v only_o in_o the_o supreme_a power_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v at_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o supreme_a council_n make_v any_o public_a attempt_n which_o will_v certain_o prove_v very_o advantageous_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n yet_o have_v violate_v the_o right_a of_o the_o supreme_a power_n he_o be_v lawful_o and_o deserve_o condemn_v now_o to_o clear_v all_o scruple_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v whether_o maintain_v that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o natutural_a state_n have_v natural_a right_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v not_o flat_o contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n see_v every_o man_n whether_o he_o have_v or_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v equal_o oblige_v by_o god_n command_n to_o love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v without_o be_v very_o injurious_a do_v any_o harm_n to_o another_o and_o live_v according_a to_o our_o own_o lusts._n this_o objection_n be_v easy_o answer_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o state_n and_o nature_n itself_o be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o religion_n for_o by_o nature_n no_o man_n know_v that_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o obey_v god_n nor_o can_v he_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n but_o whoever_o know_v it_o must_v know_v it_o only_o by_o revelation_n confirm_v with_o sign_n and_o therefore_o before_o revelation_n no_o body_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o which_o every_o man_n must_v be_v necessary_o ignorant_a the_o state_n of_o nature_n then_o and_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o consider_v apart_o and_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v by_o paul_n authority_n the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v without_o religion_n without_o law_n without_o sin_n or_o wrong_v do_v nor_o do_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o before_o and_o without_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o ignorance_n only_o but_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o that_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o which_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v for_o if_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o if_o god_n law_n be_v by_o nature_n a_o law_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n and_o oblige_v they_o by_o oath_n and_o contract_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v absolute_o grant_v that_o god_n law_n take_v place_n from_o the_o time_n that_o man_n by_o a_o express_a covenant_n with_o god_n promise_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n by_o which_o covenant_n and_o promise_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v depart_v from_o their_o natural_a freedom_n and_o transfer_v their_o natural_a right_n upon_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v be_v do_v in_o a_o civil_a state._n but_o of_o this_o i_o
purchase_v another_o new_a tyrant_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o discord_n and_o intestine_a war_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o violate_v god_n law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o which_o can_v never_o end_v but_o with_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o have_v now_o see_v how_o religion_n begin_v in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n and_o how_o the_o government_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a if_o the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n will_v have_v permit_v it_o to_o continue_v but_o because_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o it_o perish_v i_o have_v here_o speak_v only_o of_o their_o first_o government_n the_o second_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o their_o first_o see_v they_o be_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o persian_n after_o they_o obtain_v their_o liberty_n of_o cyrus_n the_o high_a priest_n become_v their_o prince_n by_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n the_o priest_n have_v as_o great_a a_o mind_n to_o the_o crown_n as_o to_o the_o mitre_n of_o this_o second_o government_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o whether_o their_o first_o government_n as_o it_o be_v conceive_v durable_a or_o religious_a be_v a_o pattern_n that_o may_v be_v follow_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v particular_o observe_v that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o divine_a right_n or_o religion_n have_v its_o beginning_n and_o rise_v from_o a_o covenant_n or_o contract_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o right_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o precept_n of_o religion_n to_o show_v any_o kindness_n towards_o any_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o only_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o commonwealth_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v from_o the_o government_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n though_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o example_n that_o can_v now_o be_v follow_v nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v by_o a_o express_a contract_n or_o covenant_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o transfer_v their_o power_n but_o also_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o the_o power_n be_v transfer_v aught_o to_o be_v know_v but_o god_n have_v reveal_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v write_v with_o ink_n nor_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o shall_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o government_n under_o which_o the_o jew_n live_v