for_o we_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n for_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v by_o natural_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o without_o some_o other_o light_n moreover_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o mind_v demonstration_n will_v entertain_v no_o scripture_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o philosopher_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o suppose_v philosopher_n can_v err_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o true_o will_v be_v a_o new_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o priesthood_n which_o the_o vulgar_a will_v rather_o scorn_v then_o reverence_n and_o though_o our_o method_n require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v no_o time_n to_o study_v nothing_o can_v upon_o that_o score_n be_v object_v for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o it_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n though_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v which_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v to_o make_v themselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o prophet_n meaning_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o method_n that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v necessary_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n that_o know_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o maimonides_n can_v never_o show_v i_o a_o common_a people_n that_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o knowledge_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o these_o day_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v not_o know_v may_v be_v easy_o understand_v in_o any_o language_n because_o they_o be_v so_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o for_o this_o knowledge_n the_o vulgar_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n in_o other_o thing_n they_o follow_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o to_o return_v to_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o maimonides_n opinion_n first_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v in_o all_o thing_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a philosopher_n because_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o their_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o second_o chapter_n to_o be_v false_a next_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v any_o thing_n nor_o do_v it_o prove_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v by_o definition_n and_o primary_n cause_n wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v neither_o appear_v or_o be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v likewise_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o present_a chapter_n for_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o example_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v derive_v thence_o even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n unknown_a to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n last_o maimonides_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o according_a to_o our_o preconceive_a opinion_n to_o expound_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o deny_v or_o change_v the_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o be_v it_o never_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a which_o liberty_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o what_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o this_o and_o other_o chapter_n and_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o boldness_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o this_o liberty_n what_o advantage_n will_v he_o get_v by_o it_o none_o at_o all_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v by_o this_o way_n make_v out_o nor_o by_o this_o rule_n expound_v or_o interpret_v they_o when_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o follow_v our_o method_n we_o may_v explain_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n perceptible_a their_o sense_n be_v easy_o draw_v from_o the_o context_n and_o as_o maimonides_n method_n be_v unprofitable_a so_o it_o take_v from_o the_o common_a people_n all_o certainty_n which_o they_o and_o all_o that_o follow_v any_o other_o method_n can_v by_o diligent_a read_n have_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o reject_v it_o as_o dangerous_a useless_a and_o absurd_a as_o for_o the_o forementioned_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o and_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n authority_n i_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n deny_v it_o but_o because_o it_o want_v clear_a proof_n for_o have_v they_o as_o much_o scripture_n to_o show_v for_o it_o as_o heretofore_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n have_v for_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o little_a concern_v that_o some_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o that_o the_o high-priest_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v sometime_o as_o bad_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o command_n of_o scripture_n have_v still_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 17_o chap._n of_o deut._n v._n 11_o 12._o chap._n 33._o v._n 10._o and_o mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o but_o because_o the_o pope_n can_v show_v we_o no_o such_o testimony_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o and_o think_v that_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a high-priest_n the_o catholic_a religion_n also_o want_v a_o high_a priest_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o public_a law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o need_v a_o public_a authority_n to_o maintain_v they_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n the_o public_a law_n as_o he_o please_v no_o commonwealth_n can_v stand_v but_o present_o dissolve_v and_o public_a law_n become_v private_a but_o in_o religion_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a for_o see_v religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o external_a action_n as_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v of_o no_o public_a power_n or_o authority_n for_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o infuse_v by_o the_o command_n of_o law_n or_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v compel_v by_o force_n or_o by_o law_n to_o be_v make_v holy_a nothing_o but_o good_a brotherly_a council_n education_n and_o a_o man_n own_o free_a judgement_n can_v do_v that_o see_v then_o every_o man_n have_v right_a to_o think_v of_o religion_n as_o he_o please_v and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v