argument_n whereas_o if_o christian_o be_v but_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o sincere_o dispose_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v no_o more_o move_v with_o these_o cavil_n than_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o sun_n if_o some_o man_n shall_v take_v a_o fancy_n to_o make_v that_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o raillery_n to_o have_v the_o more_o doubtful_a and_o waver_a thought_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o ill_a man_n be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v despise_v the_o sun_n for_o be_v under_o a_o cloud_n or_o suffer_v a_o eclipse_n not_o know_v that_o he_o retain_v his_o light_n and_o religion_n its_o excellency_n still_o though_o we_o be_v in_o darkness_n the_o light_n may_v be_v hide_v from_o we_o but_o can_v lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o own_o brightness_n though_o we_o suffer_v for_o want_v of_o it_o and_o lie_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v useful_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v be_v serious_o and_o true_o religious_a we_o must_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o in_o our_o understanding_n that_o by_o the_o rational_a conviction_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o may_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o bring_v our_o will_n to_o a_o submission_n and_o our_o affection_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o and_o consider_v these_o thing_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v without_o great_a sin_n and_o ignorance_n be_v doubt_v of_o by_o christian_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o add_v a_o new_a life_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o devotion_n when_o we_o recollect_v upon_o what_o good_a reason_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v not_o such_o by_o custom_n and_o education_n only_o but_o upon_o principle_n which_o we_o have_v thorough_o consider_v and_o must_v abide_v by_o unless_o we_o will_v renounce_v our_o reason_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o subject_n can_v be_v more_o useful_a or_o more_o worthy_a of_o a_o rational_a and_o consider_v man_n thought_n these_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o make_v matter_n of_o cavil_v and_o dispute_v will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o contemplation_n and_o of_o our_o joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o disposal_n of_o those_o very_a thing_n about_o which_o we_o now_o be_v most_o perplex_v the_o content_n part_n i._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 the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n p._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v wicked_a spirit_n enemy_n to_o mankind_n p._n 6._o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o man_n without_o the_o divine_a direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o leave_v he_o without_o all_o remedy_n in_o this_o condition_n p._n 8._o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n athanasius_n in_o the_o case_n p._n 15._o chap._n ii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n insufficient_a and_o therefore_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n necessary_a p._n 19_o the_o way_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n either_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o some_o only_a with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o communicate_v the_o divine_a will_n to_o other_o p._n 20._o i._n it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a ibid._n ii_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n for_o god_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o p._n 29._o 1._o concern_v prophecy_n ibid._n 2._o concern_v miracle_n p._n 33._o iii_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n by_o write_n p._n 43._o iv_o they_o must_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n p._n 44._o v._o they_o must_v be_v full_o publish_v and_o promulge_v p._n 45._o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o circumstance_n very_o considerable_a to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 48._o they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n make_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n ibid._n what_o moses_n relate_v of_o thing_n before_o his_o own_o time_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o must_v have_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o p._n 50._o chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n 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 p._n 58._o ii_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 p._n 76._o 1._o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n p._n 77._o 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o other_o nation_n have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n p._n 90._o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a concern_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n p._n 115._o there_o have_v ever_o be_v divers_a memorial_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o heathen_a p._n 117._o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n p._n 121._o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v in_o china_n and_o america_n before_o the_o late_a discovery_n p._n 129._o the_o confession_n both_o of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n p._n 132._o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 135._o a_o sect_n call_v the_o good_a follower_n of_o the_o messiah_n at_o constantinople_n p._n 136._o though_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v still_o unbeliever_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o be_v convert_v p._n 141._o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n consider_v p._n 142._o chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o