be_v mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n publish_v those_o letter_n which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o answer_v the_o two_o first_o of_o they_o in_o his_o sentimens_n de_fw-la theologiens_fw-la de_fw-fr hollande_n sur_fw-fr l'_fw-fr histoire_n critic_n etc._n etc._n the_o rest_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o sentiment_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o letter_n whether_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n himself_o or_o as_o he_o pretend_v a_o friend_n of_o his_o who_o he_o call_v mr._n n._n signify_v little_a to_o the_o controversy_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a while_n to_o inquire_v and_o as_o to_o the_o author_n design_n in_o write_v these_o tract_n whether_o they_o be_v write_v by_o way_n of_o enquiry_n only_o or_o out_o of_o a_o design_n to_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o shall_v leave_v that_o to_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n charity_n that_o believe_v all_o thing_n prompt_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o author_n solemn_a protestation_n which_o he_o make_v 229._o make_v eng._n ed._n p._n 38._o french_a p._n 229._o that_o he_o disow_v the_o ill_a consequence_n which_o some_o have_v draw_v from_o his_o principle_n and_o his_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o letter_n encourage_v i_o to_o persist_v in_o that_o christian_a persuasion_n however_o when_o i_o find_v the_o author_n earnest_o desirous_a 51._o desirous_a fr._n p._n 245._o eng._n p._n 51._o that_o some_o body_n will_v fair_o answer_v he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o give_v further_a light_n to_o this_o matter_n and_o withal_o be_v sensible_a that_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o several_a assertion_n which_o tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o that_o ill_a man_n have_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v their_o constant_a method_n to_o run_v away_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o 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may_v be_v of_o religion_n in_o general_n of_o which_o mr._n simon_n himself_o be_v a_o instance_n who_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n text_n on_o purpose_n to_o set_v up_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o its_o place_n but_o i_o believe_v another_o reason_n may_v be_v assign_v of_o mr._n simon_n be_v fierceness_n against_o the_o protestant_n and_o that_o be_v because_o he_o live_v in_o a_o country_n where_o heresy_n now-adays_a be_v reckon_v a_o great_a crime_n than_o infidelity_n and_o it_o be_v less_o dangerous_a to_o be_v think_v no_o christian_n than_o no_o catholic_n and_o consequent_o it_o more_o near_o concern_v mr._n simon_n to_o clear_v himself_o from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o heresy_n than_o to_o prove_v himself_o a_o good_a christian_a though_o perhaps_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o apology_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o perhaps_o he_o can_v not_o take_v a_o better_a method_n to_o atone_v for_o his_o disrespect_n towards_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o regain_v the_o favour_n of_o his_o superior_n who_o displeasure_n he_o have_v feel_v upon_o that_o account_n than_o by_o cry_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o they_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o inveigh_v against_o the_o protestant_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o bitterness_n and_o virulency_n and_o since_o mr._n simon_n be_v answer_v give_v so_o little_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o difficulty_n which_o this_o author_n have_v start_v concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v a_o useful_a thing_n to_o examine_v the_o substance_n of_o these_o letter_n over_o again_o and_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a write_n from_o this_o author_n objection_n i_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o performance_n all_o i_o shall_v say_v for_o myself_o be_v that_o i_o have_v manage_v the_o dispute_n with_o all_o the_o calmness_n and_o freedom_n from_o passion_n which_o become_v a_o impartial_a searcher_n after_o truth_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v full_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o antagonist_n 51._o antagonist_n fr._n p._n 245._o eng._n p._n 51._o i_o have_v keep_v myself_o close_o to_o his_o main_a design_n which_o be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o holy_a writer_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o deliver_v but_o only_o to_o propose_v some_o doubt_n and_o question_n how_o far_o they_o be_v inspire_a either_o with_o the_o matter_n or_o word_n which_o they_o write_v so_o that_o in_o this_o discourse_n man_n must_v not_o expect_v i_o shall_v handle_v all_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v allege_v against_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n this_o as_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o present_a design_n so_o it_o have_v be_v do_v so_o often_o and_o so_o full_o by_o several_a learned_a man_n and_o among_o other_o by_o this_o very_a author_n in_o his_o five_o letter_n that_o nothing_o more_o need_v or_o can_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o if_o man_n will_v still_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o conviction_n we_o must_v even_o despair_v of_o do_v any_o good_a upon_o they_o and_o can_v only_o say_v to_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a let_v he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v who_o mind_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v however_o to_o do_v what_o service_n i_o be_o able_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v this_o discourse_n as_o useful_a as_o i_o can_v i_o have_v venture_v to_o go_v a_o little_a beyond_o the_o bound_n which_o my_o adversary_n have_v set_v i_o and_o have_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o prophetical_a write_n where_o i_o have_v discourse_v upon_o some_o thing_n not_o common_o treat_v of_o the_o explain_v of_o which_o i_o hope_v may_v tend_v to_o illustrate_v that_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o remove_v some_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v be_v greedy_o entertain_v by_o such_o person_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v unreasonable_o suspicious_a and_o jealous_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o because_o there_o have_v be_v false_a prophet_n think_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v true_a one_o if_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o mistake_v i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v the_o more_o easy_o pardon_v they_o when_o he_o consider_v the_o niceness_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o that_o it_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v purposely_o treat_v of_o by_o any_o
rule_n of_o faith_n dr._n stillingfl_fw-mi defence_n of_o a._n b._n laud._n dr._n sherlock_n protestant_n resolution_n of_o faith_n learned_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n against_o those_o popish_a writer_n that_o set_v up_o tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v evident_a at_o first_o sight_n and_o none_o but_o mere_a enthusiast_n ever_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o god_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n by_o write_v imply_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o easy_a there_o be_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o continue_v this_o to_o posterity_n but_o god_n preserve_v the_o write_n themselves_o by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o providence_n and_o then_o man_n may_v as_o well_o learn_v his_o will_n from_o thence_o as_o they_o can_v know_v the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n the_o opinion_n of_o philosopher_n the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o country_n from_o the_o write_n which_o record_v each_o of_o these_o particular_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n can_v order_v a_o book_n to_o be_v write_v in_o as_o intelligible_a a_o manner_n as_o man_n can_v indite_v it_o when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o but_o it_o will_v further_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n by_o appoint_v a_o write_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n if_o we_o consider_v iii_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o mean_n former_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n with_o god_n be_v no_o variableness_n and_o what_o he_o once_o approve_v of_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o lay_v aside_o but_o upon_o some_o great_a reason_n moses_n write_v his_o law_n in_o a_o book_n by_o god_n direction_n 34.27_o direction_n exod._n 34.27_o the_o prophet_n appeal_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n 8.20_o testimony_n be_v 8.20_o as_o the_o only_a safe_a guide_n and_o by_o which_o man_n must_v judge_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n or_o not_o our_o saviour_n bid_v the_o