in_o palestine_n nor_o understand_v by_o any_o but_o the_o disperse_a hellenist_n and_o so_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a to_o be_v send_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o that_o church_n who_o never_o own_v any_o scripture_n for_o canonical_a but_o what_o be_v in_o hebrew_n a_o language_n peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o the_o bibles_n they_o constant_o use_v till_o our_o saviour_n time_n in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v all_o in_o hebrew_n three_o there_o be_v in_o most_o of_o these_o book_n some_o eminent_a discovery_n of_o their_o own_o humane_a extraction_n as_o in_o the_o second_o of_o macc._n 2.24_o the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n whoever_o he_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v borrow_v what_o he_o write_v out_o of_o jason_n of_o cyrene_n and_o contract_v five_o book_n of_o his_o into_o one_o volumn_n and_o so_o what_o he_o there_o write_v he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o father_v it_o on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o any_o dictate_v of_o his_o that_o he_o plain_o confess_v it_o be_v none_o 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of_o fact_n be_v so_o notorious_a and_o evident_a that_o bellarmine_n himself_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o it_o and_o say_v plain_o hos_fw-la omnes_fw-la libros_fw-la speak_v of_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n ad_fw-la unum_fw-la rejici_fw-la ab_fw-la hebraeis_n that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o book_n be_v rect_v by_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n contr._n 1._o lib._n 1._o ch_n 10._o and_o confirm_v the_o same_o out_o of_o st._n jerome_n and_o if_o so_o we_o have_v then_o not_o only_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o this_o case_n which_o be_v single_o sufficient_a for_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a contradiction_n to_o make_v any_o book_n part_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v then_o but_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o infallible_a determination_n for_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n full_o and_o constant_o approve_v the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o it_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v with_o so_o much_o exactness_n reduce_v all_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o tacit_o approve_v and_o silent_o pass_v over_o so_o great_a a_o mistake_n about_o the_o rule_n itself_o our_o saviour_n direct_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o then_o have_v they_o as_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a appeal_n to_o their_o own_o bibles_n upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o his_o own_o defence_n expound_v moses_n the_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v then_o extant_a nay_o he_o himself_o read_v and_o preach_v in_o their_o synagogue_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o he_o there_o find_v they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v there_o public_o use_v and_o no_o man_n can_v sober_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v go_v about_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o any_o false_a and_o imperfect_a rule_n the_o apostle_n 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dvos_fw-la cum_fw-la apocryphis_fw-la nil_fw-la habe_fw-la negotii_fw-la catechis_n 4._o read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la origen_n quote_v for_o it_o at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o history_n reckon_v up_o the_o very_a same_o twenty_o two_o book_n for_o the_o canonical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o so_o do_v st._n jerome_n and_o express_o reckon_v the_o other_o apocryphal_a the_o same_o we_o find_v in_o russinus_n who_o say_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n they_o never_o ancient_o call_v libros_fw-la canonicos_fw-la but_o ecclesiasticos_fw-la and_o the_o first_o council_n we_o read_v of_o that_o enter_v into_o a_o consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v that_o of_o laodicea_n about_o the_o year_n 364._o in_o their_o 59_o canon_n declare_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o
old_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o than_o those_o we_o now_o receive_v nor_o be_v these_o apocryphal_a book_n ever_o otherwise_o reckon_v either_o in_o the_o jewish_a or_o christian_a church_n than_o as_o humane_a and_o fallible_a write_n till_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o trent_n be_v please_v to_o declare_v they_o otherwise_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o seem_v sufficient_a to_o any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o clear_v up_o that_o doubt_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n whether_o we_o have_v not_o less_o in_o our_o bibles_n than_o we_o indeed_o ought_v to_o have_v because_o that_o beside_o what_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v of_o late_o do_v to_o canonize_v these_o apocryphal_a write_n no_o other_o addition_n to_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n attempt_v that_o merit_v the_o least_o consideration_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o doubt_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v reasonable_o secure_v that_o our_o bibles_n 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reason_n why_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o we_o know_v it_o be_v about_o the_o epistle_n that_o the_o doubt_n chief_o be_v be_v at_o any_o time_n question_v especial_o such_o as_o be_v more_o remote_o and_o uncertain_o direct_v to_o the_o scatter_a jew_n as_o that_o of_o st._n james_n that_o to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o of_o st._n peter_n which_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a to_o be_v so_o soon_o or_o so_o common_o know_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o come_v by_o as_o those_o epistle_n send_v to_o rome_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n and_o those_o great_a and_o public_a city_n from_o whence_o the_o fame_n of_o they_o will_v soon_o spread_v and_o copy_n be_v upon_o much_o easy_a term_n to_o be_v have_v because_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v where_o the_o original_n be_v second_o there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n from_o any_o question_n that_o be_v make_v heretofore_o to_o raise_v any_o doubt_n now_o about_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n first_o