its_o truth_n it_o be_v authority_n in_o its_o self_n be_v its_o authority_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o nor_o have_v it_o any_o whit_n more_o in_o its_o self_n than_o the_o jure_v it_o have_v towards_o and_o over_o all_o they_o to_o who_o it_o come_v that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la some_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n &_o rebellion_n this_o truth_n and_o consequent_o this_o authority_n be_v evidence_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o it_o with_o divine_a light_n and_o power_n to_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o by_o its_o self_n propose_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o the_o condition_n wherein_o we_o be_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n or_o truth_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n we_o receive_v it_o and_o religious_o subject_v our_o soul_n unto_o it_o as_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o the_o everliving_a sovereign_a god_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o bottom_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith_n i_o here_o public_o profess_v that_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o sect._n 14._o have_v lay_v this_o stable_a foundation_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n consider_v some_o pretence_n and_o allegation_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n invent_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o that_o foundation_n the_o close_n wherewith_o will_v in_o this_o matter_n alone_o bring_v peace_n unto_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o this_o chapter_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o compare_v together_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o mention_v and_o explain_v and_o the_o other_o pretence_n and_o plea_n that_o shall_v now_o be_v examine_v sect._n 15._o 1._o some_o say_v when_o on_o other_o account_n they_o be_v concern_v so_o to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n and_o this_o give_v a_o credibility_n unto_o it_o of_o tradition_n in_o general_a without_o this_o limitation_n which_o destroy_v it_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o credibility_n either_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o probability_n as_o that_o may_v be_v heighten_v to_o a_o manifest_a uncontrâ—leablenesse_n whilst_o yet_o its_o principle_n exceed_v not_o that_o sphere_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o to_o our_o present_a discourse_n or_o it_o include_v a_o firm_a suitable_a foundation_n for_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a have_v we_o in_o this_o sense_n receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o that_o church_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v that_o church_n able_a to_o give_v such_o a_o credibility_n to_o any_o thing_n or_o do_v the_o scripture_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o a_o credibility_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o from_o that_o church_n be_v not_o the_o first_o most_o false_a and_o be_v not_o the_o last_o blasphemous_a to_o receive_v a_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n as_o a_o church_n be_v to_o receive_v it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n if_o we_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n we_o do_v it_o not_o because_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d worthy_a of_o acceptation_n but_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n allege_v if_o then_o we_o thus_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n why_o in_o particular_a do_v we_o not_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n also_o which_o she_o receive_v how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n reâ—eive_v the_o scripture_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o she_o be_v authorize_v to_o give_v out_o what_o seem_v good_a to_o she_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o but_o she_o have_v receive_v they_o by_o tradition_n so_o she_o plead_v that_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n also_o we_o then_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o rome_n rome_n by_o tradition_n we_o make_v ourselves_o judge_n of_o that_o tradition_n and_o yet_o rome_n say_v this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o she_o have_v by_o the_o same_o tradition_n namely_o that_o she_o alone_o be_v judge_n of_o what_o she_o have_v by_o tradition_n but_o the_o common_a fate_n of_o liar_n be_v befall_v that_o harlot_n she_o have_v so_o long_o so_o constant_o so_o desperate_o lie_v in_o many_o the_o most_o thing_n that_o she_o profess_v pretend_v tradition_n for_o they_o that_o indeed_o she_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o she_o tell_v the_o truth_n beside_o she_o plead_v that_o she_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n of_o the_o old_a and_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v only_o authentic_a these_o she_o plead_v now_o under_o her_o keep_n to_o be_v woeful_o corrupt_v and_o yet_o be_v angry_a that_o we_o believe_v not_o her_o tradition_n sect._n 16._o some_o add_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o miracle_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o universal_a tradition_n but_o first_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v many_o other_o miracle_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v write_v joh._n 20._o 30._o ch_n 21._o 25._o and_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o they_o can_v by_o all_o their_o tradition_n help_v we_o to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o obscure_a report_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o write_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o legend_n which_o yet_o at_o their_o performance_n be_v no_o less_o know_v than_o those_o that_o be_v nor_o be_v less_o useful_a for_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n than_o they_o of_o tradition_n in_o general_n afterward_o but_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o miracle_n whereof_o they_o speak_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o if_o so_o can_v these_o miracle_n operate_v upon_o the_o understanding_n or_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n unless_o they_o first_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v to_o the_o beget_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n of_o they_o even_o that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o miracle_n suppose_v these_o miracle_n allege_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o believe_v of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o be_v write_v but_o like_o the_o sibyl_n leaf_n have_v be_v drive_v up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o worst_a and_o fierce_a wind_n that_o blow_v in_o this_o world_n the_o breath_n of_o man_n those_o who_o shall_v keep_v they_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v man_n be_v by_o nature_n so_o vain_a foolish_a malicious_a such_o liar_n adder_n detractor_n have_v spirit_n and_o mind_n so_o unsuit_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o liable_a to_o alteration_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o contradiction_n one_o to_o another_o be_v so_o give_v to_o imposture_n and_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o have_v be_v so_o shuffle_v and_o drive_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n in_o every_o generation_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o utter_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o themselves_o be_v whence_o they_o come_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o go_v that_o i_o can_v give_v very_o little_a credit_n to_o what_o i_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o authority_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o without_o any_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v self_n sect._n 17._o abstract_v then_o from_o the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o prime_a revealer_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o no_o tolerable_a assurance_n as_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n where_o a_o foundation_n for_o faith_n be_v inquire_v after_o can_v be_v give_v that_o ever_o any_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v if_o number_n of_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v we_o may_v have_v a_o traditional_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o blasphemous_a figment_n of_o the_o alcoran_n under_o the_o name_n of_o true_a miracle_n but_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o more_o than_o a_o 1000_o year_n carry_v on_o by_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o man_n great_a wise_a and_o sober_a from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v but_o set_v open_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n for_o the_o mahometan_n yet_o set_v aside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o what_o be_v resolve_v thereinto_o i_o know_v not_o why_o they_o may_v not_o vie_v tradition_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n