any_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o right_n it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o judge_v of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o expound_v and_o interpret_v it_o to_o himself_o for_o as_o the_o chief_n power_n of_o interpret_n law_n and_o judge_v of_o public_a matter_n reside_v in_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o be_v public_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o explain_v and_o judge_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o every_o particular_a person_n because_o it_o be_v every_o private_a man_n right_a the_o authority_n then_o of_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n to_o interpret_v law_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v the_o pope_n authority_n to_o interpret_v religion_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n i._o the_o best_a for_o see_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o interpret_n it_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o not_o any_o supernatural_a light_n or_o external_a authority_n this_o method_n ought_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a that_o none_o but_o acute_a philosopher_n can_v make_v use_n of_o or_o compose_v it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v
high_a priest_n who_o receive_v answer_n from_o god_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o militia_n nor_o have_v he_o any_o share_n in_o the_o government_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o land_n have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v law_n the_o chief_a priest_n aaron_n and_o his_o son_n eleazar_n be_v both_o choose_v by_o moses_n but_o when_o moses_n be_v dead_o no_o man_n have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v the_o high_a priest_n but_o the_o son_n still_o succeed_v the_o father_n the_o general_n of_o the_o army_n be_v also_o elect_v by_o moses_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n but_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o generalship_n or_o supreme_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o moses_n give_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o joshua_n die_v the_o high_a priest_n choose_v no_o body_n into_o his_o place_n nor_o do_v the_o prince_n ask_v council_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o new_a general_n but_o every_o one_o command_v the_o particular_a militia_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n and_o all_o the_o prince_n joint_o together_o have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a army_n that_o joshua_n have_v and_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o general_n unless_o when_o they_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o a_o enemy_n with_o joint_a force_n of_o which_o there_o be_v constant_a occasion_n and_o necessity_n in_o ioshua_n time_n when_o they_o have_v no_o fix_a place_n of_o abode_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o common_a but_o after_o all_o the_o tribe_n be_v by_o right_a of_o conquest_n possess_v of_o land_n which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v and_o divide_v among_o themselves_o and_o property_n begin_v then_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n of_o a_o general_n because_o the_o several_a tribe_n by_o that_o division_n become_v not_o only_a fellow_n subject_n but_o confederate_n they_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n fellow-subject_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o one_o tribe_n power_n over_o another_o no_o more_o than_o confederate_n in_o all_o particular_n that_o of_o the_o jew_n public_a temple_n except_v like_o the_o state_n of_o the_o seven_o unite_a province_n for_o the_o division_n of_o that_o which_o be_v common_a into_o part_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o every_o man_n possess_v his_o own_o part_n and_o the_o rest_n quit_v the_o right_n which_o they_o have_v to_o it_o moses_n therefore_o choose_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o tribe_n that_o after_o the_o land_n and_o the_o government_n be_v divide_v every_o one_o may_v take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o part_n that_o be_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o every_o tribe_n shall_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n ask_v council_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n that_o he_o shall_v command_v the_o militia_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n build_v and_o fortify_v city_n appoint_v judge_n in_o every_o city_n fight_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n and_o have_v the_o absolute_a power_n of_o peace_n and_o war_n within_o his_o own_o tribe_n nor_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v any_o other_o judge_n over_o he_o but_o god_n or_o a_o prophet_n who_o god_n shall_v express_o send_v and_o if_o he_o depart_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n be_v to_o account_v he_o no_o subject_a but_o fight_v against_o he_o as_o a_o public_a enemy_n that_o have_v violate_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n of_o which_o in_o scripture_n we_o have_v several_a example_n when_o joshua_n be_v dead_a the_o child_n of_o israel_n without_o any_o new_a general_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n and_o when_o they_o understand_v that_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n be_v first_o to_o assault_v the_o enemy_n juda_n agree_v only_o with_o his_o brother_n simeon_n to_o go_v up_o with_o unite_a force_n and_o fight_v the_o enemy_n of_o both_o their_o lot_n in_o which_o agreement_n none_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n be_v comprehend_v see_v judge_n c._n 1._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o every_o tribe_n as_o that_o chapter_n declare_v fight_v separately_z against_o its_o own_o particular_a enemy_n and_o spare_v the_o life_n of_o who_o they_o please_v though_o they_o be_v command_v upon_o no_o term_n to_o spare_v any_o but_o to_o extirpate_v all_o for_o which_o sin_n they_o be_v indeed_o reprove_v but_o never_o call_v to_o account_v for_o it_o when_o the_o tribe_n make_v war_n one_o upon_o another_o and_o meddle_v with_o one_o another_o affair_n in_o assault_v the_o benjamite_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v just_o offend_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n by_o break_v the_o common_a bond_n of_o peace_n so_o that_o none_o of_o their_o confederate_n can_v safe_o venture_v themselves_o among_o they_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n invade_v the_o benjamite_n in_o a_o hostile_a manner_n and_o after_o the_o fight_n of_o three_o several_a battle_n have_v conquer_v they_o by_o right_a of_o