sincerity_n of_o moses_n in_o his_o write_n p._n 146._o he_o be_v void_a of_o ambition_n p._n 149._o aaron_z and_o he_o have_v no_o contrivance_n between_o themselves_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n p._n 151._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o pentateuch_n the_o pentateuch_n write_v by_o moses_n p._n 152._o the_o great_a impartiality_n visible_a in_o these_o book_n p._n 153._o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n a_o introduction_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n p._n 154._o the_o principal_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n confess_v by_o the_o heathen_a p._n 155._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n p._n 158._o the_o prediction_n of_o noah_n ibid._n the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n p._n 159._o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaac_n etc._n etc._n p._n 160._o of_o jacob_n p._n 161._o of_o balaam_n p._n 162._o of_o moses_n p._n 163._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n i._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 p._n 170._o ii_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o p._n 188._o for_o 1._o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n p._n 189._o 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n p._n 191._o 3._o the_o pentateuch_n can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o
fact_n to_o be_v know_v to_o any_o single_a person_n 2._o have_v show_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o miracle_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v and_o that_o if_o we_o may_v credit_v that_o relation_n all_o the_o miracle_n there_o mention_v be_v certain_o wrought_v by_o he_o since_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o they_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o for_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o miracle_n be_v either_o feign_v or_o falsify_v this_o must_v be_v do_v either_o in_o moses_n his_o time_n or_o afterward_o and_o if_o in_o his_o time_n then_o either_o by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n with_o other_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israâ—l_n together_o and_o if_o it_o be_v do_v after_o moses_n his_o death_n than_o again_o it_o must_v be_v do_v either_o by_o some_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o some_o few_o or_o more_o together_o or_o it_o must_v have_v be_v by_o the_o joint_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n i_o will_v therefore_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n 3._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o 1._o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o can_v never_o invent_v such_o a_o account_n as_o that_o of_o their_o miraculous_a escape_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o their_o travel_v in_o the_o wilderness_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o support_v of_o the_o same_o miraculous_a power_n and_o then_o impose_v it_o upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o truth_n for_o the_o people_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v chief_o concern_v in_o the_o whole_a relation_n moses_n appeal_v to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n the_o lord_n make_v not_o this_o covenant_n with_o our_o father_n but_o with_o we_o even_o with_o we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o we_o here_o alive_a this_o day_n deut._n v._n 3._o and_o know_v you_o this_o day_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o with_o your_o child_n which_o have_v not_o know_v and_o which_o have_v not_o see_v the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n his_o greatness_n his_o mighty_a hand_n and_o his_o stretched-out_a arm_n and_o his_o miracle_n and_o his_o act_n which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o egypt_n unto_o pharaoh_n the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o unto_o all_o his_o land_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o the_o army_n of_o egypt_n unto_o their_o horse_n and_o to_o their_o chariot_n how_o he_o make_v the_o water_n of_o the_o red-sea_n to_o over_o flow_v they_o as_o they_o pursue_v after_o you_o and_o how_o the_o lord_n have_v destroy_v they_o unto_o this_o day_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o wilderness_n until_o you_o come_v into_o this_o place_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o dathan_n and_o abiram_n the_o son_n of_o eliab_n the_o son_n of_o reuben_n how_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o their_o household_n and_o their_o tent_n and_o all_o their_o substance_n that_o be_v in_o their_o possession_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o israel_n but_o your_o eye_n have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o do_v deut._n xi_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o here_o be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v with_o a_o appeal_n to_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o moses_n will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o appeal_n as_o these_o if_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v disprove_v he_o they_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o â—ame_n out_o of_o egypt_n after_o so_o many_o plague_n inflict_v upon_o the_o egyptian_n to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o be_v so_o long_a time_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o that_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o their_o sight_n if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o they_o though_o man_n may_v perhaps_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o their_o ancestor_n a_o long_a time_n ago_o see_v and_o hear_v thing_n which_o they_o never_o see_v nor_o hear_v yet_o a_o whole_a nation_n be_v