because_o these_o book_n in_o question_n be_v most_o general_o receive_v at_o first_o and_o doubt_v of_o only_a by_o some_o and_o those_o such_o who_o have_v least_o information_n about_o they_o and_o this_o be_v very_o evident_a because_o we_o find_v they_o frequent_o quote_v as_o canonical_a scripture_n by_o many_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian-writer_n in_o those_o age_n next_o the_o apostle_n tertullian_n except_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n have_v in_o his_o work_n quote_v as_o canonical_a scripture_n every_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n we_o now_o receive_v and_o st._n jerome_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n ad_fw-la dardanâ—m_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrews_n and_o some_o other_o of_o those_o book_n about_o which_o we_o now_o discourse_v say_v we_o receive_v they_o not_o from_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o time_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a writer_n second_o they_o contain_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o do_v plain_o harmonise_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o be_v general_o witness_v unto_o by_o other_o book_n about_o which_o no_o question_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v and_o of_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n unless_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o revelation_n which_o yet_o contain_v a_o most_o admirable_a though_o mysterious_a agreement_n with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o prophecy_n of_o ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o to_o this_o book_n beside_o that_o the_o suitableness_n of_o event_n thereunto_o and_o the_o notorious_a fulfil_n of_o many_o prophetical_a passage_n in_o it_o have_v put_v its_o divine_a authority_n out_o of_o all_o question_n we_o have_v as_o great_a a_o testimony_n from_o antiquity_n as_o can_v in_o such_o a_o case_n well_o be_v expect_v justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v very_o near_o the_o apostle_n john_n himself_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o tryphon_n cite_v it_o as_o the_o write_n of_o st._n john_n and_o without_o the_o least_o question_n ascribe_v it_o to_o he_o irenaeus_n who_o live_v some_o small_a time_n after_o justin_n and_o be_v the_o scholar_n of_o polycarp_n who_o be_v the_o scholar_n of_o st._n john_n say_v positive_o it_o be_v write_v by_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n and_o that_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v thereof_o from_o some_o most_o probable_o polycarp_n that_o have_v see_v the_o apostle_n john_n himself_o and_o personal_o converse_v with_o he_o lib._n 4._o cap._n 37._o and_o lib._n 5._o and_o â—ertullian_n in_o his_o four_o book_n against_o martion_n say_v though_o martion_n do_v reject_v the_o apocalypse_v as_o none_o of_o st._n john_n be_v yet_o say_v he_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n tracod_n to_o the_o beginning_n will_v establish_v he_o as_o the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a author_n of_o it_o three_o god_n have_v in_o a_o providential_a way_n determine_v this_o matter_n for_o those_o that_o at_o first_o question_v those_o book_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o primitive_a persecution_n be_v somewhat_o abate_v the_o church_n have_v free_a intercourse_n and_o communication_n together_o and_o come_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v receive_v they_o all_o doubt_n about_o they_o be_v now_o vanish_v luthur_n and_o some_o with_o he_o in_o germany_n who_o be_v the_o last_o that_o revive_v any_o doubt_n of_o that_o kind_a upon_o second_o and_o more_o deliberate_a thought_n recant_v their_o error_n all_o christian_n be_v now_o at_o a_o agreement_n about_o they_o the_o supreme_a establishment_n that_o can_v be_v of_o canonical-authority_n even_o the_o roman_a church_n themselves_o receive_v the_o apocalypse_v into_o their_o canon_n although_o many_o passage_n in_o it_o seem_v very_o particular_o direct_v against_o they_o indeed_o the_o heavenly_a lustre_n of_o these_o book_n be_v
all_o the_o certain_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o another_o and_o a_o far_a world_n and_o the_o great_a account_n of_o all_o invisible_a thing_n and_o second_o because_o it_o be_v the_o high_a motive_n we_o have_v to_o all_o good_a live_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n that_o we_o be_v chief_o oblige_v to_o all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o engage_v against_o all_o the_o corrupt_a prastise_n of_o humane_a life_n when_o we_o consider_v with_o what_o difficulty_n we_o attain_v in_o the_o first_o case_n to_o a_o fix_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o see_v and_o how_o apt_a we_o be_v in_o the_o latter_a to_o decline_v from_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n nothing_o can_v seem_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o rational_a insurance_n about_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o both_o that_o with_o a_o perfect_a security_n to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a 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yet_o not_o acquiess_v single_o in_o the_o conduct_n thereof_o declare_v it_o thereby_o insufficient_a to_o those_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v intend_v and_o such_o be_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o enthusiast_n on_o the_o other_o who_o by_o a_o twofold_a superfoetation_n that_o of_o endless_a tradition_n and_o that_o of_o new_a and_o continue_a revelation_n have_v render_v the_o whole_a scripture_n if_o not_o useless_a yet_o as_o to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o design_n altogether_o deficient_a and_o imperfect_a my_o lord_n i_o seek_v not_o by_o this_o dedication_n to_o countenance_v a_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o any_o way_n to_o secure_v myself_o against_o the_o just_a reproach_n of_o a_o ill_a performance_n the_o first_o will_v engage_v i_o in_o a_o open_a affront_n to_o a_o christian_a state_n and_o the_o other_o oblige_v i_o to_o be_v too_o injurious_a to_o you_o and_o that_o candour_n and_o love_n to_o truth_n you_o possess_v it_o be_v alone_a that_o great_a honour_n and_o that_o entire_a affection_n i_o have_v for_o your_o lordship_n that_o interest_n your_o name_n in_o this_o matter_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o less_o need_v by_o you_o than_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o due_a from_o i_o than_o a_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n