apostle_n think_v of_o their_o own_o write_n and_o what_o authority_n they_o challenge_v as_o due_a to_o they_o irenaeus_n one_o of_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o age_n sufficient_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o own_o time_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o heretic_n against_o who_o he_o write_v pretend_v that_o their_o opinion_n come_v original_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o whatever_o the_o apostle_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o their_o write_n yet_o they_o teach_v those_o very_a thing_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n which_o these_o heretic_n since_o maintain_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o irenaeus_n do_v not_o only_o confute_v their_o pretence_n by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v clear_a and_o undoubted_a tradition_n for_o the_o catholic_n faith_n which_o in_o those_o early_a time_n can_v easy_o be_v trace_v up_o to_o the_o very_a apostle_n 3._o apostle_n iren._n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o but_o likewise_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o set_v up_o oral_a tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o apostle_n ibid._n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o because_o the_o very_a same_o gospel_n which_o they_o at_o first_o preach_v they_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o write_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o testimony_n we_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o the_o very_a art_n which_o those_o heretic_n use_v either_o to_o undermine_n or_o evade_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolical_a write_n plain_o show_v their_o authority_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o sacred_a and_o decisive_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o same_o age_n do_v full_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o learned_a mr._n dodwell_n have_v observe_v 41._o observe_v dissert_n in_o irenaeum_n l._n n._n 40_o 41._o that_o st._n paul_n epistle_n be_v general_o know_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n soon_o of_o any_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n write_n and_o according_o beside_o the_o testimony_n which_o st._n peter_n give_v they_o which_o we_o have_v already_o mention_v we_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o ignatius_n the_o early_a writer_n of_o the_o second_o age_n be_v very_o industrious_a in_o imitate_v st._n paul_n style_n and_o use_v his_o expression_n as_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n his_o reader_n shall_v take_v notice_n that_o he_o have_v study_v his_o epistle_n the_o authority_n indeed_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v be_v call_v in_o question_n because_o the_o author_n be_v not_o have_v set_v his_o name_n to_o it_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v s._n paul_n or_o not_o but_o as_o this_o epistle_n must_v be_v of_o apostolical_a authority_n be_v old_a than_o clemens_n romanus_n who_o plain_o allude_v to_o it_o in_o two_o place_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 36._o corinthian_n n._n 17_o &_o 36._o so_o the_o style_n the_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o work_n discover_v it_o to_o be_v s._n paul_n but_o s._n peter_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o dispute_n for_o the_o say_n which_o he_o quote_v in_o his_o second_o epistle_n as_o s._n paul_n be_v certain_o take_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 10.37_o hebrew_n 2_o pet._n 3.15_o compare_v with_o hebr._n 10.37_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o s._n peter_n be_v quote_v by_o s._n polycarp_n who_o write_v just_a after_o ignatius_n death_n about_o the_o same_o time_n certain_a pious_a man_n travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n on_o purpose_n to_o communicate_v the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o eusebius_n inform_v we_o 37._o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 37._o which_o he_o to_o be_v sure_o understand_v of_o the_o four_o gospel_n now_o extant_a which_o only_o be_v reckon_v authentic_a in_o his_o time_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v esteem_v so_o in_o the_o middle_a of_o the_o second_o age_n because_o justin_n martyr_n quote_v they_o general_o whenever_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o in_o irenaeus_n time_n their_o authority_n be_v settle_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n for_o he_o say_v positive_o 11._o positive_o iren._n l._n 3._o c._n 11._o that_o there_o be_v four_o gospel_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o and_o indeed_o the_o authenticalness_n of_o four_o gospel_n seem_v to_o be_v owe_v to_o st._n john_n himself_o who_o make_v they_o into_o one_o complete_a code_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o 12._o before_o p._n 11._o 12._o the_o same_o iraeneus_n give_v a_o large_a testimony_n to_o the_o revelation_n and_o often_o quote_v the_o first_o epistle_n of_o s._n john_n 8._o john_n ap_fw-mi euseb_n h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 18._o &_o l._n 5._o c._n 8._o i_o think_v it_o not_o improper_a to_o give_v this_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o early_a christian_a writer_n to_o the_o most_o considerable_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o show_v how_o good_a a_o foundation_n there_o be_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n canon_n and_o how_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o mr._n hobb_n insinuation_n to_o the_o contrary_a who_o tell_v we_o 33._o we_o leviathan_n part_n 3._o c._n 33._o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o receive_v nor_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o by_o the_o church_n till_o the_o council_n of_o laodicca_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o year_n 364._o recommend_v they_o to_o christian_n as_o if_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o acknowledge_v such_o particular_a book_n for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o they_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o as_o he_o speak_v and_o enumerate_v by_o a_o council_n which_o have_v as_o little_a truth_n in_o it_o as_o what_o he_o say_v just_a afterward_o that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o council_n all_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o ecclesiastic_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o downright_a and_o wilful_a falsity_n in_o he_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o ignorance_n as_o a_o grosser_n can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n which_o he_o have_v describe_v i_o find_v man_n general_o agree_v in_o believe_v mr._n hobbs_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n and_o several_a other_o ill_a book_n and_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o have_v a_o great_a deference_n for_o their_o authority_n though_o the_o parliament_n which_o according_a to_o he_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o declare_v what_o book_n or_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v than_o a_o council_n have_v not_o yet_o give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o his_o write_n or_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v true_a if_o this_o argument_n of_o his_o be_v good_a but_o to_o return_v i_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v collect_v all_o that_o can_v be_v allege_v to_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o new-testament-canon_n nor_o will_v i_o go_v far_o upon_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v already_o undertake_v by_o that_o learned_a person_n who_o will_v short_o publish_v a_o elaborate_v collection_n of_o all_o the_o various_a readins_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n from_o who_o the_o world_n may_v expect_v full_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n however_o i_o can_v but_o just_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n as_o our_o author_n intimate_v 85._o intimate_v fr._n p._n 266._o eng._n p._n 85._o that_o some_o book_n be_v receive_v into_o it_o who_o author_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o argue_v of_o who_o inspiration_n we_o can_v be_v certain_a he_o instance_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n but_o there_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o s._n paul_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o epistle_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o and_o as_o to_o the_o whole_a new-testament_n canon_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o design_n of_o those_o that_o compile_v it_o only_o to_o gather_v together_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o such_o as_o write_v by_o their_o direction_n as_o the_o ancient_n tell_v we_o s._n mark_n do_v by_o s._n peter_n 15._o peter_n clem._n alex._n ap_fw-mi eus_n h.e._n l._n 2._o c._n 15._o &_o s._n luke_n by_o s._n paul_n 20._o paul_n iren_n ap_fw-mi eund_n l._n 5._o c._n 8._o grot._n in_o luc._n 21.34_o &_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25._o compare_v with_o luk._n 22.19_o 20._o so_o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o some_o book_n be_v doubt_v of_o be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o clear_o appear_v whether_o they_o be_v write_v by_o apostle_n or_o not_o and_o assoon_o as_o that_o point_n be_v clear_v
history_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o that_o learned_a man_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v attend_v to_o the_o whole_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o josephus_n in_o that_o place_n for_o that_o historian_n do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o public_a history_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n but_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o public_a record_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o entire_a view_n of_o that_o section_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o josephus_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n be_v write_v but_o likewise_o how_o they_o be_v preserve_v after_o they_o be_v write_v the_o care_n of_o write_v they_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o other_o passage_n assure_v we_o not_o exclude_v those_o priest_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n the_o preserve_v they_o he_o here_o tell_v we_o be_v particular_o the_o business_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o likewise_o exact_o preserve_v the_o genealogy_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o renew_v they_o when_o the_o copy_n be_v impair_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v all_o lose_v by_o war_n and_o other_o accident_n and_o therefore_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o public_a record_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o same_o author_n usual_o call_v the_o holy_a write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d g._n 〈◊〉_d antiq._n p._n 73._o g._n p._n 140._o a._n p._n 176._o g._n the_o book_n lay_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n under_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o neighbour_a country_n for_o so_o philo_n byblius_n 1_o byblius_n ap._n euseb_n praep._n evang._n l._n 1_o say_v of_o sanchuniathon_n that_o he_o collect_v the_o phenician_a antiquity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o the_o record_n lay_v up_o in_o their_o temple_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o subject_n from_o those_o many_o instance_n i_o have_v give_v which_o show_n it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v their_o historian_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o man_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o inspiration_n and_o though_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v but_o abridgement_n of_o the_o large_a commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o they_o be_v real_o of_o as_o much_o authority_n as_o those_o very_a annal_n will_v be_v which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v extant_a for_o if_o a_o epitome_n be_v faithful_o make_v and_o i_o suppose_v mr._n n._n do_v not_o question_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o sacred_a historian_n whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n and_o credibility_n with_o the_o original_a write_n so_o that_o if_o we_o lie_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o the_o character_n of_o the_o compiler_n of_o these_o historical_a book_n the_o matter_n and_o design_n of_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n and_o above_o all_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n these_o be_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o