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
just_a or_o unjust_a pious_a or_o impious_a and_o then_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o right_o be_v best_a maintain_v and_o the_o government_n most_o safe_a where_o every_o man_n have_v free_a liberty_n to_o think_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n philosophical_a reader_n which_o i_o offer_v to_o thy_o examination_n believe_v they_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o thou_o for_o the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o the_o subject_a as_o well_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n as_o of_o every_o single_a chapter_n to_o which_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v but_o to_o this_o preface_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o dimension_n of_o a_o volume_n the_o chief_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o philosopher_n to_o other_o i_o care_v not_o to_o commend_v this_o treatise_n because_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o hope_n they_o will_v like_v it_o i_o know_v how_o fast_o those_o prejudices_fw-la stick_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v embrace_v under_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v also_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o root_v out_o superstition_n as_o fear_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o common_a people_n who_o constancy_n be_v but_o contumacy_n and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n but_o always_o rash_o praise_v or_o dispraise_v the_o vulgar_a therefore_o and_o all_o of_o like_a affection_n with_o they_o i_o do_v not_o invite_v to_o read_v these_o thing_n i_o have_v rather_o they_o shall_v contemn_v the_o book_n then_o be_v troublesome_a by_o make_v perverse_a construction_n of_o it_o as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n not_o profit_v themselves_o but_o hinder_v other_o who_o will_v reason_v more_o like_a philosopher_n do_v they_o not_o think_v reason_n aught_o to_o be_v but_o a_o handmaid_n to_o divinity_n to_o man_n of_o that_o opinion_n i_o think_v this_o work_n extreme_o useful_a but_o because_o many_o have_v neither_o mind_n or_o leisure_n to_o read_v these_o thing_n i_o be_o force_v here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o treatise_n to_o declare_v i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o willing_o submit_v to_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o my_o country_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v think_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n or_o public_a peace_n of_o it_o i_o willing_o unsay_v and_o recant_v it_o i_o know_v myself_o a_o man_n subject_a to_o mistake_v but_o i_o have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n i_o can_v not_o to_o err_v and_o particular_o that_o whatever_o i_o write_v may_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o country_n and_o agreeable_a to_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n chap._n i._n of_o prophesy_v chap._n ii_o of_o prophet_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o divine_a law._n chap._n v._n the_o reason_n why_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v of_o the_o belief_n of_o scripture-history_n why_o and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v necessary_a chap._n vi_o of_o miracle_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentatenk_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o several_a person_n or_o by_o one_o only_o and_o by_o who_o chap._n ix_o whether_o hesdras_n do_v perfect_o finish_v those_o book_n and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v but_o diverse_a reading_n chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o forementioned_a chap._n xi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n and_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a hand_n write_v or_o text_n of_o scripture_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 so_o far_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a chap._n xiii_o what_o be_v faith_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n chap._n fourteen_o divinity_z no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n upon_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n chap._n xv._n how_o commonwealth_n come_v to_o be_v found_v of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n chap._n xvi_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o part_n with_o all_o his_o particular_a right_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v while_o moses_n live_v and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o last_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n perish_v and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n chap._n xvii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xviii_o that_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o public_a religious_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god._n chap._n xix_o that_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v as_o he_o please_v and_o to_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentateuk_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o several_a person_n or_o by_o one_o only_o and_o by_o who_o chap._n ix_o whether_o hesdras_n do_v perfect_o finish_v those_o book_n and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v but_o diverse_a reading_n chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o forementioned_a chap._n xi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n and_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a hand_n write_v or_o text_n of_o scripture_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 so_o far_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a chap._n xiii_o show_v that_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 chap._n fourteen_o what_o be_v faith_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n chap._n xv._n divinity_z no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n upon_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n chap._n xvi_o how_o commonwealth_n come_v to_o be_v found_v of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n chap._n xvii_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o part_n with_o all_o his_o particular_a right_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v while_o moses_n live_v and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o last_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n perish_v and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xix_o that_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o public_a religious_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god._n chap._n xx._n that_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o
shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v here_o christ_n convince_v the_o pharisee_n from_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o opinion_n who_o say_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n word_n be_v a_o absolute_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v devil_n and_o a_o kingdom_n of_o devil_n so_o also_o when_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n chap._n 18._o v._n 10._o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o in_o heaven_n their_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o these_o word_n christ_n teach_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v proud_a or_o despise_v any_o one_o whatever_o else_o be_v faid_fw-we be_v only_o the_o better_a to_o persuade_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o sign_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o need_v we_o say_v more_o of_o this_o subject_a because_o it_o will_v be_v extreme_o tedious_a to_o quote_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v only_o ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la or_o according_a to_o man_n capacity_n and_o with_o a_o great_a prejudice_n to_o philosophy_n be_v maintain_v to_o be_v divine_a doctrine_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v mention_v these_o few_o general_a one_o the_o curious_a reader_n may_v himself_o examine_v the_o rest_n but_o see_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v concern_v prophet_n and_o prophecy_n do_v direct_o concern_v the_o thing_n i_o aim_v at_o which_o be_v to_o divide_v philosophy_n from_o theology_n yet_o because_o i_o have_v only_o touch_v upon_o the_o question_n general_o i_o will_v now_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n inquire_v whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o common_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o also_o what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n every_o man_n prosperity_n and_o true_a happiness_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o good_a but_o not_o in_o the_o glory_n that_o he_o alone_o and_o no_o other_o person_n enjoy_v that_o good_a for_o whoever_o think_v himself_o the_o more_o happy_a because_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o other_o man_n or_o because_o he_o be_v more_o fortunate_a and_o prosperous_a than_o other_o be_v ignorant_a what_o be_v true_a felicity_n and_o beatitude_n and_o the_o joy_n which_o arise_v from_o such_o a_o conceit_n be_v childish_a and_o savour_n of_o a_o envious_a evil_a mind_n for_o example_n man_n true_a beatitude_n and_o felicity_n consist_v only_o in_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n but_o not_o in_o his_o being_n wise_a than_o other_o man_n or_o that_o other_o man_n want_v true_a knowledge_n for_o that_o add_v not_o at_o all_o to_o his_o wisdom_n which_o be_v his_o true_a happiness_n he_o therefore_o that_o rejoice_v in_o be_v happy_a than_o other_o man_n takes_z pleasure_n in_o their_o misfortune_n and_o be_v a_o envious_a evil_a man_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o never_o know_v true_a wisdom_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a life_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o better_a persuade_v the_o jew_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n say_v deut._n chap._n 10_o v._n 19_o that_o god_n choose_v they_o above_o all_o people_n and_o be_v nigh_a to_o they_o then_o to_o all_o other_o nation_n deut._n chap._n 4._o v._n 7._o that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n and_o law_n more_o righteous_a and_o just_a than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 8_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chap._n and_o last_o that_o god_n make_v himself_o more_o know_v to_o they_o then_o to_o other_o people_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n all_o this_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v true_a blessedness_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o as_o moses_n himself_o testify_v in_o deut._n chap._n 9_o v._n 6_o 7._o for_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o be_v less_o bless_v though_o god_n have_v equal_o call_v all_o man_n to_o salvation_n nor_o have_v god_n be_v less_o gracious_a to_o they_o though_o he_o have_v be_v as_o nigh_o to_o other_o nation_n their_o law_n have_v not_o be_v less_o righteous_a nor_o they_o less_o wise_a though_o the_o same_o have_v be_v prescribe_v to_o all_o other_o people_n and_o the_o miracle_n do_v among_o they_o have_v not_o less_o declare_v god_n power_n though_o the_o like_a have_v be_v wrought_v for_o other_o nation_n nor_o have_v the_o jew_n be_v the_o less_o oblige_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n though_o god_n have_v equal_o give_v to_o all_o other_o man_n the_o same_o gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o they_o god_n say_v to_o solomon_n in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 3._o v._n 12._o that_o none_o after_o he_o shall_v be_v ever_o like_o he_o for_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o manner_n of_o speak_v to_o declare_v the_o excellency_n of_o solomon_n wisdom_n what_o ever_o the_o word_n mean_v yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o increase_v solomon_n happiness_n god_n promise_v never_o to_o make_v any_o man_n so_o wise_a as_o he_o for_o that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o have_v make_v solomon_n wisdom_n great_a neither_o will_v a_o wise_a king_n have_v give_v god_n the_o less_o thanks_o though_o god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v bestow_v as_o much_o wisdom_n upon_o all_o other_o men._n but_o though_o we_o say_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n prescribe_v those_o law_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n to_o the_o jew_n only_o that_o he_o speak_v only_o to_o they_o and_o that_o no_o other_o nation_n ever_o see_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o all_o that_o i_o intend_v be_v that_o moses_n speak_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o make_v use_v of_o such_o argument_n the_o better_a to_o convince_v their_o childish_a understanding_n and_o bind_v they_o the_o fast_o to_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god._n last_o we_o will_v show_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o excel_v other_o nation_n in_o knowledge_n or_o piety_n but_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n or_o that_o i_o may_v with_o scripture_n speak_v to_o their_o capacity_n god_n do_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o jew_n above_o other_o nation_n that_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v more_o sublime_a or_o their_o life_n more_o righteous_a than_o other_o peopl_n but_o for_o another_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o will_v in_o order_n declare_v but_o before_o i_o begin_v i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n explain_v what_o i_o mean_v in_o that_o which_o follow_v by_o god_n dispose_n and_o direction_n what_o by_o god_n external_a and_o internal_a assistance_n what_o by_o god_n calling_n or_o election_n and_o last_o what_o i_o intend_v by_o fortune_n i_o take_v god_n dispose_v or_o direction_n to_o be_v the_o fix_a order_n and_o immutable_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o concatenation_n of_o natural_a thing_n and_o cause_n for_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o determine_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n eternal_a decree_n which_o imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n therefore_o whether_o we_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o ordination_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n we_o say_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n because_o the_o power_n of_o all_o natural_a being_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v order_v and_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o whatever_o man_n who_o be_v a_o part_n of_o nature_n do_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o be_v or_o whatever_o nature_n without_o any_o endeavour_n of_o he_o offer_v he_o for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n operate_n either_o by_o human_a nature_n or_o by_o thing_n without_o it_o so_o that_o whatever_o human_a nature_n can_v perform_v by_o its_o own_o power_n for_o self_n preservation_n that_o may_v be_v true_o call_v god_n internal_a assistance_n and_o that_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o man_n receive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o external_a cause_n may_v be_v just_o term_v god_n external_a help_n which_o full_o explain_v what_o be_v
benefit_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o shall_v receive_v from_o heaven_n the_o law_n which_o he_o establish_v be_v not_o very_o severe_a as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v how_o many_o circumstance_n be_v require_v to_o the_o condemn_v of_o any_o offender_n that_o the_o people_n who_o can_v not_o govern_v themselves_o may_v absolute_o depend_v upon_o the_o verbal_a command_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n he_o do_v not_o permit_v they_o be_v accustom_v to_o bondage_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o whatever_o they_o do_v be_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n no_o man_n can_v at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n plough_v sow_n or_o reap_v no_o man_n can_v eat_v what_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v he_o clothe_v himself_o shave_v his_o head_n and_o beard_n or_o make_v merry_a but_o according_a to_o certain_a rule_n set_v down_o in_o the_o law_n nor_o be_v this_o all_o for_o they_o be_v to_o have_v upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o door_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o their_o forehead_n certain_a sign_n which_o be_v to_o put_v they_o in_o continual_a mind_n of_o their_o obedience_n the_o end_n and_o design_n then_o of_o ceremony_n be_v that_o the_o people_n may_v do_v nothing_o by_o their_o own_o will_n and_o determination_n but_o only_o by_o the_o command_n of_o another_o and_o by_o continual_a action_n and_o meditation_n confess_v they_o be_v not_o master_n of_o themselves_o but_o whole_o subject_v to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o ceremony_n conduce_v nothing_o to_o true_a felicity_n and_o that_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v only_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consequent_o have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o more_o than_o bodily_a convenience_n as_o for_o christian_a ceremony_n namely_o baptism_n the_o lord_n supper_n holiday_n public_a form_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o common_a to_o christianity_n if_o they_o be_v ever_o institute_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n which_o do_v not_o clear_o appear_v they_o be_v only_o appoint_v as_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o not_o as_o thing_n that_o contain_v any_o sanctity_n in_o themselves_o or_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o be_v ordain_v not_o in_o reference_n to_o government_n but_o only_o in_o respect_n to_o mutual_a society_n he_o that_o live_v alone_o or_o he_o that_o live_v under_o a_o government_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v forbid_v be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ceremony_n and_o yet_o may_v live_v happy_o a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o japan_n where_o the_o hollander_n by_o the_o command_n of_o their_o east-india_n company_n abstain_v from_o all_o outward_a worship_n and_o that_o