may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o who_o live_v alone_o without_o any_o foreign_a trade_n or_o commerce_n who_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o own_o territory_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a fit_a for_o people_n that_o live_v by_o trade_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v to_o very_a few_o people_n that_o the_o jewish_a government_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o advantage_n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n that_o can_v be_v follow_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n very_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n and_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n because_o my_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v express_o of_o government_n i_o will_v pass_v many_o thing_n by_o and_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o that_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v majesty_n elective_a that_o be_v to_o choose_v the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o government_n for_o after_o the_o jew_n transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o deliver_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o govern_v to_o moses_n who_o thereby_o have_v in_o god_n name_n the_o sole_a authority_n of_o make_v and_o abrogate_a law_n of_o choose_v sacred_a minister_n and_o likewise_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o teach_v judge_a and_o punish_v and_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o judge_v the_o people_n nor_o to_o excommunicate_v any_o person_n for_o none_o can_v do_v that_o but_o the_o judge_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v joshua_n chap._n 6._o v._n 26._o where_o joshua_n adjure_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rebuild_v jericho_n judge_n chap._n 21._o v._n 18._o where_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n appoint_v what_o woman_n the_o benjamite_n shall_v marry_v to_o propagate_v their_o tribe_n and_o 1_o sam._n chap._n 14._o v._n 24._o where_o saul_n command_v the_o people_n not_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n till_o evening_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o history_n and_o success_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v other_o thing_n very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o different_a sect_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o till_o after_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o second_o government_n usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n to_o make_v their_o authority_n last_v they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n which_o the_o prince_n have_v and_o at_o last_o will_v be_v call_v king_n the_o reason_n be_v apparent_a for_o in_o the_o first_o government_n nothing_o be_v make_v law_n by_o the_o high_a priest_n because_o he_o have_v no_o power_n of_o decree_a any_o thing_n his_o business_n be_v only_o to_o return_v those_o answer_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o council_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n so_o that_o at_o that_o time_n their_o high_a priest_n can_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v new_a decree_n but_o only_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v their_o know_a duty_n for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n against_o the_o prince_n but_o by_o keep_v the_o law_n free_a from_o violation_n and_o corruption_n but_o after_o the_o priest_n get_v power_n of_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o of_o priest_n become_v prince_n than_o every_o one_o as_o well_o in_o religion_n as_o other_o affair_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n determine_v by_o the_o pontifical_a authority_n daily_o make_v decree_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v as_o sacred_a as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o religion_n degenerate_v into_o horrible_a superstition_n the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o priest_n after_o the_o restauration_n attempt_v to_o get_v the_o supreme_a power_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o gain_v the_o people_n so_o soothe_v and_o flatter_v they_o that_o they_o approve_v of_o all_o they_o do_v be_v it_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o make_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n suitable_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o practice_n which_o malachy_n in_o express_a word_n testify_v reprove_v the_o priest_n of_o his_o own_o time_n in_o this_o manner_n mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o so_o go_v on_o in_o reproach_v they_o with_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o they_o please_v with_o their_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o take_v no_o heed_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n way_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v never_o so_o cautious_a and_o wary_a yet_o they_o be_v narrow_o observe_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o priest_n boldness_n declare_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n but_o those_o that_o be_v write_v and_o that_o all_o decree_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n which_o the_o deceive_a pharisee_n choose_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n be_v not_o at_o all_o obligatory_a nor_o to_o be_v obey_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o high_a priest_n flatter_v the_o people_n the_o corruption_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o multiplication_n of_o law_n become_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o those_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n which_o can_v never_o be_v end_v for_o when_o man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o superstition_n begin_v to_o quarrel_n and_o
