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authority_n prove_v scripture_n tradition_n 2,732 5 9.6275 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A46761 The reasonableness and certainty of the Christian religion by Robert Jenkin ... Jenkin, Robert, 1656-1727. 1700 (1700) Wing J571; ESTC R8976 581,258 1,291

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question_n be_v not_o only_o dubious_a but_o certain_o spurious_a the_o remain_a book_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o the_o necessary_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v former_o matter_n of_o controversy_n i_o shall_v enter_v upon_o no_o discourse_n concern_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n the_o authority_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o effectual_o disprove_v by_o protestant_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n have_v now_o little_a to_o say_v for_o they_o but_o ●re_n force_v only_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n or_o to_o beg_v something_o as_o hard_a to_o be_v grant_v viz._n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o engage_v in_o no_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v general_o speak_v agree_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n these_o book_n in_o the_o main_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a and_o without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o propose_v such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o obviate_v objection_n the_o agreement_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n for_o its_o authority_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a idolatry_n commit_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n yet_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o the_o people_n nor_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n as_o that_o the_o book_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v suppress_v or_o alter_v for_o three_o year_n under_o rehoboam_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n 2_o chron._n 11.17.12.1_o and_o though_o afterward_o he_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o israel_n with_o he_o his_o reign_n be_v in_o all_o but_o seventeen_o year_n abijam_n be_v a_o wicked_a king_n but_o he_o reign_v no_o long_o than_o three_o year_n 1_o king_n xv_o 2._o asa_n the_o three_o from_o solomon_n and_o jehoshaphat_n his_o son_n be_v great_a reformer_n and_o asa_n reign_v one_o and_o forty_o year_n and_o jehoshaphat_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o chron._n xuj_o 13._o xx_o 31._o the_o two_o next_o king_n in_o succession_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o their_o reign_n be_v short_a jehoram_n reign_v eight_o year_n and_o ahaziah_n but_o one_o 2_o chron._n xxi_o 20._o xxii_o 2._o during_o the_o interval_n of_o six_o year_n under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o athaliah_n the_o people_n can_v not_o be_v great_o corrupt_v for_o she_o be_v hateful_a to_o they_o as_o jehoram_n her_o husband_n have_v be_v before_o she_o and_o they_o ready_o join_v with_o jehoiada_n in_o slay_v she_o and_o in_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n xxii_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o ahaziah_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o jehoiada_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 2._o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o reign_v well_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o king_n twelve_o 6._o and_o probable_o much_o long_o for_o jehoiada_n live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 15._o amaziah_n his_o son_n have_v the_o same_o character_n and_o with_o the_o same_o abatement_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o chron._n twenty-five_o 2._o or_o yet_o not_o like_o david_n his_o father_n he_o do_v according_a to_o all_o thing_n as_o joash_n his_o father_n do_v 2_o king_n fourteen_o 3._o vzziah_n son_n to_o amaziah_n reign_v well_o and_o seek_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o zachariah_n 2_o chron._n xxvi_o 5._o and_o after_o he_o be_v seize_v with_o the_o leprosy_n for_o invade_v the_o priest_n office_n the_o administration_n of_o affair_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o son_n jotham_n vers_fw-la 21._o who_o imitate_v the_o good_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n chap._n xxvii_o 2._o ahaz_n be_v wicked_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o he_o reign_v only_o sixteen_o year_n chap._n xxviii_o 1._o and_o his_o son_n hezekiah_n wrought_v a_o great_a reformation_n who_o reign_v twenty_o nine_o year_n chap._n xxix_o 1._o manasses_n be_v much_o give_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o reign_n but_o after_o his_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n he_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o it_o chap._n xxxiii_o 15_o 16._o amon_n imitate_v the_o ill_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n but_o his_o own_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o two_o year_n chap._n xxxiii_o 21._o the_o next_o be_v josiah_n in_o who_o time_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n own_o hand-writing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n can_v be_v no_o such_o rare_a thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o to_o be_v take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v that_o book_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o be_v to_o be_v transcribe_v by_o every_o king_n it_o seem_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v purposely_o hide_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o attempt_n of_o idolater_n who_o it_o be_v fear_v may_v have_v a_o design_n to_o destroy_v it_o for_o if_o it_o have_v only_o lie_v by_o neglect_a the_o find_n of_o it_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o surprise_v thing_n because_o the_o place_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v well_o know_v where_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o where_o they_o may_v have_v seek_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v probable_o at_o that_o time_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v utter_o lose_v and_o its_o be_v find_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n the_o veneration_n which_o josiah_n have_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o write_n and_o the_o happy_a and_o unexpected_a recovery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o have_v be_v disregard_v and_o almost_o lose_v through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o predecessor_n these_o consideration_n can_v not_o but_o exceed_o move_v a_o mind_n so_o tender_a and_o affectionate_o pious_a as_o that_o king_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n under_o moses_n own_o hand_n send_v he_o as_o he_o believe_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o deliver_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v anew_o from_o heaven_n not_o long_o after_o his_o time_n be_v the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n till_o which_o there_o be_v always_o prophet_n frequent_a reformation_n and_o never_o any_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n which_o continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o very_o few_o king_n be_v idolatrous_a throughout_o their_o whole_a reign_n and_o those_o that_o be_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n 9_o time_n book_n 1._o part_n 2._o c._n 6._o &_o 9_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o their_o return_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n that_o ezra_n who_o compose_v the_o canon_n do_v it_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o do_v it_o 1._o it_o joseph_n c●nt_fw-la apion_n lib._n 1._o josephus_n say_v that_o their_o book_n after_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o before_o his_o time_n for_o want_v of_o a_o certain_a succession_n of_o prophet_n and_o since_o the_o jew_n admit_v no_o writing_n as_o inspire_v into_o the_o canon_n after_o malachi_n prophecy_n this_o show_v their_o sincerity_n and_o exactness_n in_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n as_o they_o admit_v into_o their_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o pharisee_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n but_o never_o dare_v presume_v to_o impose_v they_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o
moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o p._n 206._o of_o what_o consequence_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v towards_o the_o prove_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n p._n 214._o chap._n vii_o of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n under_o their_o government_n joshua_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n p._n 215._o the_o book_n of_o judge_n write_v by_o samuel_n p._n 216._o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n divide_v p._n 217._o the_o male_n circumcise_a at_o the_o first_o come_v into_o canaan_n and_o thereby_o disable_v for_o war_n contrary_a to_o all_o humane_a policy_n p._n 219._o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n throw_v down_o and_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o ib._n the_o integrity_n of_o joshua_n p._n 220._o of_o eli_n p._n 221._o of_o samuel_n p._n 222._o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o their_o king_n from_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n a_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n prophet_n in_o the_o kingdom_n both_o of_o israel_n and_o judah_n p._n 223_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o write_n the_o kind_n of_o prophecy_n among_o the_o jew_n p._n 224._o the_o freedom_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o reverence_n pay_v to_o they_o even_o by_o bad_a prince_n p._n 226._o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o prophecy_n p._n 227._o many_o of_o their_o prophecy_n fulfil_v during_o their_o own_o life_n p._n 228._o their_o prophecy_n commit_v to_o writing_n ibid._n they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n be_v careful_o preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n p._n 229._o the_o book_n of_o the_o former_a and_o of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n by_o who_o write_v p._n 231._o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o of_o king_n by_o who_o write_v ibid._n of_o the_o psalm_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a old_a testament_n p._n 233._o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n sufficient_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o return_v from_o babylon_n ibid._n the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v afterward_o p._n 235._o chap._n x._o of_o the_o prohecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n josiah_n prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n long_o before_o his_o birth_n the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o prophecy_n p._n 236._o the_o fulfil_n of_o elijah_n prophecy_n p._n 238._o the_o confession_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n p._n 240._o divers_a other_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n ibid._n cyrus_n prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n long_o before_o his_o birth_n p._n 241._o jeremiah_n prophecy_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n p._n 243._o the_o contradiction_n which_o be_v then_o think_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o they_o both_o p._n 245._o other_o plain_a prophecy_n fulfil_v p._n 247._o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n manifest_o true_a p._n 249_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a again_o prove_v the_o old_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o essect_v p._n 252._o chap._n xii_o of_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o bless_a saviour_n undeniable_a innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n p._n 257._o judas_n himself_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o p._n 259._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n fulfil_v in_o he_o p._n 265._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o life_n fulfil_v p._n 277._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o death_n fulfil_v p._n 280._o and_o those_o concern_v his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n p._n 286_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o saviour_n foretell_v the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o death_n p._n 287._o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prodigy_n attend_v it_o ibid._n his_o miracle_n verify_v the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n p._n 290_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n prophesy_v of_o and_o typify_v p._n 293._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o it_o p._n 295._o they_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o p._n 306._o they_o allege_v such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v p._n 307_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o sufficient_a understanding_n to_o know_v what_o they_o testify_v p._n 312._o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o know_v it_o p._n 313._o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o true_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v for_o they_o have_v no_o worldy_a interest_n to_o serve_v by_o their_o testimony_n but_o suffer_v by_o it_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o suffering_n p._n 315._o there_o be_v peculiar_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o their_o write_n p._n 319_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n of_o their_o prophecy_n p._n 328._o of_o their_o miracle_n p._n 330._o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o p._n 331._o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n communicate_v by_o they_o to_o other_o p._n 336._o their_o supernatural_a courage_n and_o resolution_n p._n 342._o this_o likewise_o be_v communicate_v to_o their_o follower_n p._n 351_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n contain_v so_o notorious_a and_o public_a circumstance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o that_o age_n whether_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v true_a or_o not_o p._n 354._o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v explicatory_a and_o consequential_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o beside_o these_o likewise_o contain_v many_o memorable_a and_o public_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 361._o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n cite_v by_o author_n contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n and_o own_a for_o genuine_a both_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n p._n 363._o many_o of_o the_o eye-witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n live_v to_o a_o great_a age_n p._n 364._o the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v testify_v in_o apology_n write_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n ibid._n chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n p._n 368._o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n p._n 370._o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n p._n 372._o it_o afferd_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n p._n 374._o it_o express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n p._n 374._o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o have_v great_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n p._n 376._o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n p._n 382_o part_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n p._n 385._o chap._n i._n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o pretence_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o antiquity_n examine_v p._n 387._o of_o the_o chaldaean_n ibid._n of_o the_o chinese_n p._n 389._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o heathen_a religion_n never_o extant_a in_o book_n to_o be_v public_o read_v p._n 392._o every_o country_n have_v its_o peculiar_a deity_n they_o prevail_v only_o by_o the_o temporal_a power_n though_o the_o heathen_n more_o in_o number_n yet_o the_o religion_n of_o christian_n more_o promulge_v p._n 392_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n p._n 394._o that_o they_o be_v uncertain_a and_o ambiguous_a p._n 396._o but_o they_o can_v not_o be_v all_o counterfeit_n p._n 398._o the_o cessation_n of_o oracle_n gradual_a p._n 399._o their_o miracle_n never_o
condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o merciful_a for_o he_o to_o withhold_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_v from_o those_o who_o he_o forefee_n will_v reject_v it_o and_o abuse_v the_o opportunity_n which_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o to_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o own_o gild_n and_o punishment_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v 2._o that_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o by_o so_o wonderful_a a_o providence_n have_v take_v care_n that_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n may_v have_v the_o true_a religion_n preach_v in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v by_o some_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o even_o by_o miracle_n bring_v such_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o present_a knowledge_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o improve_v it_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v by_o revelation_n send_v to_o cornelius_n he_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o act._n x._o 34_o 35._o from_o whence_o what_o less_o can_v we_o conclude_v than_o that_o every_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o he_o shall_v rather_o by_o a_o express_a revelation_n have_v the_o rest_n discover_v to_o he_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o cornelius_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o word_n of_o s._n peter_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v those_o heathen_n who_o sin_n without_o any_o reveal_v law_n for_o their_o sin_n against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o for_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n afford_v they_o of_o become_v christian_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n god_n in_o his_o goodness_n be_v not_o want_v to_o afford_v such_o inward_a motion_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n to_o such_o of_o the_o heathen_a as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o stupefy_v by_o their_o vice_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o give_v they_o so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o if_o once_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o defect_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o gross_o against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n they_o may_v make_v enquiry_n of_o christian_n concern_v their_o religion_n as_o some_o of_o the_o american_n do_v of_o cortes_n and_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o however_o negligent_a they_o be_v in_o propagate_a it_o will_v never_o refuse_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o many_o point_n be_v teach_v and_o believe_v which_o have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o of_o the_o mahometan_n but_o of_o several_a heathen_a nation_n which_o point_n be_v so_o many_o step_v and_o preparative_n towards_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o in_o pursue_v they_o in_o their_o immediate_a tendency_n and_o consequence_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o those_o who_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n die_v under_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o it_o i_o believe_v rather_o that_o god_n suffer_v no_o man_n so_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o remain_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o all_o nation_n have_v have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o particular_a men._n it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o when_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o now_o to_o think_v how_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o heathen_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n can_v govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n if_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n without_o any_o divine_a revelation_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o heathen_a as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n nor_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v more_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o in_o point_n of_o ignorance_n than_o other_o can_v have_v and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o merciful_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o to_o give_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o let_v they_o continue_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n without_o give_v they_o any_o warning_n against_o it_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a in_o a_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o come_v you_o near_o unto_o i_o hear_v you_o this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v there_o be_o i_o isa_n xlv_o 19_o 22._o &_o xlviii_o 16._o have_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o antiquity_n or_o promulgation_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o their_o authority_n this_o evidence_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n themselves_o in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n as_o we_o find_v they_o stand_v record_v or_o the_o life_n and_o personal_a qualification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v both_o that_o they_o be_v true_o relate_v and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v they_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o a_o revelation_n chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v relate_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a heathen_a writer_n and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man._n but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a man._n he_o frequent_o declare_v his_o own_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n exod._n iii._o 11._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13._o num._n xi_o 10._o &_o xx_o 12._o &_o xxvii_o 14._o and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n when_o it_o may_v become_v a_o prudent_a and_o modest_a man_n especial_o one_o divine_o inspire_v for_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o terminate_v in_o himself_o but_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n who_o instrument_n and_o servant_n he_o be_v and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n honour_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o favour_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o though_o some_o honour_n do_v redound_v
divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n that_o they_o whole_o depend_v and_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o live_v in_o a_o uncomfortable_a exile_n upon_o the_o sole_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o see_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o theirfore_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v slay_v the_o prophet_n have_v the_o high_a veneration_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o prophet_n who_o their_o forefather_n have_v kill_v they_o build_v and_o adorn_v their_o sepulcher_n and_o choose_v to_o die_v any_o death_n rather_o than_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o book_n or_o part_n with_o they_o even_o when_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o doctrine_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n for_o vain_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a observance_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o reproachful_a to_o they_o to_o erect_v monument_n of_o perpetual_a acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v the_o the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n matth._n xxiii_o 31._o they_o refer_v themselves_o to_o these_o prophet_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n after_o the_o captivity_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a again_o prove_v the_o old_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o so_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o judaea_n be_v shall_v lay_v a_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v prove_v so_o successful_a for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o master_n of_o deceit_n and_o the_o world_n so_o fond_a of_o receive_v revelation_n from_o they_o that_o at_o last_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o people_n disclaim_v the_o book_n which_o some_o few_o and_o those_o the_o most_o unlearned_a among_o they_o will_v impose_v for_o inspire_a write_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n shall_v be_v more_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o those_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o which_o they_o all_o unanimous_o agree_v and_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v receive_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o more_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o account_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n if_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o ignorant_a of_o they_o can_v do_v this_o mere_o by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o device_n they_o must_v have_v a_o genius_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o for_o what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o why_o the_o oracle_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n shall_v never_o be_v much_o regard_v and_o now_o in_o a_o manner_n utter_o lose_v and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v still_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o full_a authority_n but_o the_o power_n and_o advantage_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v most_o observable_a in_o the_o mutual_a dependence_n which_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v one_o upon_o another_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o man_n of_o different_a country_n different_a age_n different_a condition_n and_o calling_n and_o interest_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o poor_a fisherman_n and_o yet_o all_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n which_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o themselves_o but_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a series_n and_o connexion_n between_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o give_v a_o mutual_a support_n and_o attestation_n to_o each_o other_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o moses_n contain_v the_o first_o lineament_n and_o evident_a type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rest_n he_o foretell_v that_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o that_o at_o last_o the_o great_a prophet_n shall_v be_v send_v who_o be_v christ_n and_o he_o foretell_v all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o jew_n from_o his_o own_o time_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o as_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o the_o general_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o all_o generation_n so_o the_o several_a prophet_n who_o be_v send_v from_o time_n to_o time_n according_a to_o his_o prediction_n foretell_v particular_a event_n and_o more-especial_o they_o foretell_v and_o describe_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o prophecy_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o world_n bigan_v luk._n i._n 70._o for_o in_o christ_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o this_o dependence_n and_o coherence_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o design_n of_o they_o which_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o dependence_n of_o one_o part_n of_o any_o book_n write_v by_o the_o same_o author_n can_v be_v upon_o another_o gives_z great_a strength_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o whole_a since_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v all_o inspire_a by_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o if_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a all_o must_v be_v so_o for_o beside_o the_o particular_a evidence_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o any_o part_n separately_z we_o must_v consider_v the_o connexion_n which_o it_o have_v with_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o evidence_n which_o be_v derive_v upon_o it_o by_o this_o connexion_n if_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v once_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n than_o the_o prophet_n who_o succeed_v moses_n must_v be_v divine_o inspire_v because_o he_o foretell_v the_o succession_n of_o such_o prophet_n and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v divine_a the_o pentateuch_n must_v be_v so_o because_o they_o all_o along_o acknowledge_v and_o appeal_v to_o it_o as_o contain_v god_n covenant_n with_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o own_o mission_n if_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v from_o god_n the_o gospel_n must_v be_v from_o he_o if_o that_o be_v foretell_v by_o they_o and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n prove_v their_o divine_a authority_n the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v likewise_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n because_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o such_o and_o prove_v their_o own_o authority_n from_o they_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o miracle_n that_o they_o themselves_o wrought_v and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n either_o of_o moses_n or_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n be_v sufficient_a they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o convince_a when_o they_o be_v consider_v together_o in_o their_o unite_a force_n and_o light_n i_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o miracle_n without_o prophecy_n or_o prophecy_n without_o miracle_n or_o that_o one_o evident_a miracle_n or_o one_o evident_a prophecy_n at_o least_o that_o either_o the_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o the_o several_a age_n in_o which_o so_o many_o prophet_n live_v will_v have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o must_v all_o be_v much_o rather_o so_o in_o conjunction_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o whatever_o evidence_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v reciprocal_o prove_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v from_o either_o of_o they_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o the_o gospel_n in_o different_a respect_n do_v prove_v they_o and_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o both_o derive_v authority_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o communicate_v its_o own_o authority_n to_o they_o for_o as_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o its_o effect_n and_o the_o effect_n by_o its_o cause_n so_o both_o prediction_n prove_v the_o thing_n foretell_v and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v verify_v the_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o consequence_n of_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o have_v double_o the_o divine_a seal_n and_o attestation_n now_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o scope_n and_o centre_n of_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n
a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o the_o person_n there_o mention_v be_v as_o so_o many_o witness_n to_o attest_v that_o they_o be_v genuine_a for_o beside_o the_o general_a concernment_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o several_a church_n more_o especial_o to_o which_o such_o epistle_n be_v write_v the_o person_n who_o be_v salute_v by_o name_n in_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o concern_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o they_o and_o to_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o they_o and_o st_n paul_n advice_n to_o timothy_n to_o drink_v no_o long_o water_n but_o to_o use_v a_o little_a wine_n for_o his_o stomach_n sake_n and_o his_o often_o infirmity_n 1_o tim._n v._o 23._o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v give_v in_o that_o epistle_n that_o it_o may_v remain_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o confutation_n of_o that_o superstition_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o abstain_v from_o thing_n lawful_a and_o particular_o from_o wine_n out_o of_o a_o opinion_n of_o holiness_n in_o refrain_v from_o they_o and_o of_o sin_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o infallible_a spirit_n which_o assist_v and_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n and_o other_o sacred_a writer_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a or_o continual_o reside_v in_o they_o nor_o give_v for_o all_o purpose_n and_o occasion_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o st_n paul_n who_o acquaint_v we_o in_o some_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o write_v but_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bestow_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o w●re_v give_v in_o such_o measure_n at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o occasion_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o edification_n we_o find_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o apostle_n meet_v together_o in_o council_n to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n both_o because_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n to_o they_o they_o may_v expect_v a_o more_o abundant_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o because_o the_o thing_n in_o debate_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o many_o shall_v meet_v together_o and_o testify_v of_o that_o matter_n beside_o several_a that_o come_v down_o from_o judea_n to_o antioch_n have_v refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o st_n paul_n and_o st_n barnabas_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o unanimous_a and_o joint_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v meet_v in_o a_o full_a council_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o act_v 15.28_o that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o we_o but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v for_o a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o church_n in_o future_a age_n to_o determine_v controversy_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n 6._o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n who_o may_v have_v personal_a fail_n and_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o we_o act._n 14.25_o they_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o themselves_o 2_o cor._n 4.7_o but_o they_o werechosen_a to_o be_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v so_o far_o exempt_a from_o error_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o ministry_n as_o not_o to_o deliver_v false_a doctrine_n in_o their_o write_n which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o receive_v of_o all_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o will_v have_v defeat_v and_o subvert_v the_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o this_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v though_o they_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o incur_v such_o fail_n as_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 7._o there_o be_v nothing_o assert_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o what_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n though_o some_o part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o less_o direct_a and_o apparent_a tendency_n to_o this_o end_n than_o other_o if_o any_o one_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n shall_v have_v be_v erroneous_a this_o will_v diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o in_o some_o degree_n less_o capable_a to_o promote_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a gift_n the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o knowledge_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o so_o many_o distinct_a office_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o those_o gift_n and_o these_o office_n can_v be_v better_o employ_v than_o in_o preserve_v that_o book_n from_o error_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n for_o all_o age_n or_o how_o if_o that_o book_n have_v not_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n by_o they_o these_o gift_n and_o office_n have_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o appointment_n thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v infallible_a in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o if_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o word_n and_o circumstance_n but_o only_o to_o the_o substantial_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n this_o of_o itself_o be_v enough_o to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nay_o further_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v only_o with_o the_o same_o certainty_n and_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o thucydides_n or_o in_o any_o other_o credible_a historian_n which_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o inveterate_a adversary_n can_v never_o deny_v yet_o even_o then_o no_o man_n without_o much_o unreasonableness_n can_v reject_v it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o necessity_n and_o occasion_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o in_o such_o language_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o those_o to_o who_o he_o reveal_v himself_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o idiom_n and_o in_o the_o metaphor_n and_o phrase_n in_o use_n among_o they_o and_o to_o allude_v to_o their_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o their_o affair_n and_o to_o condescend_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o their_o weakness_n to_o speak_v to_o their_o capacity_n so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o law_n and_o to_o encourage_v and_o excite_v man_n to_o obey_v they_o for_o though_o the_o particular_a reason_n and_o design_n of_o every_o law_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v shall_v know_v what_o the_o law_n be_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o they_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o subject_n which_o have_v be_v large_o discourse_v of_o by_o mr_n boyle_n and_o other_o what_o i_o intend_v to_o say_v upon_o it_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n i._o the_o grammatical_a construction_n ii_o the_o metaphor_n and_o figure_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n of_o speech_n iii_o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o thing_n themselves_o iv_o the_o method_n i._o the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speak_v it_o have_v be_v by_o many_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a resemblance_n between_o the_o style_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o homer_n the_o most_o ancient_a book_n we_o have_v beside_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o observable_a that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o some_o look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture_n style_n as_o the_o use_v one_o gender_n or_o one_o number_n or_o case_n or_o tense_n for_o another_o the_o putting_z participle_n for_o verb_n the_o comparative_a or_o superlative_a for_o the_o positive_a active_n for_o passive_n or_o passive_n for_o active_n be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o homer_n