of_o the_o divine_a original_a authority_n self-evidencing_a light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o that_o enquiry_n how_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n also_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o some_o consideration_n on_o the_o prolegomena_n &_o appendix_n to_o the_o late_a biblia_fw-la polyglotta_n whereunto_o be_v subjoin_v some_o exercitation_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o right_a of_o interpretation_n internal_a light_n revelation_n etc._n etc._n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 5._o 39_o oxford_z print_v by_o henry_n hall._n printer_n to_o the_o university_n for_o tho_o robinson_n 1659._o to_o my_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a friend_n the_o prebend_n of_o ch_z church_n college_n in_o oxford_n with_o all_o the_o stvdent_n in_o divinity_n in_o that_o society_n the_o reason_n of_o my_o inscribe_v the_o ensue_a plea_n for_o the_o authority_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o the_o pretence_n of_o some_o to_o the_o contrary_a in_o these_o day_n unto_o you_o be_v because_o some_o of_o you_o value_n and_o study_v the_o scripture_n as_o much_o as_o any_o i_o know_v and_o it_o be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o of_o you_o will_v so_o do_v now_o whereas_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o unto_o i_o to_o discourse_v with_o you_o by_o the_o way_n of_o preface_n namely_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o with_o the_o various_a way_n and_o mean_n that_o be_v use_v by_o some_o for_o the_o lessen_v and_o depress_v of_o its_o authority_n and_o excellency_n on_o the_o other_o the_o former_a be_v to_o good_a purpose_n by_o one_o or_o other_o almost_o every_o day_n perform_v i_o shall_v insist_v at_o present_a on_o the_o latter_a only_o which_o also_o be_v more_o suit_v to_o discover_v my_o aim_n and_o intention_n in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n now_o herein_o as_o i_o shall_v it_o may_v be_v seem_v to_o exceed_v that_o proportion_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o a_o preface_n to_o such_o short_a discourse_n as_o these_o follow_v yet_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v more_o brief_a than_o the_o nature_n of_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n as_o that_o propose_v to_o consideration_n do_v require_v and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o subject_n that_o now_o lie_v before_o i_o many_o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v who_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a interest_n have_v engage_v themselves_o to_o decry_v and_o disparage_v that_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o it_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o they_o be_v too_o many_o particular_o to_o be_v consider_v i_o shall_v only_o pass_v through_o they_o in_o general_a and_o fix_v upon_o such_o instance_n by_o the_o way_n as_o may_v give_v evidence_n to_o the_o thing_n insist_v on_o those_o who_o in_o this_o business_n be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n who_o filth_n and_o abomination_n give_v out_o in_o grossâ—_n other_o have_v but_o parcel_v among_o themselves_o be_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o rome_n these_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a keeper_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o only_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n let_v we_o then_o a_o little_a consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n how_o it_o have_v discharge_v this_o trust_n for_o it_o be_v but_o equal_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n upon_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o who_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v a_o trust_v repose_v in_o they_o do_v manifest_a a_o treacherous_a mind_n will_v not_o be_v one_o whit_n better_o if_o they_o have_v so_o indeed_o what_o then_o have_v these_o man_n do_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o pretend_a trust_n nay_o what_o have_v that_o synagogue_n leave_v unattempted_a yea_o what_o have_v it_o leave_v unfinished_a that_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o convince_v it_o of_o perfidiousness_n that_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v commit_v to_o it_o alone_o and_o will_v if_o it_o be_v able_a deprive_v all_o other_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o or_o their_o life_n what_o scripture_n then_o be_v this_o or_o when_o be_v this_o deed_n of_o trust_n make_v unto_o they_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n they_o tell_v we_o commit_v to_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n by_o peter_n and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o whole_a canon_n what_o now_o have_v they_o not_o do_v in_o add_v detract_n corrupt_a forge_v asperse_v those_o scripture_n to_o falsify_v their_o pretend_a trust_n they_o add_v more_o book_n to_o they_o never_o indict_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o remote_a from_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o deny_v the_o self_n evidence_v power_n of_o that_o word_n which_o be_v true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o mix_v it_o with_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o humane_a rise_n and_o spring_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o have_v lose_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v promise_v with_o the_o word_n to_o abide_v with_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o isa_n 59_o 21._o they_o have_v take_v from_o its_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n its_o sufficiency_n and_o excellency_n by_o their_o massora_n their_o oral_a law_n or_o verbum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o unknown_a endless_a bottomless_a boundless_a treasure_n of_o tradition_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o all_o their_o abomination_n the_o scripture_n its_o self_n as_o they_o say_v commit_v to_o they_o they_o plead_v to_o their_o eternal_a shame_n to_o be_v in_o the_o original_a language_n corrupt_v vitiate_a interpolated_a so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o stable_n rule_v to_o guide_v we_o throughout_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n they_o say_v do_v it_o whilst_o they_o be_v busy_a in_o burn_v of_o christian_n therefore_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o original_n they_o have_v enthrone_v a_o translation_n that_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o they_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o know_v neither_o how_o nor_o when_o nor_o by_o who_o so_o that_o one_o say_v of_o its_o author_n si_fw-mi quis_fw-la percontetur_fw-la gallus_n fuerit_fw-la a_o sarmata_fw-la judaeus_n a_o christianus_n erasmuâ—_n vir_fw-la a_o mulier_fw-la nihil_fw-la habituri_fw-la sint_fw-la ejus_fw-la patroni_fw-la quod_fw-la expeditè_fw-fr respondeant_fw-la all_o this_o to_o place_v themselves_o in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o a_o translation_n authentic_a from_o their_o stamp_n upon_o they_o and_o not_o from_o their_o relation_n unto_o and_o agreement_n with_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o yet_o far_o as_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o manifest_v what_o trustee_n they_o have_v be_v they_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n unless_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o their_o own_o deny_v that_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o tell_v he_o so_o it_o be_v but_o ink_n and_o paper_n skin_n of_o parchment_n a_o dead_a letter_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n a_o lesbian_a rule_n of_o no_o authority_n unto_o we_o at_o all_o o_o faithful_a trustee_n holy_a mother_n church_n infallible_a chair_n can_v wickedness_n yet_o make_v any_o far_a progress_n be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o man_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o these_o man_n have_v do_v to_o prove_v themselves_o faithless_a and_o treacherous_a in_o a_o trust_n commit_v to_o they_o be_v not_o this_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o volume_n that_o have_v even_o fill_v the_o world_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v to_o we_o alone_o and_o no_z other_o under_o our_o keep_n it_o be_v corrupt_v deprave_a vitiate_a the_o copy_n deliver_v unto_o we_o we_o have_v reject_v and_o take_v up_o one_o of_o our_o own_o choice_n nor_o let_v any_o complain_v of_o we_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v worse_o this_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la have_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o credit_n