jew_n 5.39_o jew_n joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o they_o be_v persuade_v and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v contain_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o in_o all_o his_o contest_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o desire_v no_o other_o voucher_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o method_n to_o instruct_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o he_o do_v the_o jewish_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n conform_v the_o external_n part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o custom_n receive_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v be_v resolve_v to_o give_v no_o offence_n by_o 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deut._n 31_o 9_o 26._o and_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o christian_n themselves_o will_v expect_v to_o be_v provide_v with_o as_o good_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o know_v their_o duty_n as_o the_o jew_n enjoy_v or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v that_o they_o come_v behind_o they_o in_o the_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a conjecture_n but_o the_o real_a sense_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o account_n which_o the_o ancient_a writer_n give_v we_o of_o the_o occasion_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o s._n mark_n be_v writing_n their_o gospel_n eusebius_n tell_v we_o 24._o we_o h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 24._o that_o st._n matthew_n write_v his_o gospel_n particular_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o have_v preach_v because_o go_v into_o other_o part_n he_o will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n by_o write_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v 15._o say_v ap_fw-mi eus_n h._n e._n l._n 2._o c._n 15._o that_o st._n mark_n write_v his_o gospel_n at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o a_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o desire_v he_o to_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v which_o st._n peter_n come_v to_o understand_v approve_a and_o confirm_v this_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o these_o and_o the_o other_o apostolical_a write_n come_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o particular_a command_n from_o god_n to_o make_v they_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v they_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n why_o these_o write_n shall_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n among_o christian_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o last_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v some_o stand_v and_o settle_a rule_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v all_o sufficient_a inducement_n to_o christian_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a write_n as_o ordain_a by_o god_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v iu._n that_o god_n have_v actual_o make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o way_n for_o the_o convey_n down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v but_o the_o write_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n it_o be_v a_o very_a weak_a argument_n to_o infer_v that_o thing_n must_v be_v so_o because_o we_o think_v it_o convenient_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n almighty_a and_o tell_v he_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v ask_v our_o advice_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n or_o whatever_o other_o guide_n man_n have_v set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o so_o plausible_a and_o be_v as_o real_a demonstration_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o experience_n that_o tradition_n be_v not_o infallible_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n all_o these_o pretence_n to_o demonstration_n signify_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n may_v demonstrate_v his_o heart_n out_o before_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v experience_n and_o that_o neither_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a nor_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n diffusive_a neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n joint_o or_o separately_z be_v infallible_a guide_n to_o christian_n or_o equivalent_a to_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v make_v out_o with_o such_o admirable_a clearness_n and_o unanswerable_a strength_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o popery_n that_o without_o further_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o they_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o v._o proposition_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o attend_v the_o apostle_n in_o every_o thing_n of_o moment_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a and_o even_o their_o private_a judgement_n as_o man_n be_v so_o upright_a and_o void_a of_o all_o self-interest_n and_o corruption_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n to_o consider_v what_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n they_o themselves_o have_v of_o their_o own_o write_n the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o
elbow_n ezek._n 13.18_o that_o they_o may_v sleep_v on_o secure_o in_o their_o sin_n the_o true_a prophet_n accuse_v the_o false_a one_o of_o several_a vice_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v of_o make_v 18._o make_v jer._n 6.13_o ezek._n 13.19_o mich._n 3.5_o 11._o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v montanus_n his_o follower_n false_a prophet_n because_o they_o take_v money_n for_o prophesy_v beside_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o theft_n and_o other_o crime_n v._o euseb_n h._n e._n l._n 5._o c._n 18._o a_o gain_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o speak_v smooth_a thing_n for_o advantage_n 30.10_o advantage_n be_v 30.10_o of_o adultery_n 14.-29.23_a adultery_n jer._n 23_o 14.-29.23_a and_o riot_n 2.11_o riot_n be_v 28.7_o mic._n 2.11_o of_o be_v fearless_a and_o unconcerned_a at_o god_n judgement_n and_o not_o endeavour_v by_o prayer_n or_o other_o eminent_a act_n of_o piety_n to_o avert_v they_o 27.18_o they_o ezek._n 13.5_o jer._n 27.18_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o mark_v of_o true_a prophet_n viz._n their_o agreement_n with_o other_o prophet_n we_o find_v jeremy_n appeal_n to_o it_o in_o the_o contest_v between_o he_o and_o hananiah_n who_o prophesy_v 4._o prophesy_v jer._n 28_o 3_o 4._o of_o the_o return_n of_o jechoniah_n captivity_n contrary_a to_o what_o jeremy_n have_v foretell_v upon_o which_o jeremy_n tell_v he_o 9_o he_o ib._n ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v before_o i_o and_o before_o thou_o of_o old_a prophesy_v of_o war_n and_o evil_a and_o pestilence_n the_o prophet_n that_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v he_o where_o jeremy_n argue_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o hananiah_n prophecy_n and_o prove_v that_o what_o himself_o have_v prophesy_v be_v much_o more_o credible_a of_o the_o two_o because_o many_o other_o prophet_n agree_v with_o he_o in_o prophesy_v evil_a against_o the_o jew_n and_o several_a other_o country_n whereas_o he_o be_v single_a in_o his_o prophecy_n concern_v peace_n nothing_o but_o the_o punctual_a answer_v of_o the_o event_n can_v give_v he_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o people_n must_v suspend_v their_o judgement_n till_o time_n showld_v discover_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o no._n which_o place_n seem_v likewise_o to_o imply_v that_o hananiah_n have_v never_o before_o give_v a_o sign_n to_o attest_v his_o mission_n and_o therefore_o his_o credit_n will_v just_o be_v questionable_a till_o man_n can_v see_v whether_o his_o sign_n come_v to_o pass_v or_o not_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o probable_a that_o where_o a_o prophet_n give_v no_o sign_n whereby_o man_n may_v make_v trial_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o pretension_n they_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o it_o by_o consider_v his_o education_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v the_o seminary_n of_o inspire_a person_n by_o examine_v his_o manner_n of_o life_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o agreement_n with_o other_o prophet_n and_o the_o more_o any_o of_o these_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n the_o more_o need_n be_v there_o that_o he_o shall_v give_v a_o sign_n to_o attest_v his_o mission_n so_o for_o example_n it_o be_v more_o requisite_a that_o amos_n shall_v give_v a_o sign_n who_o be_v no_o prophet_n by_o education_n or_o prophet_n son_n but_o a_o herdman_n 8.14_o herdman_n amos_n 8.14_o by_o profession_n than_o any_o of_o those_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o priestly_a order_n or_o bring_v up_o among_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o historical_a and_o poetical_a book_n in_o particular_a the_o two_o precede_a chapter_n concern_v prophecy_n be_v a_o