character_n of_o a_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o modern_a jew_n in_o like_a manner_n never_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o new_a book_n of_o revelation_n but_o have_v constant_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a and_o what_o inducement_n can_v the_o jew_n have_v to_o receive_v these_o book_n into_o their_o canon_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v rather_o than_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o especial_o remarkable_a in_o some_o book_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v certain_a book_n under_o the_o name_n of_o solomon_n esther_n daniel_n and_o ezra_n but_o not_o admit_v into_o the_o canon_n other_o go_v under_o the_o same_o name_n but_o because_o of_o the_o difference_n in_o their_o authority_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o their_o forefather_n have_v slay_v and_o those_o very_a book_n for_o which_o they_o slay_v they_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o no_o prejudice_n in_o their_o favour_n but_o with_o very_a many_o against_o the_o book_n of_o such_o author_n to_o give_v another_o instance_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n contain_v the_o affair_n and_o transaction_n of_o a_o particular_a family_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n as_o one_o may_v imagine_v at_o first_o view_n and_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v with_o as_o much_o ●are_n and_o as_o constant_o receive_v as_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v little_a reason_n upon_o human_a consideration_n why_o a_o relation_n concern_v that_o family_n shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n rather_o than_o one_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o the_o lineage_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v insert_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o providence_n neither_o the_o emulation_n and_o envy_n of_o other_o family_n nor_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o accident_n hinder_v its_o reception_n and_o preservation_n among_o the_o other_o inspire_v book_n and_o in_o that_o history_n there_o be_v a_o account_v not_o very_o honourable_a for_o david_n family_n in_o derive_v his_o descent_n from_o phares_n of_o thamar_n and_o show_v that_o his_o great_a grandmother_n be_v a_o moabitess_n the_o moabite_n be_v a_o people_n who_o have_v a_o indelible_a mark_n of_o intamy_n sixth_o upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dentr_n xxiii_o 3._o ii_o as_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o tribe_n judah_n so_o if_o they_o reject_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o must_v have_v be_v because_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n own_v the_o temple_n of_o jerasalem_fw-la to_o be_v the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o israelite_n and_o samaritan_n must_v have_v great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o book_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v those_o of_o moses_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n have_v less_o regard_n pay_v to_o they_o upon_o reason_n of_o state_n by_o the_o tribe_n who_o follow_v the_o revolt_n of_o jeroboam_n yet_o when_o 1._o when_o antiqu._n orient_a eccl._n pist_o 1._o joseph_n scaliger_n send_v to_o the_o samaritan_n for_o the_o canticle_n of_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n in_o their_o language_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o joshua_n they_o promise_v to_o send_v he_o they_o and_o it_o be_v prove_v sufficient_o by_o dr_n 25._o dr_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit_fw-la on_o joh._n four_o 25._o lightfoot_n that_o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o rest_n into_o the_o same_o veneration_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n nor_o read_v they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n this_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o f._n simon_n 12._o simon_n crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 1._o c._n 16._o &_o 29._o disquisit_a crit_fw-fr c._n 12._o both_o of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n and_o orient_a and_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu_n eccl._n orient_a morinus_n likewise_o prove_v it_o of_o the_o karaei_n who_o be_v general_o take_v for_o sadducee_n f._n simon_n maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o have_v wrong_v do_v they_o in_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o sadducces_n however_o this_o be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n since_o he_o show_v that_o both_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n or_o caraite_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n beside_o receive_v the_o entire_a volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o contradiction_n lipmanno_n contradiction_n praefat._n de_fw-fr lipmanno_n hackspan_n likewise_o have_v show_v that_o the_o sadducee_n deny_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n iii_o concern_v the_o book_n whereof_o we_o we_o find_v mention_v make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n either_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v now_o in_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o same_o book_n under_o divers_a name_n or_o 2._o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n though_o write_v by_o prophet_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v any_o more_o than_o in_o all_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o show_v the_o care_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o compile_v their_o canon_n that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v into_o it_o all_o the_o write_n even_o of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o but_o only_o such_o as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v write_v by_o they_o as_o prophet_n that_o be_v by_o inspiration_n the_o prophet_n themselves_o no_o doubt_n make_v a_o distinction_n as_o we_o find_v st_n paul_n do_v between_o what_o they_o have_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a direction_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n or_o 3_o they_o may_v not_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n for_o the_o office_n of_o recorder_n or_o remembrancer_n or_o writer_n of_o chronicle_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v mention_v as_o ●n_v office_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o trust_v and_o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o sam._n viij_o ●6_n 2_o king_n xviii_o 18_o 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 8._o isaiah_n xxxvi_o 3_o 22._o beside_o the_o hebrew_n call_v every_o small_a write_v a_o book_n thus_o deut._n xxiv_o 1._o ●hat_n which_o we_o render_v a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n ●s_v in_o the_o original_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o josh_n x._o 13._o and_o 〈◊〉_d sam._n i._n 18._o be_v translate_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n ●o_o matt._n nineteeen_o 7._o and_o mark_v x._o 4._o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o septuagint_n have_v use_v it_o indeed_o may_v signify_v a_o little_a book_n but_o it_o often_o signify_v a_o book_n without_o that_o distinction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v render_v 2_o tim._n four_o 13._o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n be_v a_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a 2_o sam._n xi_o 14_o 15._o and_o lettet_n be_v style_v book_n by_o 4._o by_o herod_n lib._n 1._o c._n 124._o &_o lib._n 6._o c._n 4._o herodotus_n or_o 4._o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n be_v now_o lose_v it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v write_n to_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n which_o be_v dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n several_a thing_n may_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v by_o revelation_n to_o the_o person_n who_o they_o concern_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o writing_n and_o other_o which_o be_v write_v but_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n but_o rather_o concern_v particular_a time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o substance_n whereof_o as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o scripture_n may_v by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o man_n never_o come_v to_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o posterity_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v always_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o common_o they_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o in_o matter_n
caeterum_fw-la non_fw-la tanti_fw-la momenti_fw-la sunt_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la errores_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la sidem_fw-la &_o bonos_fw-es more_o be_v pertinent_a scripturae_fw-la sacrae_fw-la integritas_fw-la desideretur_fw-la plerumque_fw-la enim_fw-la tota_fw-la discrepantia_fw-la variarum_fw-la lectionum_fw-la in_o dictionibus_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la posita_fw-la est_fw-la quae_fw-la sensum_fw-la aut_fw-la parum_fw-la aut_fw-la nihil_fw-la mutant_fw-la bellarmin_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n two_o c._n 2._o bellarmin_n himself_o and_o the_o best_a critic_n among_o the_o papist_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n be_v deliver_v entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a in_o the_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o the_o various_a lection_n and_o though_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n by_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o yet_o say_v 4._o say_v considerator_n consider_v ch_n 12._o s_o 4._o bishop_n walton_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o in_o any_o particular_a controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o they_o urge_v any_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o cause_n upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o read_n without_o point_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o text_n unpointed_a as_o be_v pretend_v f._n 23._o f._n hist_o crit._n v._o t._n lib._n 3._o c._n 23._o simon_n complain_v that_o the_o catalogue_n of_o various_a lection_n be_v much_o large_a than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n and_o he_o charge_v cappellus_n more_o than_o once_o with_o multiply_v they_o without_o reason_n morinus_n indeed_o make_v it_o his_o endeavour_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a but_o his_o authority_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a when_o compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o against_o his_o opinion_n in_o vita_fw-la in_o joh._n morin_n vita_fw-la the_o life_n of_o morinus_n write_v by_o f._n simon_n there_o be_v this_o character_n of_o cappellus_n and_o morinus_n that_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v as_o to_o what_o they_o have_v both_o write_v concern_v the_o bible_n morinus_n show_v more_o learning_n in_o his_o book_n but_o it_o be_v very_o often_o not_o to_o the_o purpose_n whereas_o cappellus_n have_v more_o sagacity_n and_o judgement_n and_o never_o wander_v from_o his_o subject_n but_o prove_v what_o he_o be_v upon_o by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o as_o severe_a as_o this_o censure_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v justify_v in_o effect_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o morinus_n himself_o for_o he_o orient_a he_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu._n eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v to_o buxtorf_n that_o he_o never_o thorough_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o hebrey_n tongue_n that_o he_o have_v read_v nothing_o in_o hebrew_n for_o 7_o year_n together_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o question_n but_o he_o have_v make_v many_o mistake_n especial_o in_o his_o samaritan_n exercitation_n great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v write_v in_o haste_n and_o he_o be_v force_v to_o use_v such_o a_o variety_n of_o author_n that_o he_o believe_v it_o impossible_a but_o that_o he_o must_v have_v be_v often_o mistake_v the_o authority_n of_o morinus_n then_o signify_v nothing_o in_o prejudice_n to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o 9_o and_o hoc_fw-la certo_fw-la affirmare_fw-la possum_fw-la i_o nullam_fw-la animadvertisse_fw-la men●●m_fw-la nec_fw-la lectionum_fw-la varietatem_fw-la circa_fw-la moralia_fw-la documenta_fw-la quae_fw-la ip●●_n obscura_fw-la aut_fw-la dubia_fw-la reddere_fw-la possunt_fw-la tractat._n theolog._n polit._n c._n 9_o spinoza_n himself_o have_v own_v that_o he_o can_v for_o certain_a affirm_v that_o he_o have_v observe_v no_o fault_n nor_o various_a read_n which_o concern_v the_o moral_a precept_n that_o can_v render_v they_o obscure_v or_o doubtful_a bishop_n walton_n have_v with_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n sum_v up_o the_o argument_n on_o al●_n side_n and_o as_o 21._o as_o crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 3._o c._n 21._o f._n simon_n acknowledge_v ha●_n examine_v this_o matter_n with_o more_o exactness_n than_o all_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o his_o polyglot_n bibles_n give_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o consequence_n either_o as_o to_o faith_n or_o practice_n concern_v in_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n or_o of_o the_o several_a version_n and_o as_o many_o sect_n and_o division_n as_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o as_o many_o different_a translation_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_n and_o their_o translation_n in_o the_o main_n be_v the_o same_o however_o they_o disagree_v in_o render_v some_o particular_a passage_n which_o concern_v the_o different_a opinion_n of_o the_o several_a party_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n maintain_v their_o own_o translation_n to_o be_v more_o correct_a than_o other_o if_o we_o allow_v of_o mr_n table-talk_a mr_n table-talk_a selden_n judgement_n who_o be_v very_o able_a to_o make_v a_o true_a one_o and_o far_o enough_o from_o be_v prejudice_v in_o the_o case_n he_o say_v the_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o best_a translation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o render_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o original_a best_a take_v in_o for_o the_o english_a translation_n the_o bishop_n bible_n as_o well_o as_o king_n james_n '_o s._n however_o by_o different_a translation_n and_o by_o compare_v divers_a copy_n and_o version_n to_o make_v out_o the_o true_a read_n many_o text_n become_v better_o understand_v and_o more_o full_o explain_v than_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o read_v and_o no_o difference_n in_o the_o translation_n vi_o and_o no_o less_o may_v be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o of_o the_o old_a for_o the_o book_n of_o it_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o begin_n as_o a_o sacred_a treasure_n with_o great_a care_n and_o reverence_n and_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o soon_o translate_v into_o all_o language_n the_o primitive_a christian_n choose_v to_o undergo_v any_o torment_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v deliver_v up_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o persecutor_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o they_o be_v no_o less_o careful_a to_o preserve_v they_o uncorrupted_a by_o heretic_n beside_o when_o heretic_n attempt_v to_o corrupt_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o serve_v their_o particular_a heresy_n they_o be_v declare_v against_o not_o only_o by_o the_o orthodox_n but_o by_o other_o heretic_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v for_o those_o opinion_n in_o behalf_n whereof_o the_o corruption_n be_v intend_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o corruption_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o to_o pass_v undiscovered_a even_o by_o some_o of_o the_o heretic_n themselves_o they_o must_v be_v design_v for_o some_o end_n and_o to_o authorise_v some_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o then_o all_o who_o be_v not_o for_o those_o doctrine_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v against_o they_o will_v certain_o oppose_v such_o corruption_n the_o agreement_n likewise_o of_o the_o greek_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o several_a ancient_a version_n and_o with_o the_o quotation_n find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n who_o cite_v and_o allege_v they_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o alteration_n of_o any_o such_o consequence_n as_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a for_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o any_o man_n be_v of_o another_o opinion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o he_o to_o show_v that_o some_o one_o or_o more_o text_n which_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v dispute_v but_o he_o must_v show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o text_n which_o be_v clear_a and_o undisputed_a the_o various_a lection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o their_o authority_n that_o they_o rather_o help_v to_o prove_v it_o since_o they_o be_v comparative_o so_o few_o in_o a_o book_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n for_o no_o care_n and_o regard_n inferior_a to_o that_o which_o we_o must_v suppose_v man_n to_o have_v of_o a_o book_n which_o they_o be_v convince_v be_v of_o divine_a authority_n can_v have_v produce_v a_o less_o variety_n of_o readins_n in_o a_o book_n of_o much_o less_o antiquity_n they_o be_v all_o of_o no_o consequence_n to_o the_o
vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n here_o it_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o author_n be_v rather_o perplex_v and_o obscure_v than_o explain_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a of_o no_o book_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o none_o have_v have_v so_o many_o gloss_n and_o comment_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n so_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o some_o new_a explication_n or_o to_o serve_v a_o cause_n and_o maintain_v some_o particular_a opinion_n by_o their_o exposition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v clear_a after_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v i_o may_v true_o say_v upon_o every_o text_n rather_o than_o that_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o find_v it_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v place_n of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o which_o make_v it_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o objection_n against_o they_o for_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v with_o a_o design_n and_o for_o some_o good_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o design_n ought_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o before_o this_o be_v use_v as_o a_o objection_n st_o peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n say_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n have_v deliver_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o st_n paul_n himself_o intimate_v that_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_n concern_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o this_o matter_n 2_o thess_n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o st_o peter_n on_o this_o occasion_n say_v that_o it_o so_o happen_v not_o only_o to_o st_n paul_n epistle_n but_o to_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o rashness_n of_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n 2_o pet._n three_o 16._o and_o it_o happen_v more_o especial_o in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o contain_v whatever_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v therefore_o i_o shall_v i._o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n ii_o i_o shall_v in_o particular_a consider_v the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o type_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a force_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o argument_n bring_v from_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i._o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o general_a how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 1._o some_o doctrine_n which_o it_o mighty_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o can_v not_o be_v deliver_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n but_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v so_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a a_o knowledge_n but_o that_o something_o of_o they_o will_v still_o remain_v unknown_a to_o we_o as_o there_o be_v no_o object_n more_o visible_a or_o better_o know_v to_o we_o than_o the_o sun_n be_v but_o to_o calculate_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o we_o to_o know_v how_o its_o light_n be_v communicate_v and_o sudden_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thing_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o can_v never_o perhaps_o be_v full_o account_v for_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v must_v needs_o have_v difficulty_n in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n above_o our_o understanding_n we_o may_v perfect_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n but_o can_v have_v no_o full_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o or_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o portion_n our_o faculty_n bear_v to_o it_o will_v allow_v god_n be_v incomprehensible_a whatever_o be_v deliver_v concern_v he_o can_v never_o be_v without_o all_o difficulty_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o next_o so_o full_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o and_o these_o be_v difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o the_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o contain_v no_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v reveal_v and_o more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n what_o be_v meaut_n for_o 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sense_n even_o without_o inspiration_n they_o can_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o mistake_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v exod._n xxxiii_o 11._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n yet_o verse_n 20._o the_o lord_n answer_v moses_n who_o have_v beseech_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n for_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n see_v i_o and_o live_v will_v it_o not_o be_v impudent_a trifle_a to_o pretend_v any_o contradiction_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n when_o they_o be_v easy_o understand_v in_o a_o consistent_a sense_n and_o no_o man_n of_o any_o judgement_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o write_v contradiction_n and_o lay_v they_o so_o near_o together_o when_o it_o be_v say_v act._n ix_o 7._o that_o the_o man_n who_o journey_v with_o st._n paul_n hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man_n and_o act._n xxii_o 9_o that_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v to_o st._n paul_n beside_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v know_v and_o obvious_a to_o reconcile_v these_o text_n those_o who_o who_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consult_v expositor_n or_o to_o consider_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v please_v to_o observe_v that_o st._n luke_n be_v a_o man_n breed_v to_o learning_n and_o this_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v at_o least_o a_o prudent_a and_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v write_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o the_o objection_n must_v suppose_v in_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n concern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n in_o his_o whole_a history_n relate_v to_o a_o person_n with_o who_o he_o constant_o travel_v and_o converse_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o two_o such_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o thucydides_n or_o xenophon_n or_o even_o in_o the_o very_o worst_a historian_n he_o will_v not_o be_v incline_v rather_o to_o seek_v out_o for_o some_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o than_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o can_v so_o soon_o forget_v what_o he_o have_v write_v so_o little_a a_o while_n before_o in_o a_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v that_o difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o in_o st._n luke_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o and_o long_o after_o extant_a in_o the_o public_a register_n 9_o register_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la adam_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la extremum_fw-la zorobabel_n omnium_fw-la generationes_fw-la ita_fw-la memoriter_fw-la velociterque_fw-la precur_v runt_n ut_fw-la eos_fw-la suum_fw-la pute_fw-la refer_v nomen_fw-la hieron_n in_o tit._n iii._o 9_o they_o can_v repeat_v they_o by_o heart_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n as_o they_o can_v their_o own_o name_n and_o to_o insert_v a_o wrong_a genealogy_n have_v be_v to_o give_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o their_o cause_n than_o for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o produce_v a_o false_a pedigree_n when_o the_o true_a one_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o produce_v by_o any_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disprove_v they_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n descent_n from_o abraham_n and_o david_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v now_o be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o this_o twofold_a genealogy_n it_o be_v certain_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o that_o age_n and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o have_v for_o ever_o ruin_v their_o cause_n if_o they_o have_v produce_v it_o some_o crime_n be_v too_o great_a to_o charge_v upon_o man_n of_o any_o credit_n or_o reputation_n and_o some_o error_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a prudence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o commit_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o author_n rational_a and_o consistent_a in_o other_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n the_o ordinary_a ingenuity_n and_o condor_n of_o mankind_n will_v hinder_v we_o from_o suppose_v he_o to_o commit_v gross_a and_o palpable_a mistake_n and_o it_o be_v great_a disingenuity_n and_o folly_n to_o show_v the_o less_o respect_n to_o any_o author_n because_o he_o be_v at_o least_o believe_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o man_n because_o god_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n iv_o if_o any_o contradiction_n be_v frame_v or_o force_v from_o the_o various_a readins_n the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n or_o whatever_a elsé_fw-fr of_o this_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dispute_n 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well_o assure_v of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o it_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n may_v serve_v to_o prove_v to_o we_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v it_o since_o christian_n agree_v in_o assert_v their_o divine_a authority_n and_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o at_o unity_n among_o themselves_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o agree_v to_o corrupt_v they_o but_o have_v certain_o deliver_v they_o down_o entire_a to_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n only_o which_o man_n dispute_v about_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o disagree_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o want_v of_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v man_n into_o more_o inconvenience_n than_o want_v of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o 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more_o approve_a as_o strength_n and_o courage_n be_v by_o the_o sharp_a conflict_n since_o than_o there_o will_v be_v vice_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o religion_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v vice_n since_o they_o can_v be_v hinder_v but_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v any_o uncertainty_n in_o religion_n that_o they_o rather_o prove_v a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v in_o divers_a respect_n make_v useful_a and_o expedient_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n it_o must_v be_v great_a inconsideration_n and_o weakness_n to_o produce_v they_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o religion_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v true_a unless_o these_o thing_n shall_v happen_v which_o be_v foretell_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n behold_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matt._n xxiv_o 25._o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o surprise_v thing_n to_o christian_n to_o see_v heresy_n arise_v though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v to_o expect_v they_o and_o they_o serve_v to_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o fulfil_v the_o prediction_n of_o it_o they_o help_v to_o prove_v the_o religion_n which_o they_o will_v destroy_v for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o heresy_n that_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v true_a which_o have_v foretell_v they_o but_o since_o there_o be_v heresy_n our_o religion_n be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o true_a as_o to_o contain_v express_a prophecy_n concern_v they_o which_o we_o see_v daily_o fulfil_v and_o as_o they_o evident_o prove_v our_o religion_n true_a in_o this_o particular_a so_o they_o invalidate_v it_o in_o no_o other_o which_o be_v the_o dial._n the_o just_a mart._n dial._n answer_n that_o the_o christian_n ancient_o return_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o make_v this_o objection_n against_o it_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o plain_a the_o know_v and_o and_o confess_v duty_n of_o religion_n humility_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n and_o when_o once_o we_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o wish_v religion_n untrue_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v so_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o for_o if_o man_n will_v impartial_o consider_v thing_n that_o religion_n which_o have_v now_o for_o so_o many_o age_n stand_v out_o all_o the_o assault_n and_o attempt_n with_o enemy_n from_o without_o and_o party_n within_o can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o have_v approve_v it_o much_o better_o and_o more_o glorious_o than_o it_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v either_o heresy_n or_o schism_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_a be_v assure_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o shall_v only_o serve_v to_o add_v to_o its_o victory_n and_o adorn_v its_o triumph_n the_o malice_n o_o lord_n and_o fierceness_n of_o man_n shall_v turn_v to_o thy_o praise_n and_o the_o fierceness_n of_o they_o shall_v thou_o refrain_v ps_n lxxvi_o 10._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o objection_n which_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n be_v allege_v have_v be_v consider_v and_o answer_v by_o divers_a man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o several_a objection_n which_o have_v make_v most_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o about_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o other_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v groundless_a and_o frivolous_a but_o though_o all_o difficulty_n can_v not_o be_v account_v for_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a or_o sufficient_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o objection_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o effect_n the_o evidence_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o be_v pertinent_a yet_o unless_o they_o can_v confute_v that_o evidence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v we_o against_o they_o he_o that_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o revelation_n inquire_v into_o it_o shall_v first_o consider_v impartial_o what_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o afterward_o consider_v the_o objection_n raise_v against_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v compare_v the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o the_o objection_n together_o and_o determine_v himself_o on_o that_o side_n which_o appear_v to_o have_v most_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o to_o insist_v upon_o particular_a objection_n collect_v out_o of_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o will_v likewise_o observe_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v which_o few_o of_o our_o objector_n have_v patience_n to_o do_v but_o run_v away_o with_o the_o objection_n without_o stay_v for_o a_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o allege_v particular_a objection_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o motive_n