believe_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v enough_o to_o give_v divine_a authority_n to_o a_o historical_a book_n though_o neither_o the_o matter_n nor_o word_n of_o it_o be_v indict_v by_o inspiration_n as_o for_o the_o history_n of_o esther_n mr._n n._n have_v take_v much_o pain_n 249._o pain_n fr._n p._n 164_o etc._n etc._n eng._n p._n 249._o and_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o skill_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o dramatic_a poesy_n and_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o book_n look_v like_o a_o fiction_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o tragicomedy_n he_o indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o affirm_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o party_n in_o the_o dispute_n but_o a_o man_n will_v hardly_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o make_v another_o opinion_n look_v probable_a if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o so_o himself_o but_o whatever_o his_o own_o sentiment_n be_v to_o show_v himself_o impartial_a and_o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o conceal_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o critical_o remark_n 252._o remark_n eng._n p._n 169._o fr._n p._n 252._o that_o one_o condition_n necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o dramatic_a write_n be_v want_v viz._n unity_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o must_v needs_o seem_v a_o considerable_a objection_n to_o so_o nice_a a_o judge_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o objection_n which_o i_o confess_v have_v more_o weight_n with_o i_o and_o seem_v quite_o to_o turn_v the_o scale_n and_o make_v his_o remark_n appear_v mere_a fancy_n and_o fiction_n viz._n that_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n be_v real_o observe_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o deliverance_n record_v in_o this_o book_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v i_o believe_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v keep_v a_o anniversary_n feast_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v 15.36_o do_v 2_o macâ—_n 15.36_o without_o some_o real_a ground_n for_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a occasion_n of_o it_o as_o he_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v 253._o insinuate_v eng._n p_o 170._o fr._n p._n 253._o i_o desire_v either_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o feast_n to_o be_v as_o very_o a_o fiction_n as_o he_o suppose_v the_o history_n be_v or_o else_o inform_v we_o how_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o be_v so_o far_o impose_v upon_o as_o to_o observe_v it_o for_o till_o he_o do_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n i_o shall_v still_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o real_a feast_n and_o the_o other_o a_o true_a history_n but_o though_o this_o play_n do_v not_o succeed_v he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o give_v over_o but_o try_v his_o skill_n upon_o another_o subject_a and_o turn_v the_o book_n of_o job_n into_o a_o tragicomedy_n 99_o tragicomedy_n fr._n p._n â—â—4_n eng._n p._n 99_o and_o i_o confess_v this_o book_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o poetry_n and_o with_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o too_o as_o a_o ordinary_a reader_n may_v easy_o discover_v under_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o translation_n and_o therefore_o methinks_v our_o author_n who_o understand_v the_o rule_n and_o decorum_n of_o poetry_n so_o well_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o those_o pathetic_a strain_n that_o be_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n and_o some_o other_o place_n of_o that_o book_n for_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o they_o will_v not_o become_v a_o grave_a philosophical_a discourse_n yet_o i_o believe_v he_o may_v have_v find_v several_a speech_n in_o the_o old_a tragedy_n write_v with_o as_o much_o vehemence_n and_o warmth_n and_o yet_o the_o severe_a philosopher_n commend_v those_o write_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o contain_v very_o useful_a instruction_n of_o life_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n suffer_v the_o holy_a writer_n to_o comply_v so_o far_o with_o their_o own_o genius_n and_o the_o humour_n which_o then_o prevail_v among_o the_o grave_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o deliver_v great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n in_o poetical_a number_n and_o expression_n both_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o nice_a reader_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o despise_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v as_o elevate_v thought_n and_o as_o noble_a expression_n in_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o any_o greece_n or_o rome_n can_v boast_v of_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o use_v a_o plain_a popular_a style_n it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o choice_n and_o because_o they_o rather_o aim_v at_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o ignorant_a than_o to_o gain_v applause_n from_o the_o learned_a cant._n learned_a v._o orig._n c._n cell_n p._n 275_o 371_o 372._o ed._n cant._n but_o still_o man_n perhaps_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o these_o expression_n may_v do_v well_o in_o a_o profane_a poem_n but_o be_v not_o so_o proper_a for_o a_o sacred_a one_o and_o do_v not_o become_v the_o mouth_n of_o a_o person_n eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o patience_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v the_o objector_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o 3_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n which_o so_o much_o offend_v mr._n n._n 100_o n._n fr._n p._n 275._o eng._n p._n 100_o when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o
reason_n to_o believe_v that_o either_o job_n or_o his_o friend_n speak_v every_o thing_n which_o they_o say_v by_o inspiration_n as_o to_o the_o latter_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a for_o god_n himself_o say_v that_o they_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o he_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a 42.8_o right_a job_n 42.8_o and_o even_o job_n himself_o though_o he_o maintain_v the_o right_a side_n in_o the_o controversy_n yet_o now_o and_o then_o be_v guilty_a of_o too_o vehement_a expostulation_n 10.2_o expostulation_n c._n 7.11_o etc._n etc._n 10.2_o with_o god_n almighty_a he_o stand_v too_o much_o upon_o his_o own_o justification_n 6._o justification_n c._n 9_o 17.-10.7.-16.17.-13.23_a see_v c._n 33.9_o 10_o 11_o 34.5_o 6._o and_o vindication_n of_o his_o innocency_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o censure_v the_o method_n of_o providence_n too_o free_o 19.7.-23.13_a free_o c._n 9.22_o 23_o 19.7.-23.13_a for_o which_o fault_n we_o find_v afterward_o he_o earnest_o beg_v god_n pardon_n and_o etc._n and_o c._n 42.3_o etc._n etc._n repent_v of_o they_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n i_o willing_o acknowledge_v what_o the_o jew_n themselves_o allow_v paraphrase_n allow_v see_v bp._n patrick_n appendix_n to_o his_o paraphrase_n though_o they_o be_v very_o jealous_a of_o give_v this_o honour_n to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n that_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v prophet_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o grant_v this_o for_o we_o find_v eliphaz_n himself_o profess_v that_o he_o have_v a_o night-vision_n 4.13_o night-vision_n job_n 4.13_o which_o be_v not_o altogether_o 16._o altogether_o see_v c._n 33.15_o 16._o unusual_a in_o those_o day_n but_o job_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o that_o famous_a passage_n of_o he_o 27_o he_o job_n 19.25_o 26_o 27_o i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v etc._n etc._n which_o st._n jerom_n locum_fw-la jerom_n in_o locum_fw-la just_o call_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o also_o because_o god_n speak_v 31.8_o speak_v job_n 31.8_o to_o he_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o see_v a_o shekinah_n 42.5_o shekinah_n c._n 42.5_o or_o visible_a appearance_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n but_o allow_v all_o this_o i_o see_v no_o proof_n that_o the_o discourse_n set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o therefore_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o book_n itself_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o consist_v in_o this_o viz._n as_o it_o be_v a_o historical_a account_n of_o job_n behaviour_n before_o and_o under_o his_o affliction_n and_o of_o his_o happy_a issue_n out_o of_o they_o all_o together_o with_o his_o reflection_n and_o the_o discourse_n he_o have_v with_o his_o friend_n upon_o that_o occasion_n write_v by_o god_n direction_n for_o the_o use_v of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o a_o vindication_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o permit_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v afflict_a and_o since_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o book_n the_o author_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v and_o consequent_o we_o can_v argue_v that_o it_o be_v inspire_v from_o the_o character_n of_o its_o author_n the_o evidence_n for_o its_o be_v inspire_a or_o write_v by_o god_n direction_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n as_o that_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o this_o book_n particular_o recommend_v by_o st._n james_n 5.11_o james_n james_n 5.11_o to_o the_o use_v of_o christian_n especial_o since_o the_o design_n of_o it_o do_v exact_o answer_v the_o character_n which_o st._n paul_n 15.4_o paul_n rom._n 15.4_o give_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n in_o general_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v may_v suffice_v in_o answer_n to_o mr._n n_n objection_n against_o the_o book_n of_o job_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o beside_o the_o powerful_a comfort_n this_o book_n afford_v to_o the_o afflict_a and_o the_o submission_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o yield_v to_o god_n will_n and_o to_o adore_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o his_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o obvious_a design_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v likewise_o of_o excellent_a use_n upon_o another_o account_n viz._n as_o it_o give_v we_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o natural_a religion_n 31._o religion_n see_v c._n 31._o when_o it_o be_v in_o its_o prime_n and_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o those_o early_a age_n before_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v lose_v or_o the_o world_n quite_o overrun_v with_o idolatry_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o our_o author_n allege_v against_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n his_o opinion_n concern_v these_o in_o general_n be_v 27._o be_v fr._n p._n 230._o eng._n p._n 27._o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o inspiration_n but_o only_o of_o piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o compose_v they_o and_o he_o further_o say_v that_o any_o devout_a man_n may_v easy_o nowadays_o praise_v god_n in_o that_o manner_n but_o all_o the_o pious_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o never_o look_v upon_o their_o own_o composure_n as_o equal_a to_o the_o psalm_n whereas_o if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v assist_v only_o with_o a_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n i_o can_v not_o see_v why_o the_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o as_o well_o qualify_v to_o make_v hymn_n to_o god_n as_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o pious_a and_o devout_a man_n but_o say_v mr._n n._n 104._o n._n ubi_fw-la sup_n &_o fr._n p._n 277._o eng._n p._n 104._o david_n never_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n who_o speak_v by_o god_n authority_n use_v to_o do_v now_o though_o it_o be_v false_a that_o david_n never_o use_v this_o expression_n for_o in_o several_a place_n he_o use_v those_o very_a word_n or_o such_o as_o be_v equivalent_a 2.7.110.1_o equivalent_a 1_o sam._n 23.2_o psal_n 2.7.110.1_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o service_n it_o will_v do_v mr._n n._n unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o praising_n god_n by_o inspiration_n be_v the_o same_o as_o deliver_v a_o message_n from_o he_o and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o his_o name_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a occasion_n to_o usher_v in_o what_o be_v say_v with_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n 7._o lord_n see_v