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 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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 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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 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whatever_o other_o guide_n man_n have_v set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o so_o plausible_a and_o be_v as_o real_a demonstration_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o experience_n that_o tradition_n be_v not_o infallible_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n all_o these_o pretence_n to_o demonstration_n signify_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n may_v demonstrate_v his_o heart_n out_o before_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v experience_n and_o that_o neither_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a nor_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n diffusive_a neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n joint_o or_o separately_z be_v infallible_a guide_n to_o christian_n or_o equivalent_a to_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v make_v out_o with_o such_o admirable_a clearness_n and_o unanswerable_a strength_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o popery_n that_o without_o further_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o they_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o v._o proposition_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o attend_v the_o apostle_n in_o every_o thing_n of_o moment_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a and_o even_o their_o private_a judgement_n as_o man_n be_v so_o upright_a and_o void_a of_o all_o self-interest_n and_o corruption_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n to_o consider_v what_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n they_o themselves_o have_v of_o their_o own_o write_n the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o
in_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n our_o author_n grant_v 113._o grant_v fr._n p._n 283._o en._n p._n 113._o that_o god_n immediate_o impart_v to_o the_o apostle_n those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o write_n so_o that_o this_o point_n need_v not_o to_o be_v further_o insist_v upon_o i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o consider_v their_o gift_n of_o explain_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o our_o saviour_n do_v explain_v many_o prophecy_n to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n concern_v his_o own_o suffering_n and_o exaltation_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n 47._o nation_n luk._n 24.27_o 45_o 46_o 47._o yet_o there_o be_v several_a other_o prophecy_n which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v till_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o thereby_o enable_v to_o comprehend_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n oeconomy_n as_o in_o several_a other_o instance_n so_o particular_o in_o the_o reject_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o those_o dispensation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o the_o apostle_n apply_v to_o these_o purpose_n viz._n the_o allegory_n of_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n 4.24_o isaac_n rom._n 9.7_o gal._n 4.24_o of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n etc._n esau_n rom._n 9.10_o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o s._n paul_n illustrate_v this_o matter_n the_o word_n of_o moses_n in_o his_o song_n 32.21_o song_n deut._n 32.21_o which_o he_o apply_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 10.19_o purpose_n rom._n 10.19_o as_o also_o the_o word_n of_o habakkuk_n 13.41_o habakkuk_n act_n 13.41_o i_o say_v the_o explain_v the_o mystical_a sense_n and_o design_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a occurrence_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 1._o because_o they_o themselves_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o such_o as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n reckon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 12.8_o 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 12.8_o which_o word_n certain_o signify_v the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o new_a 2._o because_o those_o providential_a occurrence_n have_v a_o secret_a and_o hide_a design_n in_o they_o which_o can_v be_v discover_v by_o none_o but_o god_n that_o order_v they_o who_o as_o he_o comprehend_v the_o most_o distant_a age_n in_o one_o single_a view_n so_o in_o his_o dispose_n and_o order_v the_o more_o remarkable_a event_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v all_o along_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o time_n under_o the_o new_a 3._o as_o to_o the_o prophecy_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o any_o person_n without_o a_o supernatural_a illumination_n can_v look_v to_o the_o end_n and_o utmost_a completion_n of_o they_o since_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v not_o this_o privilege_n grant_v they_o as_o appear_v from_o those_o place_n 1.26_o place_n rom._n 16.25_o 1_o cor._n 2.7_o eph._n 3.9_o colos_n 1.26_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v a_o hide_a mystery_n and_o hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o especial_o from_o those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n 12._o peter_n 1_o pet._n 1.10_o 11_o 12._o of_o which_o salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o prophet_n have_v inquire_v and_o search_v diligent_o who_o prophesy_v of_o the_o grace_n that_o shall_v come_v unto_o you_o search_v what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o they_o do_v signify_v when_o it_o testify_v beforehand_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v follow_v to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o not_o to_o themselves_o but_o to_o we_o they_o do_v minister_v these_o thing_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o prophet_n be_v very_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o manner_n how_o and_o the_o time_n when_o their_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v yet_o they_o have_v only_o this_o general_a satisfaction_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o i_o think_v we_o