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
it_o be_v of_o no_o long_a stand_n since_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n for_o josephus_n often_o call_v daniel_n a_o prophet_n 12._o prophet_n antiq._n l._n 10._o c._n 12._o nay_o one_o of_o the_o great_a genev_n great_a ib._n p._n 353._o g._n ed._n genev_n prophet_n and_o agreeable_o to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n our_o saviour_n give_v he_o the_o same_o title_n 24.15_o title_n matth._n 24.15_o but_o further_a the_o same_o josephus_n g._n josephus_n l._n 1._o c._n app._n p._n 1036._o g._n make_v use_v of_o another_o division_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n viz._n into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o prophetical_a under_o which_o he_o comprehend_v the_o historical_a because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n as_o he_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n suppose_v and_o the_o poetical_a book_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v or_o those_o which_o contain_v hymn_n to_o god_n and_o precept_n of_o good_a life_n which_o division_n agree_v much_o better_a with_o that_o mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n 24.44_o saviour_n luke_n 24.44_o viz._n into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n than_o the_o other_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v since_o that_o time_n invent_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v show_v that_o mr._n n._n by_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o receive_v book_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n nay_o and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n too_o what_o reason_n he_o have_v for_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o but_o at_o present_a let_v we_o examine_v what_o authority_n he_o have_v to_o oppose_v to_o such_o a_o powerful_a one_o as_o all_o these_o join_v together_o amount_v to_o and_o i_o can_v find_v no_o body_n that_o stand_v by_o he_o in_o this_o opinion_n but_o grotius_n and_o he_o he_o call_v in_o to_o his_o assistance_n at_o every_o turn_v but_o though_o i_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o grotius_n judgement_n yet_o i_o think_v if_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n to_o counterpoise_v that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o will_v be_v find_v too_o light_n that_o great_a man_n extraordinary_a learning_n and_o merit_n and_o particular_o his_o have_v so_o well_o deserve_v of_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n and_o give_v such_o light_n into_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o design_n make_v i_o willing_a to_o pass_v over_o his_o failure_n and_o not_o be_v severe_a upon_o his_o memory_n for_o those_o false_a gloss_n and_o some_o of_o they_o deserve_v a_o hard_a name_n which_o he_o have_v make_v upon_o other_o book_n of_o it_o only_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o this_o opinion_n of_o he_o concern_v the_o old_a testament_n canon_n be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o main_a design_n of_o his_o votum_fw-la pro_fw-la pace_n and_o those_o other_o treatise_n where_o he_o have_v assert_v it_o for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o those_o project_n for_o peace_n be_v to_o magnify_v antiquity_n tradition_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o show_v that_o catholic_n unity_n be_v never_o to_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o submit_v all_o controversy_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o these_o three_o as_o so_o many_o arbitrator_n or_o umpire_n between_o the_o different_a party_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antiquity_n and_o tradition_n he_o reject_v those_o book_n which_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n that_o the_o universal_a church_n uninterrupted_a tradition_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n can_v give_v they_o ii_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o exception_n which_o our_o author_n make_v against_o particular_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n he_o except_v against_o be_v either_o historical_a or_o those_o they_o common_o call_v poetical_a as_o to_o the_o historical_a write_n i_o agree_v with_o he_o thus_o far_o that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n be_v not_o usual_o inspire_a with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o they_o relate_v nor_o with_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o express_v the_o thing_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n 37._o chapter_n p._n 37._o of_o this_o treatise_n that_o a_o book_n may_v be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a mean_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n inspire_a the_o evangelist_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o they_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o or_o may_v easy_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o be_v so_o so_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o groundless_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n reveal_v those_o particular_n to_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n history_n which_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o by_o consult_v the_o record_n and_o ancient_a monument_n in_o which_o these_o matter_n be_v relate_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n and_o design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o mr._n n._n himself_o grant_v 28._o grant_v fr._n p._n 231._o en._n p._n 28._o that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v mere_o to_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n but_o to_o be_v a_o stand_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n to_o after_o age_n to_o show_v we_o the_o care_n that_o god_n always_o take_v of_o good_a people_n and_o the_o punishment_n he_o inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a to_o give_v we_o example_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o last_o to_o inform_v we_o of_o several_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n as_o contain_v many_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o set_v aside_o the_o squabble_n between_o f._n simon_n and_o his_o adversary_n about_o the_o scribe_n and_o keeper_n of_o the_o public_a register_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o prophet_n usual_o write_v the_o history_n of_o their_o king_n and_o those_o book_n which_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n and_o be_v annal_n from_o whence_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n be_v take_v for_o we_o find_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o hezekiah_n incorporate_v into_o isaiah_n prophecy_n 39_o prophecy_n be_v c._n 36_o 37_o 38_o 39_o which_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o that_o king_n reign_n be_v record_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n and_o indeed_o so_o much_o be_v express_o assert_v 2_o chron._n 32.32_o so_o the_o act_n of_o david_n be_v record_v by_o samuel_n the_o seer_n by_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o by_o gad_n the_o seer_n 29.29_o seer_n 1_o chr._n 29.29_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n