worought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o false_a god_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n p._n 401._o chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n absurd_a p._n 403._o their_o religious_a worship_n wicked_a and_o impious_a p._n 405._o humane_a sacrifice_n customary_a in_o all_o heathen_a nation_n p._n 406._o no_o body_n of_o law_n nor_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n p._n 402._o but_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o they_o ibid._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a p._n 411._o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n p._n 423._o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 429_o chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 436._o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 439_o chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a p._n 441_o chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n that_o he_o be_v lustful_a proud_a and_o cruel_a appear_v from_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o p._n 443_o part_n iu_o chap._n i._n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 447_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n consider_v 1._o as_o historical_o true_a 2._o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n p._n 451_o 452._o from_o both_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a p._n 455._o in_o many_o case_n there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o we_o see_v and_o experience_n ourselves_o p._n 456._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n p._n 460._o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o case_n compare_v p._n 462._o the_o certainty_n of_o both_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n a_o objection_n from_o joh._n xx_o 29._o answer_v p._n 467._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n p._n 470_o new_o publish_a christian_a thought_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o month_n with_o reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v add_v prayer_n for_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n price_n 1_o s._n a_o course_n of_o lecture_n upon_o the_o church_n catechism_n by_o thomas_n bray_n d._n d._n the_o three_o edition_n price_n 5_o s._n very_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v in_o family_n a_o minister_n counsel_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o his_o parish_n when_o arrive_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n recommend_v to_o the_o society_n in_o and_o about_o london_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n hertfordshire_n price_n 2_o s._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._n part_n i._n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o method_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n ii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n iv_o that_o no_o other_o book_n or_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n v._o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o show_v that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n both_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n vi_o have_v do_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o objection_n and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v the_o rather_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_o so_o much_o consider_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o certain_o will_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o revelation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o can_v bear_v any_o competition_n with_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n my_o first_o business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o show_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n than_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o beginning_n some_o first_o principle_n of_o be_v from_o whence_o all_o other_o being_n proceed_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o being_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o understand_v or_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o shall_v yet_o be_v produce_v and_o continue_v for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o without_o any_o wisdom_n or_o contrivance_n that_o a_o unaccountable_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o can_v never_o build_v the_o least_o house_n or_o cottage_n shall_v yet_o build_v and_o sustain_v the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o when_o the_o very_a line_n in_o a_o globe_n or_o sphere_n can_v be_v make_v without_o art_n the_o world_n itself_o which_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o shall_v be_v make_v without_o it_o and_o that_o less_o skill_n shall_v be_v require_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o picture_n that_o chance_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o order_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o the_o constancy_n and_o regularity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v their_o original_a from_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n but_o be_v mere_a ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n from_o a_o be_v therefore_o of_o infinite_a perfection_n must_v proceed_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v beside_o with_o all_o their_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o among_o other_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v infinite_o more_o just_a more_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v will_v not_o at_o last_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_o
divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n that_o they_o whole_o depend_v and_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o live_v in_o a_o uncomfortable_a exile_n upon_o the_o sole_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o see_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o theirfore_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v slay_v the_o prophet_n have_v the_o high_a veneration_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o prophet_n who_o their_o forefather_n have_v kill_v they_o build_v and_o adorn_v their_o sepulcher_n and_o choose_v to_o die_v any_o death_n rather_o than_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o book_n or_o part_n with_o they_o even_o when_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o doctrine_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n for_o vain_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a observance_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o reproachful_a to_o they_o to_o erect_v monument_n of_o perpetual_a acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v the_o the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n matth._n xxiii_o 31._o they_o refer_v themselves_o to_o these_o prophet_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n after_o the_o captivity_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a again_o prove_v the_o old_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o so_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o judaea_n be_v shall_v lay_v a_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v prove_v so_o successful_a for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o master_n of_o deceit_n and_o the_o world_n so_o fond_a of_o receive_v revelation_n from_o they_o that_o at_o last_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o people_n disclaim_v the_o book_n which_o some_o few_o and_o those_o the_o most_o unlearned_a among_o they_o will_v impose_v for_o inspire_a write_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n shall_v be_v more_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o those_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o which_o they_o all_o unanimous_o agree_v and_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v receive_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o more_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o account_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n if_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o ignorant_a of_o they_o can_v do_v this_o mere_o by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o device_n they_o must_v have_v a_o genius_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o for_o what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o why_o the_o oracle_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n shall_v never_o be_v much_o regard_v and_o now_o in_o a_o manner_n utter_o lose_v and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v still_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o full_a authority_n but_o the_o power_n and_o advantage_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v most_o observable_a in_o the_o mutual_a dependence_n which_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v one_o upon_o another_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o man_n of_o different_a country_n different_a age_n different_a condition_n and_o calling_n and_o interest_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o poor_a fisherman_n and_o yet_o all_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n which_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o themselves_o but_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a series_n and_o connexion_n between_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o give_v a_o mutual_a support_n and_o attestation_n to_o each_o other_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o moses_n contain_v the_o first_o lineament_n and_o evident_a type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rest_n he_o foretell_v that_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o that_o at_o last_o the_o great_a prophet_n shall_v be_v send_v who_o be_v christ_n and_o he_o foretell_v all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o jew_n from_o his_o own_o time_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o as_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o the_o general_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o all_o generation_n so_o the_o several_a prophet_n who_o be_v send_v from_o time_n to_o time_n according_a to_o his_o prediction_n foretell_v particular_a event_n and_o more-especial_o they_o foretell_v and_o describe_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o prophecy_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o world_n bigan_v luk._n i._n 70._o for_o in_o christ_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o this_o dependence_n and_o coherence_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o design_n of_o they_o which_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o dependence_n of_o one_o part_n of_o any_o book_n write_v by_o the_o same_o author_n can_v be_v upon_o another_o gives_z great_a strength_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o whole_a since_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v all_o inspire_a by_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o if_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a all_o must_v be_v so_o for_o beside_o the_o particular_a evidence_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o any_o part_n separately_z we_o must_v consider_v the_o connexion_n which_o it_o have_v with_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o evidence_n which_o be_v derive_v upon_o it_o by_o this_o connexion_n if_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v once_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n than_o the_o prophet_n who_o succeed_v moses_n must_v be_v divine_o inspire_v because_o he_o foretell_v the_o succession_n of_o such_o prophet_n and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v divine_a the_o pentateuch_n must_v be_v so_o because_o they_o all_o along_o acknowledge_v and_o appeal_v to_o it_o as_o contain_v god_n covenant_n with_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o own_o mission_n if_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v from_o god_n the_o gospel_n must_v be_v from_o he_o if_o that_o be_v foretell_v by_o they_o and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n prove_v their_o divine_a authority_n the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v likewise_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n because_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o such_o and_o prove_v their_o own_o authority_n from_o they_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o miracle_n that_o they_o themselves_o wrought_v and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n either_o of_o moses_n or_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n be_v sufficient_a they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o convince_a when_o they_o be_v consider_v together_o in_o their_o unite_a force_n and_o light_n i_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o miracle_n without_o prophecy_n or_o prophecy_n without_o miracle_n or_o that_o one_o evident_a miracle_n or_o one_o evident_a prophecy_n at_o least_o that_o either_o the_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o the_o several_a age_n in_o which_o so_o many_o prophet_n live_v will_v have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o must_v all_o be_v much_o rather_o so_o in_o conjunction_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o whatever_o evidence_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v reciprocal_o prove_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v from_o either_o of_o they_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o the_o gospel_n in_o different_a respect_n do_v prove_v they_o and_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o both_o derive_v authority_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o communicate_v its_o own_o authority_n to_o they_o for_o as_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o its_o effect_n and_o the_o effect_n by_o its_o cause_n so_o both_o prediction_n prove_v the_o thing_n foretell_v and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v verify_v the_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o consequence_n of_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o have_v double_o the_o divine_a seal_n and_o attestation_n now_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o scope_n and_o centre_n of_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n
