promise_a land_n and_o other_o those_z when_o they_o be_v reestablish_v by_o visible_a miracle_n to_o convince_v the_o incredulity_n of_o a_o people_n who_o be_v whole_o devote_v to_o their_o sense_n god_n take_v a_o long_a extent_n of_o age_n in_o which_o he_o distribute_v his_o miracle_n and_o his_o prophet_n that_o so_o he_o may_v often_o renew_v the_o sensible_a testimony_n by_o which_o he_o attest_v his_o holy_a truth_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o took_v another_o conduct_n he_o will_v no_o more_o reveal_v any_o thing_n anew_o to_o his_o church_n after_o jesus_n christ_n in_o he_o be_v perfection_n and_o fullness_n and_o all_o the_o divine_a book_n that_o have_v be_v compose_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o those_o who_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v please_v to_o choose_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o that_o have_v come_v since_o have_v edify_v it_o but_o it_o have_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o pure_o inspire_v by_o god_n but_o what_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v or_o what_o they_o have_v confirm_v by_o their_o authority_n but_o in_o that_o difference_n which_o be_v find_v between_o the_o book_n of_o the_o two_o testament_n god_n have_v always_o observe_v that_o admirable_a order_n of_o make_v thing_n to_o be_v write_v just_a at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o happen_v or_o at_o least_o when_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v very_o fresh_a and_o so_o those_o that_o know_v they_o write_v they_o those_o that_o know_v they_o receive_v the_o book_n which_o bear_v witness_n of_o they_o and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o have_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o posterity_n as_o a_o most_o precious_a and_o invaluable_a inheritance_n and_o they_o most_o careful_o and_o pious_o have_v preserve_v they_o and_o thus_o be_v form_v the_o body_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o the_o old_a as_o the_o new_a testament_n scripture_n which_o from_o their_o original_a have_v be_v regard_v as_o true_a in_o the_o whole_a as_o give_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o which_o have_v be_v also_o keep_v with_o that_o great_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v think_v none_o can_v dare_v to_o alter_v the_o least_o letter_n of_o it_o without_o a_o strange_a impiety_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v that_o they_o come_v down_o to_o we_o always_o holy_a always_o sacred_a always_o inviolable_a the_o one_o keep_v by_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o other_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o christian_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n and_o martyrdom_n as_o well_o of_o those_o who_o write_v those_o divine_a book_n as_o of_o they_o that_o receive_v '_o they_o st._n austin_n and_o the_o other_o father_n demand_n upon_o who_o faith_n we_o attribute_v the_o profane_a book_n to_o certain_a time_n and_o author_n 6._o aug._n count_v faust_n 11._o 2._o 32._o 21._o 33._o 6._o every_o one_o ready_o answer_v that_o the_o book_n be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o different_a relation_n they_o have_v to_o the_o law_n custom_n and_o history_n of_o a_o certain_a time_n by_o the_o style_n itself_o which_o bear_v impress_v the_o character_n of_o particular_a age_n and_o author_n and_o more_o than_o all_o that_o etc._n iren._n 1.2.17_o tertul._n adv_o marc._n 4._o l._n 4_o 5._o aug._n de_fw-fr utilit_fw-la ce_v 3._o 17._o cont_n faust_n manich._n 22._o 79._o 28._o 4._o 32._o 33._o cont._n adv_o leg_n &_o porph._n 1._o 20._o etc._n etc._n by_o the_o public_a faith_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a tradition_n all_o these_o thing_n concur_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o divine_a book_n to_o distinguish_v the_o time_n and_o to_o mark_v out_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o the_o more_o religion_n there_o be_v in_o preserve_v they_o entire_a the_o more_o indisputable_a be_v the_o tradition_n which_o preserve_v they_o for_o we_o thus_o hat_n it_o be_v always_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o the_o orthodox_n but_o also_o by_o heretic_n and_o even_o by_o infidel_n moses_n have_v ever_o pass_v in_o all_o the_o east_n and_o afterward_o in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o the_o legislator_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n that_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o the_o samaritan_n who_o have_v receive_v they_o from_o the_o ten_o separate_a tribe_n have_v as_o religious_o keep_v they_o as_o the_o jew_n you_o have_v see_v their_o