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perfect_a attribute_n the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n must_v come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o how_o god_n shall_v forgive_v he_o or_o to_o to_o chalk_n out_o the_o track_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o himself_o nor_o will_v his_o guilt_n be_v remove_v nor_o his_o thought_n be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o know_v god_n mind_n about_o it_o nothing_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n but_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certain_a direction_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o shall_v if_o humane_a nature_n have_v no_o absolute_a security_n in_o itself_o of_o its_o first_o state_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v restore_v itself_o when_o once_o degenerate_v what_o do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v much_o more_o unlikely_a to_o recover_v again_o out_o of_o imperfection_n to_o be_v 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who_o shall_v design_n to_o themselves_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o their_o province_n to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n and_o render_v all_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o insufficient_a because_o it_o go_v far_o towards_o a_o evident_a and_o apparent_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n against_o they_o do_v indeed_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o virtual_o break_v the_o very_a backbone_n of_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n mâ—de_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o want_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o call_v for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n a_o law_n supernatural_a where_o be_v this_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o somewhere_o or_o other_o upon_o record_n this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v it_o and_o will_v certain_o carry_v it_o against_o all_o pretender_n the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n be_v judge_n what_o book_n or_o write_n be_v there_o extant_a under_o heaven_n that_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n counter_o plead_v the_o bible_n upon_o this_o account_n a_o man_n must_v be_v horrible_o hoodwinked_a in_o his_o intellectuals_n that_o do_v not_o evident_o see_v it_o be_v impar_fw-la coâ—gressus_fw-la between_o the_o bible_n and_o all_o other_o pretender_n from_o what_o paâ—ts_v of_o the_o world_n will_v you_o fetch_v such_o a_o supernatural_a lâ—w_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n to_o govern_v mankind_n one_o either_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v according_a to_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o rational_a judgement_n to_o which_o all_o supernatural_a pretence_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v where_o wâ—ll_n you_o find_v a_o systeme_n of_o divinity_n that_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o he_o the_o most_o of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o way_n and_o method_n so_o proportion_v thereunto_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o certain_a track_n to_o the_o high_a happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a those_o law_n be_v chief_o municipal_a and_o make_v no_o pretence_n to_o what_o we_o inquire_v after_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n because_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o many_o divine_a secret_n contain_v such_o revelation_n the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v proof_n sufficient_a they_o be_v 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the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n nor_o before_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o book_n then_o extant_a in_o truth_n write_v by_o he_o they_o will_v have_v be_v in_o great_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v within_o their_o canon_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o and_o philo_n or_o josephus_n most_o diligent_a searcher_n of_o their_o antiquity_n will_v have_v make_v some_o eminent_a mention_n of_o they_o in_o who_o work_n we_o find_v altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la about_o any_o such_o book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o real_a book_n then_o extant_a but_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o after_o the_o apostle_n judas_n have_v in_o his_o epistle_n quote_v a_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n which_o prophecy_n without_o doubt_n he_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o either_o pure_o by_o revelation_n which_o i_o rather_o believe_v or_o else_o by_o a_o tradition_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v ascertain_v to_o he_o by_o revelation_n by_o which_o mean_n come_v other_o also_o of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n in_o aftertime_n to_o be_v ascertain_v of_o what_o they_o write_v about_o divers_a thing_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n for_o in_o the_o psalm_n we_o find_v mention_n of_o some_o thing_n do_v in_o moses_n his_o time_n that_o be_v not_o record_v in_o his_o book_n st._n paul_n in_o the_o 9_o to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v that_o when_o moses_n have_v speak_v every_o precept_n according_a to_o the_o law_n he_o take_v the_o blood_n of_o calf_n and_o goat_n with_o water_n and_o scarlet_a wool_n and_o hyssop_n and_o sprinkle_v bâ—th_v the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o people_n say_v this_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o testament_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v add_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o insert_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o selation_n of_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o 24_o of_o exodus_fw-la so_o stephen_n speech_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 7_o of_o the_o act_n tell_v we_o that_o moses_n in_o kill_v the_o egyptian_a suppose_a that_o his_o brethren_n will_v have_v understand_v how_o that_o god_n by_o his_o hand_n will_v deliver_v they_o but_o they_o understand_v not_o by_o which_o we_o have_v a_o reason_n give_v for_o moses_n kill_v the_o egyptian_a that_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o where_o set_v down_o and_o by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o understand_v that_o before_o moses_n go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o midian_a god_n reveal_v to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o that_o people_n which_o moses_n himself_o have_v not_o any_o where_n tell_v we_o i_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o some_o heretic_n in_o the_o church_n most_o likely_a the_o gnostic_n who_o much_o cry_v up_o those_o spurious_a write_n to_o promote_v their_o own_o corrupt_a opinion_n and_o interest_n take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o frame_v certain_a counterfeit_a book_n just_a as_o some_o other_o do_v under_o the_o name_n of_o jaâ—nes_n and_o jambres_n after_o st._n paul_n mention_n of_o they_o as_o write_v by_o enoch_n before_o the_o flood_n which_o book_n have_v sufficient_o betray_v themselves_o for_o those_o that_o be_v publish_v under_o his_o name_n be_v stuff_v as_o st._n austin_n say_v with_o such_o absurd_a and_o fabulous_a story_n of_o angel_n and_o such_o ridiculous_a relation_n of_o giant_n who_o father_n be_v angel_n and_o no_o man_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v just_o reject_v as_o palpable_o counterfeit_v and_o fictitious_a of_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v jerom_n chrysostom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o when_o celsus_n allege_v some_o absurd_a story_n out_o of_o those_o writing_n in_o reproach_n to_o the_o christian_n origen_n in_o his_o five_o book_n answer_v he_o by_o show_v what_o a_o mean_a esteem_n the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_n than_o have_v of_o they_o for_o the_o second_o those_o pillar_n of_o the_o son_n of_o seth_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o compass_n of_o credit_n that_o any_o such_o pillar_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o outlast_v the_o deluge_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v or_o that_o any_o engraving_n upon_o they_o shall_v be_v visible_a some_o thousand_o of_o year_n after_o especial_o upon_o one_o of_o brick_n for_o josephus_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v two_o at_o first_o erect_v one_o of_o brick_n and_o another_o of_o stone_n and_o that_o of_o stone_n they_o make_v on_o purpose_n to_o last_v if_o the_o other_o shall_v decay_v how_o he_o come_v to_o such_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o reader_n may_v guess_v and_o yet_o he_o say_v it_o be_v that_o of_o brick_n that_o then_o remain_v upon_o which_o he_o do_v not_o absolute_o say_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n write_v in_o letter_n but_o that_o the_o son_n of_o seth_n engrave_v upon_o they_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v invent_v which_o may_v be_v by_o many_o other_o representation_n and_o other_o way_n then_o by_o letter_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o a_o symbolical_a representation_n of_o man_n thought_n one_o to_o another_o be_v extreme_a early_o in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o want_v alphabetical_a letter_n nor_o do_v josephus_n say_v that_o he_o see_v it_o it_o himself_o or_o give_v any_o punctual_a account_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v engrave_v upon_o it_o or_o any_o certain_a place_n where_o the_o pillar_n be_v to_o be_v see_v but_o only_o in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o country_n of_o syria_n where_o he_o leave_v man_n of_o leisure_n to_o inquire_v after_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v so_o