digression_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o book_n which_o i_o undertake_v to_o answer_n though_o not_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o general_n design_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o return_v to_o mr._n n_n memorial_n as_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o shall_v examine_v in_o this_o chapter_n the_o exception_n which_o he_o make_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n which_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n general_n and_o particular_a the_o general_a exception_n be_v level_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n canon_n which_o this_o author_n suppose_v 106._o suppose_v fr._n p._n 279._o en._n p_o 106._o to_o consist_v of_o all_o the_o ancient_a write_n whether_o perfect_a or_o imperfect_a whether_o inspire_a or_o not_o which_o be_v remain_v among_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o collection_n be_v make_v the_o particular_a exception_n relate_v to_o particular_a book_n which_o he_o suppose_v not_o to_o be_v inspire_a either_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o man_n may_v know_v and_o faithful_o relate_v without_o inspiration_n such_o as_o be_v the_o historical_a book_n 31._o book_n fr._n p._n 233._o en._n p._n 31._o or_o else_o because_o they_o contain_v something_o in_o they_o which_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n be_v its_o author_n which_o exception_n he_o advance_v against_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o proverb_n and_o against_o the_o entire_a book_n of_o job_n ecclesiastes_n and_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n etc._n solomon_n fr._n p._n 271_o &c_n &c_n eng._n p._n 93_o etc._n etc._n in_o answer_n to_o these_o twofold_a exception_n i_o shall_v i._o say_v something_o concern_v the_o authority_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o old-testament_n canon_n in_o general_n ii_o i_o shall_v make_v a_o reply_n to_o his_o objection_n against_o the_o particular_a book_n which_o be_v part_n of_o this_o canon_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o we_o can_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n by_o who_o authority_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v settle_v for_o we_o have_v no_o write_n extant_a that_o give_v we_o a_o history_n of_o that_o affair_n but_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o collection_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v make_v in_o ezra_n time_n or_o not_o long_o after_o 1._o because_o the_o scripture-history_n end_v about_o that_o time_n i_o know_v nothing_o of_o late_a date_n in_o it_o than_o the_o mention_n of_o jaddus_n by_o nehemiah_n 22._o nehemiah_n neh._n 12.10_o 22._o who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o ezra_n which_o jaddus_n be_v high_a priest_n at_o the_o beginning_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v reign_n and_o whatever_o other_o may_v have_v object_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o mention_v of_o this_o jaddus_n be_v very_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o time_n when_o nehemiah_n write_v as_o a_o great_a prelate_n have_v late_o make_v out_o with_o incomparable_a learning_n and_o clearness_n etc._n clearness_n letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o a_o passage_n in_o josephus_n etc._n etc._n 2._o because_o malachi_n the_o prophet_n that_o live_v much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n seem_v to_o seal_v up_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n among_o the_o jew_n by_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o their_o stand_a instructor_n till_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o point_v out_o to_o elias_n the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o the_o next_o great_a prophet_n that_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v 5._o reveal_v mal._n 4.4_o 5._o and_o indeed_o his_o prophecy_n look_v as_o if_o it_o be_v design_v to_o connect_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o by_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n revelation_n and_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o new_a for_o further_a instruction_n this_o argument_n will_v appear_v more_o probable_a if_o we_o consider_v 3_o that_o under_o the_o 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a_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o treatise_n late_o translate_v out_o of_o french_a entitle_v five_o letter_n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o william_n lowth_v b._n d._n fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o oxford_n oxford_z print_v at_o the_o theater_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n wilmot_n bookseller_n an._n dom._n 1692._o imprimatur_fw-la jonath_n edward_n vicecan_a oxon_n june_n 13._o 1692._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n peter_n lord_z bishop_n of_o winchester_z and_o prelate_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n it_o be_v the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o time_n to_o have_v religion_n at_o once_o assault_v by_o a_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a profaneness_n by_o a_o confident_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o by_o sceptical_a sophistry_n its_o 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judgement_n but_o after_o i_o have_v wait_v some_o time_n and_o can_v not_o hear_v that_o any_o able_a person_n intend_v to_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n i_o resolve_v to_o do_v my_o best_a endeavour_n towards_o the_o defence_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n and_o give_v a_o check_n to_o those_o opinion_n which_o tend_v to_o undermine_n all_o revelation_n and_o when_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o design_n there_o be_v many_o consideration_n move_v i_o to_o present_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n not_o doubt_v but_o your_o know_a candour_n and_o goodness_n will_v pardon_v the_o confidence_n of_o this_o address_n your_o eminent_a dignity_n in_o the_o church_n make_v you_o deserve_o esteem_v a_o pillar_n of_o religion_n and_o truth_n your_o constant_a residence_n in_o your_o diocese_n and_o your_o care_n and_o vigilance_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n there_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o give_v a_o due_a lustre_n to_o its_o constitution_n and_o your_o generous_a and_o oblige_a temper_n charm_n man_n into_o a_o compliance_n with_o your_o good_a counsel_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o as_o these_o consideration_n embolden_v i_o to_o present_v this_o treatise_n to_o your_o lordship_n which_o be_v write_v in_o vindication_n of_o those_o sacred_a truth_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o which_o your_o lordship_n be_v place_v in_o that_o high_a station_n so_o your_o signal_n courage_n in_o oppose_v the_o enthusiast_n of_o the_o late_a time_n who_o vile_a hypocrisy_n and_o lewd_a pretence_n to_o inspiration_n have_v make_v way_n for_o open_a profaneness_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n encourage_v i_o to_o hope_v that_o your_o lordship_n will_v favourable_o accept_v this_o work_n how_o mean_a soever_o who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o put_v some_o stop_n to_o those_o last_a ill-effect_n which_o have_v proceed_v from_o such_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o beside_o these_o public_a consideration_n this_o work_n do_v implore_v your_o lordship_n protection_n as_o be_v visitor_n and_o patron_n to_o the_o college_n of_o which_o the_o author_n be_v a_o member_n who_o ready_o embrace_v this_o opportunity_n of_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n how_o happy_a that_o society_n esteem_v itself_o in_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o your_o lordship_n patronage_n who_o government_n they_o former_o find_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n and_o withal_o be_v glad_a of_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n of_o make_v this_o public_a and_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o favour_n wherewith_o your_o lordship_n have_v be_v please_v to_o oblige_v my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o dutiful_a servant_n william_n lowth_v the_o preface_n the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o deserve_o bear_v the_o character_n of_o a_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a age_n which_o do_v not_o love_n to_o take_v thing_n upon_o trust_n or_o blind_o follow_v the_o determination_n of_o other_o and_o i_o must_v profess_v for_o my_o own_o part_n that_o i_o reckon_v a_o free_a use_n of_o reason_v and_o judge_v as_o valuable_a a_o blessing_n as_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o our_o civil_a liberty_n and_o look_v upon_o no_o sort_n of_o tyranny_n so_o grievous_a as_o that_o of_o force_v person_n of_o ingenuous_a and_o inquisitive_a temper_n exact_o to_o square_v their_o sentiment_n of_o thing_n to_o other_o man_n opinion_n but_o as_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v so_o this_o freedom_n of_o enquiry_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o