mr._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n c._n 7._o sure_a mr._n n._n think_v that_o because_o we_o grant_v prophecy_n to_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o inspiration_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v real_o no_o other_o sort_n but_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o of_o another_o mind_n when_o he_o say_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o diversity_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n 12.29_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 12.29_o and_o if_o the_o foot_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o hand_n i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n 15._o body_n ib._n v._n 15._o and_o we_o may_v easy_o apply_v the_o apostle_n reason_v to_o our_o present_a case_n on_o this_o manner_n if_o mr._n n._n shall_v say_v because_o compose_v of_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n be_v not_o prophesy_v nor_o bring_v a_o message_n from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o inspiration_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o inspiration_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o holy_a writer_n look_v upon_o praising_n god_n by_o spiritual_a song_n when_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o gift_a person_n as_o a_o real_a and_o distinct_a sort_n of_o inspiration_n and_o therefore_o call_v it_o prophesy_v 1.67_o prophesy_v 1_o sam._n 10.5_o 1_o chr._n 25.1_o 1_o cor._n 11.5_o exod._n 15.20_o see_v mr._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n ch_n 7._o and_o 8_o and_o dr._n hammond_n up_o on_o st._n luke_n 1.67_o as_o that_o word_n be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o inspiration_n in_o general_n and_o methinks_v without_o descant_v so_o nicely_n upon_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o weigh_v god_n gift_n in_o a_o balance_n to_o try_v it_o they_o can_v be_v find_v want_v as_o our_o author_n do_v this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v man_n that_o god_n design_v the_o book_n of_o psalm_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o the_o psalm_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o
writer_n that_o i_o know_v as_o our_o author_n himself_o observe_v sup_n observe_v ubi_fw-la sup_n so_o that_o as_o he_o true_o add_v a_o man_n must_v fetch_v all_o out_o of_o his_o own_o stock_n that_o intend_v to_o answer_v he_o however_o if_o this_o discourse_n do_v not_o prove_v satisfactory_a i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o engage_v some_o able_a pen_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o if_o that_o be_v the_o only_a good_a it_o do_v it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o vnserviceable_a in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o must_v desire_v of_o those_o who_o think_v i_o have_v not_o carry_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o high_a as_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o i_o or_o uncharitable_o censure_v i_o as_o if_o i_o design_v to_o betray_v the_o cause_n which_o i_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o my_o performance_n to_o undertake_v the_o argument_n themselves_o and_o do_v justice_n to_o so_o good_a a_o causa_fw-la i_o assure_v they_o i_o shall_v hearty_o wish_v they_o success_n in_o their_o undertake_n and_o shall_v be_v glad_a if_o my_o argument_n appear_v weak_a because_o they_o be_v strong_a for_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n the_o content_n chap_n i._o general_n consideration_n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new-testament_n the_o method_n of_o the_o whole_a treatise_n propose_v pag._n 1_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o new-testament_n write_n contain_v in_o six_o proposition_n p._n 3_o i._o proposition_n god_n design_v to_o provide_v a_o mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 5_o ii_o prop._n the_o best_a mean_n of_o preserve_a christianity_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v by_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o after_o age_n by_o write_v p._n 6_o iii_o prop._n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v deliver_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o write_v because_o he_o use_v the_o same_o mean_n former_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n p._n 10_o the_o reason_n which_o enduce_v st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_v to_o write_v their_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o ancient_a church-writer_n p._n 12_o iu._n prop._n god_n have_v actual_o make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o way_n for_o the_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 13_o v._n prop._n the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o divine_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 15_o the_o reason_n which_o move_v st._n luke_n and_o st._n john_n to_o write_v their_o gospel_n p._n 16_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n be_v design_v for_o general_n use_v though_o many_o of_o they_o write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n p._n 17_o reflection_n upon_o the_o style_n and_o way_n of_o write_v use_v by_o st._n paul_n p._n 18_o concern_v the_o general_a epistle_n p._n 21_o vi_o prop._n the_o age_n immediate_o follow_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n look_v upon_o their_o write_n as_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n p._n 22_o reflection_n upon_o a_o passage_n in_o mr._n hobs_n leviathan_n concern_v the_o date_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n canon_n p._n 26_o a_o answer_n to_o mr._n n.'s_n objection_n that_o some_o book_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o new_a testament_n canon_n who_o author_n be_v not_o know_v p._n 28_o four_o corollary_n or_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o whole_a 1_o inference_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v the_o apostle_n as_o full_o when_o they_o write_v as_o when_o they_o preach_v p._n 29_o 2_o inference_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o several_a case_n dictate_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o word_n and_o style_n they_o shall_v use_v and_o in_o all_o case_n preserve_v they_o from_o use_v such_o expression_n as_o will_v natural_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n p._n 31_o what_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o interpret_n the_o style_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o argue_v from_o the_o term_n they_o use_v p._n 35_o 3_o inference_n since_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v owe_v to_o god_n providence_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n the_o compose_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o natural_a mean_n no_o more_o than_o other_o act_n of_o providence_n do_v p._n 37_o 4_o inference_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o a_o book_n be_v be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o write_v upon_o a_o particular_a exigency_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o that_o time_n p._n 40_o chap._n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o inspiration_n p._n 42_o the_o general_a head_n treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n p._n 44_o in_o what_o case_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v their_o judgement_n as_o man_n and_o do_v not_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n three_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n propose_v p._n 45_o 1_o cor._n 7.12_o at_o large_a explain_v p._n 46_o to_o grant_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v some_o thing_n without_o inspiration_n do_v not_o prejudice_v their_o authority_n as_o to_o other_o p._n 53_o in_o all_o other_o case_n beside_o those_o before_o except_v the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o write_v by_o the_o particular_a direction_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n p._n 55_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o a_o apostle_n p._n 57_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o etc._n etc._n and_o 1_o thes_n 4.8_o consider_v p._n 58_o the_o assistance_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o christ_n have_v say_v to_o they_o p._n 62_o this_o prove_v 1._o from_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o he_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o temporal_a state_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o disciple_n p._n 63_o 2_o from_o his_o parable_n concern_v the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 65_o 3_o from_o the_o gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v of_o explain_v the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 68_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n when_o they_o be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o magistrate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n p._n 73_o s._n matt._n 10.20_o vindicated_n from_o the_o gloss_n of_o mr._n n._n p._n 74_o several_a instance_n give_v of_o his_o and_o other_o modern_a writer_n art_n to_o evade_v the_o true_a force_n of_o scripture_n expression_n ibid._n mr._n n.'s_n unsincerity_n in_o pass_v by_o the_o plain_a instance_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o boldness_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o apostle_n p._n 78_o st._n paul_n behaviour_n before_o the_o council_n act_v 23._o clear_v from_o mr._n n.'s_n aspersion_n p._n 80_o st._n stephen_n behaviour_n act_v 7._o vindicated_n p._n 84_o mr._n n.'s_n objection_n against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n particular_o answer_v 1_o objection_n that_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v and_o confer_v with_o each_o other_o answer_v p._n 88_o 2_o objection_n that_o st._n peter_n after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v need_n of_o a_o vision_n to_o instruct_v he_o answer_v p_o 95_o 3_o objection_n that_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n barnabas_n be_v force_v to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o have_v that_o controversy_n decide_v whether_o the_o gentile_a convert_v be_v bind_v to_o observe_v the_o law_n answer_v p._n 97_o 4_o objection_n st._n peter_n dissimulation_n at_o antioch_n answer_v p._n 104_o 5_o objection_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v only_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o make_v man_n fit_a to_o instruct_v answer_v p._n 104_o 1_o tim._n 4.13_o 14._o clear_v p._n 106_o why_o st._n paul_n give_v direction_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o inspire_a person_n at_o corinth_n p._n 110_o a_o brief_a answer_n to_o some_o lesser_a cavil_n p._n 112_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n p._n 115_o the_o personal_a qualification_n of_o the_o prophet_n consider_v both_o as_o to_o their_o intellectual_a accomplishment_n p._n 116_o and_o their_o moral_a one_o p._n 121_o the_o original_a design_n of_o god_n send_v prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o hinder_v they_o from_o have_v recourse_n to_o heathen_a oracle_n and_o divination_n p._n 126_o the_o prophetical_a office_n design_v for_o great_a purpose_n p._n 129_o 1_o to_o admonish_v the_o people_n of_o their_o duty_n p._n 130_o 2_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o