and_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n 9.29_o seer_n 2_o chr._n 9.29_o the_o history_n of_o rehoboam_n reign_n be_v write_v by_o shemaiah_n the_o prophet_n and_o by_o iddo_n the_o seer_n in_o his_o genealogy_n 12.15_o genealogy_n 2_o chr._n 12.15_o the_o last_o of_o these_o record_v likewise_o the_o act_n of_o abijah_n rehoboam_n son_n 13.22_o son_n chap._n 13.22_o jehu_n the_o son_n of_o hanani_n who_o be_v a_o prophet_n 19.2_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 16.1_o 2_o chron._n 19.2_o write_v the_o history_n of_o jehoshaphat_n 20.34_o jehoshaphat_n 2_o chr._n 20.34_o the_o act_n of_o vzziah_n be_v record_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 26.22_o isaiah_n ch._n 26.22_o and_o those_o of_o manasses_n among_o the_o say_n of_o the_o seer_n 33.19_o seer_n ch._n 33.19_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o think_v we_o may_v most_o probable_o interpret_v those_o word_n of_o josephus_n genev._n josephus_n joseph_n c._n appion_n l._n 1._o p._n 1036._o ed._n genev._n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o quote_v of_o late_a upon_o this_o subject_a where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v write_v only_o by_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o they_o look_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o as_o authentic_a which_o be_v write_v after_o artaxerxe_n time_n because_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a succession_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n nor_o be_v huetius_n objection_n 161._o objection_n demon._n evangel_n p._n 161._o against_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n of_o any_o weight_n who_o affirm_v that_o josephus_n contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o just_a before_o viz._n that_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o care_n of_o write_v the_o public_a
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 much_o in_o behalf_n of_o mr._n simon_n that_o many_o to_o show_v their_o good_a will_n to_o the_o bible_n make_v he_o say_v much_o worse_a thing_n than_o he_o real_o do_v and_o such_o as_o they_o will_v fain_o have_v he_o say_v and_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o they_o can_v vouch_v his_o authority_n for_o they_o be_v industrious_a to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o if_o we_o will_v take_v his_o judgement_n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o tell_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o which_o be_v the_o false_a read_n mr._n dryden_n particular_o in_o his_o religio_fw-la laici_fw-la make_v this_o comment_n upon_o mr._n simon_n be_v critic_n and_o tell_v we_o as_o deliver_v that_o author_n sense_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v let_v in_o gross_a error_n to_o corrupt_v the_o text_n omit_v paragrahs_n and_o with_o vain_a tradition_n stop_v the_o gape_v fence_n now_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o account_n of_o his_o work_n that_o mr._n simon_n have_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v wilful_o and_o design_o corrupt_v the_o original_a by_o add_v to_o and_o take_v away_o from_o it_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a but_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v taking_n a_o great_a liberty_n than_o poetry_n itself_o will_v allow_v to_o make_v a_o man_n speak_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o sense_n and_o mean_v for_o mr._n simon_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o book_n 4._o book_n critic_n upon_o the_o o._n t._n l._n 1._o ch_n 17_o 18_o 19_o l._n 2._o c._n 4._o that_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v usual_o bring_v for_o that_o opinion_n all_o that_o he_o affirm_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n that_o other_o book_n be_v through_o the_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n of_o transcriber_n and_o that_o such_o kind_n of_o fault_n creep_v into_o the_o text_n in_o those_o age_n chief_o that_o do_v not_o mind_v the_o nicety_n of_o criticism_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a way_n to_o reform_v those_o error_n be_v by_o correct_v the_o suspect_v place_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o art_n and_o by_o diligent_a compare_v of_o copy_n as_o critic_n correct_v other_o book_n and_o the_o massoret_n have_v already_o the_o hebrew_n text._n and_o as_o for_o the_o addition_n which_o be_v suppose_v by_o many_o to_o have_v be_v make_v to_o the_o original_a text_n he_o suppose_v they_o insert_v by_o prophet_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a succession_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a record_n how_o true_a this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o mr._n simon_n do_v not_o represent_v these_o addition_n as_o so_o many_o corruption_n of_o the_o text._n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n mr._n d._n have_v misrepresent_v mr._n simon_n be_v text_n aswell_o as_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o put_v such_o a_o gloss_n upon_o it_o as_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o intend_v as_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o his_o word_n but_o i_o shall_v pursue_v this_o matter_n no_o further_o because_o mr._n d._n may_v think_v it_o hard_a measure_n to_o urge_v any_o thing_n say_v in_o his_o religio_fw-la laici_fw-la against_o he_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n when_o he_o have_v alter_v his_o mind_n in_o so_o many_o particular_n since_o the_o write_n of_o that_o poem_n and_o have_v make_v amends_o for_o his_o former_a incredulity_n by_o turn_v advocate_n for_o implicit_a faith_n one_o of_o mr._n simon_n be_v antagonist_n who_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n take_v to_o
opinion_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o he_o find_v so_o much_o fault_n with_o be_v for_o all_o that_o a_o very_a elegant_a expression_n he_o have_v print_v the_o close_a of_o this_o synodical_a epistle_n in_o great_a letter_n as_o if_o it_o have_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o it_o and_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o his_o side_n but_o as_o big_a as_o the_o word_n look_v whoever_o consider_v they_o will_v find_v there_o be_v very_o little_a sense_n in_o his_o application_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o do_v not_o see_v much_o in_o our_o author_n that_o reflect_v upon_o the_o authority_n or_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o since_o i_o be_o engage_v in_o the_o subject_a of_o inspiration_n and_o those_o person_n who_o have_v no_o great_a esteem_n for_o the_o sacred_a book_n fancy_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o prophet_n liable_a to_o exception_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o impertinent_a or_o beside_o my_o main_a design_n which_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n if_o i_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o those_o consideration_n which_o tend_v to_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o most_o popular_a objection_n against_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o i._o consider_v the_o personal_a qualification_n of_o the_o prophet_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o their_o prophecy_n iii_o i_o