power_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v interpreter_n of_o it_o upon_o what_o account_n we_o shall_v present_o declare_v but_o first_o we_o will_v show_v that_o the_o external_n worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god_n aught_o to_o be_v perform_v and_o regulate_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v best_o suit_v with_o and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n certain_o a_o man_n piety_n and_o love_n to_o his_o country_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o great_a for_o take_v away_o government_n farewell_o all_o hope_n of_o benefit_n or_o safety_n all_o thing_n be_v present_o in_o a_o perilous_a condition_n and_o the_o reign_n of_o rage_n and_o impiety_n fill_v all_o people_n mind_n with_o terror_n and_o confusion_n whence_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o what_o good_a soever_o i_o do_v to_o my_o neighbour_n if_o it_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v count_v impiety_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n any_o hurt_n do_v to_o my_o neighbour_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n aught_o to_o be_v account_v charity_n for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n strive_v with_o i_o for_o my_o coat_n it_o be_v very_o great_a charity_n in_o i_o to_o give_v he_o my_o cloak_n also_o but_o where_o this_o may_v endanger_v the_o safety_n of_o government_n it_o be_v much_o great_a charity_n to_o bring_v that_o man_n to_o justice_n though_o i_o know_v he_o will_v be_v condemn_v to_o death_n manlius_n torquatus_n be_v celebrate_v in_o story_n for_o prefer_v the_o people_n public_a safety_n before_o his_o own_o son_n life_n if_o then_o public_a safety_n be_v above_o all_o law_n and_o all_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o it_o if_o it_o likewise_o be_v the_o office_n and_o duty_n only_o of_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v for_o the_o public_a safety_n of_o government_n and_o to_o command_v whatever_o it_o think_v be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o body_n but_o the_o supreme_a power_n ought_v to_o determine_v in_o what_o manner_n a_o man_n ought_v to_o show_v his_o love_n to_o his_o neighbour_n that_o be_v in_o what_o manner_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god._n so_o that_o now_o we_o understand_v why_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n the_o supreme_a power_n be_v arbiter_n and_o interpreter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o no_o body_n can_v right_o obey_v god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o accommodate_v the_o public_a practice_n of_o piety_n whereto_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o public_a benefit_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o observe_v all_o command_v of_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o see_v we_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o practice_n piety_n towards_o all_o man_n none_o except_v and_o to_o do_v no_o man_n any_o injury_n it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v good_a to_o one_o if_o thereby_o he_o hurt_v another_o much_o less_o if_o he_o thereby_o endanger_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o no_o person_n can_v according_a to_o god_n command_n practice_n charity_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n unless_o his_o religion_n and_o charity_n be_v so_o regulate_v as_o to_o promote_v the_o public_a good._n now_o no_o private_a man_n can_v know_v what_o be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a unless_o it_o be_v by_o the_o decree_n and_o law_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v right_o practise_v piety_n and_o obey_v god_n unless_o he_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o be_v verify_v by_o common_a practice_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o subject_a to_o help_v or_o assist_v any_o man_n who_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v judge_v worthy_a of_o death_n or_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o public_a enemy_n though_o the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o love_v their_o neighbour_n as_o themselves_o levit._n chap._n 19_o v._n 8._o yet_o if_o any_o man_n have_v offend_v against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v it_o know_v to_o the_o judge_n and_o in_o case_n he_o be_v condemn_v to_o death_n to_o kill_v he_o deut._n 13._o 8_o 9_o and_o 17._o 7._o that_o the_o jew_n may_v preserve_v their_o liberty_n and_o keep_v their_o land_n in_o their_o own_o possession_n it_o be_v necessary_a as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n to_o accommodate_v their_o religion_n to_o their_o government_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o other_o nation_n it_o be_v therefore_o say_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n but_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n matth._n chap._n 15._o v._n 43._o but_o after_o they_o lose_v their_o government_n and_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_n to_o babylon_n than_o jeremy_n bid_v they_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o that_o city_n and_o because_o christ_n know_v they_o be_v to_o be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o teach_v they_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n to_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_a which_o evident_o prove_v that_o religion_n be_v always_o accommodate_v to_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o by_o what_o right_a or_o authority_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v but_o private_a person_n can_v preach_v religion_n i_o say_v they_o do_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n they_o receive_v from_o christ_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n