war_n put_v all_o nocent_a and_o innocent_a to_o the_o sword_n which_o they_o afterward_o repent_v too_o late_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o power_n of_o every_o particular_a tribe_n be_v by_o these_o example_n confirm_v but_o some_o body_n will_v perhaps_o ask_v who_o choose_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o every_o particular_a tribe_n i_o find_v nothing_o certain_a in_o scripture_n concern_v it_o but_o see_v every_o tribe_n be_v divide_v into_o family_n and_o the_o elder_a be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o family_n i_o suppose_v of_o these_o head_n the_o elder_a do_v by_o right_o succeed_v he_o that_o be_v prince_n of_o these_o senior_n or_o elder_n moses_n choose_v the_o seventy_o that_o be_v to_o assist_v he_o who_o with_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a council_n and_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n have_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n by_o elder_n often_o in_o scripture_n and_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v mean_v judge_n but_o this_o particular_a not_o be_v much_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o i_o have_v prove_v no_o person_n after_o moses_n death_n execute_v all_o the_o office_n of_o supreme_a power_n for_o since_o all_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o one_o single_a person_n nor_o upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n or_o people_n but_o some_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o one_o tribe_n other_o by_o another_o by_o the_o equal_a power_n and_o joint_a authority_n of_o every_o one_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o from_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n the_o government_n be_v neither_o monarchical_a aristocratical_a or_o popular_a but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v theocratical_a first_o because_o the_o temple_n be_v the_o palace_n of_o the_o government_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n only_o all_o the_o tribe_n be_v fellow-citizen_n second_o because_o all_o the_o citizen_n or_o subject_n be_v to_o swear_v fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n to_o god_n their_o supreme_a judge_n to_o who_o only_o they_o promise_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o last_o because_o the_o chief_a commander_n or_o general_n when_o there_o be_v occasion_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o none_o but_o god_n which_o moses_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n express_o prophesy_v to_o the_o people_n deut._n 17._o 15._o which_o likewise_o appear_v by_o the_o election_n of_o gideon_n samson_n and_o samuel_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o faithful_a captain_n be_v choose_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o it_o be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o their_o history_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o lay_v open_a it_o be_v time_n to_o inquire_v how_o this_o con_n by_o poverty_n sell_v his_o land_n when_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n come_v it_o be_v e_o who_o do_v govern_v as_o of_o those_o that_o be_v govern_v that_o neither_o the_o subject_n shall_v become_v rebel_n nor_o the_o governors_n tyrant_n they_o that_o have_v supreme_a power_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o government_n when_o they_o wicked_o oppress_v and_o abuse_v their_o subject_n they_o still_o endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o all_o their_o action_n be_v just_a and_o legal_a which_o may_v be_v easy_o do_v when_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n depend_v only_o upon_o they_o it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v they_o take_v so_o much_o liberty_n of_o do_v what_o their_o desire_n dictate_v and_o think_v much_o of_o their_o prerogative_n lose_v when_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n be_v in_o any_o but_o themselves_o or_o when_o the_o law_n be_v so_o perspicuous_o and_o clear_o interpret_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v concern_v they_o the_o jew_n therefore_o be_v very_o much_o secure_v against_o the_o oppression_n and_o injustice_n of_o their_o prince_n by_o moses_n give_v the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n to_o the_o
levite_n deut._n chap._n 21._o v._n 15._o who_o have_v no_o administration_n or_o part_n in_o the_o government_n with_o the_o rest_n but_o all_o their_o honour_n and_o fortune_n depend_v upon_o their_o true_o and_o right_o interpret_n the_o law._n moreover_o all_o the_o people_n be_v command_v once_o in_o every_o seven_o year_n to_o assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n where_o the_o high_a priest_n read_v and_o expound_v to_o they_o the_o law_n and_o likewise_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v oblige_v constant_o with_o great_a care_n to_o read_v over_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n see_v deut._n chap._n 21._o five_o 9_o and_o chap._n 6._o v._n 7._o the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n therefore_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n be_v to_o take_v good_a heed_n that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o know_a prescription_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o law_n if_o they_o expect_v any_o honour_n from_o the_o people_n who_o will_v then_o reverence_v they_o as_o god_n minister_n and_o vicegerent_n otherwise_o they_o must_v expect_v the_o universal_a hatred_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n another_o thing_n which_o very_o much_o bridle_v the_o exorbitant_a power_n and_o lust_n of_o their_o prince_n be_v their_o militia_n be_v form_v out_o of_o their_o own_o people_n none_o from_o twenty_o to_o sixty_o except_v it_o not_o be_v in_o the_o prince_n power_n to_o levy_v or_o keep_v in_o pay_v any_o foreign_a force_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o prince_n can_v possible_o oppress_v their_o subject_n without_o force_n in_o continual_a pay_n and_o prince_n fear_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o arm_a subject_n by_o who_o valour_n labour_n and_o expense_n of_o blood_n the_o glory_n and_o liberty_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v purchase_v and_o secure_v therefore_o alexander_n when_o he_o be_v to_o fight_v a_o second_o battle_n against_o darius_n hear_v parmenio_n give_v advice_n which_o do_v not_o please_v he_o quintus_z curtius_n in_o his_o four_o book_n say_v alexander_n will_v not_o check_v parmenio_n again_o though_o he_o have_v upbraid_v alexander_n more_o bitter_o than_o be_v expedient_a but_o fall_v upon_o polyperchon_n who_o be_v of_o parmenio_n opinion_n nor_o can_v alexander_n