shall_v resolve_v some_o difficulty_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o or_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v i._o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n take_v off_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o prophetical_a write_n if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n the_o prophet_n be_v and_o what_o excellent_a qualification_n they_o be_v endow_v with_o man_n that_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o argument_n that_o make_v religion_n look_v like_o a_o cheat_n think_v they_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o prophecy_n because_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o cheat_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o they_o find_v that_o usual_o the_o person_n that_o pretend_v to_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n be_v in_o all_o other_o respect_n of_o such_o shallow_a intellectual_n and_o such_o mean_a qualification_n that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v take_v their_o advice_n in_o any_o thing_n of_o ordinary_a concern_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a god_n shall_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o person_n to_o be_v his_o messenger_n and_o the_o conveyer_n of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n but_o if_o they_o will_v likewise_o consider_v how_o unlike_a the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o these_o pretender_n both_o as_o to_o their_o intellectual_n and_o their_o moral_n it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o discover_v how_o vast_o different_a they_o be_v from_o each_o other_o and_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o one_o will_v more_o evident_o appear_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o evident_a mark_n of_o imposture_n and_o meanness_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o intellectual_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o true_a prophet_n they_o have_v usual_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o liberal_a education_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n and_o we_o find_v it_o be_v reckon_v a_o wonder_n that_o saul_n shall_v be_v among_o the_o prophet_n 19.24_o prophet_n 1_o sam._n 10_o 11_o 19.24_o because_o he_o have_v not_o be_v educate_v suitable_o to_o that_o profession_n so_o god_n call_v amos_n to_o this_o office_n from_o be_v a_o herdsman_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o unusual_a as_o he_o himself_o intimate_v 8.14_o intimate_v amos_n 8.14_o and_o indeed_o the_o style_n of_o the_o prophet_n plain_o discover_v they_o to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o a_o good_a education_n and_o therefore_o the_o critic_n have_v all_o observe_v what_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o amos_n style_n and_o that_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n which_o they_o just_o impute_v to_o their_o different_a education_n isaiah_n style_n be_v elegant_a 4._o elegant_a isaiae_n dictio_fw-la purissimaâ—ntor_n omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la post_fw-la mosen_n scripserunt_fw-la &_o ejus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pulcherrimae_fw-la grot._n in_o be_v 50_o 4._o and_o lofty_a jeremy_n show_n he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o great_a master_n of_o rhetoric_n idem_fw-la rhetoric_n mirus_fw-la in_o affectibus_fw-la concitandis_fw-la jeremias_n idem_fw-la ezekiel_n plain_o discover_v in_o his_o way_n of_o writing_n great_a skill_n in_o architecture_n and_o geography_n daniel_n wisdom_n be_v so_o famous_a even_o when_o he_o be_v young_a that_o it_o become_v a_o proverb_n among_o the_o chaldean_n to_o say_v be_v thou_o wise_a than_o daniel_n 28.3_o daniel_n ezek._n 28.3_o and_o not_o to_o descend_v to_o any_o more_o particular_n we_o find_v that_o all_o their_o writing_n be_v full_a of_o powerful_a exhortation_n to_o virtue_n of_o weighty_a and_o pathetic_a representation_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o be_v then_o prevail_v and_o the_o misery_n which_o will_v attend_v they_o we_o find_v they_o set_v forth_o the_o absurdity_n of_o pagan_a idolatry_n &c_n idolatry_n be_v 40.18_o etc._n etc._n 44.9_o &c_n &c_n with_o great_a strength_n and_o smartness_n of_o argument_n and_o endeavour_v to_o give_v man_n clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o god_n spirituality_n etc._n spirituality_n be_v 40.12_o etc._n etc._n unity_n 44.6_o unity_n jer._n 10.11_o 12._o be_v 44.6_o omnipresence_n 66.1_o omnipresence_n jer._n 23.23_o 24._o be_v 66.1_o universal_a providence_n of_o which_o the_o foretell_v how_o free_a agent_n will_v determine_v themselves_o be_v a_o signal_n instance_n and_o justice_n in_o reward_v man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n 18._o work_n jer._n 18.7_o etc._n etc._n ezek._n 18._o they_o unfold_v the_o method_n of_o providence_n in_o dispose_v of_o kingdom_n 25._o kingdom_n jer._n 25._o and_o make_v use_n of_o wicked_a prince_n and_o nation_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n justice_n in_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o 19_o other_o be_v 10.6_o etc._n etc._n ezek._n 29.18_o 19_o such_o discourse_n dont_fw-fr look_n like_o the_o idle_a dream_n of_o a_o melancholy_a and_o disturb_a fancy_n but_o do_v indeed_o answer_v the_o character_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o those_o man_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a original_a ought_v in_o reason_n to_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o settle_a judgement_n and_o can_v in_o justice_n but_o grant_n that_o if_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o foresee_v what_o be_v to_o come_v by_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n yet_o they_o make_v very_o probable_a conjecture_n by_o a_o natural_a sagacity_n since_o the_o event_n have_v so_o plain_o justify_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o prediction_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n yet_o they_o can_v in_o justice_n deny_v but_o that_o they_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v with_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n as_o man_n natural_a faculty_n can_v arrive_v to_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o origen_n do_v often_o in_o his_o book_n against_o celsus_n cant._n celsus_n p._n 18_o 177.-260.-359_a ed._n cant._n insist_v upon_o this_o that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n instruct_v man_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o duty_n much_o better_a than_o the_o acute_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n so_o malicious_a and_o groundless_a be_v that_o pretence_n of_o spinoza_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o 21._o we_o theol._n polit._n c._n 1._o p.m._n 21._o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o their_o notion_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n because_o forsooth_o different_a prophet_n see_v different_a sign_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o distinguish_v between_o a_o symbol_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o and_o he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o moses_n take_v the_o cloudy_a pillar_n to_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o must_v conclude_v that_o moses_n think_v the_o cherubim_n and_o the_o cloud_n upon_o the_o mercy-seat_n which_o he_o himself_o order_v to_o be_v make_v to_o be_v god_n or_o at_o least_o to_o resemble_v his_o essence_n and_o then_o i_o think_v he_o will_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o great_a idolatry_n than_o aaron_n be_v in_o make_v the_o golden_a calf_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o moral_a endowment_n of_o the_o prophet_n we_o shall_v find_v