may_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n they_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o though_o the_o event_n will_v sufficient_o interpret_v the_o meaning_n of_o several_a of_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o need_v a_o great_a light_n than_o that_o to_o understand_v they_o and_o apply_v they_o aright_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o after_o age_n how_o they_o be_v to_o interpret_v the_o prophetical_a write_n and_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o prove_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o general_a divine_o inspire_a because_o they_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o consist_v in_o explain_v the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n but_o concern_v the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o shall_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n and_o so_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o three_o general_a head_n viz._n that_o the_o assistance_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v the_o apostle_n be_v something_o more_o than_o refresh_v their_o memory_n and_o recall_v to_o their_o mind_n what_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v iv_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n when_o they_o be_v summon_v before_o magistrate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o vindicate_v their_o behaviour_n at_o that_o time_n from_o the_o unbecoming_a and_o irreverent_a reflection_n of_o this_o author_n one_o will_v think_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v plain_a enough_o in_o this_o point_n 13.11_o point_n matt._n 10.19_o 20._o mark_v 13.11_o take_v no_o thought_n beforehand_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v s._n mark_n the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n say_v s._n matthew_n speak_v in_o you_o if_o this_o have_v be_v only_o a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o holiness_n arise_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o mr._n n._n pretend_v 44._o pretend_v fr._n p._n 241._o eng._n p._n 44._o it_o will_v have_v require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n consideration_n and_o reflection_n to_o keep_v it_o warm_a upon_o their_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v not_o cool_v when_o danger_n approach_v and_o our_o saviour_n preclude_v the_o use_n of_o humane_a mean_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a grace_n which_o always_o require_v the_o cooperation_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o new_a impulse_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o feel_v upon_o their_o mind_n on_o such_o occasion_n as_o any_o prophetic_a inspiration_n whatsoever_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o plain_a import_n of_o the_o word_n rather_o than_o own_o a_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n the_o natural_a force_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v dwindle_a away_o into_o nothing_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v only_o a_o hebrew_n way_n of_o speak_v 49._o speak_v fr._n p._n 244_o eng._n p._n 49._o like_o the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n of_o slumber_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o expression_n between_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n or_o stupidity_n but_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a method_n of_o our_o new_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n that_o do_v care_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v there_o but_o what_o natural_a power_n can_v effect_v and_o intellectual_a one_o comprehend_v when_o they_o be_v press_v with_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v not_o out_o of_o good_a manner_n in_o downright_a term_n deny_v their_o authority_n but_o think_v it_o more_o decent_a to_o evade_v it_o by_o explain_v away_o all_o the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o allege_v the_o metaphorical_a and_o pompous_a way_n of_o speak_v which_o the_o eastern_a language_n use_v which_o seem_v to_o imply_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o in_o it_o than_o the_o writer_n real_o design_v thus_o spinoza_n tell_v we_o 6._o we_o theol._n polit._n
care_n and_o diligence_n as_o if_o he_o give_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o and_o in_o either_o case_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o assign_v just_a how_o far_o nature_n go_v or_o exact_o to_o define_v how_o much_o second_o cause_n contribute_v towards_o the_o production_n of_o the_o effect_n and_o how_o much_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n i_o will_v not_o be_v misunderstand_v as_o if_o i_o think_v the_o write_n of_o the_o scripture_n owe_v to_o god_n providence_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o other_o common_a event_n in_o the_o world_n be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n go_v to_o the_o compose_v of_o they_o than_o do_v to_o the_o make_v other_o pious_a and_o good_a book_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o book_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 to_o be_v a_o fix_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o the_o standard_n by_o which_o all_o other_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o then_o i_o think_v it_o be_v to_o reflect_v both_o upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suppose_v that_o he_o do_v not_o assist_v the_o holy_a writer_n with_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v their_o write_n serviceable_a to_o that_o end_n but_o still_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o in_o both_o case_n god_n never_o afford_v supernatural_a assistance_n to_o do_v that_o which_o natural_a cause_n be_v sufficient_a to_o effect_v of_o themselves_o and_o that_o his_o constant_a method_n be_v to_o let_v natural_a mean_n go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o then_o supply_v the_o rest_n himself_o and_o if_o mr._n n._n have_v well_o consider_v this_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o write_v this_o treatise_n or_o however_o innocent_a his_o intention_n may_v be_v in_o write_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o prudent_o do_v in_o the_o editor_n to_o publish_v it_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v sensible_a 54._o sensible_a v._o fr._n