a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o the_o person_n there_o mention_v be_v as_o so_o many_o witness_n to_o attest_v that_o they_o be_v genuine_a for_o beside_o the_o general_a concernment_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o several_a church_n more_o especial_o to_o which_o such_o epistle_n be_v write_v the_o person_n who_o be_v salute_v by_o name_n in_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o concern_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o they_o and_o to_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o they_o and_o st_n paul_n advice_n to_o timothy_n to_o drink_v no_o long_o water_n but_o to_o use_v a_o little_a wine_n for_o his_o stomach_n sake_n and_o his_o often_o infirmity_n 1_o tim._n v._o 23._o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v give_v in_o that_o epistle_n that_o it_o may_v remain_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o confutation_n of_o that_o superstition_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o abstain_v from_o thing_n lawful_a and_o particular_o from_o wine_n out_o of_o a_o opinion_n of_o holiness_n in_o refrain_v from_o they_o and_o of_o sin_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o infallible_a spirit_n which_o assist_v and_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n and_o other_o sacred_a writer_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a or_o continual_o reside_v in_o they_o nor_o give_v for_o all_o purpose_n and_o occasion_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o st_n paul_n who_o acquaint_v we_o in_o some_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o write_v but_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bestow_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o wâ—re_v give_v in_o such_o measure_n at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o occasion_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o edification_n we_o find_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o apostle_n meet_v together_o in_o council_n to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n both_o because_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n to_o they_o they_o may_v expect_v a_o more_o abundant_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o because_o the_o thing_n in_o debate_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o many_o shall_v meet_v together_o and_o testify_v of_o that_o matter_n beside_o several_a that_o come_v down_o from_o judea_n to_o antioch_n have_v refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o st_n paul_n and_o st_n barnabas_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o unanimous_a and_o joint_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v meet_v in_o a_o full_a council_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o act_v 15.28_o that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o we_o but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v for_o a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o church_n in_o future_a age_n to_o determine_v controversy_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n 6._o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n who_o may_v have_v personal_a fail_n and_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o we_o act._n 14.25_o they_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o themselves_o 2_o cor._n 4.7_o but_o they_o werechosen_a to_o be_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v so_o far_o exempt_a from_o error_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o ministry_n as_o not_o to_o deliver_v false_a doctrine_n in_o their_o write_n which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o receive_v of_o all_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o will_v have_v defeat_v and_o subvert_v the_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o this_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v though_o they_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o incur_v such_o fail_n as_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 7._o there_o be_v nothing_o assert_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o what_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n though_o some_o part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o less_o direct_a and_o apparent_a tendency_n to_o this_o end_n than_o other_o if_o any_o one_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n shall_v have_v be_v erroneous_a this_o will_v diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o in_o some_o degree_n less_o capable_a to_o promote_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a gift_n the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o knowledge_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o so_o many_o distinct_a office_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o those_o gift_n and_o these_o office_n can_v be_v better_o employ_v than_o in_o preserve_v that_o book_n from_o error_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n for_o all_o age_n or_o how_o if_o that_o book_n have_v not_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n by_o they_o these_o gift_n and_o office_n have_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o appointment_n thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v infallible_a in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o if_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o word_n and_o circumstance_n but_o only_o to_o the_o substantial_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n this_o of_o itself_o be_v enough_o to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nay_o further_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v only_o with_o the_o same_o certainty_n and_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o thucydides_n or_o in_o any_o other_o credible_a historian_n which_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o inveterate_a adversary_n can_v never_o deny_v yet_o even_o then_o no_o man_n without_o much_o unreasonableness_n can_v reject_v it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o necessity_n and_o occasion_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o in_o such_o language_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o those_o to_o who_o he_o reveal_v himself_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o idiom_n and_o in_o the_o metaphor_n and_o phrase_n in_o use_n among_o they_o and_o to_o allude_v to_o their_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o their_o affair_n and_o to_o condescend_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o their_o weakness_n to_o speak_v to_o their_o capacity_n so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o law_n and_o to_o encourage_v and_o excite_v man_n to_o obey_v they_o for_o though_o the_o particular_a reason_n and_o design_n of_o every_o law_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v shall_v know_v what_o the_o law_n be_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o they_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o subject_n which_o have_v be_v large_o discourse_v of_o by_o mr_n boyle_n and_o other_o what_o i_o intend_v to_o say_v upon_o it_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n i._o the_o grammatical_a construction_n ii_o the_o metaphor_n and_o figure_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n of_o speech_n iii_o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o thing_n themselves_o iv_o the_o method_n i._o the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speak_v it_o have_v be_v by_o many_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a resemblance_n between_o the_o style_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o homer_n the_o most_o ancient_a book_n we_o have_v beside_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o observable_a that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o some_o look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture_n style_n as_o the_o use_v one_o gender_n or_o one_o number_n or_o case_n or_o tense_n for_o another_o the_o putting_z participle_n for_o verb_n the_o comparative_a or_o superlative_a for_o the_o positive_a active_n for_o passive_n or_o passive_n for_o active_n be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o homer_n
question_n be_v not_o only_o dubious_a but_o certain_o spurious_a the_o remain_a book_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o the_o necessary_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v former_o matter_n of_o controversy_n i_o shall_v enter_v upon_o no_o discourse_n concern_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n the_o authority_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o effectual_o disprove_v by_o protestant_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n have_v now_o little_a to_o say_v for_o they_o but_o â—re_n force_v only_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n or_o to_o beg_v something_o as_o hard_a to_o be_v grant_v viz._n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o engage_v in_o no_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v general_o speak_v agree_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n these_o book_n in_o the_o main_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a and_o without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o propose_v such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o obviate_v objection_n the_o agreement_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n for_o its_o authority_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a idolatry_n commit_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n yet_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o the_o people_n nor_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n as_o that_o the_o book_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v suppress_v or_o alter_v for_o three_o year_n under_o rehoboam_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n 2_o chron._n 11.17.12.1_o and_o though_o afterward_o he_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o israel_n with_o he_o his_o reign_n be_v in_o all_o but_o seventeen_o year_n abijam_n be_v a_o wicked_a king_n but_o he_o reign_v no_o long_o than_o three_o year_n 1_o king_n xv_o 2._o asa_n the_o three_o from_o solomon_n and_o jehoshaphat_n his_o son_n be_v great_a reformer_n and_o asa_n reign_v one_o and_o forty_o year_n and_o jehoshaphat_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o chron._n xuj_o 13._o xx_o 31._o the_o two_o next_o king_n in_o succession_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o their_o reign_n be_v short_a jehoram_n reign_v eight_o year_n and_o ahaziah_n but_o one_o 2_o chron._n xxi_o 20._o xxii_o 2._o during_o the_o interval_n of_o six_o year_n under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o athaliah_n the_o people_n can_v not_o be_v great_o corrupt_v for_o she_o be_v hateful_a to_o they_o as_o jehoram_n her_o husband_n have_v be_v before_o she_o and_o they_o ready_o join_v with_o jehoiada_n in_o slay_v she_o and_o in_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n xxii_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o ahaziah_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o jehoiada_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 2._o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o reign_v well_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o king_n twelve_o 6._o and_o probable_o much_o long_o for_o