and_o from_o thence_o proceed_v to_o explain_v what_o be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a and_o if_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v once_o prove_v that_o of_o the_o old_a must_v follow_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n because_o the_o former_a give_v testimony_n to_o the_o latter_a and_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o one_o may_v be_v easy_o apply_v to_o the_o other_o mr._n n._n allow_v the_o history_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n to_o be_v exact_a and_o true_a relation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o suppose_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o inspiration_n to_o write_v a_o true_a history_n etc._n history_n fr._n p._n 231_o etc._n etc._n engl._n p._n 28._o etc._n etc._n he_o grant_v likewise_o that_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n for_o write_v their_o epistle_n 113._o epistle_n fr._n p._n 282_o 283._o eng._n p._n 112_o 113._o but_o all_o this_o while_n he_o take_v no_o notice_n that_o these_o write_n be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o age_n which_o one_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v make_v out_o will_v prove_v their_o divine_a original_a and_o sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n pure_o humane_a where_o providence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a hand_n in_o the_o composure_n since_o it_o neither_o can_v be_v pretend_v that_o the_o author_n be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o publish_v his_o will_n nor_o that_o their_o work_n be_v design_v for_o so_o general_a a_o use_n as_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n give_v a_o definition_n of_o a_o inspire_a write_n and_o then_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_o such_o a_o inspire_a write_v i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o book_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o incitation_n direction_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n and_o design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o new-testament-writing_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n i._o god_n design_v to_o provide_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o this_n can_v not_o be_v do_v so_o well_o in_o any_o ordinary_a way_n or_o humane_a mean_n as_o by_o commit_v this_o doctrine_n to_o write_v iii_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o way_n than_o any_o other_o because_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o mean_n before_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n iv_o he_o have_v actual_o make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o way_n for_o the_o convey_n down_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v v._o the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o of_o equal_a authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a vi_o the_o age_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n look_v upon_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o think_v the_o make_v out_o these_o proposition_n some_o of_o which_o need_v very_o little_a proof_n will_v full_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o when_o they_o be_v make_v out_o such_o consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o as_o will_v silence_v most_o of_o the_o cavil_n and_o objection_n which_o the_o author_n of_o these_o letter_n and_o some_o other_o have_v raise_v against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o scripture_n i._o the_o first_o proposition_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v this_o god_n design_v to_o provide_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o proposition_n i_o think_v any_o christian_n will_v take_v for_o grant_v and_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v not_o to_o dispute_v with_o infidel_n but_o to_o lay_v down_o those_o principle_n upon_o which_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v build_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v presuppose_v because_o the_o author_n i_o be_o to_o deal_v with_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o have_v raise_v objection_n against_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o write_n which_o christian_n have_v all_o along_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v therefore_o that_o no_o christian_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n for_o every_o christian_a believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o afford_v to_o the_o world_n he_o believe_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 16.18_o mat._n 28.20_o 16.18_o and_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o i._n e._n it_o shall_v never_o be_v so_o far_o weaken_v as_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n shall_v cease_v or_o the_o church_n be_v perfect_o deprive_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o save_a truth_n nothing_o further_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o illustrate_v this_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o proposition_n god_n can_v not_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o by_o any_o humane_a mean_n so_o well_o as_o by_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o after_o age_n by_o write_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n almighty_a what_o method_n he_o shall_v use_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n or_o confine_v he_o to_o any_o one_o way_n of_o do_v it_o but_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n commit_v to_o write_v be_v liable_a to_o less_o inconvenience_n and_o difficulty_n than_o any_o other_o way_n of_o convey_v down_o divine_a truth_n whereas_o all_o other_o way_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v of_o transmit_v divine_a revelation_n be_v encumber_v with_o so_o many_o difficulty_n that_o without_o a_o constant_a series_n of_o miracle_n they_o can_v never_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v make_v choice_n of_o any_o such_o method_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n by_o for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o god_n never_o work_v more_o miracle_n than_o needs_o must_v nor_o ever_o suspend_v or_o overbear_v the_o force_n of_o natural_a agent_n without_o evident_a necessity_n but_o always_o use_v second_o cause_n and_o humane_a mean_n as_o far_o as_o they_o will_v go_v and_o therefore_o that_o method_n which_o offer_v least_o violence_n to_o nature_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o by_o god_n some_o man_n indeed_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v show_v itself_o without_o a_o constant_a series_n of_o miracle_n but_o they_o that_o consider_v thing_n more_o exact_o rather_o judge_v that_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o miracle_n will_v real_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n for_o often_o to_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n that_o first_o contrive_v it_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o two_o way_n of_o god_n communicate_v his_o will_n to_o several_a successive_a age_n without_o the_o help_n of_o write_v either_o oral_a tradition_n or_o make_v a_o particular_a revelation_n to_o every_o single_a person_n or_o at_o least_o to_o all_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o in_o their_o duty_n now_o both_o these_o way_n be_v liable_a to_o such_o difficulty_n and_o do_v suppose_v so_o many_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o god_n power_n to_o prevent_v those_o error_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n attend_v they_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o method_n which_o god_n use_v in_o govern_v the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o pursue_v this_o matter_n any_o further_a nor_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n to_o which_o both_o these_o method_n be_v obnoxious_a and_o to_o correct_v which_o a_o constant_a interposition_n of_o miracle_n will_v be_v necessary_a the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o former_a have_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o faith_n the_o dr._n tillotson_n
gospel_n show_n that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o the_o general_n use_v of_o the_o church_n to_o record_v the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o all_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o though_o it_o be_v some_o particular_a emergency_n that_o may_v induce_v the_o evangelist_n to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n which_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o providential_a motion_n yet_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o not_o only_o answer_v that_o particular_a end_n which_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o their_o be_v write_v but_o be_v of_o general_n use_v and_o fit_v to_o all_o age_n and_o time_n we_o have_v already_o mention_v the_o occasion_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n be_v writing_n their_o gospel_n st._n luke_n give_v a_o 1.1_o a_o luk._n 1.1_o account_n of_o his_o undertake_n himself_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v that_o since_o many_o have_v write_v a_o history_n of_o our_o savior_n life_n and_o action_n who_o want_v some_o advantage_n of_o know_v the_o particular_n which_o he_o have_v he_o himself_o be_v exact_o inform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n and_o party_n concern_v set_v about_o a_o more_o accurate_a account_n of_o these_o matter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o every_o christian_a who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v it_o seem_v from_o hence_o that_o commit_a thing_n to_o write_v be_v in_o st._n luke_n judgement_n the_o most_o certain_a mean_n of_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o other_o as_o for_o st._n john_n it_o be_v plain_a by_o compare_v his_o gospel_n with_o the_o other_o three_o that_o he_o have_v see_v the_o rest_n and_o approve_v they_o 24_o they_o v._o eus_n h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 24_o and_o therefore_o supply_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a which_o the_o former_a evangelist_n have_v omit_v that_o so_o all_o of_o they_o together_o may_v be_v a_o complete_a account_n of_o all_o that_o jesus_n do_v and_o teach_v and_o he_o 〈◊〉_d himself_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o design_n in_o write_v his_o gospel_n be_v 20.31_o be_v joh._n 20.31_o that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n and_o that_o believe_v they_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o many_o of_o st._n paul_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o particular_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o be_v occasion_v by_o some_o dispute_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o time_n which_o may_v be_v think_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o general_n use_v of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v admirable_o illustrate_v by_o they_o and_o many_o of_o the_o more_o mysterious_a part_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n more_o 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serviceable_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o if_o we_o examine_v it_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o criticism_n be_v far_o from_o be_v regular_a and_o exact_a but_o his_o free_a use_n of_o digression_n and_o those_o long_a one_o too_o sometime_o open_v he_o a_o way_n into_o a_o large_a subject_n and_o of_o more_o general_n use_v and_o do_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o that_o one_o particular_a point_n which_o it_o be_v his_o main_a design_n to_o treat_v of_o and_o when_o we_o find_v he_o take_v occasion_n from_o every_o hint_n to_o explain_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o its_o precept_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o sign_n that_o his_o holy_a soul_n be_v full_a of_o this_o noble_a subject_n but_o be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n influence_v his_o pen_n and_o make_v he_o enlarge_v himself_o upon_o those_o point_n which_o be_v of_o universal_a concern_v and_o will_v be_v for_o the_o perpetual_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n a_o signal_n instance_n of_o this_o you_o may_v see_v in_o that_o large_a digression_n in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n which_o reach_v from_o the_o 13._o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n to_o the_o 5._o verse_n of_o the_o seven_o where_o he_o discourse_v of_o some_o of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n with_o such_o a_o true_a spirit_n of_o piety_n and_o with_o such_o a_o powerful_a force_n of_o natural_a eloquence_n that_o if_o we_o may_v prefer_v one_o part_n of_o that_o inspire_a teacher_n write_n before_o another_o we_o may_v call_v this_o one_o of_o the_o most_o elevate_v discourse_n in_o all_o st._n paul_n epistle_n and_o as_o both_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o epistle_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v write_v discover_v to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o christian_n so_o we_o shall_v find_v st._n peter_n to_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n who_o word_n justify_v all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v for_o he_o place_n st._n paul_n epistle_n in_o a_o equal_a rank_n with_o those_o holy_a write_n which_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v upon_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o much_o his_o word_n import_v ii_o pet._n 3.15_o 16._o where_n speak_v of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o they_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a man_n wrest_v and_o apply_v to_o ill_a purpose_n to_o establish_v corrupt_a doctrine_n he_o add_v as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_z scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n which_o expression_n of_o other_o scripture_n plain_o imply_v that_o st._n peter_n look_v upon_o st._n paul_n epistle_n as_o part_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o rank_v they_o among_o those_o divine_a write_n which_o be_v design_v for_o our_o edification_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o which_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o pervert_v to_o a_o contrary_a purpose_n and_o if_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o exigency_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o state_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v yet_o still_o design_v to_o be_v of_o general_a use_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v with_o much_o great_a reason_n concern_v the_o epistle_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o aim_n only_o at_o this_o general_a design_n to_o confirm_v those_o in_o the_o faith_n to_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o exhort_v and_o testify_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o stand_v 5.12_o stand_v 1_o pet_n 5.12_o and_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n after_o their_o decease_n 1.15_o decease_n 2_o pet._n 1.15_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v concern_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o two_o epistle_n and_o we_o find_v st._n john_n address_v himself_o to_o all_o christian_n without_o restriction_n and_o even_o to_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o they_o who_o he_o divide_v into_o child_n young_a man_n and_o father_n 13._o father_n 1_o joh._n 2.12_o 13._o thus_o much_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o inspire_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o vi_o and_o last_o proposition_n viz._n the_o age_n immediate_o follow_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n look_v upon_o their_o write_n as_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n certain_o next_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o the_o age_n immediate_o follow_v be_v best_o able_a to_o know_v what_o the_o