very_a many_o improbable_a and_o unlikely_a if_o not_o impossible_a circumstance_n do_v attend_v this_o vain_a story_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a josephus_n though_o in_o the_o general_a a_o historian_n of_o deserve_a credit_n take_v it_o upon_o bare_a report_n from_o other_o some_z late_a author_n think_v and_o perhaps_o not_o amiss_o from_o the_o fabulous_a relation_n of_o manetho_n who_o say_v he_o take_v his_o history_n from_o some_o pillar_n set_v up_o before_o the_o flood_n and_o be_v marvailous_o abuse_v in_o that_o countenance_n he_o seem_v to_o give_v to_o it_o nor_o ought_v it_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o we_o sin_v many_o of_o the_o best_a historian_n have_v take_v up_o thing_n upon_o trust_n and_o fall_v thereby_o into_o very_o great_a mistake_n suetonius_n and_o tacitus_n be_v both_o eminent_a historian_n among_o the_o roman_n yet_o both_o guilty_a of_o strange_a mistake_v tacitus_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o history_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v a_o ass_n head_n with_o the_o high_a veneration_n then_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o untrue_o and_o upon_o less_o ground_n affirm_v and_o suetonius_n so_o mistake_v that_o he_o think_v christ_n live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o claudius_n for_o he_o say_v in_o the_o time_n of_o claudius_n judaeos_fw-la impulsore_fw-la chresto_fw-la assidue_fw-la tumultuantes_fw-la civitate_fw-la expulit_fw-la that_o claudius_n expel_v the_o jew_n out_o of_o rome_n who_o be_v continual_o make_v uproar_n be_v stir_v up_o thereunto_o by_o christ_n then_o which_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o absurd_a mistake_n nor_o a_o great_a falsehood_n well_o utter_v for_o the_o three_o the_o mention_n that_o moses_n make_v in_o the_o 21_o of_o number_n and_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o book_n then_o extant_a his_o word_n be_v wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o didin_fw-mi the_o red_a sea_n and_o in_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n first_o divers_a probable_a sense_n be_v give_v of_o the_o place_n that_o render_v it_o no_o objection_n in_o this_o case_n the_o geneva_n translation_n not_o much_o differ_v from_o some_o other_o render_v it_o thus_o 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mouth_n of_o most_o man_n concern_v those_o passage_n there_o express_v paulus_n fagius_n who_o seem_v to_o give_v the_o right_a account_n of_o it_o differ_v not_o much_o from_o this_o of_o junius_n only_o read_v it_o in_o the_o futuretense_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o intend_v a_o future_a relation_n his_o word_n be_v ideo_fw-la dicetur_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verbum_fw-la hebraicum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d futuri_fw-la temporis_fw-la in_o commemoratione_n bellorum_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la bella_fw-la deicommemorabuntur_fw-la recensebuntur_fw-la a_o posteris_fw-la quae_fw-la bella_fw-la pro_fw-la israel_n in_o mari_fw-fr rubro_fw-la gesscrit_fw-fr &_o quae_fw-la ad_fw-la hos_fw-la torrentes_fw-la quasi_fw-la dicat_fw-la hi_o avo_fw-la locitanquam_fw-la memorabiles_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la posteritate_fw-la repetentur_fw-la in_o quibus_fw-la deus_fw-la pro_fw-la israel_n dimicavit_fw-la ubi_fw-la prodigia_fw-la coeleslia_n ostâ—nsa_fw-la sunt_fw-la that_o be_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o famous_a mention_n among_o all_o posterity_n of_o what_o god_n do_v for_o israel_n in_o those_o two_o place_n wheresoever_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v speak_v of_o what_o god_n do_v in_o those_o two_o place_n shall_v have_v a_o eminent_a mention_n the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sepher_n signify_v proper_o any_o rehearsal_n or_o enarration_n recensionem_fw-la aut_fw-la enarrationem_fw-la quamcunâ—_n recensionem_fw-la scriptam_fw-la but_o per_fw-la accidens_fw-la if_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o to_o relate_v to_o any_o book_n but_o only_o to_o a_o relation_n verbal_a as_o it_o seem_v most_o probable_o to_o do_v because_o moses_n speak_v only_o of_o a_o rehearsal_n in_o general_n but_o not_o direct_o of_o a_o write_a rehearsal_n it_o reach_v not_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o by_o 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constant_a overslow_v of_o nile_n natural_o tend_v to_o render_v they_o learned_a in_o those_o two_o noble_a science_n of_o astrology_n and_o geometry_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o have_v any_o use_n of_o alphabetical_a letter_n before_o moses_n his_o time_n or_o any_o other_o way_n to_o express_v or_o communicate_v their_o learning_n but_o what_o be_v symbolical_a and_o hycroglyphycal_a nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o record_n any_o where_o extant_a to_o evince_v the_o contrary_n aristotle_n say_v the_o ancient_a way_n of_o the_o egyptian_n write_v be_v per_fw-la hiâ—roglyphycas_n literas_fw-la saxis_fw-la incisas_fw-la and_o he_o add_v conceptus_fw-la aâ—imalium_fw-la scrâ—bunt_fw-la uti_fw-la occulata_fw-la side_n legimus_fw-la in_o lapidibus_fw-la per_fw-la figuras_fw-la idem_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la scientijs_fw-la artibusque_n sacientes_n quos_fw-la locabant_fw-la in_o templis_fw-la tanquam_fw-la paginas_fw-la perlegendas_fw-la talesque_fw-la illis_fw-la pro_fw-la libris_fw-la extant_a tacitus_n tell_v we_o primi_fw-la per_fw-la siguras_fw-la animaâ—ium_fw-la egypti_n sensus_fw-la mentis_fw-la efsingebant_fw-la &_o antiqâ—â—ssima_fw-la monumenta_fw-la memoriae_fw-la humanae_fw-la impressa_fw-la saxis_fw-la cernuntur_fw-la diodorus_n sicalus_fw-la long_v before_o in_o the_o four_o part_n of_o his_o history_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o this_o symbolical_a way_n of_o write_v among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o ethiopian_n which_o be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n imitativa_n tropica_fw-la &_o enigmatica_fw-la nor_o do_v we_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o any_o other_o write_v among_o they_o till_o moses_n his_o time_n who_o in_o all_o probability_n first_o discover_v to_o they_o that_o way_n of_o transfer_v their_o mind_n one_o to_o another_o by_o alphabetical_a letter_n and_o this_o artapanus_n a_o most_o ancient_a historian_n tell_v we_o who_o speak_v of_o moses_n say_v ut_fw-la quasi_fw-la deas_fw-la ab_fw-la egyptijs_fw-la coleretur_fw-la &_o propter_fw-la literarum_n inventionem_fw-la mercurium_fw-la appellatum_fw-la that_o he_o be_v reverence_v by_o the_o egyptian_n as_o a_o god_n and_o for_o his_o first_o invent_v of_o letter_n call_v mercury_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o clear_v it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o be_v consider_v what_o testimony_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o bible_n do_v in_o truth_n result_v from_o thence_o and_o herein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o one_o very_o remarkble_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o other_o first_o in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o a_o reverence_n to_o antiquity_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v universal_a all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n seem_v to_o have_v rise_v up_o and_o pay_v respect_n to_o the_o hoary_a head_n of_o antiquity_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o what_o be_v most_o ancient_a have_v undergo_v the_o great_a trial_n every_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o venerate_v what_o have_v endure_v the_o test_n of_o many_o generation_n and_o last_v through_o most_o age_n because_o nothing_o correct_v mistake_n like_o experience_n not_o distinguish_v falsehood_n and_o truth_n like_o time_n time_n we_o say_v and_o true_o say_v be_v index_n as_o well_o as_o edax_fw-la rerum_fw-la second_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o all_o secundary_a truth_n must_v needs_o lie_v near_a to_o the_o eternal_a truth_n and_o so_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n error_n of_o every_o kind_n be_v of_o a_o late_a edition_n than_o truth_n a_o apostasy_n from_o it_o and_o a_o corruption_n of_o some_o prime_a principle_n though_o error_n and_o falsehood_n may_v be_v very_o ancient_a yet_o truth_n be_v still_o the_o elder_a brother_n and_o have_v this_o still_a to_o say_v to_o all_o its_o opposer_n non_fw-la fuit_fw-la sic_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o therefore_o the_o far_a we_o wade_v into_o antiquity_n the_o near_a still_o we_o come_v 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have_v and_o in_o its_o own_o antiquity_n answer_v that_o antiquity_n we_o may_v just_o expect_v to_o accompany_v god_n first_o revelation_n the_o bible_n i_o say_v upon_o this_o account_n have_v a_o singular_a evidence_n give_v in_o to_o its_o credibility_n and_o its_o antiquity_n do_v strong_o affirm_v its_o divine_a authority_n second_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o bible_n do_v point_v we_o to_o its_o divinity_n because_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o first_o written_a account_n the_o world_n have_v of_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o cheat_n that_o the_o first_o eminent_a record_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o lie_n and_o not_o only_o a_o lie_n but_o the_o worst_a of_o lie_n and_o the_o most_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a falsehood_n for_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o impose_v a_o law_n upon_o the_o world_n in_o god_n name_n without_o his_o authority_n that_o ever_o be_v publish_v among_o mankind_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n consist_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v original_o cheat_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n to_o suffer_v a_o public_a