jehoiada_n live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 15._o amaziah_n his_o son_n have_v the_o same_o character_n and_o with_o the_o same_o abatement_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o chron._n twenty-five_o 2._o or_o yet_o not_o like_o david_n his_o father_n he_o do_v according_a to_o all_o thing_n as_o joash_n his_o father_n do_v 2_o king_n fourteen_o 3._o vzziah_n son_n to_o amaziah_n reign_v well_o and_o seek_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o zachariah_n 2_o chron._n xxvi_o 5._o and_o after_o he_o be_v seize_v with_o the_o leprosy_n for_o invade_v the_o priest_n office_n the_o administration_n of_o affair_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o son_n jotham_n vers_fw-la 21._o who_o imitate_v the_o good_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n chap._n xxvii_o 2._o ahaz_n be_v wicked_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o he_o reign_v only_o sixteen_o year_n chap._n xxviii_o 1._o and_o his_o son_n hezekiah_n wrought_v a_o great_a reformation_n who_o reign_v twenty_o nine_o year_n chap._n xxix_o 1._o manasses_n be_v much_o give_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o reign_n but_o after_o his_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n he_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o it_o chap._n xxxiii_o 15_o 16._o amon_n imitate_v the_o ill_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n but_o his_o own_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o two_o year_n chap._n xxxiii_o 21._o the_o next_o be_v josiah_n in_o who_o time_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n own_o hand-writing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n can_v be_v no_o such_o rare_a thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o to_o be_v take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v that_o book_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o be_v to_o be_v transcribe_v by_o every_o king_n it_o seem_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v purposely_o hide_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o attempt_n of_o idolater_n who_o it_o be_v fear_v may_v have_v a_o design_n to_o destroy_v it_o for_o if_o it_o have_v only_o lie_v by_o neglect_a the_o find_n of_o it_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o surprise_v thing_n because_o the_o place_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v well_o know_v where_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o where_o they_o may_v have_v seek_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v probable_o at_o that_o time_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v utter_o lose_v and_o its_o be_v find_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n the_o veneration_n which_o josiah_n have_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o write_n and_o the_o happy_a and_o unexpected_a recovery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o have_v be_v disregard_v and_o almost_o lose_v through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o predecessor_n these_o consideration_n can_v not_o but_o exceed_o move_v a_o mind_n so_o tender_a and_o affectionate_o pious_a as_o that_o king_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n under_o moses_n own_o hand_n send_v he_o as_o he_o believe_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o deliver_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v anew_o from_o heaven_n not_o long_o after_o his_o time_n be_v the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n till_o which_o there_o be_v always_o prophet_n frequent_a reformation_n and_o never_o any_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n which_o continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o very_o few_o king_n be_v idolatrous_a throughout_o their_o whole_a reign_n and_o those_o that_o be_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n 9_o time_n book_n 1._o part_n 2._o c._n 6._o &_o 9_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o their_o return_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n that_o ezra_n who_o compose_v the_o canon_n do_v it_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o do_v it_o 1._o it_o joseph_n câ—nt_fw-la apion_n lib._n 1._o josephus_n say_v that_o their_o book_n after_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o before_o his_o time_n for_o want_v of_o a_o certain_a succession_n of_o prophet_n and_o since_o the_o jew_n admit_v no_o writing_n as_o inspire_v into_o the_o canon_n after_o malachi_n prophecy_n this_o show_v their_o sincerity_n and_o exactness_n in_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n as_o they_o admit_v into_o their_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o pharisee_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n but_o never_o dare_v presume_v to_o impose_v they_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o
heretic_n viz._n the_o marcionist_n and_o valentinian_o and_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n of_o lucanus_n or_o lucianus_n for_o in_o this_o he_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a though_o this_o lucanus_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o martion_n ix_o there_o be_v still_o extant_a copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n the_o cambridge_n copy_n in_o greek_a and_o latin_a contain_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o contain_v st_n paul_n epistle_n in_o the_o french_a king_n library_n and_o another_o the_o like_a copy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o benedictines_n of_o st_n germains_n 1._o germains_n f._n simon_n crâ—t_n hist_o of_o the_o n._n test_n part_n 1._o c._n 31._o mabil_n de_fw-mi re_fw-mi diplom_n lib._n 5._o tabell_n 1._o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a at_o least_o morinus_n think_v they_o to_o be_v ancient_a than_o st_n jerom_n time_n the_o alexandrian_a copy_n be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o thecla_n above_o one_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o year_n ago_o morinus_n orient_a morinus_n epist_n 54._o inter_v antique_a eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o above_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n date_n bishop_n 34._o bishop_n prolegom_n ix_o 34._o walton_n suppose_v the_o alexandrian_a ms._n to_o be_v at_o least_o as_o old_a as_o that_o in_o the_o vatican_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v twelve_o hundred_o year_n old_a there_o be_v 4._o be_v f._n sim._n crit._n hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part_n 2._o c._n 4._o one_o syriack_n ms._n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o florence_n of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o another_o not_o much_o less_o ancient_a a_o 146._o a_o gruter_n inscript_n p._n 146._o gothick_n translation_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n in_o the_o abbey_n of_o werdin_n be_v likewise_o of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o what_o ancient_a book_n be_v there_o of_o which_o the_o original_n be_v still_o extant_a or_o of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o ancient_a copy_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n x._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o 1._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o name_n prefix_v either_o because_o the_o jew_n be_v prejudice_v against_o st_n paul_n or_o because_o the_o gentile_n be_v his_o more_o peculiar_a care_n or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n unknown_a and_o in_o this_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o paul_n the_o hieroâ—_n catal._n i_o petr._n &_o paul_n style_n be_v different_a which_o occasion_v the_o first_o doubt_n about_o it_o as_o it_o happen_v likewise_o to_o st_n peter_n second_o epistle_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o style_n and_o then_o the_o novatian_o allege_v some_o text_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o opinion_n this_o make_v the_o orthodox_n the_o less_o incline_v to_o receive_v a_o book_n which_o before_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o east_n it_o be_v question_v at_o rome_n where_o novatian_n begin_v his_o schism_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n may_v be_v scruple_v on_o the_o same_o account_n and_o both_o that_o and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v allege_v for_o the_o millennium_n by_o such_o as_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a sense_n this_o cause_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n which_o be_v say_v 25._o say_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n vi_fw-la c._n 25._o express_o of_o the_o revelation_n 2._o some_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n or_o direct_v to_o such_o as_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n arise_v the_o authentic_a epistle_n may_v not_o ready_o be_v produce_v 3._o some_o book_n be_v not_o usual_o read_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n except_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n and_o this_o be_v omit_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abstruse_a mystery_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o public_o read_v in_o church_n for_o that_o catalogue_n be_v design_v to_o show_v what_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o the_o revelation_n be_v long_o before_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a by_o johannum_n by_o justin_n mart._n dialog_n tertull._n de_fw-fr resur_n c._n 27_o 38._o adu._n martion_n lib._n two_o c._n 5._o iii._o c._n 14._o euseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 18._o v._n c._n 8._o hierom._n catal._n in_o johannum_n justin_n martyr_n by_o irenaeus_n and_o by_o tertullian_n and_o other_o both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeas_n write_v a_o comment_n upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n james_n and_o the_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v cite_v by_o clemens_n romanus_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n which_o be_v itself_o wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n 4._o the_o heretic_n will_v use_v all_o their_o endeavour_n and_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v the_o reception_n of_o those_o book_n by_o which_o their_o heresy_n be_v disprove_v and_o they_o may_v so_o far_o have_v effect_n as_o to_o make_v some_o doubt_n for_o a_o while_n of_o their_o authority_n for_o instance_n diotrephes_n a_o ambitious_a aspire_a man_n who_o prate_v against_o st_n john_n with_o malicious_a word_n and_o have_v so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o cast_v the_o brethren_n out_o of_o the_o church_n will_v forbid_v the_o receive_n of_o st_n john_n epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o receive_n the_o brethren_n of_o that_o apostle_n communion_n and_o that_o he_o do_v this_o st_z john_n himself_z intimate_v when_o he_o say_v i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o diotrephes_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o receive_v we_o not_o joh._n epist_n iii._o 9_o that_o be_v he_o receive_v not_o st_n john_n epistle_n for_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n xi_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v question_v by_o private_a man_n yet_o those_o book_n be_v never_o reject_v by_o any_o council_n of_o the_o church_n though_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v this_o very_a thing_n under_o consideration_n 10._o consideration_n tertull._n de_fw-fr pudicit_fw-la c._n 10._o tertullian_n after_o he_o have_v turn_v montanist_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o hermas_n pastor_n as_o not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n by_o all_o the_o council_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o orthodox_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o tertullian_n time_n divers_a council_n have_v pass_v their_o censure_n upon_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v fix_v long_o before_o so_o that_o the_o time_n in_o which_o some_o of_o these_o council_n be_v hold_v must_v probable_o be_v whilst_o st_n polycarp_n a_o disciple_n of_o st_n john_n be_v yet_o live_v who_o martyrdom_n by_o the_o early_a computation_n be_v not_o till_o a._n d._n cxlvii_o at_o least_o they_o must_v be_v hold_v in_o irenaeus_n life_n time_n who_o converse_v with_o st_n polycarp_n and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o tertullian_n thus_o be_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n vouch_v by_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o st_n john_n and_o council_n upon_o occasion_n be_v call_v which_o 13._o which_o tertull._n de_fw-fr jejun_n c._n 13._o tertullian_n elsewhere_o mention_n as_o very_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a in_o greece_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o genuine_a canon_n and_o censure_v apocryphal_a book_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v settle_v before_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o in_o the_o lixth_o canon_n appoint_v that_o no_o book_n lix_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conc._n laod_z can_v lix_o which_o be_v extra_fw-la canonem_fw-la but_o only_o canonical_a book_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o then_o subjoin_v the_o title_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n which_o title_n they_o have_v as_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n observe_v because_o they_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o all_o other_o be_v style_v uncanonical_a and_o it_o be_v conclude_v after_o the_o strict_a examination_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n that_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n be_v the_o canon_n of_o council_n assemble_v before_o the_o council_n