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o just_o we_o begin_v a_o little_a to_o late_a to_o see_v whether_o man_n bold_a conjecture_n in_o correct_v the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v like_a to_o proceed_v her_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o a_o various_a lection_n one_o copy_n it_o seem_v by_o stephen_n read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o ground_n by_o a_o evident_a error_n and_o such_o mistake_n be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v the_o name_n or_o place_n of_o various_a readins_n but_o yet_o say_v camero_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v such_o a_o resolution_n and_o interpretation_n as_o be_v make_v by_o revelation_n he_o add_v that_o in_o that_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v by_o the_o 70_o in_o the_o business_n of_o joseph_n interpretation_n of_o pharaoh_n dream_n gen._n 40_o which_o be_v by_o revelation_n but_o indeed_o the_o word_n be_v not_o use_v in_o that_o chapter_n however_o he_o fall_v in_o with_o this_o sense_n as_o do_v calvin_n and_o grotius_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o our_o interpretation_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o receive_v the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n sect._n 18._o and_o indeed_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prophesy_v give_v out_o by_o writing_n as_o our_o translation_n bear_v it_o be_v a_o expression_n that_o can_v scarce_o have_v any_o tolerable_a sense_n affix_v unto_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d relate_v here_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o denote_v the_o first_o give_v out_o of_o its_o word_n not_o our_o after_o consideration_n of_o its_o sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o without_o this_o sense_n it_o stand_v in_o no_o coherence_n with_o nor_o opposition_n to_o the_o follow_a sentence_n which_o by_o its_o causal_n connexion_n to_o this_o manifest_v that_o it_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o be_v herein_o affirm_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a turn_v with_o the_o adversative_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o opposition_n unto_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o prophecy_n come_v not_o at_o any_o time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o reason_n be_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n why_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o our_o private_a interpretation_n or_o what_o opposition_n in_o the_o latter_a to_o that_o assertion_n nay_o on_o that_o supposal_n there_o be_v no_o tolerable_a correspondency_n of_o discourse_n in_o the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o take_v the_o word_n to_o express_v the_o come_n of_o the_o prophecy_n to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o the_o sense_n be_v full_a and_o clear_a sect._n 19_o this_o then_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o prophecy_n which_o we_o have_v write_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o issue_n of_o man_n fancy_a enthusiasm_n not_o a_o product_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o conception_n not_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n that_o be_v of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o neither_o their_o rational_a apprehension_n inquiry_n conception_n of_o fancy_n or_o imagination_n of_o their_o heart_n have_v any_o place_n in_o this_o business_n no_o self_n afflation_n no_o rational_a meditation_n manage_v at_o liberty_n by_o the_o understanding_n &_o will_n of_o man_n have_v place_n herein_o sect._n 20._o of_o this_o say_v the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d know_v judge_a and_o determine_v this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o be_v a_o principle_n to_o be_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o every_o one_o that_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n else_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v to_o perceive_v to_o understand_v but_o also_o to_o judge_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v this_o then_o in_o our_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v own_v acknowledge_v submit_v unto_o as_o a_o principle_n without_o further_a dispute_n to_o discover_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o submission_n and_o acknowledgement_n be_v the_o business_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n sect._n 21._o that_o this_o be_v so_o indeed_o as_o before_o assert_v and_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o this_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o principle_n he_o add_v ver_n s_o 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o we_o have_v write_v be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o private_a conception_n for_o it_o come_v not_o at_o any_o time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o passive_a conjugation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d denote_v at_o least_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o more_o than_o mere_o it_o come_v it_o be_v bring_v into_o they_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o affirmative_a as_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v include_v in_o the_o negative_a as_o to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n or_o it_o come_v as_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o our_o saviour_n on_o the_o mount_n vers_fw-la 18_o where_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v so_o eze._n 1._o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d essendo_fw-la fuit_fw-la verbum_fw-la it_o be_v bring_v into_o he_o as_o be_v show_v before_o thus_o god_n bring_v the_o word_n to_o they_o and_o speak_v in_o they_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o he_o speak_v by_o they_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n ge._n 3._o 8._o or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o jew_n call_v it_o as_o speak_v by_o they_o or_o write_v it_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d verbum_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o by_o his_o immediate_a voice_n he_o signify_v to_o the_o prophet_n thus_o some_o of_o they_o in_o vision_n first_o eat_v a_o write_a book_n and_o then_o prophesy_v as_o be_v instance_a before_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o spring_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o beginning_n of_o its_o emanation_n from_o the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o organ_n or_o instrument_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v for_o the_o revelation_n and_o declaration_n of_o it_o unto_o other_o sect._n 22._o that_o which_o remain_v for_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o be_v add_v by_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o the_o word_n be_v thus_o bring_v to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o understanding_n wisdom_n mind_n memory_n to_o order_n dispose_n and_o give_v it_o out_o but_o they_o be_v bear_v act_v carry_v out_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o speak_v deliver_v and_o write_v all_o that_o and_o nothing_o but_o that_o to_o every_o tittle_n that_o be_v so_o bring_v to_o they_o they_o invent_v not_o word_n themselves_o suit_v to_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v learn_v but_o only_o express_v the_o word_n that_o they_o receive_v though_o their_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v use_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o word_n whence_o arise_v all_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n for_o they_o do_v use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d word_n of_o will_n or_o choice_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o guide_v that_o their_o word_n be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o immediate_o supply_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o they_o give_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o writing_n of_o uprightness_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v self_n ecles_n 12._o 10._o not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n truth_n its_o self_n joh._n 17._o 17_o but_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o teach_v it_o be_v word_n of_o truth_n from_o god_n himself_o thus_o allow_v the_o contribution_n of_o passive_a instrument_n for_o the_o reception_n and_o representation_n of_o word_n which_o answer_v the_o mind_n and_o tongue_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o come_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n to_o they_o every_o apex_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v equal_o divine_a and_o as_o immediate_o from_o god_n as_o the_o voice_n wherewith_o or_o whereby_o he_o speak_v to_o or_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v therefore_o accompany_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n and_o unto_o we_o sect._n 23._o what_o have_v be_v thus_o speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n must_v be_v also_o affirm_v of_o the_o new_a with_o this_o addition_n of_o advantage_n and_o