tradition_n and_o their_o history_n two_o people_n so_o opposite_a take_v they_o not_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o both_o receive_v they_o from_o their_o common_a original_a in_o the_o time_n of_o solomon_n and_o david_n the_o ancient_a hebrew_n character_n which_o the_o samaritan_n still_o retain_v do_v sufficient_o show_v that_o they_o have_v not_o follow_v esdras_n who_o change_v they_o thus_o the_o pentateuch_n of_o the_o samaritan_n and_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v two_o complete_a original_n independent_a one_o on_o the_o other_o the_o perfect_a conformity_n that_o be_v see_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o text_n justify_v the_o sincerity_n of_o both_o those_o people_n they_o be_v faithful_a witness_n that_o agree_v without_o understand_v one_o another_o or_o to_o speak_v better_a who_o agree_v together_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o enmity_n 87._o v._o sup_v 1._o part_n p._n 24_o 25_o 34_o 49_o 59_o 63_o 80_o 86_o 87._o and_o which_o only_a immemorial_n tradition_n of_o both_o party_n have_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o mind_n those_o therefore_o who_o say_v though_o without_o any_o reason_n that_o those_o book_n be_v lose_v or_o have_v never_o be_v be_v set_v up_o or_o compose_v a_o new_a or_o alter_v by_o esdras_n beside_o their_o be_v contradict_v by_o esdras_n himself_o as_o may_v very_o well_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o history_n be_v likewise_o so_o by_o the_o pentateuch_n which_o be_v even_o now_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o samaritan_n so_o as_o it_o have_v be_v read_v in_o the_o first_o aga_fw-la by_o eusebius_n of_o cesaria_n st._n jerome_n and_o the_o other_o ecclesiastical_a author_n so_o as_o those_o people_n have_v keep_v it_o in_o their_o original_a and_o a_o sect_n so_o weak_a as_o that_o seem_v not_o to_o continue_v so_o long_o but_o to_o bear_v this_o testimony_n to_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n the_o author_n that_o write_v the_o four_o evangelist_n receive_v no_o less_o assure_v testimony_n from_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o heathen_n and_o the_o heretic_n that_o great_a number_n of_o various_a people_n who_o receive_v and_o translate_v those_o divine_a book_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v make_v agree_v in_o their_o date_n and_o in_o their_o author_n the_o heathen_n have_v not_o contradict_v this_o tradition_n nor_o colsus_n who_o attack_v those_o sacred_a book_n even_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n nor_o julian_n the_o apostate_n though_o he_o be_v neither_o ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n nor_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v descredit_v they_o nor_o have_v any_o other_o heathen_a ever_o suspect_v they_o to_o be_v supposititious_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v all_o give_v they_o the_o same_o author_n as_o the_o christian_n the_o heretic_n although_o they_o be_v confound_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n yet_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n nay_o some_o of_o those_o heretic_n see_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n and_o before_o who_o eye_n be_v write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o fraud_n if_o there_o can_v possible_o be_v any_o will_v have_v appear_v too_o near_o to_o have_v be_v successful_a it_o be_v true_a after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v already_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n martion_n and_o man_n always_o the_o most_o rash_a and_o the_o most_o ignorant_a of_o all_o the_o heretic_n notwithstanding_o the_o tradition_n come_v from_o the_o apostle_n continue_v by_o their_o disciple_n and_o by_o the_o bishop_n to_o who_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o chair_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n and_o unanimous_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o evangelist_n be_v supposititious_a and_o that_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n which_o they_o prefer_v to_o all_o the_o other_o they_o know_v not_o why_o since_o it_o come_v by_o no_o other_o way_n have_v be_v falsify_v but_o what_o proof_n give_v they_o of_o this_o nothing_o but_o mere_a vision_n no_o positive_a matter_n of_o fact_n all_o the_o reason_n they_o give_v be_v that_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o