never_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v persuade_v out_o of_o their_o sense_n at_o once_o and_o moses_n can_v not_o attempt_v to_o make_v so_o many_o man_n believe_v what_o they_o must_v all_o have_v know_v to_o have_v be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o himself_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o but_o he_o will_v have_v lard_n the_o scene_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n and_o not_o have_v bring_v those_o in_o as_o chief_o concern_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n who_o be_v then_o alive_a and_o present_a to_o convince_v he_o of_o falsehood_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o particular_n set_v down_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v false_a and_o as_o ancient_a as_o moses_n his_o time_n they_o must_v be_v invent_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o moses_n and_o aaron_n can_v never_o so_o far_o delude_v so_o many_o thousand_o as_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o variety_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o so_o many_o and_o so_o wonderful_a instance_n set_v forth_o and_o with_o such_o notorious_a circumstance_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o they_o deceive_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o perceive_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o what_o have_v be_v do_v for_o so_o many_o year_n if_o it_o have_v be_v all_o but_o fiction_n 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n if_o the_o miracle_n be_v feign_v after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n either_o the_o law_n must_v likewise_o be_v invent_v or_o alter_v after_o his_o death_n and_o the_o miracle_n insert_v to_o procure_v they_o authority_n or_o the_o law_n remain_v as_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o he_o and_o the_o miracle_n only_o be_v add_v for_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o contain_v the_o law_n deliver_v by_o he_o or_o as_o relate_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o these_o law_n be_v ratify_v and_o establish_v in_o each_o of_o which_o respect_v there_o can_v be_v no_o forgery_n or_o falsification_n for_o 1._o the_o law_n themselves_o can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o alter_v or_o falsify_v because_o the_o whole_a jewish_a state_n and_o policy_n be_v found_v upon_o they_o and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o jewish_a government_n which_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o have_v be_v first_o erect_v by_o moses_n for_o not_o only_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o their_o civil_a right_n and_o interest_n depend_v entire_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n their_o public_a proceed_n and_o their_o private_a deal_n one_o with_o another_o be_v all_o to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v by_o these_o law_n and_o when_o any_o law_n be_v bring_v into_o constant_a use_n and_o practice_n in_o any_o nation_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v be_v alter_v and_o falsify_v and_o a_o new_a system_fw-la of_o law_n introduce_v instead_o of_o they_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n govern_v by_o they_o or_o any_o remembrance_n of_o it_o leave_v among_o they_o no_o material_a alteration_n can_v be_v make_v in_o law_n which_o be_v of_o continual_a use_n and_o which_o concern_v every_o man_n interest_n but_o they_o must_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o discover_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v find_v themselves_o aggrieve_v by_o such_o alteration_n but_o this_o be_v less_o practicable_a among_o the_o jew_n than_o among_o any_o other_o people_n 1._o because_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o the_o genealogy_n which_o
hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o that_o their_o child_n which_o have_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n may_v hear_v and_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v in_o the_o land_n whither_o you_o go_v over_o jordan_n to_o possess_v it_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o more_o effectual_a care_n can_v have_v be_v take_v to_o secure_v a_o law_n from_o be_v deprave_a and_o alter_v by_o imposture_n every_o seven_o day_n at_o least_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o read_n and_o learn_v it_o in_o their_o seveval_fw-fr tribe_n throughout_o all_o the_o land_n and_o then_o once_o in_o seven_o year_n it_o be_v read_v at_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a feast_n when_o they_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n moses_n write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v put_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v transgress_v it_o much_o more_o if_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o it_o and_o out_o of_o this_o book_n the_o king_n be_v to_o write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n xvii_o 1â—_n and_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v by_o hilâ—iah_n the_o highpriest_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cron._n xxxiv_o 14.2_o king_n xxii_o 8._o for_o after_o all_o that_o the_o wicked_a and_o idolatrous_a king_n can_v do_v to_o suppress_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o draw_v aside_o the_o people_n to_o idolatry_n the_o authentic_a book_n of_o the_o law_n write_v by_o moses_n himself_o be_v still_o preserve_v in_o josiah_n time_n beside_o the_o several_a copy_n which_o must_v be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o land_n for_o the_o use_n of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o those_o which_o must_v be_v remain_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o pious_a men._n and_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o very_a book_n write_v by_o moses_n be_v preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o be_v that_o book_n which_o ezra_n read_v to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n credible_a that_o the_o prophet_n will_v suffer_v that_o book_n to_o be_v lose_v much_o less_o that_o they_o will_v suffer_v all_o the_o copy_n general_o to_o be_v lose_v or_o corrupt_v which_o indeed_o consider_v the_o number_n be_v hardly_o possible_a be_v it_o probable_a that_o jeremiah_n will_v use_v that_o favour_n which_o he_o have_v with_o nabuchadnezzar_n to_o any_o other_o purpose_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n say_v the_o ark_n be_v secure_v in_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o captivity_n but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o book_n of_o their_o law_n be_v secure_v it_o be_v both_o more_o easy_o convey_v away_o and_o not_o so_o tempt_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o enemy_n we_o find_v the_o law_n cite_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n by_o daniel_n den._n ix_o 11._o by_o nehemiah_n nehem._n i_o 8_o 9_o and_o in_o tobit_n who_o belong_v â—o_o the_o ten_o tribe_n tob._n vi_fw-la 12._o &_o seven_o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o and_o other_o pious_a man_n have_v copy_n of_o it_o by_o they_o and_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v they_o maimonides_n 41._o maimonides_n huet_n 〈◊〉_d prop._n 41._o say_v that_o mise_v himself_o write_v out_o twelve_o book_n of_o the_o law_n one_o for_o each_o tripe_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o the_o rabbin_n teach_v that_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n by_o he_o and_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n 11._o nehemiah_n dros_n dâ—â—â—â—th_n sect._n l._n 3._o c._n 11._o be_v say_v to_o have_v bring_v three_o hundred_o book_n of_o the_o law_n into_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v at_o their_o return_n from_o captivity_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v scribe_n of_o the_o law_n before_o the_o captivity_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o it_o jer._n viij_o 8._o ezra_n be_v style_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o scribe_n even_o a_o scribe_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o statute_n to_o israel_n and_o by_o artaxerxes_n in_o his_o letter_n he_o be_v call_v a_o scribe_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n ezra_n seven_o 6_o 11_o 12._o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v scribe_n of_o the_o law_n during_o the_o captivity_n who_o be_v know_v by_o this_o solemn_a style_n and_o character_n and_o who_o care_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v to_o study_v and_o write_v over_o the_o law_n of_o who_o ezra_n be_v the_o principal_a at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o return_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a then_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v preserve_v in_o moses_n own_o hand_n till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o babylon_n beside_o the_o copy_n that_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o daniel_n nehemiah_n ezra_n zechariah_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n who_o be_v not_o only_o of_o unquestionable_a integrity_n but_o write_v themselves_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n 3._o nothing_o be_v more_o express_o forbid_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n than_o all_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suspect_v that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o fraud_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n imaginable_a to_o introduce_v or_o establish_v a_o law_n that_o forbid_v it_o moses_n have_v forewarn_v they_o against_o all_o such_o practice_n both_o in_o his_o law_n in_o general_a and_o by_o a_o express_a prohibition_n you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n four_o 2._o and_o all_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n will_v observe_v this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o part_n of_o it_o for_o this_o preserve_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n inviolable_a and_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n but_o have_v alter_v it_o as_o they_o please_v they_o will_v certain_o have_v make_v such_o alteration_n as_o will_v have_v gratify_v the_o people_n and_o will_v have_v take_v great_a care_n to_o leave_v nothing_o which_o may_v give_v offence_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v such_o as_o that_o without_o a_o divine_a authority_n to_o enforce_v they_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v comply_v with_o but_o will_v have_v be_v grievous_a to_o a_o less_o suspicious_a and_o impatient_a people_n than_o the_o jew_n be_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o prohibition_n against_o alteration_n may_v be_v add_v among_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o probability_n for_o it_o but_o so_o much_o odds_o against_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o suspect_v that_o the_o whole_a five_o book_n have_v be_v forge_v as_o to_o pitch_v upon_o that_o particular_a verse_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o genuine_a beside_o why_o shall_v impostor_n insert_v such_o a_o clause_n as_o will_v hinder_v they_o from_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o law_n ever_o after_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o rather_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n of_o change_v and_o add_v as_o often_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a 2._o as_o the_o law_n themselves_o can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o alter_v after_o moses_n time_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v insert_v after_o his_o death_n by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v confirm_v be_v afterward_o insert_v they_o must_v be_v intend_v as_o a_o sanction_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o awe_n when_o they_o be_v become_v uneasy_a and_o disobedient_a under_o the_o government_n of_o those_o law_n but_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o introduce_v law_n at_o first_o than_o to_o govern_v a_o people_n by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v be_v once_o introduce_v and_o be_v settle_v and_o receive_v among_o they_o indeed_o it_o be_v incredible_a how_o law_n so_o little_a favourable_a to_o the_o ease_n or_o advantage_n of_o a_o people_n which_o be_v so_o expensive_a and_o burdensome_a in_o their_o