ill_a purpose_n and_o have_v accidental_o produce_v very_o bad_a effect_n for_o man_n have_v be_v so_o fond_a of_o this_o liberty_n as_o to_o think_v no_o bound_n or_o limit_n ought_v to_o be_v set_v to_o it_o and_o at_o last_o to_o believe_v the_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v a_o undue_a restraint_n upon_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o very_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o authority_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o art_n of_o design_v priest_n who_o by_o this_o device_n endeavour_v to_o enslave_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v they_o think_v and_o act_n just_a as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o thus_o many_o man_n have_v reason_v themselves_o first_o into_o socinianism_n and_o then_o which_o be_v but_o one_o remove_n from_o the_o former_a into_o deism_n or_o at_o least_o into_o a_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n to_o all_o reveal_v religion_n they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v or_o practise_v any_o thing_n unless_o they_o can_v see_v a_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o they_o owe_v god_n so_o much_o service_n as_o to_o submit_v to_o those_o law_n which_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o his_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o pleasure_n upon_o this_o account_n they_o reject_v the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o
order_n of_o minister_n and_o church-governor_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispense_v they_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n found_v upon_o a_o divine_a charter_n and_o to_o who_o member_n alone_o belong_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o meritorious_a efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n towards_o the_o procure_a man_n salvation_n these_o doctrine_n i_o say_v they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v to_o be_v true_a because_o as_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v see_v what_o natural_a force_n there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n towards_o their_o produce_v their_o intend_a effect_n and_o when_o they_o have_v deprive_v christ_n of_o his_o title_n of_o saviour_n and_o highpriest_n though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v still_o be_v content_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n yet_o they_o look_v upon_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n and_o which_o man_n do_v well_o to_o believe_v if_o they_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o or_o if_o after_o have_v use_v reasonable_a diligence_n they_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o great_a harm_n do_v since_o he_o come_v only_o to_o reinforce_v the_o principle_n and_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o man_n reason_n will_v sufficient_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o if_o they_o do_v but_o live_v up_o to_o its_o direction_n and_o lead_v good_a moral_a life_n they_o may_v be_v save_v whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v as_o to_o what_o they_o call_v the_o speculative_a point_n of_o religion_n these_o opinion_n every_o body_n be_v sensible_a be_v very_o much_o in_o vogue_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o value_v themselves_o for_o be_v free_a thinker_n and_o reasoner_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o man_n of_o these_o principle_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o book_n of_o no_o great_a value_n and_o which_o the_o world_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o dispute_v it_o have_v occasion_v have_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o the_o book_n have_v do_v good_a and_o so_o from_o vndervalue_v its_o worth_a they_o come_v to_o question_v its_o authority_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o prevail_a of_o these_o loose_a notion_n concern_v a_o church-state_n and_o reveal_v religion_n at_o first_o give_v rise_v or_o at_o least_o have_v since_o give_v continuance_n to_o those_o controversy_n that_o have_v be_v so_o much_o debate_v of_o late_o concern_v the_o integrity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o atheistical_a party_n have_v be_v industrious_a to_o keep_v alive_a this_o dispute_n as_o well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v do_v no_o small_a piece_n of_o service_n to_o their_o cause_n to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n mr._n hobbs_n and_o the_o author_n of_o theologo-politicus_a be_v the_o chief_a of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v engage_v in_o this_o controversy_n though_o indeed_o they_o ought_v to_o pass_v but_o for_o one_o writer_n since_o the_o latter_a have_v take_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o say_v from_o the_o former_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v little_a of_o his_o own_o invention_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o quote_v of_o a_o text_n now_o and_o then_o in_o hebrew_n which_o he_o do_v i_o suppose_v to_o raise_v in_o his_o unlearned_a reader_n a_o admiration_n of_o his_o profound_a read_n and_o scholarship_n and_o this_o design_n of_o he_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n take_v effect_n for_o his_o atheistical_a admirer_n be_v general_o ignorant_a enough_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o writer_n of_o sense_n and_o learning_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o these_o profess_v advocate_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n the_o most_o considerable_a writer_n that_o have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o integrity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v mr._n simon_n and_o his_o adversary_n who_o learning_n as_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o disparage_v so_o neither_o will_v i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o secret_a intention_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o dispute_n i_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o as_o to_o their_o design_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o think_v as_o charitable_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v that_o though_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o in_o their_o notion_n as_o to_o other_o matter_n yet_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o speak_v slight_o and_o irreverent_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o ready_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o difficulty_n which_o tend_v to_o weaken_v their_o credit_n and_o do_v not_o take_v half_a so_o much_o pain_n to_o improve_v any_o of_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v for_o they_o as_o they_o do_v to_o urge_v objection_n against_o they_o but_o however_o i_o must_v say_v thus_o much_o in_o behalf_n of_o mr._n simon_n that_o many_o to_o show_v their_o good_a will_n to_o the_o bible_n make_v he_o say_v much_o worse_a thing_n than_o he_o real_o do_v and_o such_o as_o they_o will_v fain_o have_v he_o say_v and_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o they_o can_v vouch_v his_o authority_n for_o they_o be_v industrious_a to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o if_o we_o will_v take_v his_o judgement_n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o tell_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o which_o be_v the_o false_a read_n mr._n dryden_n particular_o in_o his_o religio_fw-la laici_fw-la make_v this_o comment_n upon_o mr._n simon_n be_v critic_n and_o tell_v we_o as_o deliver_v that_o author_n sense_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v let_v in_o gross_a error_n to_o corrupt_v the_o text_n omit_v paragrahs_n and_o with_o vain_a tradition_n stop_v the_o gape_v fence_n now_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o account_n of_o his_o work_n that_o mr._n simon_n have_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v wilful_o and_o design_o corrupt_v the_o original_a by_o add_v to_o and_o take_v away_o from_o it_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a but_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v taking_n a_o great_a liberty_n than_o poetry_n itself_o will_v allow_v to_o make_v a_o man_n speak_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o sense_n and_o mean_v for_o mr._n simon_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o book_n 4._o book_n critic_n upon_o the_o o._n t._n l._n 1._o ch_n 17_o 18_o 19_o l._n 2._o c._n 4._o that_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v usual_o bring_v for_o that_o opinion_n all_o that_o he_o affirm_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n that_o other_o book_n be_v through_o the_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n of_o transcriber_n and_o that_o such_o kind_n of_o fault_n creep_v into_o the_o text_n in_o those_o age_n chief_o that_o do_v not_o mind_v the_o nicety_n of_o criticism_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a way_n to_o reform_v those_o error_n be_v by_o correct_v the_o suspect_v place_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o art_n and_o by_o