of_o nice_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o by_o that_o council_n and_o that_o they_o be_v style_v apostolical_a because_o they_o be_v make_v by_o apostolical_a man_n or_o such_o as_o live_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o deliver_v in_o these_o canon_n what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n dr_n beverege_n think_v they_o roman_n they_o bever_n annot._fw-la ad_fw-la pandect_a can._n &_o cod._n can._n eccl._n primit_fw-la vind_z cave_n histor_n litter_n in_o clem_v roman_n be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o dr_n cave_n seem_v incline_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a apostolical_a canon_n which_o contain_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n give_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o show_v wherein_o it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v since_o all_o which_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o tertullian_n that_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n among_o other_o thing_n under_o consideration_n which_o we_o find_v set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n no_o book_n be_v omit_v but_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o authentic_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o know_v of_o what_o authority_n it_o be_v but_o none_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n but_o such_o book_n as_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v finish_v by_o st_n john_n and_o that_o such_o book_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n be_v reject_v by_o council_n hold_v when_o there_o be_v live_a witness_n to_o certify_v st_n john_n approbation_n of_o the_o canon_n or_o at_o least_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o such_o witness_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n be_v translate_v into_o divers_a language_n in_o st_n john_n life_n time_n and_o we_o must_v in_o reason_n suppose_v the_o same_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v all_o very_o early_o translate_v into_o many_o tongue_n and_o disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n in_o so_o many_o country_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o falsify_v espeble_a cial_o since_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n be_v never_o more_o jealous_a and_o watchful_a over_o each_o other_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o several_a interest_n and_o pretension_n of_o all_o party_n be_v chief_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o no_o catalogue_n of_o book_n can_v have_v be_v receive_v exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n xii_o when_o it_o once_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o belong_v to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v afterward_o general_o acknowledge_v and_o constant_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n every_o sect_n have_v since_o use_v all_o art_n and_o endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n few_o or_o none_o presume_v to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n which_o they_o will_v never_o scruple_n to_o do_v if_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v make_v out_o any_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o it_o protestant_n have_v refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n as_o inspire_v but_o whoever_o have_v go_v about_o to_o reject_v any_o part_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n have_v be_v universal_o declare_v against_o for_o it_o whereof_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v want_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n papist_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o of_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n which_o be_v direct_o against_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n to_o be_v genuine_a though_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v so_o clear_o against_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n these_o espistle_n indeed_o be_v never_o controvert_v but_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n likewise_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o the_o socinian_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v so_o plain_o assert_v in_o it_o and_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o st_n john_n though_o they_o be_v so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o expound_v they_o to_o their_o own_o sense_n that_o socinus_n be_v force_v to_o pretend_v to_o i_o know_v not_o what_o revelation_n to_o help_v out_o one_o of_o his_o explication_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o he_o can_v have_v find_v out_o any_o colour_n for_o not_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o text_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o tenant_n that_o he_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o revelation_n shall_v procure_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o interpretation_n and_o general_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o other_o sect_n those_o that_o differ_v never_o so_o much_o one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o particular_a text_n yet_o agree_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n itself_o or_o can_v find_v out_o no_o sufficient_a pretence_n to_o disow_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o a_o extrardinary_a providence_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n secure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o those_o casualty_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o humane_a write_n for_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n the_o difficulty_n to_o avoid_v mistake_n in_o transcribe_v book_n in_o a_o language_n which_o have_v so_o many_o of_o its_o letter_n and_o of_o its_o word_n themselves_o so_o like_o one_o another_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n as_o it_o be_v general_o now_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o point_n the_o change_n of_o the_o samaritan_n or_o ancient_a hebrew_n for_o the_o present_a hebrew_n character_n the_o captivity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o seventy_o year_n and_o the_o mixture_n and_o change_n which_o be_v during_o that_o time_n bring_v into_o their_o language_n in_o short_a all_o the_o accident_n which_o have_v ever_o happen_v to_o occasion_n error_n or_o mistake_n in_o any_o book_n have_v concur_v to_o cause_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o the_o different_a readins_n be_v much_o few_o and_o make_v much_o less_o alteration_n in_o the_o sense_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o same_o bigness_n and_o of_o any_o note_n and_o antiquity_n if_o all_o the_o copy_n shall_v be_v careful_o examine_v and_o every_o little_a variation_n as_o punctual_o set_v down_o as_o those_o of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v but_o though_o from_o hence_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o peculiar_a providence_n have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o from_o humane_a consideration_n and_o argument_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v assure_v that_o nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v happen_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n 1._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v not_o prejuduce_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o though_o the_o point_n which_o crititical_o determine_v the_o exact_a read_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v of_o a_o late_a invention_n yet_o that_o tongue_n be_v never_o without_o its_o vowel_n for_o aleph_fw-la vau_fw-fr and_o jod_a and_o which_o some_o add_v he_o and_o gnajm_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v use_v as_o vowel_n as_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v from_o josephus_n 49._o vid._n walton_n prolegom_n iii._o s_o 49._o origen_n and_o st_n jerom_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n in_o that_o language_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o these_o vowel_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o ascertain_v the_o true_a read_n as_o the_o point_n have_v since_o be_v but_o
which_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a deceitful_a way_n of_o argue_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a revelation_n which_o may_v have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o invalidate_v that_o evidence_n then_o all_o the_o objection_n beside_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v be_v but_o objection_n and_o no_o more_o for_o if_o those_o argument_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a remain_v still_o in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v those_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o objection_n but_o to_o reject_v the_o objection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n because_o if_o those_o can_v be_v disprove_v all_o the_o which_o can_v be_v think_v of_o must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o once_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n i_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n that_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o must_v be_v vain_a and_o false_a which_o i_o have_v that_o that_o thing_n be_v true_a because_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v false_a which_o be_v opposite_a to_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o take_v off_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a can_v ever_o prove_v it_o false_a but_o all_o objection_n must_v be_v false_a themselves_o or_o insignificant_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v if_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v can_v be_v disprove_v that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v be_v true_a to_o show_v this_o in_o particular_n if_o a_o man_n muster_v up_o never_o so_o many_o inconsistency_n as_o he_o think_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o unless_o he_o be_v as_o well_o assure_v at_o least_o that_o these_o which_o he_o call_v inconsistency_n can_v be_v in_o any_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o he_o may_v be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o can_v in_o reason_n reject_v their_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o we_o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o evidence_n can_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o authority_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v frame_v never_o so_o many_o objection_n against_o the_o opinion_n common_o receive_v that_o caesar_n himself_o write_v the_o commentary_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n and_o not_o julius_n celsus_n or_o any_o other_o author_n unless_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o caesar_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o his_o objection_n will_v never_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v thing_n which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o to_o enact_v law_n especial_o concern_v the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n enjoin_v a_o people_n so_o many_o age_n past_a the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v not_o be_v full_o to_o understand_v and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o chronology_n and_o that_o the_o text_n may_v in_o divers_a place_n have_v a_o different_a read_n and_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o reasonable_a man_n by_o several_a expositor_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v at_o present_a to_o gratify_v these_o objector_n and_o this_o will_v gratify_v they_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o that_o the_o law_n be_v utter_o unaccountable_a that_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v no_o way_n adjust_v that_o the_o divers_a readins_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v reconcile_v