open_a counterfeit_n of_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n first_o to_o possess_v the_o world_n and_o take_v the_o precedence_n of_o all_o truth_n to_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o publish_v a_o systeme_n of_o lie_n and_o erect_v a_o monument_n of_o falsehood_n before_o there_o be_v any_o write_a record_n of_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v god_n care_n of_o man_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o own_o honour_n to_o engage_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o god_n shall_v first_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n to_o which_o mankind_n may_v still_o have_v a_o recourse_n and_o by_o which_o as_o a_o standard_n all_o delusion_n and_o false_a pretension_n may_v be_v try_v it_o be_v as_o one_o say_v well_o very_o absurd_a to_o think_v god_n shall_v permit_v the_o 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as_o his_o minister_n to_o execute_v so_o many_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v he_o by_o those_o extraordinary_a act_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o against_o much_o probability_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o obtain_v and_o as_o suetonâ—us_n say_v of_o he_o after_o he_o have_v obtain_v it_o want_v personal_a authority_n and_o majesty_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o dominion_n a_o clear_a instance_n concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n god_n give_v we_o at_o first_o in_o the_o magician_n opposition_n to_o moses_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v that_o although_o divine_a truth_n may_v by_o miracle_n be_v oppose_v yet_o the_o superior_a luster_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n shall_v be_v so_o visible_a to_o all_o as_o perfect_o to_o silence_n and_o vanquish_v the_o rest_n and_o both_o in_o number_n continuance_n and_o quality_n as_o then_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n shall_v be_v 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beginning_n god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n settle_v and_o consecrate_v that_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n before_o any_o other_o systeme_n of_o religion_n be_v extant_a and_o give_v it_o therein_o the_o precedency_n of_o all_o false_a prophet_n and_o impostor_n and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n oppose_v it_o withal_o and_o so_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o the_o old_a be_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n at_o the_o first_o and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n after_o upon_o the_o validity_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v secure_v against_o all_o opposition_n that_o can_v that_o way_n be_v make_v against_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v those_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v his_o word_n have_v eminent_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o operation_n of_o that_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n when_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o magician_n go_v further_a that_o way_n then_o ever_o he_o do_v after_o how_o far_o do_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exceed_v his_o more_o miracle_n great_a miracle_n more_o continue_a miracle_n undeniable_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o a_o way_n far_o superior_a to_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v about_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o miracle_n have_v be_v such_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v of_o god_n intention_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o heaven_n â—â—ereby_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o â—â—â—â—rine_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a â—â—â—â—sion_n of_o they_o to_o fullfil_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o establish_v the_o new_a and_o this_o by_o private_a man_n respect_v the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o clothing_n of_o humane_a power_n or_o authority_n who_o can_v imagine_v less_o than_o that_o a_o commission_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v seal_v from_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n in_o extroardinary_a way_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o do_v this_o second_o the_o admirable_a nature_n of_o those_o miracle_n raise_v dead_a person_n cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n command_v wind_n and_o sea_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o multitude_n three_o their_o number_n be_v exceed_o many_o do_v in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n where_o they_o come_v four_o their_o visibility_n open_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o present_a by_o multitude_n five_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o secondary_a mean_n or_o the_o least_o show_n of_o diabolical_a enchantment_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v sine_fw-la â—lla_fw-la vi_fw-la carminum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la sâ—ccis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o most_o frequent_a in_o heathenish_a sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o not_o only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o one_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n john_n live_v till_o trajan_n time_n which_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n from_o christ_n birth_n but_o also_o for_o very_o many_o year_n after_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o miraracle_n do_v the_o world_n pretend_v to_o that_o can_v compare_v themselves_o with_o these_o miracle_n upon_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o account_n no_o man_n noâ—_n devil_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n nor_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o these_o be_v what_o lamentable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v those_o of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n esculapius_n or_o any_o other_o compare_v with_o these_o and_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a partiality_n do_v appear_v in_o hierocles_n and_o porphiry_n who_o design_v thereby_o to_o incense_v the_o emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o much_o justify_v themselves_o upon_o the_o power_n oâ—_n miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o persecution_n have_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o apollonius_n we_o find_v by_o eusebius_n that_o hierocles_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v since_o lose_v compare_v apollonius_n and_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v our_o saviour_n story_n and_o philostratus_n the_o writer_n of_o apollonius_n his_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n together_o and_o prefer_v apollonius_n and_o philostâ—atus_n before_o the_o other_o but_o with_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n be_v eaâ—y_o to_o be_v see_v by_o any_o that_o wilâ—_n consult_v eusebius_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o one_o chieâ—_n miracle_n philostratus_n tell_v we_o off_o be_v that_o appollonius_n sit_v at_o meat_n be_v serve_v after_o wonderful_a manner_n with_o man_n of_o brass_n and_o another_o be_v that_o a_o elm_n three_fw-mi speak_v to_o he_o and_o salute_v he_o with_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o to_o every_o common_a understanding_n appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o capable_a of_o deceit_n and_o delusion_n the_o sun_n be_v not_o in_o lustre_n more_o superior_a to_o the_o dim_a star_n than_o christ_n miracle_n be_v to_o all_o pretension_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o operation_n either_o of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n visible_a in_o this_o world_n that_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n can_v all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v put_v in_o balance_n with_o those_o eminent_o miraculous_a act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n three_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o be_v most_o evident_o from_o god_n most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o he_o and_o
according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o can_v conceive_v after_o seventy_o year_n they_o can_v so_o exact_o have_v do_v or_o will_v ever_o have_v attempt_v to_o have_v do_v it_o have_v not_o they_o have_v the_o law_n with_o they_o while_o esdras_n himself_o be_v yoten_n babylon_n and_o when_o esdras_n do_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n we_o find_v in_o the_o 8_o of_o nehemiah_n the_o people_n be_v so_o far_o from_o want_v the_o law_n or_o stay_v for_o any_o such_o restoration_n or_o re-penning_a of_o it_o by_o he_o as_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o desire_v he_o only_o to_o read_v the_o law_n open_o to_o they_o which_o he_o immediate_o do_v as_o a_o thing_n they_o be_v then_o possess_v of_o and_o which_o be_v notorious_a among_o they_o five_o it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o esdras_n shall_v so_o repen_n the_o bible_n because_o we_o find_v his_o own_o writing_n full_a of_o caldee_n word_n as_o also_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n but_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v in_o pure_a hebrew_n and_o it_o be_v no_o way_n conceivable_a but_o that_o if_o he_o have_v re-penned_a the_o whole_a he_o will_v have_v write_v it_o in_o the_o same_o way_n he_o write_v his_o own_o book_n and_o according_a to_o the_o idiom_n that_o be_v then_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n either_o whole_o in_o caldee_n or_o else_o with_o some_o mixture_n of_o caldee_n and_o hebrew_n together_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o story_n do_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o romantic_a fable_n take_v out_o of_o a_o book_n