which_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a deceitful_a way_n of_o argue_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a revelation_n which_o may_v have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o invalidate_v that_o evidence_n then_o all_o the_o objection_n beside_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v be_v but_o objection_n and_o no_o more_o for_o if_o those_o argument_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a remain_v still_o in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v those_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o objection_n but_o to_o reject_v the_o objection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n because_o if_o those_o can_v be_v disprove_v all_o the_o which_o can_v be_v think_v of_o must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o once_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n i_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n that_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o must_v be_v vain_a and_o false_a which_o i_o have_v that_o that_o thing_n be_v true_a because_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v false_a which_o be_v opposite_a to_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o take_v off_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a can_v ever_o prove_v it_o false_a but_o all_o objection_n must_v be_v false_a themselves_o or_o insignificant_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v if_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v can_v be_v disprove_v that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v be_v true_a to_o show_v this_o in_o particular_n if_o a_o man_n muster_v up_o never_o so_o many_o inconsistency_n as_o he_o think_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o unless_o he_o be_v as_o well_o assure_v at_o least_o that_o these_o which_o he_o call_v inconsistency_n can_v be_v in_o any_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o he_o may_v be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o can_v in_o reason_n reject_v their_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o we_o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o evidence_n can_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o authority_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v frame_v never_o so_o many_o objection_n against_o the_o opinion_n common_o receive_v that_o caesar_n himself_o write_v the_o commentary_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n and_o not_o julius_n celsus_n or_o any_o other_o author_n unless_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o caesar_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o his_o objection_n will_v never_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v thing_n which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o to_o enact_v law_n especial_o concern_v the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n enjoin_v a_o people_n so_o many_o age_n past_a the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v not_o be_v full_o to_o understand_v and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o chronology_n and_o that_o the_o text_n may_v in_o divers_a place_n have_v a_o different_a read_n and_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o reasonable_a man_n by_o several_a expositor_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v at_o present_a to_o gratify_v these_o objector_n and_o this_o will_v gratify_v they_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o that_o the_o law_n be_v utter_o unaccountable_a that_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v no_o way_n adjust_v that_o the_o divers_a readins_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v reconcile_v yet_o what_o do_v all_o this_o prove_v that_o moses_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o egyptian_n be_v not_o witness_n to_o they_o that_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o saviour_n never_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a do_v it_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o or_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v to_o prove_v it_o if_o it_o can_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o it_o can_v then_o all_o the_o evidence_n produce_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n stand_v firm_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o mighty_a noise_n of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o will_v be_v not_o how_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v from_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v from_o henceforth_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v till_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v how_o these_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v or_o reconcile_v with_o other_o place_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o reason_n thus_o in_o any_o case_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n and_o whether_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o any_o other_o case_n how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o we_o thorough_o unstand_v in_o natural_a thing_n and_o yet_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o because_o we_o may_v puzzle_v and_o perplex_v ourselves_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n we_o discern_v the_o light_n and_o feel_v the_o warmth_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o constant_a return_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o of_o the_o several_a season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o all_o this_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o approach_n or_o withdraw_n of_o the_o sun_n influence_n but_o whoever_o will_v go_v about_o to_o explain_v all_o this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o it_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a task_n and_o such_o objection_n have_v be_v urge_v against_o every_o hypothesis_n in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o as_o perhaps_o no_o man_n be_v able_a full_o to_o answer_v but_o do_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o heat_n as_o day_n and_o night_n though_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n move_v or_o do_v man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o can_v see_v or_o not_o till_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v how_o vision_n be_v make_v and_o must_v none_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v but_o mathematician_n or_o do_v man_n refuse_v to_o eat_v till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v nourish_v yet_o if_o we_o must_v be_v sway_v by_o objection_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a point_n nor_o affect_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n about_o they_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o comprehend_v in_o every_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o concern_v it_o that_o may_v it_o seem_v be_v object_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o may_v be_v a_o just_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o it_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o be_v too_o confident_a that_o we_o move_v before_o we_o can_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o the_o great_a philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o eat_v till_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o digestion_n and_o nourishment_n be_v make_v in_o short_a this_o will_v run_v we_o into_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o scepticism_n for_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v that_o some_o doubt_v whether_o snow_n be_v white_a or_o honey_n sweet_a or_o any_o
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o scripture_n come_v confirm_v down_o to_o we_o by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o confirmation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o revelation_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o have_v if_o it_o real_o be_v what_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v why_o then_o do_v some_o man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v authentic_a can_v they_o disprove_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o can_v they_o produce_v any_o other_o revelation_n more_o authentic_a or_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n than_o that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v be_v he_o no_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n but_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v will_v not_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v never_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n for_o any_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o which_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n nor_o touch_v these_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a that_o that_o may_v be_v most_o true_a which_o may_v have_v many_o exception_n frame_v against_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v that_o as_o incredible_a which_o come_v recommend_v by_o our_o belief_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v beside_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o who_o most_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v they_o but_o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o become_v false_a there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o its_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o theology_n be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o reject_v this_o as_o a_o science_n of_o no_o value_n nor_o certainty_n and_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o can_v square_a the_o circle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o and_o know_v nothing_o if_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o its_o operation_n nor_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n unless_o we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o part_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v our_o sense_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v to_o sensation_n but_o what_o we_o perfect_o understand_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o object_n in_o the_o world_n till_o we_o know_v the_o exact_a manner_n how_o we_o perceive_v they_o and_o can_v solve_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v incredulous_a to_o this_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n if_o he_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o and_o true_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o can_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o difficulty_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o whilst_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n remain_v unanswered_a and_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v against_o the_o scripture_n can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o 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mind_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o may_v have_v talk_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n for_o christianity_n as_o they_o now_o talk_v against_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o their_o education_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v and_o think_v like_o other_o man_n and_o they_o may_v almost_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n still_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v singular_a in_o be_v so_o for_o the_o mere_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n make_v they_o despise_v and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o allow_v and_o esteem_v but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o learned_a man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n and_o virtue_n and_o
who_o be_v not_o as_o singular_a in_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o his_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o have_v firm_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o thing_n to_o weigh_v the_o objection_n with_o the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o divers_a author_n and_o withal_o to_o observe_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o how_o far_o they_o affect_v the_o main_a cause_n and_o still_o to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n if_o our_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o we_o nor_o infidelity_n any_o prejudice_n we_o may_v take_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o give_v credit_n or_o no_o credit_n to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o we_o use_v in_o the_o read_n all_o other_o book_n and_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v it_o as_o we_o think_v fit_a or_o to_o believe_v only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o lies_z even_o with_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o worst_a this_o will_v be_v but_o folly_n in_o we_o but_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o reject_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a because_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v every_o word_n of_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o term_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o son_n shall_v choose_v to_o live_v miserable_o rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v a_o large_a estate_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o father_n because_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o design_n and_o full_a meaning_n of_o every_o particular_a in_o his_o will_n he_o search_v out_o for_o all_o way_n and_o art_n for_o cavil_v at_o it_o and_o be_v fond_a of_o any_o pretence_n to_o cast_v it_o aside_o as_o counterfeit_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o father_n for_o his_o father_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v he_o such_o and_o such_o clause_n will_v not_o be_v in_o it_o since_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o he_o can_v see_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v several_a thing_n mention_v in_o it_o he_o believe_v be_v mistimed_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o describe_v by_o fit_a name_n beside_o it_o be_v interline_v and_o he_o never_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o estate_n convey_v to_o he_o by_o such_o a_o will_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v miserable_a all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n this_o will_v be_v such_o peevishness_n and_o perverseness_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o where_o our_o temporal_a interest_n be_v concern_v but_o too_o many_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o reject_v the_o tender_v and_o despise_v the_o term_n of_o a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n in_o heaven_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o curse_n threaten_v to_o unbeliever_n because_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o exception_n and_o cavil_v to_o captious_a men._n god_n have_v send_v his_o prophet_n to_o call_v and_o admonish_v we_o and_o his_o son_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o offer_v we_o eternal_a peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o he_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o jew_n have_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o christian_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o not_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o without_o any_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o with_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o become_v christian_n when_o in_o this_o world_n christian_n be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a and_o be_v support_v only_o by_o the_o steadfast_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n after_o this_o life_n and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v not_o only_o that_o any_o other_o book_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v but_o as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n now_o what_o do_v these_o man_n how_o do_v they_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n why_o they_o overlook_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o search_v up_o and_o down_o for_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a passage_n to_o disprove_v it_o by_o not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o nothing_o can_v overthrow_v their_o authority_n but_o that_o which_o can_v invalidate_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n thus_o to_o despise_v god_n mercy_n and_o care_n over_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a danger_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o madness_n for_o what_o mild_a term_n can_v be_v find_v to_o express_v the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o they_o who_o reject_v a_o book_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n forewarn_v we_o upon_o pain_n of_o the_o severe_a effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n not_o to_o neglect_v they_o it_o be_v madness_n i_o say_v if_o we_o right_o consider_v it_o to_o reject_v such_o a_o book_n and_o at_o once_o both_o to_o affront_v the_o mercy_n and_o despise_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o infinite_o merciful_a and_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o powerful_a god_n it_o be_v a_o good_a caution_n to_o the_o atheist_n to_o forbear_v his_o blasphemy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o last_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a thing_n after_o all_o his_o profane_a talk_v and_o argue_v to_o be_v call_v before_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o often_o deny_v and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a advice_n to_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o be_v not_o god_n word_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a of_o this_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o they_o bear_v and_o which_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o as_o judicious_a as_o themselves_o think_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o shall_v methinks_v keep_v man_n within_o some_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o discretion_n for_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v more_o evident_a than_o how_o dear_o must_v they_o pay_v for_o a_o little_a cavil_v wit_n and_o subtilty_n the_o best_a and_o most_o divine_a thing_n may_v be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o a_o bold_a and_o scurrilous_a wit_n but_o can_v man_n think_v it_o a_o safe_a or_o a_o prudent_a thing_n to_o ridicule_n and_o scoff_n at_o those_o book_n which_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v may_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o fancy_n themselves_o so_o great_a master_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v the_o argument_n bring_v in_o vindication_n of_o they_o can_v they_o value_v the_o contemptible_a reputation_n of_o a_o little_a satyr_n and_o drollery_n at_o that_o mighty_a rate_n as_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o if_o man_n have_v any_o real_a doubt_n or_o scruple_n they_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o thing_n to_o jest_n and_o trifle_v withal_o when_o no_o less_o than_o the_o term_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o everlasting_a misery_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n and_o what_o wit_n there_o may_v be_v in_o it_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n to_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o a_o book_n by_o which_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v but_o that_o he_o must_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o a_o madman_n say_v solomon_n who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deceive_v his_o neighbour_n and_o say_v be_o not_o i_o
worought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o false_a god_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n p._n 401._o chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n absurd_a p._n 403._o their_o religious_a worship_n wicked_a and_o impious_a p._n 405._o humane_a sacrifice_n customary_a in_o all_o heathen_a nation_n p._n 406._o no_o body_n of_o law_n nor_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n p._n 402._o but_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o they_o ibid._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a p._n 411._o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n p._n 423._o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 429_o chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 436._o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 439_o chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a p._n 441_o chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n that_o he_o be_v lustful_a proud_a and_o cruel_a appear_v from_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o p._n 443_o part_n iu_o chap._n i._n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 447_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n consider_v 1._o as_o historical_o true_a 2._o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n p._n 451_o 452._o from_o both_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a p._n 455._o in_o many_o case_n there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o we_o see_v and_o experience_n ourselves_o p._n 456._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n p._n 460._o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o case_n compare_v p._n 462._o the_o certainty_n of_o both_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n a_o objection_n from_o joh._n xx_o 29._o answer_v p._n 467._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n p._n 470_o new_o publish_a christian_a thought_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o month_n with_o reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v add_v prayer_n for_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n price_n 1_o s._n a_o course_n of_o lecture_n upon_o the_o church_n catechism_n by_o thomas_n bray_n d._n d._n the_o three_o edition_n price_n 5_o s._n very_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v in_o family_n a_o minister_n counsel_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o his_o parish_n when_o arrive_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n recommend_v to_o the_o society_n in_o and_o about_o london_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n hertfordshire_n price_n 2_o s._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._n part_n i._n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o method_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n ii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n iv_o that_o no_o other_o book_n or_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n v._o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o show_v that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n both_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n vi_o have_v do_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o objection_n and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v the_o rather_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_o so_o much_o consider_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o certain_o will_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o revelation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o can_v bear_v any_o competition_n with_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n my_o first_o business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o show_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n than_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o beginning_n some_o first_o principle_n of_o be_v from_o whence_o all_o other_o being_n proceed_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o being_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o understand_v or_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o shall_v yet_o be_v produce_v and_o continue_v for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o without_o any_o wisdom_n or_o contrivance_n that_o a_o unaccountable_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o can_v never_o build_v the_o least_o house_n or_o cottage_n shall_v yet_o build_v and_o sustain_v the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o when_o the_o very_a line_n in_o a_o globe_n or_o sphere_n can_v be_v make_v without_o art_n the_o world_n itself_o which_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o shall_v be_v make_v without_o it_o and_o that_o less_o skill_n shall_v be_v require_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o picture_n that_o chance_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o order_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o the_o constancy_n and_o regularity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v their_o original_a from_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n but_o be_v mere_a ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n from_o a_o be_v therefore_o of_o infinite_a perfection_n must_v proceed_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v beside_o with_o all_o their_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o among_o other_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v infinite_o more_o just_a more_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v will_v not_o at_o last_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_o
to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a design_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v equal_o adapt_v to_o awaken_v the_o attention_n and_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o wise_a and_o confute_v or_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o captious_a or_o contentious_a and_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n by_o work_v somewhat_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o there_o never_o be_v any_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o something_o miraculous_a we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o whenever_o any_o thing_n happen_v extraordinary_a they_o always_o imagine_v something_o supernatural_a in_o it_o they_o expect_v that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o false_a religion_n can_v have_v gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o they_o the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o will_v be_v to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a or_o those_o which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v or_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o behalf_n of_o false_a religion_n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o controversy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o determine_v what_o the_o power_n of_o spirit_n be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o what_o work_n can_v proceed_v only_o from_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o know_v that_o god_n precide_v over_o all_o that_o good_a spirit_n act_v in_o constant_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o evil_a spirit_n act_v for_o evil_a end_n that_o good_a spirit_n will_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evil_a to_o do_v it_o under_o any_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v the_o delusion_n and_o the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v any_o strange_a work_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o allege_v to_o be_v the_o author_n but_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o establish_v religion_n in_o his_o name_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o wonder_n wrought_v in_o the_o world_n which_o exceed_v all_o humane_a power_n and_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o to_o what_o other_o power_n to_o ascribe_v this_o make_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o present_a case_n because_o here_o not_o only_o the_o work_n themselves_o but_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o instance_n whether_o the_o miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o vespasian_n be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o a_o divine_a or_o a_o diabolical_a power_n they_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n to_o we_o he_o establish_v no_o new_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v to_o no_o divine_a authority_n but_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o work_v they_o and_o suppose_v they_o true_a and_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o as_o god_n mention_v cyrus_n by_o name_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o may_v by_o miracle_n signalise_v this_o prince_n who_o be_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v with_o this_o declare_a purpose_n and_o design_n that_o they_o be_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o introduce_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v premise_v this_o i_o must_v resume_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v concern_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o false_a prophecy_n may_v be_v detect_v it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o man_n have_v ever_o expect_v to_o receive_v revelation_n by_o if_o then_o there_o have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v either_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o after_o those_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v deliver_v if_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n than_o the_o same_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o oblige_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n must_v oblige_v he_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o imposture_n of_o those_o false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o some_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v discover_v but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o true_a revelation_n shall_v be_v first_o make_v to_o man_n before_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v with_o false_a one_o and_o if_o the_o false_a be_v after_o the_o true_a revelation_n than_o the_o true_a revelation_n themselves_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o present_a subject_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a truth_n and_o honour_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v delude_v by_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v there_o have_v past_o any_o time_n before_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v man_n but_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o miracle_n but_o either_o by_o the_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o promote_v and_o establish_v as_o idolatry_n uncleanness_n murder_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o some_o other_o token_n of_o imposture_n they_o may_v have_v be_v undeceive_v and_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n have_v give_v we_o warn_v against_o false_a miracle_n deut._n xiii_o 1._o mat._n xxiv_o 24._o gal._n i_o 8._o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o any_o miracle_n that_o can_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v certify_v that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n which_o give_v testimony_n and_o evidence_n to_o they_o we_o need_v concern_v ourselves_o about_o no_o other_o and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v and_o authorise_a must_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o contradict_v nor_o any_o immoral_a or_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o they_o whereby_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o in_o this_o case_n that_o which_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a must_v be_v true_a or_o else_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v usurp_v and_o abuse_v and_o mankind_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a consequence_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o to_o permit_v but_o either_o by_o the_o work_v themselves_o or_o by_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o the_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o detect_v all_o such_o imposture_n if_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o who_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n assure_v we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o seduce_v man_n to_o immoral_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v perform_v to_o contradict_v the_o religion_n already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o which_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v possible_o be_v discover_v if_o never_o so_o astonish_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o such_o ill_a design_n as_o these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o reject_v with_o that_o constancy_n which_o become_v a_o man_n who_o will_v act_v according_a to_o the_o
principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o miracle_n be_v perform_v which_o both_o for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o performance_n have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o miracle_n can_v have_v if_o it_o be_v real_o wrought_v by_o god_n immediate_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o revelation_n if_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v do_v public_o before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o that_o often_o and_o by_o many_o man_n successive_o for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o design_n if_o neither_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o they_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v any_o deceit_n or_o defect_n in_o they_o but_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o these_o miracle_n and_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o from_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v either_o that_o god_n can_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o revelation_n from_o imposture_n both_o which_o supposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n contrary_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o these_o require_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o miracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a which_o be_v his_o revelation_n but_o if_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v put_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o false_a miracle_n and_o true_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a miracle_n than_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n concern_v which_o nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v either_o impious_a or_o false_a must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v by_o miracle_n and_o we_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a miracle_n without_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n which_o both_o by_o its_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o must_v certain_o be_v true_a because_o the_o goodness_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o mankind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v by_o imposture_n vent_v under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o belzebub_n be_v so_o heinous_a above_o all_o other_o crime_n this_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o utmost_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o man_n salvation_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n and_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o though_o miracle_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v consider_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o proof_n and_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n when_o the_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v wrought_v can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a either_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o miracle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o all_o other_o proof_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 3._o how_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n and_o that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o that_o of_o write_v be_v so_o notorious_o fanciful_a and_o strain_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o serious_a answer_n for_o till_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v will_n and_o bequeath_v and_o purchase_v estate_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n rather_o than_o by_o instrument_n in_o write_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o can_v be_v take_v so_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n declare_v and_o so_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o man_n take_v all_o possible_a care_n about_o and_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o thing_n temporal_a than_o about_o eternal_a which_o afford_v too_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o isa_n thirty_o 8._o 4._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n because_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o under_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n without_o take_v some_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o by_o put_v man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v and_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n 5._o another_o requisite_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_o promulge_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o general_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v design_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o from_z what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o antiquity_n ii_o promulgation_n iii_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o authority_n iv_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o every_o way_n such_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n will_v not_o so_o whole_o neglect_v mankind_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n so_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v defer_v it_o so_o long_o before_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n as_o till_o the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o the_o work_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o of_o any_o heathen_a author_n can_v be_v compare_v with_o