vales._n ibid._n 5._o however_o that_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o when_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la be_v write_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v settle_v for_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o twelve_o prophet_n altogether_o 49.10_o altogether_o ecclus._n 49.10_o which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o smaller_n prophet_n be_v then_o collect_v and_o compile_v into_o one_o book_n which_o book_n be_v afterward_o call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n oxon._n prophet_n see_v act._n 7.42_o justin_n m._n c._n tryph._n p._n 45.50.57_o ed._n steph._n cyprian_a epist_n 59_o ed._n oxon._n nay_o further_o the_o author_n of_o the_o prologue_n to_o that_o book_n speak_v of_o the_o law_n prophet_n and_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o then_o translate_v into_o greek_a which_o be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v then_o complete_v and_o though_o we_o suppose_v that_o prologue_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o grandchild_n of_o the_o principal_a author_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o syrach_n which_o young_a syracide_n live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o euergetes_n ii_o common_o call_v ptolomee_o physcon_n yet_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o beginning_n of_o that_o prologue_n that_o his_o grandfather_n study_v the_o same_o holy_a book_n which_o he_o afterward_o say_v be_v turn_v into_o greek_a and_o this_o elder_a siracides_n speak_v of_o simon_n the_o son_n of_o onias_n the_o high_a priest_n as_o one_o who_o he_o very_o well_o remember_v etc._n remember_v c._n 50._o 1_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o simon_n be_v high_a priest_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o philopator_n reign_n 1.1_o reign_n see_v 3_o macc._n 2.1_o come_v with_o c._n 1.1_o who_o be_v next_o in_o succession_n but_o one_o to_o philadelphus_n so_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v as_o old_a as_o philadelphus_n time_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v translate_v all_o into_o greek_a in_o a_o little_a time_n after_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o suppose_v the_o whole_a work_n perform_v by_o the_o lxx_o last_o to_o these_o consideration_n we_o may_v add_v the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n both_o jewish_a and_o christian_a who_o agree_v in_o suppose_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o have_v be_v compile_v in_o or_o about_o ezra_n time_n and_o who_o probable_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o ancient_a writer_n for_o what_o they_o say_v which_o now_o be_v lose_v and_o if_o these_o consideration_n take_v all_o together_o have_v any_o force_n in_o they_o to_o prove_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o have_v be_v settle_v in_o ezra_n time_n or_o in_o the_o next_o age_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v settle_v so_o early_o this_o very_a thing_n will_v add_v great_a weight_n to_o its_o authority_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o ezra_n who_o call_v himself_o a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 7.6_o moses_n ezr_n 7.6_o revise_v the_o holy_a write_n retrieve_v they_o from_o the_o corruption_n which_o the_o scarcity_n of_o copy_n and_o the_o disuse_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n during_o the_o captity_n have_v bring_v into_o they_o supply_v and_o complete_v many_o of_o they_o and_o put_v they_o into_o order_n and_o method_n and_o when_o a_o man_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o ezra_n be_v have_v do_v all_o this_o so_o late_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o compiler_n of_o the_o canon_n must_v have_v have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o his_o judgement_n and_o admit_v no_o book_n into_o their_o collection_n but_o what_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o ezra_n or_o if_o they_o be_v of_o late_a date_n than_o his_o time_n the_o write_n of_o they_o must_v have_v be_v within_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o compiler_n so_o that_o they_o be_v proper_a judge_n whether_o a_o book_n deserve_v to_o be_v esteem_v sacred_a or_o not_o so_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o canon_n bottom_n upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o ezra_n who_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v to_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n yet_o we_o can_v think_v but_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n as_o the_o revise_v and_o put_v in_o order_n the_o holy_a write_n he_o will_v not_o only_o use_v the_o best_a skill_n he_o have_v himself_o but_o likewise_o consult_v with_o haggai_n zechary_n or_o malachi_n the_o last_o of_o which_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v alive_a in_o his_o time_n and_o possible_o the_o other_o two_o also_o and_o do_v nothing_o without_o their_o advice_n for_o we_o find_v that_o at_o the_o first_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o much_o less_o moment_n viz._n where_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o priesthood_n can_v not_o prove_v their_o pedigree_n the_o governor_n will_v determine_v nothing_o but_o leave_v the_o matter_n undecided_a till_o a_o priest_n shall_v arise_v who_o have_v vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n 63._o thummim_n ezr._n 2.62_o 63._o and_o if_o any_o such_o priest_n do_v arise_v afterward_o as_o if_o we_o believe_v josephus_n there_o do_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o that_o oracle_n cease_v but_o 200._o year_n before_o his_o time_n gen._n time_n antiq._n jud._n l._n 3._o c._n 9_o p._n 90._o c._n ed._n gen._n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v leave_v to_o he_o to_o determine_v which_o be_v such_o as_o the_o learned_a mr._n dodwell_n have_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o appendix_n 9_o appendix_n sect._n 9_o to_o his_o lecture_n now_o in_o the_o press_n 2._o this_o early_a date_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n quite_o destroy_v that_o fancy_n of_o our_o author_n 106._o author_n fr._n p._n 279._o eng_n p._n 106._o that_o the_o jew_n put_v together_o all_o the_o fragment_n that_o remain_v of_o their_o ancient_a book_n so_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v their_o whole_a library_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o chronicle_n be_v extract_v out_o of_o large_a record_n which_o they_o often_o refer_v to_o and_o yet_o these_o book_n be_v compile_v after_o the_o captivity_n as_o appear_v by_o several_a passage_n etc._n passage_n 1_o chr._n 3.17_o 〈…〉_o etc._n