souse_v with_o many_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a folly_n and_o be_v contradict_v by_o another_o apecryphal_a book_n of_o much_o better_a credit_n 〈◊〉_d we_o will_v depend_v upon_o such_o evidence_n for_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n we_o be_v there_o tell_v that_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o side_n of_o which_o the_o law_n we_o know_v be_v place_v be_v secure_v by_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n and_o hide_v in_o a_o cave_n at_o mount_n nebo_n when_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v burn_v and_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v though_o the_o law_n be_v not_o particular_o mention_v yet_o be_v always_o keep_v in_o the_o ark_n â—â—s_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o jeremy_n preserve_v it_o with_o the_o ark_n and_o have_v a_o especial_a reference_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o it_o in_o what_o he_o then_o do_v this_o we_o affirm_v as_o a_o truth_n to_o which_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v assent_v that_o at_o the_o return_n of_o the_o people_n out_o of_o babylon_n the_o care_n of_o esdras_n about_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o great_a synagogue_n that_o be_v then_o according_a to_o moses_n his_o first_o institution_n assemble_v in_o which_o be_v present_a haggai_n zacharie_n malachy_n nehemias_n and_o zerubbabel_n be_v very_o eminent_a and_o great_a and_o to_o this_o day_n we_o derive_v singular_a advantage_n from_o it_o for_o first_o with_o great_a diligence_n they_o make_v a_o exact_a separation_n between_o such_o write_n as_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v to_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o whether_o write_v by_o true_a prophet_n or_o false_a for_o even_o true_a prophet_n and_o such_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_a might_n and_o without_o doubt_n many_o of_o they_o do_v write_v diverse_a thing_n without_o any_o immediate_a assistance_n or_o direction_n from_o god_n and_o consequent_o which_o be_v nor_o of_o divine_a authority_n they_o collect_v all_o the_o sacred_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n together_o which_o during_o the_o captivity_n lie_v disperse_v in_o private_a hand_n no_o public_a use_n be_v make_v of_o they_o incorporate_v the_o whole_a into_o one_o entire_a volumn_n a_o admirable_a work_n in_o the_o order_n we_o now_o have_v it_o which_o before_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v for_o several_a psalm_n several_a of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o some_o other_o book_n be_v write_v after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o people_n into_o babylon_n and_o it_o do_v no_o where_n appear_v that_o those_o part_n write_v before_o be_v conjoin_v in_o one_o entire_a volumn_n more_o of_o they_o then_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o original_a copy_n whereof_o moses_n himself_o deliver_v in_o a_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o levite_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n the_o peculiar_a archive_n god_n have_v by_o his_o special_a command_n appoint_v for_o it_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o unite_v they_o rank_v under_o three_o class_n and_o divide_v into_o three_o part_n which_o division_n be_v continue_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o the_o 24_o of_o st._n luke_n refer_v to_o it_o when_o he_o say_v all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n second_o their_o care_n in_o secure_v the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v eminent_o great_a and_o most_o high_o be_v it_o to_o be_v applaud_v in_o add_v point_n to_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o facilitate_v the_o read_n and_o learn_v of_o it_o divide_v the_o sacred_a write_n into_o verse_n with_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n most_o probable_o first_o begin_v by_o they_o of_o which_o the_o jewish_a writer_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n the_o whole_a of_o their_o endeavour_n this_o way_n and_o of_o those_o among_o the_o jew_n that_o succeed_v they_o therein_o be_v call_v the_o massora_n which_o god_n wonderful_o bless_v to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o to_o deliver_v the_o old_a testament_n safe_o and_o entire_o over_o to_o we_o what_o a_o useful_a and_o most_o laborious_a enterprise_n this_o massora_n be_v we_o may_v know_v by_o the_o description_n buxtorffe_n give_v of_o it_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a commentarius_fw-la massorethicus_n massora_n say_v he_o est_fw-la doctrina_fw-la critica_fw-la a_o priscis_fw-la hebraeorum_n sapientibus_fw-la circa_fw-la textum_fw-la hebraeum_n sacrae_fw-la scripturae_fw-la ingeniosâ—_n inuenta_fw-la quâ—_n versas_fw-la voces_fw-la &_o literae_fw-la ejus_fw-la nâ—meratae_fw-la omnisque_fw-la ipsarum_fw-la variet_fw-la as_o notata_fw-la &_o suis_fw-la locis_fw-la cum_fw-la singulorum_fw-la versuum_fw-la recitatione_n indicata_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la sic_fw-la constans_fw-la &_o genuina_fw-la ejus_fw-la lectio_fw-la conservetur_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la omni_fw-la mutatione_n aut_fw-la corruptio_fw-la e_fw-la aeternum_fw-la preservetur_fw-la &_o valide_fw-la premuniatur_fw-la the_o massora_n be_v a_o critical_a learning_n about_o the_o hebrew_n text_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n ingenios_o invent_v by_o the_o ancient_a wise_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o which_o the_o verse_n word_n and_o letter_n be_v all_o number_v and_o all_o their_o variation_n particular_o note_v and_o set_v down_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n with_o a_o recital_n of_o the_o particular_a verse_n that_o so_o the_o constant_a and_o genuine_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o for_o ever_o secure_v against_o all_o change_n or_o corruption_n and_o that_o ezra_n and_o this_o great_a synagogue_n be_v most_o probable_o the_o first_o author_n and_o contriver_n of_o the_o massora_n however_o augment_v by_o other_o in_o after_o age_n and_o not_o some_o learned_a jew_n at_o tiberias_n that_o long_o live_v after_o ouâ—_n saviour_n as_o some_o have_v suppose_v buxtorffe_n in_o the_o eleven_o chap._n of_o the_o samebook_n have_v large_o and_o learned_o prove_v from_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o thus_o conclude_v upon_o the_o whole_a haec_fw-la communis_fw-la est_fw-la hebraeorum_n sententia_fw-la massoram_fw-la a_o viris_fw-la synagogae_fw-la magnae_fw-la prosectam_fw-la esse_fw-la this_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o massora_n come_v from_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n three_o that_o ezra_n and_o that_o great_a synagogue_n to_o render_v the_o sacred_a text_n more_o intelligible_a and_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o historical_a relation_n more_o evident_a do_v make_v some_o small_a addition_n and_o some_o verbal_a alteration_n in_o some_o place_n be_v great_o probable_a and_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v but_o no_o re-penning_a the_o bible_n nor_o the_o least_o violation_n offer_v to_o the_o sacred_a record_n nor_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o its_o authority_n nor_o can_v the_o least_o objection_n though_o many_o have_v endeavour_v it_o be_v raise_v from_o hence_o to_o that_o purpose_n when_o so_o many_o person_n of_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v present_a in_o that_o assembly_n and_o who_o be_v without_o doubt_n divine_o direct_v about_o what_o they_o do_v in_o that_o matter_n in_o
moses_n i_o mean_v the_o true_a ancient_a berosus_n and_o not_o the_o latter_a counterfeit_n of_o he_o set_v down_o the_o story_n of_o it_o in_o the_o very_a same_o way_n that_o moses_n do_v begin_v his_o history_n ante_fw-la aquarum_fw-la cladem_fw-la famosam_fw-la quâ_fw-la universus_fw-la perut_fw-la orbis_fw-la and_o say_v there_o be_v only_o eight_o person_n save_v cyril_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o julian_n show_v that_o alexander_n polybistor_n and_o abidene_n under_o the_o feign_a name_n of_o saturn_n and_o xyfuthrus_n have_v write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o same_o story_n that_o moses_n have_v do_v of_o the_o flood_n and_o of_o the_o ark_n and_o the_o place_n of_o its_o rest_a and_o in_o very_a many_o other_o ancient_a author_n have_v we_o particular_a narrative_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o poetical_a fiction_n and_o fabulous_a story_n that_o we_o find_v among_o the_o ancient_a heathen-writer_n have_v their_o derivation_n from_o thence_o so_o that_o to_o doubt_v about_o the_o fact_n of_o what_o moses_n have_v write_v in_o this_o particular_a be_v extreme_o unreasonable_a for_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v what_o be_v eminent_o witness_v unto_o by_o several_a historian_n of_o several_a country_n and_o to_o withstand_v the_o stream_n of_o a_o universal_a tradition_n the_o story_n of_o building_n the_o babylontan_n tower_n be_v particular_o set_v down_o by_o the_o same_o alexander_n polyhistor_n and_o abidene_n as_o we_o find_v they_o quote_v at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o man_n will_v needs_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o god_n build_v up_o a_o tower_n to_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o place_n where_o babylon_n now_o be_v and_o when_o they_o have_v build_v it_o very_o high_a the_o god_n overthrow_v it_o and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n begin_v the_o diversity_n of_o language_n and_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o common_a understanding_n that_o all_o that_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n about_o the_o giant_n war_a against_o heaven_n be_v but_o a_o corruption_n of_o this_o story_n the_o burn_v of_o sodom_n be_v mention_v by_o many_o of_o the_o best_a