that_o myself_o and_o what_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v devote_v to_o your_o service_n i_o know_v my_o lord_n into_o what_o hand_n i_o commit_v these_o paper_n when_o i_o present_v they_o to_o you_o that_o great_a hazard_n to_o which_o they_o be_v expose_v by_o your_o first_o view_n will_v sufficient_o inure_v they_o to_o all_o future_a danger_n i_o consider_v that_o judgement_n with_o which_o they_o be_v put_v to_o encounter_v and_o want_v not_o a_o due_a sense_n what_o the_o success_n must_v needs_o be_v i_o know_v also_o your_o remedying_a kindness_n and_o be_o enough_o secure_v thereby_o be_o in_o this_o case_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n of_o relief_n that_o he_o be_v that_o discourse_v before_o caesar_n who_o thus_o address_v to_o he_o qui_fw-la apud_fw-la te_fw-la caesar_n audent_fw-la dicere_fw-la magnitudinem_fw-la tuam_fw-la ignorant_a qui_fw-la non_fw-la audent_fw-la humanitatem_fw-la my_o lord_n as_o you_o be_v please_v before_o to_o allow_v that_o method_n i_o use_v in_o discover_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n so_o i_o promise_v myself_o some_o acceptance_n in_o the_o account_n i_o now_o give_v you_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture_n belief_n as_o i_o know_v no_o better_a property_n can_v be_v convey_v to_o the_o world_n than_o a_o rational_a possession_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n so_o i_o be_o also_o much_o please_v that_o i_o have_v spend_v some_o part_n of_o my_o time_n in_o do_v what_o you_o require_v to_o who_o i_o owe_v all_o that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o most_o generous_a and_o most_o last_a friendship_n and_o shall_v ever_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v be_v which_o be_v but_o what_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o true_a friend_n and_o most_o humble_a &_o faithful_a servant_n charles_n wolseley_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture-belief_n that_o the_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n there_o needs_o little_a to_o be_v say_v to_o prove_v it_o the_o instance_n be_v as_o hard_o to_o find_v as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o suppose_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n reject_v the_o bible_n as_o fictitious_a and_o yet_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o true_a for_o it_o must_v either_o be_v grant_v there_o be_v no_o law_n any_o where_o extant_a that_o do_v formal_o constitute_v this_o religion_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v of_o any_o religion_n or_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v admit_v here_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o jew_n and_o renounce_v the_o olâ—_n testament_n nor_o he_o a_o mahometan_a that_o disclaim_v the_o koran_n because_o to_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n be_v visible_o to_o raze_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o those_o two_o religion_n although_o the_o fact_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v attest_v to_o by_o other_o writing_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o a_o religion_n establish_v upon_o that_o foundation_n and_o which_o alone_o contain_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o such_o religion_n no_o considerable_a attempt_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o set_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o any_o other_o bottom_n then_o the_o bible_n to_o promulge_v any_o other_o edition_n of_o christian_a law_n to_o write_v any_o counter-story_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n or_o be_v there_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n any_o different_a account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v deduce_v a_o contrary_a or_o other_o system_a of_o the_o christian_a profession_n from_o what_o be_v record_v in_o this_o book_n nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v there_o can_v be_v any_o foundation_n lay_v whereon_o to_o erect_v christianity_n where_o the_o bible_n be_v exclude_v for_o whatsoever_o have_v otherwise_o then_o by_o the_o bible_n by_o write_v or_o tradition_n descend_v down_o to_o the_o world_n touch_v the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v either_o by_o its_o friend_n or_o its_o enemy_n for_o the_o latter_a no_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o any_o heathen_a writer_n of_o any_o christian_a law_n nor_o indeed_o of_o any_o considerable_a matter_n at_o all_o relate_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n far_o than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n itself_o and_o so_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o cumulative_a help_n to_o 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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 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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 wherefore_o it_o shall_v be_v speak_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v prophetical_a and_o may_v relate_v to_o joshuah_n who_o be_v say_v to_o sight_n the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o relation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o joshuah_n or_o judge_n that_o be_v to_o be_v after_o junius_n read_v the_o word_n thus_o idcirco_fw-la dici_fw-la solet_fw-la in_o recensione_n bellorum_fw-la jehovae_fw-la etc._n etc._n wherefore_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o understand_v it_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a book_n but_o that_o among_o the_o war_n that_o god_n dispose_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v in_o those_o time_n a_o famous_a mention_n in_o the_o
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 matter_n first_o how_o we_o come_v to_o reject_v out_o of_o our_o canon_n those_o book_n common_o call_v apocryphal_a which_o be_v write_v at_o least_o all_o but_o one_o of_o they_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o second_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o now_o receive_v some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v sometime_o lie_v under_o question_n if_o we_o mistake_v in_o the_o first_o we_o have_v less_o in_o our_o bibles_n than_o we_o ought_v if_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v much_o more_o than_o we_o shall_v about_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n themselves_o a_o present_a disagreement_n but_o concern_v the_o other_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o reject_v those_o book_n common_o call_v the_o apocrypha_fw-la that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v 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