what_o be_v fabulous_a or_o at_o most_o thing_n that_o be_v confuse_v and_o half_o forget_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o be_v to_o say_v without_o controversy_n the_o most_o ancient_a book_n in_o the_o world_n bring_v we_o back_o by_o so_o many_o curious_a but_o precise_a accident_n and_o by_o the_o same_o thread_n of_o thing_n to_o their_o true_a principle_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o do_v point_n out_o to_o we_o so_o distinct_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o universe_n that_o of_o man_n in_o particular_a the_o happiness_n of_o his_o first_o estate_n the_o cause_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o frailty_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deluge_n the_o beginning_n of_o art_n and_o those_o of_o nation_n the_o distribution_n of_o country_n in_o a_o word_n the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n and_o other_o matter_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n whereof_o humane_a history_n speak_v but_o confuse_o and_o oblige_v we_o elsewhere_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o certain_a source_n of_o they_o and_o if_o the_o antiquity_n of_o religion_n give_v it_o so_o much_o authority_n its_o continue_a course_n without_o interruption_n and_o without_o alteration_n for_o so_o many_o successive_a age_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o its_o manifold_a surprise_v obstacle_n do_v manifest_o discover_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o sustain_v it_o what_o be_v there_o more_o marvellous_a than_o to_o behold_v it_o always_o subsist_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o neither_o the_o idolatry_n and_o impiety_n which_o surround_v it_o on_o every_o side_n nor_o the_o tyrant_n that_o have_v persecute_v it_o nor_o the_o heretic_n and_o infidel_n who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v it_o nor_o the_o cowardly_a that_o have_v betray_v it_o nor_o the_o unworthy_a schismatic_n who_o have_v dishonour_v it_o by_o their_o crime_n nor_o to_o conclude_v the_o length_n of_o time_n which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o wear_v away_o all_o humane_a thing_n neither_o of_o these_o i_o say_v have_v be_v capable_a not_o only_o not_o to_o extinguish_v but_o so_o much_o as_o to_o alter_v it_o if_o we_o now_o shall_v consider_v what_o idea_n this_o religion_n for_o who_o antiquity_n we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o reverence_n give_v we_o of_o its_o object_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o first_o be_v we_o shall_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v superior_a to_o all_o humane_a apprehension_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v regard_v as_o come_v from_o god_n himself_o that_o god_n who_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o christian_n have_v always_o serve_v and_o worship_v have_v nothing_o in_o common_a with_o those_o divinity_n full_a of_o imperfection_n and_o even_o of_o vice_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n adore_v our_o god_n be_v one_o infinite_a perfect_a only_o worthy_a to_o revenge_v wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o crown_n virtue_n because_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v holiness_n itself_o he_o be_v infinite_o above_o that_o first_o cause_n and_o of_o that_o first_o mover_n which_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a have_v acknowledge_v but_o yet_o have_v not_o adore_v those_o of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v the_o most_o remote_a have_v propose_v to_o we_o one_o god_n who_o find_v a_o matter_n eternal_a and_o exist_v by_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o have_v put_v it_o into_o frame_n and_o fashion_v it_o as_o a_o common_a artificer_n constrain_v in_o his_o work_n by_o that_o matter_n and_o by_o those_o disposition_n which_o he_o do_v not_o make_v without_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v that_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o itself_o it_o can_v not_o stay_v to_o have_v its_o perfection_n from_o a_o strange_a hand_n and_o that_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o perfect_a he_o have_v not_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v but_o only_o of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o omnipotent_a will._n but_o the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o who_o moses_n have_v deliver_v wonder_n to_o we_o have_v not_o only_o range_v this_o world_n but_o he_o have_v do_v it_o all_o entire_a in_o its_o matter_n and_o in_o its_o form_n before_o he_o have_v give_v it_o a_o be_v nothing_o have_v it_o but_o himself_o he_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o that_o god_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o by_o his_o word_n as_o well_o because_o he_o do_v all_o by_o the_o most_o excellent_a reason_n as_o because_o he_o do_v it_o without_o the_o least_o of_o