credit_v author_n by_o diodorus_n saculus_fw-la strabo_n tacitus_n pliny_n and_o solinus_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v the_o like_a testimony_n to_o the_o most_o eminent_a passage_n that_o moses_n have_v set_v down_o that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n conquer_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n dispossess_v the_o inhabitant_n and_o settle_a themselves_o in_o palestine_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a from_o the_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o denial_n and_o we_o have_v a_o large_a account_n of_o many_o particular_n of_o it_o in_o procopius_n eupolemus_n and_o other_o author_n who_o write_v of_o joshua_n samuel_n saul_n david_n in_o who_o according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o moses_n the_o government_n of_o that_o people_n come_v into_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o other_o mention_v in_o the_o sacred_a story_n that_o 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which_o he_o write_v against_o the_o christian_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o find_v no_o other_o way_n at_o last_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o a_o absurd_a pretence_n that_o those_o prophecy_n about_o the_o four_o monarchy_n be_v write_v long_o after_o daniel_n death_n by_o some_o other_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochas_n which_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v not_o only_o by_o the_o credible_a relation_n we_o have_v in_o history_n that_o daniel_n prophecy_n be_v show_v by_o jaddus_n the_o highpriest_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o alexander_n who_o live_v many_o year_n before_o antiochus_n when_o he_o be_v march_v towards_o jerusalem_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o destroy_v it_o who_o find_v himself_o so_o particular_o in_o that_o prophecy_n prophesy_v of_o spare_v the_o city_n thereupon_o but_o because_o the_o 70_o interpreter_n who_o tranâ—tated_v the_o old_a testament_n for_o ptolemy_n about_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o antiochus_n tranâ—â—â—ated_v the_o book_n of_o daniel_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a and_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n after_o the_o captivity_n it_o be_v clear_a from_o all_o story_n that_o the_o jew_n that_o return_v out_o of_o babylon_n continue_v under_o a_o national_a establishment_n though_o not_o under_o a_o succession_n of_o kingly_a government_n from_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n for_o god_n have_v declare_v by_o jeremiah_n that_o none_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o jeconaih_n shall_v any_o more_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n have_v sovereign_a jurisdiction_n among_o they_o which_o the_o ten_o tribe_n have_v whole_o lose_v and_o long_o before_o be_v total_o deprive_v of_o nay_o be_v still_o govern_v by_o some_o of_o themselves_o till_o the_o roman_n impose_v herod_n and_o idumaean_a upon_o they_o in_o who_o time_n our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v so_o that_o the_o sceptre_n do_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloe_n come_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o disbelieve_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o fact_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n that_o erect_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o of_o the_o succession_n of_o it_o in_o multitude_n of_o professor_n ever_o since_o and_o the_o write_a account_n we_o have_v of_o it_o not_o only_o from_o christian_n themselves_o but_o from_o jew_n and_o heathen_n in_o those_o time_n tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n both_o make_v mention_n of_o christ_n tacitus_n in_o the_o 15_o book_n of_o his_o annal_n speak_v of_o nero_n cruelty_n to_o the_o christian_n say_v the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v one_o christ_n who_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n be_v punish_v with_o death_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n procurator_n of_o judea_n josephus_n speak_v of_o he_o pliny_n suetonius_n and_o other_o write_v of_o the_o christian_n extant_a in_o those_o time_n of_o their_o principle_n their_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o of_o their_o suffering_n suetonius_n say_v in_o the_o life_n of_o nero_n christianos_n genus_fw-la hominum_fw-la maleficae_fw-la superstitionis_fw-la suppliciis_fw-la affixit_fw-la that_o he_o pumsh_v the_o christian_n a_o sort_n of_o man_n of_o a_o magical_a superstition_n many_o historical_a passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v attest_v to_o we_o by_o heathen_a and_o jewish-writters_a though_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o roman_a historian_n of_o that_o age_n know_v not_o much_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o palestine_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o they_o have_v write_v concern_v the_o jew_n especial_o tacitus_n who_o appear_v very_o gross_o ignorant_a both_o about_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o our_o saviour_n birth_n be_v mention_v by_o pliny_n lib._n 2._o chap._n 5._o and_o by_o the_o philosopher_n chalcidius_n large_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o plato_n timaeas_n herodi_n kill_v the_o child_n in_o bethlehem_n by_o macrobius_n the_o eclipse_n of_o
the_o great_a ruin_n to_o mankind_n delude_v they_o with_o false_a information_n about_o their_o chief_a concern_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o their_o justification_n the_o most_o eminent_a miracle_n and_o all_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o rational_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o ascertain_v the_o world_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o high_a supernatural_a truth_n in_o a_o word_n who_o can_v believe_v a_o book_n so_o circumstance_v as_o we_o find_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v compose_v by_o the_o worst_a instrument_n and_o with_o the_o worst_a of_o design_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v ever_o be_v credit_v while_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n rule_v above_o and_o man_n live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n below_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n false_o pretend_v to_o god_n name_n and_o authority_n design_v his_o dishonour_n and_o man_n destruction_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o have_v be_v bring_v 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it_o divers_a contradiction_n several_a strange_a and_o incredible_a story_n and_o other_o thing_n great_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o answer_v the_o first_o question_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v previous_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v advantage_n peculiar_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o who_o first_o receive_v the_o bible_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o live_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v that_o we_o have_v not_o and_o we_o have_v likewise_o some_o advantage_n and_o those_o very_a considerable_a to_o our_o belief_n which_o they_o have_v not_o they_o converse_v with_o the_o penman_n themselves_o the_o name_n of_o many_o of_o who_o be_v to_o we_o whole_o unknown_a the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o record_v they_o foresee_v the_o scripture_n will_v descend_v to_o we_o upon_o other_o sufficient_a evidence_n they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o personal_a integrity_n and_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o their_o divine_a commission_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n see_v the_o original_a write_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n many_o know_v some_o of_o their_o hand_n these_o we_o have_v not_o but_o we_o see_v the_o progress_n and_o success_n of_o this_o book_n which_o they_o see_v not_o we_o see_v this_o book_n translate_v into_o all_o language_n whole_a nation_n convert_v by_o it_o the_o gospel_n spread_v all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o many_o prediction_n since_o which_o they_o can_v not_o then_o be_v witness_n of_o with_o many_o other_o great_a effect_n of_o it_o we_o see_v the_o whole_a conjoin_v and_o the_o excellent_a harmony_n of_o it_o and_o the_o relation_n each_o part_n have_v to_o complete_a the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v in_o divers_a respect_n upon_o different_a term_n of_o judge_v now_o upon_o the_o whole_a from_o what_o man_n be_v in_o judge_v at_o first_o upon_o any_o particular_a part_n but_o to_o come_v to_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o way_n to_o ascertain_v man_n in_o their_o reception_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n when_o it_o first_o become_v public_a first_o by_o some_o outward_a visible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o that_o service_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v send_v and_o commissionated_a from_o god_n or_o second_o from_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o write_n themselves_o and_o herein_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o those_o time_n and_o season_n in_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v and_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o order_n of_o write_v it_o will_v much_o inform_v we_o moses_n who_o lay_v the_o first_o and_o great_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n in_o the_o five_o book_n that_o he_o write_v he_o have_v a_o justification_n personal_n beyond_o all_o question_n his_o commission_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o assure_v those_o that_o then_o live_v that_o god_n have_v employ_v he_o for_o god_n admit_v he_o open_o to_o a_o personal_a converse_n with_o himself_o we_o read_v in_o the_o nineteenth_o of_o exodus_fw-la