their_o so_o do_v be_v justifiable_a i_o think_v be_v not_o difficult_a to_o prove_v from_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n namely_o why_o believe_v the_o history_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v necessary_a and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o by_o natural_a reason_n i_o thus_o proceed_v whoever_o will_v persuade_v or_o dissuade_v man_n to_o or_o from_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o or_o by_o itself_o know_v must_v deduce_v that_o thing_n from_o principle_n general_o grant_v and_o allow_v and_o must_v convince_v those_o man_n either_o by_o reason_n or_o experience_n that_o be_v by_o thing_n which_o man_n by_o their_o sense_n know_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o nature_n or_o else_o by_o maxim_n which_o the_o understanding_n can_v neither_o doubt_v or_o deny_v but_o unless_o experience_n be_v such_o as_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v though_o it_o may_v convince_v a_o man_n yet_o it_o can_v equal_o affect_v the_o understanding_n and_o disperse_v the_o cloud_n thereof_o as_o will_v that_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o intellectual_a principle_n that_o be_v orderly_o deduce_v from_o notion_n certain_a and_o intelligible_a especial_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a and_o fall_v not_o under_o sense_n but_o because_o to_o prove_v thing_n only_o by_o intellectual_a proposition_n require_v a_o long_a chain_n of_o notion_n much_o circumspection_n sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o great_a temper_n all_o which_o be_v seldom_o find_v together_o therefore_o man_n have_v rather_o be_v teach_v by_o experience_n then_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o link_a together_o all_o their_o perception_n deduce_v from_o a_o few_o maxim_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v teach_v a_o whole_a nation_n i_o need_v not_o say_v all_o mankind_n any_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o will_v be_v clear_o understand_v in_o all_o thing_n by_o all_o man_n he_o must_v confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o experience_n and_o must_v accommodate_v his_o reason_n and_o the_o definition_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v not_o think_v of_o give_v such_o definition_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a for_o tie_v his_o reason_n together_o because_o he_o will_v then_o write_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a and_o will_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o a_o very_a few_o see_v then_o the_o scripture_n be_v reveal_v first_o for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n and_o afterward_o of_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o confirm_v only_o by_o experience_n to_o make_v my_o meaning_n yet_o more_o clear_a i_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n teach_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v only_o speculative_a be_v chief_o these_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o a_o be_v which_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n govern_v and_o sustain_v all_o thing_n who_o take_v great_a care_n of_o mankind_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o that_o live_v honest_o and_o religious_o but_o for_o those_o that_o live_v wicked_o he_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o good_a and_o afflict_v they_o with_o grievous_a punishment_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n the_o scripture_n confirm_v only_o by_o experience_n namely_o by_o the_o history_n which_o it_o recite_v nor_o do_v it_o plain_o define_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o fit_v all_o its_o reason_n and_o expression_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o though_o experience_n can_v give_v a_o man_n no_o true_a and_o plain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n nor_o teach_v a_o man_n what_o god_n be_v in_o what_o manner_n he_o order_n and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n or_o how_o he_o take_v care_n of_o mankind_n yet_o it_o give_v man_n so_o much_o light_n and_o 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
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and_o clear_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n what_o kind_n of_o history_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o ought_v to_o contain_v come_v now_o to_o be_v declare_v first_o it_o ought_v to_o contain_v the_o nature_n and_o propriety_n of_o that_o language_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v and_o which_o the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v that_o so_o all_o the_o sense_n which_o every_o speech_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o speak_v will_v bear_v and_o admit_v may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o because_o the_o penman_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v jew_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o new_a for_o though_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 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prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n and_o likewise_o that_o we_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o language_n or_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o scripture_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v perfect_o understand_v take_v this_o example_n for_o illustration_n these_o say_n of_o moses_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a how_o plain_a and_o clear_a be_v they_o so_o long_o as_o we_o regard_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o truth_n how_o dark_a and_o obscure_a yea_o though_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n yet_o unless_o it_o contradict_v any_o fundamental_a principle_n derive_v from_o scripture_n their_o literal_a sense_n be_v still_o to_o be_v retain_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o these_o say_n in_o their_o literal_a construction_n shall_v be_v find_v repugnant_a to_o principle_n deduce_v from_o scripture_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o not_o litteraly_a understand_v to_o know_v then_o whether_o moses_n do_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v fire_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o because_o the_o opinion_n be_v either_o contrary_a or_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o it_o must_v be_v gather_v from_o some_o other_o of_o moses_n own_o say_n for_o example_n because_o moses_n in_o very_a many_o place_n have_v plain_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o like_o any_o visible_a thing_n either_o in_o heaven_n earth_n or_o the_o water_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o this_o say_n god_n be_v fire_n or_o else_o all_o his_o other_o say_n be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o because_o we_o ought_v as_o seldom_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v whether_o this_o saying_n god_n be_v fire_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n beside_o the_o literal_a that_o be_v whether_o the_o word_n fire_v signify_v any_o other_o thing_n beside_o natural_a fire_n and_o if_o in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o signify_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o this_o say_n of_o moses_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v interpret_v though_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o those_o other_o say_n of_o moses_n though_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v conformable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o this_o but_o if_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o language_n will_v not_o suffer_v this_o to_o be_v do_v than_o those_o several_a say_n be_v irreconcilable_a and_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n of_o they_o but_o now_o because_o the_o word_n fire_n be_v also_o take_v for_o anger_n and_o jealousy_n job._n chap._n 31._o v._n 12._o these_o saying_n of_o moses_n be_v easy_o reconcileable_a and_o we_o may_v lawful_o conclude_v that_o these_o two_o sentence_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a signify_v both_o the_o same_o thing_n moreover_o because_o moses_n plain_o say_v god_n be_v jealous_a and_o do_v no_o where_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o moses_n do_v think_v or_o at_o least_o teach_v other_o man_n to_o think_v god_n be_v jealous_a though_o we_o believe_v the_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o wrest_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n because_o all_o our_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v derive_v only_o from_o themselves_o three_o this_o history_n of_o scripture_n aught_o to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n remain_v with_o we_o as_o may_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_n of_o the_o author_n of_o every_o book_n who_o the_o person_n be_v upon_o what_o occasion_n he_o write_v in_o what_o time_n to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o language_n and_o last_o it_o ought_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o fortune_n of_o every_o book_n how_o it_o be_v first_o receive_v into_o who_o hand_n it_o fall_v how_o many_o various_a reading_n it_o have_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o sacred_a and_o canonical_a and_o last_o how_o all_o the_o several_a book_n come_v together_o into_o one_o volume_n i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n this_o history_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o contain_v to_o know_v what_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o what_o only_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n it_o be_v very_o expedient_a to_o know_v the_o 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from_o man_n sloth_n i_o will_v not_o say_v malice_n who_o have_v neglect_v to_o compose_v such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n as_o may_v have_v be_v frame_v of_o it_o and_o also_o because_o all_o man_n if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v confess_v that_o supernatural_a light_n be_v a_o divine_a gift_n bestow_v only_o upon_o believer_n but_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v not_o only_o to_o believer_n but_o to_o wicked_a unbeliever_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o their_o impiety_n and_o unbelief_n capable_a of_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n otherwise_o they_o have_v preach_v but_o to_o child_n and_o infant_n and_o not_o to_o man_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o moses_n have_v in_o vain_a prescribe_a law_n if_o his_o law_n be_v intelligible_a only_o to_o believer_n who_o need_v no_o law._n wherefore_o they_o that_o seek_v after_o supernatural_a light_n to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n seem_v void_a even_o of_o natural_a light_n 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explication_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v literal_o but_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o prove_v by_o any_o demonstration_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o wrest_v it_o by_o exposition_n to_o maintain_v a_o opinion_n that_o be_v but_o probable_a when_o we_o may_v with_o any_o reason_n maintain_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o believe_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o aristotle_n do_v destroy_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o law._n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o maimonides_n from_o which_o that_o manifest_o follow_v which_o i_o say_v before_o for_o if_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a he_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n and_o make_v such_o exposition_n of_o it_o as_o may_v support_v that_o opivion_n and_o he_o will_v be_v present_o certain_a that_o the_o scripture_n though_o it_o every_o where_o plain_o say_v the_o contrary_a do_v declare_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n though_o never_o so_o plain_a so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o he_o for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o apparent_a we_o be_v so_o long_o ignorant_a whether_o the_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o consequent_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o opinion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o will_v absolute_o grant_v that_o some_o other_o light_n beside_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v necessary_a
for_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o credulity_n be_v account_v faith_n and_o philosophical_a controversy_n be_v maintane_v both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n with_o so_o much_o animosity_n and_o heat_n of_o dispute_n from_o whence_o i_o perceive_v that_o not_o only_o cruel_a hatred_n and_o dissension_n by_o which_o man_n be_v easy_o stir_v up_o to_o sedition_n but_o many_o other_o mischief_n too_o tedious_a to_o be_v here_o mention_v take_v their_o beginning_n i_o resolve_v diligent_o to_o examine_v the_o scripture_n a_o new_a with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o neither_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n positive_o of_o it_o or_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v its_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o demonstrate_v by_o it_o under_o this_o caution_n i_o compose_v a_o method_n of_o interpret_n the_o sacred_a volume_n and_o furnish_v with_o it_o i_o begin_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o prophecy_n be_v why_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o prophet_n 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human_a understanding_n and_o when_o i_o likewise_o see_v that_o the_o prophet_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v plain_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o they_o adorn_v and_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n with_o such_o a_o style_n and_o such_o reason_n as_o they_o think_v will_v most_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n with_o devotion_n towards_o god_n i_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o scripture_n leave_v reason_n perfect_o free_a and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o philosophy_n but_o that_o each_o stand_v on_o its_o own_o basis_n but_o that_o i_o may_v plain_o demonstrate_v these_o thing_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o show_v which_o way_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v interpreprete_v and_o that_o all_o its_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o itself_o and_o not_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n then_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v those_o 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obedience_n and_o so_o distinct_a from_o natural_a knowledge_n as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n as_o its_o foundation_n and_o mean_n that_o it_o have_v nothing_o in_o common_a with_o it_o but_o each_o maintain_v its_o own_o proper_a dominion_n without_o any_o mutual_a disagreement_n and_o that_o neither_o aught_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr or_o a_o handmaid_n to_o the_o other_o moreover_o because_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n be_v very_o different_a one_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o and_o another_o with_o that_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o move_v one_o man_n to_o devotion_n provoke_v another_o to_o laughter_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o principle_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o that_o no_o man_n faith_n be_v to_o be_v justify_v or_o condemn_v but_o only_o by_o his_o work_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v obey_v god_n with_o freedom_n of_o mind_n and_o only_a righteousness_n and_o charity_n be_v in_o esteem_n after_o i_o have_v by_o these_o thing_n show_v the_o liberty_n grant_v by_o god_n reveal_v law_n to_o all_o man_n i_o go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v that_o this_o liberty_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o to_o the_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v take_v away_o without_o great_a detriment_n and_o danger_n both_o to_o peace_n and_o the_o whole_a republic_n to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o begin_v from_o every_o man_n natural_a right_n which_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o every_o man_n desire_n and_o power_n can_v extend_v itself_o and_o no_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v bind_v to_o live_v according_a to_o another_o man_n will_n or_o inclination_n but_o every_o man_n be_v the_o assertor_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n further_o i_o show_v that_o no_o man_n depart_v from_o this_o right_n but_o he_o that_o transfer_v the_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o to_o another_o and_o that_o he_o must_v necessary_o and_o absolute_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o that_o right_n upon_o who_o every_o one_o have_v devolve_v his_o own_o natural_a right_n of_o live_v as_o he_o please_v together_o with_o the_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o and_o from_o hence_o i_o prove_v that_o they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v right_a to_o all_o thing_n within_o their_o power_n and_o that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o protector_n of_o law_n and_o liberty_n all_o other_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o determination_n and_o decree_n but_o because_o no_o body_n can_v so_o far_o deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o as_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o man_n i_o thence_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v total_o deprive_v of_o his_o natural_a right_n but_o that_o subject_n do_v still_o retain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n many_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o they_o without_o very_o great_a danger_n to_o government_n those_o thing_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v their_o right_n either_o by_o tacit_n implication_n or_o by_o express_a agreement_n and_o stipulation_n make_v between_o they_o and_o their_o governor_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v i_o passon_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o i_o full_o enough_o describe_v show_v upon_o what_o reason_n and_o by_o who_o decree_n religion_n first_o begin_v to_o obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n touch_v upon_o some_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o which_o seem_v worthy_a to_o be_v know_v after_o this_o i_o show_v that_o they_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o only_a protector_n and_o interpreter_n of_o the_o civil_a but_o also_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o that_o in_o they_o only_o be_v the_o right_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v
