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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 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of_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n as_o
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knowledge_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n piety_n and_o obedience_n so_o that_o now_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a to_o what_o person_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n the_o belief_n of_o scripture_n history_n be_v necessary_a that_o be_v to_o the_o common_a people_n by_o who_o thing_n can_v be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v and_o whoever_o deny_v these_o history_n because_o he_o neither_o believe_v the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v impious_a but_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o history_n and_o yet_o by_o natural_a reason_n conclude_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n if_o he_o live_v a_o virtuous_a life_n that_o man_n be_v blessed_v yea_o more_o bless_a then_o the_o vulgar_a because_o beside_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o opinion_n he_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a understanding_n last_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o scripture_n history_n and_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n if_o he_o be_v not_o impious_a and_o obstinate_a yet_o he_o may_v well_o be_v account_v a_o beast_n rather_o than_o a_o man_n and_o to_o have_v no_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o we_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n history_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a people_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v all_o the_o history_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n but_o only_o the_o chief_n and_o those_o that_o give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o before_o mention_v doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o if_o all_o the_o history_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o prove_v its_o doctrine_n and_o no_o conclusion_n can_v be_v make_v but_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o the_o history_n together_o contain_v in_o it_o than_o the_o demonstration_n and_o proof_n of_o its_o doctrine_n
will_v treat_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n it_o may_v by_o way_n of_o objection_n be_v further_o demand_v how_o i_o can_v maintain_v that_o supreme_a power_n still_o retain_v their_o natural_a right_n of_o do_v what_o they_o will_v when_o supreme_a power_n as_o well_o as_o subject_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o solve_v this_o difficulty_n which_o do_v not_o rise_v so_o much_o from_o the_o state_n as_o from_o the_o right_n of_o nature_n i_o say_v that_o the_o same_o consideration_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n oblige_v he_o likewise_o to_o god_n reveal_v law_n namely_o because_o it_o be_v better_a and_o safe_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v but_o however_o if_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v still_o but_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o live_v by_o any_o other_o man_n direction_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o mortal_a man_n to_o be_v his_o judge_n or_o upon_o any_o religious_a account_n his_o superior_a and_o this_o be_v the_o right_n and_o power_n which_o i_o say_v the_o supreme_a power_n still_o retain_v supreme_a power_n may_v consult_v man_n but_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o acknowledge_v any_o man_n their_o judge_n nor_o any_o man_n but_o themselves_o the_o assertor_n or_o protector_n of_o religion_n a_o prophet_n only_o except_v who_o confirm_v his_o express_a mission_n from_o god_n by_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o then_o neither_o do_v supreme_a power_n acknowledge_v man_n but_o god_n to_o be_v their_o judge_n but_o if_o the_o supreme_a power_n will_v not_o obey_v god_n in_o his_o reveal_v law_n it_o be_v at_o their_o own_o peril_n no_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n can_v resist_v they_o for_o civil_a right_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n and_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o natural_a right_n depend_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o respect_v religion_n as_o it_o intend_v and_o design_n the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n only_o but_o be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o universal_a nature_n that_o be_v the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o this_o be_v what_o other_o mean_v who_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o express_v themselves_o when_o they_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v sin_v against_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o not_o against_o his_o eternal_a decree_n by_o which_o he_o predestinate_v and_o ordain_v all_o thing_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o when_o the_o supreme_a power_n command_v any_o thing_n against_o religion_n and_o the_o obedience_n which_o we_o by_o express_a covenant_n have_v promise_v to_o god_n whether_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n i_o answer_v very_o brief_o resolve_v to_o speak_v more_o full_o of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n that_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n when_o we_o have_v a_o certain_a and_o undubitable_a revelation_n but_o because_o man_n be_v usual_o very_o much_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o disposition_n have_v great_a contest_v about_o their_o own_o fancy_n as_o we_o find_v by_o woeful_a experience_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o supreme_a power_n in_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n think_v concern_v his_o religion_n the_o civil_a right_n and_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n will_v depend_v upon_o every_o particular_a man_n different_a judgement_n and_o affection_n for_o no_o man_n will_v be_v bind_v by_o any_o public_a law_n which_o he_o think_v