that_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n loe_o i_o come_v to_o thou_o in_o a_o thick_a cloud_n that_o the_o people_n may_v bear_v when_o i_o speak_v with_o thou_o and_o believe_v thou_o for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n he_o impower_v he_o upon_o many_o occasion_n to_o work_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o since_o the_o world_n have_v a_o be_v have_v ever_o be_v wrought_v and_o open_o to_o shame_n and_o outdo_v all_o his_o opposer_n and_o all_o pretender_n that_o way_n and_o whensoever_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n make_v about_o this_o divine_a authority_n or_o any_o contest_v with_o he_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o korah_n and_o at_o other_o time_n god_n plain_o and_o open_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n decide_v the_o matter_n to_o assure_v they_o and_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v that_o moses_n be_v no_o impostor_n but_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a commission_n in_o what_o he_o then_o do_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o write_a way_n and_o publish_v those_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o succeed_v and_o the_o great_a cornerstone_n of_o all_o that_o revelation_n that_o he_o will_v at_o any_o time_n after_o make_v to_o mankind_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v fix_v and_o establish_v upon_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a ground_n so_o that_o such_o who_o live_v in_o moses_n his_o time_n can_v have_v no_o good_a reason_n at_o all_o to_o doubt_v in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o sincerity_n for_o all_o be_v do_v that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o put_v that_o matter_n out_o of_o question_n and_o god_n visible_o show_v himself_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o of_o exodus_fw-la and_o his_o own_o glory_n among_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o see_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n and_o there_o be_v under_o his_o foot_n as_o it_o be_v a_o pave_a work_n of_o a_o saphire-stone_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o heaven_n in_o its_o clearness_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o doubt_n raise_v whether_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o moses_n be_v right_o record_v and_o as_o he_o intend_v they_o shall_v for_o before_o his_o death_n he_o himself_o by_o god_n special_a command_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n deliver_v over_o his_o five_o book_n to_o the_o levite_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark._n after_o moses_n his_o time_n
we_o have_v now_o contain_v in_o our_o babble_n all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o intend_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v how_o can_v we_o now_o be_v safe_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o say_v what_o be_v canonical_a and_o what_o be_v not_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a a_o truth_n that_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o excellency_n have_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v contempt_n and_o reproach_n from_o the_o unruly_a will_n and_o debauch_a mind_n of_o corrupt_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n the_o bible_n have_v meet_v with_o its_o share_n in_o this_o kind_n some_o upon_o fanatical_a pretence_n have_v despise_v and_o reject_v the_o whole_a other_o have_v mangle_v and_o sever_v it_o as_o themselves_o think_v good_a receive_v some_o part_n only_o as_o divine_a and_o reject_v the_o rest_n as_o they_o please_v of_o this_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n epiphanius_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n the_o manichee_n reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o come_v from_o a_o evil_a god_n the_o ptolemaite_v as_o epiphamus_n tell_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o gnostic_n with_o some_o other_o heretic_n reject_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n cerdon_n and_o after_o he_o martion_n reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o find_v by_o tertullian_n the_o valentimans_fw-la reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n john_n as_o we_o see_v in_o irenaeus_n other_o reject_v all_o that_o st._n john_n write_v the_o ebionite_n receive_v no_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n matthen_n and_o reject_v in_o gross_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o that_o have_v escape_v the_o reprobation_n of_o some_o bad_a men._n but_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v soon_o blow_v away_o expire_v in_o the_o birth_n bear_v about_o they_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o reproach_n make_v no_o considerable_a battery_n upon_o the_o truth_n in_o any_o age_n nor_o do_v they_o reach_v further_o than_o the_o vitiate_a mind_n and_o corrupt_a breast_n of_o such_o profligate_v heretic_n as_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o in_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o those_o book_n now_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o protestant_a church_n as_o such_o be_v all_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o two_o thing_n only_o will_v occur_v that_o be_v of_o any_o seem_a moment_n in_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o which_o all_o will_v be_v say_v that_o be_v needful_a about_o this_o 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by_o any_o divine_a inspiration_n nor_o send_v we_o from_o god_n as_o any_o part_n of_o those_o supreme_a law_n by_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v within_o the_o canon_n will_v be_v make_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o reasonable_a judge_n upon_o these_o consideration_n follow_v first_o after_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o the_o most_o ancient_a jew_n and_o christian_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n among_o they_o nor_o do_v god_n raise_v up_o any_o man_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n from_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n who_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o last_o prophet_n till_o john_n the_o baptist_n which_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n now_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v all_o write_v after_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n and_o so_o can_v be_v of_o no_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v write_v before_o and_o have_v be_v extant_a in_o ezra_n time_n which_o they_o be_v not_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a reason_n for_o their_o rejection_n now_o because_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v then_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o none_o of_o these_o book_n now_o in_o question_n be_v by_o he_o incorporate_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o be_v within_o the_o canon_n at_o that_o time_n settle_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n by_o who_o all_o part_n of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v write_v for_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v call_v prophecy_n nor_o any_o man_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n among_o they_o after_o the_o captivity_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n general_o agree_v josephus_n be_v express_v in_o it_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n though_o certain_a book_n have_v be_v write_v yet_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o same_o credit_n and_o belief_n that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v because_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n of_o propher_n among_o they_o saint_n austin_n in_o the_o 45th_o chapter_n of_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophecy_n after_o ezra_n time_n and_o the_o same_o eusebius_n affirm_v in_o his_o demonstrationes_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la post_fw-la zachartam_fw-la &_o malachiam_fw-la non_fw-la fuâ—sse_fw-la amplius_fw-la apud_fw-la judaeos_fw-la prophetam_fw-la et_fw-la a_fw-la reditu_fw-la ex_fw-la captivitate_fw-la ad_fw-la tempora_fw-la servatoris_fw-la nullum_fw-la babucrint_fw-la judaei_n sacrum_fw-la volumen_fw-la the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n after_o zachary_n and_o malachi_n nor_o any_o sacred_a write_n after_o the_o captivity_n till_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o some_o of_o these_o very_a book_n tell_v we_o as_o much_o themselves_o for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n chap._n 9_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o great_a tribulation_n in_o israel_n such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o day_n that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n in_o israel_n relate_v to_o ezra_n time_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a write_n publish_v between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o malachi_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o evangelist_n take_v thing_n up_o just_a where_o he_o leave_v they_o and_o begin_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o end_n of_o malachi_n prophecy_n for_o he_o end_v his_o prophecy_n at_o john_n the_o baptist_n under_o the_o type_n and_o title_n of_o elias_n and_o the_o evangelist_n begin_v the_o gospel_n with_o he_o for_o st._n mark_v express_o declare_v the_o end_n of_o that_o prophecy_n to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a combination_n from_o thence_o from_o that_o period_n of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o second_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v prophet_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o write_n and_o prophecy_n be_v direct_v chief_o to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n except_o some_o passage_n in_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldee_n dialect_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v in_o their_o captivity_n be_v much_o accustom_v in_o their_o own_o native_a language_n the_o language_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n but_o these_o book_n be_v confess_o most_o of_o they_o first_o write_v in_o greek_a and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o to_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o