the_o 12_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n of_o zachary_n they_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant_n stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v send_v in_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o former_a prophet_n where_o spirit_n must_v signify_v mercy_n in_o this_o sense_n speak_v also_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n chap._n 2._o v._n 5._o loe_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v my_o grace_n and_o mercy_n remain_v among_o you_o fear_v you_o not_o isa._n chap._n 48._o v._n 16._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o spirit_n have_v send_v i_o there_o spirit_n may_v be_v understand_v to_o signify_v the_o will_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o his_o mind_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n for_o the_o prophet_n say_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v when_o he_o first_o come_v to_o declare_v god_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o they_o he_o speak_v not_o in_o secret_a from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v publish_v there_o be_v i_o but_o now_o i_o be_o a_o messenger_n of_o joy_n send_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o proclaim_v your_o restauration_n it_o may_v also_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v take_v for_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n that_o be_v he_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n levit._n chap._n 19_o v._n 17._o come_v to_o admonish_v they_o therefore_o under_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o warn_v as_o moses_n do_v and_o at_o last_o like_o moses_n end_n with_o predict_v their_o restauration_n but_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o first_o exposition_n seem_v the_o best_a to_o return_v to_o what_o be_v first_o intend_v by_o all_o these_o quotation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o follow_v plain_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god._n god_n pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o men._n man_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v some_o particular_a extraordinary_a virtue_n above_o other_o man_n and_o be_v person_n very_o eminent_a for_o their_o constant_a piety_n moreover_o that_o they_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signify_v both_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n yea_o the_o law_n because_o it_o make_v know_v god_n mind_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o it_o the_o decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v may_v likewise_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o though_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n be_v engrave_v on_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o to_o use_v the_o scripture_n phrase_n we_o also_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n it_o be_v very_o little_o esteem_v and_o the_o jew_n who_o value_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o nation_n extreme_o despise_v it_o because_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n last_o the_o prophet_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o man_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o only_o admire_v it_o but_o as_o they_o do_v all_o other_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o it_o we_o may_v then_o without_o any_o scruple_n affirm_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v no_o other_o way_n understand_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n then_o by_o the_o help_n of_o imagination_n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o word_n or_o sign_n and_o these_o either_o real_a or_o imaginary_a for_o see_v we_o find_v in_o scripture_n no_o other_o mean_n beside_o these_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suppose_v or_o fancy_v any_o other_o but_o by_o what_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v do_v i_o confess_v i_o be_o utter_o ignorant_a i_o may_v with_o other_o say_v it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o no_o more_o than_o if_o i_o shall_v by_o some_o unintelligible_a term_n express_v the_o form_n of_o any_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o therefore_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n and_o we_o very_o foolish_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v when_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n power_n but_o we_o have_v now_o no_o need_n of_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v we_o only_o endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o from_o thence_o as_o from_o the_o precept_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n but_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o scripture-doctrine_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v see_v then_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o help_n of_o imagination_n understand_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o perceive_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o natural_a understanding_n for_o from_o word_n and_o sign_n many_o more_o idea_n may_v be_v form_v then_o can_v be_v only_o out_o of_o those_o principle_n and_o notion_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v found_v hence_o it_o be_v evident_a why_o the_o prophet_n perceive_v and_o declare_v all_o thing_n parabolical_o and_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o express_v all_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o a_o corporal_a manner_n because_o that_o do_v better_a suit_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o imagination_n neither_o can_v we_o now_o wonder_v why_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o prophet_n speak_v so_o improper_o and_o obscure_o of_o the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o numb_a chap._n 11._o v._n 17._o i_o will_v come_v down_o and_o talk_v with_o thou_o there_o and_o i_o will_v take_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o put_v it_o on_o they_o likewise_o in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 11._o and_o zedekiah_n the_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n and_o he_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n with_o these_o shall_v thou_o push_v the_o syrian_n till_o thou_o have_v consume_v they_o michah_n see_v god_n sit_v daniel_n see_v he_o like_o a_o old_a man_n clothe_v in_o white_a garment_n ezekiel_n like_o fire_n and_o they_o who_o be_v with_o christ_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n the_o apostle_n like_o cleave_a tongue_n and_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n like_o a_o great_a light_n all_o which_o vision_n agree_v with_o those_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o spirit_n last_o because_o the_o imagination_n be_v wander_v and_o unconstant_a prophecy_n do_v not_o long_o continue_v with_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v it_o frequent_v but_o very_o rare_a and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o have_v it_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v how_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o perceive_v only_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n and_o not_o by_o the_o certain_a principle_n of_o mental_a knowledge_n but_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v this_o particular_a aught_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o scripture_n though_o as_o we_o have_v already_o confess_v we_o have_v no_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o can_v explain_v it_o by_o its_o first_o cause_n however_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v concern_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n wherein_o i_o resolve_v to_o treat_v of_o prophet_n chap._n ii_o of_o prophet_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o perfection_n of_o mind_n above_o other_o man_n but_o only_o with_o strength_n and_o vivacity_n of_o imagination_n which_o scripture-history_n abundant_o testify_v solomon_n excel_v all_o other_o in_o wisdom_n but_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n heman_n darda_fw-it kalcoll_n though_o man_n very_o wise_a yet_o be_v no_o prophet_n when_o plain_a countryman_n who_o have_v no_o learning_n yea_o woman_n as_o hagar_n abraham_n maid_n have_v that_o gift_n which_o be_v agreeable_a both_o to_o
reason_n and_o experience_n for_o they_o who_o most_o excellent_a in_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n be_v less_o apt_a to_o understand_v thing_n clear_o and_o they_o that_o have_v excellent_a understanding_n have_v their_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n not_o so_o strong_a but_o better_o keep_v within_o compass_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o the_o intellect_n those_o man_n therefore_o who_o endeavour_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o find_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v extreme_o mistake_v which_o i_o purpose_v to_o show_v at_o large_a because_o the_o time_n philosophy_n and_o the_o matter_n itself_o require_v it_o i_o will_v not_o at_o all_o value_n what_o superstition_n babble_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o hate_v nothing_o more_o than_o such_o man_n as_o live_v good_a life_n and_o be_v lover_n of_o true_a solid_a knowledge_n with_o shame_n be_v it_o speak_v it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o they_o who_o free_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o particular_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o only_o know_v he_o by_o create_a being_n of_o who_o cause_n they_o be_v ignorant_a be_v present_o brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o prove_v the_o point_n i_o will_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o prophet_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o imagination_n and_o temperament_n of_o body_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v so_o that_o they_o never_o become_v the_o more_o learned_a by_o prophecy_n which_o i_o will_v present_o more_o full_o make_v out_o but_o i_o must_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o prophet_n certainty_n because_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o chapter_n and_o because_o it_o contribute_v somewhat_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o design_n to_o demonstrate_v because_o simple_a imagination_n do_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v certainty_n as_o every_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n do_v there_o must_v necessary_o some_o other_o thing_n accompany_v imagination_n to_o make_v we_o sure_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o imagine_v and_o that_o be_v reason_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o prophesy_v of_o itself_o do_v not_o include_v certainty_n because_o it_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o what_o god_n reveal_v by_o the_o revelation_n itself_o but_o by_o some_o sign_n as_o appear_v by_o abraham_n gen._n chap._n 15._o v._n 8._o and_o he_o say_v lord_n god_n whereby_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v inherit_v it_o ask_n a_o sign_n after_o he_o hear_v the_o promise_n without_o doubt_n he_o believe_v god_n and_o do_v not_o ask_v the_o sign_n that_o he_o may_v believe_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o promise_n come_v from_o god._n the_o same_o thing_n more_o plain_o appear_v by_o gideon_n judge_n chap._n 6._o v._n 17_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o have_v find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n then_o show_v i_o a_o sign_n that_o thou_o talk_v with_o i_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n let_v this_o be_v a_o sign_n unto_o thou_o ezechiah_o who_o well_o know_v that_o isaiah_n be_v a_o prophet_n ask_v a_o sign_n of_o he_o when_o he_o foretell_v his_o recovery_n which_o show_v that_o the_o prophet_n have_v always_o some_o sign_n by_o which_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o prophetical_o imagine_v and_o therefore_o moses_n deut._n chap._n 18._o v._n 22._o bid_v the_o people_n ask_v a_o sign_n of_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o prophesy_v which_o sign_n be_v to_o be_v foretell_v some_o future_a event_n prophesy_v therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a give_v place_n to_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o need_v no_o sign_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v certainty_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o mathematical_a but_o only_o moral_a which_o also_o appear_v by_o scripture_n deut._n chap._n 13._o moses_n warn_v the_o people_n that_o if_o any_o prophet_n shall_v teach_v they_o to_o worship_n any_o other_o god_n though_o he_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o moses_n go_v on_o and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n prove_v the_o people_n whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n christ_n in_o like_a manner_n warn_v his_o disciple_n tell_v they_o math._n chap._n 24._o v._n 24._o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n ezechiel_n chap._n 14._o v._n 9_o plain_o declare_v that_o god_n sometime_o deceive_v man_n with_o false_a revelation_n and_o if_o the_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n which_o michaiah_n also_o testify_v of_o the_o prophet_n of_o ahab_n 1_o st_z book_n of_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 21._o 22_o 23._o and_o though_o this_o show_v prophesy_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n somewhat_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o it_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o certainty_n in_o it_o for_o god_n never_o deceive_v the_o godly_a and_o elect_a but_o according_a to_o that_o say_n in_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 24._o v._n 13._o as_o say_v the_o proverb_n of_o the_o ancient_n wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o wicked_a but_o my_o hand_n shall_v not_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o as_o it_o likewise_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o abigal_n and_o her_o discourse_n god_n use_v pious_a person_n as_o instrument_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o wicked_a man_n for_o executioner_n of_o his_o wrath_n this_o likewise_o be_v make_v evident_a by_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n michaiah_n for_o though_o god_n have_v decree_v ahab_n shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o prophet_n he_o make_v use_v of_o false_a prophet_n but_o to_o a_o good_a prophet_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v to_o happen_v and_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o prophet_n from_o foretell_v the_o truth_n but_o still_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v but_o moral_a because_o no_o man_n can_v justify_v himself_o before_o god_n nor_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n the_o anger_n of_o god_n lead_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n who_o piety_n the_o scripture_n sufficient_o declare_v all_o prophetical_a certainty_n be_v found_v upon_o three_o particular_n first_o the_o prophet_n do_v as_o strong_o and_o with_o as_o much_o vivacity_n imagine_v the_o thing_n reveal_v as_o man_n waking_z use_v to_o do_v the_o thing_n they_o see_v second_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o sign_n and_o three_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v continual_o incline_v to_o virtue_n and_o justice_n though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o always_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o sign_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o prophet_n still_o have_v a_o sign_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v many_o time_n leave_v out_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n and_o relate_v thing_n as_o suppose_a to_o be_v know_v moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophesy_v nothing_o new_a but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o sign_n for_o example_n the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n need_v no_o sign_n because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o hananiahs_n prophecy_n who_o against_o all_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o sudden_a restauration_n of_o the_o city_n there_o be_v necessity_n of_o a_o sign_n till_o the_o come_n to_o pass_v of_o what_o he_o predict_v shall_v make_v it_o good_a jerem._n chap._n 28._o v._n 9_o 10._o see_v then_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n which_o depend_v upon_o sign_n be_v not_o mathematical_a that_o be_v such_o as_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o thing_n apprehend_v or_o see_v but_o only_o moral_a and_o that_o sign_n be_v give_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v the_o prophet_n himself_o it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o sign_n be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o the_o sign_n which_o make_v one_o prophet_n confident_a and_o certain_a of_o his_o prophecy_n can_v not_o assure_v another_o as_o the_o sign_n be_v different_a and_o various_a so_o also_o revelation_n itself_o do_v vary_v in_o every_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o imagination_n the_o temper_n of_o his_o constitution_n or_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o he_o be_v prepossess_v for_o example_n if_o a_o prophet_n be_v cheerful_a and_o merry_a to_o he_o be_v reveal_v victory_n and_o peace_n which_o cause_n mirth_n and_o gladness_n such_o thing_n use_v