contrary_a to_o his_o faith_n or_o superstition_n and_o under_o this_o pretence_n every_o one_o will_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v for_o his_o reason_n therefore_o supreme_a power_n to_o who_o by_o divine_a and_o natural_a right_n it_o belong_v to_o preserve_v and_o protect_v the_o law_n of_o government_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o judge_v determine_a and_o establish_v religion_n and_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o their_o faith_n and_o allegiance_n which_o god_n have_v command_v shall_v be_v keep_v to_o obey_v all_o the_o command_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o concern_v religion_n but_o if_o they_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v heathen_a and_o infidel_n we_o must_v either_o make_v no_o agreement_n with_o they_o or_o suffer_v all_o extremity_n if_o we_o do_v covenant_n with_o they_o and_o transfer_v our_o right_n and_o power_n upon_o they_o see_v we_o thereby_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o defend_v religion_n and_o ourselves_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o keep_v faith_n with_o they_o and_o may_v be_v compel_v to_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v where_o god_n by_o undoubted_a revelation_n have_v declare_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o tyrant_n or_o except_v the_o person_n by_o name_n have_v promise_v his_o particular_a aid_n and_o assistance_n against_o he_o we_o read_v that_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v in_o babylon_n there_o be_v only_o three_o young_a man_n who_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n particular_a assistance_n that_o will_v not_o obey_v nabuchadnezzar_n all_o the_o rest_n but_o daniel_n who_o the_o king_n himself_o adore_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o law_n to_o obey_v he_o perhaps_o believe_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o by_o god_n decree_n they_o be_v deliver_v into_o that_o king_n hand_n and_o that_o by_o god_n appointment_n he_o be_v to_o be_v king_n and_o keep_v the_o supreme_a power_n eleazar_n on_o the_o contrary_a however_o it_o go_v with_o his_o country_n give_v a_o example_n of_o his_o constancy_n to_o his_o follower_n and_o will_v rather_o endure_v all_o extremity_n than_o suffer_v their_o right_n and_o power_n to_o be_v transfer_v upon_o the_o greek_n and_o try_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o avoid_v be_v compel_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o daily_a experience_n the_o supreme_a power_n that_o profess_v christian_a religion_n for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o government_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o enter_v into_o league_n and_o covenant_n with_o turk_n and_o infidel_n and_o command_v their_o subject_n who_o live_v among_o they_o not_o to_o use_v any_o great_a liberty_n in_o religion_n or_o any_o other_o affair_n than_o the_o article_n of_o such_o league_n or_o the_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v allow_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o contract_n which_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o the_o hollander_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o japan_n chap._n xvii_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a or_o possible_a to_o transfer_v all_o thing_n upon_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n what_o it_o be_v during_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o its_o excellency_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n and_o why_o it_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n though_o much_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n and_o transfer_v on_o they_o every_o man_n natural_a right_n may_v upon_o serious_a consideration_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o practice_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v many_o thing_n will_v remain_v in_o theory_n only_o and_o be_v find_v absolute_o impracticable_a for_o no_o man_n can_v so_o far_o transfer_v his_o power_n and_o consequent_o his_o right_n upon_o another_o as_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o man_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o supreme_a power_n that_o can_v do_v all_o that_o it_o will_v it_o be_v vain_a for_o supreme_a power_n to_o command_v a_o subject_a to_o hate_v his_o friend_n and_o love_n his_o enemy_n or_o to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v provoke_v with_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n or_o not_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o fear_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o daily_a experience_n for_o man_n never_o so_o depart_v from_o their_o right_n or_o so_o transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o other_o but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o fear_v even_o by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o have_v transfer_v it_o for_o government_n be_v many_o time_n as_o much_o in_o danger_n of_o subject_n deprive_v of_o their_o right_n as_o it_o be_v of_o foreign_a enemy_n and_o if_o man_n can_v be_v so_o far_o divest_v of_o their_o natural_a right_n as_o afterward_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o those_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n then_o indeed_o all_o sort_n of_o tyranny_n and_o