etc._n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o the_o original_n which_o escape_v the_o destruction_n of_o record_n occasion_v by_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o captivity_n which_o ensue_v shall_v be_v lose_v in_o so_o little_a a_o time_n as_o be_v between_o the_o compile_n the_o chronicle_n and_o make_v the_o canon_n especial_o since_o josephus_n d._n josephus_n l._n 1._o c._n app._n p._n 136._o d._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o high-priest_n and_o their_o succession_n for_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n past_a be_v preserve_v in_o the_o public_a record_n and_o remain_v to_o his_o own_o time_n again_o several_a book_n which_o never_o be_v in_o the_o canon_n be_v extant_a when_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v and_o be_v cite_v there_o as_o write_n of_o credit_n and_o antiquity_n such_o as_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n and_o the_o assumption_n of_o moses_n both_o refer_v to_o by_o st._n judas_n 14._o judas_n judas_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 14._o as_o also_o several_a other_o ancient_a book_n from_o whence_o both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v many_o passage_n concern_v historical_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o the_o canonical_a writer_n african_n writer_n â—ee_n matth._n 23_o 3â—_n luk._n 4.25_o jam._n 5.17_o act._n 7.22_o 52._o heb._n 11_o 37.-12.21_a 2_o tim._n 3.8_o v._o orig._n epist_n and_o african_n and_o it_o be_v from_o such_o ancient_a write_n probable_o that_o josephus_n take_v some_o story_n which_o he_o relate_v of_o moses_n 5._o moses_n antiq._n l._n 2._o c._n 5._o and_o of_o other_o person_n beside_o we_o find_v apocryphal_o quote_v by_o barnabas_n in_o every_o page_n of_o his_o epistle_n almost_o by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o other_o ancient_a writer_n in_o several_a place_n many_o of_o which_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v write_v original_o in_o hebrew_a since_o by_o the_o matter_n they_o treat_v of_o we_o may_v reasonable_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v as_o old_a as_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o be_v certain_o look_v upon_o as_o book_n of_o great_a antiquity_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v cite_v by_o these_o author_n under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o scripture_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o compiler_n of_o the_o canon_n do_v not_o take_v in_o promiscuous_o whatever_o hebrew_n write_n they_o can_v find_v but_o use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o distinguish_v sacred_a write_n and_o such_o as_o be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o church_n from_o those_o
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
rule_n of_o faith_n dr._n stillingfl_fw-mi defence_n of_o a._n b._n laud._n dr._n sherlock_n protestant_n resolution_n of_o faith_n learned_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n against_o those_o popish_a writer_n that_o set_v up_o tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v evident_a at_o first_o sight_n and_o none_o but_o mere_a enthusiast_n ever_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o god_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n by_o write_v imply_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o easy_a there_o be_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o continue_v this_o to_o posterity_n but_o god_n preserve_v the_o write_n themselves_o by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o providence_n and_o then_o man_n may_v as_o well_o learn_v his_o will_n from_o thence_o as_o they_o can_v know_v the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n the_o opinion_n of_o philosopher_n the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o country_n from_o the_o write_n which_o record_v each_o of_o these_o particular_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n can_v order_v a_o book_n to_o be_v write_v in_o as_o intelligible_a a_o manner_n as_o man_n can_v indite_v it_o when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o but_o it_o will_v further_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n by_o appoint_v a_o write_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n if_o we_o consider_v iii_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o mean_n former_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n with_o god_n be_v no_o variableness_n and_o what_o he_o once_o approve_v of_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o lay_v aside_o but_o upon_o some_o great_a reason_n moses_n write_v his_o law_n in_o a_o book_n by_o god_n direction_n 34.27_o direction_n exod._n 34.27_o the_o prophet_n appeal_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n 8.20_o testimony_n be_v 8.20_o as_o the_o only_a safe_a guide_n and_o by_o which_o man_n must_v judge_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n or_o not_o our_o saviour_n bid_v the_o jew_n 5.39_o jew_n joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o they_o be_v persuade_v and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v contain_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o in_o all_o his_o contest_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o desire_v no_o other_o voucher_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o method_n to_o instruct_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o he_o do_v the_o jewish_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n conform_v the_o external_n part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o custom_n receive_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v be_v resolve_v to_o give_v no_o offence_n by_o studious_o affect_v novelty_n the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v take_v from_o jewish_a rite_n the_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v frame_v after_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o jewish_a hierarchy_n the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o all_o man_n to_o do_v be_v willing_a to_o retain_v the_o custom_n they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o wherever_o the_o nature_n of_o christiany_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v take_v care_n before_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n to_o provide_v some_o certain_a mean_n of_o instruction_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o jewish_a which_o may_v supply_v their_o place_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o faithful_a in_o their_o office_n as_o moses_n be_v who_o deliver_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o priest_n before_o his_o decease_n 26._o decease_n deut._n 31_o 9_o 26._o and_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o christian_n themselves_o will_v expect_v to_o be_v provide_v with_o as_o good_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o know_v their_o duty_n as_o the_o jew_n enjoy_v or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v that_o they_o come_v behind_o they_o in_o the_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a conjecture_n but_o the_o real_a sense_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o account_n which_o the_o ancient_a writer_n give_v we_o of_o