will_v not_o only_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o who_o can_v possible_o retain_v and_o comprehend_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o history_n and_o so_o many_o circumstance_n and_o part_n of_o doctrine_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o so_o many_o and_o different_a history_n true_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o those_o man_n who_o leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o abound_v with_o so_o much_o wit_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o its_o doctrine_n much_o less_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o have_v be_v understand_v unless_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o isaac_n strive_n about_o the_o dig_v of_o well_n of_o achitophel_n council_n to_o absalon_n and_o the_o civil_a war_n between_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n with_o other_o chronicle_n of_o like_a kind_n or_o that_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n by_o history_n as_o be_v the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o the_o common_a people_n be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o know_v only_o those_o history_n which_o stir_v up_o their_o mind_n to_o devotion_n piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o those_o history_n because_o they_o be_v more_o please_v with_o the_o narration_n and_o the_o unexpected_a event_n of_o thing_n then_o with_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n beside_o the_o read_n of_o history_n they_o need_v pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v their_o weak_a understanding_n but_o not_o to_o digress_v from_o what_o we_o principal_o design_v to_o prove_v we_o conclude_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o history_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a law_n nor_o do_v of_o itself_o make_v man_n happy_a or_o bless_a nor_o be_v history_n profitable_a except_o it_o be_v in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o make_v some_o history_n therefore_o contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n excel_v those_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o common_a and_o scripture_n history_n mutual_o compare_v be_v more_o excellent_a one_o then_o another_o for_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n he_o than_o that_o read_v scripture_n history_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n give_v entire_a credit_n to_o they_o yet_o if_o he_o follow_v not_o their_o doctrine_n and_o amend_v his_o life_n it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o read_v the_o koran_n a_o comedy_n or_o any_o vulgar_a history_n but_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v he_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o scripture_n if_o his_o opinion_n be_v true_a and_o his_o life_n righteous_a he_o be_v true_o bless_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n for_o they_o say_v let_v a_o man_n opinion_n be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n and_o his_o life_n never_o so_o virtuous_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o not_o by_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prophetical_o reveal_v to_o moses_n he_o can_v never_o be_v bless_v and_o happy_a which_o rabbi_n maimonides_n bold_o affirm_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n and_o second_o law_n concern_v king_n he_o that_o receive_v the_o seven_o commandment_n and_o diligent_o perform_v they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pious_a among_o the_o nation_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v if_o he_o receive_v and_o practise_v they_o because_o god_n in_o his_o law_n command_v and_o reveal_v they_o by_o moses_n and_o because_o those_o precept_n be_v also_o give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n but_o if_o he_o practice_v they_o by_o the_o guidance_n and_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n he_o be_v none_o of_o we_o nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v think_v one_o of_o the_o pious_a and_o learned_a of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n give_v to_o noah_n seven_o commandment_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v only_o those_o seven_o but_o that_o god_n give_v many_o more_o commandment_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o much_o happy_a than_o other_o nation_n rabbi_n joseph_n the_o son_n of_o shem_fw-mi tob_z in_o his_o book_n call_v kbod_n elohim_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n likewise_o say_v that_o though_o aristotle_n who_o book_n of_o ethic_n be_v in_o his_o opinion_n the_o best_a that_o ever_o be_v write_v have_v omit_v nothing_o which_o belong_v to_o that_o subject_a and_o he_o himself_o have_v diligent_o practise_v all_o he_o write_v yet_o he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v because_o he_o embrace_v those_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v as_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o not_o as_o divine_v and_o prophetical_a revelation_n but_o these_o conceit_n be_v mere_a foppery_n ground_v neither_o upon_o reason_n or_o scripture_n and_o need_v no_o more_o confutation_n then_o do_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n who_o maintain_v that_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n we_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o salvation_n a_o tenet_n that_o can_v be_v rational_o prove_v by_o man_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o any_o reason_n but_o what_o be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_a and_o if_o they_o boast_v of_o any_o thing_n above_o reason_n it_o be_v mere_a folly_n and_o far_o beneath_o reason_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v so_o that_o of_o this_o we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n against_o who_o say_v paul_n galat._n chap._n 5._o v._n 22._o there_o be_v no_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o reason_n or_o scripture_n they_o be_v certain_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o be_v true_o bless_v chap._n vi_o of_o miracle_n as_o man_n use_v to_o call_v that_o knowledge_n divine_a which_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n so_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o nature_n of_o which_o the_o common_a people_n know_v not_o the_o cause_n that_o they_o call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o the_o vulgar_a believe_v god_n power_n and_o providence_n do_v most_o plain_o appear_v when_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n strange_a and_o unusual_a happen_v in_o nature_n contrary_a to_o the_o customary_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o nature_n especial_o when_o that_o which_o happen_v be_v for_o their_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o they_o think_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n never_o more_o clear_o prove_v then_o when_o nature_n seem_v not_o to_o keep_v its_o constant_a course_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o those_o man_n deny_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o endeavour_n to_o explain_v and_o understand_v what_o they_o call_v miracle_n by_o their_o natural_a cause_n they_o indeed_o think_v that_o while_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o wont_a course_n god_n do_v nothing_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o god_n act_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a cause_n be_v idle_a and_o at_o a_o stand_n so_o that_o they_o imagine_v two_o numerical_a distinct_a power_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n appoint_v and_o direct_v or_o as_o most_o man_n now_o believe_v create_v by_o god_n but_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o either_o or_o what_o they_o understand_v by_o god_n and_o nature_n they_o know_v not_o but_o fancy_n god_n power_n to_o be_v like_o that_o of_o a_o great_a king._n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n nothing_o but_o blind_a force_n and_o violence_n the_o common_a people_n therefore_o call_v the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n miracle_n or_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o devotion_n partly_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o contradict_v those_o that_o love_v the_o study_n of_o natural_a science_n they_o affect_v be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n desire_v to_o hear_v of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o know_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o least_o know_v they_o most_o admire_v by_o take_v away_o natural_a cause_n and_o by_o imagine_v thing_n out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n they_o think_v god_n be_v most_o adore_v when_o all_o thing_n be_v immediate_o refer_v to_o his_o power_n and_o will_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v the_o power_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n so_o wonderful_a as_o when_o according_a to_o their_o fancy_n it_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o opinion_n be_v first_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o
very_a prophet_n themselves_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reconcile_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o human_n eevent_v with_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o god_n providence_n but_o to_o wiseman_n who_o knowledge_n be_v not_o build_v on_o miracle_n but_o upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a conception_n the_o thing_n be_v very_o evident_a especial_o to_o those_o who_o place_n true_a happiness_n in_o virtue_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o study_v more_o to_o submit_v to_o nature_n then_o to_o make_v nature_n obedient_a to_o they_o know_v certain_o that_o god_n direct_v nature_n as_o its_o own_o universal_a law_n and_o not_o as_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o human_a nature_n require_v and_o that_o god_n have_v a_o care_n not_o only_o of_o mankind_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n in_o general_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o scripture_n that_o miracle_n can_v teach_v we_o to_o know_v god_n or_o his_o providence_n though_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n wrought_v miracle_n to_o be_v know_v to_o men._n exod._n chap._n 10._o v._n 2._o the_o wonder_n which_o he_o do_v in_o egypt_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o teach_v they_o to_o know_v god_n but_o only_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v prepossess_v with_o such_o opinion_n that_o they_o will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v by_o those_o sign_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o the_o conception_n which_o the_o prophet_n have_v by_o revelation_n be_v not_o draw_v from_o universal_a and_o common_a notion_n but_o from_o concession_n sometime_o absurd_a and_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o from_o they_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v convince_v as_o we_o have_v prove_v by_o many_o example_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o paul_n who_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o jew_n and_o with_o the_o grecian_n a_o greek_a but_o though_o those_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n and_o the_o egyptian_n from_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o idea_n of_o god_n they_o understand_v nothing_o more_o by_o they_o then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n great_a than_o all_o other_o know_v being_n and_o that_o that_o power_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o affair_n be_v at_o that_o time_n so_o prosperous_a above_o all_o other_o nation_n but_o do_v not_o teach_v they_o that_o god_n have_v a_o equal_a care_n of_o all_o mankind_n which_o we_o know_v only_o by_o philosophy_n or_o true_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o that_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n providence_n but_o from_o the_o different_a state_n of_o human_a affair_n and_o from_o the_o disparity_n of_o man_n fortune_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v better_a belove_v by_o god_n than_o all_o other_o nation_n though_o they_o do_v not_o excel_v any_o other_o people_n in_o human_a perfection_n as_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v in_o our_o three_o chapter_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a that_o be_v to_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o the_o command_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o his_o providence_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v when_o the_o scripture_n say_v any_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o god_n or_o the_o will_n of_o god_n nothing_o more_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v then_o that_o it_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o as_o the_o vulgar_a imagine_v that_o nature_n be_v idle_a and_o cease_v from_o action_n or_o that_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v for_o sometime_o interrupt_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o give_v we_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v its_o doctrine_n because_o as_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v it_o needless_a it_o meddle_v not_o with_o demonstrate_v thing_n by_o their_o natural_a cause_n nor_o with_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o therefore_o to_o prove_v by_o consequence_n what_o we_o intend_v we_o will_v quote_v some_o scripture_n history_n who_o relation_n be_v full_a of_o circumstance_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 9_o v._n 15_o 16._o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n tell_v samuel_n in_o his_o ear_n that_o he_o will_v send_v saul_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o send_v he_o as_o man_n use_v to_o send_v messenger_n one_o to_o another_o but_o this_o mission_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n for_o saul_n seek_v his_o father_n lose_a ass_n and_o think_v he_o shall_v not_o find_v they_o by_o advice_n of_o his_o father_n servant_n he_o go_v to_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n to_o know_v if_o he_o can_v tell_v he_o where_o they_o be_v nor_o do_v it_o appear_v any_o where_o in_o the_o whole_a relation_n that_o saul_n have_v any_o particular_a command_n from_o god_n beside_o this_o natural_a course_n to_o go_v to_o samuel_n psal._n 105._o v_o 24._o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o hate_v the_o israelite_n which_o turn_v be_v natural_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o exodus_fw-la where_o very_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v for_o the_o egyptian_n keep_v the_o israelite_n in_o subjection_n in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n of_o gen._n v._n 13._o god_n say_v to_o noah_n that_o he_o will_v set_v his_o bow_n in_o the_o cloud_n which_o action_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o reflection_n and_o refraction_n of_o the_o sunbeam_n in_o the_o minute_n drop_v of_o rain_n water_n psal._n 147._o v_o 18._o the_o natural_a operation_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o wind_n by_o which_o frost_n and_o snow_n be_v melt_v be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o v_o 15._o the_o wind_n be_v call_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n psal._n 104._o v_o 4._o the_o wind_n and_o the_o fire_n be_v call_v the_o messenger_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o like_o place_n in_o scripture_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o decree_n the_o command_n the_o say_v and_o word_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o operation_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o without_o doubt_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n and_o attribute_v to_o god_n natural_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o scripture_n to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o only_o to_o relate_v those_o thing_n which_o strong_o possess_v the_o imagination_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o stile_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o cause_v admiration_n and_o fill_v man_n mind_n with_o devotion_n if_o then_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n some_o thing_n of_o who_o natural_a cause_n we_o be_v ignorant_a or_o that_o seem_v to_o have_v happen_v against_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o be_v not_o present_o to_o doubt_v but_o believe_v that_o what_o do_v real_o happen_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o many_o circumstance_n that_o accompany_v miracle_n though_o the_o circumstance_n be_v not_o particular_o relate_v or_o be_v at_o least_o poetical_o relate_v i_o say_v the_o circumstance_n clear_o prove_v that_o the_o miracle_n require_v and_o have_v natural_a cause_n when_o the_o egyptian_n be_v to_o be_v smite_v with_o the_o plague_n of_o boil_v moses_n be_v to_o cast_v up_o and_o sprinkle_v ash_n into_o the_o air_n exod._n chap._n 9_o v._n 10._o the_o locust_n also_o by_o god_n natural_a command_n namely_o by_o a_o east_n wind_n blow_v a_o whole_a day_n and_o night_n cover_v the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o leave_v it_o again_o with_o a_o strong_a west_n wind_n exod_a chap._n 10._o v._n 13._o 19_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v a_o way_n make_v through_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o east_n wind_n that_o blow_v a_o whole_a night_n exod._n chap._n 14._o v._n 21._o when_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n be_v to_o raise_v the_o child_n think_v to_o be_v dead_a he_o several_a time_n stretch_v himself_o upon_o the_o body_n till_o he_o grow_v warm_a and_o open_v his_o eye_n in_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 4._o v._n 34,35_o so_o also_o in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap_n of_o st._n johns_n gospel_n some_o circumstance_n be_v mention_v which_o christ_n use_v when_o he_o cure_a the_o blind_a man_n many_o other_o thing_n be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n which_o all_o declare_v that_o miracle_n require_v somewhat_o more_o than_o the_o absolute_a command_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o miracle_n and_o their_o natural_a cause_n be_v not_o