apply_v his_o own_o song_n or_o poem_n exod._n xv_o deut._n xxxii_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o write_n before_o the_o flood_n because_o there_o be_v no_o account_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o it_o though_o the_o inventor_n of_o other_o infeferior_a art_n be_v mention_v this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v coaeval_fw-fr with_o mankind_n or_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v out_o nothing_o for_o the_o use_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n though_o no_o invention_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o write_v be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o world_n can_v very_o ill_o subsist_v without_o it_o for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n the_o grecian_n and_o other_o nation_n have_v record_v the_o first_o inventor_n as_o they_o suppose_v of_o letter_n as_o those_o who_o best_o deserve_v a_o memorial_n in_o history_n and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mention_n among_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a writer_n but_o that_o they_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n some_o of_o they_o also_o ascribe_v they_o to_o adam_n this_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o invention_n be_v no_o more_o know_v than_o that_o of_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o other_o necessary_a art_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o before_o the_o flood_n they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o conveniency_n for_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n past_a that_o we_o have_v have_v since_o yet_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o have_v less_o mean_n of_o convey_v thing_n pass_v to_o posterity_n they_o have_v few_o thing_n to_o convey_v and_o all_o their_o history_n be_v concern_v the_o ancestor_n of_o their_o own_o family_n they_o be_v easy_o remember_v and_o however_o short_a and_o imperfect_a they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v general_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a as_o to_o swallow_v such_o imposture_n they_o have_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o purposely_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o praise_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n and_o they_o who_o have_v proverbial_a remembrance_n of_o nimrod_n the_o three_o from_o noah_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o noah_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o flood_n in_o his_o time_n in_o so_o few_o generation_n of_o man_n as_o have_v past_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o moses_n to_o impose_v upon_o those_o of_o his_o own_o age_n in_o thing_n so_o memorable_a as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o so_o long_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v disperse_v into_o so_o far_o distant_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o manner_n and_o custom_n be_v different_a and_o their_o life_n short_a it_o become_v necessary_a that_o a_o true_a and_o last_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n shall_v stand_v record_v in_o a_o book_n of_o infallible_a credit_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n lest_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o shall_v become_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a and_o fabulous_a story_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n as_o well_o as_o the_o philosophy_n and_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n contain_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o propagation_n mankind_n the_o flood_n and_o other_o particular_n which_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o agreement_n with_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v obscure_v and_o disguise_v under_o other_o name_n and_o character_n to_o conceal_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v original_o take_v and_o to_o gain_v they_o the_o better_a acceptance_n among_o those_o for_o who_o use_n the_o book_n contain_v they_o be_v design_v by_o their_o author_n and_o when_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o past_a age_n begin_v to_o fail_v and_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a conveyance_n be_v so_o uncertain_a it_o be_v requisite_a that_o some_o infallible_a account_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o god_n dispensation_n and_o his_o communication_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o age_n which_o may_v be_v transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n must_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v and_o promulge_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o revelation_n which_o have_v be_v know_v to_o most_o nation_n and_o far_a divulge_v carry_v another_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o it_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v or_o confine_v to_o a_o few_o person_n but_o to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o have_v be_v most_o know_v and_o far_a propagate_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v to_o be_v a_o true_a revelation_n if_o every_o thing_n else_o concur_v to_o prove_v it_o true_a the_o very_a promulgation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v either_o suffer_v his_o own_o revelation_n to_o be_v so_o stifle_v and_o surpress_v as_o to_o become_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v false_a revelation_n to_o be_v more_o know_v and_o divulge_v either_o of_o which_o will_v very_o ill_o consist_v with_o the_o intention_n of_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v afford_v a_o constant_a and_o stand_a revelation_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o mankind_n be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o necessary_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v all_o which_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n to_o sinful_a and_o perverse_a man._n if_o man_n be_v put_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n allow_v they_o to_o attain_v it_o all_o beyond_o this_o be_v the_o mere_a arbitrary_a effect_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o his_o justice_n or_o by_o reason_n foresee_v from_o his_o mercy_n itself_o and_o his_o wisdom_n so_o order_n and_o dispose_v the_o effect_n and_o emanation_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o to_o render_v they_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o honour_n as_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o age_n revelation_n be_v frequent_a and_o general_o know_v among_o all_o mankind_n till_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o neglect_n they_o be_v withheld_a from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n afterward_o to_o continue_v to_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v he_o a_o opportunity_n of_o know_v his_o will_n reveal_v to_o other_o and_o this_o god_n be_v please_v to_o do_v by_o appoint_v a_o choose_a seed_n and_o select_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o bear_v his_o name_n before_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o so_o dispose_v of_o that_o people_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n second_o that_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o here_o we_o must_v have_v
recourse_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o learned_a man_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o ancient_a book_n which_o can_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o unless_o we_o will_v reject_v all_o history_n and_o believe_v nothing_o relate_v of_o ancient_a time_n we_o must_v take_v our_o account_n from_o such_o book_n as_o treat_v of_o they_o and_o till_o by_o the_o method_n propose_v i_o have_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n i_o shall_v allege_v it_o only_o as_o a_o historical_a relation_n of_o thing_n past_a in_o which_o respect_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o deny_v it_o that_o credit_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o other_o book_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v now_o desire_a in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o what_o i_o be_o at_o present_a upon_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o true_a revelation_n be_v want_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o promulge_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o create_v but_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n and_o to_o people_n the_o earth_n from_o they_o which_o must_v exceed_o tend_v both_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n and_o obedience_n among_o man_n and_o to_o the_o retain_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o way_n and_o deal_n with_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n but_o if_o multitude_n have_v be_v create_v and_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v people_v at_o once_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o this_o have_v be_v ambition_n and_o strife_n confusion_n and_o ignorance_n for_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n multiply_v so_o do_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n increase_v though_o all_o descend_v from_o the_o same_o parent_n and_o these_o parent_n live_v to_o see_v many_o generation_n of_o their_o offspring_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o admonish_v they_o which_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v have_v do_v it_o must_v have_v keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n among_o men._n adam_n himself_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o father_n a_o priest_n and_o a_o king_n to_o his_o child_n and_o the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o three_o descend_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o family_n in_o the_o several_a generation_n and_o succession_n of_o kingdom_n among_o his_o posterity_n for_o that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o world_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o best_a antiquity_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v so_o likewise_o among_o the_o jew_n till_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o order_n and_o succession_n of_o the_o priesthood_n in_o one_o tribe_n and_o therefore_o esau_n be_v style_v a_o profane_a person_n for_o sell_v his_o birthright_n genes_n omnesque_fw-la primogenitos_fw-la no_n donec_fw-la sacerdotio_fw-la fungeretur_fw-la aaron_n fuisse_fw-la pontifices_fw-la hebraei_n tradunt_fw-la hieronym_n quaestion_n seu_fw-la tradit_fw-la hebraic_n in_o genes_n because_o the_o priesthood_n go_v along_o with_o it_o heb._n twelve_o 16._o by_o all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o flood_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v please_v at_o first_o to_o afford_v frequent_a communication_n of_o himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o even_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o to_o cain_n who_o punishment_n it_o afterward_o be_v to_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o drive_v out_o from_o his_o presence_n gen._n four_o 14_o 16._o and_o when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n have_v provoke_v god_n to_o drown_v the_o world_n he_o reveal_v this_o to_o noah_n and_o respite_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o judgement_n a_o hundred_o year_n and_o noah_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o by_o his_o preach_v and_o by_o prepare_v a_o ark_n warn_v they_o of_o it_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n by_o prepare_v of_o a_o ark_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o house_n he_o condemn_v the_o world_n heb._n xi_o 7._o and_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o old_a world_n 2_o pet._n two_o 5._o he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n for_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n together_o to_o forewarn_v the_o wicked_a world_n of_o their_o approach_a ruin_n which_o he_o do_v by_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o a_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n can_v contrive_v proper_a for_o that_o end_n noah_n live_v after_o the_o flood_n three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n gen._n ix_o 28._o and_o it_o be_v between_o one_o and_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o division_n of_o tongue_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o when_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v of_o one_o language_n and_o live_v not_o far_o asunder_o noah_n himself_o live_v among_o they_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o wicked_a world_n in_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o the_o flood_n his_o mercy_n to_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o their_o preservation_n when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n perish_v and_o the_o commandment_n which_o god_n give_v to_o noah_n at_o his_o come_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n with_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n respective_o to_o the_o performance_n or_o trangression_n of_o they_o must_v be_v well_o know_v and_o the_o sin_n in_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n for_o which_o the_o universal_a language_n be_v confound_v and_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n disperse_v can_v proceed_v from_o nothing_o but_o the_o height_n of_o presumption_n and_o perverseness_n after_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o mankind_n they_o can_v not_o on_o the_o sudden_a remove_n to_o very_o distant_a and_o remote_a place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o unpassable_a wood_n and_o desert_n and_o marsh_n which_o after_o so_o vast_a a_o inundation_n must_v be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o to_o obstruct_v their_o passage_n in_o those_o hot_a and_o fruitful_a country_n when_o they_o have_v lie_v uninhabited_a for_o so_o many_o year_n this_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v from_o the_o slow_a progress_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o west-indies_n for_o the_o spaniard_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o find_v neither_o guide_n nor_o path_n do_v not_o enter_v the_o country_n ten_o mile_n 3._o mile_n see_v sir_n w._n rauleigh_n l._n 1._o c._n 8._o §._o 3._o in_o ten_o year_n and_o in_o those_o age_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v ill_o provide_v either_o by_o their_o own_o skill_n or_o by_o convenient_a tool_n and_o instrument_n with_o fit_a mean_n to_o clear_v the_o country_n which_o they_o be_v to_o pass_v and_o they_o be_v likewise_o unprovided_a of_o vessel_n to_o transport_v any_o great_a number_n of_o man_n with_o their_o family_n and_o herd_n of_o cattle_n which_o be_v for_o many_o age_n their_o only_a riches_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o their_o sustenance_n for_o navigation_n have_v never_o have_v so_o slow_a a_o improvement_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v so_o soon_o be_v in_o that_o perfection_n as_o to_o enable_v they_o for_o such_o transportation_n and_o as_o for_o these_o reason_n the_o dispersion_n of_o noah_n posterity_n over_o the_o earth_n must_v be_v gradual_a and_o many_o generation_n must_v pass_v before_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o it_o can_v be_v inhabit_v so_o the_o several_a plantation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o hold_v correspondence_n with_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v near_o ally_v and_o from_o who_o they_o go_v out_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o own_o some_o sort_n of_o dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o pay_v they_o such_o acknowledgement_n as_o colony_n have_v ever_o do_v to_o their_o mother-city_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o they_o first_o spread_v themselves_o into_o the_o neighbour_a country_n and_o as_o sir_n walter_n rauleigh_n have_v observe_v the_o first_o plantation_n be_v general_o by_o the_o bank_n of_o river_n whereby_o they_o may_v hold_v intelligence_n one_o with_o another_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v by_o land_n that_o be_v overspread_v with_o wood_n and_o altogether_o unfit_a for_o travel_v and_o the_o great_a affinity_n which_o be_v observable_a between_o the_o eastern_a language_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a correspondence_n and_o commerce_n maintain_v between_o the_o several_a nation_n after_o the_o dispersion_n all_o which_o consider_v the_o great_a age_n that_o man_n live_v in_o those_o time_n must_v without_o a_o very_a gross_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n preserve_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o noah_n himself_o live_v three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o flood_n his_o son_n be_v not_o soon_o disperse_v their_o dispersion_n be_v gradual_a and_o
therefore_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v or_o write_v as_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o command_n be_v real_o so_o for_o if_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o work_v perform_v by_o moses_n be_v such_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v whether_o they_o be_v real_o perform_v by_o he_o since_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o god_n may_v not_o upon_o great_a reason_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v suppose_v only_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v give_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o stand_v confirm_v by_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n and_o that_o he_o deliver_v the_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v affirm_v by_o the_o best_a heathen_a author_n as_o diodorus_n siculus_n strabo_n and_o other_o and_o be_v never_o yet_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o question_v by_o any_o man_n for_o those_o who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n which_o contain_v it_o yet_o confess_v that_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v of_o his_o prescribe_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v question_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n who_o give_v they_o their_o law_n how_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o new_a and_o burdensome_a law_n which_o at_o first_o be_v so_o very_o uneasy_a to_o they_o and_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o full_a persunsion_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n can_v ever_o have_v make_v they_o so_o zealous_a for_o shall_v be_v receive_v by_o any_o nation_n mere_o upon_o a_o feign_a and_o groundless_a report_n that_o moses_n have_v at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o deliver_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o man_n or_o such_o a_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o world_n can_v any_o one_o or_o more_o man_n persuade_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o this_o or_o can_v a_o whole_a nation_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n with_o a_o belief_n of_o it_o what_o mighty_a charm_n can_v there_o be_v in_o a_o name_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o in_o a_o story_n new_o invent_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v present_o grow_v fond_a of_o it_o they_o must_v consider_v humane_a nature_n very_o little_a who_o can_v fancy_n any_o thing_n so_o unnatural_a i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v give_v by_o he_o and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o prove_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o miracle_n relate_v of_o he_o be_v indeed_o perform_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v no_o rational_a man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n i_o shall_v now_o therefore_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n bare_o as_o national_a record_v not_o as_o write_v by_o a_o inspire_a author_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o they_o consider_v only_o as_o a_o account_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o person_n inspire_v and_o assist_v by_o god_n and_o both_o write_v and_o do_v all_o by_o god_n express_a will_n and_o appointment_n and_o if_o we_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n in_o this_o matter_n when_o they_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o national_a record_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n either_o 1._o because_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v not_o at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v or_o 2._o because_o the_o record_n themselves_o be_v seign_v and_o therefore_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v not_o to_o be_v depend_v upon_o for_o if_o the_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n then_o if_o the_o history_n be_v true_a the_o miracle_n must_v be_v so_o too_o 1._o the_o miracle_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v the_o permission_n of_o polygamy_n among_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o people_n the_o peculiar_a fruitfulness_n of_o the_o climate_n of_o egypt_n where_o the_o woman_n be_v observe_v to_o bring_v forth_o often_o two_o or_o three_o sometime_o more_o child_n at_o a_o birth_n the_o long_a life_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o age_n and_o above_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v bless_v and_o multiply_v his_o posterity_n in_o isaac_n line_n gen._n xxii_o 17._o cause_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v exceed_o numerous_a in_o a_o few_o generation_n after_o they_o come_v into_o aeygpt_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v their_o father_n and_o he_o go_v down_o into_o aeygpt_n and_o sojourn_v there_o with_o a_o few_o and_o become_v there_o a_o nation_n great_a mighty_a and_o populous_a deut._n xxvi_o 5._o the_o fighting-man_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a that_o be_v number_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n in_o the_o second_o year_n after_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o beside_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n num._n i._n 1_o 46_o 47._o and_o the_o male_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v number_v from_o thirty_o year_n old_a to_o fifty_o be_v egtht_v thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o and_o fourscore_o num._n four_o 47_o 48._o and_o the_o number_n of_o male_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a which_o be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o a_o thousand_o seven_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o beside_o the_o levite_n and_o those_o that_o be_v number_v of_o they_o be_v twenty_o and_o three_o thousand_o all_o male_n from_o a_o month_n old_a and_o upward_a and_o not_o a_o man_n of_o these_o be_v number_v before_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n chap._n xxvi_o 51_o 62_o 64._o and_o those_o of_o the_o other_o sex_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v about_o the_o same_o number_n when_o both_o these_o account_n be_v take_v in_o all_o reckon_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n the_o number_n be_v compute_v at_o three_o million_o and_o all_o this_o people_n the_o parent_n and_o the_o child_n who_o as_o they_o die_v grow_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n be_v conduct_v for_o forty_o year_n together_o by_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v continual_o in_o their_o sight_n god_n take_v he_o a_o nation_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o nation_n by_o temptation_n by_o sign_n and_o by_o wonder_n and_o by_o war_n and_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n and_o by_o great_a terror_n deut._n four_o 34._o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o there_o be_v miracle_n wrought_v to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n these_o be_v public_a and_o notorious_a both_o to_o the_o israelite_n and_o the_o egyptian_n the_o magician_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v the_o like_a with_o their_o enchantment_n but_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n viij_o 19_o and_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o of_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n that_o they_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o two_o nation_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o effect_n and_o event_n of_o they_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v be_v witness_n of_o ten_o plague_n inflict_v successive_o upon_o the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o most_o remarkable_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n and_o when_o pharaoh_n pursue_v they_o as_o they_o be_v go_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o escape_v from_o he_o but_o by_o miracle_n the_o people_n be_v in_o the_o great_a consternation_n they_o wish_v themselves_o again_o in_o egypt_n and_o make_v such_o expostulation_n with_o moses_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n in_o that_o condition_n to_o make_v and_o such_o as_o show_v that_o upon_o the_o first_o opportunity_n they_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a ●o_o deliver_v up_o moses_n to_o secure_v themselves_o and_o mal●●_n their_o peace_n with_o pharaoh_n and_o they_o say_v unto_o moses_n because_o there_o be_v no_o grave_n in_o egypt_n have_v thou_o take_v we_o away_o to_o die_v in_o ●he_n wilderness_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o to_o carry_v we_o forth_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v not_o ●his_v
forty_o year_n wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n their_o child_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o possess_v it_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v i_o will_v sure_o do_v it_o unto_o all_o this_o evil_a congregation_n that_o be_v gather_v together_o against_o i_o in_o this_o wilderness_n they_o shall_v be_v consume_v and_o there_o shall_v they_o die_v num._n fourteen_o 35._o and_o the_o man_n who_o be_v send_v out_o to_o search_v the_o land_n and_o bring_v the_o evil_a report_n upon_o it_o die_v forthwith_o by_o the_o plague_n before_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 37._o and_o these_o man_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israe●_n a_o man_n of_o every_o tribe_n be_v choose_v out_o every_o one_o a_o ruler_n among_o they_o chap._n xiii_o 2_o 3._o and_o but_o two_o of_o they_o agree_v in_o give_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o land_n so_o great_a a_o aversion_n they_o have_v to_o proceed_v any_o far_a in_o their_o way_n thither_o and_o all_o the_o congregation_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o cry_v and_o the_o people_n weep_v that_o night_n and_o all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n murmur_v against_o moses_n and_o against_o aaron_n and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n say_v unto_o they_o will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n or_o will_v god_n we_o have_v die_v in_o this_o wilderness_n and_o wherefore_o have_v the_o lord_n bring_v we_o unto_o this_o land_n to_o fall_v by_o the_o sword_n that_o our_o wife_n and_o our_o child_n shall_v be_v a_o prey_n be_v be_v not_o better_o for_o we_o to_o return_v into_o egypt_n and_o they_o say_v one_o to_o another_o let_v we_o make_v a_o cantain_n and_o let_v we_o return_v into_o egypt_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n be_v for_o ston_a joshua_n and_o caleb_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v hinder_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n appear_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n before_o all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n num._n fourteen_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 10._o now_o upon_o so_o general_a a_o defection_n to_o pronounce_v peremptory_o that_o but_o two_o by_o name_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o shall_v go_v in_o to_o inherit_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n shall_v die_v in_o that_o very_a wilderness_n which_o they_o complain_v so_o much_o of_o and_o that_o no_o less_o than_o forty_o year_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o that_o wander_a condition_n which_o they_o be_v already_o so_o weary_a of_o this_o be_v such_o a_o method_n of_o quell_v so_o general_a a_o discontent_n and_o mutiny_n as_o never_o be_v hear_v of_o before_o nor_o since_o and_o which_o can_v proceed_v from_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n which_o can_v check_v and_o control_v the_o most_o combine_a and_o inveterate_a perverseness_n of_o man_n and_o a_o power_n which_o strike_v the_o spreader_n of_o this_o false_a report_n with_o immediate_a death_n before_o their_o eye_n for_o a_o example_n of_o that_o vengeance_n which_o they_o must_v all_o expect_v will_v fall_v upon_o they_o soon_o or_o late_a within_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n so_o that_o hereby_o be_v take_v off_o all_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n and_o ●ll_a hope_n of_o any_o reward_n for_o what_o they_o now_o with_o so_o much_o regret_n and_o impatience_n undergo_v and_o from_o henceforth_o they_o be_v lead_v mere_o by_o conviction_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o those_o judgement_n which_o in_o all_o revolt_v seize_v upon_o the_o disobedient_a and_o now_o be_v restless_a and_o uneasy_a in_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o past_o all_o hope_n of_o remedy_v it_o like_o desperate_a man_n they_o be_v upon_o every_o little_a occasion_n throw_v into_o violent_a commotion_n but_o be_v as_o soon_o control_v and_o appease_v by_o visible_a judgement_n upon_o the_o chief_a author_n of_o they_o for_o when_o we_o read_v soon_o after_o that_o a_o rebellion_n be_v raise_v against_o moses_n by_o korah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n god_n give_v such_o evident_a token_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v invest_v he_o withal_o and_o so_o signal_o manifest_v that_o what_o he_o have_v do_v among_o they_o be_v by_o his_o power_n and_o commission_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o it_o or_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v they_o have_v never_o from_o the_o very_a first_o doubt_v of_o god_n power_n among_o they_o but_o be_v act_v now_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o rage_n and_o despair_n like_o the_o man_n describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n fret_v themselves_o and_o curse_v their_o king_n and_o their_o god_n and_o look_v upward_o isai_n viij_o 21._o korah_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n and_o dathan_n and_o abiram_n and_o on_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o reuben_n be_v principal_a and_o lead_a man_n of_o these_o two_o tribe_n with_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o prince_n of_o the_o assembly_n famous_a in_o the_o congregation_n man_n of_o renown_n gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n charge_v they_o that_o they_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o to_o clear_v himself_o of_o this_o accusation_n moses_n implore_v god_n to_o vindicate_v his_o innocency_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o by_o agreement_n korah_n and_o aaron_n appear_v before_o the_o lord_n with_o censer_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o man_n beside_o with_o their_o censer_n likewise_o korah_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v gather_v all_o the_o congregation_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n unto_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a appearance_n of_o the_o wh●l●_n people_n who_o have_v entertain_v great_a jealousy_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o be_v now_o meet_v together_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o can_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o their_o authority_n which_o they_o challenge_v over_o they_o the_o time_n and_o place_n be_v appoint_v and_o they_o come_v incline_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v any_o far_a ill_a impression_n concern_v moses_n and_o aaron_n if_o they_o can_v not_o have_v make_v out_o their_o pretension_n in_o the_o most_o remarkable_a and_o astonish_a manner_n to_o the_o utter_a confusion_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n first_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o than_o moses_n at_o god_n command_n charge_v the_o congregation_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o korah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n and_o declare_v hereby_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v i_o to_o do_v all_o these_o work_n for_o i_o have_v not_o do_v they_o of_o my_o own_o mind_n if_o these_o man_n die_v the_o common_a death_n of_o all_o man_n or_o if_o they_o be_v visit_v after_o the_o visitation_n of_o all_o man_n then_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o send_v i_o but_o if_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o with_o all_o that_o appertain_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o go_v down_o quick_a into_o the_o pit_n than_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o these_o man_n have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n and_o it_o ca●e_v to_o pass_v as_o he_o have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o speak_v all_o these_o word_n that_o the_o ground_n cleave_v asunder_o that_o be_v under_o they_o and_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o their_o house_n and_o all_o the_o man_n that_o appertain_v unto_o korah_n and_o all_o their_o good_n they_o and_o all_o that_o appertain_v to_o they_o go_v down_o alive_a into_o the_o pit_n and_o the_o earth_n close_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o perish_v from_o among_o the_o congregation_n and_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o sle_z at_o the_o ●ry_n of_o they_o for_o they_o say_v lest_o the_o earth_n swallow_v we_o up_o also_o and_o there_o come_v out_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o consume_v the_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o man_n that_o offer_v incense_v num._n xuj_o thus_o moses_n vindicate_v himself_o and_o prove_v his_o divine_a mission_n and_o authority_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n must_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o they_o be_v very_o suspicious_a and_o jealous_a of_o he_o though_o they_o have_v have_v so_o much_o experience_n of_o his_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o of_o all_o his_o mighty_a work_n do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o but_o when_o this_o dreadful_a vengeance_n fall_v upon_o his_o enemy_n before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o see_v whether_o god_n will_v declare_v himself_o for_o he_o when_o the_o earth_n divide_v it_o s●lf_o ●o_o swallow_v some_o of_o these_o man_n and_o