p._n 245_o 24â—_n eng._n p._n 51_o 54._o that_o very_o ill_a consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o and_o he_o can_v not_o but_o think_v that_o bad_a man_n will_v greedy_o catch_v at_o they_o and_o make_v what_o advantage_n they_o can_v of_o they_o i_o be_o as_o little_a for_o a_o implicit_a faith_n or_o building_n sacred_a truth_n upon_o false_a principle_n as_o he_o or_o his_o interpreter_n 7._o interpreter_n eng._n pref._n p._n 7._o but_o yet_o i_o think_v a_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o advise_v and_o very_o sure_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a before_o he_o venture_v to_o unsettle_v foundation_n i_o find_v the_o publisher_n himself_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v speak_v at_o all_o time_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o will_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a 219._o good_a eng._n 123_o 124._o fr_n p._n 219._o and_o therefore_o i_o wonder_v he_o shall_v set_v such_o a_o value_n upon_o that_o which_o at_o best_o be_v but_o a_o probability_n for_o he_o himself_o 127._o himself_o v._o fr_n p._n 245_o 221._o eng._n p._n 51_o 127._o look_v upon_o this_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v no_o more_o as_o to_o venture_v the_o publish_v it_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o principle_n mr._n n._n have_v advance_v in_o his_o treatise_n to_o be_v true_a yet_o i_o can_v look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v of_o such_o importance_n but_o that_o '_o it_o be_v better_a the_o public_a shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o advantage_n it_o may_v draw_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o truth_n than_o to_o be_v visible_o expose_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o abuse_v they_o so_o lamentable_o as_o it_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o do_v which_o the_o publisher_n tell_v we_o 122._o we_o fr._n p._n 218._o eng._n p._n 122._o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o several_a learned_a man_n concern_v these_o paper_n and_o i_o do_v see_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a have_v force_n enough_o in_o it_o to_o make_v these_o gentleman_n alter_v their_o mind_n for_o as_o to_o what_o he_o 126_o he_o fr._n p._n 221._o en._n p._n 126_o allege_v that_o these_o principle_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o overthrow_v the_o pretence_n of_o libertine_n though_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v better_a man_n shall_v believe_v as_o much_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o mr._n n._n do_v than_o none_o at_o all_o yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o a_o very_a improper_a way_n to_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v infidel_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n by_o tell_v they_o that_o several_a of_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o that_o name_n be_v mere_a fiction_n and_o romance_n 170._o romance_n fr_n p._n 248._o 253._o eng._n p._n 164_o 170._o and_o piece_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n 116._o fancy_n fr._n p._n 274._o 285._o eng._n p._n 99_o 116._o that_o other_o thing_n in_o that_o book_n be_v write_v with_o excessive_a choler_n and_o impatience_n 24._o impatience_n fr._n p._n 228._o eng._n p._n 24._o and_o unworthy_a not_o only_o of_o a_o pious_a man_n but_o even_o of_o a_o honest_a and_o wise_a heathen_a 100_o heathen_a fr._n p._n 275._o eng._n p._n 100_o nay_o that_o some_o of_o the_o write_n that_o go_v under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o god_n word_n maintain_v the_o principle_n of_o libertinism_n itself_o 96._o itself_o fr._n p._n 273._o eng._n p._n 96._o and_o have_v expression_n in_o they_o very_o like_o blasphemy_n 101._o blasphemy_n fr._n p._n 275._o eng._n p._n 101._o these_o and_o suchlike_a goodly_a title_n do_v this_o author_n bestow_v upon_o several_a of_o those_o write_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n ever_o since_o have_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o write_v for_o our_o instruction_n certain_o this_o method_n to_o use_v mr._n n_n own_o word_n 100_o word_n fr._n p._n 281._o eng._n p._n 100_o instead_o of_o convert_v libertine_n do_v but_o excite_v their_o raillery_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o impiety_n at_o least_o if_o the_o publisher_n of_o such_o tract_n as_o this_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o design_v no_o harm_n to_o religion_n they_o ought_v to_o publish_v they_o in_o the_o learned_a language_n that_o none_o but_o scholar_n may_v read_v they_o for_o the_o publish_v such_o write_n in_o vulgar_a language_n prove_v a_o snare_n to_o man_n of_o unsettled_a head_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n they_o have_v not_o capacity_n enough_o to_o examine_v the_o true_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o to_o weigh_v exact_o what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n in_o such_o nice_a and_o difficult_a subject_n and_o therefore_o they_o present_o run_v away_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o religion_n without_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o 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that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o set_v up_o oral_a tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o apostle_n ibid._n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o because_o the_o very_a same_o gospel_n which_o they_o at_o first_o preach_v they_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o write_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o testimony_n we_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o the_o very_a art_n which_o those_o heretic_n use_v either_o to_o undermine_n or_o evade_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolical_a write_n plain_o show_v their_o authority_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o sacred_a and_o decisive_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o same_o age_n do_v full_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o learned_a mr._n dodwell_n have_v observe_v 41._o observe_v dissert_n in_o irenaeum_n l._n n._n 40_o 41._o that_o st._n paul_n epistle_n be_v general_o know_v and_o 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&_o 36._o so_o the_o style_n