not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o will_v take_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n for_o miracle_n which_o be_v never_o think_v so_o by_o the_o penman_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o thing_n and_o miracle_n that_o happen_v but_o will_v be_v likewise_o ignorant_a what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v for_o example_n the_o prophet_n zachary_n chap._n 14._o v._n 7._o speak_v of_o a_o future_a war_n say_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v one_o day_n which_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n nor_o day_n nor_o night_n but_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o at_o the_o evening_n time_n it_o shall_v be_v light_n in_o which_o word_n he_o seem_v to_o predict_v a_o great_a miracle_n but_o they_o signify_v no_o more_o then_o that_o a_o doubtful_a battle_n shall_v be_v fight_v whereof_o the_o success_n shall_v be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n but_o towards_o evening_n the_o jew_n shall_v be_v victorious_a in_o the_o like_a phrase_n and_o expression_n the_o prophet_n be_v wont_a to_o foretell_v and_o write_v the_o victory_n and_o overthrow_n of_o the_o nation_n isaiah_n chap._n 13._o v._n 10._o declare_v the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n in_o these_o word_n the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o constellation_n thereof_o shall_v not_o give_v their_o light_n the_o sun_n shall_v be_v darken_v in_o his_o go_v forth_o and_o the_o moon_n shall_v not_o cause_v her_o light_n to_o shine_v which_o no_o body_n believe_v do_v happen_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o empire_n nor_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n add_v v_o 13._o therefore_o will_v i_o shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v remove_v out_o of_o her_o place_n in_o like_a manner_n isaiah_n chap._n 48._o v._n 21._o they_o thirst_v not_o when_o he_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o desert_n he_o cause_v the_o water_n to_o flow_v out_o of_o the_o rock_n for_o they_o he_o cleave_v the_o rock_n also_o and_o the_o water_n gush_v out_o by_o which_o word_n nothing_o more_o be_v mean_v then_o that_o the_o jew_n find_v fountain_n in_o the_o desert_n by_o which_o they_o quench_v their_o thirst_n for_o no_o such_o miracle_n happen_v when_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o cyrus_n they_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n many_o expression_n of_o like_a nature_n occur_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v only_a fashion_n of_o speak_v among_o the_o jewish_a nation_n i_o need_v instance_n in_o no_o more_o but_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o jew_n make_v use_v of_o such_o phrase_n not_o only_o for_o ornament_n to_o their_o language_n but_o also_o to_o express_v their_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o attribute_v all_o thing_n to_o god_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o relate_v nothing_o but_o miracle_n even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n mere_o natural_a we_o be_v therefore_o to_o believe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v god_n harden_v the_o heart_n of_o pharaoh_n nothing_o more_o be_v signify_v then_o that_o pharaoh_n be_v very_o obstinate_a and_o disobedient_a and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v god_n open_v the_o window_n of_o heaven_n nothing_o more_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v then_o that_o there_o fell_a abundance_n of_o rain_n whoever_o then_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v relate_v very_o brief_o imperfect_o and_o without_o circumstance_n shall_v find_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o natural_a reason_n but_o many_o thing_n which_o seem_v very_o obscure_a may_v with_o a_o little_a meditation_n be_v explain_v and_o easy_o understand_v so_o that_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v what_o i_o intend_v but_o before_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o chapter_n i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o intimate_v that_o in_o speak_v of_o miracle_n i_o have_v take_v a_o course_n different_a from_o that_o i_o make_v use_v of_o in_o treat_v of_o prophecy_n for_o i_o declare_v nothing_o positive_o concern_v prophecy_n but_o what_o i_o can_v conclude_v from_o fundamental_a princiciple_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v miracle_n i_o have_v draw_v from_o principle_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o i_o do_v design_o because_o i_o can_v not_o know_v wherein_o prophecy_n consist_v nor_o can_v i_o aver_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a theological_a question_n exceed_v human_a capacity_n but_o what_o i_o can_v derive_v from_o reveal_v principle_n so_o that_o i_o be_v force_v to_o make_v a_o short_a historical_a collection_n of_o prophecy_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o form_v some_o maxim_n which_o may_v instruct_v i_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n but_o because_o that_o which_o we_o inquire_v concern_v miracle_n namely_o whether_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n can_v happen_v which_o be_v either_o contrary_n to_o its_o law_n or_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o they_o be_v a_o philosophical_a subject_n i_o think_v it_o much_o better_a to_o clear_v the_o question_n by_o make_v use_n of_o principle_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o those_o that_o be_v most_o obvious_a i_o say_v i_o do_v it_o purposely_o because_o i_o can_v also_o prove_v it_o from_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v that_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n in_o general_n be_v constant_a and_o immutable_a ps._n 148._o v._n 6_o he_o also_o establish_v they_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o he_o have_v make_v a_o decree_n which_o shall_v not_o pass_v and_o jerem._n chap._n 31._o v._n 35_o 36._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n who_o 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 the_o star_n for_o a_o light_n by_o night_n which_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 shall_v cease_v also_o from_o be_v a_o nation_n before_o i_o for_o ever_o the_o philosopher_n in_o his_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o say_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n whereof_o it_o may_v be_v say_v see_v this_o be_v new_a it_o have_v be_v already_o of_o old_a time_n which_o be_v before_o we_o v_o 11._o he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o former_a thing_n neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v with_o those_o that_o come_v after_o by_o which_o word_n he_o mean_v that_o nothing_o happen_v which_o have_v not_o happen_v before_o though_o it_o be_v forget_v in_o the_o 3_o d_o chapter_n v._n 11._o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o its_o time_n and_o v_o 14._o he_o say_v whatever_o god_n do_v it_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o nothing_o can_v be_v put_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n take_v from_o it_o v_o 15._o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v already_o be_v which_o clear_o declare_v that_o nature_n keep_v a_o constant_a fix_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n that_o god_n in_o all_o age_n know_v and_o unknown_a it_o still_o the_o same_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o large_a and_o perfect_a nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o they_o and_o last_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o new_a in_o miracle_n but_o what_o seem_v so_o to_o man_n ignorance_n these_o thing_n be_v express_o declare_v in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o say_v that_o any_o thing_n happen_v in_o nature_n either_o contrary_a to_o its_o law_n or_o not_o proceed_v from_o they_o so_o that_o miracle_n require_v cause_n and_o circumstance_n and_o be_v not_o immediate_o wrought_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o kingly_a and_o absolute_a empire_n which_o the_o vulgar_a attribute_n to_o god_n but_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o decree_n manifest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o seduce_a imposture_n as_o appear_v deut._n chap._n 13._o and_o matth._n chap._n 24._o v._n 24._o from_o whence_o it_o manifest_o follow_v that_o miracle_n be_v thing_n natural_a and_o therefore_o to_o use_v solomon_n expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v new_a or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o have_v as_o near_o a_o alliance_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o natural_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o by_o the_o rule_v i_o have_v lay_v down_o draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o though_o i_o say_v we_o be_v teach_v these_o thing_n by_o scripture_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v they_o to_o we_o as_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o only_o that_o the_o prophet_n receive_v they_o as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n liberty_n to_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o they_o as_o
rest_n and_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o both_o which_o nature_n always_o observe_v and_o by_o which_o it_o continual_o act_n and_o from_o these_o we_o afterward_o by_o degree_n proceed_v to_o other_o thing_n less_o general_a so_o likewise_o from_o this_o history_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v first_o to_o inquire_v after_o that_o which_o be_v most_o general_a and_o be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o scripture_n and_o be_v commend_v by_o all_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o most_o profitable_a and_o perpetual_a doctrine_n to_o mankind_n for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v only_o one_o omnipotent_a god_n who_o only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v who_o provide_v for_o all_o and_o love_v those_o best_a who_o serve_v he_o and_o love_v their_o neighbour_n as_o themselves_o be_v a_o doctrine_n every_o where_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o no_o body_n ever_o doubt_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o what_o god_n be_v why_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o behold_v and_o provide_v for_o all_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o express_o and_o positive_o declare_v nor_o teach_v it_o as_o a_o eternal_a doctrine_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o prophet_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v do_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o concern_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o matter_n of_o like_a nature_n we_o be_v not_o positive_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n though_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o make_v out_o by_o natural_a knowledge_n this_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v right_o know_v we_o be_v then_o to_o pass_v on_o to_o thing_n less_o universal_a which_o concern_v the_o common_a use_n of_o life_n and_o which_o be_v derive_v like_o rivulet_n from_o this_o general_a doctrine_n such_o be_v all_o the_o particular_a external_a action_n of_o real_a virtue_n which_o can_v be_v practise_v but_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o whatsoever_o in_o scripture_n relate_v to_o they_o seem_v doubtful_a or_o obscure_a must_v be_v explain_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o universal_a doctrine_n and_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v contradictory_n one_o to_o another_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v upon_o what_o occasion_n at_o what_o time_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v for_o example_n when_o christ_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v for_o they_o shall_v be_v comfort_v we_o know_v not_o who_o be_v the_o mourner_n mean_v in_o this_o text_n but_o because_o christ_n afterward_o bid_v we_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o which_o he_o commend_v to_o we_o as_o our_o chief_a good_a math._n chap._n 6._o v._n 33._o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o mourner_n mean_v by_o christ_n must_v be_v those_o who_o lament_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o its_o righteousness_n so_o much_o neglect_v by_o man_n for_o which_o no_o other_o can_v mourn_v but_o those_o who_o affection_n be_v heavenly_a and_o contemn_v all_o thing_n here_o below_o so_o also_o when_o christ_n say_v math._n chap._n 5._o v._n 39_o whatsoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v this_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n by_o this_o command_n he_o have_v abrogate_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o declare_v in_o the_o 17_o the_o verse_n he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o fulfil_v we_o be_v therefore_o to_o inquire_v who_o say_v this_o to_o who_o and_o when_o he_o say_v it_o first_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o say_v it_o not_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n who_o ordain_v law_n but_o as_o a_o teacher_n who_o give_v moral_a instruction_n not_o so_o much_o to_o reprove_v their_o deed_n as_o to_o correct_v their_o thought_n next_o he_o speak_v it_o to_o man_n oppress_v who_o live_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n extreme_o corrupt_v where_o justice_n be_v neglect_v and_o who_o ruin_n and_o 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time_n of_o oppression_n and_o in_o place_n where_o justice_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o to_o be_v have_v but_o not_o in_o a_o good_a commonwealth_n because_o in_o good_a government_n where_o justice_n be_v maintain_v every_o man_n be_v oblige_v if_o he_o will_v be_v just_o to_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o injury_n before_o a_o judge_n levit._n chap._n 5._o v._n 1._o not_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n which_o be_v forbid_v levit._fw-la chap._n 19_o v._n 17_o 18._o but_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o justice_n and_o law_n of_o a_o man_n country_n and_o that_o wicked_a man_n may_v not_o get_v advantage_n and_o thrive_v by_o their_o wickedness_n all_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o natural_a reason_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o can_v bring_v many_o more_o example_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o explain_v my_o meaning_n and_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o that_o method_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o present_a discourse_n but_o hitherto_o i_o 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clear_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o command_n but_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o natural_a reason_n and_o contain_v nothing_o but_o brotherly_a admonition_n full_a of_o gentleness_n and_o kindness_n no_o evidence_n of_o prophetical_a authority_n such_o as_o be_v that_o excuse_n in_o the_o 15._o chap._n to_o the_o rom._n verse_n 15._o brethren_n i_o have_v write_v the_o more_o bold_o unto_o you_o and_o this_o opinion_n may_v with_o the_o great_a confidence_n be_v maintain_v because_o we_o no_o where_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v to_o write_v but_o only_o to_o preach_v where_o ever_o they_o go_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o sign_n for_o their_o presence_n and_o sign_n be_v absolute_o require_v to_o convert_v the_o nation_n to_o christianity_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o as_o paul_n himself_o in_o his_o epist._n to_o the_o rom._n chap._n 1._o five_o 11._o express_o declare_v i_o long_o to_o see_v you_o that_o i_o may_v impart_v unto_o you_o some_o spiritual_a gift_n to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v be_v establish_v but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o if_o we_o allow_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v as_o prophet_n then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v they_o do_v not_o preach_v as_o prophet_n for_o when_o they_o go_v hither_o and_o thither_o to_o preach_v they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o express_a command_n as_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o time_n past_a we_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n jonah_n go_v to_o nineveh_n to_o preach_v that_o he_o be_v express_o send_v thither_o and_o that_o which_o he_o be_v there_o to_o preach_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o we_o be_v tell_v at_o large_a that_o moses_n be_v send_v into_o egypt_n by_o god_n what_o he_o be_v command_v to_o say_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o king_n pharaoh_n what_o sign_n and_o wonder_n also_o he_o be_v to_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v isaiah_n jeremy_n and_o ezekiel_n be_v express_o command_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o israelite_n last_o the_o prophet_n never_o preach_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o the_o scripture_n testify_v they_o receive_v from_o god_n but_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o very_o seldom_o read_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o they_o go_v hither_o and_o thither_o to_o preach_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o find_v the_o apostle_n according_a to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o inclination_n choose_v what_o place_n they_o will_v preach_v in_o as_o appear_v by_o that_o contention_n even_o to_o separation_n between_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n chap._n 15._o v._n 39_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n many_o time_n in_o vain_a attempt_v to_o go_v to_o some_o particular_a place_n whereof_o we_o have_v instance_n in_o paul_n himself_o who_o say_v in_o his_o first_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n v_o 13._o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o ignorant_a that_o oftentimes_o i_o purpose_v to_o come_v to_o you_o but_o be_v let_v hitherto_o and_o chap._n 15._o v._n 22._o for_o which_o cause_n i_o have_v be_v often_o hinder_v from_o come_v to_o you_o and_o last_o in_o the_o 16_o the_o chap._n 1_o sy_n epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n v_o 12._o he_o say_v as_o touch_v our_o brother_n apollo_n i_o great_o desire_v he_o to_o come_v unto_o you_o with_o the_o brethren_n but_o his_o will_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o