difficulty_n and_o that_o to_o make_v such_o a_o most_o glorious_a work_n as_o this_o world_n he_o be_v only_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o one_o word_n that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o cost_v he_o no_o more_o than_o his_o bare_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n since_o we_o have_v begin_v it_o moses_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o that_o mighty_a architect_n to_o who_o thing_n cost_v so_o little_a be_v please_v to_o make_v they_o at_o several_a time_n and_o by_o return_n from_o thence_o where_o he_o have_v before_o give_v over_o and_o to_o create_v the_o world_n in_o six_o day_n to_o show_v that_o he_o act_v not_o through_o a_o impulse_n of_o necessity_n or_o through_o a_o blind_a impetuosity_n as_o some_o philosopher_n have_v vain_o imagine_v the_o sun_n emit_v at_o once_o without_o any_o reserve_n the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o ray_n but_o god_n who_o act_v by_o intelligence_n and_o with_o a_o sovereign_a liberty_n apply_v his_o virtue_n and_o power_n to_o what_o he_o please_v and_o just_a to_o so_o much_o too_o as_o he_o please_v and_o as_o in_o make_v the_o world_n by_o his_o word_n he_o discover_v that_o nothing_o can_v trouble_v or_o withhold_v he_o by_o make_v it_o at_o several_a resumption_n it_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o master_n of_o his_o matter_n of_o his_o action_n of_o all_o his_o enterprise_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o in_o any_o of_o his_o proceed_n any_o other_o rule_n but_o his_o will_n which_o be_v always_o right_a by_o itself_o this_o conduct_n of_o almighty_a god_n do_v likewise_o show_v to_o we_o that_o every_o thing_n come_v immediate_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n the_o people_n and_o the_o philosopher_n who_o have_v believe_v that_o the_o earth_n mingle_v with_o water_n and_o assist_v forsooth_o with_o the_o warm_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n have_v produce_v of_o itself_o through_o its_o own_o fecundity_n plant_n and_o animal_n be_v most_o gross_o mistake_v the_o scripture_n have_v make_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o element_n be_v barren_a if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v they_o not_o fruitful_a neither_o the_o earth_n nor_o the_o water_n nor_o the_o air_n will_v ever_o have_v have_v plant_n or_o animal_n which_o we_o now_o see_v in_o they_o if_o god_n who_o have_v make_v and_o prepare_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o have_v not_o also_o form_v they_o by_o almighty_a will_n and_o have_v not_o give_v to_o every_o thing_n the_o proper_a seed_n whereby_o to_o multiply_v in_o all_o the_o succeed_a age_n those_o who_o see_v the_o plant_n to_o take_v their_o birth_n and_o their_o increase_n by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n may_v think_v that_o that_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o they_o but_o the_o scripture_n have_v plain_o make_v it_o out_o to_o we_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v clothe_v with_o grass_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o plant_n before_o ever_o the_o sun_n be_v make_v that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o on_o god_n alone_o be_v all_o dependence_n it_o please_v that_o great_a workmaster_n to_o create_v light_n before_o he_o have_v put_v it_o into_o the_o form_n which_o he_o have_v give_v it_o in_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n because_o he_o will_v inform_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o these_o great_a and_o magnificent_a luminary_n which_o we_o will_v so_o willing_o make_v divinity_n have_v by_o themselves_o neither_o that_o curious_a and_o shine_a matter_n whereof_o they_o be_v now_o compose_v nor_o that_o admirable_a form_n to_o which_o we_o see_v they_o now_o reduce_v in_o a_o word_n the_o account_n of_o the_o creation_n such_o as_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o of_o it_o discover_v to_o we_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o true_a philosophy_n that_o in_o god_n alone_o reside_v absolute_a fullness_n and_o power_n happy_a wise_a almighty_a alone_o sufficient_a in_o himself_o he_o act_v without_o necessity_n as_o he_o act_v without_o need_n never_o straighten_a nor_o constrain_v nor_o puzzle_v with_o his_o matter_n wherewith_o he_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v because_o he_o have_v by_o his_o alone_a will_n give_v to_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o its_o be_v by_o this_o sovereign_a right_n he_o turn_v it_o he_o fashion_v it_o he_o move_v it_o without_o pain_n or_o uneasiness_n all_o