not_o distinguish_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o two_o book_n of_o king_n and_o of_o chronicle_n be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o book_n begin_v by_o samuel_n and_o continue_v by_o other_o prophet_n shall_v bear_v the_o name_n only_o of_o samuel_n from_o 1_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n must_v be_v write_v by_o one_o of_o these_o prophet_n both_o the_o book_n of_o king_n as_o far_o as_o hezekiah_n reign_n be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n for_o 2_o kin._n 18.5_o it_o be_v say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o after_o he_o be_v none_o like_o he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n nor_o any_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o of_o josiah_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o king_n xxiii_o 25._o that_o like_a unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o josiah_n in_o his_o reformation_n exceed_v hezekiah_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n of_o hezekiah_n must_v be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n or_o else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v with_o truth_n say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o there_o be_v no_o king_n after_o he_o who_o be_v like_o he_o or_o equal_v he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n from_o 1_o chron._n four_o 43._o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n though_o the_o genealogy_n be_v transcribe_v afterward_o out_o of_o the_o record_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 1_o chron._n ix_o 1._o that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o 2_o chron._n v._n 9_o 1_o king_n viij_o 8._o for_o the_o ark_n be_v not_o remain_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o king_n gives_z so_o particular_a a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a in_o every_o material_a circumstance_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o memorir_n be_v constant_o take_v and_o preserve_v of_o all_o that_o happen_v the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n conclude_v with_o the_o first_o year_n of_o cyrus_n in_o the_o same_o word_n with_o which_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n begin_v be_v add_v by_o he_o at_o the_o time_n when_o cyrus_n give_v out_o his_o proclamation_n for_o the_o prophet_n from_o time_n to_o time_n make_v continuation_n to_o the_o history_n of_o their_o predecessor_n by_o insert_v what_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n among_o the_o ancient_n as_o grotius_n observe_v to_o begin_v one_o book_n with_o the_o conclusion_n of_o another_o the_o psalm_n be_v quote_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n xiii_o 35_o &_o xxvii_o 35._o and_o from_o the_o first_o pen_n they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n xuj_o 7._o 2_o chron._n v._n 13._o &_o seven_o 6._o &_o xx_o 21._o jer._n xxxiii_o 11._o ezra_n iii._o 10_o 11._o this_o be_v know_v even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o captivity_n psal_n cxxxvii_o 3._o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n under_o it_o and_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o hymn_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n and_o prayer_n make_v up_o the_o jewish_a form_n of_o worship_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n luke_n xuj_o 29._o act_n xiii_o 15._o and_o if_o both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n comprehend_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v still_o extant_a and_o well_o know_v and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o pious_a man_n during_o all_o that_o time_n and_o the_o people_n have_v copy_n of_o they_o or_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o as_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n suppose_v zech._n seven_o 7._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n at_o their_o restoration_n many_o be_v still_o alive_a who_o be_v first_o carry_v away_o captive_a and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n during_o the_o captivity_n show_v that_o the_o people_n do_v understand_v it_o for_o they_o all_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n except_o upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n where_o their_o prophecy_n more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o babylonian_a affair_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n can_v understand_v ezra_n when_o he_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v attentive_a unto_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n neh._n viij_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o language_n unless_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o in_o all_o language_n will_v want_v explication_n to_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v native_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v that_o be_v interpret_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o letter_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v both_o write_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n and_o interpret_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n