yet_o what_o do_v all_o this_o prove_v that_o moses_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o egyptian_n be_v not_o witness_n to_o they_o that_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o saviour_n never_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a do_v it_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o or_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v to_o prove_v it_o if_o it_o can_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o it_o can_v then_o all_o the_o evidence_n produce_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n stand_v firm_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o mighty_a noise_n of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o will_v be_v not_o how_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v from_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v from_o henceforth_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v till_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v how_o these_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v or_o reconcile_v with_o other_o place_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o reason_n thus_o in_o any_o case_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n and_o whether_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o any_o other_o case_n how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o we_o thorough_o unstand_v in_o natural_a thing_n and_o yet_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o because_o we_o may_v puzzle_v and_o perplex_v ourselves_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n we_o discern_v the_o light_n and_o feel_v the_o warmth_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o constant_a return_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o of_o the_o several_a season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o all_o this_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o approach_n or_o withdraw_n of_o the_o sun_n influence_n but_o whoever_o will_v go_v about_o to_o explain_v all_o this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o it_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a task_n and_o such_o objection_n have_v be_v urge_v against_o every_o hypothesis_n in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o as_o perhaps_o no_o man_n be_v able_a full_o to_o answer_v but_o do_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o heat_n as_o day_n and_o night_n though_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n move_v or_o do_v man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o can_v see_v or_o not_o till_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v how_o vision_n be_v make_v and_o must_v none_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v but_o mathematician_n or_o do_v man_n refuse_v to_o eat_v till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v nourish_v yet_o if_o we_o must_v be_v sway_v by_o objection_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a point_n nor_o affect_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n about_o they_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o comprehend_v in_o every_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o concern_v it_o that_o may_v it_o seem_v be_v object_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o may_v be_v a_o just_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o it_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o be_v too_o confident_a that_o we_o move_v before_o we_o can_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o the_o great_a philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o eat_v till_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o digestion_n and_o nourishment_n be_v make_v in_o short_a this_o will_v run_v we_o into_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o scepticism_n for_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v that_o some_o doubt_v whether_o snow_n be_v white_a or_o honey_n sweet_a or_o any_o
undeceive_v he_o in_o this_o matter_n his_o word_n be_v these_o 238._o these_o castigat_fw-la ad_fw-la opusc_n isaaci_fw-la vossii_n p._n 238._o novi_fw-la quidem_fw-la judaeos_fw-la de_fw-la germana_n vocis_fw-la illius_fw-la cetuvim_fw-la significatione_n inter_fw-la se_fw-la non_fw-la convenire_fw-la et_fw-la omnes_fw-la sentiant_fw-la cetuvim_fw-la seu_fw-la hagiographos_n non_fw-la minus_fw-la divinos_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o canonicos_fw-la quam_fw-la reliquos_fw-la veteris_fw-la instrumenti_fw-la libros_fw-la and_o he_o plain_o prove_v his_o assertion_n the_o same_o gentleman_n 221._o gentleman_n oracle_n of_o reason_n pag._n 221._o tell_v we_o that_o josephus_n confess_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o compare_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o infallible_a write_n of_o the_o egyptian_n chaldaean_n and_o phoenician_n for_o which_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n to_o josephus_n contra_fw-la apion_n lib._n 1._o where_o he_o will_v find_v the_o quite_o contrary_a for_o josephus_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o confute_v the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o jewish_a antiquity_n against_o they_o and_o to_o show_v how_o they_o contradict_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o in_o what_o they_o relate_v of_o the_o jew_n different_a from_o the_o scripture_n 25._o scripture_n anima_fw-la mundi_fw-la p._n 25._o and_o yet_o this_o notorious_a mistake_n be_v again_o repeat_v by_o our_o author_n which_o any_o one_o may_v confute_v that_o will_v look_v into_o josephus_n the_o design_n of_o his_o first_o book_n against_o apion_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a antiquity_n against_o the_o greek_n from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o egyptian_n phoenician_n and_o chaldaean_n josephus_n say_v he_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o greek_n alone_o ought_v to_o be_v regard_v in_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o of_o ancient_a date_n their_o city_n their_o art_n their_o law_n be_v but_o of_o late_a original_a and_o their_o history_n latter_a than_o all_o these_o but_o the_o greek_n themselves_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v very_o ancient_a account_n of_o former_a time_n among_o the_o egyptian_n the_o chaldaean_n and_o the_o phoenician_n 〈◊〉_d phoenician_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o i_o omit_v say_v he_o for_o the_o present_a to_o put_v our_o own_o nation_n into_o the_o number_n with_o they_o this_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o say_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o comparison_n for_o he_o do_v show_v soon_o after_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v take_v as_o much_o care_n in_o the_o writing_n and_o preserve_v their_o antiquity_n as_o these_o nation_n or_o any_o other_o can_v possible_o do_v but_o it_o have_v not_o be_v to_o his_o purpose_n to_o mention_v the_o jew_n in_o that_o place_n with_o the_o rest_n because_o he_o bring_v his_o argument_n from_o the_o confession_n of_o foreign_a historian_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o greek_n to_o be_v of_o much_o great_a authority_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n than_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o themselves_o 218._o themselves_o oracle_n of_o reason_n p._n 218._o a_o little_a before_o have_v translate_v something_o out_o of_o ocellus_n lucanus_n to_o prove_v the_o world_n eternal_a this_o gentleman_n thus_o subjoin_v now_o it_o be_v very_o much_o that_o this_o author_n ocellus_n lucanus_n who_o for_o his_o antiquity_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v almost_o contemporary_a with_o moses_n if_o not_o before_o he_o shall_v have_v so_o different_a a_o sentiment_n of_o the_o world_n beginning_n from_o that_o which_o moses_n have_v methinks_v if_o moses_n his_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o adam_n be_v the_o first_o man_n have_v be_v a_o general_a receive_v opinion_n at_o that_o time_n ocellus_n lucanus_n who_o be_v so_o ancient_a and_o so_o eminent_a a_o philosopher_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v altogether_o ignorant_a thereof_o but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v if_o ocellus_n lucanus_n be_v not_o so_o ancient_a but_o of_o no_o antiquity_n in_o comparison_n of_o moses_n then_o methinks_v this_o author_n may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n and_o his_o inference_n and_o of_o what_o antiquity_n ocellus_n lucanus_n be_v be_v show_v by_o ludovicus_n nogarola_n who_o translate_v this_o piece_n of_o ocellus_n lucanus_n into_o latin_a and_o publish_v it_o with_o his_o own_o observation_n upon_o it_o for_o he_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o plato_n that_o the_o ancestor_n of_o this_o ocellus_n be_v banish_v from_o troy_n under_o laomedon_n come_v to_o myra_n a_o city_n in_o lycia_n but_o laomedon_n be_v the_o father_n of_o priamus_n in_o who_o time_n as_o every_o body_n know_v happen_v the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n and_o jair_n be_v then_o judge_n of_o israel_n about_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o have_v be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_v land_n he_o far_o show_v from_o lucian_n that_o ocellus_n lucanus_n be_v a_o scholar_n of_o pythagoras_n who_o live_v sure_a long_o enough_o after_o moses_n to_o save_v our_o author_n criticism_n or_o to_o expose_v it_o indeed_o the_o best_a account_n we_o have_v in_o heathen_a antiquity_n agree_v exact_o with_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n aristotle_n 1._o aristotle_n grot._n de_fw-fr verit._n annot._fw-la ad_fw-la c._n 7._o l._n 1._o himself_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o doctrine_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o 10._o he_o aristot_n de_fw-fr coelo_fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 10._o confess_v that_o all_o the_o philosopher_n assert_v the_o creaation_n of_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n 3._o creation_n metaphys_n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o he_o say_v it_o be_v esteem_v a_o very_a ancient_a doctrine_n and_o thought_n by_o some_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a theologist_n that_o it_o be_v form_v out_o of_o water_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o 2._o that_o tull._n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n l._n 1._o de_fw-fr legib._n l._n 2._o thales_n the_o first_o greek_a philosopher_n who_o treat_v of_o these_o thing_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o wise_a man_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o in_o tully_n judgement_n teach_v that_o god_n form_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o water_n the_o same_o gentleman_n have_v observe_v 93._o observe_v oracl_n of_o reason_n p._n 93._o that_o the_o epicurean_a deist_n labour_v to_o have_v their_o vice_n impute_v rather_o to_o a_o superiority_n of_o their_o reason_n above_o that_o of_o other_o than_o to_o a_o servitude_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o their_o own_o passion_n which_o show_v vice_n be_v natural_o esteem_v a_o base_a and_o low_a thing_n it_o be_v but_o too_o plain_a that_o this_o be_v his_o own_o case_n as_o his_o unhappy_a death_n declare_v this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o little_a this_o book_n deserve_v the_o vain_a title_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o meet_v with_o any_o book_n which_o have_v less_o right_a to_o so_o high_a a_o pretence_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n but_o of_o one_o thing_n more_o and_o that_o be_v 187._o be_v ibid._n p._n 187._o mr._n gildon_n attempt_n to_o prove_v the_o materiality_n of_o the_o soul_n his_o argument_n be_v as_o unlikely_a to_o prove_v it_o as_o most_o i_o have_v see_v but_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o notion_n to_o be_v absurd_a in_o itself_o and_o impossible_a to_o be_v maintain_v the_o essence_n of_o all_o matter_n must_v be_v the_o same_o whether_o extension_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o though_o we_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o essence_n of_o matter_n yet_o we_o know_v it_o can_v be_v essential_a to_o it_o to_o think_v for_o then_o all_o matter_n will_v necessary_o think_v but_o the_o difference_n in_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o matter_n can_v be_v only_o in_o accident_n that_o be_v in_o bulk_n rest_v motion_n situation_n and_o figure_n none_o of_o which_o can_v render_v matter_n capable_a of_o thought_n for_o if_o a_o different_a bulk_n of_o matter_n can_v produce_v think_v in_o it_o and_o the_o subtle_a matter_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o think_v and_o reason_n though_o the_o gross_a can_v then_o the_o part_n of_o a_o stone_n will_v think_v when_o it_o be_v ground_n to_o dust_n though_o when_o they_o be_v join_v and_o compact_v together_o they_o make_v up_o a_o body_n as_o unlikely_a to_o think_v as_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v imagine_v if_o rest_n can_v cause_v matter_n to_o think_v a_o stone_n will_v be_v the_o most_o think_v creature_n in_o the_o world_n if_o motion_n can_v cause_v it_o then_o that_o which_o move_v with_o most_o quickness_n will_v think_v most_o as_o fire_n and_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n but_o motion_n be_v only_o a_o successive_a change_n of_o place_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o matter_n shall_v think_v