see_v matth._n chap._n 10._o v._n 1._o i_o have_v in_o the_o end_n of_o my_o sixteen_o chapter_n express_o declare_v that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v faith_n with_o a_o tyrant_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o against_o who_o god_n have_v by_o revelation_n promise_v his_o particular_a assistance_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v take_v example_n from_o the_o apostle_n unless_o he_o have_v also_o power_n to_o do_v miracle_n which_o appear_v by_o what_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n chap._n 10._o v._n 28._o fear_v not_o those_o who_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n have_v this_o be_v say_v general_o to_o all_o man_n government_n will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o those_o word_n of_o solomon_n not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v regard_v prov._n chap._n 24._o v._n 21._o my_o son_n fear_v god_n and_o the_o king._n we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o authority_n which_o christ_n give_v his_o disciple_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n give_v only_o to_o they_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o example_n by_o other_o i_o value_v not_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o this_o opinion_n by_o they_o that_o will_v have_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o be_v in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n their_o reason_n be_v so_o frivolous_a they_o need_v no_o refutation_n yet_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o take_v notice_n how_o mighty_o those_o man_n be_v deceive_v who_o to_o maintain_v pardon_n the_o expression_n their_o seditious_a humour_n urge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o say_v they_o be_v the_o sole_a administrator_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a and_o concern_v religion_n but_o those_o man_n may_v remember_v the_o high_a priest_n receive_v that_o power_n from_o moses_n who_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v be_v the_o person_n that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o by_o who_o command_n or_o decree_n the_o high_a priest_n can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v divest_v and_o deprive_v of_o his_o power_n for_o moses_n do_v not_o only_o choose_v aaron_n but_o also_o his_o son_n eleazar_n and_o his_o nephew_n phineas_n and_o give_v they_o power_n to_o exercise_v the_o pontifical_a office_n and_o though_o the_o priest_n always_o keep_v that_o power_n yet_o nevertheless_o be_v they_o still_o but_o the_o substitute_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v of_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o as_o we_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v moses_n choose_v no_o successor_n but_o so_o distribute_v all_o his_o own_o office_n that_o they_o who_o come_v after_o he_o seem_v but_o such_o deputy_n as_o administer_v the_o government_n for_o absent_a not_o decease_v king_n in_o the_o second_o government_n the_o high_a priest_n be_v indeed_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o that_o be_v after_o they_o have_v usurp_v the_o regal_a power_n but_o before_o that_o usurpation_n the_o priest_n always_o depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o their_o king_n have_v absolute_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n as_o shall_v appear_v by_o what_o will_v be_v say_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v true_a
man_n fidelity_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o his_o faith_n towards_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o know_v only_o by_o his_o work_n namely_o by_o charity_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o best_a commonwealth_n will_v give_v every_o man_n the_o same_o liberty_n of_o reason_v that_o they_o do_v of_o believe_v i_o confess_v by_o such_o a_o liberty_n some_o inconvenience_n may_v sometime_o happen_v but_o what_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n can_v prevent_v all_o inconvenience_n he_o that_o by_o law_n think_v to_o prevent_v all_o will_v soon_o provoke_v then_o amend_v vicious_a men._n inconvenience_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v prevent_v or_o avoid_v must_v be_v tolerate_v we_o must_v bear_v with_o they_o though_o we_o suffer_v by_o they_o of_o how_o many_o mischief_n be_v luxury_n drunkenness_n envy_n and_o covetousness_n the_o cause_n yet_o these_o be_v tolerate_v because_o though_o they_o be_v vice_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o law_n to_o restrain_v they_o how_o much_o more_o than_o aught_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v allow_v which_o be_v true_o a_o virtue_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v suppress_v no_o inconvenience_n can_v arise_v from_o it_o which_o may_v not_o as_o i_o will_v prove_v be_v avoid_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n beside_o this_o liberty_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o art_n and_o science_n in_o which_o the_o great_a proficiency_n be_v make_v by_o those_o man_n who_o have_v their_o judgement_n free_a from_o preoccupation_n but_o suppose_v man_n mouth_n may_v be_v stop_v and_o so_o awe_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o utter_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o impossible_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o think_v what_o they_o please_v and_o when_o man_n think_v ill_a of_o magistrate_n there_o breach_n of_o faith_n soon_o follow_v and_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o abominable_a flattery_n perfidy_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o ingenious_a arts._n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o talk_v the_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o keep_v they_o silent_a the_o more_o many_o