oppress_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o macedonian_n which_o he_o most_o fear_v till_o after_o he_o have_v out_o of_o the_o prisoner_n he_o take_v form_v troop_n that_o out-numbred_n his_o own_o people_n that_o be_v do_v he_o do_v what_o he_o please_v be_v before_o restrain_v by_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o best_a of_o his_o own_o subject_n enjoy_v and_o if_o this_o liberty_n of_o arm_a subject_n in_o other_o government_n be_v a_o bridle_n to_o prince_n who_o ascribe_v to_o themselves_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o victory_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o much_o great_a curb_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o jewish_a tribe_n who_o soldier_n fight_v not_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o prince_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o venture_v no_o battle_n till_o they_o receive_v a_o answer_n from_o god._n what_o be_v more_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v associate_v and_o link_v together_o by_o a_o religious_a covenant_n so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o forsake_v the_o public_a religion_n and_o offer_v to_o violate_v every_o man_n divine_a right_n they_o may_v just_o account_v he_o a_o public_a enemy_n and_o destroy_v he_o three_o another_o thing_n which_o keep_v the_o jewish_a prince_n within_o bound_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o a_o new_a prophet_n for_o if_o any_o man_n of_o a_o unblameable_a life_n and_o conversation_n can_v by_o some_o certain_a sign_n prove_v himself_o a_o prophet_n that_o prophet_n have_v present_o right_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o moses_n himself_o have_v by_o revelation_n and_o not_o as_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v to_o consult_v god_n by_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o without_o doubt_v such_o prophet_n can_v easy_o make_v the_o oppress_a people_n of_o their_o party_n and_o by_o some_o little_a sign_n persuade_v they_o to_o what_o they_o please_v but_o when_o justice_n be_v due_o administer_v the_o prince_n can_v make_v such_o timely_a provision_n that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v so_o far_o submit_v to_o his_o judgement_n as_o to_o be_v strict_o examine_v whether_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v good_a whether_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o mission_n be_v true_a and_o last_o whether_o that_o which_o he_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o religion_n and_o law_n of_o the_o country_n if_o the_o sign_n he_o give_v fail_v or_o if_o his_o doctrine_n be_v new_a he_o may_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v just_o condemn_v or_o else_o approve_v and_o receive_v four_o the_o prince_n can_v not_o claim_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o be_v more_o noble_o descend_v than_o other_o but_o have_v right_o to_o it_o only_o by_o seniority_n of_o age_n and_o merit_n last_o the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o army_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o desire_v peace_n as_o war_n for_o the_o militia_n be_v compose_v only_o of_o jewish_a subject_n the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v soldier_n manage_v affair_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n he_o that_o be_v a_o commander_n in_o the_o field_n be_v in_o the_o tribunal_n a_o judge_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o general_n in_o the_o camp_n be_v a_o prince_n in_o the_o city_n therefore_o none_o can_v desire_v war_n for_o war_n sake_n but_o only_o to_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o to_o defend_v their_o subject_n liberty_n perhaps_o the_o prince_n abstain_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a from_o innovation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o attend_v and_o wait_v on_o the_o high_a priest_n which_o he_o may_v think_v beneath_o his_o dignity_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n which_o keep_v the_o prince_n within_o bound_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o keep_v the_o people_n to_o their_o duty_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o government_n will_v make_v this_o clear_a for_o whosoever_o consider_v they_o will_v find_v they_o beget_v so_o much_o affection_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v think_v of_o betray_v or_o desert_v his_o country_n but_o must_v be_v so_o much_o affect_v with_o it_o that_o he_o will_v suffer_v any_o extremity_n rather_o than_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o other_o foreign_a government_n for_o after_o they_o transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n acknowledge_v their_o kingdom_n to_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o believe_v they_o only_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o nation_n god_n enemy_n believe_v their_o mortal_a hatred_n against_o they_o to_o be_v piety_n see_v psal._n 139._o v_o 21_o 22._o they_o can_v abhor_v nothing_o more_o than_o swear_v fidelity_n and_o promise_a obedience_n to_o stranger_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v think_v so_o execrable_a and_o abominable_a as_o betray_v their_o country_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v it_o be_v count_v a_o horrible_a offence_n to_o go_v out_o of_o their_o country_n to_o live_v because_o they_o will_v not_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o be_v strict_o oblige_v any_o where_o but_o in_o their_o own_o land_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o holy_a land_n and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n beside_o esteem_v by_o they_o profane_a and_o unclean_a therefore_o david_n be_v force_v by_o saul_n to_o fly_v his_o country_n complain_v in_o these_o word_n 1_o sam._n chap._n 26._o v._n 19_o if_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o have_v stir_v thou_o up_o against_o i_o curse_a be_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o have_v drive_v i_o out_o this_o day_n from_o abide_v in_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v go_v serve_v other_o gods._n this_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o be_v very_o worthy_a observation_n that_o no_o jewish_a subject_n be_v ever_o condemn_v to_o banishment_n he_o that_o sin_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v but_o his_o punishment_n oughr_fw-mi not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n the_o affection_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v for_o their_o country_n be_v not_o simple_o love_n but_o piety_n which_o with_o their_o hatred_n to_o other_o nation_n be_v so_o augment_v by_o their_o daily_a worship_n that_o it_o become_v natural_a to_o they_o for_o their_o daily_a worship_n be_v not_o only_o different_a from_o but_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o do_v not_o only_o live_v unmixed_a but_o separate_v from_o they_o continual_a reproach_n must_v necessary_o beget_v perpetual_a hatred_n and_o there_o be_v no_o hatred_n so_o great_a and_o last_a as_o that_o which_o be_v ground_v upon_o