apply_v his_o own_o song_n or_o poem_n exod._n xv_o deut._n xxxii_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o write_n before_o the_o flood_n because_o there_o be_v no_o account_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o it_o though_o the_o inventor_n of_o other_o infeferior_a art_n be_v mention_v this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v coaeval_fw-fr with_o mankind_n or_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v out_o nothing_o for_o the_o use_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n though_o no_o invention_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o write_v be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o world_n can_v very_o ill_o subsist_v without_o it_o for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n the_o grecian_n and_o other_o nation_n have_v record_v the_o first_o inventor_n as_o they_o suppose_v of_o letter_n as_o those_o who_o best_o deserve_v a_o memorial_n in_o history_n and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mention_n among_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a writer_n but_o that_o they_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n some_o of_o they_o also_o ascribe_v they_o to_o adam_n this_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o invention_n be_v no_o more_o know_v than_o that_o of_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o other_o necessary_a art_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o before_o the_o flood_n they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o conveniency_n for_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n past_a that_o we_o have_v have_v since_o yet_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o have_v less_o mean_n of_o convey_v thing_n pass_v to_o posterity_n they_o have_v few_o thing_n to_o convey_v and_o all_o their_o history_n be_v concern_v the_o ancestor_n of_o their_o own_o family_n they_o be_v easy_o remember_v and_o however_o short_a and_o imperfect_a they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v general_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a as_o to_o swallow_v such_o imposture_n they_o have_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o purposely_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o praise_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n and_o they_o who_o have_v proverbial_a remembrance_n of_o nimrod_n the_o three_o from_o noah_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o noah_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o flood_n in_o his_o time_n in_o so_o few_o generation_n of_o man_n as_o have_v past_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o moses_n to_o impose_v upon_o those_o of_o his_o own_o age_n in_o thing_n so_o memorable_a as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o so_o long_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v disperse_v into_o so_o far_o distant_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o manner_n and_o custom_n be_v different_a and_o their_o life_n short_a it_o become_v necessary_a that_o a_o true_a and_o last_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n shall_v stand_v record_v in_o a_o book_n of_o infallible_a credit_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n lest_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o shall_v become_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a and_o fabulous_a story_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n as_o well_o as_o the_o philosophy_n and_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n contain_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o propagation_n mankind_n the_o flood_n and_o other_o particular_n which_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o agreement_n with_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v obscure_v and_o disguise_v under_o other_o name_n and_o character_n to_o conceal_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v original_o take_v and_o to_o gain_v they_o the_o better_a acceptance_n among_o those_o for_o who_o use_n the_o book_n contain_v they_o be_v design_v by_o their_o author_n and_o when_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o past_a age_n begin_v to_o fail_v and_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a conveyance_n be_v so_o uncertain_a it_o be_v requisite_a that_o some_o infallible_a account_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o god_n dispensation_n and_o his_o communication_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o age_n which_o may_v be_v transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n must_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v and_o promulge_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o revelation_n which_o have_v be_v know_v to_o most_o nation_n and_o far_a divulge_v carry_v another_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o it_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v or_o confine_v to_o a_o few_o person_n but_o to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o have_v be_v most_o know_v and_o far_a propagate_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v to_o be_v a_o true_a revelation_n if_o every_o thing_n else_o concur_v to_o prove_v it_o true_a the_o very_a promulgation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v either_o suffer_v his_o own_o revelation_n to_o be_v so_o stifle_v and_o surpress_v as_o to_o become_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v false_a revelation_n to_o be_v more_o know_v and_o divulge_v either_o of_o which_o will_v very_o ill_o consist_v with_o the_o intention_n of_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v afford_v a_o constant_a and_o stand_a revelation_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o mankind_n be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o necessary_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v all_o which_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n to_o sinful_a and_o perverse_a man._n if_o man_n be_v put_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n allow_v they_o to_o attain_v it_o all_o beyond_o this_o be_v the_o mere_a arbitrary_a effect_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o his_o justice_n or_o by_o reason_n foresee_v from_o his_o mercy_n itself_o and_o his_o wisdom_n so_o order_n and_o dispose_v the_o effect_n and_o emanation_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o to_o render_v they_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o honour_n as_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o age_n revelation_n be_v frequent_a and_o general_o know_v among_o all_o mankind_n till_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o neglect_n they_o be_v withheld_a from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n afterward_o to_o continue_v to_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v he_o a_o opportunity_n of_o know_v his_o will_n reveal_v to_o other_o and_o this_o god_n be_v please_v to_o do_v by_o appoint_v a_o choose_a seed_n and_o select_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o bear_v his_o name_n before_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o so_o dispose_v of_o that_o people_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n second_o that_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o here_o we_o must_v have_v
prophecy_n be_v misapply_v to_o a_o wrong_a person_n the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgil_n contain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o sibyl_n and_o however_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o be_v in_o most_o thing_n much_o more_o applicable_a to_o our_o saviour_n than_o to_o the_o person_n who_o he_o describe_v in_o cataline_n conspiracy_n lentulus_n flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v a_o king_n from_o catiline_n from_o tull._n in_o catalin_n orat._n 3._o sallust_n bell._n catiline_n the_o sibylline_a oracle_n and_o from_o the_o same_o oracle_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v probable_a the_o expectation_n of_o a_o king_n who_o shall_v arise_v out_o of_o judaea_n which_o both_o suetonius_n and_o tacitus_n mention_n 4._o mention_n tacit._n hist_o l._n 5._o sueton._n in_o vespas_fw-la c._n 4._o be_v spread_v throughout_o the_o east_n what_o tully_n say_v lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr divin_n in_o disparagement_n of_o this_o oracle_n be_v not_o much_o considerable_a in_o the_o case_n because_o that_o whole_a book_n be_v write_v with_o a_o design_n to_o disparage_v all_o divination_n in_o general_a for_o be_v a_o academic_a as_o he_o profess_v throughout_o his_o book_n of_o philosophy_n he_o acknowledge_v no_o more_o of_o any_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n as_o he_o own_v himself_o in_o divers_a place_n however_o from_o he_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o sybylline_a oracle_n be_v allege_v to_o the_o purpose_n there_o mention_v and_o that_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o caesar_n and_o of_o monarchy_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o be_v cause_n enough_o for_o tully_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o turn_v it_o to_o ridicule_n 2._o though_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o sibyl_n of_o cuma_n be_v burn_v with_o the_o capitol_n a._n v._o c._n dclxxi_o yet_o virgil_n express_o name_v cuma_n this_o sibyl_n verse_n must_v be_v still_o remain_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o unless_o what_o he_o write_v become_v some_o way_n or_o other_o know_v before_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o capitol_n and_o be_v deliver_v afterward_o down_o by_o tradition_n tully_n quote_v sibylla_n erythraea_n lib._n 1._o de_fw-fr divin_n and_o if_o he_o mean_v the_o same_o sibyl_n in_o the_o 2d_o book_n martianus_n capella_n say_v 2._o say_v martian_a capel_n nupt_v philolog_fw-la l._n 2._o that_o sibylla_n erythraea_n and_o cumana_n be_v the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o search_n which_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n in_o italy_n and_o in_o all_o other_o place_n where_o there_o be_v any_o probability_n of_o find_v any_o remain_n of_o they_o after_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o capitol_n it_o be_v likely_a her_o verse_n may_v be_v recover_v for_o 1._o for_o valer._n maximus_n l._n 1._o c._n 1._o valerius_n maximus_n say_v that_o m._n tullius_n as_o he_o call_v he_o not_o attilius_n be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o tarqvinius_n for_o suffer_v petronius_n sabinus_n to_o transcribe_v the_o sybil_n verse_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v disperse_v in_o divers_a copy_n before_o it_o be_v discover_v so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v suppress_v it_o be_v not_o know_v but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o verse_n of_o some_o other_o sibyl_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibyl_n of_o cuma_n after_o she_o be_v burn_v with_o the_o capitol_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a however_o the_o roman_n certain_o think_v they_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o cuman_a sibyl_n for_o as_o lactantius_n say_v 6._o say_v lactan._n de_fw-fr falsa_fw-la relig_n c._n 6._o they_o allow_v the_o verse_n of_o all_o the_o other_o sibyl_n to_o be_v copy_v out_o and_o publish_v though_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o of_o cuma_n to_o be_v read_v but_o by_o order_n of_o the_o senate_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o care_n they_o can_v not_o keep_v they_o conceal_v for_o we_o meet_v they_o often_o quote_v indeed_o the_o oracle_n in_o the_o capitol_n 4._o capitol_n diovys_n halicar_n l._n 4._o be_v only_a copy_n take_v from_o original_n which_o be_v leave_v in_o those_o place_n from_o whence_o the_o roman_n have_v their_o own_o copy_n transcribe_v and_o the_o original_n may_v be_v read_v and_o other_o copy_n take_v how_o careful_o soever_o the_o roman_n keep_v their_o own_o 3._o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n contain_v thing_n which_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o verse_n themselves_o be_v in_o divers_a hand_n this_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o to_o make_v many_o more_o