diligent_a compare_v of_o copy_n as_o critic_n correct_v other_o book_n and_o the_o massoret_n have_v already_o the_o hebrew_n text._n and_o as_o for_o the_o addition_n which_o be_v suppose_v by_o many_o to_o have_v be_v make_v to_o the_o original_a text_n he_o suppose_v they_o insert_v by_o prophet_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a succession_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a record_n how_o true_a this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o mr._n simon_n do_v not_o represent_v these_o addition_n as_o so_o many_o corruption_n of_o the_o text._n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n mr._n d._n have_v misrepresent_v mr._n simon_n be_v text_n aswell_o as_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o put_v such_o a_o gloss_n upon_o it_o as_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o intend_v as_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o his_o word_n but_o i_o shall_v pursue_v this_o matter_n no_o further_o because_o mr._n d._n may_v think_v it_o hard_a measure_n to_o urge_v any_o thing_n say_v in_o his_o religio_fw-la laici_fw-la against_o he_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n when_o he_o have_v alter_v his_o mind_n in_o so_o many_o particular_n since_o the_o write_n of_o that_o poem_n and_o have_v make_v amends_o for_o his_o former_a incredulity_n by_o turn_v advocate_n for_o implicit_a faith_n one_o of_o mr._n simon_n be_v antagonist_n who_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n take_v to_o
writer_n that_o i_o know_v as_o our_o author_n himself_o observe_v sup_n observe_v ubi_fw-la sup_n so_o that_o as_o he_o true_o add_v a_o man_n must_v fetch_v all_o out_o of_o his_o own_o stock_n that_o intend_v to_o answer_v he_o however_o if_o this_o discourse_n do_v not_o prove_v satisfactory_a i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o engage_v some_o able_a pen_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o if_o that_o be_v the_o only_a good_a it_o do_v it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o vnserviceable_a in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o must_v desire_v of_o those_o who_o think_v i_o have_v not_o carry_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o high_a as_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o i_o or_o uncharitable_o censure_v i_o as_o if_o i_o design_v to_o betray_v the_o cause_n which_o i_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o my_o performance_n to_o undertake_v the_o argument_n themselves_o and_o do_v justice_n to_o so_o good_a a_o causa_fw-la i_o assure_v they_o i_o shall_v hearty_o wish_v they_o success_n in_o their_o undertake_n and_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o my_o argument_n appear_v weak_a because_o they_o be_v strong_a for_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n the_o content_n chap_n i._o general_n consideration_n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new-testament_n the_o method_n of_o the_o whole_a treatise_n propose_v pag._n 1_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o new-testament_n write_n contain_v in_o six_o proposition_n p._n 3_o i._o proposition_n god_n design_v to_o provide_v a_o mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 5_o ii_o prop._n the_o best_a mean_n of_o preserve_a christianity_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v by_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o after_o age_n by_o write_v p._n 6_o iii_o prop._n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v deliver_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o write_v because_o he_o use_v the_o same_o mean_n former_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n p._n 10_o the_o reason_n which_o enduce_v st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_v to_o write_v their_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o ancient_a church-writer_n p._n 12_o iu._n prop._n god_n have_v actual_o make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o way_n for_o the_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 13_o v._n prop._n the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o divine_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 15_o the_o reason_n which_o move_v st._n luke_n and_o st._n john_n to_o write_v their_o gospel_n p._n 16_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n be_v design_v for_o general_n use_v though_o many_o of_o they_o write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n p._n 17_o reflection_n upon_o the_o style_n and_o way_n of_o write_v use_v by_o st._n paul_n p._n 18_o concern_v the_o general_a epistle_n p._n 21_o vi_o prop._n the_o age_n immediate_o follow_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n look_v upon_o their_o write_n as_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n p._n 22_o reflection_n upon_o a_o passage_n in_o mr._n hobs_n leviathan_n concern_v the_o date_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n canon_n p._n 26_o a_o answer_n to_o mr._n n.'s_n objection_n that_o some_o book_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o new_a testament_n canon_n who_o author_n be_v not_o know_v p._n 28_o four_o corollary_n or_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o whole_a 1_o inference_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v the_o apostle_n as_o full_o when_o they_o write_v as_o when_o they_o preach_v p._n 29_o 2_o inference_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o several_a case_n dictate_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o word_n and_o style_n they_o shall_v use_v and_o in_o all_o case_n preserve_v they_o from_o use_v such_o expression_n as_o will_v natural_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n p._n 31_o what_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o interpret_n the_o style_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o argue_v from_o the_o term_n they_o use_v p._n 35_o 3_o inference_n since_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v owe_v to_o god_n providence_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n the_o compose_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o natural_a mean_n no_o more_o than_o other_o act_n of_o providence_n do_v p._n 37_o 4_o inference_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o a_o book_n be_v be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o write_v upon_o a_o particular_a exigency_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o that_o time_n p._n 40_o chap._n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o inspiration_n p._n 42_o the_o general_a head_n treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n p._n 44_o in_o what_o case_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v their_o judgement_n as_o man_n and_o do_v not_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n three_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n propose_v p._n 45_o 1_o cor._n 7.12_o at_o large_a explain_v p._n 46_o to_o grant_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v some_o thing_n without_o inspiration_n do_v not_o prejudice_v their_o authority_n as_o to_o other_o p._n 53_o in_o all_o other_o case_n beside_o those_o before_o except_v the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o write_v by_o the_o particular_a direction_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n p._n 55_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o a_o apostle_n p._n 57_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o etc._n etc._n and_o 1_o thes_n 4.8_o consider_v p._n 58_o the_o assistance_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o christ_n have_v say_v to_o they_o p._n 62_o this_o prove_v 1._o from_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o he_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o temporal_a state_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o disciple_n p._n 63_o 2_o from_o his_o parable_n concern_v the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 65_o 3_o from_o the_o gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v of_o explain_v the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 68_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n when_o they_o be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o magistrate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n p._n 73_o s._n matt._n 10.20_o vindicated_n from_o the_o gloss_n of_o mr._n n._n p._n 74_o several_a instance_n give_v of_o his_o and_o other_o modern_a writer_n art_n to_o evade_v the_o true_a force_n of_o scripture_n expression_n ibid._n mr._n n.'s_n unsincerity_n in_o pass_v by_o the_o plain_a instance_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o boldness_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o apostle_n p._n 78_o st._n paul_n behaviour_n before_o the_o council_n act_v 23._o clear_v from_o mr._n n.'s_n aspersion_n p._n 80_o st._n stephen_n behaviour_n act_v 7._o vindicated_n p._n 84_o mr._n n.'s_n objection_n against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n particular_o answer_v 1_o objection_n that_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v and_o confer_v with_o each_o other_o answer_v p._n 88_o 2_o objection_n