and_o magistrate_n to_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o subject_n and_o it_o be_v mere_a cavil_v in_o this_o author_n to_o say_v supr_fw-la say_v ubi_fw-la supr_fw-la that_o the_o direction_n about_o good_a husbandry_n and_o housekeep_n country_n people_n know_v without_o inspiration_n as_o if_o it_o be_v below_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o inspire_a teacher_n to_o admonish_v the_o mean_a of_o their_o duty_n as_o certain_o it_o be_v every_o man_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o his_o call_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o attend_v upon_o it_o advice_n it_o see_v tit._n 3.14_o where_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o advice_n or_o as_o if_o people_n have_v not_o need_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n although_o they_o know_v it_o before_o as_o little_a weight_n be_v there_o in_o what_o he_o say_v sup_n say_v ubi_fw-la sup_n concern_v the_o caution_n which_o this_o book_n so_o often_o give_v man_n against_o suretyship_n or_o be_v bind_v for_o other_o as_o if_o it_o amount_v to_o a_o total_a forbid_a man_n the_o exercise_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o charity_n i_o grant_v he_o this_o may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n a_o very_a good_a act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o be_v general_o practise_v and_o proverbial_a say_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o to_o hold_v true_a in_o most_o case_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o wise_a but_o religious_a advice_n to_o warn_v man_n against_o it_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o man_n be_v often_o bind_v for_o more_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v which_o be_v the_o very_a case_n solomon_n speak_v of_o 27._o of_o prov._n 22.26_o 27._o in_o some_o of_o those_o place_n mr._n n._n refer_v to_o and_o so_o injure_v the_o creditor_n as_o well_o as_o undo_v themselves_o and_o entail_v misery_n upon_o their_o family_n which_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o charity_n to_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o suretyship_n when_o it_o bring_v man_n to_o beggary_n at_o the_o same_o time_n expose_v they_o to_o those_o dangerous_a temptation_n to_o sin_n which_o always_o accompany_v extreme_a want_n upon_o these_o account_n suretyship_n be_v often_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o injustice_n and_o other_o wickedness_n than_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o since_o these_o be_v the_o usual_a consequence_n of_o it_o it_o be_v very_o good_a advice_n to_o warn_v man_n against_o it_o and_o as_o proper_a for_o this_o book_n as_o any_o whatsoever_o since_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o i_o observe_v just_a now_o be_v design_v only_o for_o wise_a observation_n ground_v upon_o experience_n which_o be_v general_o true_a but_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v so_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o as_o if_o they_o never_o fail_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n 12.30_o instance_n v._o grot._n in_o matth._n 12.30_o as_o to_o what_o mr._n n._n object_n supra_fw-la object_n ubi_fw-la supra_fw-la against_o the_o collection_n of_o proverb_n ascribe_v to_o agur_n 30._o agur_n prov._n 30._o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v he_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o inspiration_n in_o they_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o prejudices_fw-la the_o authority_n of_o solomon_n proverb_n at_o all_o for_o solomon_n character_n will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o entitle_v his_o proverb_n to_o inspiration_n whereas_o these_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o unknown_a author_n who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n 30.3_o prophet_n see_v bp._n patrick_n paraph._n upon_o pro._n 30.3_o which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o nursery_n of_o inspire_a writer_n i_o know_v some_o learned_a man_n fancy_v both_o this_o and_o the_o 31st_o chapter_n to_o be_v saying_n of_o solomon_n as_o well_o as_o the_o forego_n but_o as_o they_o bring_v no_o proof_n for_o what_o they_o say_v so_o it_o be_v altogether_o unaccountable_a why_o solomon_n shall_v disgiuse_v himself_o under_o two_o such_o different_a name_n neither_o of_o which_o have_v the_o least_o affinity_n with_o his_o own_o now_o suppose_v the_o two_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o proverb_n to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o uncertain_a author_n and_o add_v to_o solomon_n by_o some_o private_a hand_n and_o afterward_o to_o have_v be_v continue_v by_o those_o that_o copy_v the_o holy_a write_n as_o we_o see_v addition_n have_v be_v make_v to_o daniel_n and_o esther_n in_o the_o greek_a bibles_n and_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o hellenist_n join_v these_o and_o the_o other_o apocryphal_a write_n with_o the_o canonical_a as_o early_o as_o our_o saviour_n time_n upon_o this_o hypothesis_n mr._n n.'s_n objection_n against_o this_o part_n of_o the_o proverb_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o mark_n and_o do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o authority_n of_o solomon_n proverb_n at_o all_o and_o this_o supposition_n i_o think_v have_v nothing_o of_o absurdity_n in_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o consequence_n be_v draw_v from_o hence_o to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v these_o two_o chapter_n to_o be_v apocryphal_a it_o will_v neither_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o be_v canonical_a and_o what_o not_o nor_o that_o there_o may_v have_v be_v addition_n make_v to_o book_n which_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o go_v all_o under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o author_n name_n we_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o from_o hence_o but_o this_o that_o wherever_o we_o find_v a_o write_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o a_o unknown_a author_n add_v to_o a_o book_n who_o author_n be_v know_v without_o any_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o or_o connexion_n with_o the_o book_n that_o go_v before_o or_o that_o come_v after_o in_o such_o a_o case_n only_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v both_o those_o write_n to_o be_v of_o a_o equal_a authority_n and_o since_o this_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n that_o can_v be_v give_v in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o a_o small_a write_v make_v a_o appendix_n to_o a_o great_a mere_o because_o of_o the_o affinity_n of_o the_o subject_a whatever_o hypothesis_n we_o admit_v concern_v these_o two_o chapter_n it_o can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n canon_n because_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n but_o whatever_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o propose_v only_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n and_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o design_n to_o show_v that_o whatever_o objection_n mr._n n._n think_v he_o can_v make_v against_o these_o addition_n to_o the_o proverb_n they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o solomon_n write_n for_o indeed_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n weigh_v so_o much_o with_o i_o and_o the_o jew_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v so_o scrupulous_a of_o admit_v any_o write_n into_o their_o canon_n without_o due_a examine_v whether_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o it_o or_o not_o that_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v easy_o bring_v myself_o to_o think_v there_o be_v any_o apocryphal_o among_o the_o hebrew_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o for_o the_o greek_a write_n and_o translation_n we_o know_v that_o the_o hellenist_n be_v much_o more_o easy_a and_o remiss_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o allow_v great_a liberty_n to_o transcriber_n and_o commentator_n to_o make_v such_o addition_n to_o the_o text_n which_o in_o their_o opinion_n do_v tend_v to_o illustrate_v it_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v scrupulous_a of_o add_v to_o or_o diminish_v from_o the_o text_n even_o to_o superstition_n i_o think_v it_o unjust_a to_o conclude_v that_o any_o part_n of_o their_o canon_n be_v of_o doubtful_a authority_n from_o one_o single_a instance_n which_o some_o may_v fancy_v look_v suspicious_a and_o therefore_o take_v this_o prophecy_n or_o collection_n 〈◊〉_d collection_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o agur_n to_o have_v the_o same_o external_n authority_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n i_o can_v see_v that_o the_o internal_a matter_n of_o it_o afford_v any_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o there_o be_v many_o wise_a observation_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a advice_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o competency_n 9_o competency_n prov_n 3_o â—_o 8_o 9_o be_v a_o very_a excellent_a one_o and_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v value_v because_o all_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v puzzle_v how_o to_o advise_v other_o about_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n 10._o prayer_n see_v platon_n alcibiad_n 2._o juvenal_n sat._n 10._o what_o blessing_n it_o be_v proper_a to_o ask_v of_o god_n and_o the_o vulgar_a put_v up_o very_o absurd_a and_o