verse_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sybil_n relate_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n have_v be_v all_o burn_a or_o lose_v or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v so_o close_o that_o no_o body_n can_v possible_o come_v to_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o leave_n from_o the_o senate_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o any_o imposture_n nor_o will_v the_o christian_n ever_o have_v allege_v they_o as_o genuine_a celsus_n object_n only_o 7._o only_o origen_n contra_fw-la cell_n l._n 7._o that_o many_o thing_n be_v add_v to_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o sibyl_n not_o that_o they_o be_v all_o counterfeit_n or_o that_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o mean_n of_o come_v by_o the_o true_a which_o be_v a_o advantage_n that_o a_o adversary_n much_o less_o subtle_a than_o celsus_n will_v not_o have_v omit_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o ground_n for_o it_o origen_n reply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o malicious_a accusation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o by_o produce_v ancient_a copy_n more_o genuine_a than_o those_o which_o the_o christian_n make_v use_v of_o and_o if_o the_o sibyl_n have_v deliver_v nothing_o relate_v to_o these_o matter_n why_o shall_v any_o one_o counterfeit_a verse_n in_o their_o name_n rather_o than_o under_o the_o title_n of_o any_o other_o oracle_n there_o must_v be_v some_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o give_v any_o opportunity_n or_o pretence_n to_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sibyl_n concern_v christ_n must_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o additional_a one_o which_o be_v false_o ascribe_v to_o they_o 4._o isaac_n vossius_fw-la think_v that_o great_a part_n of_o these_o oracle_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o indeed_o pausanias_n say_v 328._o say_v pausan_n in_o phocic_n p._n 328._o one_o of_o the_o sibyl_n be_v by_o the_o jew_n call_v sabba_n the_o same_o i_o suppose_v who_o be_v mention_v by_o 35._o by_o aelian_a l._n 2._o c._n 35._o aelian_a and_o by_o suidas_n say_v to_o be_v descend_v from_o noah_n and_o name_v sambethe_n call_v the_o chaldaean_n and_o by_o some_o the_o hebrew_n and_o also_o the_o persian_a sibyl_n who_o 16._o who_o alexand._n ab_fw-la alex._n l._n 3._o c._n 16._o alexander_n ab_fw-la alexandro_n call_v sibylla_n judaea_n but_o if_o these_o be_v only_o heathen_a oracle_n yet_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o prediction_n concern_v christ_n be_v very_o plain_a though_o not_o so_o particular_a as_o those_o now_o set_v down_o in_o the_o sibylline_a book_n both_o because_o the_o heathen_a have_v but_o few_o oracle_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o so_o many_o of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a that_o these_o shall_v be_v plain_a and_o because_o we_o find_v that_o when_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n see_v it_o fit_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o other_o he_o do_v it_o in_o as_o plain_a a_o manner_n and_o sometime_o in_o a_o plain_a than_o he_o do_v to_o his_o own_o people_n in_o any_o one_o prophecy_n thus_o balaam_n prophecy_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o prophecy_n of_o that_o time_n at_o least_o and_o our_o saviour_n discover_v himself_o more_o plain_o to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n than_o he_o have_v yet_o do_v to_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n john_n four_o 26._o not_o to_o mention_v the_o dream_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n or_o the_o message_n of_o jonah_n to_o the_o ninevite_n and_o as_o balaam_n a_o enchanter_n or_o sorcerer_n deliver_v a_o true_a and_o famous_a prophecy_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n may_v ordain_v that_o these_o celebrate_a prophetess_n who_o oracle_n be_v otherwise_o the_o devil_n instrument_n to_o promote_v his_o end_n shall_v foretell_v our_o saviour_n come_v and_o yet_o st._n augustine_n assure_v we_o 23._o we_o august_n civ_o dei_fw-la l._n 18._o c._n 23._o that_o the_o sibylla_n erythraea_n or_o cumana_n have_v nothing_o of_o idolatry_n in_o her_o verse_n but_o speak_v so_o much_o against_o it_o that_o he_o believe_v she_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o city_n of_o god_n 5._o the_o difference_n which_o there_o be_v
between_o virgil_n four_o eclogue_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o into_o greek_a in_o constantine_n oration_n be_v rather_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n than_o against_o it_o for_o constantine_n be_v wont_a to_o compose_v his_o oration_n and_o epistle_n in_o latin_a and_o they_o be_v translate_v into_o greek_a by_o some_o who_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o service_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o translation_n translate_v only_o what_o be_v proper_o virgil_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o what_o be_v by_o virgil_n borrow_a from_o the_o sibyl_n he_o write_v down_o the_o original_a greek_a not_o translate_n the_o variation_n which_o virgil_n have_v make_v from_o it_o to_o apply_v the_o prophecy_n to_o his_o own_o subject_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_n take_v as_o great_a a_o liberty_n as_o this_o in_o their_o translation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o allowable_a when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o design_n or_o likelihood_n of_o deceit_n in_o the_o translation_n of_o so_o famous_a a_o poem_n as_o that_o eclogue_n of_o virgil._n this_o be_v but_o to_o point_v out_o the_o alteration_n which_o virgil_n have_v make_v and_o to_o show_v how_o easy_o these_o part_n of_o his_o poem_n may_v be_v supply_v from_o the_o original_a greek_a and_o perhaps_o this_o be_v a_o know_a translation_n of_o that_o eclogue_n which_o have_v be_v make_v with_o this_o design_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o answer_v all_o the_o other_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o sybilline_a oracle_n so_o far_o as_o the_o notion_n here_o propose_v be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o book_n which_o we_o have_v now_o contain_v manifest_a falsification_n and_o forgery_n yet_o there_o must_v have_v be_v something_o real_a to_o give_v a_o pretence_n and_o countenance_n to_o so_o many_o elaborate_a forgery_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v the_o sibylline_a oracle_n mention_v in_o tully_n sallust_n virgil_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n receive_v a_o considerable_a promulgation_n from_o these_o oracle_n which_o serve_v to_o awaken_v in_o the_o gentile_n a_o expectation_n of_o a_o king_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o judaea_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o gospel_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n like_o the_o rise_a sun_n it_o diffuse_v its_o divine_a light_n and_o influence_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n its_o propagation_n be_v itself_o a_o miracle_n and_o answerable_a to_o that_o miraculous_a power_n of_o language_n and_o other_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v accomplish_v tertullian_n acquaint_v we_o 7._o we_o tertull._n adv_o judoee_n c._n 7._o that_o it_o be_v soon_o propagate_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o northern_a part_n of_o britain_n and_o we_o know_v it_o receive_v as_o early_o a_o propagation_n in_o other_o place_n more_o remote_a be_v preach_v by_o st._n bartholomew_n 10._o bartholomew_n euseb_n hist_o l._n 3._o c._n 1._o &_o l._n 5._o c._n 10._o to_o the_o indian_n by_o st._n thomas_n to_o the_o parthian_n and_o to_o the_o scythian_n by_o st._n andrew_n in_o st._n augustine_n time_n 7._o time_n st._n aug._n de_fw-fr vtilit_fw-la credendi_fw-la c._n 7._o the_o christian_n be_v more_o numerous_a in_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n together_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a disciple_n and_o follower_n have_v carry_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o than_o either_o ambition_n or_o avarice_n itself_o till_o of_o late_a year_n have_v make_v any_o discovery_n which_o tertullian_n likewise_o sufficient_o intimate_v the_o cross_n be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o chinese_n by_o those_o who_o first_o go_v from_o europe_n 31._o europe_n trigaut_n de_fw-fr christ_n expedit_fw-la apud_fw-la sinus_n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o alvar._n semedo_n hist_o of_o china_n part_v 1._o c._n 31._o into_o china_n and_o a_o bell_n be_v see_v there_o which_o have_v greek_a character_n engrave_v on_o it_o and_o those_o who_o honour_v the_o cross_n be_v in_o so_o great_a number_n in_o the_o northern_a province_n that_o they_o give_v jealousy_n to_o the_o infidel_n the_o christian_n there_o be_v call_v isai_n from_o the_o name_n jesus_n and_o from_o the_o chaldee_n book_n which_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o coast_n of_o malabar_n it_o appear_v that_o st._n thomas_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o china_n and_o found_v many_o church_n there_o the_o passage_n which_o prove_v this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o trigautius_n and_o semedo_n translate_v out_o of_o those_o book_n nicolas_n de_fw-fr conti_n 16._o conti_n purch_n part_n 1._o l._n 4._o c._n 16._o say_v of_o the_o chinese_n that_o when_o they_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n they_o turn_v their_o face_n to_o the_o east_n and_o with_o their_o hand_n join_v say_v god_n in_o trinity_n keep_v we_o in_o this_o law_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o china_n ib._n china_n le_fw-fr compte's_n memoirs_fw-fr p._n 348._o semedo_n ib._n by_o some_o who_o come_v from_o judaea_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v monk_n a._n d._n dcxxxvi_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o a_o marble_n table_n erect_v a._n d._n dcclxxxii_o and_o find_v a._n d._n mdcxxv_o this_o monument_n contain_v the_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o inscription_n may_v be_v see_v in_o le_fw-fr compte_n memoir_n and_o the_o whole_a be_v translate_v by_o semedo_n hornius_n 15._o hornius_n horn._n de_fw-fr orig._n american_n l._n 4_o c._n 15._o indeed_o reject_v this_o inscription_n which_o be_v likewise_o produce_v by_o kircher_n as_o counterfeit_v but_o without_o any_o cause_n that_o i_o can_v perceive_v for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o fraud_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v all_o the_o point_n of_o popery_n insert_v in_o it_o osorius_n write_v 2._o write_v hierom._n oâ—r_n de_fw-fr rebus_fw-la eman_n lusitan_n regis_fw-la l._n 2._o that_o the_o brahmin_n believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o god_n incarnate_a to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o st._n thomas_n be_v esteem_v most_o holy_a among_o the_o saracen_n and_o other_o nation_n for_o the_o report_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v there_o the_o gentile_n of_o indostan_n 4._o indostan_n continuat_fw-la of_o the_o history_n of_o m._n bernier_n tom._n 4._o retain_v some_o notion_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o second_o person_n though_o corrupt_v with_o fabulous_a story_n the_o people_n of_o ceylon_n 5._o ceylon_n capt._n knox_n his_o hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_v 3._o c._n 5._o do_v firm_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o indian_n in_o america_n 28._o america_n jos_n accost_n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 28._o worship_v a_o god_n who_o they_o say_v be_v one_o in_o three_o and_o three_o in_o one._n they_o baptise_a 9_o baptise_a pet._n mart._n decad_n 4._o c._n 8._o &_o decad._n 8._o c._n 9_o their_o child_n and_o use_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n have_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o cross_n and_o think_v it_o a_o preservative_n against_o evil_a spirit_n they_o believe_v the_o 16._o the_o lerii_fw-la navigate_fw-la in_o bras_fw-fr c._n 16._o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n they_o have_v monastery_n nunnery_n confessor_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o mexican_n 25._o mexican_n accost_n l._n 5._o c._n 14_o 23_o 24_o 25._o in_o their_o ancient_a tongue_n call_v their_o high-priest_n papae'_v or_o sovereign_a bishop_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o history_n it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a relation_n which_o lerius_fw-la give_v ibid._n give_v lerius_fw-la navigate_fw-la ibid._n of_o the_o people_n of_o brasil_n that_o when_o he_o have_v discourse_v to_o they_o concern_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o become_v christian_n one_o of_o their_o ancient_a man_n answer_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v excellent_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o they_o which_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o they_o have_v often_o hear_v from_o their_o forefather_n that_o a_o long_a while_n ago_o many_o age_n before_o their_o time_n there_o come_v a_o stranger_n into_o their_o country_n in_o such_o a_o habit_n and_o with_o a_o beard_n as_o they_o see_v the_o french_a wear_n for_o these_o american_n wear_v none_o who_o preach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n as_o they_o have_v now_o hear_v he_o do_v but_o that_o the_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o he_o upon_o which_o lerius_fw-la observe_v that_o nicephorus_n write_v that_o st._n matthew_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o cannibal_n and_o he_o think_v it_o not_o improbable_a that_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n may_v pass_v into_o america_n that_o the_o sound_v of_o