of_o and_o if_o so_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o first_o that_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n oblige_v himself_o to_o believe_v no_o other_o book_n without_o apparent_a disingenuity_n second_o he_o that_o do_v credit_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n with_o the_o same_o credit_n wherewith_o he_o credit_n other_o author_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v man_n of_o common_a honesty_n that_o will_v not_o know_o write_v a_o untruth_n can_v then_o refuse_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o book_n divine_a and_o infallible_a upon_o as_o good_a term_n of_o credibility_n as_o he_o believe_v any_o the_o best_a humane_a author_n in_o its_o kind_a to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o themselves_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v it_o otherwise_o without_o most_o impudent_a falsehood_n they_o can_v not_o do_v that_o god_n himself_o inspire_v they_o to_o write_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o product_n of_o their_o own_o but_o that_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o further_o and_o more_o unquestionable_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o a_o divine_a witness_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n to_o assure_v we_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n that_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v by_o himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v and_o which_o visible_o accompany_v their_o first_o publication_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o which_o after_o a_o due_a sort_n these_o three_o thing_n will_v natural_o fall_v under_o consideration_n first_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n in_o general_n what_o proper_o it_o be_v second_o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v by_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o the_o two_o first_o be_v of_o a_o eaâ—y_a dispatch_n the_o difficulty_n rest_v in_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o first_o a_o miracle_n be_v proper_o that_o which_o can_v have_v no_o second_o cause_n for_o its_o author_n such_o a_o thing_n as_o no_o create_a power_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n can_v effect_v raise_v man_n dead_a cure_v disease_n by_o speak_v a_o word_n be_v able_a in_o a_o moment_n to_o speak_v all_o language_n be_v thing_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o natural_a ability_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v only_o relate_v to_o god_n as_o effect_n of_o his_o supreme_a and_o unlimited_a power_n and_o suâ—h_o be_v a_o miracle_n second_o for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o claim_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v much_o ease_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o proof_n from_o a_o general_n concession_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n that_o the_o warm_a adversary_n the_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o have_v never_o deny_v the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v their_o testimony_n some_o other_o way_n neither_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o find_v often_o mention_v in_o heathen_a story_n nor_o of_o christ_n be_v deny_v by_o any_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n but_o both_o father_v upon_o egyptian_a magic_a those_o of_o moses_n by_o the_o heathen_n heretofore_o as_o we_o find_v in_o pliny_n and_o apuleius_n pliny_n say_v there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a magic_n depend_v upon_o moses_n and_o the_o cabala_n though_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o never_o any_o law_n so_o positive_o forbid_v magic_a as_o do_v that_o which_o moses_n deliver_v and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n since_o the_o jew_n affirm_v that_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v be_v do_v by_o a_o magical_a skill_n he_o first_o learn_v in_o egypt_n and_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o thence_o and_o julian_n the_o heathen_a say_v that_o peter_n and_o paul_n be_v the_o most_o expeâ—t_a man_n in_o magic_n that_o ever_o live_v and_o that_o â—hrist_n himself_o write_v a_o boâ—k_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o they_o two_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o express_o both_o by_o celsus_n and_o julian_n two_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a malicious_a and_o industrious_a adversary_n that_o ever_o oppose_v the_o christian-profession_n and_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o origin_n second_o book_n against_o celsus_n of_o who_o wâ—â—kâ—_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o what_o be_v there_o repeat_v and_o cyâ—ill's_v six_o book_n against_o juâ—ian_n and_o â—n_o truth_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o christian-church_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o many_o so_o eminent_a so_o visible_a last_v so_o long_o for_o in_o the_o church_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n in_o some_o measure_n they_o last_v and_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o have_v descend_v down_o to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o public_o to_o gainsay_v they_o for_o the_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v bâ—â—ugâ—t_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v not_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a noâ—â—ons_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o to_o our_o reason_n dishonourable_a to_o h_n m_o tend_v to_o seduce_v we_o from_o he_o and_o opposite_a to_o that_o natural_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o be_v but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o they_o come_v in_o direct_a competition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o no_o miracle_n whatever_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o oblige_v i_o to_o what_o my_o judgement_n dissent_v from_o as_o sinful_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v previous_a to_o all_o law_n so_o it_o be_v a_o unrepealeable_a law_n because_o it_o be_v so_o perfect_o the_o result_n of_o my_o reasonable_a self_n that_o shall_v god_n contradict_v it_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o a_o rational_a be_v which_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o be_v think_v second_o it_o be_v not_o against_o reason_n