consider_v in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o a_o enquiry_n first_o the_o internal_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o second_o the_o external_n mean_v by_o which_o it_o have_v be_v bring_v about_o the_o internal_a cause_n of_o it_o have_v lie_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o a_o insussiciency_n in_o our_o natural_a ability_n since_o the_o fall_n to_o ascertain_v we_o full_o about_o divine_a thing_n and_o to_o give_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o all_o those_o inquiry_n we_o natural_o make_v about_o they_o second_o the_o general_a ill_a improvement_n the_o world_n have_v make_v of_o those_o ability_n it_o have_v and_o the_o universal_a declension_n and_o apostasy_n of_o mankind_n from_o that_o knowledge_n they_o may_v have_v arrive_v at_o for_o the_o first_o though_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n be_v witness_v to_o by_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o every_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o relation_n to_o somewhat_o above_o he_o and_o there_o be_v many_o maxim_n of_o natural_a divinty_a connate_a to_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v attain_v by_o any_o natural_a search_n first_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n what_o god_n be_v and_o second_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n how_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v neither_o a_o satisfy_v account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o be_v nor_o of_o a_o worship_n acceptable_a to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v compass_v without_o revelation_n about_o these_o two_o thing_n when_o man_n have_v have_v nothing_o tell_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o fix_v they_o their_o opinion_n have_v be_v as_o various_a as_o their_o invention_n the_o grosser_n part_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v only_o a_o intellectual_a object_n who_o they_o can_v not_o see_v general_o fall_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o by_o what_o they_o do_v see_v cicero_n himself_o confess_v that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v qualis_fw-la sit_fw-la deorum_fw-la natura_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la dificilius_fw-la quam_fw-la a_o consuctudine_fw-la oculorum_fw-la aciem_fw-la mentis_fw-la abducere_fw-la lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a and_o the_o more_o refine_a part_n lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o abstract_a speculation_n about_o what_o they_o can_v never_o distinct_o comprehend_v for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n arise_v not_o only_o from_o their_o mistake_v in_o what_o they_o can_v not_o know_v but_o from_o a_o corrupt_a defection_n from_o what_o they_o may_v know_v those_o notice_n their_o own_o natural_a ability_n give_v they_o of_o god_n thwart_v their_o sensual_a inclination_n they_o delight_v not_o to_o retain_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o willing_o turn_v aside_o to_o delusion_n leave_v the_o guide_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o choose_v the_o conduct_n of_o appetite_n the_o stupendous_a folly_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v as_o a_o thousand_o witness_n to_o this_o truth_n that_o they_o live_v not_o only_o below_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o god_n but_o far_o beneath_o the_o exercise_n of_o right_a reason_n for_o though_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n do_v much_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a extent_n of_o what_o be_v mere_o natural_a and_o do_v much_o enkindle_v our_o natural_a light_n and_o we_o see_v many_o thing_n now_o to_o be_v attainable_a by_o nature_n which_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v discern_v never_o find_v out_o without_o revelation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o a_o rational_a be_v without_o some_o way_n extinguish_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o faculty_n shall_v make_v a_o god_n of_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o know_v to_o be_v but_o a_o perish_a creature_n or_o shall_v think_v to_o please_v a_o be_v of_o such_o perfection_n as_o every_o man_n reason_n must_v needs_o ascribe_v to_o god_n by_o debase_v himself_o before_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o external_n mean_v by_o which_o these_o internal_a cause_n have_v operate_v and_o how_o all_o that_o rubbish_n of_o pagan_a theology_n have_v be_v visible_o induce_v to_o defile_v and_o cumber_v the_o world_n from_o five_o thing_n chief_o we_o may_v derive_v it_o first_o from_o a_o corrupt_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n first_o original_a and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o flood_n and_o many_o passage_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n which_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n first_o convey_v down_o to_o the_o world_n in_o its_o repeople_a and_o the_o jew_n from_o moses_n afterward_o inform_v they_o off_o this_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v a_o great_a rise_n to_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a superstion_n and_o vanity_n and_o most_o especial_o among_o the_o phaenician_o much_o of_o who_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a corruption_n of_o those_o original_a truth_n and_o a_o apparent_a mythology_n upon_o the_o true_a history_n of_o thing_n before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n as_o appear_v by_o diodorus_n sicubus_n and_o more_o ancient_o by_o their_o own_o famous_a antiquary_n sanconiathon_n in_o the_o version_n of_o philo_n biblius_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o corruption_n in_o the_o tradition_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v probable_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n at_o first_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o barbarism_n after_o the_o proud_a desire_n every_o nation_n have_v to_o apply_v all_o traditional_a story_n of_o famous_a person_n to_o some_o of_o themselves_o with_o many_o other_o reason_n which_o scaliger_n bochart_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n give_v for_o it_o second_o from_o the_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n who_o it_o be_v clear_a be_v the_o first_o beginner_n of_o all_o the_o grecian_a learning_n and_o be_v therefore_o ancient_o call_v in_o graece_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d teacher_n and_o as_o strabo_n say_v and_o i_o think_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n be_v also_o the_o first_o beginner_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a learning_n every_o where_n all_o other_o speech_n whether_o historical_a or_o rhetorical_a be_v but_o the_o progeny_n of_o poetry_n the_o ancient_n know_v no_o other_o artificial_a or_o set_a form_n of_o speech_n but_o what_o be_v in_o verse_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o same_o author_n say_v poetry_n be_v ancient_o call_v prima_fw-la quaedam_fw-la philosophia_fw-la these_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o innumerable_a fable_n mythologize_v upon_o every_o thing_n and_o do_v great_o promote_v their_o theological_a vanity_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o all_o true_a story_n three_o from_o the_o wild_a speculation_n and_o multiply_v theory_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o who_o there_o be_v some_o hundred_o of_o sect_n which_o serve_v great_o to_o puzzle_v and_o mislead_v man_n there_o be_v as_o cicero_n say_v no_o absurdity_n but_o have_v some_o philosopher_n for_o its_o patron_n four_o from_o their_o oracle_n by_o which_o the_o world_n lie_v subject_v to_o all_o diabolical_a delusion_n and_o five_o from_o their_o corrupt_a legislator_n such_o as_o numa_n in_o rome_n and_o other_o who_o find_v the_o world_n sequacious_a in_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o mankind_n apt_a to_o adore_v every_o fiction_n impose_v upon_o their_o belief_n whatever_o they_o think_v most_o conduce_v to_o their_o own_o politic_a ends._n nor_o have_v the_o world_n without_o revelation_n be_v free_a from_o defect_n in_o its_o moral_n though_o man_n attain_v far_o therein_o and_o their_o morality_n much_o outgo_v their_o divinity_n cicero_n wrought_v with_o much_o better_a success_n de_fw-fr officiis_n than_o he_o he_o do_v the_o nat._n deorum_n yet_o the_o bible_n have_v great_o improve_v the_o world_n herein_o let_v any_o man_n extract_v the_o most_o exact_a scheme_n he_o can_v of_o morality_n out_o of_o the_o best_a philosopher_n and_o the_o acute_a moralist_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o doctrine_n the_o bible_n propose_v to_o we_o about_o those_o thing_n and_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v visible_a amiraldus_n observe_v in_o his_o treatise_n of_o religion_n that_o scarce_o can_v there_o be_v find_v any_o commonwealth_n among_o those_o which_o have_v be_v esteem_v the_o best_a policy_v in_o which_o some_o grand_a and_o signal_n vice_n have_v not_o be_v excuse_v or_o permit_v or_o even_o sometime_o recommend_v by_o public_a law_n plato_n make_v a_o community_n of_o woman_n one_o of_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o his_o republic_n socrates_n and_o cato_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o be_v two_o as_o famous_a moralist_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o graece_fw-la or_o in_o rome_n cato_n the_o great_a exemplar_n for_o virtue_n and_o justice_n among_o the_o roman_n and_o socrates_n the_o phoenix_n of_o graece_fw-la for_o virtue_n and_o piety_n of_o who_o xenophon_n give_v this_o admirable_a account_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr socratis_n memorabilibus_fw-la dictis_fw-la nemo_fw-la autem_fw-la unquam_fw-la socratem_n