the_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o work_n discover_v it_o to_o be_v s._n paul_n but_o s._n peter_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o dispute_n for_o the_o say_n which_o he_o quote_v in_o his_o second_o epistle_n as_o s._n paul_n be_v certain_o take_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 10.37_o hebrew_n 2_o pet._n 3.15_o compare_v with_o hebr._n 10.37_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o s._n peter_n be_v quote_v by_o s._n polycarp_n who_o write_v just_a after_o ignatius_n death_n about_o the_o same_o time_n certain_a pious_a man_n travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n on_o purpose_n to_o communicate_v the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o eusebius_n inform_v we_o 37._o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 37._o which_o he_o to_o be_v sure_o understand_v of_o the_o four_o gospel_n now_o extant_a which_o only_o be_v reckon_v authentic_a in_o his_o time_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v esteem_v so_o in_o the_o 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the_o early_a christian_a writer_n to_o the_o most_o considerable_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o show_v how_o good_a a_o foundation_n there_o be_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n canon_n and_o how_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o mr._n hobb_n insinuation_n to_o the_o contrary_a who_o tell_v we_o 33._o we_o leviathan_n part_n 3._o c._n 33._o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o receive_v nor_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o by_o the_o church_n till_o the_o council_n of_o laodicca_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o year_n 364._o recommend_v they_o to_o christian_n as_o if_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o acknowledge_v such_o particular_a book_n for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o they_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o as_o he_o speak_v and_o enumerate_v by_o a_o council_n which_o have_v as_o little_a truth_n in_o it_o as_o what_o he_o say_v just_a afterward_o that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o council_n all_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o ecclesiastic_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o downright_a and_o wilful_a falsity_n in_o he_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o ignorance_n as_o a_o grosser_n can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n which_o he_o have_v describe_v i_o find_v man_n general_o agree_v in_o believe_v mr._n hobbs_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n and_o several_a other_o ill_a book_n and_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o have_v a_o great_a deference_n for_o their_o authority_n though_o the_o parliament_n which_o according_a to_o he_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o declare_v what_o book_n or_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v than_o a_o council_n have_v not_o yet_o give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o his_o write_n or_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v true_a if_o this_o argument_n of_o his_o be_v good_a but_o to_o return_v i_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v collect_v all_o that_o can_v 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already_o and_o as_o to_o the_o whole_a new-testament_n canon_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o design_n of_o those_o that_o compile_v it_o only_o to_o gather_v together_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o such_o as_o write_v by_o their_o direction_n as_o the_o ancient_n tell_v we_o s._n mark_n do_v by_o s._n peter_n 15._o peter_n clem._n alex._n ap_fw-mi eus_n h.e._n l._n 2._o c._n 15._o &_o s._n luke_n by_o s._n paul_n 20._o paul_n iren_n ap_fw-mi eund_n l._n 5._o c._n 8._o grot._n in_o luc._n 21.34_o &_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25._o compare_v with_o luk._n 22.19_o 20._o so_o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o some_o book_n be_v doubt_v of_o be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o clear_o appear_v whether_o they_o be_v write_v by_o apostle_n or_o not_o and_o assoon_o as_o that_o point_n be_v clear_v
which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o reason_n which_o confute_v this_o opinion_n of_o our_o author_n concern_v the_o collection_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o represent_v all_o together_o when_o i_o be_v upon_o this_o subject_a though_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o of_o these_o consideration_n which_o can_v be_v infer_v as_o a_o corollary_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o early_a date_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n canon_n what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o authority_n and_o antiquity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n canon_n i_o can_v call_v absolute_o certain_a or_o demonstrative_a but_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o probability_n than_o any_o thing_n the_o adversary_n of_o the_o canon_n have_v advance_v to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v what_o our_o author_n say_v 102._o say_v fr._n p._n 276._o eng._n p._n 102._o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o that_o esdras_n and_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n of_o that_o time_n among_o who_o be_v haggai_n zachary_n and_o malachi_n compile_v the_o canon_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v make_v by_o those_o that_o be_v so_o near_o their_o time_n that_o they_o know_v what_o their_o sentiment_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o make_v this_o collection_n according_o but_o if_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o think_v satisfactory_a i_o shall_v think_v any_o christian_n ought_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o look_v upon_o the_o jewish_a canon_n which_o be_v undoubted_o the_o same_o in_o his_o time_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n i_o say_v he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o collection_n of_o holy_a write_n design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n the_o jew_n be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o when_o they_o will_v inform_v themselves_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o