to_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n that_o god_n may_v in_o some_o case_n exert_v a_o supernatural_a power_n by_o ill_a instrument_n for_o trial_n as_o well_o as_o establishment_n god_n have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o do_v nor_o do_v our_o own_o faculty_n recoil_v against_o it_o and_o adjudge_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o trial_n if_o he_o afford_v mean_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v and_o resist_v it_o such_o who_o deny_v this_o latter_a and_o say_v that_o a_o supernatural_a power_n in_o a_o way_n miraculous_a be_v never_o exert_v but_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v a_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o most_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v the_o contrary_a that_o although_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v bâ—ought_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n wondrous_a miranda_fw-la and_o miraâ—itia_n and_o utter_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o conceive_v how_o by_o any_o natural_a power_n they_o shall_v be_v effect_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o miracula_fw-la they_o be_v still_o either_o natural_a effect_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n though_o secret_a and_o occult_a or_o else_o delusion_n some_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o we_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o i_o dissent_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o four_o ground_n first_o that_o which_o they_o say_v do_v no_o way_n answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n three_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n and_o fouthly_a because_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a nation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n aâ—trâ—butes_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n fi_n st_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o for_o if_o god_n suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o exert_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o
at_o large_a in_o the_o 12_o book_n of_o his_o jewish_a antiquity_n some_o will_v needs_o imagine_v that_o antiochus_n so_o far_o prevail_v in_o this_o undertake_n that_o the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a be_v whole_o destroy_v but_o the_o contrary_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o a_o special_a providence_n in_o their_o preservation_n sufficient_o visible_a for_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o storm_n over_o but_o the_o bible_n be_v every_o where_o public_o extant_a have_v be_v particular_o preserve_v by_o mathias_n the_o son_n of_o asmonaeus_fw-la and_o his_o son_n who_o as_o josephus_n say_v resolute_o venture_v their_o life_n in_o the_o do_v it_o and_o also_o by_o other_o good_a man_n and_o be_v universal_o know_v in_o that_o age_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v so_o calvin_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o institutes_n observe_v that_o though_o the_o jew_n have_v undergo_v the_o malice_n of_o manifold_a enemy_n on_o all_o hand_n yet_o neither_o the_o loss_n nor_o the_o change_n nor_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o law_n be_v ever_o by_o their_o worst_a enemy_n object_v against_o they_o and_o indeed_o how_o great_a soever_o their_o enmity_n be_v against_o their_o religion_n yet_o they_o never_o deny_v but_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o law_n they_o have_v be_v the_o same_o he_o deliâ—cred_a at_o first_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n since_o the_o closure_n and_o completion_n of_o the_o whole_a what_o a_o fâ—â—ious_a persecution_n do_v the_o bible_n escape_v in_o the_o time_n of_o dioclesian_n who_o after_o the_o grievous_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o i_o before_o persecution_n assault_v they_o about_o the_o year_n 302_o with_o the_o sore_a and_o most_o cruel_a of_o all_o and_o with_o a_o full_a purpose_n to_o root_n christianity_n utter_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o destroy_v its_o very_a name_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n euselius_fw-la tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o nineteenth_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o publish_v a_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o christianity_n itself_o in_o which_o he_o so_o much_o glory_v that_o he_o cause_v a_o pillar_n to_o be_v erect_v as_o his_o memorial_n to_o all_o posterity_n with_o this_o inscription_n dioclesiano_n casari_fw-la augusto_fw-la superstitione_n christi_fw-la ubique_fw-la deleta_fw-la to_o dioclesian_n the_o emperor_n have_v abolish_v the_o superstition_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o by_o that_o edict_n he_o command_v that_o the_o christian-churche_n shall_v every_v where_o be_v demolish_v the_o christian_n all_o seize_v and_o imprison_v et_fw-la quibuâ—cunque_fw-la adhiâ—itis_fw-la machinis_fw-la victimas_fw-la idolis_fw-la immolare_fw-la cogerentur_fw-la that_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o mean_n fair_a and_o foul_a they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o sacrifice_v unto_o his_o idol_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v every_o where_o seek_v for_o burn_v and_o destroy_v and_o whoever_o retain_v they_o shall_v be_v most_o sharp_o torment_v dioclesian_n at_o this_o time_n have_v the_o command_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n for_o as_o one_o of_o the_o roman_a writer_n say_v romanâ—_n spatium_fw-la est_fw-la vrbis_fw-la &_o orbis_n idem_fw-la the_o scripture_n be_v then_o but_o in_o write_a hand_n man_n general_o quake_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o rage_a tyrant_n very_o many_o apostatise_v and_o deliver_v up_o the_o bible_n to_o his_o wrath_n and_o be_v thereupon_o brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o traditores_fw-la of_o which_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a business_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v have_v a_o large_a account_n have_v not_o the_o life_n of_o deoclesian_n write_v by_o eusthenius_n his_o secretary_n be_v since_o lose_v for_o as_o baronius_n have_v right_o observe_v in_o his_o annal_n we_o have_v now_o no_o writer_n who_o do_v at_o that_o time_n historical_o set_v down_o the_o action_n of_o that_o emperor_n yet_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n deliver_v this_o book_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n disappoint_v his_o fury_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o