multitude_n as_o superstition_n whence_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o common_a people_n under_o colour_n of_o religion_n be_v sometime_o easy_o induce_v to_o adore_v their_o king_n and_o at_o other_o time_n to_o curse_v and_o abhor_v they_o as_o the_o common_a plague_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o mischief_n great_a pain_n be_v take_v to_o adorn_v and_o attire_v religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a that_o it_o may_v appear_v very_o grave_a and_o solemn_a and_o all_o person_n pay_v unto_o it_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o respect_n and_o veneration_n this_o have_v so_o lucky_o succeed_v among_o the._n turk_n who_o count_v it_o a_o crime_n so_o much_o as_o to_o dispute_v and_o have_v their_o understanding_n possess_v with_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o their_o mind_n leave_v for_o reason_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v but_o if_o it_o be_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a arcanum_n and_o concern_v of_o monarchical_a government_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o to_o cover_v fear_n by_o which_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o subjection_n under_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v fight_v for_o slavery_n as_o for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n but_o their_o great_a honour_n to_o spend_v their_o blood_n and_o life_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o one_o single_a person_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o mischeivous_o devise_v or_o attempt_v than_o to_o possess_v man_n judgement_n which_o be_v free_a with_o prejudices_fw-la or_o in_o any_o manner_n to_o restrain_v or_o compel_v they_o it_o be_v utter_o repugnant_a to_o common_a liberty_n as_o for_o sedition_n stir_v up_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n they_o arise_v from_o enact_v law_n concern_v thing_n mere_o speculative_a and_o because_o opinion_n be_v many_o time_n condemn_v for_o crime_n and_o the_o maintainer_n and_o follower_n of_o those_o opinion_n seldom_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o public_a safety_n but_o to_o the_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o adversary_n but_o if_o the_o law_n of_o government_n will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o word_n and_o only_o punish_v man_n action_n there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o lawful_a pretence_n for_o such_o sedition_n nor_o can_v controversy_n be_v turn_v into_o quarrel_n see_v therefore_o that_o man_n be_v seldom_o so_o happy_a to_o live_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o every_o one_o be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o judge_v and_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o understanding_n or_o where_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v dear_a and_o sweet_a than_o liberty_n i_o think_v my_o undertake_n will_v be_v neither_o unpleasing_a or_o unprofitable_a if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o liberty_n may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o religion_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o all_o three_o must_v stand_v and_o fall_v together_o and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o intend_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o which_o purpose_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o mark_v out_o the_o chief_a prejudices_fw-la concern_v religion_n i_o mean_v the_o footstep_n of_o ancient_a servitude_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o relate_v to_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n power_n which_o many_o with_o shameless_a boldness_n study_v to_o usurp_v and_o then_o to_o secure_v themselves_o amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n still_o subject_a to_o superstition_n with_o specious_a show_n of_o religion_n that_o all_o may_v again_o run_v into_o bondage_n in_o what_o order_n i_o make_v these_o thing_n manifest_a i_o will_v present_o in_o few_o word_n declare_v but_o first_o i_o will_v mention_v the_o cause_n which_o move_v i_o to_o write_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o man_n who_o boast_v themselves_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o consist_v in_o love_n peace_n moderation_n and_o deal_v upright_o with_o all_o man_n shall_v so_o unjust_o contend_v and_o cruel_o hate_v one_o another_o by_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v better_a know_v then_o by_o the_o forename_a virtue_n there_o be_v now_o scarce_o any_o man_n whatever_o he_o be_v christian_n jew_n turk_n or_o heathen_a that_o can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o habit_n and_o attire_n by_o frequent_v such_o a_o church_n by_o maintain_v such_o a_o opinion_n or_o by_o be_v the_o swear_a disciple_n of_o such_o a_o master_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n man_n life_n and_o conversation_n be_v all_o alike_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a i_o find_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a people_n be_v persuade_v that_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o set_v a_o very_a high_a value_n upon_o the_o service_n dignity_n office_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o honour_v churchman_n with_o all_o possible_a reverence_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o this_o abuse_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n every_o knave_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o propagate_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o sordid_a avarice_n and_o ambition_n so_o that_o the_o temple_n itself_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o theatre_n where_o ecclesiastical_a doctor_n do_v not_o preach_v but_o like_o orator_n harangued_a the_o people_n not_o to_o instruct_v but_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o they_o public_o reproach_v their_o adversary_n and_o vent_v such_o new_a fangle_a doctrine_n as_o they_o think_v will_v best_o please_v the_o multitude_n from_o hence_o necessary_o arise_v those_o great_a contention_n envy_n and_o inveterate_a hatred_n which_o no_o length_n of_o time_n can_v assuage_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a religion_n nothing_o remain_v but_o the_o external_a worship_n wherein_o the_o people_n seem_v rather_o to_o flatter_v than_o adore_v god_n faith_n be_v become_v nothing_o but_o credulity_n and_o prejudice_n such_o as_o turn_v rational_a man_n into_o brute_n by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o such_o as_o seem_v purposely_o invent_v total_o to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o human_a understanding_n piety_n and_o religion_n o_o immortal_a god_n now_o consist_v in_o absurd_a mystery_n and_o they_o that_o contemn_v and_o reject_v human_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o