the_o occasion_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o s._n mark_n be_v writing_n their_o gospel_n eusebius_n tell_v we_o 24._o we_o h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 24._o that_o st._n matthew_n write_v his_o gospel_n particular_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o have_v preach_v because_o go_v into_o other_o part_n he_o will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n by_o write_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v 15._o say_v ap_fw-mi eus_n h._n e._n l._n 2._o c._n 15._o that_o st._n mark_n write_v his_o gospel_n at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o a_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o desire_v he_o to_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v which_o st._n peter_n come_v to_o understand_v approve_a and_o confirm_v this_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o these_o and_o the_o other_o apostolical_a write_n come_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o particular_a command_n from_o god_n to_o make_v they_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v they_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n why_o these_o write_n shall_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n among_o christian_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o last_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v some_o stand_v and_o settle_a rule_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v all_o sufficient_a inducement_n to_o christian_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a write_n as_o ordain_a by_o god_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v iu._n that_o god_n 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 doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v but_o the_o write_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n it_o be_v a_o very_a weak_a argument_n to_o infer_v that_o thing_n must_v be_v so_o because_o we_o think_v it_o convenient_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n almighty_a and_o tell_v he_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v ask_v our_o advice_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n or_o whatever_o other_o guide_n man_n have_v set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o so_o plausible_a and_o be_v as_o real_a demonstration_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o experience_n that_o tradition_n be_v not_o infallible_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n all_o these_o pretence_n to_o demonstration_n signify_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n may_v demonstrate_v his_o heart_n out_o before_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v experience_n and_o that_o neither_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a nor_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n diffusive_a neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n joint_o or_o separately_z be_v infallible_a guide_n to_o christian_n or_o equivalent_a to_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v make_v out_o with_o such_o admirable_a clearness_n and_o unanswerable_a strength_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o popery_n that_o without_o further_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o they_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o v._o proposition_n 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 of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o attend_v the_o apostle_n in_o every_o thing_n of_o moment_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a and_o even_o their_o private_a judgement_n as_o man_n be_v so_o upright_a and_o void_a of_o all_o self-interest_n and_o corruption_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n to_o consider_v what_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n they_o themselves_o have_v of_o their_o own_o write_n the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o
fr._n p._n 280_o 285._o that_o lay_v too_o great_a stress_n upon_o word_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n among_o christian_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o have_v but_o then_o the_o fault_n have_v be_v that_o man_n have_v either_o interpret_v scripture-expression_n by_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n which_o the_o holy_a writer_n never_o hear_v of_o or_o else_o they_o have_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o sentiment_n of_o those_o time_n in_o which_o these_o book_n be_v write_v but_o have_v judge_v of_o their_o sense_n by_o the_o scheme_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o dispute_n of_o modern_a age_n as_o if_o they_o be_v write_v only_o with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o controversy_n that_o shall_v arise_v in_o aftertime_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o sentiment_n and_o exigency_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v but_o if_o we_o have_v a_o regard_n only_o to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o language_n which_o the_o holy_a writer_n use_v and_o judge_v of_o their_o sentiment_n by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n and_o by_o such_o ancient_a author_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o notion_n which_o be_v then_o general_o receive_v i_o do_v think_v lay_v stress_n upon_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v lead_v we_o into_o such_o gross_a error_n as_o mr._n n._n imagine_v 234._o imagine_v eng._n p._n 146._o fr_n p._n 234._o and_o without_o suppose_v this_o we_o can_v scarce_o deduce_v any_o inference_n from_o scripture_n text_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o sometime_o argue_v from_o word_n and_o those_o too_o take_v in_o their_o nice_a signification_n a_o remarkable_a example_n of_o which_o be_v that_o inference_n of_o s._n paul_n 3.16_o paul_n gal._n 3.16_o to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_v make_v he_o say_v not_o and_o to_o seed_n as_o of_o many_o but_o as_o of_o one_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ_n 3._o since_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n take_v care_n that_o these_o book_n shall_v be_v write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o give_v providential_a occasion_n for_o their_o be_v write_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v compose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o not_o to_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o the_o natural_a reason_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o writer_n who_o compose_v they_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o suppose_v to_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n and_o we_o believe_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o power_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o pure_o miraculous_a and_o and_z mere_o god_n own_a act_n and_o deed_n but_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o second_o cause_n as_o his_o instrument_n and_o why_o then_o can_o he_o give_v man_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n except_o the_o write_n be_v with_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n as_o the_o two_o table_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v only_o excite_v and_o