time_n will_v they_o talk_v perhaps_o covetous_a man_n flatterer_n and_o mean-spirited_n people_n who_o place_n their_o chief_a felicity_n in_o fill_v their_o bag_n and_o their_o belly_n may_v hold_v their_o peace_n but_o virtuous_a honest_a man_n who_o have_v have_v liberal_a education_n can_v be_v silent_a such_o be_v man_n nature_n that_o nothing_o be_v a_o great_a vexation_n to_o they_o than_o to_o see_v those_o opinion_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a condemn_v and_o themselves_o account_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a for_o do_v that_o which_o they_o think_v be_v their_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o make_v they_o detest_v the_o law_n and_o count_v any_o seditious_a attempt_n against_o the_o magistrate_n lawful_a and_o just_a in_o law_n against_o opinion_n wicked_a man_n be_v seldom_o concern_v such_o law_n be_v common_o make_v not_o to_o restrain_v bad_a but_o to_o provoke_v good_a man_n and_o can_v be_v defend_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o danger_n to_o the_o government_n such_o law_n be_v likewise_o useless_a for_o man_n can_v obey_v law_n which_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n they_o firm_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o think_v those_o opinion_n false_a take_v the_o law_n that_o condemn_v they_o to_o be_v be_v their_o privilege_n wherein_o they_o so_o triumph_v that_o afterward_o the_o magistrate_n if_o he_o will_v be_v not_o able_a to_o repeal_v they_o last_o the_o make_n of_o such_o law_n have_v often_o cause_v great_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o man_n do_v not_o hope_v with_o the_o general_a applause_n of_o the_o people_n to_o insult_v over_o their_o adversary_n and_o get_v preferment_n by_o procure_v the_o magistrate_n to_o favour_n and_o the_o law_n to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n learned_a doctor_n will_v quick_o leave_v their_o fierce_a dispute_n and_o bitter_a contention_n reason_n and_o daily_a example_n tell_v we_o that_o law_n which_o command_v what_o every_o man_n must_v believe_v and_o forbid_v speak_v or_o write_v against_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n be_v common_o institute_v to_o gratify_v or_o give_v way_n to_o the_o passion_n of_o those_o who_o rather_o than_o endure_v a_o baffle_v from_o ingenious_a man_n will_v with_o their_o stern_a and_o morose_a authority_n turn_v the_o people_n zeal_n into_o fury_n and_o hound_n they_o on_o upon_o who_o they_o please_v but_o will_v it_o not_o be_v much_o better_a to_o suppress_v the_o anger_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o multitude_n rather_o than_o make_v law_n against_o man_n that_o love_v virtue_n and_o learning_n and_o bring_v the_o commonwealth_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o honest_a harmless_a man_n can_v live_v in_o it_o what_o can_v be_v more_o mischievous_a to_o a_o commonwealth_n than_o to_o send_v honest_a man_n like_o rogue_n into_o banishment_n only_o because_o they_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n and_o can_v dissemble_v can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o pernicious_a than_o to_o treat_v person_n of_o a_o free_a ingenuous_a disposition_n like_o enemy_n and_o for_o no_o crime_n or_o wickedness_n put_v they_o to_o death_n make_v the_o scaffold_n which_o fright_v none_o but_o villain_n a_o public_a theatre_n whereon_o innocent_a person_n give_v such_o example_n of_o courage_n and_o patience_n as_o turn_v to_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n majesty_n they_o that_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v honest_a never_o fear_v punishment_n as_o the_o wicked_a do_v neither_o will_v they_o by_o base_a whine_a submission_n and_o recantation_n endeavour_v to_o avoid_v it_o their_o innocent_a mind_n be_v not_o trouble_v with_o gild_n or_o repentance_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o shameful_a but_o glorious_a to_o die_v for_o liberty_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n to_o who_o can_v their_o death_n be_v a_o terror_n the_o base_a ignorant_a multitude_n know_v not_o why_o they_o suffer_v honest_a man_n be_v their_o friend_n and_o none_o but_o seditious_a person_n their_o enemy_n and_o all_o but_o base_a sycophant_n and_o flatterer_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v their_o example_n that_o faith_n and_o honesty_n than_o may_v be_v in_o great_a esteem_n than_o flattery_n and_o dissimulation_n that_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v keep_v their_o power_n and_o not_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o seditious_a person_n liberty_n of_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v allow_v and_o man_n be_v so_o to_o be_v govern_v that_o though_o they_o be_v of_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n they_o may_v however_o live_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o amity_n without_o doubt_v this_o way_n of_o govern_v be_v best_o and_o subject_a to_o least_o inconvenience_n see_v it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nature_n for_o in_o democratical_a government_n which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n all_o covenant_n to_o act_n but_o not_o to_o reason_n and_o judge_v by_o common_a consent_n my_o meaning_n be_v because_o all_o man_n can_v think_v the_o same_o thing_n they_o have_v agree_v to_o make_v that_o a_o bind_a law_n which_o have_v most_o voice_n reserve_v still_o a_o power_n of_o repeal_n that_o law_n when_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v least_o liberty_n allow_v of_o judge_v there_o man_n be_v far_a from_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o the_o government_n be_v full_a of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o from_o this_o liberty_n can_v arise_v no_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v