deprave_v they_o forsooth_o which_o be_v strange_o irrational_a must_v pass_v for_o man_n divine_o illuminate_v true_o if_o such_o man_n have_v but_o one_o spark_n of_o divine_a light_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o supercilious_o mad_a but_o will_v learn_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o more_o prudence_n and_o instead_o of_o hate_v as_o they_o now_o do_v will_v love_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o forbear_v to_o prosecute_v they_o with_o so_o much_o enmity_n will_v rather_o since_o they_o pretend_v to_o fear_v their_o salvation_n more_o than_o their_o own_o fortune_n have_v pity_n and_o compassion_n upon_o they_o moreover_o if_o such_o man_n have_v any_o divine_a light_n it_o will_v appear_v in_o their_o doctrine_n i_o confess_v they_o pretend_v they_o can_v never_o enough_o admire_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o i_o can_v perceive_v they_o teach_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o speculation_n of_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n to_o which_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v follower_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o have_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v the_o scripture_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o these_o man_n to_o run_v mad_a with_o the_o greek_n will_v have_v the_o very_a prophet_n also_o to_o dote_v like_o themselves_o which_o clear_o show_v they_o never_o see_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o dream_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o admire_v the_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n so_o much_o the_o more_o they_o seem_v to_o flatter_v and_o soothe_v scripture_n rather_o than_o believe_v it_o of_o which_o likewise_o another_o evidence_n be_v that_o many_o man_n as_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o find_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o principal_a and_o fundamental_a position_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o in_o every_o part_n infallible_o true_a which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v make_v out_o or_o prove_v by_o any_o other_o way_n but_o a_o strict_a examination_n and_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o and_o do_v likewise_o establish_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n which_o need_v no_o human_a gloss_n the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v our_o best_a guide_n when_o i_o serious_o consider_v that_o natural_a reason_n be_v not_o only_o contemn_v but_o also_o by_o many_o condemn_a for_o the_o fountain_n of_o impiety_n and_o human_a invention_n pass_v
only_o and_o in_o respect_n to_o their_o government_n but_o eternal_a they_o say_v that_o the_o jew_n after_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o government_n though_o so_o many_o year_n disperse_v and_o divide_v among_o all_o nation_n still_o survive_v and_o be_v yet_o in_o be_v which_o never_o happen_v to_o any_o other_o nation_n that_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n seem_v to_o declare_v that_o god_n choose_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o though_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o government_n and_o commonwealth_n they_o be_v still_o god_n elect_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v most_o clear_o prove_v this_o eternal_a election_n be_v chief_o the_o 36._o v_o of_o the_o 31_o chapter_n of_o jerem._n where_o the_o prophet_n testify_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o israel_n shall_v continue_v god_n people_n for_o ever_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o immutable_a and_o fix_a order_n of_o heaven_n and_o nature_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d give_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o light_n by_o day_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n for_o a_o light_n by_o night_n who_o divide_v the_o sea_n when_o the_o wave_n thereof_o roar_v if_o these_o ordinance_n depart_v from_o before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n than_o the_o seed_n of_o israel_n also_o shall_v cease_v from_o be_v a_o nation_n before_o i_o for_o ever_o the_o second_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v ezek._n chap._n 20._o from_o the_o 32._o verse_n onward_o where_o god_n seem_v to_o declare_v that_o though_o the_o jew_n shall_v wilful_o depart_v from_o his_o worship_n yet_o he_o will_v gather_v they_o again_o from_o all_o country_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v scatter_v and_o will_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o people_n as_o he_o do_v their_o father_n into_o the_o wilderness_n of_o egypt_n and_o after_o he_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o the_o rebel_n and_o transgressor_n he_o will_v bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n where_o all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n shall_v serve_v he_o there_o be_v other_o place_n of_o scripture_n cite_v by_o the_o pharisee_n but_o in_o answer_v these_o two_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v clear_v all_o other_o which_o will_v be_v easy_o do_v after_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o god_n choice_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o eternal_a but_o on_o the_o same_o condition_n that_o he_o before_o choose_v the_o canaanite_n who_o also_o as_o we_o have_v show_v have_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o religious_o worship_v god_n and_o yet_o be_v at_o last_o reject_v by_o god_n for_o their_o luxury_n sloth_n and_o idolatry_n moses_n levit._n chap._n 18._o v._n 27_o 28._o warn_v the_o israelite_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o pollute_v themselves_o with_o incest_n and_o other_o abomination_n as_o do_v the_o canaanite_n lest_o the_o land_n spew_v they_o out_o as_o it_o do_v the_o nation_n before_o they_o and_o moses_n deut._n chap._n 8._o v._n 19_o 20._o in_o express_a word_n threaten_v their_o total_a destruction_n i_o testify_v against_o you_o this_o day_n that_o you_o shall_v sure_o perish_v as_o