assist_v our_o natural_a faculty_n not_o supersede_n or_o render_v they_o useless_a and_o even_o the_o extraordinary_a one_o do_v very_o often_o influence_n man_n mind_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o appear_v by_o s._n paul_n advice_n to_o timothy_n 4.14_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o second_o epistle_n 1.6_o epistle_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o suppose_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v inspire_a and_o to_o have_v have_v the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a talent_n but_o that_o the_o writer_n make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o their_o purpose_n and_o god_n supply_v their_o defect_n from_o hence_o appear_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o argument_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o our_o author_n and_o by_o some_o other_o against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o poetical_a book_n 27._o book_n fr._n p._n 230._o en._n p._n 27._o of_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o study_n and_o meditation_n and_o against_o that_o of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n 722._o scripture_n grot._fw-la votum_fw-la pro_fw-la pace_fw-la p._n 672._o refutat_fw-la apologet._n p._n 722._o because_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v either_o of_o the_o writer_n own_o knowledge_n or_o else_o take_v from_o ancient_n memoir_n or_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o s._n paul_n epistle_n by_o spinoza_n 11_o spinoza_n theol._n polit._n c._n 11_o that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o argumentation_n which_o he_o think_v must_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o s._n paul_n own_o reason_n as_o if_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o perfect_a systeme_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n infuse_v into_o his_o mind_n by_o revelation_n as_o we_o suppose_v s._n paul_n to_o have_v have_v do_v not_o apprehend_v it_o after_o a_o rational_a manner_n and_o see_v the_o whole_a series_n and_o chain_n of_o its_o principle_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o he_o can_v infer_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o pleasant_a argument_n against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o a_o book_n that_o it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o rational_a and_o argumentative_a way_n which_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v below_o god_n almighty_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o his_o institution_n or_o else_o that_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o show_v their_o disciple_n that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v rational_o deduce_v from_o certain_a principle_n and_o to_o confute_v their_o adversary_n the_o same_o way_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o bare_a authority_n nor_o believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a mere_o because_o they_o say_v so_o 4._o it_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o 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 some_o particular_a exigency_n and_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v for_o some_o of_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v certain_o design_v for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o inspiration_n and_o i_o do_v it_o at_o present_a concern_v myself_o with_o any_o other_o i_o say_v some_o of_o the_o undoubted_o inspire_a write_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o particular_a exigence_n of_o those_o time_n in_o which_o their_o author_n live_v i_o mean_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v all_o send_v by_o god_n to_o testify_v against_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o if_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o these_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o the_o church_n why_o may_v not_o the_o other_o occasional_a write_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o i_o may_v so_o term_v they_o have_v be_v compose_v with_o the_o same_o design_n i_o have_v already_o show_v 19_o show_v p._n 19_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o st._n paul_n write_v do_v excellent_o answer_v this_o intent_n from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o some_o popish_a writer_n why_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n because_o several_a part_n of_o it_o be_v write_v only_o with_o relation_n to_o particular_a exigency_n of_o some_o one_o church_n hold_v as_o well_o against_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o jew_n because_o a_o great_a part_n of_o of_o it_o viz._n the_o prophecy_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o those_o time_n in_o which_o the_o prophet_n live_v chap._n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o inspiration_n have_v say_v thus_o much_o in_o general_a concern_v the_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostolical_a write_n i_o proceed_v to_o examine_v more_o distin_o the_o assertion_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n have_v lay_v down_o concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o their_o write_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o shall_v consider_v particular_o both_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o extent_n some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a gift_n with_o which_o the_o
whether_o those_o word_n of_o this_o paraphrase_n as_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o add_v mere_o to_o serve_v the_o present_n turn_v without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o such_o a_o restriction_n from_o the_o text_n itself_o and_o whether_o the_o coherence_n of_o these_o two_o verse_n be_v not_o plain_o this_o continue_v in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o all_o the_o book_n which_o that_o consist_v of_o be_v divine_o inspire_a but_o i_o suppose_v he_o ground_n this_o interpretation_n of_o he_o upon_o that_o read_n of_o the_o text_n for_o which_o grotius_n rivetum_n grotius_n in_o locum_fw-la &_o contr_n rivetum_n vouch_v the_o syriack_n and_o vulgar_a translation_n omms_n scriptura_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la utilis_fw-la est_fw-la but_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v of_o this_o read_n still_o the_o sense_n will_v come_v all_o to_o one_o and_o the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v then_o though_o they_o do_v not_o in_o express_a term_n assert_v that_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n be_v divine_o inspire_a yet_o they_o imply_v it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v for_o if_o we_o read_v the_o greek_a thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v be_v a_o explicative_a epithet_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just_a as_o if_o we_o add_v the_o epithet_n rationalis_fw-la to_o homo_fw-la in_o such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o homo_fw-la rationalis_fw-la creatus_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la colendum_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o which_o proposition_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o assert_v that_o homo_fw-la be_v rationalis_fw-la