they_o never_o think_v they_o do_v so_o constance_n who_o persecute_a st._n athanasius_n the_o defender_n of_o the_o ancient_a faith_n ardent_o desire_v say_v ammianus_n marcellinus_n 15._o id._n lib._n 15._o to_o get_v he_o condemn_v by_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v over_o the_o other_o by_o seek_v to_o support_v himself_o with_o that_o authority_n he_o make_v the_o heathen_n themselves_o sensible_a of_o what_o be_v want_v to_o his_o sect_n and_o honour_v the_o church_n from_o which_o the_o arrian_n have_v depart_v thus_o the_o gentile_n themselves_o acknowledge_v the_o catholic_n church_n if_o any_o one_o ask_v they_o where_o they_o keep_v their_o assembly_n and_o who_o be_v their_o bishop_n they_o never_o deceive_v they_o as_o for_o heresy_n whatsoever_o they_o make_v they_o can_v never_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o name_n of_o then_o author_n the_o sabellian_o the_o paulianist_n the_o arrian_n the_o pelagian_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v scandalize_v in_o vain_a at_o the_o title_n of_o the_o faction_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o the_o world_n whatsoever_o they_o can_v do_v will_v speak_v natural_o and_o design_v every_o sect_n by_o he_o from_o who_o it_o first_o spring_v as_o for_o the_o great_a church_n the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n it_o be_v always_o impossible_a to_o affix_v any_o other_o author_n to_o it_o than_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o nor_o to_o assign_v to_o it_o the_o first_o of_o its_o pastor_n without_o go_v up_o as_o high_a as_o to_o the_o very_a apostle_n nor_o to_o give_v it_o any_o other_o name_n than_o what_o it_o have_v before_o take_v so_o that_o what_o heretic_n soever_o be_v make_v they_o can_v not_o conceal_v it_o from_o the_o heathen_n she_o open_v to_o they_o her_o bosom_n all_o â—he_n world_n over_o and_o they_o run_v to_o she_o in_o troop_n some_o of_o they_o be_v possible_o lose_v in_o the_o by-path_n but_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o great_a way_n wherein_o enter_v always_o most_o of_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o experience_n have_v sufficient_o discover_v that_o to_o she_o it_o be_v give_v to_o bring_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n her_o also_o it_o be_v who_o the_o unbelieving_a emperor_n attack_v with_o all_o their_o power_n and_o force_n 2._o orig._n cont_n cell_n 7._o just._n apol._n 2._o origen_n tell_v we_o that_o few_o of_o the_o heretic_n be_v sufferer_n for_o the_o faith_n st._n justin_n more_o ancient_a than_o he_o have_v observe_v that_o the_o persecution_n spare_v the_o marcionite_n and_o the_o other_o heretic_n the_o heathen_n only_o persecute_v that_o church_n which_o they_o see_v spread_v herself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o only_o acknowledge_v herself_o for_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n what_o matter_n it_o to_o pull_v off_o some_o of_o the_o branch_n she_o good_a sap_n be_v not_o lose_v for_o all_o that_o she_o go_v into_o other_o place_n and_o the_o cut_n down_o the_o superfluous_a wood_n serve_v but_o to_o make_v the_o fruit_n come_v better_o in_o fine_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v always_o find_v that_o when_o ever_o one_o heresy_n impair_v it_o she_o recover_v her_o loss_n both_o by_o enlarge_n outward_o and_o increase_v inward_o light_a and_o piety_n whilst_o she_o behold_v in_o some_o distant_a corner_n the_o cut_v off_o branch_n to_o dry_a and_o wither_v the_o work_n of_o man_n be_v perish_v notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n to_o support_v it_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v continue_v and_o the_o church_n have_v triumph_v over_o idolatry_n and_o all_o error_n whatsoever_o this_o church_n so_o always_o attack_v scripture_n xiii_o general_a reflection_n on_o the_o progress_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v between_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o never_o overcome_v be_v a_o perpetual_a miracle_n and_o a_o clear_a and_o shine_a testimony_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a council_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o agitation_n of_o humane_a affair_n she_o still_o support_v herself_o with_o a_o invincible_a force_n so_o that_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a course_n for_o near_o these_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n do_v we_o see_v she_o come_v up_o even_o to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o she_o have_v collect_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o ancient_a people_n and_o be_v find_v reunite_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o patriarch_n and_o so_o many_o astonish_a