that_o st._n peter_n after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v need_n of_o a_o vision_n to_o instruct_v he_o answer_v p_o 95_o 3_o objection_n that_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n barnabas_n be_v force_v to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o have_v that_o controversy_n decide_v whether_o the_o gentile_a convert_v be_v bind_v to_o observe_v the_o law_n answer_v p._n 97_o 4_o objection_n st._n peter_n dissimulation_n at_o antioch_n answer_v p._n 104_o 5_o objection_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v only_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o make_v man_n fit_a to_o instruct_v answer_v p._n 104_o 1_o tim._n 4.13_o 14._o clear_v p._n 106_o why_o st._n paul_n give_v direction_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o inspire_a person_n at_o corinth_n p._n 110_o a_o brief_a answer_n to_o some_o lesser_a cavil_n p._n 112_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n p._n 115_o the_o personal_a qualification_n of_o the_o prophet_n consider_v both_o as_o to_o their_o intellectual_a accomplishment_n p._n 116_o and_o their_o moral_a one_o p._n 121_o the_o original_a design_n of_o god_n send_v prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o hinder_v they_o from_o have_v recourse_n to_o heathen_a oracle_n and_o divination_n p._n 126_o the_o prophetical_a office_n design_v for_o great_a purpose_n p._n 129_o 1_o to_o admonish_v the_o people_n of_o their_o duty_n p._n 130_o 2_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o
and_o from_o thence_o proceed_v to_o explain_v what_o be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a and_o if_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v once_o prove_v that_o of_o the_o old_a must_v follow_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n because_o the_o former_a give_v testimony_n to_o the_o latter_a and_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o one_o may_v be_v easy_o apply_v to_o the_o other_o mr._n n._n allow_v the_o history_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n to_o be_v exact_a and_o true_a relation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o suppose_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o inspiration_n to_o write_v a_o true_a history_n etc._n history_n fr._n p._n 231_o etc._n etc._n engl._n p._n 28._o etc._n etc._n he_o grant_v likewise_o that_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n for_o write_v their_o epistle_n 113._o epistle_n fr._n p._n 282_o 283._o eng._n p._n 112_o 113._o but_o all_o this_o while_n he_o take_v no_o notice_n that_o these_o write_n be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o age_n which_o one_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v make_v out_o will_v prove_v their_o divine_a original_a and_o sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n pure_o humane_a where_o providence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a hand_n in_o the_o composure_n since_o it_o neither_o can_v be_v pretend_v that_o the_o author_n be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o publish_v his_o will_n nor_o that_o their_o work_n be_v design_v for_o so_o general_a a_o use_n as_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n give_v a_o definition_n of_o a_o inspire_a write_n and_o then_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_o such_o a_o inspire_a write_v i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o book_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o incitation_n direction_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n and_o design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o new-testament-writing_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n i._o god_n design_v to_o provide_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o this_n can_v not_o be_v do_v so_o well_o in_o any_o ordinary_a way_n or_o humane_a mean_n as_o by_o commit_v this_o doctrine_n to_o write_v iii_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o way_n than_o any_o other_o because_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o mean_n before_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n iv_o he_o have_v actual_o make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o way_n for_o the_o convey_n down_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v v._o the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o of_o equal_a authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a vi_o the_o age_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n look_v upon_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o think_v the_o make_v out_o these_o proposition_n some_o of_o which_o need_v very_o little_a proof_n will_v full_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o when_o they_o be_v make_v out_o such_o consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o as_o will_v silence_v most_o of_o the_o cavil_n and_o objection_n which_o the_o author_n of_o these_o letter_n and_o some_o other_o have_v raise_v against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o scripture_n i._o the_o first_o proposition_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v this_o god_n design_v to_o provide_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o proposition_n i_o think_v any_o christian_n will_v take_v for_o grant_v and_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v not_o to_o dispute_v with_o infidel_n but_o to_o lay_v down_o those_o principle_n upon_o which_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v build_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v presuppose_v because_o the_o author_n i_o be_o to_o deal_v with_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o have_v raise_v objection_n against_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o write_n which_o christian_n have_v all_o along_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v therefore_o that_o no_o christian_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n for_o every_o christian_a believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o afford_v to_o the_o world_n he_o believe_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 16.18_o mat._n 28.20_o 16.18_o and_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o i._n e._n it_o shall_v never_o be_v so_o far_o weaken_v as_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n shall_v cease_v or_o the_o church_n be_v perfect_o deprive_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o save_a truth_n nothing_o further_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o illustrate_v this_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o proposition_n god_n can_v not_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o by_o any_o humane_a mean_n so_o well_o as_o by_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o after_o age_n by_o write_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n almighty_a what_o method_n he_o shall_v use_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n or_o confine_v he_o to_o any_o one_o way_n of_o do_v it_o but_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n commit_v to_o write_v be_v liable_a to_o less_o inconvenience_n and_o difficulty_n than_o any_o other_o way_n of_o convey_v down_o divine_a truth_n whereas_o all_o other_o way_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v of_o transmit_v divine_a revelation_n be_v encumber_v with_o so_o many_o difficulty_n that_o without_o a_o constant_a series_n of_o miracle_n they_o can_v never_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v make_v choice_n of_o any_o such_o method_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n by_o for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o god_n never_o work_v more_o miracle_n than_o needs_o must_v nor_o ever_o suspend_v or_o overbear_v the_o force_n of_o natural_a agent_n without_o evident_a necessity_n but_o always_o use_v second_o cause_n and_o humane_a mean_n as_o far_o as_o they_o will_v go_v and_o therefore_o that_o method_n which_o offer_v least_o violence_n to_o nature_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o by_o god_n some_o man_n indeed_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v show_v itself_o without_o a_o constant_a series_n of_o miracle_n but_o they_o that_o consider_v thing_n more_o exact_o rather_o judge_v that_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o miracle_n will_v real_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n for_o often_o to_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n that_o first_o contrive_v it_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o two_o way_n of_o god_n communicate_v his_o will_n to_o several_a successive_a age_n without_o the_o help_n of_o write_v either_o oral_a tradition_n or_o make_v a_o particular_a revelation_n to_o every_o single_a person_n or_o at_o least_o to_o all_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o in_o their_o duty_n now_o both_o these_o way_n be_v liable_a to_o such_o difficulty_n and_o do_v suppose_v so_o many_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o god_n power_n to_o prevent_v those_o error_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n attend_v they_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o method_n which_o god_n use_v in_o govern_v the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o pursue_v this_o matter_n any_o further_a nor_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n to_o which_o both_o these_o method_n be_v obnoxious_a and_o to_o correct_v which_o a_o constant_a interposition_n of_o miracle_n will_v be_v necessary_a the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o former_a have_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o faith_n the_o dr._n tillotson_n