the_o nation_n which_o the_o lord_n destroy_v before_o your_o face_n so_o shall_v you_o perish_v because_o you_o will_v not_o be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v other_o place_n in_o the_o law_n which_o show_n that_o god_n election_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o eternal_a if_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v they_o of_o a_o new_a everlasting_a covenant_n of_o the_o knowledge_n love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v promise_v only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o fear_v god_n for_o in_o the_o forecited_a 20_o the_o chapter_n of_o ezek._n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o god_n will_v separate_v from_o they_o the_o rebellious_a and_o transgressor_n zeph._n chap._n 3._o v._n 11_o 12._o god_n say_v he_o will_v take_v away_o out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o those_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o he_o will_v leave_v a_o afflict_a and_o poor_a people_n and_o because_o this_o election_n be_v found_v only_o upon_o piety_n and_o real_a virtue_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o virtuous_a among_o the_o jew_n exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o nation_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a prophet_n among_o the_o heathen_a which_o we_o have_v show_v all_o nation_n have_v do_v likewise_o promise_v the_o same_o to_o their_o own_o people_n and_o still_o comfort_v they_o with_o it_o this_o eternal_a covenant_n of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n be_v universal_a as_o appear_v zeph._n chap._n 3._o v._n 10._o from_o beyond_o the_o river_n of_o aethyopia_n my_o suppliant_n even_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o disperse_a shall_v bring_v my_o offering_n so_o that_o in_o this_o particular_a no_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o no_o other_o election_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o i_o have_v declare_v the_o prophet_n in_o their_o prophecy_n of_o this_o election_n which_o only_o have_v respect_n to_o virtuous_a live_n mingle_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o rebuild_v the_o city_n and_o under_o those_o figure_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n expound_v thing_n spiritual_a that_o they_o may_v likewise_o declare_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o prophet_n they_o be_v that_o restauration_n of_o their_o government_n and_o temple_n which_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o cyrus_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v still_o remain_v without_o any_o government_n after_o a_o dispersion_n of_o so_o many_o year_n be_v no_o wonder_n see_v they_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o nation_n and_o incur_v their_o hatred_n not_o only_o by_o external_a rite_n contrary_a to_o those_o of_o other_o nation_n but_o also_o by_o the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n which_o they_o most_o religious_o observe_v that_o their_o be_v hate_v by_o other_o nation_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o continuance_n be_v prove_v by_o experience_n when_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n heretofore_o compel_v the_o jew_n to_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o that_o kingdom_n or_o else_o to_o quit_v the_o country_n many_o jew_n turn_v papist_n and_o because_o those_o that_o change_v their_o religion_n become_v thereby_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o privilege_n and_o honour_n which_o natural_a spaniard_n enjoy_v they_o be_v present_o mix_v with_o the_o native_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o remain_v none_o of_o the_o race_n but_o the_o contrary_n happen_v in_o portugal_n where_o though_o the_o king_n force_v they_o to_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n they_o still_o live_v apart_o by_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v declare_v incapable_a of_o all_o preferment_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o only_o the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n may_v be_v able_a to_o perpetuate_v the_o nation_n and_o unless_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n effeminate_a their_o mind_n they_o may_v one_o time_n or_o other_o when_o they_o see_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n re-establish_a their_o government_n and_o be_v again_o choose_v by_o god._n of_o the_o like_a case_n the_o chineses_n be_v a_o famous_a example_n who_o religious_o preserve_v a_o particular_a lock_n of_o hair_n upon_o their_o head_n by_o which_o they_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o people_n and_o have_v thereby_o preserve_v themselves_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n that_o their_o antiquity_n exceed_v all_o other_o nation_n they_o have_v heretofore_o recover_v their_o lose_a empire_n and_o without_o doubt_n will_v do_v so_o again_o when_o the_o courage_n of_o the_o tartar_n have_v lie_v a_o while_n long_o bury_v in_o wealth_n luxury_n and_o sloth_n last_o if_o any_o man_n upon_o what_o ground_n soever_o will_v maintain_v that_o god_n election_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v eternal_a i_o will_v not_o contradict_v he_o provide_v he_o grant_v that_o their_o election_n whether_o temporal_a or_o eternal_a and_o as_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n do_v only_o respect_v their_o government_n and_o bodily_a convenience_n which_o alone_o may_v distinguish_v one_o nation_n from_o another_o but_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n distinguish_v from_o nor_o any_o choose_v by_o god_n before_o another_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o divine_a law._n the_o word_n law_n take_v absolute_o signify_v that_o according_a to_o which_o every_o individual_a or_o all_o or_o some_o of_o the_o individual_n of_o the_o same_o species_n do_v act_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o determinate_a rule_n and_o that_o rule_n depend_v either_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n the_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