these_o divine_a law_n the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n tire_v out_o the_o invention_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o find_v out_o way_n to_o torment_v they_o and_o by_o their_o constant_a and_o patient_a suffer_v the_o utmost_a of_o humane_a misery_n even_o weary_v out_o their_o executioner_n one_o remarkable_a passage_n we_o have_v in_o euseblus_fw-la that_o happen_v upon_o this_o occasion_n a_o noble_a man_n in_o nicomedia_n of_o eminent_a quality_n hear_v this_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o bible_n publish_v at_o nicemedâ—a_n after_o it_o be_v read_v and_o open_o fix_v to_o a_o public_a pillar_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o dioclesian_n himself_o maximinius_n galerius_n constantius_n and_o other_o the_o chief_a person_n in_o the_o empire_n for_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o emperor_n to_o come_v themselves_o in_o person_n with_o their_o chief_a attendants_n to_o hear_v their_o own_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n proclaim_v to_o see_v the_o christian_n torment_v and_o to_o make_v themselves_o sport_n with_o their_o misery_n this_o noble_a man_n have_v such_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o before_o the_o emperor_n face_n he_o take_v down_o that_o profane_a and_o impious_a edict_n and_o with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n open_o tear_v it_o to_o piece_n and_z and_o thereby_o willing_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a suffering_n the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o emperor_n can_v any_o way_n make_v he_o the_o subject_n of_o two_o thing_n be_v usual_o urge_v in_o diminution_n of_o the_o â—â—ble_a and_o its_o authority_n upon_o a_o quite_o contrary_a account_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v preserve_v entire_a in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o its_o part_n that_o first_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o be_v then_o extant_a when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v carry_v into_o babylon_n periâ—â—ed_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o esdras_n write_v it_o himself_o all_o over_o again_o upon_o their_o return_n and_o that_o we_o have_v now_o so_o much_o of_o the_o bible_n only_o from_o he_o and_o as_o he_o re-pâ—â—ned_n it_o in_o this_o mr._n hobbs_n in_o the_o 33_o chapter_n of_o his_o leviathan_n where_o he_o have_v not_o fail_v to_o insinuate_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v gratify_v man_n of_o sceptical_a notion_n about_o the_o bible_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o tell_v we_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o from_o no_o other_o time_n then_o that_o of_o esdras_n and_o be_v retrive_v by_o he_o when_o they_o be_v lose_v and_o second_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o many_o particular_a book_n and_o write_n pen_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o once_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v since_o consume_v by_o time_n and_o be_v now_o whole_o lose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o that_o so_o much_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v then_o extant_a which_o be_v the_o whole_a as_o we_o have_v it_o save_o some_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o prophecy_n of_o ezeâ—iel_n daniel_n haggai_n zachary_n and_o masachai_n and_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n be_v total_o lose_v and_o all_o the_o copy_n destroy_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v a_o assertion_n very_o weak_o ground_v and_o there_o be_v very_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n first_o weak_o ground_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o that_o in_o a_o apocryphal_a book_n that_o go_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o esdras_n a_o book_n every_o where_o stuff_v with_o childish_a and_o fabulous_a stoties_fw-la there_o we_o find_v this_o absurd_a fiction_n that_o esdras_n shall_v speak_v unto_o god_n and_o tell_v he_o thy_o law_n be_v burn_v and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v inspire_v to_o write_v it_o all_o over_o again_o and_o to_o wrire_fw-fr all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v be_v forty_o day_n and_o night_n with_o god_n in_o a_o apish_a foolish_a imitation_n of_o moses_n and_o have_v take_v a_o potion_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o he_o dictate_v all_o the_o bible_n over_o again_o to_o five_o man_n now_o of_o how_o little_a credit_n this_o relation_n be_v no_o where_n find_v but_o in_o this_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o any_o consider_a man_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o only_o constant_o reject_v as_o apocryphal_a by_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o a_o counterfeit_n under_o esdras_n his_o name_n and_o none_o of_o he_o but_o have_v be_v so_o by_o all_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 in_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o yet_o so_o must_v the_o table_n be_v turn_v the_o whole_a proof_n must_v so_o be_v invert_v of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v a_o contrary_a application_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v make_v if_o this_o book_n come_v not_o from_o god_n and_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n what_o itself_o open_o claim_v to_o be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n be_v thus_o upon_o the_o forementioned_a ground_n establish_v i_o come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o such_o doubt_n and_o objection_n as_o be_v usual_o make_v about_o it_o all_o the_o material_a difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v propose_v will_v be_v reduceable_a to_o these_o four_o question_n i._n first_o how_o can_v man_n come_v to_o be_v assure_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v first_o write_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o upon_o sure_a ground_n distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n ii_o second_o how_o come_v we_o certain_o to_o know_v the_o true_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o holy_a writ_n how_o can_v we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v now_o contain_v in_o our_o bible_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 stand_a rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v how_o can_v we_o be_v now_o 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 iii_o three_o how_o can_v we_o that_o have_v not_o the_o original_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o the_o autographa_n of_o those_o that_o write_v it_o but_o only_o the_o copy_n of_o they_o and_o most_o but_o the_o translation_n of_o those_o copy_n rest_v assure_v we_o have_v god_n mind_n as_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v iu._n four_o how_o can_v we_o believe_v this_o book_n say_v some_o to_o be_v from_o god_n when_o we_o find_v contain_v in_o 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