ezra_n four_o 7._o nehemiah_n particular_o complain_v that_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o have_v marry_v strange_a wife_n can_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o jew_n language_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o child_n of_o other_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n themselves_o be_v teach_v to_o speak_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n neh._n xiii_o 24._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o ahasuerus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v write_v unto_o every_o province_n according_a unto_o the_o write_n thereof_o and_o unto_o every_o people_n after_o their_o language_n and_o unto_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o their_o writing_n and_o according_a to_o their_o language_n est_fw-la viij_o 9_o which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o the_o jew_n still_o retain_v not_o only_o their_o language_n but_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v it_o or_o the_o form_n and_o fashion_n of_o their_o letter_n under_o the_o captivity_n not_o long_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o be_v disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n that_o the_o copy_n can_v not_o be_v destroy_v either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n or_o at_o any_o other_o time_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o perscutor_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o their_o tradition_n as_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o they_o yet_o they_o never_o add_v any_o book_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o tradition_n which_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o but_o when_o they_o have_v no_o long_o any_o prophet_n among_o they_o they_o dare_v not_o place_v any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o same_o rank_a and_o authority_n with_o those_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v write_v by_o inspire_a author_n and_o have_v be_v in_o constant_a use_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o public_a assembly_n even_o from_o the_o first_o write_v they_o for_o they_o be_v preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o both_o understand_v and_o use_v by_o the_o people_n but_o their_o other_o book_n write_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n though_o never_o so_o useful_a and_o pious_a be_v never_o receive_v with_o the_o like_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o humane_a composition_n and_o be_v never_o rank_v with_o those_o of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o false_a prophet_n prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n 1_o king_n xxii_o which_o suppose_v that_o true_a prophecy_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o his_o name_n or_o else_o they_o can_v never_o have_v hope_v to_o deceive_v by_o it_o and_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v relate_v reference_n be_v frequent_o make_v to_o the_o record_n then_o extant_a in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n most_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n and_o so_o intermix_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n that_o they_o must_v be_v record_v together_o with_o they_o josiah_n 5._o josiah_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 10._o c._n 5._o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n three_o hundred_o sixty_o one_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v behold_v a_o child_n shall_v be_v bear_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o david_n josiah_n by_o name_n
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 â—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 câ—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
sign_n we_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n and_o never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o what_o we_o have_v unless_o we_o be_v humour_v in_o every_o thing_n but_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o can_v expect_v this_o at_o god_n hand_n or_o how_o well_o we_o have_v deserve_v it_o of_o he_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n psal_n twenty-five_o 14._o for_o the_o froward_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o his_o secret_n be_v with_o the_o righteous_a prov._n iii._o 32._o there_o be_v secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v know_v to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thro'_o acquaint_v with_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n both_o in_o the_o study_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o no_o such_o reason_n as_o have_v be_v now_o offer_v can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a however_o for_o such_o man_n as_o make_v this_o a_o objection_n to_o urge_v it_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o object_v whatever_o other_o may_v have_v because_o they_o have_v never_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a as_o they_o pretend_v or_o or_o not_o but_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o if_o thing_n necessary_a both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v clear_o set_v down_o there_o may_v not_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o which_o those_o may_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n who_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a that_o be_v who_o have_v neither_o learning_n and_o skill_n enough_o to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n nor_o yet_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n enough_o in_o the_o faith_n to_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o do_v understand_v and_o not_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v pervert_v by_o judge_v rash_o of_o thing_n above_o their_o capacity_n