miracle_n which_o the_o hebrew_n of_o old_a see_v with_o their_o eye_n do_v still_o serve_v at_o this_o day_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n that_o great_a god_n who_o wrought_v they_o for_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o unity_n and_o his_o almightiness_n what_o can_v he_o do_v more_o authentic_a to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o than_o to_o leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o so_o great_a a_o people_n the_o act_n which_o punctual_o attest_v they_o in_o order_n of_o time_n this_o be_v what_o we_o now_o have_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a book_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o of_o antiquity_n where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v teach_v and_o his_o service_n ordain_v in_o those_o book_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v always_o so_o religious_o keep_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n who_o original_o know_v god_n the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o consequent_o the_o only_a people_n to_o who_o the_o divine_a secret_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v they_o also_o keep_v they_o with_o a_o most_o religious_a care_n those_o book_n which_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o other_o people_n call_v divine_a be_v lose_v long_o since_o and_o there_o scarce_o remain_v so_o much_o as_o any_o confuse_a remembrance_n of_o they_o in_o ancient_a history_n the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o roman_n wherein_o numa_n the_o author_n of_o their_o religion_n have_v write_v the_o mystery_n of_o they_o be_v perish_v even_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o roman_n themselves_o and_o the_o senate_n command_v they_o to_o be_v burn_v as_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o same_o roman_n at_o last_o suffer_v likewise_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n 34._o tit._n liv._o li._n 40._o c._n 29._o varr._n l._n the_o cult_a dear_a ap_fw-mi aug._n the_o civ_o 12._o 34._o to_o be_v destroy_v which_o be_v for_o so_o long_a time_n reverence_v by_o they_o as_o prophetical_a and_o wherein_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o find_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n concern_v their_o empire_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o never_o publish_v i_o do_v not_o say_v one_o single_a volume_n but_o so_o much_o as_o one_o single_a oracle_n it_o have_v be_v only_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v have_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n in_o so_o much_o the_o great_a veneration_n as_o they_o be_v the_o more_o know_v of_o all_o the_o ancient_a people_n these_o alone_o preserve_v the_o primitive_a monument_n of_o their_o religion_n albeit_o they_o so_o full_o give_v testimony_n of_o their_o infidelity_n with_o that_o of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o at_o this_o very_a day_n do_v this_o people_n still_o remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n to_o carry_v into_o all_o nation_n where_o they_o be_v disperse_v together_o with_o the_o course_n and_o progress_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o miracle_n and_o prediction_n which_o render_v it_o immovable_a when_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v and_o send_v by_o his_o father_n to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n he_o confirm_v his_o mission_n and_o that_o of_o his_o disciple_n by_o new_a miracle_n which_o have_v be_v also_o write_v with_o the_o same_o exactness_n the_o act_n of_o they_o have_v be_v publish_v all_o the_o world_n over_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n person_n and_o place_n have_v make_v the_o examen_fw-la easy_a to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v careful_a of_o their_o salvation_n the_o world_n be_v inform_v the_o world_n have_v believe_v and_o if_o we_o have_v but_o ever_o so_o little_o consider_v the_o ancient_a monument_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v avow_v that_o never_o have_v any_o thing_n be_v determine_v with_o more_o of_o reflection_n and_o knowledge_n but_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n which_o the_o book_n of_o the_o two_o testament_n have_v to_o one_o another_o there_o be_v one_o difference_n to_o be_v consider_v that_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o ancient_a people_n be_v compose_v at_o divers_a time_n some_o be_v the_o time_n of_o moses_n other_o those_o of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o other_o of_o the_o king_n some_o be_v those_o when_o the_o people_n be_v bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o receive_v the_o law_n other_o those_o when_o they_o obtain_v the_o