order_n of_o minister_n and_o church-governor_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispense_v they_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n found_v upon_o a_o divine_a charter_n and_o to_o who_o member_n alone_o belong_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o meritorious_a efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n towards_o the_o procure_a man_n salvation_n these_o doctrine_n i_o say_v they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v to_o be_v true_a because_o as_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v see_v what_o natural_a force_n there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n towards_o their_o produce_v their_o intend_a effect_n and_o when_o they_o have_v deprive_v christ_n of_o his_o title_n of_o saviour_n and_o highpriest_n though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v still_o be_v content_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n yet_o they_o look_v upon_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n and_o which_o man_n do_v well_o to_o believe_v if_o they_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o or_o if_o after_o have_v use_v reasonable_a diligence_n they_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o great_a harm_n do_v since_o he_o come_v only_o to_o reinforce_v the_o principle_n and_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o man_n reason_n will_v sufficient_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o if_o they_o do_v but_o live_v up_o to_o its_o direction_n and_o lead_v good_a moral_a life_n they_o may_v be_v save_v whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v as_o to_o what_o they_o call_v the_o speculative_a point_n of_o religion_n these_o opinion_n every_o body_n be_v sensible_a be_v very_o much_o in_o vogue_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o value_v themselves_o for_o be_v free_a thinker_n and_o reasoner_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o man_n of_o these_o principle_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o book_n of_o no_o great_a value_n and_o which_o the_o world_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o dispute_v it_o have_v occasion_v have_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o the_o book_n have_v do_v good_a and_o so_o from_o vndervalue_v its_o worth_a they_o come_v to_o question_v its_o authority_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o prevail_a of_o these_o loose_a notion_n concern_v a_o church-state_n and_o reveal_v religion_n at_o first_o give_v rise_v or_o at_o least_o have_v since_o give_v continuance_n to_o those_o controversy_n that_o have_v be_v so_o much_o debate_v of_o late_o concern_v the_o integrity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o atheistical_a party_n have_v be_v industrious_a to_o keep_v alive_a this_o dispute_n as_o well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v do_v no_o small_a piece_n of_o service_n to_o their_o cause_n to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n mr._n hobbs_n and_o the_o author_n of_o theologo-politicus_a be_v the_o chief_a of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v engage_v in_o this_o controversy_n though_o indeed_o they_o ought_v to_o pass_v but_o for_o one_o writer_n since_o the_o latter_a have_v take_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o say_v from_o the_o former_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v little_a of_o his_o own_o invention_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o quote_v of_o a_o text_n now_o and_o then_o in_o hebrew_n which_o he_o do_v i_o suppose_v to_o raise_v in_o his_o unlearned_a reader_n a_o admiration_n of_o his_o profound_a read_n and_o scholarship_n and_o this_o design_n of_o he_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n take_v effect_n for_o his_o atheistical_a admirer_n be_v general_o ignorant_a enough_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o writer_n of_o sense_n and_o learning_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o these_o profess_v advocate_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n the_o most_o considerable_a writer_n that_o have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o integrity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v mr._n simon_n and_o his_o adversary_n who_o learning_n as_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o disparage_v so_o neither_o will_v i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o secret_a intention_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o dispute_n i_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o as_o to_o their_o design_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o think_v as_o charitable_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v that_o though_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o in_o their_o notion_n as_o to_o other_o matter_n yet_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o speak_v slight_o and_o irreverent_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o ready_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o difficulty_n which_o tend_v to_o weaken_v their_o credit_n and_o do_v not_o take_v half_a so_o much_o pain_n to_o improve_v any_o of_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v for_o they_o as_o they_o do_v to_o urge_v objection_n against_o they_o but_o however_o i_o must_v say_v thus_o 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c._n 6._o that_o though_o there_o be_v wonderful_a story_n tell_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o that_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v miraculous_a or_o such_o as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o natural_a agent_n for_o the_o jew_n love_v to_o talk_v big_a and_o make_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o a_o story_n by_o their_o way_n of_o tell_v it_o than_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n real_o be_v just_o so_o the_o socinian_o when_o they_o be_v press_v with_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o divinity_n or_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n make_v this_o their_o constant_a refuge_n that_o the_o hebrew_n language_n be_v full_a of_o metaphor_n and_o the_o writer_n do_v mean_v half_a so_o much_o as_o they_o say_v now_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a device_n to_o render_v the_o scripture_n a_o insignificant_a book_n or_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o make_v it_o say_v whatever_o these_o new_a expositor_n please_v but_o before_o this_o trick_n will_v pass_v 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shall_v he_o speak_v etc._n etc._n he_o observe_v 66._o observe_v fr._n p._n 254._o en._n p._n 66._o that_o these_o word_n must_v be_v extreme_o figurative_a because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proper_o speak_v do_v not_o hear_v from_o god_n or_o jesus_n christ_n that_o which_o he_o be_v to_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n with_o from_o whence_o it_o must_v follow_v or_o else_o this_o observation_n of_o he_o be_v impertinent_a that_o the_o word_n immediate_o forego_v 16.13_o forego_v john_n 16.13_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n must_v be_v very_o figurative_a too_o and_o not_o imply_v that_o the_o spirit_n real_o teach_v the_o apostle_n any_o thing_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n now_o to_o pass_v by_o this_o consequence_n of_o he_o viz._n that_o plain_a word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v metaphorical_o because_o they_o be_v join_v with_o word_n that_o have_v a_o metaphor_n in_o they_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o 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viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n produce_v in_o your_o heart_n will_v teach_v you_o what_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v be_v that_o in_o compare_v this_o promise_n with_o the_o event_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v perform_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o he_o have_v now_o give_v but_o have_v he_o indeed_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o event_n mention_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n not_o at_o all_o only_o have_v pick_v out_o two_o instance_n which_o he_o think_v he_o can_v make_v exception_n against_o sure_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v fair_o and_o impartial_o in_o this_o matter_n he_o will_v not_o have_v pass_v by_o the_o boldness_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n 4.13_o john_n act._n 4.13_o which_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a it_o make_v the._n sanhedrim_n wonder_n nor_o the_o courageous_a behaviour_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n 5.29_o apostle_n act._n 5.29_o in_o both_o which_o case_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o sanhedrim_n to_o their_o face_n of_o their_o horrid_a sin_n in_o murder_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o by_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_a the_o event_n in_o both_o these_o case_n seem_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o our_o savior_n word_n and_o if_o we_o have_v a_o exact_a history_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o we_o shall_v find_v many_o more_o proof_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n since_o in_o those_o few_o remain_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o genuine_a act_n of_o the_o martyr_n there_o be_v eminent_a instance_n of_o their_o courage_n in_o profess_v the_o truth_n prefix_v truth_n v_o acta_fw-la ignat._n per_fw-la usserium_fw-la edit_fw-la martyr_n polycarpi_n ap_fw-mi euseb_n h._n e._n l._n 4_o c._n 15._o acta_fw-la martyr_n lugd._n &_o vienn_n ibid._n l._n 5._o c._n 1._o cypriani_fw-la passio_fw-la operibut_fw-la ejus_fw-la prefix_v which_o at_o first_o sight_n discover_v something_o more_o than_o humane_a and_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o accompany_v its_o true_a professor_n i_o be_o sure_a justin_n martyr_n confess_v that_o this_o very_a argument_n prevail_v with_o he_o to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o religion_n apol._n 1._o and_o if_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o aftertime_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a we_o can_v think_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n inferior_a to_o their_o disciple_n now_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o real_a concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o magnify_v the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o set_v it_o in_o the_o best_a light_n he_o can_v will_v not_o have_v pass_v over_o all_o the_o evidence_n for_o it_o and_o only_o insist_v upon_o those_o instance_n which_o he_o think_v will_v lessen_v and_o obscure_v it_o but_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o instance_n he_o bring_v do_v real_o so_o much_o lessen_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o imagine_v as_o for_o st._n paul_n behaviour_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n 23.3_o priest_n act._n 23.3_o which_o be_v our_o author_n first_o instance_n 45._o instance_n fr._n p._n 241._o eng._n p._n 45._o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o some_o expositor_n of_o the_o best_a note_n beza_n note_n grot._fw-la estius_fw-la beza_n as_o well_o as_o his_o adversary_n mr._n simon_n 259._o simon_n eng._n p._n 178._o fr._n p._n 259._o understand_v those_o word_n of_o he_o god_n shall_v smite_v thou_o thou_o white_v wall_n as_o speak_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o in_o the_o style_n of_o a_o prophet_n as_o our_o saviour_n call_v herod_n fox_n 13.32_o fox_n luk._n 13.32_o and_o st._n paul_n call_v nero_n lion_n 4.17_o lion_n 2_o tim._n 4.17_o and_o they_o that_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n do_v not_o suppose_v that_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o next_o word_n beg_v pardon_n and_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v to_o blame_v for_o what_o he_o say_v as_o our_o author_n take_v for_o grant_v that_o he_o do_v sup_n do_v ubi_fw-la sup_n but_o they_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o real_a sense_n of_o the_o 5_o v._o though_o purposely_o conceal_v under_o ambiguous_a term_n i_o can_v believe_v or_o own_v such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v high_a priest_n who_o come_v into_o his_o place_n by_o those_o ill_a act_n as_o ananias_n do_v for_o if_o i_o have_v look_v upon_o he_o as_o high_a priest_n i_o shall_v not_o have_v transgress_v the_o law_n in_o give_v he_o such_o disrespectful_a language_n but_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o place_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n which_o mr._n n._n do_v and_o own_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v surprise_v