bid_v they_o 5.39_o they_o jâ—h_o 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n without_o distinguish_v as_o our_o author_n do_v 116._o do_v fr._n p._n 277_o 279_o 285._o eng_n p._n 100l_n 106_o 116._o the_o true_o inspire_a book_n from_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o in_o they_o say_v he_o you_o think_v and_o so_o far_o you_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n it_o be_v strange_a our_o saviour_n shall_v not_o correct_v this_o mistake_n of_o they_o if_o some_o of_o the_o book_n they_o have_v such_o a_o great_a veneration_n for_o favour_v such_o dangerous_a doctrine_n as_o our_o author_n think_v the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n do_v 96._o do_v fr._n p._n 272._o eng._n p._n 96._o and_o contain_v expression_n very_o like_o blasphemy_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o job_n 101._o job_n fr._n p._n 275._o eng._n p._n 101._o for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v certain_o very_o dangerous_a for_o man_n to_o search_v or_o be_v too_o much_o conversant_a in_o these_o book_n especial_o since_o they_o come_v recommend_v under_o the_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n it_o be_v strange_a our_o saviour_n 24.44_o saviour_n luk._n 24.44_o shall_v prove_v the_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o messiah_n not_o only_o out_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o out_o of_o the_o psalm_n by_o which_o our_o author_n 123._o author_n fr._n p._n 277._o eng._n p._n 123._o understand_v those_o write_n which_o the_o jew_n call_v chetubim_n if_o these_o book_n be_v of_o so_o little_a authority_n as_o he_o will_v persuade_v we_o they_o be_v mr._n n._n will_v fain_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o our_o saviour_n authority_n by_o tell_v we_o 105._o we_o fr._n p._n 278._o eng._n p._n 104_o 105._o that_o christ_n never_o design_v to_o criticise_v upon_o the_o sacred_a book_n or_o to_o correct_v those_o error_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v of_o small_a importance_n but_o since_o our_o saviour_n criticise_v so_o far_o upon_o the_o sacred_a book_n as_o to_o confute_v the_o false_a gloss_n 23._o gloss_n matt._n 5._o c._n 23._o which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v make_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o reject_v the_o tradition_n 15.1_o tradition_n c._n 15.1_o which_o they_o have_v equal_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o some_o case_n prefer_v before_o it_o it_o seem_v as_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o have_v distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a scripture_n and_o those_o book_n which_o be_v undeserved_o esteem_v such_o especial_o if_o these_o latter_a advance_v doctrine_n that_o do_v not_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o former_a as_o our_o author_n etc._n author_n fr._n p._n 272_o etc._n etc._n eng_n p._n 95_o etc._n etc._n endeavour_v to_o prove_v concern_v several_a place_n of_o the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o job_n for_o then_o the_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n be_v of_o as_o ill_a consequence_n as_o the_o receive_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v be_v nay_o with_o his_o leave_n i_o think_v it_o a_o error_n of_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o equal_a a_o book_n that_o be_v not_o inspire_a when_o it_o contain_v false_a doctrine_n with_o one_o that_o be_v true_o divine_a than_o to_o equal_a such_o tradition_n as_o the_o pharisee_n hold_v with_o a_o inspire_a write_n because_o a_o tradition_n will_v probable_o in_o time_n be_v forget_v and_o so_o lose_v all_o its_o authority_n which_o we_o see_v have_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o most_o of_o the_o pharisaical_a tradition_n whereas_o a_o book_n that_o have_v once_o be_v general_o repute_a of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v likely_a will_v maintain_v that_o character_n for_o ever_o for_o its_o very_a character_n will_v make_v man_n careful_a to_o preserve_v it_o and_o the_o old_a it_o grow_v the_o strong_a will_v the_o plea_n of_o prescription_n be_v for_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o consequent_o the_o more_o will_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o it_o as_o we_o see_v have_v actual_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o if_o our_o author_n opinion_n be_v true_a for_o the_o whole_a christian_a and_o jewish_a church_n have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n look_v upon_o the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a canon_n to_o be_v inspire_a and_o have_v upon_o all_o occasion_n appeal_v to_o their_o authority_n as_o such_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o error_n if_o it_o have_v be_v one_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o after_o age_n than_o his_o confute_v a_o unwritten_a tradition_n can_v be_v but_o further_a we_o find_v the_o apostle_n judgement_n do_v evident_o concur_v with_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o matter_n st._n paul_n say_v 3.2_o say_v rom._n 3.2_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v entrust_v 〈◊〉_d entrust_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n but_o sure_o he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o true_a to_o their_o trust_n if_o he_o have_v think_v they_o have_v mix_v profane_a book_n with_o the_o sacred_a one_o but_o that_o text_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n 3.16_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v so_o clear_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o evasion_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v timothy_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n by_o which_o he_o must_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o write_n which_o the_o jew_n look_v upon_o as_o such_o for_o in_o that_o religion_n he_o have_v be_v educate_v by_o the_o care_n of_o his_o mother_n who_o be_v a_o jewess_n 16.1_o jewess_n act._n 16.1_o then_o it_o follow_v in_o this_o verse_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n where_o the_o apostle_n certain_o understand_v the_o word_n scripture_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n which_o he_o take_v it_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o viz._n for_o that_o collection_n of_o write_n which_o the_o jew_n receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o pray_v let_v we_o hear_v our_o author_n paraphrase_n 270._o paraphrase_n eng._n p._n 192._o fr._n p._n 270._o upon_o these_o two_o verse_n it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v to_o timothy_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o keep_v close_o as_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o will_v instruct_v he_o sufficient_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o join_v thereunto_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o all_o scripture_n inspire_v as_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n i_o think_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n