or_o can_v be_v grant_v we_o or_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a for_o we_o so_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o write_a word_n in_o its_o self_n and_o unto_o we_o be_v from_o its_o self_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eviction_n of_o that_o authority_n unto_o we_o be_v by_o its_o self_n sect._n 6._o when_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v inquire_v after_o strict_o its_o power_n to_o command_v and_o require_v obedience_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v to_o ask_v then_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n be_v to_o ask_v whence_o it_o have_v its_o power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n sure_o man_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v its_o power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n from_o any_o thing_n but_o its_o self_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o contradiction_n for_o man_n to_o say_v they_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o scripture_n why_o do_v they_o do_v so_o why_o do_v they_o give_v this_o authority_n to_o that_o book_n rather_o than_o another_o they_o must_v say_v because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o give_v authority_n unto_o it_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o all_o its_o authority_n which_o it_o have_v antecedent_o to_o their_o charter_n and_o concession_n of_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 17._o 17._o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n sect._n 7._o some_o say_v indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v its_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n and_o from_o its_o self_n or_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a but_o not_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la not_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o that_o it_o may_v reach_v we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o understand_v and_o submit_v to_o its_o authority_n it_o must_v be_v testify_v unto_o aliunde_fw-la from_o some_o other_o person_n or_o thing_n appoint_v thereunto_o ans_fw-fr 1._o but_o may_v not_o this_o be_v say_v of_o god_n himself_o as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o word_n if_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o it_o must_v be_v by_o mean_n and_o if_o those_o mean_n may_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reveal_v he_o unless_o they_o be_v testify_v unto_o from_o somewhat_o else_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o si_fw-mi deus_fw-la hominibus_fw-la non_fw-la placuerit_fw-la utique_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la erit_fw-la if_o god_n and_o his_o word_n will_v keep_v themselves_o within_o themselves_o to_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v god_n and_o his_o word_n still_o and_o keep_v their_o authority_n but_o if_o they_o will_v deal_v with_o we_o and_o put_v forth_o their_o command_n to_o we_o let_v they_o look_v that_o they_o get_v the_o church_n testimonial_n or_o on_o this_o principle_n they_o may_v be_v safe_o reject_v but_o sect._n 8._o authority_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o no_o person_n or_o thing_n can_v have_v in_o he_o or_o its_o self_n that_o have_v it_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o in_o its_o very_a nature_n it_o relate_v to_o other_o that_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o all_o authority_n arise_v from_o relation_n and_o answer_v it_o throughout_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n be_v from_o their_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o their_o creator_n a_o king_n authority_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o he_o who_o have_v no_o subject_n have_v no_o kingly_a authority_n in_o himself_o but_o be_v only_o a_o stoical_a king_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o minister_n relate_v to_o his_o flock_n and_o he_o who_o have_v no_o flock_n have_v no_o authority_n of_o a_o minister_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o flock_n a_o people_n a_o church_n he_o have_v none_o he_o can_v have_v none_o in_o himself_o so_o be_v it_o in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n from_o its_o self_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o it_o have_v none_o in_o its_o self_n nor_o can_v have_v if_o it_o have_v it_o in_o its_o self_n it_o have_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o such_o a_o respect_n that_o be_v a_o right_a to_o command_v and_o oblige_v to_o obedience_n be_v as_o inseparable_a from_o authority_n or_o a_o moral_a power_n as_o heat_n be_v from_o fire_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v have_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la a_o lawful_a authority_n over_o they_o who_o the_o facto_fw-la he_o can_v force_v or_o compel_v to_o obedience_n but_o want_v of_o force_n do_v not_o lessen_v authority_n god_n lose_v not_o his_o authority_n over_o man_n though_o he_o put_v not_o forth_o towards_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n or_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o might_n of_o his_o strength_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o obey_v it_o be_v fond_a then_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n or_o any_o thing_n shall_v have_v a_o authority_n in_o himself_o or_o its_o self_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v that_o authority_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a thereunto_o that_o be_v not_o a_o law_n proper_o at_o all_o which_o be_v not_o a_o law_n to_o some_o beside_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o disobedience_n relate_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o require_v the_o obedience_n james_n 2._o 10_o 11._o no_o action_n be_v disobedience_n but_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o he_o who_o perform_v it_o unto_o he_o who_o require_v obedience_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o a_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n towards_o we_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o our_o disobedience_n unto_o its_o command_n or_o our_o not_o do_v what_o it_o command_v and_o our_o do_v what_o it_o for_o bid_v be_v not_o disobedience_n because_o it_o have_v not_o a_o authority_n over_o we_o i_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o consider_v in_o its_o self_n before_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o testimony_n pretend_v necessary_a to_o give_v it_o a_o authority_n over_o we_o hitherto_o then_o have_v we_o carry_v this_o objection_n to_o disobey_v the_o command_n of_o the_o scripture_n before_o the_o communication_n of_o a_o testimony_n unto_o it_o by_o man_n be_v no_o sin_n eredat_fw-la apella_n sect._n 9_o the_o sense_n then_o of_o our_o position_n be_v evident_a and_o clear_a and_o so_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o enquiry_n make_v the_o scripture_n have_v all_o its_o authority_n from_o its_o author_n both_o in_o its_o self_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o that_o it_o have_v the_o author_n and_o original_a plead_v for_o it_o declare_v its_o self_n without_o any_o other_o assistance_n by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o shall_v afterward_o be_v insist_v on_o the_o truth_n whereof_o i_o shall_v now_o confirm_v by_o one_o general_n induction_n 2._o by_o testimony_n 3_o by_o argument_n express_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o its_o revelation_n of_o its_o self_n sect._n 10._o there_o be_v 3_o way_n whereby_o god_n in_o several_a degree_n reveal_v himself_o his_o property_n his_o mind_n and_o will_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 1._o he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o work_n both_o of_o creation_n and_o providence_n all_o thy_o work_n praise_v thou_o psal_n 145._o 10._o etc._n etc._n the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n tell_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n day_n unto_o day_n utter_v speech_n and_o night_n unto_o night_n declare_v knowledge_n there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o language_n where_o their_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v their_o line_n be_v go_v out_o throughout_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n psal_n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n so_o job_n chap._n 37._o chap._n 38._o chap._n 39_o throughout_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v therein_o suffer_v in_o time_n past_o all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n yet_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a &_o give_v we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n act._n 14._o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o see_v he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n neither_o be_v worship_v with_o man_n hand_n as_o though_o he_o need_v any_o thing_n see_v he_o give_v unto_o all_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o mankind_n to_o dwell_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o eart_n and_o assign_v the_o season_n which_o be_v ordain_v before_o and_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n if_o happy_o they_o may_v feel_v after_o he_o and_o find_v he_o act._n 17._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o