a_o fire_n from_o h●a●en_o devour_v other_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n but_o must_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n to_o this_o judgement_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n nor_o mistake_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o man_n may_v as_o well_o doubt_v whether_o those_o who_o they_o see_v live_v be_v alive_a as_o whether_o those_o who_o they_o see_v take_v away_o by_o so_o terrible_a and_o so_o visible_a a_o death_n be_v dead_a and_o unless_o they_o can_v know_v this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o see_v the_o earth_n first_o divide_v itself_o and_o then_o close_o itself_o again_o upon_o these_o wicked_a man_n they_o see_v they_o go_v down_o alive_a into_o the_o pit_n they_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o they_o and_o flee_v away_o ●o●_n fear_n and_o they_o see_v beside_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n consume_v no_o few_o than_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o man_n and_o these_o the_o man_n that_o offer_a incense_n in_o opposition_n to_o aaron_n prince_n of_o the_o assembly_n famous_a in_o the_o congregation_n man_n of_o renown_n who_o death_n be_v very_o remarkable_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o person_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o so_o many_o man_n of_o that_o rank_n and_o character_n be_v take_v away_o at_o once_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v have_v be_v much_o observe_v and_o strict_o inquire_v into_o if_o they_o have_v fain_o by_o any_o other_o death_n but_o their_o die_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o so_o plain_a a_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v unknown_a nor_o forget_v by_o any_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a congregation_n yet_o their_o discontent_n against_o moses_n still_o continue_v for_o he_o and_o aaron_n be_v charge_v with_o kill_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 41._o and_o the_o congregation_n be_v gather_v against_o moses_n and_o against_o aaron_n and_o behold_v the_o cloud_n cover_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n appear_v and_o god_n wrath_n be_v so_o hot_a against_o the_o people_n for_o their_o stubbornness_n and_o disobedience_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o intercession_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n in_o their_o behalf_n a_o plague_n from_o the_o lord_n rage_v so_o much_o among_o they_o that_o they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o plague_n be_v fourteen_o thousand_o and_o seven_o hundred_o beside_o they_o that_o die_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o korah_n ver_fw-la 49._o and_o there_o be_v probable_o many_o family_n in_o every_o tribe_n which_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o moses_n his_o mission_n and_o then_o aaron_n rod_n alone_o blossom_v of_o all_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n but_o by_o this_o time_n the_o people_n be_v weary_a of_o their_o contumacy_n and_o cry_v out_o ●●hold_v we_o die_v we_o perish_v we_o all_o perish_v shall_v we_o be_v consume_v with_o die_v num._n xvii_o 12_o 13._o and_o thus_o be_v a_o end_n put_v to_o a_o sedition_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a as_o josephus_n well_o observe_v that_o be_v ever_o know_v among_o any_o people_n and_o such_o as_o that_o so_o dreadful_a a_o succession_n of_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a to_o deliver_v moses_n out_o of_o it_o and_o i_o will_v know_v of_o the_o great_a infidel_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o moses_n and_o have_v be_v of_o korah_n conspiracy_n as_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a he_o will_v have_v be_v i_o will_v know_v of_o he_o i_o say_v whether_o he_o can_v have_v do_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o put_v moses_n upon_o the_o utmost_a trial_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n receive_v from_o god_n than_o these_o rebellious_a israelite_n do_v and_o if_o he_o can_v not_o as_o he_o must_v needs_o confess_v he_o can_v not_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o themselves_o afterward_o be_v unless_o he_o have_v a_o ambition_n to_o show_v that_o some_o christian_n can_v be_v more_o refractory_a than_o jew_n yet_o again_o when_o they_o want_v water_n the_o people_v quarrel_v with_o moses_n and_o say_v will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v when_o our_o brethren_n ●ied_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o moses_n bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o so_o great_a plenty_n that_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o their_o cattle_n just_a ready_a to_o perish_v with_o thirst_n be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o num._n xx_o 3_o 10._o at_o another_o time_n after_o a_o signal_n victory_n over_o the_o canaanite_n they_o make_v the_o same_o complaint_n again_o and_o for_o their_o murmur_n be_v sting_v by_o fiery_a serpent_n and_o many_o die_v till_o a_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v erect_v as_o many_o as_o look_v on_o it_o be_v miraculous_o cure_v num._n xxi_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o deliver_v the_o law_n in_o so_o conspicuous_a and_o wonderful_a a_o manner_n if_o so_o remarkable_a judgement_n upon_o those_o that_o question_v and_o oppose_v moses_n his_o authority_n and_o that_o transgress_v his_o law_n by_o commit_v idolatry_n if_o a_o continual_a course_n of_o miracle_n for_o forty_o year_n do_v before_o the_o eye_n and_o obvious_a to_o every_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n be_v not_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o necessary_a to_o prove_v moses_n to_o have_v act_v by_o god_n immediate_a authority_n and_o commission_n be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v certain_o testify_v we_o see_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o moses_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o he_o can_v have_v be_v so_o far_o forsake_v of_o all_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o hope_v to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v design_v to_o put_v any_o deceit_n upon_o they_o he_o will_v certain_o have_v take_v another_o course_n he_o will_v have_v do_v his_o miracle_n private_o and_o but_o seldom_o not_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o people_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v two_o nation_n at_o the_o first_o witness_n to_o they_o and_o then_o have_v proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o every_o man_n among_o the_o israelite_n must_v have_v know_v they_o to_o be_v false_a if_o thy_o have_v be_v so_o he_o will_v have_v choose_v such_o instance_n to_o show_v his_o miracle_n in_o as_o shall_v have_v provoke_v no_o body_n not_o such_o as_o must_v have_v enrage_v the_o whole_a people_n against_o he_o by_o the_o death_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o so_o often_o put_v to_o death_n if_o they_o have_v be_v slay_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o the_o almighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v destroy_v so_o many_o so_o irresistible_o so_o sudden_o and_o visible_o but_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o intent_n of_o such_o miracle_n but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o power_n to_o be_v know_v and_o his_o authority_n acknowledge_v in_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o his_o name_n and_o which_o be_v so_o often_o affront_v and_o transgress_v by_o these_o sinner_n against_o their_o own_o soul_n at_o their_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n by_o a_o miraculous_a providence_n there_o be_v not_o one_o feeble_a person_n among_o their_o trib●s_n but_o upon_o their_o transgression_n they_o be_v punish_v by_o disease_n as_o miraculous_a we_o have_v other_o evidence_n as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v that_o moses_n have_v no_o design_n to_o delude_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o meekness_n of_o his_o disposition_n from_o his_o discover_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n in_o his_o write_n and_o from_o his_o not_o advance_v his_o family_n but_o leave_v his_o posterity_n in_o a_o private_a condition_n and_o put_v the_o government_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o joshua_n one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n but_o when_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v witness_n to_o so_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o particular_o to_o so_o strange_a a_o judgement_n as_o the_o cleave_v asunder_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o fire_n and_o plague_n by_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o perish_a we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o any_o other_o proof_n to_o show_v that_o the_o miraculons_a power_n and_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o moses_n act_v and_o write_v be_v as_o well_o attest_v and_o as_o full_o know_v to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o matter_n of_o
he_o see_v that_o he_o be_v condemn_v repent_v himself_o and_o bring_v again_o the_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n say_v i_o have_v sin_v in_o that_o i_o have_v betray_v the_o innocent_a blood_n and_o they_o say_v what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o see_v thou_o to_o that_o and_o he_o cast_v down_o the_o piece_n of_o silver_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o go_v and_o hang_v himself_o matt._n xxvii_o 3_o 4._o how_o can_v the_o chief_a priest_n themselves_o have_v contrive_v a_o better_a way_n to_o vindicate_v our_o saviour_n innocence_n if_o they_o have_v never_o so_o much_o endeavour_v it_o than_o for_o one_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n after_o he_o have_v betray_v he_o instead_o of_o witness_v against_o he_o which_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o suppose_v he_o will_v have_v do_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o as_o to_o come_v before_o they_o all_o and_o fling_v down_o the_o money_n in_o the_o temple_n which_o they_o have_v give_v he_o as_o the_o hire_n of_o his_o treachery_n and_o declare_v public_o that_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o innocent_a blood_n and_o then_o to_o give_v a_o further_a proof_n of_o all_o this_o out_o of_o mere_a anguish_n and_o horror_n of_o mind_n to_o go_v immediate_o from_o they_o and_o hang_v himself_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o can_v deserve_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n judas_n must_v needs_o have_v know_v it_o and_o when_o he_o have_v once_o betray_v he_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v he_o will_v forbear_v to_o discover_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v of_o he_o but_o when_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o accuse_v he_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v he_o condemn_v at_o the_o accusation_n of_o other_o false_a witness_n he_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o agony_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o go_v and_o make_v away_o with_o himself_o this_o be_v as_o evident_a a_o proof_n of_o christ_n innocence_n as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v ever_o give_v and_o judas_n be_v so_o far_o a_o apostle_n still_o as_o to_o proclaim_v his_o master_n innocence_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sanedrim_n and_o then_o to_o seal_v that_o testimony_n with_o his_o blood_n it_o have_v be_v think_v by_o some_o that_o judas_n as_o wicked_a as_o he_o be_v have_v never_o any_o design_n to_o cause_v his_o master_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n or_o to_o be_v any_o way_n instrumental_a towards_o it_o but_o he_o suppose_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v secure_a enough_o against_o the_o chief_a priest_n in_o his_o own_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n or_o that_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o hurt_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o people_n which_o have_v be_v a_o restraint_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o former_a attempt_n or_o that_o he_o can_v easy_o make_v his_o escape_n from_o they_o as_o he_o have_v former_o do_v and_o therefore_o his_o covetousness_n tempt_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o though_o he_o shall_v betray_v his_o master_n yet_o he_o will_v come_v to_o no_o harm_n by_o it_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o judas_n himself_o clear_v our_o saviour_n snnocence_n by_o betray_v he_o more_o than_o any_o other_o man_n can_v have_v do_v who_o have_v not_o be_v his_o dlsciple_n and_o his_o make_v that_o confession_n and_o then_o his_o die_v upon_o that_o account_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n may_v afford_v we_o that_o evidence_n which_o we_o must_v have_v want_v to_o certify_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v betray_v or_o have_v be_v betray_v by_o any_o but_o one_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n when_o he_o be_v condemn_v and_o crucified_a one_o of_o the_o thief_n who_o be_v crucify_v with_o he_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o he_o when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o temptation_n of_o flattery_n nor_o leisure_n or_o patience_n for_o a_o man_n in_o that_o condition_n to_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n but_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o give_v a_o early_a instance_n of_o the_o great_a efficacy_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o of_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o reach_v forth_o to_o all_o repent_a sinner_n our_o saviour_n assure_v he_o that_o that_o very_a day_n he_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o in_o paradise_n a_o strange_a discourse_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o speak_v of_o kingdom_n and_o promise_v paradise_n under_o so_o much_o infamy_n and_o torment_n that_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o faith_n to_o ask_v and_o the_o other_o the_o power_n to_o promise_v so_o great_a thing_n in_o that_o condition_n who_o can_v have_v have_v the_o courage_n to_o promise_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o cross_n but_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o as_o no_o ill_n can_v ever_o be_v prove_v against_o he_o but_o all_o circumstance_n concur_v to_o confirm_v his_o innocence_n as_o herod_n dismiss_v he_o and_o pilate_n often_o declare_v he_o to_o have_v commit_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o death_n so_o the_o devil_n themselves_o during_o his_o life_n here_o upon_o earth_n confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o after_o his_o death_n 6._o death_n porphyr_n apud_fw-la euscb_n demonstr_n evang._n lib._n 3._o c._n 6._o by_o their_o oracle_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o holy_a person_n who_o soul_n be_v translate_v into_o heaven_n and_o this_o person_n thus_o innocent_a and_o holy_a both_o in_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v prophesy_v of_o many_o age_n before_o his_o birth_n and_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v exact_o and_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n fulfil_v in_o he_o these_o prophecy_n concern_v either_o his_o birth_n or_o his_o life_n or_o his_o death_n or_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n 1._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o saviour_n for_o his_o birth_n be_v prophesy_v of_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o place_n of_o it_o and_o the_o person_n of_o who_o he_o be_v bear_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o time_n by_o jacob_n prophecy_n gen._n xlix_o 10._o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o come_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n the_o sceptre_n be_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o judah_n that_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n be_v not_o to_o cease_v until_o shilo_n come_v which_o the_o ancient_a creed_n ancient_a see_v bp._n pearson_n on_o the_o creed_n jewish_a interpreter_n expound_v of_o the_o come_n of_o their_o messiah_n to_o 21._o to_o lightfoot'_v prospect_n of_o the_o temple_n c._n 21._o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n sit_v in_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n though_o but_o part_n of_o the_o court_n in_o which_o they_o sit_v be_v of_o that_o tribe_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n and_o the_o jew_n among_o all_o their_o objection_n never_o object_v against_o the_o time_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o many_o of_o they_o have_v confess_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v bear_v at_o that_o time_n but_o say_v that_o because_o of_o their_o sin_n he_o have_v messiâ_fw-la have_v munster_n de_fw-fr messiâ_fw-la conceal_v himself_o ever_o since_o and_o the_o latter_a jew_n have_v by_o a_o great_a many_o story_n endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kingdom_n still_o of_o their_o nation_n in_o some_o unknown_a part_n of_o the_o world_n though_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o can_v prove_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n the_o prophecy_n be_v concern_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o promise_v land_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o soon_o after_o our_o saviour_n come_v jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o jew_n disperse_v and_o upon_o severe_a penalty_n forbid_v to_o come_v to_o their_o desolate_a and_o ruin_a city_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o their_o solemnity_n unless_o it_o be_v once_o every_o year_n to_o lament_v their_o calamity_n and_o they_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v a_o wander_a and_o despicable_a people_n and_o several_a time_n when_o they_o have_v at_o tempt_v to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n they_o have_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o do_v it_o particular_o when_o they_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o encouragement_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n who_o out_o of_o malice_n to_o the_o christian_a name_n and_o doctrine_n be_v forward_o to_o promote_v the_o work_n they_o be_v hinder_v by_o a_o earthquake_n and_o a_o miraculous_a eruption_n of_o fire_n burst_v out_o from_o under_o the_o foundation_n which_o burn_v down_o what_o they_o have_v erect_v and_o destroy_v those_o that_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o and_o this_o we_o have_v attest_v not_o only_o from_o christian_a writer_n
the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o foretell_v the_o denial_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n and_o both_o be_v foretell_v to_o st._n peter_n himself_o and_o his_o denial_n but_o a_o very_a little_a while_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o st._n peter_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n impossible_a who_o alone_o can_v have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v it_o he_o prophesy_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o his_o own_o death_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o generation_n as_o he_o have_v foretell_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o city_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o ground_n plough_v up_o so_o that_o one_o stone_n be_v not_o leave_v upon_o another_o of_o all_o the_o magnificent_a building_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o the_o disciple_n so_o much_o admire_v when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o that_o glorious_a pile_n matt._n xxii_o 2._o and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v upon_o another_o occasion_n when_o julian_n with_o a_o design_n 21._o design_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sozom._n lib._n 5._o c._n 21._o to_o defeat_v this_o prophecy_n endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o rebuilt_a both_o the_o work_n and_o the_o workman_n be_v miraculous_o destroy_v by_o a_o fire_n burst_v out_o of_o the_o ground_n the_o inhabitant_n fall_v by_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o captive_a into_o all_o nation_n luke_n xxi_o 24._o the_o chief_a place_n of_o security_n be_v the_o mountainous_a part_n of_o judea_n which_o our_o saviour_n foresee_v when_o he_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o flee_v to_o the_o mountain_n matt._n xxiv_o 16._o and_o cestius_n gallus_n compass_v jerusalem_n with_o his_o army_n which_o be_v a_o warning_n to_o the_o christian_n to_o depart_v and_o then_o by_o raise_v the_o siege_n give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o escape_v to_o pella_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o perea_n exact_o according_a to_o luke_n xxi_o 20_o 21._o and_o what_o dion_n cassius_n relate_v in_o the_o reign_v of_o claudius_n nero_n vitellius_n and_o titus_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o comment_n upon_o our_o saviour_n prophecy_n for_o there_o be_v famine_n and_o pestilence_n fearful_a sight_n and_o great_a sign_n from_o heaven_n and_o great_a earthquake_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o wave_n roar_v xxi_o 11_o 25._o the_o sun_n be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n do_v not_o give_v her_o light_n matt._n xxiv_o 29._o man_n heart_n fail_v they_o for_o fear_n and_o for_o look_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v come_v on_o the_o earth_n luke_n xxi_o 26._o and_o there_o be_v so_o terrible_a a_o eruption_n of_o vesuvius_n that_o the_o ash_n be_v carry_v by_o the_o wind_n into_o africa_n and_o into_o egypt_n and_o syria_n with_o so_o great_a smoke_n and_o darkness_n that_o it_o be_v think_v the_o world_n have_v be_v at_o a_o end_n our_o saviour_n miracle_n verify_v the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n for_o the_o jew_n expect_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v manifest_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o conclude_v from_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n baptist_n do_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v for_o the_o messiah_n of_o who_o miracle_n be_v a_o principal_a token_n to_o know_v he_o by_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o extort_a a_o confession_n from_o the_o devil_n themselves_o of_o his_o divine_a power_n they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o before_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o they_o and_o as_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n the_o miracle_n of_o the_o loaf_n and_o fish_n be_v twice_o do_v and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v witness_n to_o it_o be_v at_o one_o time_n five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n matt._n fourteen_o 21._o and_o the_o other_o time_n four_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n matt._n xv_o 38._o a_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o two_o several_a time_n and_o obvious_a to_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n who_o be_v hungry_a find_v themselves_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v with_o this_o miraculous_a food_n in_o the_o barren_a wilderness_n where_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v supply_v by_o natural_a mean_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o public_a and_o undeniable_a that_o st._n peter_n appeal_v to_o the_o jew_n themselves_o declare_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o they_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o they_o themselves_o also_o know_v act_v two_o 22._o the_o nobleman_n son_n be_v cure_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o the_o multitude_n be_v witness_n to_o the_o request_n he_o make_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n answer_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o nobleman_n family_n be_v witness_n that_o the_o cure_n be_v effect_v at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o cast_v devil_n out_o of_o one_o know_v to_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n possess_v and_o then_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v into_o the_o swine_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o evil_a spirit_n which_o have_v possess_v the_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sadducee_n who_o believe_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o spirit_n he_o cure_v the_o leprosy_n and_o send_v the_o cure_v to_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o law_n require_v that_o he_o by_o inspection_n may_v examine_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a cure_n or_o no._n he_o give_v sight_n to_o one_o bear_v blind_a and_o this_o be_v upon_o examination_n attest_v to_o the_o pharisee_n themselves_o lazarus_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n before_o so_o many_o witness_n that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contradict_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o be_v mighty_o enrage_v against_o he_o for_o it_o and_o consult_v to_o put_v lazarus_n to_o death_n because_o many_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n by_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a and_o manifest_a a_o miracle_n some_o who_o have_v be_v cure_v and_o other_o who_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o our_o saviour_n be_v live_v for_o many_o year_n after_o catalogue_n after_o enseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 13._o hieron_n catalogue_n as_o quadratus_n testify_v of_o his_o own_o time_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n the_o circumstance_n of_o these_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n show_v that_o they_o be_v real_o perform_v and_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o this_o intent_n and_o design_n to_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o nature_n therefore_o and_o end_v of_o they_o show_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v have_v effect_v they_o for_o god_n will_v never_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v wrought_v to_o vouch_v a_o imposture_n to_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n evangelio_n authority_n guil._n ader_n me_fw-it dici_fw-la enarrationes_fw-la de_fw-la a_o grotis_fw-la &_o morbis_fw-la in_o evangelio_n a_o ●earned_a physician_n have_v write_v a_o treatise_n to_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o axiom_n of_o the_o best_a physician_n all_o the_o disease_n which_o our_o saviour_n cure_v be_v incurable_a by_o natural_a mean_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o man_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o but_o i_o shall_v insist_v more_o particular_o upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o all_o his_o other_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o we_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o david_n psal_n xuj_o 8._o act._n two_o 27._o and_o it_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o type_n of_o isaac_n deliverance_n when_o he_o have_v be_v offer_v up_o by_o abraham_n who_o both_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o receive_v he_o also_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o figure_n heb._n xi_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v also_o prefigure_v by_o the_o type_n of_o ionas_n his_o be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n matt._n twelve_o 40._o our_o saviour_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o grave_a that_o be_v three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o three_o natural_a day_n according_a
upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n the_o philosopher_n think_v it_o concern_v they_o to_o review_v all_o that_o have_v be_v former_o write_v to_o unite_v their_o force_n and_o select_v those_o notion_n out_o of_o every_o sect_n which_o be_v most_o plausible_a omit_v such_o as_o they_o see_v will_v then_o give_v offence_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v great_o behold_v to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o oppose_v and_o pretend_v to_o despise_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o do_v sometime_o make_v use_n of_o term_n which_o they_o have_v take_v from_o thence_o unknown_a to_o former_a philosopher_n but_o philosophy_n after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n still_o retain_v many_o error_n and_o want_v that_o evidence_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n can_v never_o maintain_v its_o ground_n against_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v preach_v by_o those_o who_o they_o contemn_v as_o ignorant_a man_n but_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n wrought_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o philosophy_n of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v never_o able_a to_o effect_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o eminent_a example_n among_o the_o heathen_a but_o then_o there_o be_v always_o as_o great_a enormity_n allow_v in_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n philosophy_n be_v 47_o be_v tertul_n apol._n c._n 47_o prohibit_v by_o three_o of_o the_o principal_a state_n of_o greece_n by_o the_o theban_n the_o spartan_n and_o the_o argive_n and_o the_o roman_n who_o have_v set_v so_o many_o famous_a example_n to_o the_o world_n be_v little_o oblige_v to_o philosophy_n for_o all_o their_o worth_n and_o greatness_n be_v raise_v upon_o the_o stock_n only_o of_o common_a notion_n the_o tradition_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o law_n bring_v from_o athens_n which_o be_v enact_v by_o solon_n who_o have_v be_v in_o egypt_n at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v there_o in_o sufficient_a number_n but_o it_o be_v a_o long_a while_n before_o philosopher_n be_v suffer_v at_o rome_n they_o have_v be_v 11._o be_v a._n gell._n lib._n xv_o c._n 11._o expel_v by_o the_o senate_n tully_n be_v the_o first_o that_o bring_v philosophy_n into_o any_o credit_n there_o and_o by_o the_o apology_n which_o he_o often_o make_v for_o his_o give_a himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o we_o may_v perceive_v under_o what_o prejudices_fw-la it_o then_o lay_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o all_o his_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v it_o admission_n a_o strict_a discipline_n both_o in_o peace_n and_o war_n great_a application_n and_o industry_n by_o which_o they_o improve_v their_o common_a notion_n and_o arrive_v to_o wonderful_a experience_n and_o dexterity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o affair_n a_o zealous_a love_n of_o their_o country_n and_o a_o unparalleled_a constancy_n manifest_a in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o law_n raise_v the_o roman_n to_o that_o mighty_a height_n and_o extent_n of_o empire_n but_o that_o which_o they_o retain_v of_o truth_n in_o relation_n to_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v so_o abuse_v and_o disguise_v with_o fabulous_a corruption_n that_o at_o length_n it_o have_v general_o lose_v all_o belief_n among_o they_o cluemio_n they_o pro_fw-la cluemio_n tully_n make_v no_o scruple_n at_o a_o public_a trial_n in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n to_o deny_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o a_o ridiculous_a fiction_n which_o show_v a_o strange_a corruption_n of_o principle_n in_o that_o age_n when_o he_o can_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o gain_v his_o cause_n by_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n in_o another_o oration_n he_o say_v caeii●_n say_v pro_fw-la m._n caeii●_n non_fw-fr semper_fw-la superet_fw-la u●ra_fw-la illa_fw-la &_o directa_fw-la ratio_fw-la uincat_fw-la aliquando_fw-la cupiditas_fw-la voluptasque_fw-la rationem_fw-la that_o this_o shall_v be_v speak_v in_o a_o public_a plead_v by_o one_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o all_o the_o roman_n show_v how_o little_a either_o the_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v study_v or_o the_o roman_a law_n themselves_o can_v do_v towards_o the_o establishment_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o the_o modesty_n of_o youth_n and_o the_o virtue_n and_o honour_n of_o family_n must_v be_v secure_v upon_o some_o better_a principle_n afterward_o he_o add_v verùm_fw-la siquis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la etiam_fw-la meretriciis_fw-la amoribus_fw-la interdictum_fw-la juventuti_fw-la putet_fw-la est_fw-la ille_fw-la quidem_fw-la valde_fw-la severus_fw-la negare_fw-la non_fw-la possum_fw-la sed_fw-la abhorret_fw-la non_fw-la modo_fw-la ab_fw-la huius_fw-la seculi_fw-la licentia_fw-la verùm_fw-la etiam_fw-la a_o majorum_fw-la consuetudine_fw-la atque_fw-la concessis_fw-la i_o believe_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o man_n so_o far_o lose_v to_o all_o shame_n among_o christian_n that_o he_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v himself_o so_o defend_v in_o a_o public_a court_n or_o any_o judge_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o such_o a_o defence_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o lay_v such_o a_o powerful_a restraint_n upon_o men._n but_o this_o looseness_n of_o manner_n be_v the_o fatal_a forerunner_n of_o that_o horrid_a and_o monstrous_a lewdness_n which_o afterward_o like_o a_o leprosy_n overspread_v the_o roman_a empire_n the_o conspiracy_n of_o that_o time_n which_o so_o much_o endanger_v the_o state_n be_v contrive_v by_o libertine_n and_o no_o great_a cruelty_n have_v ever_o be_v commit_v than_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n when_o once_o they_o have_v get_v into_o power_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o tiberius_n caligula_n nero_n etc._n etc._n and_o tully_n himself_o perhaps_o may_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o encouragement_n to_o vice_n be_v kill_v by_o a_o villain_n who_o life_n he_o have_v former_o save_v by_o that_o eloquence_n which_o be_v sometime_o employ_v as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v retain_v against_o virtue_n it_o must_v be_v own_v that_o tully_n have_v in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n lay_v down_o admirable_a rule_n of_o virtue_n but_o than_o it_o be_v with_o little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n viz._n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n after_o death_n ae_v such_o be_v the_o defect_n of_o his_o philosophy_n that_o he_o can_v be_v positive_a and_o certain_a in_o nothing_o seneca_n as_o he_o profess_v have_v take_v many_o of_o his_o best_a precept_n from_o epicurus_n which_o without_o a_o due_a consideration_n have_v of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n be_v no_o better_o than_o prudent_a caution_n against_o temporal_a evil_n either_o of_o body_n or_o mind_n seneca_n many_o time_n divert_v rather_o than_o instruct_v what_o he_o say_v be_v always_o fine_a but_o not_o always_o solid_a he_o dance_v upon_o the_o surface_n according_a to_o quintilian_n censure_v of_o he_o but_o seldom_o descend_v to_o the_o depth_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o character_n which_o he_o have_v give_v of_o seneca_n style_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o his_o sense_n abundat_fw-la dulcibus_fw-la vitiis_fw-la a_o luscious_a poison_n sometime_o diffuse_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n seneca_n 4._o seneca_n sen._n epist_n 82._o the_o benefic_n lib._n 1._o c._n 3_o 4._o deride_v the_o subtlety_n and_o trifle_a both_o of_o zeno_n and_o chrysippus_n but_o he_o do_v it_o seem_v think_v himself_o more_o concern_v to_o expos●●_n they_o for_o be_v teacher_n of_o ill_a doctrine_n though_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v so_o very_o scandalous_a that_o sextus_n 25._o sextus_n sext._n empir_n pyrrh_n hypot_n lib._n 3._o c._n 24_o 25._o empericus_n endeavour_n to_o prove_v from_o their_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a and_o certain_a difference_n betwixt_o virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n even_o without_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o its_o authority_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o abhor_v those_o crime_n which_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o philosopher_n and_o practise_v in_o the_o wise_a heathen_a nation_n and_o when_o thing_n notorious_o evil_a be_v receive_v and_o teach_v by_o those_o who_o do_v and_o say_v so_o many_o thing_n well_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o be_v good_a be_v not_o owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n as_o to_o some_o high_a principle_n i_o will_v here_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o kill_a infant_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v starve_v or_o destroy_v this_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o 16_o of_o pl●●t_fw-la de_fw-fr repub._n lib._n