not_o with_o ease_n avoid_v and_o keep_v man_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n from_o hurt_v one_o another_o i_o need_v not_o go_v far_o for_o example_n the_o city_n of_o amsterdam_n have_v to_o the_o wonder_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o its_o own_o great_a advantage_n taste_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o liberty_n for_o in_o that_o flourish_a commonwealth_n and_o famous_a city_n man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n live_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o when_o they_o will_v trust_v any_o man_n with_o good_n or_o money_n they_o only_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v rich_a or_o poor_a or_o whether_o in_o his_o deal_v he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o his_o word_n or_o a_o cheat_a knave_n they_o never_o inquire_v of_o what_o religion_n or_o sect_n he_o be_v neither_o be_v that_o regard_v in_o any_o court_n of_o justice_n there_o be_v no_o sect_n so_o odious_a but_o have_v the_o public_a magistrate_n protection_n if_o they_o do_v no_o man_n wrong_v live_v honest_o and_o give_v every_o one_o his_o due_a how_o great_a a_o schism_n be_v there_o occasion_v not_o long_o since_o by_o a_o controversy_n in_o religion_n between_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o contra-remonstrants_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o many_o example_n that_o law_n make_v to_o take_v away_o dispute_v concern_v religion_n do_v much_o more_o provoke_v than_o pacify_v people_n and_o make_v some_o take_v the_o great_a liberty_n schism_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o study_n of_o truth_n that_o fountain_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n but_o from_o a_o imperious_a humour_n of_o prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o damn_v other_o man_n write_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o waspish_a multitude_n against_o they_o than_o those_o that_o write_v to_o learned_a man_n and_o call_v nothing_o but_o reason_n to_o their_o aid_n so_o that_o they_o be_v true_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n who_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n will_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n judgement_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppress_v we_o have_v now_o show_v first_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o take_v away_o man_n liberty_n of_o speak_v what_o they_o think_v second_o that_o this_o liberty_n may_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n be_v grant_v to_o every_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n may_v use_v this_o liberty_n provide_v he_o design_v no_o innovation_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o act_v nothing_o against_o the_o know_a establish_a law_n thereof_o three_o that_o this_o liberty_n which_o every_o man_n may_v enjoy_v if_o he_o do_v not_o break_v the_o public_a peace_n can_v cause_v no_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v not_o easy_o be_v restrain_v or_o remedy_v four_o that_o all_o man_n may_v make_v use_n of_o this_o liberty_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o impiety_n five_o that_o all_o law_n make_v concern_v opinion_n and_o matter_n mere_o speculative_a be_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a six_o and_o last_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o this_o liberty_n may_v not_o only_o be_v allow_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o public_a peace_n piety_n and_o to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o these_o for_o where_o there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o take_v away_o this_o liberty_n and_o man_n be_v arraign_v only_o for_o opinion_n without_o examine_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o evil_a intention_n there_o honest_a man_n be_v make_v example_n and_o suffer_v a_o martyrdom_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o terrify_v but_o irritate_v and_o move_v the_o people_n to_o pity_n and_o revenge_n learn_v and_o art_n decay_v faith_n be_v corrupt_v flatterer_n and_o perfidious_a person_n be_v countenance_v adversary_n triumph_v in_o have_v their_o will_n and_o prevail_v on_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o embrace_v their_o doctrine_n which_o at_o last_o incline_v they_o not_o only_o to_o undervalue_v but_o usurp_v their_o authority_n boast_v they_o be_v god_n elect_n that_o their_o power_n be_v from_o god_n but_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n only_o from_o man_n and_o consequent_o the_o magistrate_n power_n subordinate_a to_o they_o which_o absolute_o destroy_v the_o very_a be_v of_o all_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o 18_o the_o chapter_n a_o commonwealth_n great_a safety_n be_v to_o place_n religion_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o make_v thing_n sacred_a as_o much_o subject_n to_o supreme_a power_n as_o thing_n civil_a and_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o nothing_o but_o man_n action_n suffer_v every_o man_n to_o think_v what_o he_o will_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v i_o have_v now_o in_o this_o treatise_n do_v what_o i_o design_v and_o i_o do_v again_o sincere_o profess_v that_o i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o free_o submit_v to_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o my_o country_n if_o they_o think_v any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n or_o public_a safety_n thereof_o i_o recant_v it_o i_o know_v myself_o a_o man_n subject_n to_o error_n but_o my_o chief_a care_n have_v be_v to_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o reason_n to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o country_n and_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n finis_fw-la