which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o reason_n which_o confute_v this_o opinion_n of_o our_o author_n concern_v the_o collection_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o represent_v all_o together_o when_o i_o be_v upon_o this_o subject_a though_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o of_o these_o consideration_n which_o can_v be_v infer_v as_o a_o corollary_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o early_a date_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n canon_n what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o authority_n and_o antiquity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n canon_n i_o can_v call_v absolute_o certain_a or_o demonstrative_a but_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o probability_n than_o any_o thing_n the_o adversary_n of_o the_o canon_n have_v advance_v to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v what_o our_o author_n say_v 102._o say_v fr._n p._n 276._o eng._n p._n 102._o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o that_o esdras_n and_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n of_o that_o time_n among_o who_o be_v haggai_n zachary_n and_o malachi_n compile_v the_o canon_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v make_v by_o those_o that_o be_v so_o near_o their_o time_n that_o they_o know_v what_o their_o sentiment_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o make_v this_o collection_n according_o but_o if_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o think_v satisfactory_a i_o shall_v think_v any_o christian_n ought_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o look_v upon_o the_o jewish_a canon_n which_o be_v undoubted_o the_o same_o in_o his_o time_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n i_o say_v he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o collection_n of_o holy_a write_n design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n the_o jew_n be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o when_o they_o will_v inform_v themselves_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o bid_v they_o 5.39_o they_o jâ—h_o 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n without_o distinguish_v as_o our_o author_n do_v 116._o do_v fr._n p._n 277_o 279_o 285._o eng_n p._n 100l_n 106_o 116._o the_o true_o inspire_a book_n from_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o in_o they_o say_v he_o you_o think_v and_o so_o far_o you_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n it_o be_v strange_a our_o saviour_n shall_v not_o correct_v this_o mistake_n of_o they_o if_o some_o of_o the_o book_n they_o have_v such_o a_o great_a veneration_n for_o favour_v such_o dangerous_a doctrine_n as_o our_o author_n think_v the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n do_v 96._o do_v fr._n p._n 272._o eng._n p._n 96._o and_o contain_v expression_n very_o like_o blasphemy_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o job_n 101._o job_n fr._n p._n 275._o eng._n p._n 101._o for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v certain_o very_o dangerous_a for_o man_n to_o search_v or_o be_v too_o much_o conversant_a in_o these_o book_n especial_o since_o they_o come_v recommend_v under_o the_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n it_o be_v strange_a our_o saviour_n 24.44_o saviour_n luk._n 24.44_o shall_v prove_v the_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o messiah_n not_o only_o out_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o out_o of_o the_o psalm_n by_o which_o our_o author_n 123._o author_n fr._n p._n 277._o eng._n p._n 123._o understand_v those_o write_n which_o the_o jew_n call_v chetubim_n if_o these_o book_n be_v of_o so_o little_a authority_n as_o he_o will_v persuade_v we_o they_o be_v mr._n n._n will_v fain_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o our_o saviour_n authority_n by_o tell_v we_o 105._o we_o fr._n p._n 278._o eng._n p._n 104_o 105._o that_o christ_n never_o design_v to_o criticise_v upon_o the_o sacred_a book_n or_o to_o correct_v those_o error_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v of_o small_a importance_n but_o since_o our_o saviour_n criticise_v so_o far_o upon_o the_o sacred_a book_n as_o to_o confute_v the_o false_a gloss_n 23._o gloss_n matt._n 5._o c._n 23._o which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v make_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o reject_v the_o tradition_n 15.1_o tradition_n c._n 15.1_o which_o they_o have_v equal_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o some_o case_n prefer_v before_o it_o it_o seem_v as_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o have_v distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a scripture_n and_o those_o book_n which_o be_v undeserved_o esteem_v such_o especial_o if_o these_o latter_a advance_v doctrine_n that_o do_v not_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o former_a as_o our_o author_n etc._n author_n fr._n p._n 272_o etc._n etc._n eng_n p._n 95_o etc._n etc._n endeavour_v to_o prove_v concern_v several_a place_n of_o the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o job_n for_o then_o the_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n be_v of_o as_o ill_a consequence_n as_o the_o receive_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v be_v nay_o with_o his_o leave_n i_o think_v it_o a_o error_n of_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o equal_a a_o book_n that_o be_v not_o inspire_a when_o it_o contain_v false_a doctrine_n with_o one_o that_o be_v true_o divine_a than_o to_o equal_a such_o tradition_n as_o the_o pharisee_n hold_v with_o a_o inspire_a write_n because_o a_o tradition_n will_v probable_o in_o time_n be_v forget_v and_o so_o lose_v all_o its_o authority_n which_o we_o see_v have_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o most_o of_o the_o pharisaical_a tradition_n whereas_o a_o book_n that_o have_v once_o be_v general_o repute_a of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v likely_a will_v maintain_v that_o character_n for_o ever_o for_o its_o very_a character_n will_v make_v man_n careful_a to_o preserve_v it_o and_o the_o old_a it_o grow_v the_o strong_a will_v the_o plea_n of_o prescription_n be_v for_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o consequent_o the_o more_o will_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o it_o as_o we_o see_v have_v actual_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o if_o our_o author_n opinion_n be_v true_a for_o the_o whole_a christian_a and_o jewish_a church_n have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n look_v upon_o the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a canon_n to_o be_v inspire_a and_o have_v upon_o all_o occasion_n appeal_v to_o their_o authority_n as_o such_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o error_n if_o it_o have_v be_v one_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o after_o age_n than_o his_o confute_v a_o unwritten_a tradition_n can_v be_v but_o further_a we_o find_v the_o apostle_n judgement_n do_v evident_o concur_v with_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o matter_n st._n paul_n say_v 3.2_o say_v rom._n 3.2_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v entrust_v 〈◊〉_d entrust_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n but_o sure_o he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o true_a to_o their_o trust_n if_o he_o have_v think_v they_o have_v mix_v profane_a book_n with_o the_o sacred_a one_o but_o that_o text_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n 3.16_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v so_o clear_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o evasion_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v timothy_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n by_o which_o he_o must_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o write_n which_o the_o jew_n look_v upon_o as_o such_o for_o in_o that_o religion_n he_o have_v be_v educate_v by_o the_o care_n of_o his_o mother_n who_o be_v a_o jewess_n 16.1_o jewess_n act._n 16.1_o then_o it_o follow_v in_o this_o verse_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n where_o the_o apostle_n certain_o understand_v the_o word_n scripture_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n which_o he_o take_v it_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o viz._n for_o that_o collection_n of_o write_n which_o the_o jew_n receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o pray_v let_v we_o hear_v our_o author_n paraphrase_n 270._o paraphrase_n eng._n p._n 192._o fr._n p._n 270._o upon_o these_o two_o verse_n it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v to_o timothy_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o keep_v close_o as_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o will_v instruct_v he_o sufficient_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o join_v thereunto_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n because_o all_o scripture_n inspire_v as_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n i_o think_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n
12.5_o 6._o jam._n 4.6_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o and_o other_o place_n plain_o allude_v 4.18_o allude_v 2_o cor._n 8.21_o 1_o pet._n 4.18_o to_o by_o they_o i_o say_v one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o consideration_n add_v to_o the_o intrinsical_a worth_a of_o the_o book_n itself_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a inducement_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o book_n compose_v by_o god_n appointment_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o further_a upon_o this_o sebject_n i_o can_v but_o reflect_v by_o the_o way_n upon_o a_o passage_n of_o our_o author_n which_o the_o observe_v that_o this_o book_n be_v quote_v by_o the_o apostle_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o that_o be_v this_o he_o tell_v we_o 105_o we_o fr._n p._n 278._o eng._n p._n 105_o that_o the_o apostle_n never_o cite_v the_o work_n of_o solomon_n or_o the_o book_n of_o job_n what_o he_o say_v touch_v the_o former_a i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v to_o be_v manifest_o false_a and_o there_o be_v as_o little_a truth_n in_o the_o late_a part_n of_o his_o word_n for_o the_o book_n of_o job_n be_v as_o formal_o quote_v by_o st._n paul_n 3.19_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 3.19_o as_o any_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n which_o citation_n as_o it_o be_v certain_o take_v out_o of_o job_n 13._o job_n c._n 5._o 13._o so_o it_o show_v withal_o a_o great_a deference_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v take_v i_o think_v fit_a just_a to_o observe_v this_o mistake_n of_o mr._n n.'s_n though_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a consequence_n on_o purpose_n to_o take_v down_o the_o confidence_n of_o this_o gentleman_n a_o little_a and_o show_v he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o exact_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o man_n that_o undertake_v to_o criticise_v upon_o it_o with_o so_o much_o capriciousness_n and_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o regard_n to_o its_o authority_n aught_o to_o be_v but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o general_n charge_v which_o our_o author_n have_v advance_v against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n be_v 94._o be_v fr._n p._n 271._o en._n p._n 94._o that_o they_o be_v moral_a sentence_n which_o a_o good_a man_n may_v pronounce_v without_o inspiration_n as_o if_o no_o book_n can_v be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n but_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v such_o as_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o can_v be_v the_o product_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n no_o work_n must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n but_o what_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o natural_a agent_n and_o so_o god_n must_v be_v account_v the_o author_n of_o nothing_o that_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v pure_o miraculous_a now_o this_o argument_n if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o it_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o far_o that_o no_o book_n of_o moral_a instruction_n can_v be_v for_o morality_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o law_n of_o right_a reason_n instruct_v we_o how_o to_o govern_v our_o action_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o law_n of_o reason_n contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o above_o reason_n and_o consequent_o nothing_o which_o be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o think_v or_o speak_v from_o all_o which_o it_o will_v follow_v by_o our_o author_n principle_n that_o whatever_o book_n contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v deducible_a from_o the_o principle_n of_o mere_a reason_n must_v be_v pure_o humane_a and_o can_v have_v nothing_o divine_a or_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o it_o but_o be_v not_o mr._n n._n sensible_a that_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o world_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a reason_v and_o especial_o the_o imperfect_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n have_v so_o far_o obscure_v a_o great_a many_o branch_n of_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a illumination_n to_o recover_v some_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o set_v they_o in_o a_o true_a light_n so_o as_o to_o convince_v other_o of_o their_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n sure_o our_o author_n will_v grant_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v a_o truth_n that_o be_v adequate_a to_o humane_a reason_n nay_o a_o truth_n so_o evident_a that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o man_n of_o search_v head_n can_v miss_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o the_o heathen_n that_o have_v their_o reason_n so_o thorough_o purge_v from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o education_n and_o the_o establish_v religion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v infect_v it_o with_o as_o to_o assent_v to_o this_o truth_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o man_n may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o teacher_n divine_o