it_o be_v of_o no_o long_a stand_n since_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n for_o josephus_n often_o call_v daniel_n a_o prophet_n 12._o prophet_n antiq._n l._n 10._o c._n 12._o nay_o one_o of_o the_o great_a genev_n great_a ib._n p._n 353._o g._n ed._n genev_n prophet_n and_o agreeable_o to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n our_o saviour_n give_v he_o the_o same_o title_n 24.15_o title_n matth._n 24.15_o but_o further_a the_o same_o josephus_n g._n josephus_n l._n 1._o c._n app._n p._n 1036._o g._n make_v use_v of_o another_o division_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n viz._n into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o prophetical_a under_o which_o he_o comprehend_v the_o historical_a because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n as_o he_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n suppose_v and_o the_o poetical_a book_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v or_o those_o which_o contain_v hymn_n to_o god_n and_o precept_n of_o good_a life_n which_o division_n agree_v much_o better_a with_o that_o mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n 24.44_o saviour_n luke_n 24.44_o viz._n into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n than_o the_o other_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v since_o that_o time_n invent_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v show_v that_o mr._n n._n by_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o receive_v book_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n nay_o and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n too_o what_o reason_n he_o have_v for_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o but_o at_o present_a let_v we_o examine_v what_o authority_n he_o have_v to_o oppose_v to_o such_o a_o powerful_a one_o as_o all_o these_o join_v together_o amount_v to_o and_o i_o can_v find_v no_o body_n that_o stand_v by_o he_o in_o this_o opinion_n but_o grotius_n and_o he_o he_o call_v in_o to_o his_o assistance_n at_o every_o turn_v but_o though_o i_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o grotius_n judgement_n yet_o i_o think_v if_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n to_o counterpoise_v that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o will_v be_v find_v too_o light_n that_o great_a man_n extraordinary_a learning_n and_o merit_n and_o particular_o his_o have_v so_o well_o deserve_v of_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n and_o give_v such_o light_n into_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o design_n make_v i_o willing_a to_o pass_v over_o his_o failure_n and_o not_o be_v severe_a upon_o his_o memory_n for_o those_o false_a gloss_n and_o some_o of_o they_o deserve_v a_o hard_a name_n which_o he_o have_v make_v upon_o other_o book_n of_o it_o only_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o this_o opinion_n of_o he_o concern_v the_o old_a testament_n canon_n be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o main_a design_n of_o his_o votum_fw-la pro_fw-la pace_n and_o those_o other_o treatise_n where_o he_o have_v assert_v it_o for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o those_o project_n for_o peace_n be_v to_o magnify_v antiquity_n tradition_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o show_v that_o catholic_n unity_n be_v never_o to_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o submit_v all_o controversy_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o these_o three_o as_o so_o many_o arbitrator_n or_o umpire_n between_o the_o different_a party_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antiquity_n and_o tradition_n he_o reject_v those_o book_n which_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n that_o the_o universal_a church_n uninterrupted_a tradition_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n can_v give_v they_o ii_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o exception_n which_o our_o author_n make_v against_o particular_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n he_o except_v against_o be_v either_o historical_a or_o those_o they_o common_o call_v poetical_a as_o to_o the_o historical_a write_n i_o agree_v with_o he_o thus_o far_o that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n be_v not_o usual_o inspire_a with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o they_o relate_v nor_o with_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o express_v the_o thing_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n 37._o chapter_n p._n 37._o of_o this_o treatise_n that_o a_o book_n may_v be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a mean_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n inspire_a the_o evangelist_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o they_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o or_o may_v easy_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o be_v so_o so_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o groundless_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n reveal_v those_o particular_n to_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n history_n which_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o by_o consult_v the_o record_n and_o ancient_a monument_n in_o which_o these_o matter_n be_v relate_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n and_o design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o mr._n n._n himself_o grant_v 28._o grant_v fr._n p._n 231._o en._n p._n 28._o that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v mere_o to_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n but_o to_o be_v a_o