yet_o so_o much_o be_v imply_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o will_v make_v the_o whole_a proposition_n false_a as_o mounseur_fw-fr nicol_n have_v observe_v in_o his_o ars_fw-la cogitandi_fw-la 5._o cogitandi_fw-la pars_fw-la 2._o c._n 5._o and_o just_o so_o in_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o word_n be_v always_o take_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v for_o a_o full_a explication_n of_o that_o term_n i_o know_v grotius_n 193._o grotius_n votum_fw-la pro_fw-la pace_n prout_fw-la citatur_fw-la fr._n p._n 270._o fn._n p._n 193._o will_v needs_o have_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d take_v here_o in_o its_o general_n sense_n and_o signify_v simple_o a_o book_n or_o write_n but_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v that_o this_o gloss_n be_v unworthy_a of_o grotius_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n when_o so_o great_a a_o man_n be_v fain_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o such_o pitiful_a sophistry_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n for_o he_o can_v produce_v one_o instance_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o that_o sense_n and_o if_o he_o can_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d add_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sufficient_o restrain_v the_o general_n sense_n of_o it_o and_o make_v one_o complex_fw-la term_n which_o must_v signify_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o verse_n before_o both_o which_o expression_n signify_v the_o old_a testament_n because_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o inspire_a write_n and_o consequent_o the_o phrase_n itself_o assert_v so_o much_o by_o way_n of_o implication_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v a_o improper_a expression_n i_o think_v it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o approve_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o their_o own_o time_n i_o can_v guess_v what_o evidence_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o christian_a to_o oppose_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v be_v of_o our_o author_n mind_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o 267._o we_o eng._n p._n 188._o fr._n p._n 267._o he_o know_v not_o why_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o some_o of_o the_o new_a the_o authority_n of_o several_a of_o the_o latter_a have_v be_v question_v but_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a difference_n between_o the_o authority_n that_o confirm_v the_o old_a testament_n canon_n and_o those_o which_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o new_a to_o the_o former_a christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n bear_v witness_n whereas_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o latter_a depend_v upon_o the_o consent_n and_o testimony_n of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n succeed_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n which_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o any_o wise_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n to_o ground_v his_o assent_n upon_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o that_o sacredness_n and_o infallibility_n in_o it_o which_o the_o other_o have_v for_o those_o age_n make_v use_v only_o of_o humane_a mean_n for_o settle_v the_o new_a testament_n canon_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n consider_v the_o nearness_n of_o those_o time_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o book_n to_o which_o they_o give_v testimony_n nor_o do_v the_o name_n of_o chetubim_n which_o the_o jew_n give_v to_o those_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o mr._n n._n call_v in_o question_n at_o all_o justify_v his_o opinion_n he_o fancy_v 102._o fancy_v fr._n p._n 276._o en._n p._n 102._o they_o be_v call_v chetubim_n i._n e._n simple_o write_n as_o he_o interpret_v it_o to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v like_o other_o humane_a write_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o inspiration_n in_o they_o but_o the_o jewish_a writer_n say_v not_o one_o syllable_n to_o confirm_v this_o opinion_n that_o i_o can_v find_v on_o the_o contrary_a by_o their_o place_n daniel_n among_o the_o chetubim_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o class_n to_o have_v be_v inspire_a for_o the_o jew_n all_o agree_v that_o daniel_n have_v real_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n though_o they_o fancy_v it_o to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a degree_n further_o maimonides_n say_v express_o 45._o express_o more_n nevoch_n p._n 2._o c._n 45._o that_o they_o be_v call_v chetubim_n quia_fw-la scripta_fw-la sunt_fw-la per_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la and_o though_o he_o reckon_v that_o impulse_n which_o he_o call_v spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n inferior_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o inspiration_n which_o isaiah_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o proper_a kind_n of_o inspiration_n for_o the_o instance_n he_o give_v of_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n real_a inspiration_n 7._o inspiration_n see_v mr._n smith_n discourse_n of_o prophecy_n c._n 7._o so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o maimonides_n take_v his_o explication_n altogether_o give_v any_o advantage_n to_o this_o opinion_n though_o grotius_n 141._o grotius_n votum_fw-la pro_fw-la pace_fw-la prout_fw-la citatur_fw-la fr._n p._n 231._o eng._n p._n 141._o quote_v he_o for_o it_o the_o jew_n do_v indeed_o acknowledge_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o hagiographa_n and_o the_o prophetical_a write_n but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o body_n that_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v operation_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o inspire_a person_n but_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o inspiration_n to_o write_v a_o history_n or_o a_o book_n of_o morality_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o prophet_n but_o concern_v the_o different_a degree_n of_o inspiration_n i_o have_v discourse_v already_o in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o hereafter_o but_o if_o the_o jewish_a division_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n favour_v mr._n n_n opinion_n never_o so_o much_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o force_n at_o all_o in_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o thence_o for_o that_o division_n be_v not_o of_o so_o early_a a_o date_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o vie_v with_o the_o much_o ancient_a opinion_n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a canon_n st._n jerom_n be_v the_o first_o that_o i_o find_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o division_n daniel_n division_n prologue_n galeat_fw-la praef._n in_o daniel_n the_o place_v the_o prophet_n daniel_n among_o the_o chetubim_n in_o this_o division_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o except_o it_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n bear_v he_o a_o spite_n for_o prophesy_v so_o plain_o of_o our_o saviour_n discover_v that_o