it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o little_a mind_n when_o one_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v himself_o only_o by_o singularity_n by_o a_o odd_a dress_n or_o a_o new_a mode_n when_o his_o wit_n border_n upon_o madness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o his_o learning_n be_v all_o out_o of_o the_o way_n many_o who_o be_v neither_o heterodox_n in_o religion_n nor_o fond_a of_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v show_v a_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n and_o a_o surprise_a variety_n of_o excellent_a learning_n upon_o subject_n which_o be_v unusual_a and_o in_o themselves_o but_o little_a considerable_a and_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o singularity_n have_v no_o worse_o design_n than_o to_o gratify_v a_o little_a vanity_n and_o to_o appear_v like_o some_o body_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n as_o if_o learning_n be_v a_o mere_a trifle_n a_o very_a play-thing_n to_o be_v employ_v to_o no_o serious_a and_o useful_a purpose_n but_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o give_v man_n occasion_n to_o talk_v and_o to_o be_v talk_v of_o this_o be_v call_v pedantry_n and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o that_o shall_v go_v under_o a_o better_a name_n which_o be_v of_o a_o worse_a nature_n and_o join_v the_o trifle_a of_o pedantry_n to_o the_o mischief_n of_o irreligion_n if_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v but_o busy_v themselves_o no_o worse_o than_o tiberius_n do_v when_o he_o examine_v who_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hecuba_n what_o name_n achilles_n go_v by_o whilst_o he_o hide_v himself_o in_o woman_n apparel_n and_o what_o song_n those_o be_v which_o the_o siren_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v those_o indeed_o be_v profound_a inquiry_n and_o so_o worthy_a of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v pity_v they_o shall_v be_v disturb_v in_o such_o ingenious_a disquisition_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v for_o remove_v foundation_n and_o reject_v establish_v doctrine_n and_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n in_o this_o and_o those_o who_o be_v act_v themselves_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o take_v it_o amiss_o to_o be_v contradict_v though_o it_o be_v in_o never_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n in_o short_a it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o trick_n and_o artifices_fw-la who_o know_v little_a of_o the_o substantial_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o who_o talk_v bold_o of_o the_o high_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n there_o sure_o can_v be_v little_a need_n for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o error_n and_o extravagancy_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o faculty_n they_o must_v be_v strange_a faculty_n to_o want_v such_o improvement_n truth_n itself_o be_v infinite_a though_o always_o uniform_a and_o consistent_a in_o every_o part_n and_o will_v afford_v room_n enough_o for_o the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o examine_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o state_v particular_a case_n by_o general_a rule_n in_o the_o study_n of_o antiquity_n and_o in_o explain_v particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o it_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defect_n of_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n or_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v much_o worse_o of_o want_n of_o sincerity_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o man_n can_v find_v nothing_o by_o which_o they_o may_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o set_v up_o for_o novelty_n in_o religion_n for_o what_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a mean_v and_o of_o sufficient_a ability_n and_o strength_n of_o part_n to_o proceed_v secure_o in_o direct_a and_o approve_a path_n will_v run_v out_o of_o the_o way_n by_o cunning_a and_o artifice_n to_o steal_v a_o despicable_a reputation_n which_o another_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o of_o which_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v never_o worth_a the_o have_v so_o it_o be_v never_o last_a after_o the_o reception_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o many_o age_n we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o prove_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o over_o again_o and_o we_o will_v never_o decline_v a_o thing_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o modern_a infidel_n have_v change_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v never_o deny_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n of_o old_a this_o be_v not_o dispute_v by_o celsus_n porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n insinuate_v the_o contrary_a that_o be_v so_o malicious_a and_o groundless_a a_o calumny_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o insist_v upon_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o ancient_a jew_n and_o have_v be_v confess_v by_o their_o posterity_n they_o can_v not_o contradict_v the_o miracle_n but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o they_o though_o the_o man_n we_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o to_o make_v clear_a work_n with_o much_o confidence_n but_o with_o as_o much_o ignorance_n deny_v both_o let_v they_o know_v then_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n confute_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o its_o friend_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o other_o part._n iv_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o do_v some_o right_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o it_o and_o though_o i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o the_o subject_n of_o which_o i_o treat_v and_o not_o in_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o objection_n and_o answer_n yet_o i_o have_v always_o have_v my_o eye_n upon_o the_o objection_n which_o i_o have_v know_v that_o i_o can_v think_v at_o material_a but_o to_o bring_v in_o objection_n at_o every_o turn_v in_o plain_a discourse_n such_o as_o these_o be_v design_v to_o be_v as_o far_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v permit_v may_v have_v be_v of_o no_o good_a consequence_n a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o right_a road_n without_o have_v all_o the_o wrong_n and_o dangerous_a path_n describe_v to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o recover_v or_o preserve_v his_o health_n without_o be_v present_v with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o disease_n he_o may_v get_v safe_a to_o his_o journey_n end_v without_o know_v all_o the_o bog_n and_o precipice_n by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v miscarry_v and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v well_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v how_o many_o way_n there_o be_v of_o be_v sick_a i_o have_v hear_v of_o some_o that_o read_v objection_n without_o the_o answer_n as_o late_o a_o shameless_a writer_n have_v produce_v the_o objection_n of_o celsus_n and_o faustus_n against_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o answer_v give_v by_o origen_n and_o st._n austin_n from_o who_o he_o have_v they_o and_o though_o both_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n shall_v be_v read_v yet_o objection_n be_v common_o in_o few_o word_n and_o be_v often_o remember_v when_o the_o answer_n be_v forget_v and_o indeed_o though_o i_o be_v never_o so_o expert_a at_o it_o i_o have_v no_o ambition_n to_o try_v my_o strength_n in_o tie_v a_o knot_n that_o i_o may_v show_v my_o skill_n in_o unloose_v it_o but_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o exception_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o if_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v this_o will_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v or_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o can_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a or_o have_v be_v much_o solicitous_a to_o obviate_v all_o the_o cavil_n which_o may_v have_v be_v start_v many_o have_v be_v give_v up_o and_o other_o seem_v never_o to_o have_v be_v serious_o urge_v a_o author_n who_o have_v more_o learning_n it_o seem_v than_o judgement_n to_o spare_v write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n but_o this_o be_v reject_v by_o judicious_a man_n as_o a_o very_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n particular_o by_o grotius_n as_o the_o author_n complain_v who_o yet_o afterward_o retract_v it_o himself_o some_o notwithstanding_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o any_o
upon_o any_o subject_a and_o then_o they_o trample_v with_o wonderful_a scorn_n and_o triumph_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o conceive_v be_v so_o miserable_o overcome_v but_o alas_o the_o victory_n be_v over_o themselves_o nothing_o be_v either_o the_o more_o or_o the_o less_o true_a for_o their_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o religion_n be_v always_o the_o same_o how_o profane_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o we_o have_v no_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o any_o man_n faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o what_o we_o say_v it_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o reasonable_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hearken_v to_o reason_n religion_n be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o father_n often_o speak_v the_o best_a and_o true_a philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v how_o much_o soever_o i_o may_v have_v fail_v in_o the_o performance_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v with_o such_o clear_a and_o full_a evidence_n even_o to_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o to_o make_v all_o pretence_n of_o argue_v against_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v impious_a the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o book_n such_o point_n be_v clear_v in_o the_o second_o as_o be_v think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o consider_v the_o strength_n and_o compass_n of_o their_o own_o faculty_n and_o the_o manifold_a defect_n of_o humane_a reason_n p._n 1._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v demonstrable_a p._n 4._o every_o man_n believe_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 12._o those_o who_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a p._n 24._o chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o conceivable_a by_o we_o that_o god_n do_v act_n upon_o the_o immaterial_a as_o that_o he_o act_v upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o may_v act_v more_o powerful_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n than_o of_o other_o p._n 28._o wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v p._n 31._o such_o inference_n from_o thence_o as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_a p._n 41._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n as_o information_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n etc._n etc._n p._n 42._o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n ibid._n though_o something_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n indefinite_o and_o without_o any_o positive_a assertion_n or_o determination_n this_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o their_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n p._n 43._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o humane_a prudence_n and_o observation_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v use_v only_o a_o directive_n power_n and_o influence_n p._n 46._o this_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a p._n 49._o it_o do_v not_o prevent_v personal_a fail_n p._n 50._o no_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n in_o the_o scripture_n erroneous_a p._n 51._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speech_n p._n 53._o those_o which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture-style_n be_v usual_a in_o the_o most_o approve_a heathen_a author_n p._n ib._n metaphor_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n and_o figure_n p._n 57_o the_o style_n different_a of_o different_a nation_n p._n 58._o the_o title_n of_o king_n p._n 59_o what_o art_n be_v use_v by_o orator_n to_o raise_v the_o passion_n p._n 60._o that_o they_o sometime_o read_v their_o speech_n p._n 62._o the_o figurative_a expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o type_n and_o parable_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v ibid._n several_a thing_n relate_v as_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v only_o parabolical_a description_n or_o representation_n p._n 64._o the_o prophetic_a scheme_n of_o speech_n usual_a with_o the_o eastern_a nation_n p._n 66._o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n p._n 68_o the_o antiquity_n and_o various_a way_n of_o poetry_n p._n 69._o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n p._n 71._o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n p._n 79._o the_o method_n p._n 86._o some_o book_n of_o scripture_n admirable_a for_o their_o style_n p._n 89._o why_o the_o style_n not_o alike_o excellent_a in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n p._n 93._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o controversy_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o rest_n p._n 96._o the_o uncontroverted_a book_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n p._n 97._o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o apochrypha_n fall_v not_o here_o under_o consideration_n p._n 99_o no_o suppression_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o idolatrous_a king_n etc._n etc._n p._n 100_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o handwriting_a of_o moses_n find_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o josiah_n p._n 102._o no_o book_n but_o those_o which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n receive_v by_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o canon_n p._n 103._o what_o opinion_n the_o ten_o tribe_n have_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n p._n 105._o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 106._o of_o the_o book_n whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o o._n t._n p._n 106._o why_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n shall_v be_v express_v p._n 108._o a_o wonderful_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o o._n t._n for_o so_o many_o age_n p._n 109._o the_o new_a testament_n confirm_v the_o old_a p._n 111._o the_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n ib._n the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a p._n 113._o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matt._n in_o hebrew_n how_o long_o preserve_v p._n 115._o the_o greek_a version_n of_o it_o p._n 116._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n finish_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n review_v by_o he_o p._n 117._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n ib._n copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n still_o extant_a p._n 118._o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o p._n 119._o the_o canon_n have_v be_v fix_v and_o confirm_v in_o council_n in_o tertullian_n time_n p._n 121._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n general_o receive_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n p._n 124._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n a_o extraordinary_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o such_o casualty_n as_o have_v befall_v other_o book_n p._n 126._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n p._n 127._o the_o change_n of_o the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n into_o that_o now_o in_o use_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n p._n 130._o the_o keri_n and_o the_o ketib_n no_o prejudice_n to_o it_o ib._n the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n and_o other_o version_n or_o between_o the_o version_n themselves_o no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 132._o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o great_a critic_n both_o protestant_n and_o
papist_n that_o no_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o can_v prejudice_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n or_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 135._o no_o less_o may_v be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o of_o the_o old_a the_o great_a care_n and_o reverence_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v for_o the_o book_n of_o it_o heretic_n can_v not_o corrupt_v the_o text_n and_o pass_v undiscovered_a to_o the_o orthodox_n or_o even_o by_o other_o heretic_n p._n 140._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o chronology_n in_o general_a p._n 142._o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o infer_v uncertainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o p_o 143._o they_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v any_o chronological_a mistake_v make_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 145._o the_o total_a term_n of_o year_n be_v not_o always_o exact_o distinguish_v from_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compose_v and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o mistake_v in_o chronology_n p._n 146._o another_o occasion_n of_o mistake_v have_v be_v that_o sometime_o the_o principal_a number_n be_v set_v down_o and_o the_o odd_a or_o lesser_a number_n be_v omit_v which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o principal_a number_n in_o other_o place_n p._n 147._o sometime_o a_o epocha_n be_v mistake_v by_o chronologer_n p._n 149._o the_o likeness_n of_o two_o word_n may_v occasion_v variation_n in_o chronology_n p._n 150._o the_o numeral_a letter_n be_v easy_o mistake_v by_o transcriber_n ib._n some_o alteration_n of_o the_o septuagint_n from_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v with_o design_n p._n 151._o the_o term_n of_o time_n sometime_o take_v inclusive_o and_o at_o other_o time_n exclusive_o p._n 154._o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v p._n 157._o some_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a in_o themselves_o p._n 158._o the_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n of_o ancient_a time_n consist_v in_o proverb_n and_o parable_n p._n 161._o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o the_o age_n when_o they_o be_v write_v p._n 164._o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o parable_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o not_o every_o word_n and_o circumstance_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o p._n 168_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o type_n consider_v p._n 170._o difference_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o phrophecy_n no_o argument_n for_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o they_o ib._n it_o be_v evident_a and_o agree_v by_o interpreter_n that_o prophecy_n have_v be_v fulfil_v though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v fulfil_v p._n 171._o some_o prophecy_n purposely_o obscure_a and_o why_o p._n 172._o some_o prophecy_n have_v never_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o posterity_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v obscure_o write_v p._n 175._o other_o can_v never_o have_v be_v fulsil_v ib._n if_o prophecy_n have_v be_v plain_a it_o will_v have_v be_v think_v that_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v only_o by_o design_n and_o contrivance_n p._n 177._o man_n will_v have_v commit_v sin_n in_o many_o case_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n ib._n they_o may_v sometime_o be_v obscure_a in_o mercy_n to_o man_n p._n 178._o and_o at_o other_o time_n for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a p._n 179._o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n design_v to_o abate_v the_o confidence_n and_o exercise_v the_o diligence_n of_o man_n p._n 180._o some_o prophecy_n plain_o deliver_v by_o all_o prophet_n those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v of_o great_a use_n even_o before_o the_o accomplishment_n this_o show_v of_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n p._n 182._o the_o nature_n and_o certainty_n of_o type_n consider_v p._n 177._o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o p._n 180._o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v so_o pen_v as_o to_o afford_v no_o suspicion_n of_o contradiction_n to_o injudicious_a and_o rash_a man_n p._n 184._o what_o method_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o any_o author_n p._n 186._o a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n p._n 187._o contradiction_n in_o point_n of_o chronology_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o little_a moment_n though_o they_o shall_v have_v happen_v by_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n will_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 190._o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o world_n begin_v p._n 193._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n p._n 194._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n p._n 196._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o angel_n p._n 200._o with_o respect_n to_o man_n p._n 203._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o perform_v according_a to_o mechanical_a principle_n p._n 208._o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n ground_v upon_o mistake_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v always_o the_o same_o quantity_n of_o motion_n p._n 208._o that_o there_o be_v a_o plenum_fw-la ib._n they_o suppose_v it_o move_v worthy_a of_o god_n to_o leave_v matter_n and_o motion_n to_o perform_v all_o by_o themselves_o without_o his_o immediate_a interposition_n and_o assistance_n p._n 210._o the_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a or_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n consider_v p._n 211._o the_o law_n of_o the_o material_a and_o of_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o world_n compare_v p._n 213._o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n inconsistent_a with_o our_o duty_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o deliverance_n in_o sickness_n and_o danger_n p._n 214._o the_o mechanical_a philosophy_n proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o god_n p._n 215._o chap._n x._o of_o other_o habitable_a world_n beside_o this_o earth_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o god_n yet_o man_n be_v most_o incline_v to_o admire_v and_o glorify_v he_o for_o the_o vastness_n of_o his_o work_n p._n 218._o wonderful_a discovery_n late_o make_v upon_o earth_n by_o microscope_n as_o well_o as_o by_o telescope_n in_o the_o heaven_n but_o angel_n who_o have_v no_o need_n of_o artificial_a help_n to_o discern_v they_o glorify_v god_n for_o his_o work_n more_o than_o man_n p._n 219._o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o star_n p._n ib._n the_o earth_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o seat_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n under_o which_o notion_n it_o be_v no_o contemptible_a place_n p._n 220._o the_o planet_n not_o inhabitable_a ib._n for_o what_o use_v they_o may_v be_v design_v p._n 222._o chap._n xi_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o contradict_v the_o late_a discovery_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n the_o use_n of_o popular_a expression_n imply_v neither_o the_o affirmation_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o philosophical_a truth_n of_o they_o p._n 224._o how_o the_o sun_n be_v say_v to_o stand_v still_o jos_n x._o 12._o p._n 225._o the_o firmament_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n gen._n 1.6_o explain_v p._n 226._o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n how_o say_v to_o be_v two_o great_a light_n gen._n 1.16_o p._n 227._o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o earth_n 1_o sam._n 11.8_o p._n 229._o the_o sky-strong_a and_o as_o a_o molten_n looking-glass_n job_n xxxvii_o 18._o ib._n the_o scripture_n speak_v strict_o according_a to_o philosophy_n p._n 230._o chap._n xii_o of_o man_n be_v create_v capable_a of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n this_o repugnant_a neither_o to_o the_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n of_o god_n p._n 231._o the_o objection_n right_o state_v p._n 233._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o advance_v and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n itself_o be_v more_o display_v by_o leave_v man_n to_o a_o freedom_n of_o act_v than_o they_o will_v have_v be_v by_o impose_v a_o inevitable_a fate_n upon_o mankind_n p._n 234._o freedom_n of_o action_n conduce_v more_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a than_o a_o necessity_n of_o not_o sin_v can_v
numerous_a than_o the_o sufferer_n for_o any_o other_o p._n 531._o zeal_n for_o falsehood_n no_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n p._n 532._o the_o preference_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o all_o other_o p._n 534._o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o martyrdom_n p._n 535._o chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o p._n 539._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v p._n 544._o nor_o expedient_a p._n 546._o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n p._n 549._o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a p._n 551._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n about_o which_o man_n dispute_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o man_n have_v not_o disagree_v p._n 555._o prophecy_n be_v hereby_o fullfil_v p._n 557._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o true_a revelation_n may_v contain_v great_a difficulty_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n remain_v in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a the_o objection_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o insignificant_a p._n 559._o this_o be_v show_v in_o particular_n p._n 561._o the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v in_o case_n of_o another_o nature_n p._n 563._o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n p._n 566._o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 568._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n immorality_n a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o singularity_n of_o opinion_n p._n 569._o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n p._n 570._o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_a to_o jest_v and_o trifle_v withal_o p._n 574._o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n have_v in_o the_o former_a book_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o compass_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o faculty_n and_o to_o observe_v in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o daily_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o understand_v much_o more_o than_o themselves_o and_o how_o much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n there_o be_v in_o the_o wise_a man_n those_o common_o that_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o confident_a in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o understand_v all_o thing_n beside_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v not_o consider_v how_o very_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o reveal_v many_o thing_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a but_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n over_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a he_o may_v reveal_v thing_n above_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v command_v we_o what_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_v though_o we_o may_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n many_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n amount_v to_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o of_o which_o some_o man_n think_v no_o clear_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o unworthy_a of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o way_n of_o object_v and_o where_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o such_o argument_n but_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v or_o which_o they_o can_v perfect_o understand_v this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o objection_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v thing_n which_o these_o man_n in_o their_o great_a wisdom_n think_v shall_v not_o be_v there_o if_o they_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v to_o make_v their_o own_o understanding_n the_o measure_n and_o criterion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v sceptic_n for_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o other_o have_v be_v atheist_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n find_v as_o much_o fault_n with_o the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o deist_n do_v with_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v renounce_v all_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o disbelieve_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v man_n therefore_o of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o shallshew_v i._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v ●demonstrable_a ii_o that_o very_a man_n believe_v and_o experience_n several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v iii_o that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o we_o demonstrable_a several_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n nothing_o seem_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o divisibility_n be_v essential_a to_o matter_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o matter_n be_v divisible_a so_o that_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v as_o divisible_a as_o the_o big_a because_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v matter_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o matter_n differ_v only_o in_o bulk_n or_o figure_n or_o place_n or_o rest_v or_o motion_n it_o be_v then_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v divisible_a it_o must_v ever_o be_v divisible_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o often_o divide_v since_o it_o can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o to_o lose_v it_o own_o nature_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v matter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v infinite_o divisible_a because_o whatever_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a into_o part_n and_o no_o part_n can_v be_v infinite_a because_o no_o number_n can_v be_v so_o for_o all_o number_n be_v necessary_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v count_v or_o number_v though_o no_o finite_a be_v may_v be_v able_a to_o number_v it_o a_o numberless_a number_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n therefore_o all_o number_n must_v be_v even_o or_o odd_a and_o must_v be_v capable_a of_o addition_n and_o substraction_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o infinite_a for_o what_o be_v less_o or_o great_a have_v certain_a bound_n or_o limit_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v
be_v ordinary_a with_o the_o best_a writer_n to_o express_v thing_n uncertain_o which_o they_o be_v notwithstane_v thorough_o acquaint_v withal_o and_o to_o seem_v ignorant_a of_o thing_n which_o they_o perfect_o understand_v but_o pass_v over_o as_o not_o worth_a the_o take_a notice_n of_o or_o not_o considerable_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o own_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o know_a elegancy_n to_o say_v nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la or_o nescio_fw-la quem_fw-la when_o the_o author_n so_o speak_v be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n or_o person_n there_o mean_v but_o either_o signify_v his_o contempt_n of_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n or_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o trouble_v himself_o or_o his_o hearer_n or_o reader_n with_o a_o more_o particular_a relation_n the_o fonteio_fw-la the_o credo_fw-la haec_fw-la eadem_fw-la indutiomarum_fw-la in_o testimonio_fw-la timuisse_fw-la aut_fw-la cogitasse_fw-la qui_fw-la primum_fw-la illud_fw-la verbum_fw-la consideratissimum_fw-la nostrae_fw-la consuetudinis_fw-la arbitror_fw-la quo_fw-la nos_fw-la etiam_fw-la tunc_fw-la utimur_fw-la cum_fw-la ea_fw-la dicimus_fw-la jurati_fw-la quae_fw-la comperta_fw-la habemus_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsi_fw-la vidimus_fw-la ex_fw-la toto_fw-la teslimonio_fw-la svo_fw-la sustulit_fw-la atque_fw-la omne_fw-la se_fw-la scire_fw-la dixit_fw-la cic._n pro_fw-la m._n fonteio_fw-la roman_n out_o of_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o they_o have_v for_o oath_n never_o speak_v positive_o in_o give_v evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o and_o have_v see_v themselves_o and_o uncertain_a form_n of_o speech_n be_v observe_v 1._o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d uip._n in_o demost_a olynth_n 1._o by_o ulpian_n to_o have_v be_v usual_a thy_o aneient_a greek_a author_n in_o their_o speak_n of_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o moment_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o miraculous_a draught_n of_o fish_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o ship_n be_v two_o hundred_o cubit_n or_o half_o a_o cubit_n or_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o cubit_n over_o or_o under_o from_o the_o land_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o st_n john_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n jo._n 2.6_o 6.10_o 19.14_o either_o then_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o same_o instance_n st_n john_n may_v know_v the_o precise_a distance_n and_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v not_o declare_v it_o or_o it_o not_o be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o consequence_n for_o we_o to_o be_v more_o particular_o inform_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v suffer_v he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o know_v it_o but_o by_o inspiration_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n but_o not_o always_o to_o write_v every_o little_a circumstance_n concern_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o relate_v many_o miracle_n be_v whole_o omit_v and_o many_o circumstance_n not_o considerable_a or_o material_a to_o be_v mention_v be_v omit_v of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v record_v but_o if_o nothing_o be_v relate_v which_o may_v lead_v we_o into_o error_n and_o nothing_o omit_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o nothing_o but_o truth_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o it_o but_o not_o that_o every_o truth_n shall_v be_v in_o it_o for_o then_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v suppose_v therefore_o that_o st_n john_n do_v not_o know_v precise_o how_o many_o cubit_n the_o ship_n be_v from_o shore_n what_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o there_o relate_v do_v it_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o inspire_v in_o what_o he_o do_v relate_v if_o he_o be_v not_o inspire_v in_o what_o he_o omit_v if_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o precise_a distance_n and_o have_v not_o know_v it_o this_o may_v have_v discredit_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o gospel_n but_o when_o he_o have_v not_o determine_v it_o can_v this_o be_v a_o argument_n in_o diminution_n of_o its_o authority_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o he_o do_v not_o profess_v to_o know_v be_v it_o not_o 〈◊〉_d good_a argument_n in_o confirmation_n of_o its_o authority_n that_o he_o will_v assert_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o certain_o know_v if_o in_o what_o he_o be_v not_o persect_o assure_v he_o mention_n no_o further_o than_o he_o know_v of_o it_o so_o st_o paul_n acquaint_v we_o when_o he_o speak_v himself_o and_o not_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o we_o that_o in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o he_o it_o be_v a_o consirmation_n of_o his_o integrity_n that_o he_o will_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o because_o he_o that_o tell_v we_o in_o any_o one_o case_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o not_o as_o from_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v make_v the_o same_o declaration_n in_o other_o case_n whenever_o he_o have_v write_v any_o thing_n without_o express_a revelation_n 4._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o human_a prudence_n and_o observation_n there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v dictate_v immediate_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o only_o to_o have_v use_v a_o directive_n or_o conduct_a power_n and_o influence_n so_o as_o to_o supply_v such_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n to_o they_o as_o may_v be_v most_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o of_o expediency_n for_o the_o present_a case_n and_o occasion_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o insert_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o state_n of_o affair_n require_v which_o though_o not_o immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o inspiration_n and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o ministry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o assert_v that_o st_n paul_n send_v for_o his_o cloak_n and_o parchment_n by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o immediate_a command_n or_o direction_n to_o salute_v the_o particular_a person_n name_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o epistle_n but_o only_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o he_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o put_v that_o into_o his_o own_o word_n but_o so_o as_o never_o to_o be_v suffer_v to_o express_v it_o otherwise_o than_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v full_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o infallible_o true_a so_o in_o these_o lesser_a and_o indifferent_a matter_n which_o some_o present_a occasion_n make_v requisite_a to_o be_v write_v of_o he_o have_v the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o prevent_v he_o from_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v expedient_a in_o those_o circumstance_n and_o serviceable_a to_o his_o call_n and_o ministry_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n in_o themselves_o may_v become_v necessary_a as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n st_o paul_n journey_v into_o macedonia_n rather_o than_o into_o any_o other_o country_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o soul_n may_v depend_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v warn_v by_o revelation_n not_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o asia_n nor_o to_o go_v into_o bythinia_n but_o into_o macedonia_n act_v 16.6_o 7_o 9_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o salutation_n of_o particular_a person_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o epistle_n though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a importance_n yet_o may_v be_v of_o mighty_a consideration_n and_o consequence_n to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o to_o be_v salute_v by_o a_o apostle_n in_o so_o particular_a and_o solemn_a a_o manner_n may_v revive_v their_o spirit_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o perseverance_n under_o their_o temptation_n and_o assliction_n for_o his_o salutation_n include_v his_o benediction_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o apostolic_a office_n and_o authority_n in_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o god_n himself_o may_v direct_v the_o apostle_n to_o salute_v such_o person_n for_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o faith_n beside_o the_o salutation_n add_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v