persuade_v a_o whole_a nation_n even_o the_o old_a man_n who_o have_v see_v that_o prophet_n and_o have_v always_o look_v for_o that_o miraculous_a deliverance_n which_o he_o have_v foretell_v they_o of_o esdras_n and_o nehemiah_n can_v not_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o their_o time_n some_o other_o must_v have_v do_v it_o in_o their_o name_n and_o those_o who_o have_v make_v all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n will_v have_v be_v so_o esteem_v by_o posterity_n that_o the_o other_o falsifyer_n will_v have_v gain_v little_a credit_n to_o their_o imposture_n no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v have_v be_v ashamed_a of_o so_o many_o extravagancy_n and_o instead_o of_o say_v that_o esdras_n have_v of_o a_o sudden_a bring_v to_o light_v so_o many_o book_n so_o different_a one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o the_o character_n both_o of_o style_n and_o time_n one_o must_v affirm_v that_o he_o may_v have_v insert_v into_o they_o the_o miracle_n and_o prediction_n which_o make_v they_o to_o pass_v for_o divine_a a_o error_n more_o gross_a still_o than_o the_o former_a since_o that_o those_o miracle_n and_o those_o prediction_n be_v so_o intersperse_v in_o all_o those_o book_n so_o often_o inculcate_v and_o repeat_v with_o such_o different_a turn_n and_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o powerful_a figure_n in_o a_o word_n they_o have_v so_o constitute_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o that_o if_o we_o have_v ever_o but_o so_o much_o as_o open_v those_o holy_a book_n we_o must_v see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o easy_a perfect_o to_o make_v a_o new_a model_n of_o they_o than_o to_o insert_v in_o they_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o incredulous_a be_v so_o much_o puzzle_v to_o find_v there_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v they_o whatsoever_o they_o ask_v yet_o the_o miraculous_a and_o divine_a part_n be_v so_o much_o the_o foundation_n of_o those_o book_n that_o they_o must_v be_v yet_o acknowledge_v whatsoever_o aversion_n any_o may_v have_v to_o they_o and_o admit_v that_o esdras_n may_v have_v add_v afterward_o the_o prediction_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v already_o happen_v in_o his_o time_n yet_o those_o which_o be_v fulfil_v since_o which_o you_o have_v see_v in_o so_o great_a a_o number_n who_o shall_v superadd_a they_o god_n it_o be_v possible_a may_v have_v bestow_v on_o esdras_n the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n that_o so_o the_o imposture_n of_o esdras_n may_v seem_v the_o more_o probable_a and_o they_o may_v rather_o have_v a_o false_a one_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n than_o isaiah_n or_o jeremiah_n or_o daniel_n or_o else_o every_o age_n may_v have_v have_v a_o prosperous_a counterfeit_n who_o may_v impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n and_o that_o new_a impostor_n through_o a_o admirable_a zeal_n of_o religion_n may_v have_v continual_o be_v add_v to_o the_o divine_a book_n after_o that_o the_o canon_n may_v have_v be_v close_v that_o they_o may_v be_v spread_v abroad_o with_o the_o jew_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o translate_v into_o so_o many_o strange_a language_n will_v not_o this_o have_v be_v out_o of_o eagerness_n of_o desire_n to_o establish_v the_o religion_n the_o way_n utter_o to_o destroy_v it_o will_v a_o whole_a nation_n so_o easy_o suffer_v a_o change_n of_o what_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v divine_a whether_o through_o conviction_n of_o reason_n or_o through_o the_o power_n of_o error_n can_v any_o one_o hope_v to_o persuade_v christian_n nay_o or_o turk_n to_o add_v but_o one_o single_a chapter_n either_o to_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o the_o alcoran_n but_o perhaps_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v more_o docile_a than_o other_o people_n or_o not_o so_o religious_a as_o to_o preserve_v their_o holy_a book_n what_o monster_n of_o opinion_n must_v come_v into_o their_o mind_n to_o make_v then_o willing_a to_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o not_o to_o regulate_v their_o sentiment_n no_o more_o than_o their_o manner_n but_o by_o their_o distort_a reason_n let_v none_o say_v that_o the_o discussion_n of_o these_o matter_n be_v perplex_v and_o troublesome_a for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o they_o must_v either_o lay_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o so_o many_o age_n or_o else_o push_v on_o the_o examination_n to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n