the_o ground_n of_o the_o request_n for_o the_o rise_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v lay_v in_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o man_n not_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n who_o think_v that_o if_o a_o evident_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v all_o pretence_n and_o plea_n of_o unbelief_n will_v be_v exclude_v who_o do_v not_o think_v so_o our_o saviour_n discover_v that_o mistake_n and_o let_v man_n know_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o own_o or_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o the_o most_o signal_n miracle_n imaginable_a if_o a_o holy_a man_n who_o we_o have_v know_v assure_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a for_o some_o year_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o his_o grave_n and_o come_v unto_o we_o with_o a_o message_n from_o god_n can_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v send_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n or_o no_o i_o suppose_v not_o the_o rise_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o attend_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 27._o 52_o 53._o yea_o great_a than_o his_o own_o if_o the_o socinian_o may_v be_v believe_v namely_o in_o that_o he_o raise_v not_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o power_n yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o mission_n of_o such_o a_o one_o &_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o he_o our_o saviour_n be_v judge_n be_v not_o of_o a_o efficacy_n to_o enforce_v belief_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o write_a word_n nor_o a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o faith_n to_o repose_v its_o self_n upon_o sect._n 15._o can_v we_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n accompany_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n as_o to_o evidence_n its_o self_n to_o be_v from_o god_n shall_v we_o not_o rest_v in_o it_o as_o such_o i_o suppose_v man_n think_v they_o will_v can_v we_o think_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o assent_n and_o say_v yea_o but_o i_o must_v have_v some_o testimony_n that_o this_o be_v from_o god_n all_o such_o evasion_n be_v preclude_v in_o the_o supposition_n wherein_o a_o self_n evidence_v power_n be_v grant_v what_o great_a miracle_n do_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n ever_o behold_v or_o hear_v then_o that_o voice_n that_o come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o most_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n yet_o peter_n who_o hear_v that_o voice_n tell_v we_o that_o comparative_o we_o have_v great_a security_n from_o and_o by_o the_o write_a word_n than_o they_o have_v in_o and_o by_o that_o miraculous_a voice_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o hear_v say_v he_o that_o voice_n indeed_o but_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n to_o attend_v unto_o more_o sure_a not_o in_o in_o its_o self_n but_o in_o its_o give_v out_o its_o evidence_n unto_o we_o and_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v before_o insist_v on_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20._o sect._n 16._o yea_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o moses_n or_o as_o he_o speak_v to_o christ_n or_o from_o some_o certain_a place_n as_o numb_a 7._o 8_o 9_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n can_v satan_n cause_v a_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o air_n and_o so_o deceive_v we_o or_o may_v not_o there_o be_v some_o way_n in_o this_o kind_n find_v out_o whereby_o man_n may_v impose_v upon_o we_o with_o their_o delusion_n pope_n celestine_n think_v he_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o it_o be_v but_o the_o cheat_n of_o his_o successor_n must_v we_o not_o rest_v at_o last_o in_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o accompany_v the_o true_a voice_n of_o god_n evidence_v its_o self_n and_o ascertain_v the_o soul_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n now_o do_v not_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d accompany_v the_o write_a word_n at_o its_o first_o give_v forth_o if_o it_o do_v not_o as_o be_v say_v how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o discern_v it_o from_o all_o delusion_n if_o it_o do_v how_o come_v it_o to_o loose_v it_o do_v god_n appoint_v his_o word_n to_o be_v write_v that_o so_o he_o may_v destroy_v its_o authority_n if_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v truth_n of_o god_n or_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n we_o be_v send_v to_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n and_o that_o alone_a to_o give_v the_o determination_n chap._n iu._n innate_a argument_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o its_o divine_a original_n and_o authority_n these_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o be_v self_n evidence_v efficacy_n all_o light_n manife_v itself_o the_o scripture_n light_n what_o kind_n of_o light_n it_o be_v spiritual_a light_n evidentiall_a the_o ground_n of_o man_n not_o discern_v this_o light_n consectary_n from_o the_o premise_n lay_v down_o what_o the_o self_n evidence_v light_n of_o the_o scripture_n peculiar_o be_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v from_o and_o by_o this_o light_n power_n self_n evidence_v the_o scripture_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o powerful_a how_o this_o power_n exert_v its_o self_n the_o whole_a question_n resolve_v §_o 1._o have_v give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o those_o many_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a term_n bear_v to_o its_o self_n and_o the_o spring_n rise_v and_o fountain_n of_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o it_o claim_v among_o and_o over_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v on_o any_o account_n whatever_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v its_o divinity_n be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o and_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v or_o the_o innate_a argument_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v furnish_v withal_o for_o its_o own_o manifestation_n and_o whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v for_o faith_n to_o repose_v its_o self_n upon_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n into_o consideration_n now_o these_o argument_n contain_v the_o full_a and_o formal_a ground_n of_o our_o answer_n to_o that_o enquiry_n before_o lay_v down_o namely_o why_o and_o wherefore_o we_o do_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o whereon_o it_o be_v build_v and_o whereunto_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o be_v inquire_v after_o we_o answer_v as_o we_o say_v before_o we_o do_v so_o receive_v embrace_v believe_v and_o submit_v unto_o it_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v it_o or_o give_v it_o forth_o as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n evidence_v its_o self_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o with_o that_o word_n unto_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n or_o because_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o preservation_n it_o do_v evidence_n its_o self_n infallible_o unto_o our_o conscience_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n sect._n 2._o the_o self_n evidence_v efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o common_a medium_n that_o have_v a_o extent_n and_o latitude_n answerable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n whether_o as_o yet_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o be_v that_o than_o which_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v and_o vindicate_v this_o only_a i_o shall_v desire_v to_o premise_v that_o whereas_o some_o ground_n of_o this_o efficacy_n seem_v to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o consider_v they_o abstract_o as_o such_o but_o under_o the_o formality_n of_o their_o be_v the_o scripture_n or_o write_a word_n of_o god_n without_o which_o consideration_n and_o resolution_n the_o thing_n mention_v will_v be_v leave_v naked_a and_o utter_o devest_v of_o their_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n plead_v for_o and_o be_v of_o no_o other_o nature_n and_o importance_n than_o the_o same_o thing_n find_v in_o other_o book_n it_o be_v the_o write_v its_o self_n that_o now_o supply_v the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o the_o person_n in_o and_o by_o who_o god_n original_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o be_v the_o person_n speak_v of_o old_a so_o be_v the_o write_n now_o it_o be_v the_o word_n speak_v that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o as_o speak_v by_o they_o from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v now_o the_o word_n write_v that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o as_o write_v by_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n sect._n