come_v at_o this_o time_n but_o he_o will_v come_v when_o he_o shall_v have_v convenient_a time_n so_o that_o from_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o from_o the_o apostle_n contention_n and_o because_o when_o they_o go_v hither_o and_o thither_o to_o preach_v the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o testify_v as_o it_o do_v of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n that_o they_o go_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o preach_v as_o prophet_n but_o as_o man_n who_o be_v only_a teacher_n but_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v easy_o answer_v if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o call_n of_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a and_o of_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o call_v to_o preach_v and_o prophesy_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o general_a but_o only_o to_o some_o particular_a people_n for_o which_o a_o express_a and_o particular_a command_n be_v necessary_a but_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n without_o exception_n and_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o christ_n so_o that_o wherever_o they_o go_v they_o execute_v his_o commission_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n before_o they_o go_v that_o which_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o they_o they_o be_v those_o disciple_n to_o who_o christ_n say_v matth._n chap._n 10._o v._n 19_o 20._o when_o they_o deliver_v you_o up_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v the_o apostle_n have_v those_o thing_n by_o particular_a revelation_n which_o they_o personal_o preach_v and_o confirm_v by_o sign_n but_o what_o they_o simple_o speak_v or_o write_v without_o sign_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o proceed_v only_o from_o their_o natural_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n as_o you_o see_v in_o the_o forecited_a 14_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n v_o 6._o that_o all_o their_o epistle_n begin_v with_o the_o declaration_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o apostleship_n make_v nothing_o against_o i_o for_o on_o the_o apostle_n as_o i_o shall_v present_o show_v be_v not_o only_o bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o they_o have_v also_o authority_n give_v they_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n begin_v and_o write_v their_o epistle_n with_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o apostleship_n and_o perhaps_o to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o reader_n and_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o attention_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v those_o man_n who_o by_o their_o preach_v be_v know_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o who_o by_o such_o clear_a proof_n have_v make_v it_o evident_a they_o teach_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n what_o i_o find_v in_o these_o epistle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o they_o be_v inspire_v relate_v only_o to_o their_o preach_v except_o it_o be_v in_o those_o place_n where_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v mean_v only_o a_o sound_n right_a judgement_n and_o a_o pure_a unessayed_v mind_n devote_v to_o god_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o our_o first_o chapter_n for_o example_n paul_n in_o 1_o corinth_n chap._n 7._o v._n 40._o say_v but_o she_o be_v happy_a if_o she_o so_o abide_v after_o my_o judgement_n and_o i_o think_v also_o i_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n where_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v understand_v his_o own_o opinion_n as_o the_o context_n prove_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o widow_n be_v happy_a who_o will_v not_o marry_v a_o second_o husband_n for_o he_o himself_o have_v resolve_v to_o live_v single_a and_o therefore_o think_v himself_o happy_a of_o this_o kind_n we_o find_v other_o expression_n which_o i_o think_v needless_a to_o mention_v if_o then_o it_o pass_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o dictate_v only_o of_o natural_a reason_n how_o can_v the_o apostle_n only_o by_o natural_a reason_n teach_v those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n concern_v the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o question_n for_o though_o many_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n often_o surpass_v our_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n yet_o we_o may_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o provide_v we_o admit_v of_o no_o principle_n but_o what_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n may_v conclude_v collect_v and_o as_o they_o please_v teach_v many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v hear_v and_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o though_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o bare_o publish_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o natural_a reason_n yet_o the_o principal_a and_o chief_a part_n thereof_o which_o consist_v as_o do_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o moral_a precept_n and_o instruction_n every_o man_n by_o natural_a light_n may_v attain_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_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
of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n let_v man_n cease_v to_o adore_v the_o letter_n and_o not_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o holiness_n and_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v proper_o mean_v by_o debar_v jehovah_n the_o word_n of_o god._n debar_v signify_v word_n speech_n decree_n thing_n now_o upon_o what_o ground_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n or_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o that_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v there_o say_v or_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o miracle_n it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o make_v the_o thing_n very_o clear_a i_o need_v only_o declare_v that_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v predicate_v of_o any_o subject_n which_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o it_o proper_o signify_v that_o divine_a law_n of_o which_o we_o treat_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n namely_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n mention_v in_o isaiah_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o where_o the_o prophet_n declare_v that_o the_o right_a way_n of_o live_v consist_v in_o charity_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o pure_a heart_n which_o he_o call_v the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v also_o take_v metaphorical_o for_o the_o order_n or_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o fate_n because_o it_o follow_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n particular_o for_o whatever_o the_o prophet_n foresee_v in_o this_o course_n of_o nature_n because_o the_o prophet_n understand_v future_a event_n not_o by_o natural_a cause_n but_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god._n moreover_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o which_o any_o prophet_n command_v or_o declare_v because_o he_o know_v 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show_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n but_o in_o understand_a place_n which_o treat_v of_o true_a religion_n and_o real_a virtue_n no_o such_o distinction_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v three_o because_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o many_o other_o and_o be_v approve_v and_o join_v together_o by_o a_o council_n of_o the_o pharisee_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o certain_a council_n when_o several_a other_o book_n by_o many_o account_v sacred_a be_v reject_v as_o spurious_a these_o council_n both_o of_o pharisee_n and_o christian_n be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o be_v no_o prophet_n but_o only_o learn_v doctor_n yet_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v that_o in_o this_o choice_n they_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o rule_n so_o that_o before_o they_o give_v their_o approbation_n to_o the_o book_n they_o ought_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n four_o because_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v as_o prophet_n but_o only_o as_o teacher_n and_o choose_v that_o way_n of_o instruct_v which_o every_o one_o judge_v most_o easy_a for_o his_o disciple_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v as_o we_o have_v conclude_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o say_a chapter_n that_o their_o write_n contain_v many_o thing_n whereof_o in_o respect_n to_o religion_n we_o have_v no_o absolute_a need_n five_o and_o last_o because_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v four_o who_o we_o call_v evangelist_n but_o who_o believe_v it_o be_v god_n express_a will_n that_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v four_o time_n tell_v and_o deliver_v to_o man_n in_o write_v though_o thing_n may_v be_v contain_v in_o one_o which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o and_o that_o one_o help_n to_o understand_v another_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o 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fill_v religion_n with_o so_o many_o philosophical_a speculation_n that_o they_o have_v turn_v the_o church_n into_o a_o academy_n religion_n into_o a_o science_n or_o rather_o into_o wrangle_a and_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o boast_v of_o supernatural_a illumination_n shall_v pretend_v to_o more_o than_o we_o find_v in_o philosopher_n who_o own_o they_o have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v natural_a i_o will_v real_o admire_v those_o illuminate_v man_n can_v they_o teach_v we_o any_o new_a speculation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o common_a and_o vulgar_a among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o they_o call_v blind_a for_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o be_v those_o profound_a mystery_n these_o inspire_a man_n perceive_v in_o scripture_n they_o can_v tell_v we_o of_o nothing_o beyond_o the_o idle_a fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n which_o look_v more_o like_o the_o dream_n of_o idiot_n than_o discovery_n make_v out_o of_o scripture_n by_o learned_a men._n i_o do_v not_o positive_o maintain_v that_o nothing_o belong_v to_o scripture_n doctrine_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n for_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n i_o have_v mention_v some_o fundamental_o of_o scripture_n that_o be_v so_o but_o my_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v very_o few_o and_o very_o plain_a what_o they_o be_v and_o upon_o what_o reason_n determine_v to_o be_v so_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v which_o will_v be_v easy_o do_v after_o that_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n chief_a design_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v art_n and_o science_n and_o that_o it_o require_v from_o man_n nothing_o but_o obedience_n condemn_v their_o obstinacy_n not_o their_o ignorance_n moreover_o because_o obedience_n towards_o god_n consist_v only_o in_o love_v our_o neighbour_n for_o whoever_o love_v his_o neighbour_n purposely_o to_o obey_v god_n he_o as_o paul_n say_v rom._n chap._n 13._o v._n 8._o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o other_o knowledge_n be_v commend_v in_o scripture_n but_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v according_a to_o this_o precept_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n obey_v god_n which_o knowledge_n if_o man_n have_v not_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v stubborn_a or_o at_o least_o without_o the_o discipline_n of_o obedience_n but_o all_o other_o speculation_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n whether_o they_o concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o of_o natural_a thing_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o scripture_n and_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o reveal_v religion_n now_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n yet_o because_o upon_o this_o point_n depend_v the_o end_n of_o all_o debate_n in_o religion_n i_o will_v demonstrate_v and_o explain_v the_o thing_n as_o full_o and_o clear_o as_o be_v possible_a which_o to_o perform_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n ought_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o intellectual_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o gift_n so_o common_a to_o all_o believer_n as_o be_v obedience_n second_o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n require_v of_o all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love_n both_o which_o particular_n be_v evident_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o exod._n chap._n 6._o v._n 3._o god_n for_o a_o evidence_n of_o his_o particular_a favour_n to_o moses_n say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n i_o appear_v unto_o abraham_n unto_o isaac_n and_o unto_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n almighty_n but_o by_o my_o name_n jehovah_n be_v i_o not_o know_v to_o they_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o text_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o elsadai_n signify_v in_o hebrew_a god_n alsufficient_a because_o he_o give_v to_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o though_o sadai_n of_o itself_o be_v often_o take_v for_o god_n yet_o the_o word_n el_fw-es be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v we_o be_v therefore_o to_o note_n that_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v find_v but_o jehovah_n that_o signify_v god_n absolute_a be_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o thing_n create_v and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v god_n proper_a name_n and_o all_o other_o to_o be_v appellative_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n name_n whether_o they_o be_v substantive_n or_o adjective_n be_v but_o attribute_n give_v to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o relation_n to_o his_o creature_n or_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o they_o the_o word_n el_fw-es or_o by_o add_v to_o it_o the_o paragogical_a letter_n he_o eloha_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o powerful_a which_o be_v a_o title_n of_o dignity_n or_o excellency_n as_o when_o we_o style_v paul_n a_o apostle_n other_o virtue_n of_o his_o power_n be_v express_v by_o say_v the_o great_a god_n god_n to_o be_v fear_v the_o just_a merciful_a god_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o express_v they_o all_o at_o once_o the_o plural_a number_n of_o this_o word_n el_n be_v often_o use_v in_o a_o singular_a signification_n see_v then_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n he_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n it_o follow_v they_o know_v no_o name_n or_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o express_v his_o absolute_a essence_n and_o nature_n but_o only_o his_o work_n and_o his_o promise_n that_o be_v his_o power_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_v by_o thing_n visible_a and_o this_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n not_o to_o accuse_v the_o patriarch_n of_o unbelief_n but_o to_o magnify_v and_o commend_v their_o faith_n and_o readiness_n to_o believe_v by_o which_o though_o they_o have_v not_o so_o great_a a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n have_v yet_o they_o firm_o rely_v on_o his_o promise_n not_o like_o moses_n who_o though_o he_o have_v sublime_a notion_n of_o god_n doubt_v his_o divine_a promise_n and_o tell_v god_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o deliverance_n he_o have_v promise_v he_o have_v bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o a_o worse_a condition_n if_o then_o god_n tell_v moses_n that_o the_o patriarch_n know_v not_o that_o singular_a and_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n to_o commend_v their_o faith_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o put_v moses_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o particular_a favour_n and_o grace_n god_n have_v show_v he_o it_o clear_o prove_v my_o first_o position_n which_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o express_a command_n to_o know_v god_n attribute_n it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n grant_v only_o to_o some_o believer_n which_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v by_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n that_o every_o man_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a share_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o able_a by_o a_o command_n to_o become_v wise_a than_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o be_v or_o live_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n may_v all_o as_o they_o be_v command_v obey_v but_o never_o can_v a_o command_n make_v any_o man_n wise_a if_o any_o man_n say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o understanding_n god_n attribute_n but_o only_o of_o simple_o believe_v they_o without_o any_o demonstration_n he_o talk_v idle_o for_o invisible_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o object_n only_o of_o the_o mind_n can_v only_o be_v see_v by_o demonstration_n that_o be_v firm_o convince_a argument_n and_o therefore_o what_o a_o man_n only_o and_o bare_o hear_v of_o thing_n invisible_a never_o affect_v the_o understanding_n nor_o declare_v a_o man_n meaning_n any_o more_o than_o do_v the_o word_n of_o a_o parrot_n or_o some_o artificial_a engine_n that_o speak_v without_o understanding_n or_o sense_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v further_o i_o ought_v to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o it_o be_v often_o say_v in_o genesis_n that_o the_o patriarch_n preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n which_o seem_v express_o to_o contradict_v what_o i_o have_v say_v this_o be_v easy_o answer_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n do_v not_o call_v thing_n and_o place_n by_o those_o very_a name_n which_o they_o have_v at_o the_o time_n of_o which_o the_o writer_n speak_v but_o by_o the_o name_n which_o they_o be_v know_v by_o in_o the_o writer_n own_o time_n therefore_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o genesis_n that_o god_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n be_v know_v to_o they_o by_o that_o name_n but_o because_o to_o that_o name_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n pay_v the_o high_a reverence_n and_o