the_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n agree_v in_o come_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o its_o be_v god_n will_n than_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o one_o apostle_n only_o just_o as_o we_o be_v more_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v often_o repeat_v by_o different_a writer_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o of_o those_o which_o be_v only_o mention_v by_o one_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o several_a writer_n add_v weight_n to_o the_o matter_n itself_o and_o the_o compare_v they_o together_o prevent_v our_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v it_o whereas_o what_o be_v but_o once_o mention_v be_v more_o liable_a to_o ambiguity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o more_o easy_o mistake_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o inspire_a person_n shall_v consult_v each_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o their_o inspiration_n 2._o the_o second_o objection_n be_v 58._o be_v fr_n p._n 249._o eng_n p_o 58._o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n have_v not_o teach_v they_o all_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o render_v they_o at_o first_o dash_v infallibe_n so_o that_o st._n peter_n need_v a_o vision_n to_o learn_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o scruple_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o body_n that_o ever_o yet_o maintain_v that_o the_o spirit_n once_o for_o all_o instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v certain_a several_a thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o degree_n and_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o author_n himself_o own_v as_o much_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o 62._o we_o fr._n p._n 252._o eng._n p._n 62._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v many_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o divers_a heavenly_a vision_n and_o as_o for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o a_o visible_a manner_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o chief_a design_n of_o that_o be_v public_o to_o authorize_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o initiate_v they_o into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v then_o found_v and_o to_o do_v this_o by_o more_o solemn_a token_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n among_o the_o first_o professor_n than_o any_o other_o institution_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o according_a to_o what_o the_o baptist_n foretell_v 3.11_o foretell_v matth._n 3.11_o and_o our_o saviour_n promise_v 1.5_o promise_v act._n 1.5_o that_o john_n indeed_o baptize_v or_o admit_v proselyte_n with_o the_o bare_a ceremony_n of_o water_n which_o have_v be_v a_o rite_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o jew_n long_o before_o upon_o such_o occasion_n but_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v baptise_a or_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n 3._o the_o three_o objection_n be_v that_o 57_o that_o fr._n p._n 248._o eng._n p._n 57_o when_o the_o dispute_n arise_v whether_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o though_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n barnabas_n be_v against_o this_o yet_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o judaize_v christian_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o infallible_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o urge_v 58._o urge_v fr._n p._n 249._o eng._n p._n 58._o the_o believer_n that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n contend_v with_o st._n peter_n for_o go_v to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o converse_v with_o they_o 3._o they_o act._n 11_o 2_o 3._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o instance_n of_o st._n peter_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o convert_v of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o at_o first_o they_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v any_o of_o they_o lay_v aside_o and_o a_o door_n open_v to_o let_v in_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o take_v away_o that_o discrimination_n which_o the_o law_n make_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n 7.6_o world_n exod._n 19.5_o 6._o deut._n 7.6_o and_o since_o this_o action_n of_o st._n peter_n touch_v they_o so_o near_o in_o their_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n or_o at_o least_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o teacher_n and_o hold_v as_o sacred_a as_o the_o law_n itself_o 18.28_o itself_o matt._n 15.2_o mat._n 7.3_o joh._n 18.28_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v about_o it_o till_o they_o examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o st._n peter_n act_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o apostle_n never_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o their_o infallibility_n as_o to_o require_v their_o disciple_n to_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n as_o mr._n n._n himself_o 112._o himself_o fr._n p._n 283._o eng._n p._n 112._o observe_v or_o without_o demand_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v all_o this_o objection_n contend_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o infallible_a because_o some_o new_a convert_v 19_o convert_v see_v mr._n dodwel_n of_o schism_n ch_n 19_o sect_n 18_o 19_o do_v not_o think_v so_o who_o it_o be_v plain_a do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o entire_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v argue_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o infallible_a which_o yet_o mr._n n._n himself_o look_v upon_o 109._o upon_o fr._n p._n 257_o 260_o 281._o eng._n p._n 70_o 75_o 109._o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n because_o his_o disciple_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v sometime_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v 16.22_o say_v matth._n 16.22_o and_o demand_v of_o he_o a_o reason_n 15.15_o reason_n matth_n 15.15_o of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o his_o that_o look_v like_o paradox_n to_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v hold_v much_o strong_a in_o the_o case_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n 15._o barnabas_n act_n 15._o for_o the_o admit_v the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n without_o circumcision_n must_v needs_o be_v think_v a_o great_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o those_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a a_o authority_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o twelve_o who_o commission_n be_v so_o solemn_o seal_v and_o ratify_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o they_o who_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o they_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n lie_v hold_v of_o this_o objection_n against_o their_o authority_n as_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o take_v advantage_n of_o any_o exception_n to_o a_o authority_n that_o be_v against_o they_o and_o according_o we_o find_v in_o after_o time_n when_o the_o judaize_v christian_n find_v st._n paul_n zealous_a in_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_a convert_v and_o teach_v man_n every_o where_o to_o apostatise_v from_o moses_n as_o they_o term_v it_o 21.21_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 21.21_o that_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o lessen_v his_o authority_n and_o represent_v he_o as_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o great_a stress_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o his_o doctrine_n which_o force_v he_o to_o vindicate_v himself_o and_o his_o apostleship_n at_o large_a galat._n 1._o and_o 2._o chapter_n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v 60._o be_v fr._n p._n 250._o eng._n p._n 60._o st._n peter_n dissimulation_n at_o antioch_n for_o which_o st._n paul_n reprove_v he_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o 2.11_o we_o gal._n 2.11_o and_o here_o i_o agree_v with_o our_o author_n that_o st._n peter_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n and_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n for_o he_o that_o have_v be_v warn_v by_o a_o vision_n 10.28_o vision_n act._n 10.28_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o call_v any_o man_n common_a or_o unclean_a and_o but_o just_a before_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o make_v the_o decree_n at_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n 7._o jerusalem_n act._n 15_o 7._o whereby_o the_o gentile_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o