sanctify_v they_o for_o myself_o but_o after_o all_o the_o people_n the_o levite_n only_o except_v have_v worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n they_o be_v defile_v and_o reject_v and_o the_o levite_n who_o side_v with_o moses_n as_o appear_v exod._n chap._n 32._o v._n 20_o 27._o be_v choose_v into_o their_o room_n deut._n chap._n 10._o v._n 8._o the_o lord_n separate_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o minister_v he_o and_o to_o bless_v his_o name_n which_o change_n when_o i_o serious_o consider_v it_o make_v i_o think_v of_o those_o word_n in_o tacitus_n hillo_o tempore_fw-la non_fw-la fuisse_fw-la deo_fw-la curae_fw-la securitatem_fw-la illorum_fw-la fuisse_fw-la ultionem_fw-la at_o that_o time_n god_n take_v more_o care_n to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o they_o than_o to_o preserve_v they_o god_n be_v so_o extreme_o incense_v against_o they_o that_o though_o law_n usual_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n honour_n and_o security_n of_o people_n yet_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v the_o jew_n be_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o punish_v and_o be_v revenge_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o their_o law_n be_v not_o law_n that_o be_v the_o people_n safety_n but_o their_o plague_n and_o pnnishment_n consider_v how_o many_o thing_n the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n beside_o the_o money_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o first-born_a consider_v likewise_o that_o the_o levite_n be_v only_o permit_v to_o come_v near_o whatever_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o continual_o mind_v the_o people_n of_o their_o uncleanness_n and_o repudiation_n with_o which_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a the_o levite_n may_v often_o reproach_v they_o for_o among_o so_o many_o thousand_o levite_n no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v some_o troublesome_a pragmatical_a fellow_n who_o provoke_v the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v quit_v with_o the_o levite_n narrow_o watch_v and_o pry_v into_o their_o action_n who_o be_v but_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o fail_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o as_o be_v usual_a be_v charge_v upon_o the_o whole_a function_n and_o at_o last_o especial_o when_o provision_n be_v dear_a in_o all_o probability_n the_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o maintain_v so_o many_o lazy_a idle_a and_o hate_a person_n who_o be_v no_o kin_n at_o all_o to_o they_o no_o wonder_n then_o when_o the_o people_n be_v at_o ease_n and_o public_a miracle_n cease_v if_o they_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n become_v remiss_a and_o the_o covetous_a incense_a mind_n of_o the_o people_n grow_v careless_a and_o neglect_v the_o divine_a worship_n of_o which_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v suspicious_a and_o ashamed_a desire_v a_o new_a it_o be_v likewise_o possible_a that_o the_o prince_n to_o keep_v the_o command_a power_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n may_v court_v the_o people_n to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o against_o the_o priest_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o have_v the_o duration_n and_o security_n of_o the_o government_n be_v design_v when_o it_o be_v first_o institute_v thing_n may_v have_v go_v well_o if_o all_o the_o tribe_n have_v have_v equal_a honour_n and_o power_n for_o who_o will_v have_v violate_v the_o sacred_a right_n of_o his_o kindred_n they_o will_v rather_o for_o piety_n and_o religion_n sake_n have_v maintain_v their_o parent_n brother_n and_o kinsman_n see_v from_o they_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o divine_a oracle_n the_o tribe_n will_v have_v be_v tie_v in_o a_o strict_a bond_n of_o amity_n if_o all_o have_v have_v equal_a power_n of_o administer_a in_o the_o temple_n at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v less_o fear_n of_o discord_n if_o the_o election_n of_o the_o levite_n have_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n but_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v god_n be_v very_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o that_o i_o may_v again_o use_v ezekiel_n expression_n he_o pollute_v they_o with_o their_o gift_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o first-born_a that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o this_o appear_v by_o their_o history_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o be_v idle_a in_o the_o wilderness_n many_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n begin_v to_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o tribe_n believe_v that_o moses_n do_v not_o act_v by_o god_n command_n but_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o himself_o please_v because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v a_o perpetual_a settlement_n of_o the_o priesthood_n upon_o his_o own_o brother_n so_o that_o a_o tumult_n be_v raise_v they_o tell_v moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o all_o the_o congregation_n be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o holy_a and_o that_o they_o lift_v themselves_o up_o above_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o reason_n can_v appease_v they_o but_o they_o be_v all_o miraculous_o destroy_v which_o occasion_v a_o universal_a sedition_n among_o all_o the_o people_n who_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o perish_v be_v not_o destroy_v by_o god_n judgement_n but_o by_o some_o trick_n of_o moses_n after_o which_o follow_v a_o great_a plague_n which_o make_v the_o people_n weary_a of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o sedition_n but_o not_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o amity_n or_o affection_n and_o god_n tell_v moses_n deut._n chap._n 33._o v._n 21._o that_o he_o know_v the_o imagination_n the_o people_n go_v about_o even_o before_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o land_n which_o he_o swear_v and_o moses_n a_o little_a after_o verse_n 27._o say_v to_o the_o people_n i_o know_v thy_o rebellion_n and_o thy_o stiff_a neck_n behold_v while_o i_o be_o yet_o alive_a with_o you_o this_o day_n you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o much_o more_o after_o my_o death_n and_o as_o all_o the_o