stand_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n to_o after_o age_n to_o show_v we_o the_o care_n that_o god_n always_o take_v of_o good_a people_n and_o the_o punishment_n he_o inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a to_o give_v we_o example_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o last_o to_o inform_v we_o of_o several_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n as_o contain_v many_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o set_v aside_o the_o squabble_n between_o f._n simon_n and_o his_o adversary_n about_o the_o scribe_n and_o keeper_n of_o the_o public_a register_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o prophet_n usual_o write_v the_o history_n of_o their_o king_n and_o those_o book_n which_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n and_o be_v annal_n from_o whence_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n be_v take_v for_o we_o find_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o hezekiah_n incorporate_v into_o isaiah_n prophecy_n 39_o prophecy_n be_v c._n 36_o 37_o 38_o 39_o which_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o that_o king_n reign_n be_v record_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n and_o indeed_o so_o much_o be_v express_o assert_v 2_o chron._n 32.32_o so_o the_o act_n of_o david_n be_v record_v by_o samuel_n the_o seer_n by_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o by_o gad_n the_o seer_n 29.29_o seer_n 1_o chr._n 29.29_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n and_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n 9.29_o seer_n 2_o chr._n 9.29_o the_o history_n of_o rehoboam_n reign_n be_v write_v by_o shemaiah_n the_o prophet_n and_o by_o iddo_n the_o seer_n in_o his_o genealogy_n 12.15_o genealogy_n 2_o chr._n 12.15_o the_o last_o of_o these_o record_v likewise_o the_o act_n of_o abijah_n rehoboam_n son_n 13.22_o son_n chap._n 13.22_o jehu_n the_o son_n of_o hanani_n who_o be_v a_o prophet_n 19.2_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 16.1_o 2_o chron._n 19.2_o write_v the_o history_n of_o jehoshaphat_n 20.34_o jehoshaphat_n 2_o chr._n 20.34_o the_o act_n of_o vzziah_n be_v record_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 26.22_o isaiah_n ch._n 26.22_o and_o those_o of_o manasses_n among_o the_o say_n of_o the_o seer_n 33.19_o seer_n ch._n 33.19_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o think_v we_o may_v most_o probable_o interpret_v those_o word_n of_o josephus_n genev._n josephus_n joseph_n c._n appion_n l._n 1._o p._n 1036._o ed._n genev._n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o quote_v of_o late_a upon_o this_o subject_a where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v write_v only_o by_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o they_o look_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o as_o authentic_a which_o be_v write_v after_o artaxerxe_n time_n because_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a succession_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n nor_o be_v huetius_n objection_n 161._o objection_n demon._n evangel_n p._n 161._o against_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n of_o any_o weight_n who_o affirm_v that_o josephus_n contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o just_a before_o viz._n that_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o care_n of_o write_v the_o public_a
history_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o that_o learned_a man_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v attend_v to_o the_o whole_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o josephus_n in_o that_o place_n for_o that_o historian_n do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o public_a history_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n but_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o public_a record_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o entire_a view_n of_o that_o section_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o josephus_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n be_v write_v but_o likewise_o how_o they_o be_v preserve_v after_o they_o be_v write_v the_o care_n of_o write_v they_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o other_o passage_n assure_v we_o not_o exclude_v those_o priest_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n the_o preserve_v they_o he_o here_o tell_v we_o be_v particular_o the_o business_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o likewise_o exact_o preserve_v the_o genealogy_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o renew_v they_o when_o the_o copy_n be_v impair_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v all_o lose_v by_o war_n and_o other_o accident_n and_o therefore_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o public_a record_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o same_o author_n usual_o call_v the_o holy_a write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d g._n 〈◊〉_d antiq._n p._n 73._o g._n p._n 140._o a._n p._n 176._o g._n the_o book_n lay_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n under_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o neighbour_a country_n for_o so_o philo_n byblius_n 1_o byblius_n ap._n euseb_n praep._n evang._n l._n 1_o say_v of_o sanchuniathon_n that_o he_o collect_v the_o phenician_a antiquity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o the_o record_n lay_v up_o in_o their_o temple_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o subject_n from_o those_o many_o instance_n i_o have_v give_v which_o show_n it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v their_o historian_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o man_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o inspiration_n and_o though_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v but_o abridgement_n of_o the_o large_a commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o they_o be_v real_o of_o as_o much_o authority_n as_o those_o very_a annal_n will_v be_v which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v extant_a for_o if_o a_o epitome_n be_v faithful_o make_v and_o i_o suppose_v mr._n n._n do_v not_o question_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o sacred_a historian_n whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n and_o credibility_n