not_o to_o be_v express_v in_o too_o plain_a word_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o be_v some_o plain_a prophecy_n in_o scripture_n but_o as_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v something_o of_o obscurity_n so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o they_o as_o some_o pretend_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a that_o most_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v obscure_a or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o answer_v the_o design_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v nor_o be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophetical_a write_n be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o prophet_n only_o as_o man_n that_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o great_a improvement_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o knowledge_n the_o excellency_n of_o their_o precept_n the_o integrity_n of_o their_o life_n their_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o constant_a adhere_n to_o their_o principle_n they_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o great_a philosopher_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o enlighten_v from_o above_o and_o the_o messenger_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n they_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o various_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n they_o unravel_v the_o intricate_a turn_n and_o wind_n of_o that_o dark_a labyrinth_n they_o display_v the_o scene_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o give_v we_o a_o prospect_n of_o another_o to_o come_v the_o signal_n accomplishment_n of_o their_o prediction_n already_o fulfil_v confirm_v our_o belief_n in_o providence_n and_o incourage_v we_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prophet_n for_o the_o future_a they_o do_v not_o open_v the_o scene_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n or_o with_o a_o design_n to_o encourage_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n but_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n interest_n himself_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v guide_v by_o his_o unerring_a hand_n and_o that_o the_o change_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o blind_a chance_n or_o surly_a fate_n but_o the_o result_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o rage_n and_o fierceness_n the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o man_n turn_v to_o god_n praise_n and_o be_v instrumental_a in_o bring_v about_o his_o great_a purpose_n and_o design_n thus_o the_o holy_a prophet_n teach_v we_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o he_o and_o yet_o withal_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n whether_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a thus_o their_o doctrine_n promote_v god_n honour_n without_o supersede_a man_n diligence_n and_o endeavour_n and_o instruct_v we_o to_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n when_o we_o do_v well_o and_o not_o to_o charge_v he_o foolish_o when_o we_o do_v amiss_o and_o as_o to_o their_o way_n of_o write_v which_o include_v a_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a sense_n under_o a_o literal_a and_o obvious_a one_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o method_n of_o instruction_n which_o the_o great_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n practise_v in_o those_o early_a age_n it_o be_v what_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v accustom_a to_o what_o they_o always_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o style_n of_o scripture_n and_o do_v so_o still_o though_o it_o make_v against_o they_o it_o tend_v to_o discover_v the_o chain_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o dependence_n which_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o occurrence_n of_o one_o age_n have_v upon_o those_o of_o another_o which_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v in_o most_o case_n leave_v we_o certain_a mark_n to_o know_v where_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o mystery_n and_o a_o key_n to_o unlock_v their_o true_a mean_v and_o where_o such_o a_o indication_n be_v want_v we_o have_v the_o apostle_n to_o direct_v we_o who_o have_v give_v abundant_a evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a credential_n that_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o publisher_n of_o his_o will._n chap._n iu._n wherein_o some_o difficulty_n be_v resolve_v relate_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o or_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v iii_o i_o proceed_v to_o discourse_v concern_v the_o three_o general_n head_n i_o propose_v at_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o last_o chapter_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v to_o resolve_v some_o difficulty_n concern_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o or_o their_o prophecy_n and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o prophetical_a write_n most_o of_o which_o have_v be_v full_o answer_v by_o several_a excellent_a writer_n of_o late_a prophecy_n late_a bp_o stillingfleet_n orig._n sac._n letter_n to_o a_o deist_n huetii_n demonst_a evangel_n m._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n dr._n spencer_n vanity_n of_o vulgar_a prophecy_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o ancient_n i_o intend_v only_o in_o this_o chapter_n to_o consider_v two_o difficulty_n one_o relate_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o the_o other_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v which_o have_v not_o yet_o that_o i_o know_v of_o be_v thorough_o explain_v by_o any_o writer_n the_o first_o be_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prophetical_a write_n the_o other_o concern_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n whereby_o true_a prophet_n be_v distinguish_v from_o false_a the_o latter_a of_o these_o inquiry_n be_v embarass_v with_o great_a difficulty_n for_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o very_o little_a light_n in_o this_o matter_n insomuch_o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o contest_v between_o the_o true_a and_o false_a prophet_n relate_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o many_o caution_n give_v against_o harken_v to_o false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o little_o say_v concern_v the_o mark_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o true_a one_o i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a difficulty_n viz._n the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prophecy_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o premise_v that_o obscurity_n be_v not_o inseparable_a from_o prophecy_n for_o there_o be_v some_o very_a plain_a prophecy_n in_o scripture_n as_o the_o foretell_v the_o 70._o year_n captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o cyrus_n after_o that_o time_n be_v expire_v shall_v restore_v they_o to_o their_o land_n and_o rebuild_v jerusalem_n 44.28_o jerusalem_n jer._n 25.11_o 12_o 29.10_o be_v 44.28_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o monarchy_n in_o daniel_n 8._o daniel_n dan._n 2._o c._n 7._o c._n 8._o and_o those_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o foretell_v his_o come_v while_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v stand_v and_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n 1.-4.1_a commonwealth_n dan._n 9.25_o etc._n etc._n hagg._n 2._o 6_o 9_o malac._n 3_o 1.-4.1_a but_o notwithstanding_o some_o few_o exception_n general_o speak_v there_o be_v something_o of_o obscurity_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o prophecy_n now_o beside_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o prophetical_a style_n which_o be_v full_a of_o metaphor_n and_o of_o lofty_a expression_n such_o as_o natural_o flow_v from_o a_o heat_n of_o fancy_n where_o great_a and_o surprise_v idea_n have_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v other_o reason_n to_o be_v assign_v for_o this_o obscurity_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v fulfil_v 1._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o design_n of_o prophecy_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n that_o prophecy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o design_v by_o god_n to_o give_v man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n beforehand_o as_o to_o confirm_v man_n faith_n after_o they_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o convince_v they_o that_o this_o be_v god_n work_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o god_n do_v reveal_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o his_o prophet_n both_o to_o do_v they_o a_o particular_a honour_n 18.17_o honour_n gen._n 18.17_o by_o make_v they_o privy_a to_o his_o secret_a counsel_n and_o design_n and_o likewise_o to_o prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o blessing_n foretell_v of_o