and_o never_o believe_v they_o can_v be_v rid_v of_o it_o but_o say_v they_o require_v still_o more_o time_n than_o will_v be_v give_v to_o their_o salvation_n but_o certain_o not_o to_o turn_v over_o the_o book_n of_o both_o the_o testament_n with_o a_o endless_a labour_n we_o need_v only_o read_v the_o book_n of_o psalm_n where_o be_v collect_v so_o many_o ancient_a song_n of_o god_n people_n to_o see_v there_o in_o the_o most_o divine_a poetry_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o immortal_a monument_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n of_o that_o of_o the_o judge_n and_o king_n imprint_v by_o song_n and_o measure_n in_o man_n mind_n and_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o bare_a epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n so_o lively_a and_o original_a so_o strong_a as_o to_o time_n both_o of_o the_o affair_n and_o motion_n which_o then_o be_v and_o in_o short_a of_o so_o point_v a_o character_n those_o epistle_n i_o say_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v address_v and_o from_o thence_o communicate_v to_o other_o church_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v all_o honest_a mind_n that_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v we_o be_v according_a to_o the_o original_a so_o likewise_o do_v they_o support_v one_o another_o with_o a_o invincible_a force_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o epistle_n suppose_v it_o necessary_a but_o that_o all_o may_v agree_v together_o both_o the_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n do_v every_o where_o own_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o jew_n st._n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v continual_o allege_v what_o moses_n have_v say_v 10.5.19_o act._n 3.22.7.31_o 32_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 10.5.19_o what_o the_o prophet_n have_v say_v and_o write_v after_o moses_n jesus_n christ_n call_v to_o witness_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n as_o witness_n who_o all_o depose_v the_o same_o truth_n when_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o explain_v his_o mystery_n 47._o ibid._n 27._o john_n 5.46_o 47._o he_o begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o when_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o moses_n write_v of_o he_o he_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o foundation_n what_o be_v most_o certain_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o the_o very_a spring_n head_n of_o their_o own_o tradition_n but_o however_o we_o will_v see_v what_o can_v be_v oppose_v to_o this_o so_o acknowledge_v a_o authority_n and_o to_o the_o consent_n of_o so_o many_o age_n for_o since_o in_o our_o day_n man_n have_v be_v so_o presumptuous_a and_o dare_a as_o to_o print_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o language_n book_n against_o the_o scripture_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o dissemble_v or_o conceal_v what_o they_o allege_v for_o the_o decry_v its_o antiquity_n therefore_o what_o say_v they_o to_o justify_v the_o pentateuch_n be_v supposititious_a and_o what_o can_v be_v object_v to_o a_o tradition_n of_o three_o thousand_o year_n stand_v uphold_v by_o its_o own_o power_n and_o by_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n nothing_o of_o consequence_n nothing_o that_o be_v positive_a nothing_o that_o be_v of_o weight_n and_o substance_n some_o little_a chicanery_n and_o quarrel_n they_o have_v at_o number_n place_n and_o name_n and_o such_o observation_n that_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n be_v reckon_v at_o most_o but_o as_o vain_a curiosity_n uncapable_a of_o reach_v the_o stress_n of_o the_o case_n be_v here_o allege_v to_o we_o by_o way_n of_o decision_n of_o a_o affair_n the_o most_o serious_a that_o ever_o be_v there_o be_v say_v they_o difficulty_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v on_o it_o which_o yet_o there_o will_v not_o be_v weâ—e_v the_o book_n less_o ancient_a or_o have_v they_o be_v supposititious_a and_o make_v as_o they_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o say_v by_o a_o cunning_a and_o industrious_a man_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o religious_a as_o to_o give_v it_o we_o as_o they_o find_v it_o but_o have_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o correct_v it_o where_o it_o do_v not_o please_v they_o there_o be_v difficulty_n which_o arise_v by_o length_n of_o time_n when_o place_n have_v change_v their_o name_n or_o condition_n when_o date_n be_v forget_v when_o genealogy_n be_v no_o further_o know_v when_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o the_o fault_n which_o a_o copy_n