with_o the_o original_a write_n so_o that_o if_o we_o lie_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o the_o character_n of_o the_o compiler_n of_o these_o historical_a book_n the_o matter_n and_o design_n of_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n and_o above_o all_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n these_o be_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o believe_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v enough_o to_o give_v divine_a authority_n to_o a_o historical_a book_n though_o neither_o the_o matter_n nor_o word_n of_o it_o be_v indict_v by_o inspiration_n as_o for_o the_o history_n of_o esther_n mr._n n._n have_v take_v much_o pain_n 249._o pain_n fr._n p._n 164_o etc._n etc._n eng._n p._n 249._o and_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o skill_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o dramatic_a poesy_n and_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o book_n look_v like_o a_o fiction_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o tragicomedy_n he_o indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o affirm_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o party_n in_o the_o dispute_n but_o a_o man_n will_v hardly_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o make_v another_o opinion_n look_v probable_a if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o so_o himself_o but_o whatever_o his_o own_o sentiment_n be_v to_o show_v himself_o impartial_a and_o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o conceal_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o critical_o remark_n 252._o remark_n eng._n p._n 169._o fr._n p._n 252._o that_o one_o condition_n necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o dramatic_a write_n be_v want_v viz._n unity_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o must_v needs_o seem_v a_o considerable_a objection_n to_o so_o nice_a a_o judge_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o objection_n which_o i_o confess_v have_v more_o weight_n with_o i_o and_o seem_v quite_o to_o turn_v the_o scale_n and_o make_v his_o remark_n appear_v mere_a fancy_n and_o fiction_n viz._n that_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n be_v real_o observe_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o deliverance_n record_v in_o this_o book_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v i_o believe_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v keep_v a_o anniversary_n feast_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v 15.36_o do_v 2_o macâ—_n 15.36_o without_o some_o real_a ground_n for_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a occasion_n of_o it_o as_o he_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v 253._o insinuate_v eng._n p_o 170._o fr._n p._n 253._o i_o desire_v either_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o feast_n to_o be_v as_o very_o a_o fiction_n as_o he_o suppose_v the_o history_n be_v or_o else_o inform_v we_o how_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o be_v so_o far_o impose_v upon_o as_o to_o observe_v it_o for_o till_o he_o do_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n i_o shall_v still_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o real_a feast_n and_o the_o other_o a_o true_a history_n but_o though_o this_o play_n do_v not_o succeed_v he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o give_v over_o but_o try_v his_o skill_n upon_o another_o subject_a and_o turn_v the_o book_n of_o job_n into_o a_o tragicomedy_n 99_o tragicomedy_n fr._n p._n â—â—4_n eng._n p._n 99_o and_o i_o confess_v this_o book_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o poetry_n and_o with_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o too_o as_o a_o ordinary_a reader_n may_v easy_o discover_v under_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o translation_n and_o therefore_o methinks_v our_o author_n who_o understand_v the_o rule_n and_o decorum_n of_o poetry_n so_o well_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o those_o pathetic_a strain_n that_o be_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n and_o some_o other_o place_n of_o that_o book_n for_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o they_o will_v not_o become_v a_o grave_a philosophical_a discourse_n yet_o i_o believe_v he_o may_v have_v find_v several_a speech_n in_o the_o old_a tragedy_n write_v with_o as_o much_o vehemence_n and_o warmth_n and_o yet_o the_o severe_a philosopher_n commend_v those_o write_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o contain_v very_o useful_a instruction_n of_o life_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n suffer_v the_o holy_a writer_n to_o comply_v so_o far_o with_o their_o own_o genius_n and_o the_o humour_n which_o then_o prevail_v among_o the_o grave_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o deliver_v great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n in_o poetical_a number_n and_o expression_n both_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o nice_a reader_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o despise_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v as_o elevate_v thought_n and_o as_o noble_a expression_n in_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o any_o greece_n or_o rome_n can_v boast_v of_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o use_v a_o plain_a popular_a style_n it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o choice_n and_o because_o they_o rather_o aim_v at_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o ignorant_a than_o to_o gain_v applause_n from_o the_o learned_a cant._n learned_a v._o orig._n c._n cell_n p._n 275_o 371_o 372._o ed._n cant._n but_o still_o man_n perhaps_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o these_o expression_n may_v do_v well_o in_o a_o profane_a poem_n but_o be_v not_o so_o proper_a for_o a_o sacred_a one_o and_o do_v not_o become_v the_o mouth_n of_o a_o person_n eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o patience_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v the_o objector_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o 3_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n which_o so_o much_o offend_v mr._n n._n 100_o n._n fr._n p._n 275._o eng._n p._n 100_o when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o