veneration_n when_o genesis_n be_v write_v and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o true_a and_o clear_a answer_n because_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o forecited_a text_n of_o exodus_fw-la that_o god_n be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o his_o name_n jehovah_n and_o because_o also_o in_o exod._n chap._n 3._o v._n 13._o moses_n desire_v to_o know_v god_n name_n which_o must_v have_v be_v know_v to_o he_o have_v it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n before_o he_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o faithful_a patriarch_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o gift_n not_o a_o command_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o particular_a that_o god_n require_v from_o man_n by_o his_o prophet_n no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love_n that_o be_v those_o attribute_n which_o man_n in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o live_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n imitate_v which_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n in_o express_a word_n declare_v for_o chap._n 20._o v._n 15_o 16._o speak_v of_o king_n josiah_n he_o say_v do_v not_o thy_o father_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n and_o then_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o he_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o needy_a than_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n nor_o be_v those_o word_n less_o clear_a chap._n 9_o v._n 24._o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o exercise_v love_a kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n we_o have_v a_o further_a proof_n exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6._o where_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v and_o know_v god_n god_n reveal_v no_o other_o attribute_n to_o he_o but_o such_o as_o declare_v his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love._n last_o how_o express_v in_o the_o point_n be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n john_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n because_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v god_n he_o make_v god_n know_v only_o by_o love_n and_o conclude_v that_o he_o know_v god_n and_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o who_o have_v charity_n we_o see_v then_o that_o moses_n jeremy_n and_o john_n comprise_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v in_o that_o only_a wherein_o we_o say_v it_o be_v comprehend_v namely_o in_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v superlative_o just_a and_o merciful_a and_o the_o only_a pattern_n of_o a_o good_a life_n the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o give_v any_o express_a and_o positive_a definition_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v it_o prescribe_v any_o other_o attribute_n to_o be_v imitate_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o but_o those_o we_o have_v name_v nor_o be_v those_o express_o commend_v as_o attribute_n so_o that_o from_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o intellectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o consider_v god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n which_o nature_n no_o man_n can_v by_o any_o certain_a course_n of_o life_n imitate_v or_o take_v for_o his_o pattern_n do_v not_o at_o all_o teach_v a_o man_n how_o to_o live_v well_o neither_o do_v it_o concern_v a_o man_n faith_n or_o reveal_v religion_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v infinite_o mistake_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o offend_v god._n let_v we_o not_o wonder_v then_o that_o god_n apply_v himself_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o preconceive_a opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o faithful_a believer_n have_v different_a opinion_n of_o god_n as_o by_o many_o instance_n we_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n nor_o let_v any_o man_n wonder_n that_o the_o sacred_a volume_n do_v every_o where_o speak_v so_o improper_o of_o god_n ascribe_v to_o he_o hand_n foot_n eye_n ear_n mind_n local_a motion_n yea_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n say_v he_o be_v jealous_a merciful_a etc._n etc._n and_o sometime_o set_v he_o out_o as_o a_o judge_n sit_v in_o heaven_n on_o a_o regal_a throne_n and_o christ_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n all_o which_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o the_o scripture_n intend_v to_o make_v obedient_a but_o not_o learned_a of_o these_o thing_n whatever_o ordinary_a profess_a divine_n have_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n discover_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o will_v have_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o that_o which_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n must_v be_v take_v literal_o if_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n must_v be_v take_v and_o understand_v metaphorical_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v for_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a common_a people_n but_o for_o the_o learned_a and_o especial_o for_o philosopher_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v sin_n pious_o and_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n to_o believe_v those_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o sacred_a volume_n have_v in_o the_o letter_n ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o prophet_n consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o common_a people_n understanding_n aught_o to_o have_v be_v very_o wary_a and_o careful_a what_o phrase_n and_o expression_n they_o use_v and_o shall_v have_v clear_o and_o plain_o which_o be_v no_o where_o do_v declare_v those_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v that_o opinion_n consider_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o without_o respect_n to_o a_o man_n work_n have_v any_o piety_n or_o impiety_n in_o they_o but_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v godly_a or_o ungodly_a in_o his_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o obedience_n or_o those_o that_o encourage_v he_o to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n though_o he_o right_o and_o true_o believe_v be_v stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a his_o faith_n be_v evil_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o yet_o live_v well_o his_o faith_n be_v good_a for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o precept_n but_o a_o divine_a gift_n and_o god_n never_o require_v from_o man_n any_o other_o knowledge_n than_o that_o of_o his_o divine_a love_n and_o justice_n which_o knowledge_n be_v necessary_a only_o to_o obedience_n not_o to_o science_n chap._n fourteen_o what_o be_v faith._n who_o be_v believer_n the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n state_v faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n or_o reason_n to_o understand_v true_o what_o faith_n be_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v not_o only_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o inconstant_a mutable_a vulgar_a people_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n of_o which_o no_o person_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o will_v but_o a_o little_a consider_v and_o observe_v the_o scripture_n he_o that_o will_v take_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v promiscuous_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v that_o universal_a positive_a doctrine_n whereby_o god_n be_v to_o be_v know_v can_v never_o right_o discern_v what_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a people_n opinion_n must_v take_v human_a fiction_n and_o fancy_n for_o heavenly_a instruction_n and_o consequent_o very_o much_o abuse_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n authority_n who_o do_v not_o plain_o see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n we_o have_v so_o many_o sectary_n who_o maintain_v their_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o be_v all_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o confirm_v by_o many_o scripture_n proof_n so_o that_o it_o be_v become_v a_o dutch_a proverb_n geen_n ketter_n sunder_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o sectary_n or_o heretic_n but_o have_v a_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o maintain_v his_o opinion_n the_o sacred_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o all_o write_v by_o one_o person_n nor_o for_o the_o people_n of_o one_o age_n but_o by_o divers_a person_n of_o different_a disposition_n and_o for_o the_o people_n of_o several_a age_n distant_a in_o time_n from_o one_o another_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n by_o some_o computation_n many_o more_o we_o do_v not_o charge_v these_o sectary_n with_o impiety_n for_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o opinion_n as_o heretofore_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o one_o to_o apply_v scripture_n to_o his_o own_o opinion_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o
thereby_o more_o incline_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o we_o blame_v the_o sectary_n for_o not_o allow_v other_o man_n the_o same_o liberty_n they_o themselves_o take_v they_o count_v all_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o opinion_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o persecute_v they_o as_o such_o but_o call_v those_o who_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n god_n elect_n be_v they_o never_o so_o very_a knave_n which_o be_v the_o most_o pernicious_a wicked_a humour_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o make_v it_o clear_v then_o how_o far_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n every_o man_n may_v extend_v his_o liberty_n of_o think_v what_o he_o please_v and_o upon_o who_o we_o be_v to_o look_v as_o believer_n though_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n i_o resolve_v to_o show_v in_o this_o chapter_n what_o faith_n be_v to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o distinguish_v faith_n from_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o whole_a treatise_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o order_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n again_o what_o be_v the_o scripture_n principal_a intention_n for_o that_o will_v show_v we_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o determine_v what_o be_v faith._n we_o have_v tell_v you_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n obedience_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v for_o who_o do_v not_o plain_o see_v the_o discipline_n of_o obedience_n to_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o only_a end_n of_o both_o be_v to_o make_v man_n obey_v god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n i_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o moses_n do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n with_o reason_n but_o to_o bind_v and_o oblige_v they_o by_o a_o covenant_n by_o oath_n and_o benefit_n he_o threaten_v those_o that_o break_v the_o law_n with_o punishment_n and_o encourage_v the_o observer_n of_o it_o with_o reward_n which_o be_v mean_n not_o to_o increase_v knowledge_n but_o only_o to_o procure_v obedience_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v nothing_o but_o plain_a simple_a faith_n namely_o to_o believe_v god_n and_o to_o reverence_n and_o worship_v he_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o obey_v he_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n so_o evident_a or_o of_o heap_v up_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o commend_v obedience_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o in_o both_o testament_n what_o a_o man_n be_v to_o do_v to_o obey_v god_n the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n declare_v namely_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n consist_v in_o love_v our_o neighbour_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o he_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o law_n be_v obedient_a who_o according_a to_o god_n command_n love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o on_o the_o contrary_a who_o hate_v his_o neighbour_n or_o care_v not_o for_o he_o be_v rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a last_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o publish_v not_o only_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a but_o for_o all_o people_n in_o general_n of_o all_o time_n hence_o then_o must_v it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v not_o command_v by_o scripture_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v and_o obey_v this_o commandment_n so_o that_o this_o precept_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o catholic_n faith_n and_o by_o it_o only_o all_o those_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v aught_o to_o be_v define_v and_o determine_v which_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a and_o that_o from_o this_o foundation_n only_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v rational_o deduce_v and_o derive_v let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o the_o many_o dispute_n and_o dissension_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n can_v have_v any_o other_o cause_n than_o those_o i_o mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n which_o force_v i_o here_o to_o show_v from_o this_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o manner_n and_o reason_n of_o state_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n for_o unless_o i_o do_v this_o and_o make_v it_o good_a by_o sure_a and_o certain_a rule_n i_o have_v indeed_o hitherto_o do_v very_o little_a see_v otherwise_o every_o man_n may_v introduce_v what_o he_o please_v under_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o obedience_n especial_o when_o any_o thing_n come_v into_o question_n concern_v the_o divine_a attribute_n to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o make_v the_o thing_n clear_a and_o plain_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o definition_n of_o faith_n which_o according_a to_o the_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v aught_o to_o be_v thus_o define_v i'faith_o be_v to_o have_v such_o thought_n or_o opinion_n of_o god_n as_o make_v a_o man_n obey_v he_o where_o such_o thought_n be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o obedience_n and_o where_o they_o be_v obedience_n necessary_o follow_v such_o opinion_n which_o definition_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_o follow_v from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o need_v no_o explication_n what_o follow_v from_o this_o definition_n i_o will_v brief_o show_v first_o that_o faith_n of_o itself_o without_o obedience_n be_v not_o able_a to_o save_v a_o man_n as_o james_n say_v chap._n 2._o 17._o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o that_o whole_a chapter_n second_o that_o he_o who_o be_v true_o obedient_a must_v necessary_o have_v save_v faith_n for_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v obedience_n there_o as_o i_o have_v say_v must_v be_v faith_n which_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v express_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o say_v 2_o d_o chap._n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n and_o john_n in_o his_o 1_o sy_n epist._n chap._n 4._o v._n 78._o every_o one_o that_o love_v his_o neighbour_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o know_v god_n he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n from_o whence_o it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v judge_v no_o man_n to_o be_v a_o believer_n or_o a_o unbeliever_n but_o by_o his_o work_n that_o be_v if_o his_o work_n be_v good_a though_o in_o his_o opinion_n he_o dissent_v from_o other_o believer_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o if_o his_o work_n be_v evil_a though_o in_o word_n he_o agree_v with_o other_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o infidel_n for_o where_o there_o be_v obedience_n there_o must_v necessary_o be_v faith_n and_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a which_o john_n in_o chap._n 4._o 13._o express_o declare_v hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n which_o spirit_n be_v love_n for_o he_o say_v just_a before_o god_n be_v love_n and_o conclude_v from_o his_o own_o principle_n that_o he_o certain_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_n and_o because_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v god_n he_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o only_o by_o love_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v any_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o love_n by_o partake_v of_o it_o which_o reason_n if_o they_o do_v not_o absolute_o convince_v yet_o they_o sufficient_o explain_v st._n john_n meaning_n what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o 3_o d_o and_o 4_o the_o verse_n of_o his_o 2_o d_o chap._n in_o express_v word_n full_o prove_v what_o we_o maintain_v and_o hereby_o say_v he_o do_v we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o hence_o it_o again_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v antichrist_n who_o persecute_v honest_a and_o just_a man_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o do_v not_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n they_o that_o love_v justice_n and_o charity_n be_v thereby_o only_o know_v to_o be_v believer_n and_o whoever_o persecute_v such_o believer_n be_v antichrist_n last_o it_o follow_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o require_v opinion_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_a but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v pious_a and_o incline_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o obedience_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o â—ruth_n in_o they_o which_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v and_o yet_o be_v