to_o every_o one_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n a_o evidence_n of_o truth_n commend_v its_o self_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n some_o receive_v not_o this_o evidence_n be_v it_o for_o want_v of_o light_n in_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v self_n no_o that_o be_v a_o glorious_a light_n that_o shine_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v it_o for_o want_v of_o testimony_n to_o assert_v this_o light_n no_o but_o mere_o because_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o behold_v it_o sect._n 11._o from_o what_o then_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v infer_v 1._o that_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o first_o and_o only_o absolute_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o divine_a faith_n rest_v upon_o and_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o it_o so_o wherever_o the_o word_n come_v by_o what_o mean_v soever_o it_o have_v in_o its_o self_n a_o sufficiency_n of_o light_n to_o evidence_n to_o all_o and_o will_v do_v it_o eventual_o to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n that_o authority_n of_o god_n its_o author_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o many_o in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o it_o be_v come_v be_v the_o advantage_n that_o satan_n have_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n by_o the_o lust_n corruption_n prejudices_fw-la and_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n sect._n 12._o the_o word_n than_o make_v a_o sufficient_a proposition_n of_o its_o self_n wherever_o it_o be_v and_o he_o to_o who_o it_o shall_v come_v who_o refuse_v it_o because_o it_o come_v not_o so_o or_o so_o testify_v will_v give_v a_o accouâ—t_n of_o his_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n he_o that_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n need_v not_o stay_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n for_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a sect._n 13._o wherever_o the_o word_n be_v receive_v indeed_o as_o it_o require_v itself_o to_o be_v receive_v and_o be_v real_o assent_v unto_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o receive_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o light_n which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o self_n manifest_o declare_v its_o self_n so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v all_o one_o by_o what_o mean_n by_o what_o hand_n whether_o of_o a_o child_n or_o a_o church_n by_o accident_n or_o tradition_n by_o common_a consent_n of_o man_n or_o pecular_a providence_n the_o scripture_n come_v unto_o we_o come_v how_o it_o will_v it_o have_v its_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n and_o towards_o we_o by_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v its_o power_n of_o manifest_v its_o self_n so_o to_o be_v from_o its_o own_o innate_a light_n sect._n 14._o now_o this_o light_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o which_o we_o contend_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o beam_a of_o the_o majesty_n truth_n holiness_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o leave_v upon_o it_o by_o its_o author_n the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o impress_n it_o have_v of_o god_n excellency_n upon_o it_o distinguish_v it_o by_o infallible_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o product_n of_o any_o creature_n by_o this_o it_o dive_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n into_o all_o the_o secret_a recess_n of_o their_o heart_n guide_n teach_v direct_v determine_v and_o judge_n in_o they_o upon_o they_o in_o the_o name_n majesty_n &_o authority_n of_o god_n if_o man_n who_o be_v blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n will_v yet_o deny_v this_o light_n because_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o it_o shall_v not_o prejudice_v they_o who_o do_v by_o this_o self_n evidence_v light_n i_o say_v do_v the_o scripture_n make_v such_o a_o proposition_n of_o its_o self_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o whoever_o reject_v it_o do_v it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o thereby_o a_o bottom_n and_o foundation_n be_v tender_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o it_o require_v to_o repose_v its_o self_n upon_o sect._n 15._o for_o the_o proof_n then_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n unto_o he_o or_o they_o who_o as_o yet_o on_o no_o account_n what_o ever_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o suppose_v that_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o book_n it_o be_v self_n be_v so_o bring_v unto_o he_o or_o they_o as_o that_o he_o or_o they_o be_v engage_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o or_o do_v attend_v to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o a_o supposal_n hereof_o i_o leave_v the_o word_n with_o they_o and_o if_o it_o evidence_n not_o its_o self_n unto_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n which_o will_v be_v no_o plea_n for_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o they_o who_o receive_v it_o not_o on_o this_o ground_n will_v never_o receive_v it_o on_o any_o as_o they_o ought_v sect._n 16._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o evidence_n themselves_o be_v thing_n of_o a_o effectual_a powerful_a operation_n in_o any_o kind_n so_o do_v fire_n by_o heat_n the_o wind_n by_o its_o noise_n and_o force_n salt_n by_o its_o taste_n and_o savour_n the_o sun_n by_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n so_o do_v also_o moral_a principle_n that_o be_v effectual_o operative_a rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o man_n in_o who_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v manifest_v the_o work_n of_o they_o or_o they_o by_o their_o work_n and_o efficacy_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o have_v a_o innate_a power_n in_o its_o self_n that_o will_v effectual_o operate_v on_o a_o fit_a and_o proper_a subject_n it_o be_v able_a to_o evidence_n it_o be_v self_n and_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n and_o condition_n sect._n 17._o to_o manifest_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v enroll_v among_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n yea_o under_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v know_v by_o his_o great_a power_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n i_o shall_v observe_v only_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n concern_v it_o the_o various_a improvement_n whereof_o will_v take_v up_o more_o time_n and_o great_a space_n than_o i_o have_v allot_v to_o this_o discourse_n sect._n 18._o it_o be_v absolute_o call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o unto_o its_o proper_a end_n which_o way_n lie_v the_o tendency_n of_o its_o efficacy_n in_o operation_n rom._n 1._o 16._o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vis_fw-la virtus_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o power_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n concern_v the_o cross_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 1._o 18_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o that_o word_n without_o other_o help_n or_o advantage_n be_v say_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 5._o that_o be_v effectual_o work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n it_o work_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v spiritual_a power_n give_v a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o come_v not_o as_o a_o naked_a word_n 1_o thes_n 1._o 5_o but_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v all_o manner_n of_o assurance_n and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o its_o self_n even_o by_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n hence_o it_o be_v term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o rod_n of_o power_n or_o strength_n psal_n 110._o 2_o denote_v both_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n sure_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v its_o self_n know_v so_o to_o be_v sect._n 19_o it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d power_n the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o its_o self_n but_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d able_a and_o powerful_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o thou_o have_v learn_v say_v paul_n to_o timothy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacred_a letter_n the_o write_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n they_o be_v powerful_a