may_v not_o suffer_v a_o book_n write_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v encumber_a through_o length_n of_o time_n and_o the_o frailty_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v still_o to_o retain_v the_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a in_o all_o the_o evidence_n necessary_a to_o prove_v it_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o it_o for_o as_o long_o as_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v secure_v all_o the_o rest_n though_o it_o be_v of_o never_o so_o great_a use_n and_o excellency_n yet_o can_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o a_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v permit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o fault_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n to_o become_v perplex_v with_o abundance_n of_o divers_a readins_n and_o even_o with_o contradiction_n in_o the_o chronological_a and_o less_o material_a point_n of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v defective_a as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n either_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o or_o through_o defect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o other_o difficulty_n will_v never_o prove_v it_o not_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n because_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n but_o what_o may_v be_v in_o any_o book_n though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o by_o creation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o the_o formation_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o there_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o late_a year_n prevail_v very_o injurious_a to_o religion_n and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o former_a age_n that_o god_n only_o create_v matter_n and_o give_v it_o motion_n to_o be_v perform_v under_o certain_a law_n by_o which_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n both_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v about_o without_o any_o far_a immediate_a divine_n power_n or_o concourse_n than_o what_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o be_v that_o be_v god_n create_v matter_n and_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n and_o then_o matter_n and_o motion_n do_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o settle_a course_n and_o by_o establish_a law_n without_o any_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a aid_n or_o direction_n this_o notion_n indeed_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o little_o befriend_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v show_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o this_o way_n i._o as_o to_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v consider_v both_o the_o time_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v understand_v either_o the_o time_n when_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o the_o time_n which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o but_o this_o latter_a sense_n will_v come_v under_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n 1._o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o beginning_n of_o time_n or_o of_o the_o world_n duration_n must_v be_v whole_o arbitrary_a and_o absolute_o at_o god_n sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o disposal_n for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o eternal_a duration_n to_o fix_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n more_o to_o one_o time_n than_o another_o or_o to_o determine_v why_o it_o shall_v begin_v soon_o or_o late_a and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v eternal_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n whenever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v no_o good_a objection_n because_o though_o the_o world_n have_v be_v create_v never_o so_o long_o before_o there_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v as_o much_o a_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n for_o there_o must_v have_v be_v some_o period_n of_o time_n when_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v now_o and_o no_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o long_o ago_o but_o still_o it_o may_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v ask_v why_o it_o be_v not_o create_v soon_o 2._o in_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o its_o creation_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanichal_n law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n whereas_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o preserve_v according_a to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v first_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o its_o preservation_n and_o government_n in_o its_o fix_a and_o settle_v state_n the_o origin_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n before_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o several_a law_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o take_v place_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o of_o all_o miracle_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v the_o great_a not_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o production_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o put_v thing_n into_o such_o order_n as_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n ordain_v for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v what_o these_o law_n of_o motion_n be_v which_o the_o philosopher_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o combination_n of_o body_n and_o such_o a_o dependence_n of_o every_o body_n upon_o so_o many_o other_o in_o every_o motion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v how_o any_o two_o body_n will_v act_v upon_o each_o other_o if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o body_n beside_o or_o be_v out_o of_o that_o state_n which_o they_o now_o be_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v range_v and_o settle_v before_o these_o law_n can_v take_v place_n and_o to_o reduce_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o now_o prevail_v in_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o creation_n antecedent_n to_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o indian_a shall_v attempt_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o make_n of_o a_o watch_n by_o the_o several_a motion_n which_o he_o see_v perform_v in_o it_o after_o it_o be_v make_v and_o shall_v imagine_v that_o the_o material_n move_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n at_o last_o arrive_v to_o the_o exact_a frame_n of_o a_o watch._n 2._o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n it_o be_v great_a presumption_n in_o man_n to_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o whatever_o he_o deliver_v of_o himself_o we_o ought_v entire_o to_o believe_v both_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o thou_o have_v understanding_n job_n xxxviii_o 4._o but_o this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o such_o as_o censure_n and_o cavil_v at_o his_o word_n that_o even_o by_o man_n such_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o his_o action_n as_o all_o his_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gainsay_v god_n have_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o measure_n and_o number_n and_o weight_n wisd_v xi_o 20._o and_o as_o to_o
be_v without_o abundance_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o herein_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v that_o to_o such_o a_o people_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n he_o give_v a_o law_n so_o admirable_o proper_a and_o well_o contrive_v to_o preserve_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o veil_n of_o ceremony_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o come_n of_o his_o son_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n but_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n joh._n i._n 17._o that_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n or_o substance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o law_n chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n our_o saviour_n be_v the_o great_a prophet_n who_o be_v to_o come_v as_o moses_n have_v foretell_v and_o who_o be_v expect_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o expect_v that_o that_o prophet_n shall_v work_v miracle_n as_o moses_n have_v do_v who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v like_a and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n as_o moses_n have_v be_v the_o jew_n have_v a_o general_a expectation_n that_o the_o messiah_n will_v manifest_v himself_o by_o miracle_n joh._n seven_o 31._o miracle_n have_v not_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n wrought_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o it_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o know_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v revive_v by_o he_o the_o 36._o the_o maiman_n more_n nevoch_n part_n 2._o c._n 36._o rabbin_n still_o teach_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v to_o return_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o god_n express_a promise_n and_o the_o samaritan_n themselves_o have_v this_o notion_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o be_v to_o give_v full_a instruction_n in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n joh._n four_o 25._o and_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o prove_v he_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v literal_o fulfil_v in_o our_o saviour_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n have_v be_v explain_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v full_o prove_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n by_o the_o accomplishment_n in_o he_o of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n we_o ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o his_o authority_n both_o for_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o for_o any_o explication_n which_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v against_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o their_o law_n be_v to_o cease_v when_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v the_o gospel_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contain_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v the_o fulfil_v and_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o the_o moral_a precept_n be_v improve_v and_o advance_v and_o the_o ceremonial_a and_o ritual_a part_n be_v not_o proper_o abrogate_a and_o abolish_v but_o it_o continue_v for_o as_o long_a time_n as_o it_o be_v design_v to_o do_v and_o then_o expire_v of_o itself_o it_o serve_v these_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o afterward_o must_v of_o consequence_n cease_v the_o ceremonial_a worship_n therefore_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o become_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n till_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o long_o practicable_a but_o must_v of_o necessity_n cease_v and_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o once_o it_o have_v its_o period_n and_o accomplishment_n be_v as_o much_o the_o will_n of_o the_o legislator_n at_o its_o first_o institution_n as_o its_o former_a obligation_n can_v be_v the_o jewish_a law_n be_v figurative_a and_o typical_a it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v to_o cease_v of_o course_n when_o the_o thing_n prefigure_v and_o typify_v by_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v when_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v for_o then_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n be_v fulfil_v can_v be_v of_o no_o long_o use_v nor_o the_o law_n which_o enjoin_v they_o of_o any_o long_a continuance_n when_o once_o this_o principal_a reason_n of_o it_o cease_v and_o all_o other_o end_v design_v by_o it_o may_v be_v better_o attain_v without_o it_o by_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o this_o law_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o not_o only_o to_o expire_v upon_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o by_o the_o messiah_n but_o to_o become_v impracticable_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v observe_v afterward_o i_o shall_v therefore_o prove_v the_o cessation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n i._o because_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v in_o who_o it_o be_v fulfil_v ii_o because_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o law_n shall_v cease_v upon_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n iii_o because_o after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v to_o become_v impracticable_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v observe_v 1._o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v in_o who_o the_o law_n be_v fulfil_v as_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v prefigure_v in_o the_o various_a type_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o receive_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o he_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o messiah_n since_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n have_v be_v all_o fulfil_v in_o he_o this_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o zechariah_n and_o malachy_n be_v so_o very_o plain_o and_o undeniable_o fulfil_v that_o stessia_n that_o munster_n de_fw-fr stessia_n some_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o evade_v they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v bear_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n though_o he_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v but_o that_o he_o be_v see_v at_o rome_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o lie_v conceal_v as_o moses_n do_v in_o the_o house_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o shall_v require_v the_o dismission_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o pope_n as_o moses_n demand_v of_o pharaoh_n the_o dismission_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n but_o they_o say_v that_o he_o defer_v the_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n have_v make_v many_o solemn_a humiliation_n to_o implore_v his_o help_n and_o hasten_v his_o come_n particular_o a._n d._n mdii_o they_o appoint_v a_o public_a humiliation_n for_o young_a and_o old_a man_n woman_n and_o child_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o nigh_o a_o whole_a year_n together_o dialog_n together_o just_a martyr_n dialog_n trypho_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o may_v be_v somewhere_o unknown_a but_o say_v that_o he_o can_v not_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v christ_n nor_o work_v miracle_n till_o elias_n have_v anoint_v he_o and_o manifest_v he_o to_o the_o world_n ib._n world_n mu●ster_n ib._n other_o have_v say_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o three_o temple_n and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o the_o messiah_n will_v come_v only_o because_o abraham_n call_v the_o place_n where_o the_o temple_n stand_v a_o mountain_n isaa●_n a_o field_n and_o jacob_n a_o house_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o their_o sin_n hinder_v his_o come_n some_o again_o think_v that_o they_o be_v neither_o sinful_a enough_o nor_o righteous_a enough_o for_o say_v they_o he_o must_v come_v in_o a_o generation_n altogether_o sinful_a or_o altogether_o righteous_a the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n week_n be_v so_o punctual_o in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n fulfil_v that_o not_o only_a limborch_n only_a joseph_n antiqu_n judiac_n lib._n x._o c._n 12._o secundum_fw-la scriptum_n judai_n apud_fw-la limborch_n josephus_n and_o the_o modern_a jew_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o titus_n but_o 3._o but_o lud._n viu._n de_fw-fr ver_fw-la fid._n lib._n 3._o some_o of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o computation_n to_o be_v true_a and_o to_o agree_v exact_o with_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n have_v even_o dare_v to_o say_v that_o daniel_n himself_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o account_n other_o have_v confess_v that_o all_o the_o term_n of_o time_n assign_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v past_a and_o that_o now_o their_o only_a hope_n of_o deliverance_n and_o redemption_n be_v to_o be_v place_v in_o their_o repentance_n and_o other_o lay_v a_o curse_n upon_o such_o as_o presume_v to_o fix_v any_o particular_a time_n for_o the_o
come_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o epist_n but_o grot._n de_fw-fr verit._n lib._n v._o s._n 14._o &_o inter_fw-la sarrav_n epist_n rabbi_n nehumias_n who_o live_v fifty_o year_n before_o christ_n declare_v that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o daniel_n prophecy_n can_v not_o be_v defer_v beyond_o the_o space_n of_o fifty_o year_n long_o as_o grotius_n have_v observe_v from_o the_o talmud_n divers_a four_o divers_a bishop_n pearson_n on_o the_o creed_n art_n four_o of_o the_o jew_n place_n the_o passion_n of_o christ_n sixty_o nine_o year_n before_o our_o common_a account_n of_o the_o year_n in_o which_o he_o true_o suffer_v other_o pretend_v another_o different_a account_n without_o the_o least_o reason_n for_o either_o pretence_n but_o this_o show_v how_o desperate_a a_o cause_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o which_o force_v they_o upon_o such_o artifices_fw-la for_o we_o have_v the_o express_a testimony_n of_o tacitus_n that_o he_o suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n they_o interpret_v isai_n seven_o 14._o where_o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o ancient_a translation_n of_o that_o verse_n by_o the_o septuagint_n as_o dialog_n as_o just_a mart._n dialog_n justin_n martyr_v urge_v against_o the_o jew_n of_o his_o time_n in_o origen_n time_n they_o expound_v isai_n liii_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o of_o any_o particular_a person_n though_o as_o 1._o as_o origen_n contr_n cell_n lib._n 1._o origen_n argue_v in_o a_o disputation_n with_o they_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v a_o plain_a confutation_n of_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v it_o and_o especial_o these_o word_n of_o the_o 8_o verse_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o my_o people_n be_v he_o strike_v by_o the_o person_n strike_v can_v be_v understand_v the_o people_n for_o who_o transgression_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v strike_v ib._n strike_v grot._n ib._n lib._n v._o s._n 19_o bishop_n pearson_n ib._n but_o they_o have_v find_v out_o another_o evasion_n by_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v two_o messiah_n one_o the_o son_n of_o joseph_n who_o be_v to_o be_v a_o suffering_n messiah_n and_o the_o other_o the_o son_n of_o david_n who_o be_v to_o enjoy_v all_o manner_n of_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o power_n so_o plain_o be_v it_o that_o the_o prophecy_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o of_o old_a understand_v of_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o saviour_n and_o so_o unavoidable_o do_v they_o contradict_v all_o their_o own_o ancient_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n when_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o for_o that_o they_o be_v fulfil_v it_o be_v evident_a and_o they_o can_v assign_v no_o other_o person_n in_o who_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v ii_o it_o be_v foretold_v by_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o law_n shall_v cease_v upon_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o prophet_n that_o in_o some_o year_n after_o christ_n jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v no_o long_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o jewish_a power_n and_o government_n nor_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n and_o their_o prophecy_n suppose_v the_o cessation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n upon_o a_o twofold_n account_n 1._o from_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n 2._o from_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o city_n 1._o from_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o prophet_n daniel_n foretold_v that_o after_o the_o messiah_n be_v cut_v off_o the_o sanctuary_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o oblation_n shall_v cease_v and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v desolation_n even_o until_o the_o consummation_n dan._n ix_o 26_o 27._o since_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v lay_v waste_n and_o desolate_a and_o by_o this_o prophecy_n be_v never_o to_o be_v rebuilt_a the_o temple_n be_v the_o place_n of_o all_o their_o worship_n and_o solemnity_n that_o fail_v their_o whole_a worship_n must_v fail_v with_o it_o and_o whenever_o the_o jew_n have_v attempt_v to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n they_o have_v be_v hinder_v from_o do_v it_o and_o particular_o as_o i_o have_v several_a time_n already_o observe_v in_o the_o time_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n by_o miraculous_a and_o dreadful_a judgement_n relate_v by_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen_a historian_n who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o by_o a_o 236._o a_o wagenseil_fw-fr annot._fw-la ad_fw-la excerpta_fw-la gemarae_fw-la ●ap_n 1._o p._n 236._o jewish_a writer_n and_o when_o they_o have_v be_v permit_v to_o build_v they_o synagogue_n and_o place_n of_o worship_n in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o place_v alone_o have_v be_v deny_v they_o in_o which_o by_o their_o law_n they_o be_v indispensable_o bind_v to_o worship_n all_o the_o male_n be_v oblige_v to_o resort_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n thrice_o every_o year_n and_o the_o place_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v more_o strict_o enjoin_v than_o the_o time_n for_o if_o any_o man_n be_v upon_o a_o journey_n or_o unclean_a a_o second_o passover_n be_v appoint_v for_o he_o but_o it_o can_v be_v observe_v at_o no_o other_o place_n but_o jerusalem_n upon_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o num._n ix_o 10._o deutr._fw-la xuj_o 5._o and_o therefore_o during_o the_o captivity_n at_o babylon_n they_o do_v not_o celebrate_v these_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n of_o pentecost_n and_o of_o tabernacle_n how_o can_v they_o sing_v the_o lord_n song_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n psal_n cxxxvii_o 4._o and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n by_o the_o roman_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v a_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o god_n peculiar_a people_n nor_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o by_o the_o law_n be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o have_v ever_o be_v fulfil_v till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v expire_v st._n edit_n st._n chrys_n adv_fw-la judeos_fw-la lib._n 1._o tom._n 6._o sau._n edit_n chrysostom_n blame_v the_o jew_n of_o his_o time_n for_o observe_v the_o law_n in_o the_o country_n whither_o they_o be_v disperse_v which_o he_o prove_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n commandment_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o the_o modern_a jew_n confess_v that_o their_o worship_n be_v impracticable_a in_o their_o present_a condition_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n no_o where_o else_o but_o at_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o passover_n among_o they_o now_o be_v without_o sacrifice_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n and_o they_o observe_v t●e_v day_n of_o atonement_n without_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o expiation_n 2._o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o final_a dispersion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n prove_v that_o their_o law_n be_v at_o a_o end_n jacob_n plain_o foretell_v both_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n upon_o his_o come_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o law_n giver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v gen._n xlix_o 10._o this_o prophecy_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_a jew_n always_o understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o targum_n and_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o saviour_n both_o because_o the_o jewish_a government_n in_o his_o time_n be_v draw_v towards_o its_o final_a period_n and_o because_o the_o people_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v be_v gather_v to_o he_o and_o have_v be_v make_v proselyte_n to_o his_o religion_n the_o sceptre_n and_o the_o lawgiver_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o their_o arm_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o law_n be_v not_o so_o to_o depart_v as_o to_o become_v extinct_a till_o the_o messiah_n come_v which_o imply_v that_o soon_o after_o his_o come_n they_o be_v both_o to_o cease_v as_o we_o see_v they_o have_v long_o since_o actual_o do_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o jacob_n prophecy_n be_v gradual_a herod_n be_v of_o another_o nation_n but_o a_o proselyte_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n he_o may_v be_v style_v a_o jew_n as_o 5._o as_o exer●●itat_fw-la 1._o ●um_fw-la 5._o be_v casaubon_n have_v prove_v against_o baronius_n and_o when_o he_o be_v make_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v as_o a_o warn_v to_o awaken_v they_o to_o expect_v the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o their_o government_n the_o jewish_a government_n all_o along_o under_o all_o change_n be_v still_o denominate_v from_o judah_n though_o
astray_o thou_o shall_v sure_o bring_v it_o back_o to_o he_o again_o if_o thou_o see_v the_o ass_n of_o he_o that_o hate_v thou_o lie_v under_o his_o burden_n and_o will_v forbear_v to_o help_v he_o thou_o shall_v sure_o help_v with_o he_o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n charity_n towards_o enemy_n be_v high_o recommend_v and_o earnest_o inculcate_v job_n xxxi_o 29._o prov._n xx_o 22._o xxiv_o 29._o malach._n two_o 10._o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o we_o read_v leu._n nineteeen_o 18._o but_o thou_o shall_v hate_v thy_o enemy_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o matt._n v._n 43._o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n which_o our_o saviour_n reject_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o be_v mean_v as_o grotius_n understand_v it_o of_o that_o enmity_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o show_v in_o all_o act_n of_o hostility_n towards_o the_o seven_o nation_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o amalekite_n exod._n xvii_o 16._o xxxiv_o 11._o deut._n seven_o 1._o twenty-five_o 19_o yet_o these_o very_a nation_n be_v not_o utter_o exclude_v from_o become_a proselyte_n and_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v very_o remarkable_a that_o though_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v receive_v such_o hard_a and_o cruel_a usage_n in_o egypt_n which_o be_v so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o be_v nevertheless_o by_o the_o same_o law_n command_v not_o to_o abhor_v a_o egyptian_a but_o to_o admit_v the_o child_n of_o egyptian_a parent_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o three_o generation_n thou_o shall_v not_o abhor_v a_o egyptian_a because_o thou_o be_v a_o stranger_n in_o his_o land_n deut._n xxiii_o 7._o thou_o shall_v not_o abhor_v he_o that_o be_v thou_o shall_v not_o revenge_v upon_o he_o the_o injury_n do_v thou_o but_o shall_v relieve_v he_o in_o time_n of_o distress_n which_o 2._o which_o lightf_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit._n on_o matt._n vi_o 2._o charity_n the_o jew_n ever_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o have_v be_v wrong_v in_o the_o report_n of_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o all_o of_o other_o nation_n but_o any_o thing_n be_v easy_o believe_v of_o a_o hate_a and_o despise_a people_n and_o i_o be_o not_o to_o vindicate_v their_o practice_n but_o their_o law_n 〈◊〉_d law_n philo_n jud._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philo_n judoeus_n have_v a_o excellent_a treatise_n in_o which_o he_o discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o this_o subject_a and_o show_v to_o how_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n the_o jew_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n chap._n xix_o of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n cite_v in_o the_o new_a though_o the_o apostle_n have_v prove_v their_o divine_a commission_n by_o so_o many_o and_o so_o undeniable_a miracle_n have_v a_o infallible_a authority_n to_o interpret_v and_o apply_v the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o citation_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v most_o difficulty_n in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o time_n against_o who_o they_o be_v urge_v can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o true_a exposition_n of_o they_o though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v true_o apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o gospel_n for_o unless_o the_o apostle_n have_v either_o make_v out_o their_o citation_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o maxim_n and_o principle_n then_o know_v and_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n or_o have_v allege_v they_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v then_o general_o acknowledge_v it_o have_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v they_o at_o all_o against_o they_o it_o be_v know_v likewise_o and_o observable_a upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o after_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n though_o the_o bible_n be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o original_a hebrew_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o interpret_v into_o the_o vulgar_a language_n and_o the_o interpreter_n do_v not_o always_o translate_v the_o text_n verbatim_o but_o often_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o different_a word_n and_o with_o some_o latitude_n to_o render_v it_o the_o more_o intelligible_a this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v at_o length_n improve_v into_o a_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n contain_v with_o the_o text_n a_o short_a explication_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n though_o there_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v many_o notion_n current_a among_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o exposition_n the_o writer_n therefore_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v sometime_o give_v such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v as_o well_o or_o better_o know_v among_o they_o for_o who_o they_o write_v than_o the_o greek_a or_o hebrew_n text_n be_v or_o they_o may_v take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o interpreter_n the_o better_a to_o explain_v the_o text_n allege_v and_o enforce_v their_o argument_n thus_o for_o instance_n st._n stephen_n act_v seven_o will_v never_o have_v produce_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o the_o sanhedrim_n nor_o will_v st._n luke_n have_v record_v it_o soon_o after_o if_o it_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o disproof_n or_o confutation_n whatever_o difficulty_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n there_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v in_o it_o and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o disciple_n who_o have_v such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o unbeliever_n by_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n will_v never_o make_v use_n of_o any_o argument_n to_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o such_o as_o they_o well_o know_v their_o adversary_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o disprove_v or_o deny_v for_o there_o be_v then_o certain_a method_n of_o interpretation_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 14._o from_o joseph_n bell._n jadaic_n lib._n iii._o c._n 14._o josephus_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v and_o they_o dispute_v from_o acknowledge_a maxim_n and_o rule_n the_o only_a difference_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n be_v in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o their_o particular_a case_n however_o our_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n then_o general_o know_v may_v now_o make_v it_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v some_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o those_o of_o the_o old_a from_o whence_o they_o be_v cite_v f._n simon_n xxi_o simon_n sim._n crit._n hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part_n i._n c._n xxi_o in_o his_o critical_a history_n have_v a_o remarkable_a passage_n upon_o this_o subject_a the_o book_n say_v he_o where_o the_o most_o of_o that_o sort_n of_o citation_n be_v find_v be_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o we_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n explain_v in_o a_o manner_n that_o be_v altogether_o allegorical_a and_o foreign_a to_o the_o letter_n which_o have_v also_o give_v a_o occasion_n to_o some_o writer_n to_o suspect_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o the_o author_n but_o it_o seem_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pharisee_n method_n in_o their_o expound_v scripture_n it_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o than_o to_o that_o holy_a apostle_n who_o have_v study_v in_o jerusalem_n under_o the_o doctor_n gamaliel_n do_v penetrate_v into_o all_o the_o most_o refine_a point_n of_o their_o secret_a and_o mystical_a interpretation_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o indeed_o after_o i_o have_v recommend_v the_o read_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o a_o jew_n who_o be_v well_o read_v in_o his_o own_o ancient_a author_n he_o have_v peruse_v it_o free_o declare_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o great_a tradition_n great_a a_o man_n of_o tradition_n mekubal_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tell_v i_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v wrest_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n with_o his_o allegory_n at_o pleasure_n that_o he_o extol_v his_o profound_a skill_n in_o the_o sublime_a sense_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o always_o return_v to_o his_o great_a mekubal_n of_o who_o he_o never_o speak_v but_o with_o admiration_n hoc_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la scripture_n sanctis_fw-la observandum_fw-la est_fw-la apostolos_fw-la &_o apostolicos_fw-la viros_fw-la in_o ponendis_fw-la testimoniis_fw-la de_fw-la veteri_fw-la testamento_fw-la non_fw-la verba_fw-la considerare_fw-la sed_fw-la sensum_fw-la nec_fw-la eadem_fw-la sermonum_fw-la culcare_fw-la vestigia_fw-la dummodò_fw-la à_fw-la senteniis_fw-la non_fw-la