implum_fw-la qâ—iddam_fw-la &_o irreligiosum_fw-la aut_fw-la facere_fw-la vidit_fw-la aut_fw-la dicere_fw-la audivit_fw-la no_o man_n ever_o hear_v socrate_n speak_v or_o ever_o see_v he_o do_v a_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a thing_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o conception_n they_o then_o have_v of_o those_o thing_n himself_o the_o first_o author_n of_o ethic_n and_o the_o first_o that_o contemn_v the_o fruitless_a speculation_n of_o the_o philosopher_n about_o other_o thing_n and_o reduce_v man_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o morality_n so_o say_v laertius_n of_o he_o animadvertens_fw-la autem_fw-la naturalis_fw-la speculationis_fw-la fructum_fw-la nullum_fw-la esse_fw-la eamque_fw-la ad_fw-la officia_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la nihil_fw-la esse_fw-la necessariam_fw-la invenit_fw-la primus_fw-la ethicen_fw-la deque_fw-la illa_fw-la &_o in_fw-la officijs_fw-la &_o in_o publico_fw-la quotidie_fw-la philosophans_fw-la ea_fw-la potius_fw-la inquirenda_fw-la hortabatur_fw-la quae_fw-la mores_fw-la instituerent_fw-la &_o quorum_fw-la usus_fw-la domi_fw-la esses_fw-la necessarius_fw-la yet_o these_o two_o famous_a vertuoso_n be_v no_o better_o principled_a in_o morality_n but_o that_o they_o can_v part_v with_o their_o wife_n unto_o other_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n cry_v out_o in_o derision_n of_o they_o o_o famous_a example_n of_o a_o grecian_n wisdom_n and_o roman_a severity_n a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o censor_n make_v a_o shameful_a trade_n of_o their_o wife_n chastity_n aristotle_n and_o cicero_n both_o commend_v revenge_n as_o a_o laudable_a part_n of_o magnanimity_n self-murder_n in_o many_o case_n be_v general_o allow_v off_o by_o the_o best_a of_o their_o casuist_n one_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o most_o general_a use_n among_o mankind_n we_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n whole_o oblige_v to_o divine_a revelation_n for_o that_o excellent_a virtue_n of_o humility_n have_v not_o a_o footstep_n to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o a_o word_n of_o true_a solf-denial_n in_o their_o best_a ethic_n nay_o the_o contrary_a vice_n have_v a_o share_n with_o their_o virtue_n pride_n and_o self-esteem_a be_v a_o disease_n epidemical_a among_o they_o and_o seem_v whole_o incurable_a by_o any_o notion_n they_o have_v some_o arrive_v to_o that_o impudence_n to_o compare_v themselves_o with_o nay_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o their_o own_o god_n it_o be_v either_o a_o horrible_a folly_n to_o deify_v what_o they_o postpone_v to_o their_o own_o self-estimation_n or_o else_o it_o be_v a_o stupendous_a effect_n of_o their_o pride_n to_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v never_o any_o man_n among_o they_o propose_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o own_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o action_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o best_a of_o they_o in_o their_o best_a action_n reflect_v still_o back_o to_o themselves_o and_o determinate_v there_o design_v to_o set_v up_o a_o pillar_n to_o exalt_v their_o own_o fame_n &_o reputation_n &_o to_o bring_v home_o a_o large_a revenue_n of_o glory_n and_o esteem_n to_o their_o own_o name_n especial_o before_o the_o gospel_n be_v extant_a from_o the_o light_n of_o which_o it_o be_v probable_a even_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n themselves_o do_v in_o many_o thing_n rectify_v their_o moral_n in_o after_o time_n nor_o be_v it_o unworthy_a our_o notice_n upon_o how_o much_o safe_o and_o sure_a foundation_n the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o what_o we_o find_v it_o be_v by_o any_o other_o law_n with_o what_o positive_a indispensable_a strictness_n be_v man_n subjection_n to_o authority_n command_v not_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o any_o opposition_n to_o be_v make_v by_o private_a man_n against_o their_o superior_n the_o worst_a prince_n have_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o our_o submission_n when_o we_o can_v actual_o obey_v we_o be_v positive_o oblige_v quiet_o to_o suffer_v we_o find_v the_o world_n govern_v by_o much_o loose_a principle_n among_o the_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_a and_o authority_n exercise_v upon_o much_o unsafe_a term_n it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o they_o to_o rebel_v against_o authority_n if_o they_o think_v it_o not_o well_o exercise_v and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o such_o as_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o call_v tyrant_n and_o invader_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o their_o write_n then_o the_o high_a encomium_n of_o those_o that_o murder_a and_o assassinate_v man_n in_o high_a authority_n and_o nothing_o more_o common_a in_o their_o city_n than_o the_o statue_n of_o such_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o memory_n what_o superlative_a praise_n of_o those_o that_o slay_v the_o tyrant_n of_o thebes_n be_v transfer_v to_o posterity_n nay_o that_o odious_a and_o detestable_a murder_n of_o julius_n caesar_n be_v so_o justify_v and_o applaud_v by_o cicero_n himself_o as_o if_o brutus_n and_o his_o complice_n have_v be_v send_v from_o the_o god_n to_o do_v it_o and_o yet_o in_o truth_n scarce_o do_v the_o sun_n ever_o afford_v its_o light_n to_o a_o vile_a action_n and_o the_o sequel_n of_o it_o sufficient_o testify_v god_n high_a displeasure_n with_o such_o a_o barbarous_a assassination_n for_o the_o people_n of_o rome_n in_o general_a exchange_v their_o condition_n from_o better_a to_o much_o worse_o and_o by_o the_o absoluteness_n and_o severity_n of_o three_o or_o four_o sharp_a master_n feel_v a_o oppression_n far_o beyond_o even_o the_o most_o popular_a complaint_n of_o that_o kind_n against_o caesar_n and_o for_o the_o murderer_n themselves_o it_o fare_v much_o with_o they_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o accuser_n of_o socrates_n every_o one_o of_o they_o come_v to_o a_o untimely_a and_o remarkable_a end_n and_o some_o of_o they_o as_o the_o ancients_n have_v be_v curious_a to_o observe_v slay_v themselves_o with_o the_o very_a same_o sword_n wherewith_o they_o have_v assault_v he_o and_o become_v their_o own_o executioner_n with_o those_o individual_a weapon_n by_o which_o they_o effect_v their_o malice_n against_o his_o noble_a person_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_o heighten_v the_o attainment_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o thing_n all_o revenge_n among_o private_a person_n be_v there_o whole_o explode_v much_o more_o against_o such_o as_o be_v clothe_v with_o authority_n the_o gospel_n bid_v we_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o persecute_v we_o and_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o subject_n ourselves_o to_o authority_n not_o only_o for_o fear_n and_o out_o of_o interest_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o this_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o make_v good_a in_o their_o own_o practice_n while_o they_o live_v under_o that_o monster_n nero_n the_o worst_a of_o emperor_n and_o the_o vile_a of_o men._n the_o whole_a of_o these_o thing_n point_v we_o to_o the_o reasonable_a expectation_n of_o that_o we_o be_v in_o quest_n of_o which_o be_v some_o supernatural_a revelation_n all_o man_n have_v turn_v banquerupt_v upon_o those_o first_o natural_a store_v god_n entrust_v they_o with_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v up_o anew_o upon_o the_o stock_n of_o revelation_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pregnant_o urge_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o then_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o know_a person_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v ransack_v all_o the_o corner_n of_o nature_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v set_v a_o copy_n for_o succeed_a age_n to_o write_v after_o in_o most_o humane_a attainment_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o discover_v the_o certain_a track_n to_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o they_o be_v never_o yet_o able_a to_o frame_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o can_v reasonable_o satisfy_v other_o or_o convince_v the_o wise_a of_o themselves_o or_o much_o less_o upon_o any_o good_a ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o find_v any_o acceptance_n with_o the_o true_a god_n in_o what_o strange_a mist_n of_o religious_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n do_v those_o know_a age_n of_o the_o world_n breath_n out_o themselves_o and_o expire_v make_o the_o mean_a creature_n their_o god_n and_o ascribe_v the_o vile_a quality_n of_o the_o worst_a man_n to_o their_o deity_n loose_v themselves_o in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o vain_a worship_n to_o she_o god_n wicked_a god_n feign_a god_n senseless_a god_n many_o god_n how_o do_v these_o thing_n point_v we_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o foolish_a fancy_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n that_o what_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n can_v not_o find_v out_o or_o have_v lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n may_v acquaint_v he_o with_o and_o at_o once_o discover_v to_o he_o all_o those_o admirable_a topic_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v and_o give_v he_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a account_n how_o the_o world_n come_v first_o to_o be_v make_v and_o of_o those_o