world_n know_v so_o it_o happen_v great_a change_n all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n luxury_n and_o idleness_n make_v they_o grow_v daily_o worse_o and_o worse_o till_o be_v often_o beat_v by_o their_o enemy_n they_o break_v their_o holy_a covenant_n and_o desire_v a_o mortal_a king._n the_o temple_n become_v his_o palace_n and_o the_o tribe_n cast_v off_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o priesthood_n his_o subject_n the_o elect_v of_o a_o king_n be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o new_a sedition_n to_o reign_v precarious_o or_o suffer_v any_o power_n to_o control_v they_o be_v intolerable_a to_o their_o king_n they_o who_o from_o private_a man_n be_v elect_v to_o the_o throne_n be_v content_v with_o the_o dignity_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o when_o their_o son_n come_v by_o right_o of_o succession_n to_o the_o crown_n they_o begin_v by_o degree_n to_o make_v alteration_n that_o the_o supreme_a power_n may_v reside_v only_o in_o they_o which_o power_n they_o have_v not_o so_o long_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o in_o their_o hand_n but_o be_v interpret_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n so_o that_o the_o king_n be_v still_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o have_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o abrogate_v the_o old_a or_o make_v new._n moreover_o the_o levite_n have_v power_n to_o keep_v the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subject_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v profane_a person_n from_o meddle_v with_o sacred_a matter_n last_o because_o all_o the_o power_n of_o their_o king_n depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o one_o who_o be_v account_v a_o prophet_n of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o example_n in_o samuel_n who_o with_o great_a boldness_n and_o liberty_n command_v saul_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v and_o for_o one_o offence_n only_o transfer_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o david_n which_o indeed_o make_v the_o government_n perfect_o precarious_a to_o avoid_v this_o their_o king_n consecrate_v other_o temple_n that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o consult_v the_o levite_n and_o inquire_v after_o other_o to_o prophesy_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o be_v account_v true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o compass_v their_o end_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v still_o ready_a watch_v their_o opportunity_n till_o a_o successor_n come_v and_o then_o the_o prophet_n by_o their_o divine_a power_n do_v sometime_o set_v up_o some_o famous_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o king_n do_v under_o pretence_n of_o vindicate_a religion_n endeavour_v to_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a power_n or_o some_o part_n thereof_o but_o neither_o this_o way_n can_v the_o prophet_n compass_n their_o end_n for_o though_o they_o take_v away_o the_o tyrant_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o tyranny_n still_o remain_v and_o they_o do_v with_o a_o great_a effusion_n of_o the_o subject_n blood_n only_o
purchase_v another_o new_a tyrant_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o discord_n and_o intestine_a war_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o violate_v god_n law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o which_o can_v never_o end_v but_o with_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o have_v now_o see_v how_o religion_n begin_v in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n and_o how_o the_o government_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a if_o the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n will_v have_v permit_v it_o to_o continue_v but_o because_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o it_o perish_v i_o have_v here_o speak_v only_o of_o their_o first_o government_n the_o second_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o their_o first_o see_v they_o be_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o persian_n after_o they_o obtain_v their_o liberty_n of_o cyrus_n the_o high_a priest_n become_v their_o prince_n by_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n the_o priest_n have_v as_o great_a a_o mind_n to_o the_o crown_n as_o to_o the_o mitre_n of_o this_o second_o government_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o whether_o their_o first_o government_n as_o it_o be_v conceive_v durable_a or_o religious_a be_v a_o pattern_n that_o may_v be_v follow_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v particular_o observe_v that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o divine_a right_n or_o religion_n have_v its_o beginning_n and_o rise_v from_o a_o covenant_n or_o contract_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o right_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o precept_n of_o religion_n to_o show_v any_o kindness_n towards_o any_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o only_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o commonwealth_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v from_o the_o government_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n though_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o example_n that_o can_v now_o be_v follow_v nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v by_o a_o express_a contract_n or_o covenant_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o transfer_v their_o power_n but_o also_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o the_o power_n be_v transfer_v aught_o to_o be_v know_v but_o god_n have_v reveal_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v write_v with_o ink_n nor_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o shall_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o government_n under_o which_o the_o jew_n live_v may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o who_o live_v alone_o without_o any_o foreign_a trade_n or_o commerce_n who_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o own_o territory_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a fit_a for_o people_n that_o live_v by_o trade_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v to_o very_a few_o people_n that_o the_o jewish_a government_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o advantage_n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n that_o can_v be_v follow_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n very_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n and_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n because_o my_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v