thus_o for_o it_o be_v ever_o suppose_a and_o agree_v in_o all_o case_n that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o any_o thing_n impossible_a and_o that_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o any_o man_n either_o in_o faith_n or_o practice_n beyond_o his_o power_n and_o capacity_n whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v before_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o hold_v the_o catholic_n faith_n which_o faith_n except_o every_o one_o do_v keep_v whole_a and_o undefiled_a without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o but_o this_o suppose_n that_o he_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n for_o no_o man_n can_v hold_v that_o faith_n the_o general_a knowledge_n whereof_o he_o can_v attain_v we_o must_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n believe_v all_o that_o god_n say_v to_o be_v true_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o our_o understanding_n but_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v explicit_o any_o more_o than_o he_o can_v understand_v so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o a_o belief_n he_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o to_o know_v in_o general_n what_o he_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v though_o he_o can_v have_v no_o such_o complete_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o full_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o existence_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o he_o and_o let_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n be_v never_o so_o few_o and_o plain_a yet_o there_o will_v still_o be_v some_o man_n who_o be_v uncapable_a of_o understand_v they_o in_o any_o way_n or_o measure_n and_o then_o there_o will_v lie_v the_o same_o objection_n against_o those_o article_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n urge_v against_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o trinity_n itself_o which_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v be_v not_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o no_o more_o be_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v explicit_o of_o any_o than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o such_o a_o belief_n whatever_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v assign_v in_o natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n they_o will_v be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o many_o adult_n person_n and_o of_o all_o infant_n to_o apprehend_v they_o who_o therefore_o according_a to_o all_o religion_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o those_o article_n which_o be_v never_o so_o necessary_a to_o other_o and_o what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o all_o religion_n natural_a as_o well_o as_o reveal_v ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v object_v against_o none_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o force_n in_o it_o iii_o this_o doctrine_n exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o men._n that_o god_n the_o father_n shall_v send_v his_o son_n his_o only_o beget_v and_o only_o belove_a son_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o die_v for_o we_o be_v a_o endear_n and_o amaze_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o death_n not_o of_o a_o mere_a man_n but_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o in_o our_o stead_n must_v needs_o heighten_v our_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o our_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o discourse_v of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o here_o in_o like_a manner_n whatever_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v do_v and_o be_v continual_o do_v for_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n with_o we_o and_o give_v we_o quite_o another_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o our_o own_o duty_n than_o we_o can_v have_v have_v if_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o creature_n for_o unless_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n we_o can_v have_v that_o devout_a love_n and_o faith_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o which_o we_o ought_v we_o can_v have_v that_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o communion_n and_o presence_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o nor_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n whereby_o we_o resist_v and_o grieve_v and_o do_v despite_n to_o he_o that_o argument_n of_o st._n paul_n what_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o many_o other_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n will_v be_v lose_v but_o on_o supposition_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n we_o can_v never_o have_v that_o sense_n which_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o have_v of_o our_o sin_n commit_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gift_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n without_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o godhead_n so_o that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v and_o love_n be_v more_o excite_v and_o enlarge_v and_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v more_o dispose_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n through_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n than_o they_o can_v be_v without_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o absurd_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o this_o doctrine_n so_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o expedient_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n chief_o insist_v upon_o in_o all_o their_o discourse_n for_o if_o once_o they_o can_v convince_v man_n that_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o persuade_v they_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o they_o teach_v beside_o there_o be_v no_o other_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o can_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o incredible_a than_o this_o and_o when_o that_o which_o they_o can_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v and_o which_o can_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v evident_o and_o undeniable_o prove_v to_o they_o this_o must_v give_v that_o credit_n and_o authority_n to_o all_o their_o other_o doctrine_n that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o long_o withstand_v or_o gainsay_v this_o therefore_o be_v the_o point_n which_o the_o apostle_n most_o of_o all_o urge_v know_v that_o if_o they_o can_v gain_v this_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v follow_v of_o course_n and_o that_o every_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v once_o convince_v of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o defence_n before_o king_n agrippa_n put_v the_o question_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n incredible_a with_o you_o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a act_n xxvi_o 8._o which_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a thing_n to_o think_v that_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a and_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v raise_v christ_n for_o there_o be_v so_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o so_o many_o man_n daily_o witness_v it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n that_o if_o their_o adversary_n will_v but_o allow_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v possible_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n remain_v but_o that_o christ_n be_v indeed_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o apostle_n argue_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n give_v why_o god_n can_v do_v it_o or_o how_o dare_v any_o man_n so_o limit_v and_o confine_v the_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n by_o his_o own_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a can_v be_v effect_v by_o he_o this_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o christ_n be_v rise_v and_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o general_n resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o objection_n that_o can_v lie_v against_o it_o but_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o our_o resurrection_n be_v assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n 1_o cor._n xv_o 20._o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v so_o well_o attest_v that_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n
christian_n unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o the_o miraculous_a power_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v not_o hinder_v the_o rise_n of_o they_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n that_o offence_n or_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n unto_o he_o through_o who_o they_o come_v matth._n xviii_o 7._o luke_n xvii_o the_o church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v free_a from_o offence_n scandal_n and_o division_n unless_o god_n shall_v forcible_o restrain_v man_n from_o run_v into_o they_o the_o temper_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n be_v very_o different_a and_o therefore_o in_o many_o case_n they_o will_v make_v a_o different_a judgement_n of_o thing_n much_o attention_n and_o thoughtfulness_n and_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o divers_a controversy_n and_o few_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v at_o that_o pain_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o in_o lesser_a difficulty_n they_o be_v content_v to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n which_o first_o offer_v themselves_o or_o to_o which_o by_o custom_n and_o education_n they_o have_v be_v most_o use_v there_o be_v so_o much_o difficulty_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o prejudices_fw-la so_o much_o labour_n and_o study_n be_v in_o many_o case_n require_v in_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n that_o few_o can_v prevail_v with_o themselves_o to_o undergo_v it_o few_o man_n examine_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n and_o few_o do_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n most_o man_n follow_v as_o they_o be_v lead_v without_o any_o further_a care_n or_o thought_n and_o die_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o without_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o take_v all_o upon_o trust_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o be_v by_o chance_n and_o more_o than_o they_o know_v or_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n they_o know_v as_o little_a of_o it_o but_o right_o or_o wrong_v they_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o of_o who_o they_o have_v conceive_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n or_o who_o have_v some_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o influence_n they_o they_o profess_v their_o religion_n as_o they_o practise_v other_o thing_n for_o no_o better_a reason_n than_o because_o they_o see_v other_o have_v do_v it_o before_o they_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o for_o it_o only_o as_o they_o do_v for_o all_o custom_n which_o by_o long_a use_n be_v become_v familiar_a and_o almost_o natural_a to_o they_o but_o may_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o different_a practice_n and_o custom_n and_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o careless_a and_o unconcerned_a to_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o several_a religion_n this_o give_v a_o mighty_a opportunity_n and_o advantage_n to_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n and_o ill_a design_n to_o infuse_v and_o spread_v their_o opinion_n for_o if_o by_o the_o plausibleness_n and_o importunity_n of_o their_o insinuation_n or_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a zeal_n and_o strictness_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o popular_a they_o can_v but_o gain_v a_o few_o person_n of_o note_n and_o interest_n who_o may_v influence_n other_o a_o party_n be_v make_v and_o a_o sect_n set_v up_o which_o may_v perhaps_o continue_v for_o some_o generation_n and_o a_o fondness_n for_o novelty_n and_o a_o personal_a dislike_n and_o prejudice_n against_o some_o man_n and_o a_o esteem_n and_o admiration_n of_o other_o and_o several_a accident_n as_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n may_v make_v great_a addition_n to_o a_o sect_n that_o be_v once_o form_v man_n who_o think_v themselves_o disoblige_v among_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o samaritan_n and_o deserter_n in_o religion_n be_v as_o usual_a as_o in_o war_n upon_o any_o great_a discontent_n or_o upon_o hope_n of_o great_a advantage_n and_o these_o man_n to_o testify_v their_o sincerity_n be_v observe_v common_o to_o be_v most_o violent_a however_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v a_o number_n and_o to_o strengthen_v a_o party_n most_o schism_n and_o heresy_n have_v be_v begin_v by_o man_n of_o ill_a design_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n gratify_v their_o own_o passion_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n or_o more_o scandalous_a vice_n this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observable_a in_o the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o ever_o since_o a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n of_o popular_a fame_n and_o preeminence_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o great_a mischief_n in_o the_o church_n some_o man_n be_v as_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o new_a opinion_n as_o other_o be_v of_o honour_n or_o wealth_n or_o pleasure_n and_o can_v bear_v no_o contradiction_n but_o contend_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o empire_n in_o knowledge_n and_o show_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n because_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v their_o conquest_n and_o enlarge_v their_o dominion_n over_o man_n faith_n some_o that_o devour_v widow_n house_n have_v for_o a_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n matt._n xxiii_o 14._o and_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o horror_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o not_o only_o in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o zealous_a profession_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o the_o error_n of_o man_n of_o no_o ill_a meaning_n but_o of_o great_a zeal_n with_o little_a knowledge_n have_v sometime_o find_v a_o strange_a acceptance_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o first_o author_n now_o when_o all_o the_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n thus_o contribute_v to_o produce_v and_o promote_v difference_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o there_o be_v such_o difference_n than_o that_o there_o be_v frailty_n and_o vice_n among_o man_n that_o some_o man_n be_v vicious_a and_o ready_a to_o seduce_v other_o and_o that_o other_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v seduce_v st._n paul_n complain_v of_o false_a apostle_n deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o marvel_n say_v he_o for_o satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o great_a thing_n if_o his_o minister_n also_o be_v transform_v as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n who_o end_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o their_o work_n 2_o cor._n xi_o 13.14.15_o satan_n himself_o strive_v to_o appear_v like_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o sin_n be_v force_v to_o take_v the_o disguise_n of_o religion_n vice_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o few_o man_n care_v much_o to_o own_o how_o fond_a soever_o they_o be_v of_o it_o number_n in_o other_o case_n be_v wont_a to_o bring_v thing_n into_o reputation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o most_o vice_n which_o though_o they_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o great_a number_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n yet_o have_v be_v always_o nevertheless_o infamous_a and_o this_o show_v the_o detestable_a nature_n of_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v creditable_a in_o a_o vicious_a and_o irreligious_a world_n but_o bad_a man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o conceal_v and_o hide_v they_o under_o some_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o since_o every_o vice_n and_o every_o passion_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n may_v conduce_v to_o the_o raise_n and_o soment_v of_o difference_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o sin_n itself_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o prevent_v unless_o god_n shall_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n in_o religion_n unless_o the_o same_o force_n and_o necessity_n shall_v restrain_v man_n from_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o will_v contradict_v the_o very_a design_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o interpose_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o direct_v and_o command_v man_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o do_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o may_v prevail_v with_o they_o by_o reasonable_a argument_n
signal_n judgement_n from_o heaven_n and_o moses_n advance_v neither_o of_o he_o and_o both_o moses_n and_o aaron_n die_v by_o the_o particular_a appointment_n and_o command_n of_o god_n for_o their_o offence_n against_o he_o never_o enjoy_v nor_o for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v never_o have_v perform_v what_o they_o do_v but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n so_o they_o can_v have_v no_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o attempt_v it_o but_o his_o command_n and_o promise_v of_o assistance_n reveal_v to_o they_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o pentateuch_n as_o the_o book_n entitle_v to_o moses_n be_v confess_v by_o all_o to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n so_o we_o have_v it_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o heathen_a writer_n themselves_o that_o the_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v indeed_o of_o his_o writing_n beside_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n ever_o since_o moses_n time_n from_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o they_o which_o be_v infinite_o better_a proof_n of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o entitle_v to_o the_o true_a author_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v for_o any_o book_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n divers_a text_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n imply_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n as_o well_o as_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n import_v as_o much_o and_o though_o some_o passage_n have_v be_v think_v to_o imply_v the_o contrary_a yet_o this_o be_v but_o a_o late_a opinion_n and_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v by_o learned_a men._n it_o be_v observable_a whoever_o write_v these_o five_o book_n that_o there_o be_v no_o partiality_n show_v to_o any_o one_o whosoever_o noah_n be_v say_v to_o be_v overcome_v with_o wine_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o mockery_n of_o one_o of_o his_o son_n lot_n be_v describe_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v drunken_a but_o to_o have_v lie_v with_o his_o own_o daughter_n abraham_n himself_o deny_v his_o wife_n twice_o and_o isaac_n imitate_v he_o in_o it_o jacob_n get_v the_o blessing_n by_o fraud_n and_o subtilty_n from_o his_o brother_n esau_n joseph_n brethren_n sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o he_o when_o he_o be_v there_o learn_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n the_o fault_n of_o aaron_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v be_v not_o conceal_v on_o the_o other_o side_n particular_a notice_n be_v take_v how_o melchizedeck_v bless_v abraham_n and_o receive_v tithe_n of_o he_o and_o without_o all_o contradiction_n the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o better_a heb._n seven_o 7._o the_o advice_n of_o jethro_n be_v record_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n himself_o be_v punctual_o set_v down_o it_o be_v no_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o write_v a_o panegyric_n upon_o any_o man_n but_o to_o represent_v the_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o each_o person_n and_o to_o show_v by_o what_o various_a method_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v his_o gracious_a design_n how_o he_o turn_v evil_a into_o good_a and_o make_v use_v even_o of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o accomplish_v his_o purpose_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o have_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o most_o memorable_a and_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o have_v pass_v to_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o type_n of_o his_o death_n who_o first_o commit_v murder_n and_o who_o first_o bring_v in_o polygamy_n the_o inventon_n of_o divers_a art_n the_o flood_n the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n the_o original_a of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o a_o little_a compass_n but_o a_o large_a and_o more_o particular_a account_n be_v give_v of_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n for_o here_o the_o scene_n begin_v to_o open_v to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o work_n the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v as_o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v premise_v and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o history_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v note_v that_o the_o canaanite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n gen._n twelve_o 6._o even_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o abraham_n erect_v a_o altar_n to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 7._o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o israelite_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n who_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n in_o that_o land_n which_o they_o be_v now_o go_v to_o possess_v and_o among_o that_o people_n which_o they_o be_v now_o to_o drive_v out_o and_o which_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o land_n be_v promise_v they_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o and_o god_n who_o have_v protect_v abraham_n in_o so_o signal_n a_o manner_n will_v no_o less_o assist_v they_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v those_o thing_n particular_o wherein_o moses_n himself_o be_v concen_v as_o a_o agent_n as_o well_o as_o a_o historian_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o at_o least_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v true_a that_o be_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o governor_n or_o general_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o conduct_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n that_o they_o travel_v for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o fight_v divers_a battle_n with_o the_o several_a nation_n who_o oppose_v their_o journey_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o moses_n give_v they_o the_o law_n which_o we_o find_v there_o record_v these_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o rest_n be_v but_o as_o circumstance_n to_o show_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o and_o the_o power_n by_o which_o all_o this_o be_v do_v and_o that_o these_o main_a point_n be_v true_a it_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o most_o reproach_v and_o vilify_v the_o jewish_a nation_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o great_a general_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o israelite_n they_o own_a that_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o can_v deny_v nothing_o of_o the_o history_n itself_o but_o only_o give_v wrong_a account_n partly_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o design_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o be_v effect_v and_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n upon_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o book_n of_o josephus_n against_o apion_n in_o which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n of_o other_o nation_n have_v deliver_v concern_v the_o jew_n and_o from_o what_o the_o latter_a heathen_n strabo_n tacitus_n justin_n and_o other_o after_o the_o jew_n become_v so_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v write_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a point_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v confess_v and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v about_o and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o all_o be_v effect_v now_o we_o take_v the_o history_n of_o all_o other_o nation_n rather_o from_o themselves_o than_o from_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n to_o their_o affair_n or_o profess_a enemy_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_a partiality_n to_o admit_v the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n from_o author_n who_o live_v so_o much_o too_o late_o to_o have_v any_o certain_a information_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v about_o and_o who_o upon_o every_o occasion_n show_v such_o disaffection_n to_o their_o name_n and_o nation_n and_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o themselves_o too_o as_o josephus_n show_v it_o will_v i_o say_v be_v notorious_a partiality_n to_o follow_v such_o author_n rather_o than_o credit_v the_o jewish_a record_n attest_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a approbation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n i_o shall_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o perform_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v feign_v or_o counterfeit_a at_o first_o nor_o the_o account_v give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n falsify_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o
these_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n must_v be_v genuine_a and_o of_o divine_a authority_n be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o have_v so_o many_o way_n give_v evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n contain_a in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v foretell_v by_o god_n himself_o upon_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpem_n head_n gen._n iii._o 15._o maimonides_n be_v observe_v to_o take_v particular_a notice_n that_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o not_o of_o the_o man_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o targum_n be_v observe_v to_o apply_v this_o text_n to_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o virgin_n and_o have_v no_o man_n to_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o this_o prediction_n express_v thus_o precise_o concern_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n can_v be_v fulfil_v in_o no_o other_o person_n and_o no_o other_o person_n ever_o gain_v such_o victory_n over_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v so_o long_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o son_n of_o men._n god_n reveal_v the_o precise_a time_n of_o the_o flood_n to_o noah_n who_o thereupon_o build_v a_o ark_n and_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n to_o that_o wicked_a generation_n and_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n and_o repentance_n to_o they_o gen._n vi_fw-la 3._o after_o the_o flood_n noah_n by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n foretell_v the_o fate_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o his_o three_o son_n gen._n ix_o 25._o that_o canaan_n shall_v be_v servant_n to_o shem_n which_o be_v accomplish_v when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n subdue_v the_o canaanite_n and_o possess_v their_o land_n about_o eight_o hundred_o year_n after_o this_o prophecy_n that_o japhet_n shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n descend_v from_o japhet_n when_o they_o conquer_v asia_n that_o canaan_n shall_v likewise_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o japhet_n as_o well_o as_o of_o shem._n upon_o which_o mr._n mede_n observe_v 28._o observe_v mede_n book_n 1_o disc_n 28._o that_o the_o posterity_n cham_fw-mi never_o subdue_v the_o child_n either_o of_o japhet_n or_o of_o shem_n though_o shem_n have_v subdue_v japhet_n and_o japhet_n have_v conquer_v shem_n which_o make_v 27._o make_v liv._o l._n 27._o hannibal_n descend_v from_o canaan_n cry_v out_o with_o amazement_n of_o soul_n agnosco_fw-la fatum_fw-la carthaginis_fw-la god_n promise_v abraham_n a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n by_o sarah_n his_o wife_n who_o be_v likewise_o of_o a_o great_a age_n and_o declare_v that_o his_o posterity_n by_o this_o son_n shall_v be_v exceed_o numerous_a that_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n after_o they_o have_v be_v afflict_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n four_o hundred_o year_n gen._n xv._o 13._o and_o that_o then_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o that_o land_n with_o great_a substance_n but_o that_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o nation_n that_o have_v oppress_v they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v procure_v their_o deliverance_n by_o signal_n judgement_n upon_o their_o oppressor_n and_o that_o in_o the_o four_o generation_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v back_o again_o to_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n ver_fw-la 16._o which_o agree_v exact_o with_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n compute_v the_o year_n from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n exod._n twelve_o 40._o gal._n iii._o 17._o and_o reckon_v the_o four_o generation_n to_o be_v betwixt_o isaac_n the_o son_n promise_v to_o abraham_n and_o moses_n in_o who_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v this_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v renew_v several_a time_n and_o repeat_v again_o to_o he_o and_o to_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n gen._n xxvi_o 3._o &_o xxviii_o 14._o and_o be_v all_o along_o depend_v upon_o by_o the_o israelite_n god_n foretell_v of_o abraham_n that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o gen._n xviii_o 18._o which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o that_o god_n make_v abraham_n '_o posterity_n his_o messenger_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o blessing_n which_o all_o nation_n receive_v in_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o remarkable_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o great_a of_o blessing_n and_o be_v often_o repeat_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaac_n concern_v esau_n and_o jacob_n gen._n xxvii_o 40._o first_o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o esau_n shall_v serve_v jacob_n posterity_n be_v fulfil_v in_o david_n victory_n over_o the_o edomite_n 2_o sam._n viij_o 14._o 1_o king_n xi_o 15._o 1_o chron._n xviii_o 13._o and_o by_o amaziah_n 2_o king_n fourteen_o 7._o and_o then_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o edomite_n shall_v break_v the_o yoke_n from_o off_o their_o neck_n be_v accomplish_v 2_o king_n viij_o 20._o 2_o chron._n xxi_o 8._o joseph_n own_o dream_n and_o his_o interpretation_n of_o the_o dream_n of_o pharaoh_n when_o none_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o wiseman_n of_o egypt_n be_v able_a to_o interpret_v it_o have_v remarkable_a and_o public_a circumstance_n that_o can_v neither_o be_v mistake_v nor_o forget_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n jacob_n describe_v the_o border_n of_o their_o several_a possession_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n though_o it_o be_v so_o many_o year_n after_o divide_a among_o the_o tribe_n by_o lot_n gen._n xlix_o 13._o he_o foretell_v the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o son_n and_o particular_o prophesy_v that_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o upon_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o and_o other_o prophecy_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n not_o only_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o samaritan_n who_o receive_v no_o other_o prophecy_n as_o they_o do_v these_o expect_v the_o messiah_n at_o the_o time_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o because_o they_o see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v in_o he_o joh._n four_o 25_o 29_o 39_o 42._o joseph_n take_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v god_n will_v sure_o visit_v you_o and_o you_o shall_v carry_v up_o my_o bone_n from_o hence_o gen._n l._n 25._o which_o they_o do_v according_o exod._n xiii_o 19_o jacob_n have_v desire_v to_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n insomuch_o that_o he_o cause_v joseph_n to_o swear_v to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v bury_v he_o there_o and_o not_o in_o egypt_n and_o joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n go_v into_o canaan_n to_o bury_v their_o father_n because_o that_o be_v the_o land_n where_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n have_v be_v bury_v and_o the_o land_n which_o their_o posterity_n be_v afterward_o to_o possess_v but_o joseph_n as_o a_o further_a token_n of_o assurance_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o shall_v inherit_v that_o land_n will_v not_o have_v his_o own_o corpse_n carry_v thither_o at_o his_o death_n but_o order_v his_o bone_n to_o be_v keep_v and_o carry_v up_o by_o their_o posterity_n at_o their_o leave_v egypt_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v a_o perpetual_a monument_n and_o representation_n to_o they_o of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o their_o forefather_n and_o a_o ground_n and_o motive_n for_o their_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o the_o remembrance_n of_o balaam_n prophecy_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o east_n and_o the_o wiseman_n upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o star_n know_v it_o to_o be_v fulfil_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o inquire_v where_o they_o may_v find_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n then_o new_o bear_v num._n xxiv_o 15._o mat._n two_o 2._o he_o prophesy_v likewise_o of_o agag_n by_o name_n say_v of_o israel_n and_o his_o king_n shall_v be_v high_o than_o agag_n and_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v exalt_v num._n xxiv_o 7._o thereby_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o agag_n by_o saul_n who_o be_v the_o first_o king_n that_o ever_o israel_n have_v overcome_v agag_n king_n of_o the_o amalekite_n 1_o sam._n xv_o 8._o the_o same_o balaam_n foretell_v the_o conquest_n of_o alexander_n in_o these_o word_n and_o ship_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o coast_n of_o chittim_n and_o shall_v afflict_v ashur_n num._n xxiv_o 24._o by_o the_o coast_n of_o chittim_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o coast_n of_o greece_n from_o whence_o alexander_n army_n be_v transport_v into_o asia_n for_o alexander_n come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o chettim_n or_o chittim_n 1_o mac._n i_o 1._o and_o perseus_n be_v king_n of_o the_o citim_n or_o macedonian_n chap._n viij_o 5._o these_o