at_o that_o time_n to_o teach_v they_o the_o true_a and_o real_a attribute_n of_o his_o essence_n because_o he_o then_o reveal_v none_o to_o they_o but_o to_o break_v and_o subdue_v their_o rebellious_a and_o stubborn_a humour_n and_o draw_v they_o to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o set_v upon_o they_o with_o argument_n and_o reason_n but_o with_o tempest_n noise_n thunder_z and_o lightning_n as_o be_v record_v exod._n 20._o 20._o i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o between_o faith_n or_o theology_n and_o philosophy_n there_o be_v no_o commerce_n or_o affinity_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v who_o know_v how_o much_o the_o foundation_n and_o end_n of_o these_o two_o faculty_n differ_v for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o philosophy_n be_v verity_n and_o the_o intention_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o obedience_n and_o piety_n the_o fundadamental_n of_o philosophy_n be_v common_a notion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o from_o nature_n itself_o but_o the_o principle_n and_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o scripture-history_n scripture-language_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o from_o revelation_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n faith_n therefore_o allow_v every_o man_n such_o a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o reason_v or_o philosophize_v that_o he_o may_v think_v what_o he_o will_v of_o any_o thing_n provide_v he_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o condemn_v only_o those_o for_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o broach_n doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o disobedience_n hatred_n contention_n and_o wrath_n esteem_v only_o such_o to_o be_v believer_n who_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o persuade_v and_o practice_v justice_n and_o charity_n last_o because_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v what_o i_o chief_o intend_v in_o the_o whole_a treatise_n i_o earnest_o request_v the_o reader_n before_o i_o proceed_v further_o that_o he_o will_v again_o and_o again_o careful_o read_v and_o serious_o consider_v the_o content_n of_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v charity_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o have_v write_v nothing_o with_o design_n to_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o to_o rectify_v what_o be_v amiss_o which_o i_o hope_v ever_o long_o to_o see_v do_v chap._n xv._n theology_n or_o divinity_n be_v no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n among_o those_o that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v and_o divide_v philosophy_n from_o theology_n there_o be_v very_o great_a dispute_n whether_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o reason_n or_o reason_n to_o scripture_n that_o be_v whether_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o reason_n or_o whether_o reason_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o scripture_n the_o sceptic_n who_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n maintain_v one_o of_o these_o opinion_n and_o the_o dogmatist_n who_o judge_v all_o thing_n by_o reason_n the_o other_o but_o both_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v extreme_o mistake_v for_o whoever_o follow_v either_o of_o the_o two_o opinion_n must_v necessary_o deprave_v either_o reason_n or_o scripture_n we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o no_o philosophy_n but_o only_a piety_n and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o vulgar_a people_n whoever_o then_o go_v about_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o philosophy_n must_v father_n upon_o the_o prophet_n many_o thing_n whereof_o they_o do_v never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v and_o interpret_v that_o to_o be_v their_o meaning_n which_o never_o be_v he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n who_o make_v reason_n or_o philosophy_n a_o handmaid_n to_o divinity_n will_v be_v necessitate_v to_o let_v the_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o old_a time_n pass_v for_o divine_a truth_n possess_v and_o blind_a his_o understanding_n with_o error_n and_o prejudice_n and_o both_o run_v mad_a together_o without_o reason_n the_o first_o among_o the_o pharisee_n who_o open_o declare_v that_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o reason_n be_v maimonides_n who_o opinion_n we_o have_v hint_v and_o refute_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n but_o though_o this_o author_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o pharisee_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o sect_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o this_o point_n but_o general_o maintain_v the_o opinion_n of_o rabbi_n jehuda_n alpakhar_n who_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v the_o error_n of_o maimonides_n fall_v into_o the_o clean_a contrary_a opinion_n hold_v that_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o handmaid_n to_o scripture_n and_o whole_o subject_v to_o it_o and_o will_v have_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n metaphorical_o interpret_v because_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v contrary_a and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v so_o to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o be_v to_o the_o positive_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o whatever_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n affirm_v and_o teach_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o truth_n if_o no_o other_o position_n be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o do_v only_o consequential_o but_o not_o direct_o contradict_v it_o for_o there_o be_v some_o scripture_n expression_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v contradiction_n to_o what_o have_v be_v positive_o and_o express_o declare_v and_o therefore_o those_o place_n only_o be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o take_v for_o example_n deut._n 6.4_o it_o be_v plain_o and_o positive_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v but_o one_o but_o there_o be_v many_o place_n where_o god_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n which_o manner_n of_o speak_v suppose_v and_o imply_v more_o god_n than_o one_o though_o that_o do_v not_o clear_o and_o direct_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o word_n all_o those_o place_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v not_o because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o god_n than_o one_o but_o because_o the_o scripture_n itself_o direct_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o so_o likewise_o because_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 4._o 15._o do_v in_o the_o rabbi_n opinion_n direct_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v incorporeal_a therefore_o upon_o the_o authority_n only_o of_o this_o text_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v god_n have_v no_o body_n and_o consequent_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o take_v which_o ascribe_v to_o god_n hand_n foot_n or_o which_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n corporeal_a this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o author_n who_o i_o commend_v for_o explain_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n but_o i_o wonder_v that_o a_o rational_a man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o destroy_v reason_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v expound_v by_o scripture_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v doubt_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o gain_v our_o assent_n and_o consent_n to_o it_o for_o if_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o scripture_n though_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o at_o all_o convince_v by_o it_o must_v we_o submit_v with_o reason_n or_o like_o blind_a man_n without_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o if_o we_o submit_v without_o reason_n we_o do_v it_o foolish_o without_o judgement_n if_o we_o submit_v with_o reason_n then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o command_n and_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o we_o will_v not_o do_v be_v it_o contrary_a to_o reason_n who_o can_v in_o his_o mind_n believe_v or_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n which_o his_o reason_n flat_o oppose_v deny_v a_o thing_n with_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o gainsay_n and_o dissent_n of_o a_o man_n reason_n i_o extreme_o wonder_v some_o man_n shall_v subject_v that_o excellent_a gift_n and_o divine_a light_n reason_n to_o dead_a letter_n which_o humane_a malice_n may_v corrupt_v and_o misinterpret_v and_o yet_o account_v it_o no_o offence_n to_o speak_v unworthy_o against_o reason_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereon_o god_n have_v engrave_v his_o word_n say_v our_o reason_n be_v blind_v and_o lose_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n declare_v it_o be_v abominable_a wickedness_n to_o think_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o they_o
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
foundation_n and_o proper_a subject_n of_o philosophy_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v trouble_v or_o concern_v if_o after_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n seem_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n for_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n and_o of_o which_o man_n may_v without_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n be_v ignorant_a do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v theology_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o such_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v without_o sin_n think_v what_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o we_o positive_o conclude_v that_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o scripture_n nor_o scripture_n to_o reason_n but_o see_v the_o fundamental_a point_n in_o divinity_n of_o man_n be_v save_v only_o by_o obedience_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o may_v by_o way_n of_o objection_n be_v then_o ask_v why_o then_o do_v we_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o do_v it_o blind_o without_o reason_n we_o act_n like_o fool_n without_o judgement_n if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o say_v this_o fundamental_a tenet_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n than_o divinity_n be_v a_o part_n of_o philosophy_n and_o can_v be_v sever_v from_o it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o do_v clear_o confess_v this_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o theology_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o natural_a reason_n at_o least_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v have_v ever_o do_v it_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o case_n but_o yet_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o reason_n that_o what_o have_v be_v reveal_v may_v with_o a_o moral_a certainty_n be_v believe_v by_o we_o i_o say_v with_o moral_a certainty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o can_v have_v any_o great_a assurance_n than_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v first_o make_v and_o who_o have_v no_o more_o than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n they_o therefore_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a error_n who_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n by_o mathematical_a demonstration_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o strong_a argument_n than_o the_o prophet_n make_v use_v of_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o they_o our_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n can_v be_v ground_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o that_o whereon_o the_o prophet_n found_v their_o certainty_n and_o authority_n and_o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n consist_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o lively_a imagination_n second_o in_o a_o sign_n three_o and_o principal_o in_o a_o mind_n incline_v and_o devote_v to_o justice_n and_o virtue_n nor_o can_v they_o give_v any_o other_o evidence_n of_o their_o authority_n either_o to_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o person_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o be_v give_v to_o we_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v by_o their_o write_n the_o lively_a imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o argument_n only_o to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o all_o our_o assurance_n concern_v revelation_n do_v and_o must_v consist_v only_o in_o the_o other_o two_o particular_n namely_o in_o a_o sign_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n the_o eighteen_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n command_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v that_o prophet_n who_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o a_o true_a sign_n but_o if_o he_o prophesy_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n as_o he_o be_v who_o endeavour_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o true_a religion_n though_o he_o confirm_v his_o prophecy_n with_o sign_n and_o miracle_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 13_o the_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o be_v know_v from_o a_o false_a by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o by_o a_o miracle_n both_o together_o for_o such_o a_o one_o only_a moses_n declare_v to_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v he_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o be_v deceive_v but_o he_o declare_v those_o to_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o guilty_a of_o death_n who_o foretell_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o he_o that_o preach_v false_a god_n though_o he_o wrought_v true_a miracle_n we_o then_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o prophet_n upon_o account_n only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n confirm_v by_o sign_n because_o we_o see_v the_o prophet_n above_o all_o thing_n commend_v justice_n and_o charity_n and_o intend_v nothing_o else_o because_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n without_o any_o guile_n or_o deceit_n they_o declare_v that_o man_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v be_v make_v happy_a and_o confirm_v this_o their_o doctrine_n with_o sign_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o when_o they_o prophesy_v they_o do_v neither_o dote_v or_o speak_v unadvised_o in_o which_o opinion_n we_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o their_o moral_a doctrine_n do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v exact_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n within_o we_o so_o that_o i_o say_v again_o we_o be_v as_o much_o assure_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o the_o prophet_n preach_v to_o they_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi for_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o its_o doctrine_n and_o the_o principal_a history_n thereof_o be_v derive_v down_o to_o we_o uncorrupted_a and_o therefore_o this_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o theology_n aught_o with_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v embrace_v by_o we_o though_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v very_o great_a folly_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o have_v but_o ordinary_a portion_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o the_o public_a and_o which_o may_v without_o any_o danger_n or_o loss_n be_v believe_v we_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o doubt_v or_o unbelief_n but_o our_o not_o have_v mathematical_a demonstration_n to_o prove_v it_o as_o if_o nothing_o can_v contribute_v to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o prudent_o but_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o apparent_o true_a in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o doubt_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o chance_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o our_o action_n i_o confess_v they_o who_o think_v philosophy_n and_o divinity_n contradictory_n one_o to_o another_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v one_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v dethrone_v and_o subject_v to_o the_o other_o do_v very_o well_o to_o build_v divinity_n upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n and_o endeavour_v by_o infallible_a demonstration_n to_o support_v it_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o condemn_v those_o that_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o destroy_v reason_n and_o by_o certain_a reason_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o reason_n while_o they_o be_v demonstrate_v the_o verity_n and_o authority_n of_o theology_n and_o strive_v to_o deprive_v reason_n of_o its_o power_n they_o subject_a theology_n to_o the_o empire_n of_o reason_n and_o allow_v it_o no_o other_o splendour_n than_o what_o it_o borrow_v from_o natural_a light_n if_o they_o boast_v of_o rely_v upon_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o say_v they_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n only_o to_o convert_v infidel_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bear_v witness_n to_o nothing_o but_o good_a work_n which_o paul_n galath_n 5._o 22._o therefore_o call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o arise_v in_o we_o from_o do_v good_a but_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a no_o other_o spirit_n but_o reason_n bear_v witness_v reason_v only_o can_v challenge_v the_o power_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v true_a they_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o spirit_n whereby_o to_o make_v themselves_o certain_a what_o be_v true_a maintain_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
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