break_v forth_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n have_v overspread_n the_o whole_a horizon_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o where_o ever_o the_o gospel_n be_v own_v these_o book_n be_v receive_v with_o that_o veneration_n that_o become_v due_a to_o such_o sacred_a write_n the_o church_n of_o england_n judge_n the_o doubt_n that_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v about_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o worthy_a of_o our_o notice_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o six_o article_n it_o be_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o do_v understand_v those_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n of_o who_o authority_n be_v never_o any_o doubt_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v no_o considerable_a doubt_n no_o general_a doubt_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n nor_o indeed_o any_o such_o doubt_n as_o aught_o to_o disturb_v either_o the_o church_n determination_n or_o any_o particular_a man_n judgement_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o any_o one_o entire_a church_n or_o that_o any_o national_a or_o provincial_a council_n or_o indeed_o that_o any_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n in_o any_o public_a confession_n catechism_n or_o otherwise_o have_v reject_v any_o of_o those_o book_n we_o now_o reckon_v within_o the_o canon_n the_o most_o considerable_a doubt_n that_o we_o find_v make_v about_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v about_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o for_o some_o time_n be_v doubt_v of_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o yet_o eusebius_n say_v only_o it_o be_v doubt_v of_o a_o quibusdam_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la romana_fw-la by_o some_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a much_o of_o that_o doubt_n be_v whether_o st._n paul_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o or_o no_o but_o to_o conclude_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n let_v these_o two_o thing_n be_v consider_v first_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o soon_o as_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v finish_v the_o canon_n of_o that_o be_v exact_o settle_v by_o man_n of_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n and_o those_o last_o prophet_n contemporary_a with_o he_o and_o so_o no_o further_a doubt_n be_v or_o can_v reasonable_o be_v make_v about_o that_o second_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o please_v god_n so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o he_o that_o close_v up_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o write_v the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o so_o far_o outlive_v all_o the_o other_o penman_n that_o he_o himself_o may_v very_o well_o see_v the_o whole_a conjoin_v and_o deliver_v it_o over_o to_o the_o church_n entire_a as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n not_o only_o survive_v titus_n and_o that_o famous_a destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o his_o time_n but_o he_o live_v through_o domitian_n time_n and_o cocceius_n nerva_n time_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n which_o be_v somewhat_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o sixty_o and_o odd_a after_o his_o crucifixion_n so_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o lib._n 2._o p._n 192._o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n it_o shall_v seem_v live_v long_o for_o the_o same_o author_n say_v that_o there_o be_v in_o his_o time_n saniores_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la johannem_fw-la viderint_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o alios_fw-la apostolos_fw-la elder_n that_o have_v not_o only_o see_v s._n john_n but_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v establish_v and_o settle_v by_o apostolical_a authority_n seem_v very_o probable_a s._n austin_n contra_fw-la faust_n man._n lib._n 11._o cap._n 5._o and_o in_o his_o 19_o epist_n positive_o affirm_v it_o distincta_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o à _fw-la posteriorum_fw-la libris_fw-la excellentia_fw-la canonica_n authoritatis_fw-la veteris_fw-la &_o novi_fw-la testamenti_fw-la quae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la confirmata_fw-la temporibus_fw-la saint_n jerome_n say_v johannem_fw-la omnium_fw-la longissimè_fw-la vixisse_fw-la &_o videre_fw-la libros_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o confirmare_fw-la posset_n &_o si_fw-la qui_fw-la fictitij_fw-la liberi_fw-la ederentur_fw-la eos_fw-la à _fw-la sâ—cris_fw-la &_o verè_fw-la canonicis_fw-la distinguere_fw-la that_o the_o apostle_n john_n outlive_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o may_v peruse_v and_o confirm_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o counterfeit_a write_n if_o any_o such_o come_v abroad_o and_o he_o further_o add_v that_o some_o spurious_a write_n concern_v the_o action_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o by_o his_o apostolical_a authirity_n condemn_v they_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr prescript_n say_v express_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v found_v upon_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o eusebius_n give_v this_o plain_a testimony_n to_o it_o narrant_fw-la veteres_fw-la johannem_fw-la asiaticarum_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la rogatu_fw-la germanum_fw-la scripturae_fw-la canonem_fw-la constituisse_fw-la the_o ancients_n tell_v we_o say_v he_o that_o st._n john_n upon_o the_o request_n of_o the_o asiatic_a church_n settle_v the_o true_a canon_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o s._n john_n before_o his_o death_n make_v his_o abode_n much_o at_o sardis_n and_o ephesus_n and_o among_o those_o asiatic_a church_n for_o after_o the_o death_n of_o domitian_n he_o be_v restore_v from_o his_o banishment_n by_o the_o emperor_n nerva_n and_o return_v from_o patmos_n into_o asia_n and_o there_o govern_v the_o church_n until_o his_o