express_o of_o government_n i_o will_v pass_v many_o thing_n by_o and_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o that_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v majesty_n elective_a that_o be_v to_o choose_v the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o government_n for_o after_o the_o jew_n transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o deliver_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o govern_v to_o moses_n who_o thereby_o have_v in_o god_n name_n the_o sole_a authority_n of_o make_v and_o abrogate_a law_n of_o choose_v sacred_a minister_n and_o likewise_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o teach_v judge_a and_o punish_v and_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o judge_v the_o people_n nor_o to_o excommunicate_v any_o person_n for_o none_o can_v do_v that_o but_o the_o judge_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v joshua_n chap._n 6._o v._n 26._o where_o joshua_n adjure_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rebuild_v jericho_n judge_n chap._n 21._o v._n 18._o where_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n appoint_v what_o woman_n the_o benjamite_n shall_v marry_v to_o propagate_v their_o tribe_n and_o 1_o sam._n chap._n 14._o v._n 24._o where_o saul_n command_v the_o people_n not_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n till_o evening_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o history_n and_o success_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v other_o thing_n very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o different_a sect_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o till_o after_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o second_o government_n usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n to_o make_v their_o authority_n last_v they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n which_o the_o prince_n have_v and_o at_o last_o will_v be_v call_v king_n the_o reason_n be_v apparent_a for_o in_o the_o first_o government_n nothing_o be_v make_v law_n by_o the_o high_a priest_n because_o he_o have_v no_o power_n of_o decree_a any_o thing_n his_o business_n be_v only_o to_o return_v those_o answer_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o council_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n so_o that_o at_o that_o time_n their_o high_a priest_n can_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v new_a decree_n but_o only_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v their_o know_a duty_n for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n against_o the_o prince_n but_o by_o keep_v the_o law_n free_a from_o violation_n and_o corruption_n but_o after_o the_o priest_n get_v power_n of_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o of_o priest_n become_v prince_n than_o every_o one_o as_o well_o in_o religion_n as_o other_o affair_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n determine_v by_o the_o pontifical_a authority_n daily_o make_v decree_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v as_o sacred_a as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o religion_n degenerate_v into_o horrible_a superstition_n the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o priest_n after_o the_o restauration_n attempt_v to_o get_v the_o supreme_a power_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o gain_v the_o people_n so_o soothe_v and_o flatter_v they_o that_o they_o approve_v of_o all_o they_o do_v be_v it_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o make_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n suitable_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o practice_n which_o malachy_n in_o express_a word_n testify_v reprove_v the_o priest_n of_o his_o own_o time_n in_o this_o manner_n mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o so_o go_v on_o in_o reproach_v they_o with_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o they_o please_v with_o their_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o take_v no_o heed_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n way_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v never_o so_o cautious_a and_o wary_a yet_o they_o be_v narrow_o observe_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o priest_n boldness_n declare_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n but_o those_o that_o be_v write_v and_o that_o all_o decree_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n which_o the_o deceive_a pharisee_n choose_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n be_v not_o at_o all_o obligatory_a nor_o to_o be_v obey_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o high_a priest_n flatter_v the_o people_n the_o corruption_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o multiplication_n of_o law_n become_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o those_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n which_o can_v never_o be_v end_v for_o when_o man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o superstition_n begin_v to_o quarrel_n and_o
their_o king_n can_v not_o personal_o officiate_v as_o a_o priest_n in_o the_o temple_n because_o all_o man_n that_o can_v not_o derive_v their_o pedigree_n from_o aaron_n be_v count_v profane_a and_o unclean_a which_o be_v now_o no_o obstacle_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n for_o in_o these_o day_n the_o priesthood_n not_o be_v entail_v upon_o any_o particular_a family_n but_o require_v only_o some_o particular_a qualification_n king_n or_o supreme_a magistrate_n can_v be_v bar_v from_o meddle_v with_o matter_n belong_v to_o religion_n upon_o any_o account_n of_o profaneness_n but_o all_o be_v in_o their_o power_n and_o no_o body_n but_o by_o their_o authority_n or_o allowance_n have_v any_o right_a to_o officiate_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o power_n of_o choose_v minister_n of_o settle_v the_o church_n of_o state_v and_o determine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o prescribe_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n judge_v of_o man_n piety_n and_o manner_n the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v and_o receive_v again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a be_v all_o in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o true_a but_o likewise_o very_o necessary_a not_o only_o for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o all_o man_n know_v how_o much_o the_o people_n esteem_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o function_n be_v account_v sacred_a they_o have_v a_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o their_o mind_n he_o than_o that_o endeavour_n to_o