and_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o every_o tittle_n contain_v in_o they_o have_v those_o individual_a write_n be_v preserve_v man_n will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o adore_v they_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o their_o synagogue_n sect._n 3_o moses_n indeed_o deliver_v his_o original_a copy_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n unto_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o korah_n to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o there_o keep_v for_o a_o perpetual_a monument_n deut._n 31._o 25_o 26._o that_o individual_a book_n be_v i_o doubt_v not_o preserve_v until_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n there_o be_v indeed_o no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o particular_a when_o the_o ark_n be_v solemn_o carry_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n after_o the_o build_n of_o solomon_n temple_n 2_o chron._n 5._o 4_o 5._o but_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n continue_v until_o then_o that_o and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v up_o v._n 5._o now_o the_o place_n of_o the_o book_n by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n observe_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_n some_o think_v the_o book_n find_v by_o hilkiah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o josiah_n be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o moses_n which_o be_v place_v by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark._n it_o rather_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v some_o ancient_a sacred_a copy_n use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o lay_v up_o there_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o second_o temple_n 24._o which_o be_v carry_v in_o triumph_n to_o rome_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o find_v it_o in_o general_a in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o work_n which_o be_v then_o do_v 2_o chron._n 14._o 15._o which_o be_v not_o in_o or_o about_o the_o holy_a place_n where_o he_o who_o be_v high_a priest_n know_v full_a well_o this_o book_n be_v keep_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o take_v that_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la from_o its_o peculiar_a archive_v to_o send_v it_o abroad_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o that_o book_n which_o he_o find_v nay_o doubtless_o it_o be_v altogether_o unlawful_a for_o he_o so_o to_o have_v do_v it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o a_o peculiar_a ordinance_n for_o a_o peculiar_a or_o special_a end_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n all_o enquiry_n after_o that_o book_n be_v in_o vain_a the_o author_n of_o the_o 2_o book_n of_o maccabee_n mention_n not_o its_o hide_v in_o nebo_n by_o jeremiah_n with_o the_o ark_n and_o altar_n or_o by_o josiah_n as_o say_v some_o of_o the_o talmudist_n nor_o be_v it_o of_o any_o importance_n if_o they_o have_v of_o the_o scripture_n preserve_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o its_o last_o destruction_n josphus_n give_v we_o a_o full_a account_n de_fw-la bello_fw-la juda_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 24._o sect._n 4._o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o it_o be_v ever_o gather_v into_o one_o volume_n there_o be_v now_o no_o one_o church_n to_o keep_v they_o for_o the_o rest_n the_o epistle_n though_o immediate_o transcribe_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o church_n col._n 4._o 16_o be_v doubtless_o keep_v in_o the_o several_a church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v direct_v 1._o from_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v quick_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d transcribe_v copy_n give_v out_o to_o faithful_a man_n whilst_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o continue_v his_o guidance_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n sect._n 5._o for_o the_o first_o transcriber_n of_o the_o original_a copy_n and_o those_o who_o in_o succeed_a age_n have_v do_v the_o like_a work_n from_o they_o whereby_o they_o have_v be_v propagate_v and_o continue_v down_o to_o we_o in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n we_o say_v not_o as_o be_v vain_o charge_v by_o morinus_n and_o capellus_n that_o they_o be_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d infallible_a and_o divine_o inspire_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n to_o mistake_v it_o be_v know_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o fail_n have_v be_v among_o they_o and_o that_o various_a lection_n be_v from_o thence_o rise_v of_o which_o afterward_o religious_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o their_o work_n with_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o he_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v all_o we_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v these_o free_o in_o they_o without_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v high_a uncharitableness_n impiety_n and_o ingratitude_n this_o care_n and_o diligence_n we_o say_v in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v produce_v the_o effect_n contend_v for_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n further_o necessary_a thereunto_o on_o this_o account_n to_o argue_v as_o some_o do_v from_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o mistake_n of_o man_n their_o oscitancy_n and_o negligence_n in_o transcribe_v the_o old_a heathen_a author_n homer_n aristotle_n tully_n we_o think_v it_o not_o tolerable_a in_o a_o christian_a or_o any_o one_o that_o have_v the_o least_o sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o care_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o church_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o man_n who_o write_v out_o book_n wherein_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o person_n mention_v and_o other_o like_v they_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o that_o they_o do_v as_o those_o who_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o every_o letter_n and_o tittle_n that_o they_o be_v transcribe_v be_v part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a god_n wherein_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o do_v lie_v certain_o whatever_n may_v be_v look_v for_o from_o the_o religious_a care_n and_o diligence_n of_o man_n lie_v under_o a_o love_a and_o careful_a aspect_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v be_v just_o expect_v from_o they_o who_o undertake_v that_o work_n however_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o own_o all_o their_o fail_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o assert_v in_o this_o case_n without_o proof_n be_v injurious_a sect._n 6._o the_o jew_n have_v a_o common_a say_n among_o they_o that_o to_o alter_v one_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v no_o less_o sin_n then_o to_o set_v the_o whole_a world_n on_o fire_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o in_o write_v it_o they_o take_v no_o more_o care_n than_o a_o man_n will_v do_v in_o write_v out_o aristotle_n or_o plato_n who_o for_o a_o very_a little_a portion_n of_o the_o world_n will_v willing_o have_v do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v both_o their_o work_n out_o of_o it_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n to_o be_v transcribe_v be_v every_o title_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o as_o write_v be_v propose_v as_o he_o as_o from_o he_o that_o if_o any_o fail_n be_v make_v innumerable_a eye_n of_o man_n own_v their_o eternal_a concernment_n to_o lie_v in_o that_o word_n be_v open_a upon_o it_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o that_o thousand_o of_o copy_n be_v extant_a to_o try_v it_o by_o and_o all_o this_o know_v unto_o and_o confess_v by_o every_o one_o that_o undertake_v this_o work_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v their_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o have_v out_o go_v that_o of_o other_o common_a scribe_n of_o heathen_a author_n the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v prodigious_a thing_n that_o be_v relate_v of_o the_o exact_a diligence_n and_o reverential_a care_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n in_o this_o work_n especial_o when_o they_o entrust_v a_o copy_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o standard_n of_o other_o private_a copy_n maimonides_n in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 8._o 3_o 4_o tell_v we_o that_o ben_fw-mi asher_n spend_v many_o year_n in_o the_o careful_a exact_a writing_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n let_v any_o man_n consider_v the_o 20_o thing_n which_o they_o affirm_v to_o profane_v a_o book_n or_o copy_n and_o this_o will_v far_o appear_v they_o be_v repeat_v by_o rabbi_n moses_n tract_n at_o de_fw-fr libro_fw-la legis_fw-la