the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a only_o be_v say_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o every_o one_o power_n not_o to_o be_v unstable_a but_o constant_a and_o steadfast_a to_o what_o he_o understand_v and_o never_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o for_o any_o by-end_n or_o respect_n let_v we_o learn_v what_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v before_o we_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a let_v we_o study_v and_o practice_v the_o scripture_n more_o and_o this_o objection_n will_v not_o appear_v so_o formidable_a but_o the_o truth_n be_v those_o that_o most_o use_v it_o neither_o study_n nor_o practice_v they_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o their_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n they_o have_v a_o great_a quarrel_n against_o the_o plain_a part_n of_o scripture_n than_o against_o the_o obscure_a one_o they_o know_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_o against_o they_o and_o this_o make_v they_o set_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o have_v be_v here_o say_v in_o general_a i_o hope_v may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n useful_a to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o particular_a difficulty_n book_n must_v be_v consult_v or_o such_o man_n as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v they_o but_o as_o for_o all_o that_o be_v fond_a of_o objection_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n only_o in_o search_n of_o thâ—m_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v signify_v much_o with_o 〈◊〉_d teach_v we_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o we_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n give_v we_o understanding_n and_o we_o shall_v keep_v thy_o law_n yea_o we_o shall_v keep_v it_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n great_a be_v the_o peace_n that_o they_o have_v who_o love_n thy_o law_n and_o they_o be_v not_o offend_v at_o it_o psal_n cxix_o 33_o 34_o 165._o chap._n viii_o of_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o i._o though_o the_o sacred_a writer_n no_o where_n contradict_v themselves_o or_o one_o another_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v the_o be_v suspect_v to_o do_v so_o by_o injudicious_a and_o rash_a man_n as_o they_o will_v have_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o give_v any_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o suspicion_n if_o they_o have_v write_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n it_o can_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o when_o he_o have_v by_o a_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o direction_n prevent_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o wilful_a and_o perverse_a because_o it_o be_v more_o 51._o more_o multum_fw-la enim_fw-la refert_fw-la ut_fw-la est_fw-la in_o epistola_fw-la adriani_n quam_fw-la recitatcallistratus_fw-la l._n testâ—uâ—_n d._n de_n teâ—tibus_fw-la qui._n simpliciter_fw-la visi_fw-la sunt_fw-la dicere_fw-la utrâ—m_fw-la unum_fw-la eundâ—â—â—qâ—â—_n meâ—tiatum_fw-la sermo_fw-la they_o attulerint_fw-la a_o ad_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la interrogati_fw-la sunt_fw-la ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la veriâ—milia_fw-la respoâ—deriâ—t_fw-la grot._n in_o adject_n ad_fw-la dan._n c._n xiii_o 51._o suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n not_o to_o be_v overnice_a and_o solicitous_a about_o every_o punctilio_n and_o small_a circumstance_n but_o to_o speak_v full_o and_o intelligible_o and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v or_o not_o especial_o in_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n the_o relator_n have_v no_o end_n or_o design_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o but_o only_o to_o do_v they_o the_o great_a good_a they_o can_v and_o bring_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o their_o conviction_n that_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n can_v afford_v which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o then_o suffer_v in_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o have_v deliver_v thus_o our_o saviour_n when_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o mighty_a work_n many_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o question_v his_o authority_n and_o revile_v his_o person_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v be_v not_o concern_v to_o work_v more_o miracle_n mere_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n or_o rather_o at_o the_o captious_a demand_n of_o these_o man_n when_o they_o require_v he_o to_o do_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n he_o have_v give_v it_o they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o it_o will_v be_v to_o their_o own_o prejudice_n he_o be_v not_o solicitous_a what_o they_o think_v of_o he_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n god_n have_v give_v man_n sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n but_o if_o man_n will_v disâ—_n believe_v his_o providence_n and_o deny_v his_o be_v he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v by_o any_o immediate_a 〈◊〉_d particular_a act_n of_o his_o power_n to_o conâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d pretence_n and_o if_o because_o of_o some_o place_n that_o be_v difficult_a in_o the_o scripture_n man_n will_v reject_v the_o whole_a rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o these_o place_n or_o than_o be_v so_o modest_a and_o humble_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v way_n of_o reconcile_a those_o which_o appear_v to_o they_o contradiction_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v they_o out_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o 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