deprive_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n of_o this_o power_n go_v about_o to_o share_v and_o divide_v or_o else_o usurp_v the_o government_n from_o whence_o must_v necessary_o arise_v such_o contention_n and_o discord_n as_o be_v heretofore_o between_o the_o king_n and_o jewish_a high_a priest_n which_o can_v never_o be_v appease_v if_o this_o power_n be_v take_v away_o from_o supreme_a magistrate_n how_o can_v they_o determine_v of_o peace_n or_o war_n or_o of_o any_o other_o business_n if_o they_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v other_o man_n opinion_n by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n that_o power_n be_v supreme_a and_o there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a which_o have_v the_o right_a of_o declare_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v piety_n what_o impiety_n and_o what_o in_o religion_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a all_o age_n have_v be_v sensible_a how_o many_o mischief_n such_o a_o power_n in_o any_o but_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v produce_v i_o will_v give_v you_o but_o one_o example_n as_o soon_o as_o such_o a_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o degree_n he_o become_v superior_a to_o all_o king_n and_o at_o last_o ascend_v to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n of_o earthly_a dominion_n that_o whatever_o king_n or_o emperor_n have_v since_o do_v to_o lessen_v it_o have_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o they_o have_v rather_o much_o increase_v it_o and_o that_o which_o no_o monarch_n ever_o effect_v by_o fire_n and_o sword_n churchman_n have_v be_v able_a to_o do_v only_o with_o their_o pen_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o the_o pope_n power_n and_o a_o convince_a argument_n to_o persuade_v supreme_a power_n to_o keep_v that_o authority_n he_o pretend_v to_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o observation_n i_o have_v make_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o reside_v of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o declare_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o though_o fill_v with_o divine_a power_n and_o virtue_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v but_o private_a man_n the_o great_a liberty_n they_o take_v in_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o upbraid_v the_o people_n do_v rather_o provoke_v than_o amend_v they_o who_o notwithstanding_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o reproof_n and_o chastisement_n of_o their_o prince_n beside_o king_n themselves_o because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o judge_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o religion_n many_o time_n forsake_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o most_o of_o their_o people_n with_o they_o which_o have_v likewise_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n often_o happen_v in_o christian_a government_n but_o here_o perhaps_o some_o will_v ask_v if_o supreme_a power_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v wicked_a who_o shall_v then_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o vindicate_v and_o maintain_v religion_n and_o piety_n and_o who_o shall_v then_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o it_o i_o ask_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o if_o priest_n and_o ecclesiastic_n grow_v wicked_a and_o impious_a must_v they_o continue_v interpreter_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n word_n if_o they_o that_o have_v supreme_a power_n shall_v do_v whatever_o they_o please_v whether_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o religion_n all_o thing_n without_o doubt_n both_o sacred_a and_o civil_a be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n but_o in_o much_o worse_o when_o private_a man_n shall_v seditious_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a right_n of_o define_v and_o defend_v all_o ching_n which_o concern_v or_o in_o any_o wise_a pertain_v to_o religion_n the_o deny_v of_o this_o power_n to_o supreme_a magistrate_n must_v necessary_o cause_v very_o ill_a consequence_n for_o they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n as_o do_v the_o jewish_a king_n who_o have_v not_o this_o power_n absolute_o grow_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a and_o from_o that_o which_o be_v but_o uncertain_a and_o contingent_a will_v follow_v most_o certain_a mischief_n and_o ruin_n to_o the_o government_n if_o then_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o just_a right_n of_o supreme_a power_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o government_n or_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o regulate_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o that_o such_o only_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n word_n who_o be_v authorise_a by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n which_o they_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n think_v most_o likely_a to_o procure_v the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n i_o have_v now_o no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o declare_v the_o cause_n why_o in_o christian_a government_n there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o dispute_v about_o this_o power_n when_o in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n it_o never_o that_o i_o know_v come_v into_o controversy_n it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o wonder_n that_o a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a shall_v still_o be_v a_o question_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o continual_a cavil_v and_o that_o supreme_a magistrate_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v this_o power_n without_o contention_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o prejudice_n to_o religion_n if_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o i_o will_v confess_v all_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v mere_a theoretical_a speculative_a notion_n of_o no_o use_n but_o any_o person_n that_o will_v but_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v the_o beginning_n of_o christian_a religion_n may_v easy_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o that_o first_o teach_v christian_n religion_n be_v not_o king_n but_o private_a person_n who_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o those_o in_o supreme_a power_n who_o subject_n they_o be_v preach_v in_o private_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o institute_v form_n of_o worship_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v or_o account_v give_v to_o the_o government_n and_o 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