death_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_o probable_a that_o upon_o their_o desire_n he_o then_o full_o settle_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o that_o there_o be_v then_o occasion_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o we_o sin_v by_o enseâ—ius_n his_o history_n of_o those_o time_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o s._n john_n himself_o that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v be_v attempt_v by_o false_a apostle_n in_o those_o day_n and_o whatever_o doubt_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v then_o extant_a we_o can_v otherwise_o suppose_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v propose_v to_o he_o and_o end_v in_o his_o apostolical_a determination_n so_o that_o if_o we_o lie_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o st._n john_n live_v so_o long_o after_o all_o â—he_n part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o the_o revelation_n be_v write_v and_o his_o survive_v some_o very_a considerable_a time_n after_o the_o write_n of_o that_o for_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o he_o receive_v those_o vision_n and_o write_v they_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o domitian_n his_o close_n the_o whole_a with_o that_o book_n after_o which_o he_o declare_v as_o many_o think_v by_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n to_o he_o that_o shall_v add_v to_o it_o or_o diminish_v from_o it_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o further_o revelation_n expect_v have_v therein_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n consider_v the_o doubt_n that_o be_v then_o extant_a about_o some_o part_n among_o such_o as_o have_v not_o a_o thorough_a information_n about_o they_o and_o that_o false_a apostle_n do_v then_o appear_v consider_v of_o how_o great_a a_o concern_v it_o be_v then_o and_o will_v be_v to_o all_o future_a age_n to_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n settle_v by_o a_o infallible_a judgement_n and_o consider_v the_o material_a evidence_n we_o have_v from_o many_o primative_a writer_n that_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v there_o seem_v very_o probable_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n john_n before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n do_v full_o determine_v this_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v come_v to_o be_v publish_v abroad_o the_o doubt_n that_o be_v then_o make_v disappeared_n and_o we_o that_o live_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n see_v that_o all_o the_o question_n and_o doubt_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n be_v be_v perfect_o vanish_v and_o the_o whole_a bopy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o gain_v a_o universal_a reception_n three_o how_o can_v we_o that_o have_v not_o the_o original_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o the_o outographa_n be_v of_o those_o that_o write_v they_o but_o only_o the_o copy_n of_o they_o and_o most_o but_o the_o translation_n of_o those_o copy_n rest_v assure_v we_o have_v god_n mind_n as_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v in_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o original_a record_n of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n do_v at_o first_o consist_v of_o perishable_a matter_n and_o have_v undergo_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o all_o other_o write_n it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n
in_o such_o a_o succession_n establish_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o very_o positive_a proof_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o apparent_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n by_o who_o be_v it_o i_o ask_v that_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o by_o jew_n pagan_n or_o heretic_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o jew_n have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o we_o find_v multitude_n of_o text_n that_o give_v in_o a_o daily_a witness_n against_o they_o which_o doubtless_o have_v they_o attempt_v the_o bible_n in_o such_o a_o way_n they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v so_o to_o remain_v upon_o record_n against_o they_o no_o part_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o eminent_a revelation_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o heathenish_a vanity_n and_o at_o once_o dispatch_v all_o false_a god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v heretic_n do_v it_o for_o it_o be_v this_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n mortal_o wound_v they_o the_o scripture_n have_v slay_v their_o thousand_o and_o their_o ten_o thousand_o in_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o assert_v the_o orthodox_n truth_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v in_o all_o age_n keep_v up_o the_o christian_a verity_n and_o still_o bring_v all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o a_o open_a shame_n it_o have_v be_v the_o wrest_v or_o pervert_v not_o the_o corrupt_v of_o scripture_n from_o whence_o all_o heresy_n have_v chief_o arisen_a and_o the_o native_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v still_o prove_v their_o ruin_n nor_o be_v there_o upon_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o matter_n any_o tolerable_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o as_o god_n be_v please_v by_o his_o special_a providence_n to_o secure_v the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o do_v and_o preserve_v it_o entire_a till_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o by_o the_o same_o providence_n he_o have_v secure_v the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a since_o and_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n without_o any_o considerable_a variation_n from_o what_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v first_o write_v and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v due_o consider_v as_o a_o eminent_a help_n towards_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n that_o the_o very_a same_o objection_n which_o some_o man_n now_o please_v themselves_o with_o against_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o old_a testament_n be_v equal_o liable_a to_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n for_o after_o esdras_n time_n the_o old_a testament_n come_v into_o no_o infallible_a band_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v by_o fallible_a mean_n through_o many_o age_n down_o to_o 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