enlighten_v to_o discover_v such_o truth_n to_o they_o as_o may_v indeed_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v in_o its_o true_a perfection_n but_o yet_o be_v such_o as_o few_o man_n reason_n have_v arrive_v to_o because_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n to_o which_o it_o be_v obnoxious_a and_o many_o such_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o book_n which_o though_o they_o be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o man_n can_v but_o assent_v to_o they_o assoon_o as_o they_o hear_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o search_v for_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o best_a and_o acute_a philosopher_n for_o instance_n we_o may_v challenge_v they_o to_o show_v such_o a_o wise_a instruction_n in_o any_o of_o their_o book_n as_o solomon_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n 1.7_o morality_n prov._n 1.7_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n or_o this_o 6_o this_o prov._n 3.5_o 6_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o indeed_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v enforce_v upon_o man_n from_o religious_a consideration_n and_o by_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o must_v expect_v from_o he_o according_a as_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o which_o make_v this_o book_n differ_v very_o much_o from_o the_o moral_a write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v little_a or_o nothing_o say_v concern_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n his_o authority_n over_o we_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o the_o submission_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n all_o which_o be_v often_o insist_v upon_o in_o this_o book_n for_o this_o be_v a_o visible_a defect_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o as_o they_o never_o enforce_v our_o duty_n by_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n so_o their_o disswasives_n from_o vice_n be_v take_v from_o these_o topic_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o a_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n rather_o than_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n a_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n and_o a_o act_n of_o disobedience_n which_o he_o will_v punish_v i_o confess_v some_o philosopher_n that_o live_v since_o the_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n especial_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n have_v very_o excellent_a say_n concern_v god_n providence_n and_o the_o submission_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n diffuse_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n it_o in_o some_o measure_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n even_o of_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v it_o as_o the_o sun_n give_v light_a before_o it_o reach_v our_o hemisphere_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o very_a account_n which_o inquisitive_a man_n receive_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n help_v to_o clear_a up_o their_o mind_n and_o give_v they_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n than_o they_o have_v before_o but_o to_o return_v beside_o the_o precept_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v there_o be_v many_o excellent_a advice_n give_v in_o the_o proverb_n to_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n from_o prince_n
ridiculous_a petion_n to_o their_o god_n 1._o god_n pers_n sat._n 2._o horat._n l._n 2._o sat._n 3._o epist_n 16._o l._n 1._o and_o for_o those_o place_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o exception_n if_o mr._n n._n will_v have_v consult_v what_o learned_a commentator_n have_v say_v upon_o they_o he_o will_v not_o have_v think_v they_o so_o useless_a and_o trifle_a as_o he_o pretend_v but_o our_o author_n himself_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o objection_n since_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v advantage_n of_o agur_n modest_a confession_n of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n 30.2_o ignorance_n prov._n 30.2_o and_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o can_v be_v a_o man_n of_o no_o authority_n but_o i_o believe_v mr._n n._n be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o think_v a_o man_n modesty_n a_o sign_n that_o he_o want_v wisdom_n or_o that_o humility_n make_v a_o man_n unqualify_v for_o receive_v the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n our_o author_n object_n nothing_o against_o ecclesiaste_n and_o the_o canticle_n but_o what_o have_v be_v object_v several_a time_n before_o and_o as_o often_o answer_v for_o which_o reason_n i_o shall_v be_v more_o brief_a in_o refute_v he_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o design_n of_o ecclesiastes_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o vanity_n of_o humane_a life_n which_o solomon_n do_v by_o show_v how_o empty_a and_o unsatisfactory_a all_o those_o end_n be_v which_o man_n usual_o propose_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o great_a happiness_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v such_o as_o be_v knowledge_n 1_o knowledge_n eccles._n 1_o pleasure_n 2._o pleasure_n ch._n 2._o honour_n and_o authority_n 4._o authority_n ch._n 3._o and_o 4._o and_o last_o riches_n 6._o riches_n ch._n 5._o and_o 6._o further_o he_o take_v notice_n how_o man_n ignorance_n and_o the_o obscurity_n in_o which_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a point_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n be_v involve_v do_v occasion_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o misery_n and_o trouble_v to_o mankind_n whilst_o ill_a man_n take_v advantage_n of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v object_v against_o these_o truth_n and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n nor_o future_a judgement_n and_o thereby_o harden_v themselves_o in_o 3._o in_o ch._n 8._o 11_o 14._o ch_z 9_o 3._o wickedness_n or_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o sensuality_n and_o say_v let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v etc._n die_v ch._n 3._o 18_o etc._n etc._n and_o even_o good_a man_n be_v now_o and_o then_o in_o a_o great_a perplexity_n about_o these_o thing_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n with_o which_o they_o be_v beset_v and_o begin_v to_o doubt_v and_o stagger_v in_o their_o faith_n 17._o faith_n ch._n 1._o 13_o 8_o 16_o 17._o if_o man_n will_v therefore_o view_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n and_o not_o take_v it_o by_o piecemeal_n or_o examine_v each_o sentence_n apart_o they_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o when_o the_o author_n propose_v doubt_n concern_v providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n he_o do_v not_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n for_o in_o several_a place_n he_o plain_o assert_v god_n order_v and_o dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n 5._o thing_n ch._n 3._o 11_o 14_o 7_o 13_o 9_o 1_o 11_o 5._o and_o speak_v of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n with_o the_o great_a clearness_n and_o assurance_n of_o any_o of_o the_o canonical_a writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 14._o testament_n ch._n 3._o 17_o 11_o 9_o 12_o 7._o 14._o and_o therefore_o the_o design_n of_o those_o other_o place_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o to_o contradict_v these_o be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o these_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n have_v often_o fill_v his_o own_o and_o other_o good_a man_n mind_n with_o perplex_v thought_n and_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n take_v encouragement_n from_o thence_o to_o mind_n only_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o injure_v and_o oppress_v other_o so_o that_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o great_a ingredient_n in_o the_o vanity_n of_o life_n and_o one_o of_o those_o sore_a travel_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v exercise_v therewith_o 1.13_o therewith_o eccles._n 1.13_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o when_o he_o mention_n the_o doubt_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o introduce_v they_o with_o this_o preface_n 18._o preface_n c._n 3._o 18._o i_o say_v in_o my_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v very_o proper_o be_v render_v according_a to_o the_o word_n or_o way_n of_o speak_v use_v among_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o phrase_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o st._n paul_n use_v 3.5_o use_v rom._n 3.5_o in_o a_o like_a case_n where_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n but_o set_v down_o a_o inference_n which_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v from_o what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o if_o any_o desire_n further_a satisfaction_n concern_v this_o book_n or_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n i_o must_v refer_v they_o to_o that_o excellent_a commentary_n which_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a bishop_n patrick_n have_v publish_a upon_o these_o two_o book_n where_o he_o have_v with_o great_a clearness_n explain_v the_o sense_n and_o design_n of_o they_o both_o and_o particular_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a have_v show_v preface_n show_v preface_n how_o fit_o the_o mystical_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v represent_v in_o it_o under_o the_o person_n of_o a_o bridegroom_n and_o bride_n that_o allegory_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o all_o the_o prophetical_a writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o constant_o express_v god_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o the_o jew_n by_o his_o be_v marry_v and_o a_o husband_n 16.8_o husband_n ps_n 45._o be_v 54_o 5.-62_a 4.5_o jer._n 3_o 14.-31.32_a hos_fw-la 2.2.7.16_o ezek._n 16.8_o to_o they_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o same_o metaphor_n reprove_v their_o idolatry_n under_o the_o name_n of_o adultery_n 2._o adultery_n be_v 57.7.8_o jer._n 3.1_o etc._n etc._n ezek._n 16.15_o etc._n etc._n â—_o c._n 23._o hos_fw-la c._n 1._o &_o 2._o fornication_n and_o go_v a_o whore_v after_o other_o god_n and_o the_o same_o metaphor_n be_v allude_v to_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 7.-14.4_a testament_n matt._n 22.2_o joh_n 3_o 28_o 29._o 2_o cor._n 1.2_o eph._n 5.31_o 32_o rev._n 19_o 7.-14.4_a all_o which_o be_v make_v out_o by_o that_o reverend_n and_o excellent_a author_n with_o so_o much_o learning_n and_o exactness_n and_o do_v so_o full_o vindicate_v this_o book_n from_o the_o rash_a censure_n of_o those_o who_o have_v doubt_v of_o its_o authority_n and_o from_o the_o profane_a interpretation_n which_o some_o wanton_a fancy_n have_v apply_v to_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v unpardonable_a presumption_n for_o i_o to_o think_v i_o can_v add_v any_o thing_n upon_o this_o subject_a to_o that_o great_a man_n judicious_a and_o accomplish_v labour_n the_o conclusion_n and_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o undertake_n and_o have_v give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o argument_n mr._n n._n have_v advance_v against_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o have_v not_o to_o my_o knowledge_n pass_v by_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o weight_n in_o any_o of_o the_o letter_n nor_o dissemble_v the_o true_a force_n of_o any_o of_o the_o objection_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o main_a strength_n of_o the_o book_n may_v be_v comprise_v in_o this_o one_o argument_n viz._n that_o book_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a authority_n nor_o write_v by_o god_n direction_n where_o there_o be_v any_o mark_n of_o humane_a industry_n and_o of_o man_n make_a use_n of_o their_o natural_a talent_n of_o memory_n or_o invention_n in_o the_o composure_n the_o falseness_n of_o which_o assertion_n i_o have_v show_v in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o foregoing_a discourse_n and_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o make_v this_o further_a remark_n upon_o it_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n viz._n that_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n of_o argue_v a_o man_n may_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o govern_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o this_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n nor_o fit_v man_n for_o the_o next_o by_o his_o grace_n for_o we_o see_v nothing_o bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o help_n of_o natural_a agent_n and_o god_n require_v man_n to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o as_o much_o