when_o extend_v or_o greatn_v by_o way_n of_o engrave_v or_o emboss_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v put_v upon_o or_o cut_v in_o why_o may_v we_o not_o think_v they_o be_v inven_v for_o that_o purpose_n namely_o to_o engrave_v on_o vessel_n &_o to_o stamp_v on_o coin_n &_o so_o come_v to_o be_v of_o some_o use_n in_o writing_n also_o their_o shape_n and_o frame_n promise_v some_o such_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v render_v the_o more_o probable_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o egyptian_n 5._o who_o as_o clement_n alexan_n tell_v we_o have_v 3_o sort_n of_o letter_n one_o which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o which_o they_o write_v thing_n of_o common_a use_n another_o term_v by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v by_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o also_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n simple_a and_o symbolical_a see_v then_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n to_o have_v sundry_a sort_n of_o letter_n for_o sundry_a purpose_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o it_o be_v so_o also_o among_o the_o jew_n not_o that_o they_o write_v the_o sacred_a write_n in_o a_o peculiar_a character_n as_o it_o be_v to_o hide_v they_o which_o be_v declaim_v against_o but_o only_o that_o the_o other_o character_n may_v be_v in_o use_n for_o some_o purpose_n which_o be_v not_o unusual_a i_o can_v think_v the_o greek_n of_o old_a use_v only_o the_o unciall_a letter_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v some_o do_v though_o he_o do_v not_o who_o write_v homer_n iliad_n in_o no_o great_a a_o volume_n then_o will_v go_v into_o a_o nutshell_n sect._n 4._o but_o if_o that_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o can_v be_v prove_v namely_o that_o such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v yet_o this_o prejudices_fw-la not_o they_o in_o the_o least_o who_o affirm_v ezra_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a congregation_n to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o point_n see_v the_o author_n of_o this_o rumour_n affix_v that_o as_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o old_a hebrew_n letter_n be_v excommunicate_v out_o of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o samaritan_n nay_o it_o cast_v a_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n namely_o that_o ezra_n lay_v aside_o the_o old_a letter_n because_o of_o their_o difficulty_n together_o with_o the_o new_a introduce_v the_o point_n to_o facilitate_v their_o use_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n have_v never_o any_o vowel_n affix_v to_o they_o postellus_n affirm_v that_o the_o samaritan_n have_v point_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hierome_n and_o that_o their_o loss_n of_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o present_a corrupt_a read_n punctis_fw-la hodie_fw-la quae_fw-la habebant_fw-la hieronimi_fw-la temporibus_fw-la carent_fw-la leguntque_fw-la sine_fw-la punctis_fw-la admodum_fw-la depravatè_fw-la postell_n alphab_n 12._o lingua_fw-la there_o be_v always_o some_o copy_n write_v without_o vowel_n which_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o other_o lose_v that_o people_n if_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o be_v wicked_a ignorant_a sottish_a superstitious_a idolatrous_a rejector_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n corruptor_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v may_v neglect_v the_o task_n of_o transcribe_v copy_n with_o point_n because_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v perform_v aright_o nor_o be_v it_o improbable_a what_o ever_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o continue_v in_o their_o sepation_n from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o may_v get_v the_o law_n write_v in_o a_o character_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o the_o jew_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whither_o from_o this_o heap_n of_o uncertaintye_n any_o thing_n can_v arise_v with_o the_o face_n of_o a_o witness_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o give_v testimony_n in_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n he_o that_o will_v part_v with_o his_o possession_n on_o such_o easy_a term_n never_o find_v much_o benefit_n in_o it_o sect._n 5._o 2_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o preserve_v in_o their_o synagogue_n one_o book_n which_o they_o almost_o adore_v write_v without_o point_n be_v allege_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o what_o do_v they_o else_o hereby_o but_o tacit_o acknowledge_v the_o point_n to_o have_v a_o humane_a original_a an_fw-mi but_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v not_o so_o acknowledge_v they_o neither_o by_o that_o practice_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o way_n it_o be_v the_o constant_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o they_o all_o elias_n only_a except_v that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a extract_n and_o if_o their_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v it_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o in_o one_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o 2_o the_o jew_n give_v a_o threefold_a account_n of_o this_o practice_n first_o the_o difficulty_n of_o transcribe_v copy_n without_o any_o fail_n the_o least_o render_v the_o whole_a book_n as_o to_o its_o use_n in_o their_o synagogue_n profane_a 2_o the_o liberty_n they_o have_v thereby_o to_o draw_v out_o various_a sense_n more_o eminent_a as_o they_o say_v indeed_o more_o vain_a and_o curious_a than_o they_o have_v any_o advantage_n to_o do_v when_o the_o read_n be_v restrain_v to_o one_o certain_a sense_n by_o the_o vowel_n and_o accent_n 3_o to_o keep_v all_o learner_n in_o dependence_n on_o their_o teacher_n see_v they_o can_v learn_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o by_o their_o exposition_n rab_n azarias_n lib._n jmre_v bina_n cap._n 59_o if_o these_o reason_n satisfy_v not_o any_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o practice_n they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o inquire_v of_o they_o for_o other_o who_o intend_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o authority_n that_o the_o point_n be_v invent_v by_o some_o late_a massorite_n they_o will_v not_o inform_v they_o for_o jesuitical_a story_n out_o of_o china_n they_o be_v with_o i_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o like_a credit_n with_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o talmud_n he_o that_o can_v believe_v all_o the_o miracle_n that_o they_o work_v where_o man_n be_v not_o warn_v of_o their_o juggle_n may_v credit_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n however_o as_o i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o argument_n the_o jew_n keep_v a_o book_n in_o their_o synagogue_n without_o point_n therefore_o the_o point_n and_o accent_n be_v invent_v by_o the_o tiberian_a massorite_n when_o they_o never_o read_v it_o or_o rather_o sing_v it_o but_o according_a to_o every_o point_n and_o accent_n in_o ordinary_a use_n indeed_o the_o whole_a profound_a mystery_n of_o this_o business_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o read_v or_o sing_v the_o law_n in_o their_o synagogue_n until_o he_o be_v so_o perfect_a in_o it_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v exact_o all_o point_n and_o accent_n in_o a_o book_n wherein_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o sect._n 6._o 3._o the_o testimony_n of_o elias_n levita_n not_o only_o as_o to_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o also_o as_o to_o what_o he_o mention_n from_o aben_n ezra_n and_o other_o be_v insist_v on_o they_o affirm_v say_v he_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o whole_a punctation_n from_o the_o tiberian_a massorite_n an._n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o elias_n be_v of_o that_o judgement_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o if_o that_o opinion_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o his_o mind_n the_o world_n have_v be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o it_o at_o this_o day_n that_o by_o receive_v of_o the_o punctation_n from_o the_o tiberian_o the_o continuation_n of_o it_o in_o their_o school_n not_o the_o invention_n of_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o aben_n ezra_n be_v beyond_o all_o exception_n evince_v by_o buxtorfius_n de_fw-fr punct_a antiq._n p._n 1._o cap._n 3._o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v speak_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o be_v intend_v than_o that_o which_o be_v urge_v in_o the_o prolegomena_n from_o aben_n ezra_n comment_n in_o exod._n 25._o 31._o where_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o see_v some_o book_n examine_v in_o all_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o whole_a punctation_n by_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o tiberias_n namely_o to_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v do_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n they_o have_v beside_o all_o elias_n argument_n be_v notable_o answer_v by_o rabbi_n azarias_n who_o answer_n be_v repeat_v by_o joseph_n the_o voysin_n in_o his_o most_o learned_a observation_n on_o the_o proemium_fw-la of_o the_o pugio_fw-la fidei_fw-la pag._n 91._o 92._o and_o the_o same_o azarias_n show_v the_o consistency_n of_o the_o various_a opinion_n that_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n about_o the_o vowel_n ascribe_v they_o as_o to_o their_o virtue_n and_o force_n to_o moses_n or_o god_n on_o mount_n