from_o they_o in_o africa_n beside_o the_o christian_n live_v in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o congo_n and_o angola_n the_o island_n upon_o the_o western_a coast_n be_v inhabit_v by_o christian_n and_o the_o vast_a kingdom_n of_o habassia_n or_o abassinia_n suppose_v to_o be_v as_o big_a as_o germany_n france_n spain_n and_o italy_n take_v together_o according_a to_o mr._n brerewood_n computation_n be_v possess_v by_o christian_n and_o till_o less_o than_o two_o hundred_o year_n ago_o nubia_n a_o country_n of_o a_o great_a extent_n lie_v between_o the_o aequator_fw-la and_o the_o northern_a tropic_n continue_a as_o it_o be_v believe_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o asia_n he_o say_v most_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o russia_n the_o country_n of_o circassia_n and_o mengrelia_n georgia_n and_o mount_n libanus_n be_v inhabit_v only_o by_o christian_n beside_o the_o dispersion_n of_o they_o into_o other_o part_n under_o the_o denomination_n of_o nestorian_n jacobite_n maronites_n and_o armenian_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v a_o people_n exceed_o addict_v to_o traffic_n 24._o traffic_n brerewood_n enquir_n c._n 24._o and_o have_v great_a privilege_n grant_v they_o by_o the_o turk_n and_o other_o mahometan_n they_o be_v find_v in_o multitude_n in_o most_o city_n of_o great_a trade_n and_o be_v more_o disperse_v than_o any_o other_o nation_n but_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o jacobite_n be_v report_v to_o be_v disperse_v into_o forty_o kingdom_n in_o the_o promontory_n extend_v itself_o into_o the_o indian_a sea_n be_v the_o christian_n of_o saint_n thomas_n so_o call_v because_o first_o convert_v by_o he_o who_o be_v believe_v to_o lie_v bury_v at_o maliapour_n and_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o his_o time_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o mengrelia_n and_o other_o country_n the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v much_o corrupt_v and_o their_o practice_n very_o different_a from_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_n but_o however_o they_o retain_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v every_o man_n be_v own_o fault_n if_o he_o make_v not_o a_o good_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v afford_v he_o of_o late_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o malayan_a tongue_n and_o grotius_n his_o excellent_a book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o arabic_a have_v be_v translate_v and_o print_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o honourable_a mr._n boyle_n and_o the_o first_o disperse_v over_o all_o the_o east-indies_n where_o the_o malayan_a language_n be_v use_v and_o the_o latter_a into_o all_o the_o country_n where_o arabic_a be_v speak_v he_o also_o contribute_v to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o turkish_a company_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o turk_n in_o america_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o the_o christian_n be_v sufficient_o numerous_a and_o have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n to_o instruct_v the_o native_n if_o they_o be_v but_o as_o careful_a to_o improve_v they_o to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n rather_o than_o in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o own_o gain_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o before_o the_o flood_n revelation_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o the_o life_n of_o man_n so_o long_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o duty_n require_v towards_o he_o and_o in_o the_o first_o age_n after_o the_o flood_n god_n will_n reveal_v to_o noah_n and_o the_o precept_n give_v to_o he_o at_o his_o come_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n must_v be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o survive_a world_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o begin_v to_o decay_v and_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n be_v send_v into_o divers_a country_n to_o proclaim_v god_n commandment_n and_o to_o testify_v against_o the_o impiety_n of_o idolater_n wherever_o they_o come_v for_o to_o publish_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o general_o know_v in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o choose_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o to_o send_v they_o first_o out_o of_o mesopotamia_n into_o canaan_n and_o upon_o occasion_n back_o again_o into_o mesopotamia_n and_o then_o several_a time_n into_o egypt_n and_o from_o thence_o after_o they_o have_v dwell_v there_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n into_o canaan_n again_o at_o what_o time_n he_o appoint_v they_o law_n admirable_o fit_v and_o contrive_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o stranger_n and_o proselyte_n after_o many_o signal_n victory_n and_o after_o other_o captivity_n they_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_a to_o babylon_n and_o be_v still_o deliver_v and_o restore_v by_o a_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a providence_n and_o have_v vast_a number_n of_o proselyte_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o many_o footstep_n and_o remainder_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v find_v in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o reject_v the_o messiah_n they_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o from_o be_v his_o people_n they_o be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n for_o a_o testimony_n to_o all_o nation_n that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o they_o since_o they_o continue_v to_o maintain_v and_o assert_v those_o very_a book_n which_o plain_o foretell_v all_o that_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n that_o have_v befall_v they_o for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n they_o be_v a_o stand_a evidence_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n bear_v that_o curse_n which_o their_o forefather_n so_o many_o age_n ago_o imprecate_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n when_o they_o cause_v christ_n to_o be_v crucify_v and_o the_o gospel_n have_v by_o its_o own_o power_n and_o evidence_n manifest_v itself_o to_o all_o people_n disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o mahometan_n own_v so_o much_o of_o the_o religion_n reveal_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n afford_v some_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o those_o vast_a dominion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v possess_v all_o the_o most_o remarkable_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o several_a change_n in_o the_o world_n have_v have_v a_o particular_a influence_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n cyrus_n alexander_n the_o great_a divers_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o of_o latter_a time_n tamerlain_n and_o several_a other_o prince_n be_v great_a favourer_n of_o it_o and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o the_o most_o unlikely_a accident_n have_v contribute_v towards_o the_o promotion_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o which_o have_v be_v say_v great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unbeliever_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o be_v convert_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v produce_v concern_v the_o chinese_n and_o the_o american_n themselves_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v preach_v among_o they_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v lose_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n before_o the_o late_a discovery_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n so_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n that_o be_v at_o the_o most_o fit_a season_n he_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o it_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a to_o all_o and_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o man_n may_v defer_v the_o restore_a his_o gospel_n to_o the_o chinese_n for_o instance_n till_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o see_v they_o best_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o indies_n happen_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n that_o those_o poor_a people_n may_v have_v the_o purity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n if_o christian_n have_v be_v as_o little_o want_v to_o they_o in_o their_o charity_n as_o god_n have_v be_v in_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o stay_v till_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n before_o he_o punish_v a_o people_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n he_o wait_v for_o the_o most_o proper_a season_n to_o impart_v his_o reveal_v will_v to_o they_o and_o to_o have_v it_o preach_v to_o they_o before_o will_v be_v only_o to_o increase_v their_o
be_v ordinary_a with_o the_o best_a writer_n to_o express_v thing_n uncertain_o which_o they_o be_v notwithstane_v thorough_o acquaint_v withal_o and_o to_o seem_v ignorant_a of_o thing_n which_o they_o perfect_o understand_v but_o pass_v over_o as_o not_o worth_a the_o take_a notice_n of_o or_o not_o considerable_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o own_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o know_a elegancy_n to_o say_v nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la or_o nescio_fw-la quem_fw-la when_o the_o author_n so_o speak_v be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n or_o person_n there_o mean_v but_o either_o signify_v his_o contempt_n of_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n or_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o trouble_v himself_o or_o his_o hearer_n or_o reader_n with_o a_o more_o particular_a relation_n the_o fonteio_fw-la the_o credo_fw-la haec_fw-la eadem_fw-la indutiomarum_fw-la in_o testimonio_fw-la timuisse_fw-la aut_fw-la cogitasse_fw-la qui_fw-la primum_fw-la illud_fw-la verbum_fw-la consideratissimum_fw-la nostrae_fw-la consuetudinis_fw-la arbitror_fw-la quo_fw-la nos_fw-la etiam_fw-la tunc_fw-la utimur_fw-la cum_fw-la ea_fw-la dicimus_fw-la jurati_fw-la quae_fw-la comperta_fw-la habemus_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsi_fw-la vidimus_fw-la ex_fw-la toto_fw-la teslimonio_fw-la svo_fw-la sustulit_fw-la atque_fw-la omne_fw-la se_fw-la scire_fw-la dixit_fw-la cic._n pro_fw-la m._n fonteio_fw-la roman_n out_o of_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o they_o have_v for_o oath_n never_o speak_v positive_o in_o give_v evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o and_o have_v see_v themselves_o and_o uncertain_a form_n of_o speech_n be_v observe_v 1._o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d uip._n in_o demost_a olynth_n 1._o by_o ulpian_n to_o have_v be_v usual_a thy_o aneient_a greek_a author_n in_o their_o speak_n of_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o moment_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o miraculous_a draught_n of_o fish_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o ship_n be_v two_o hundred_o cubit_n or_o half_o a_o cubit_n or_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o cubit_n over_o or_o under_o from_o the_o land_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o st_n john_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n jo._n 2.6_o 6.10_o 19.14_o either_o then_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o same_o instance_n st_n john_n may_v know_v the_o precise_a distance_n and_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v not_o declare_v it_o or_o it_o not_o be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o consequence_n for_o we_o to_o be_v more_o particular_o inform_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v suffer_v he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o know_v it_o but_o by_o inspiration_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n but_o not_o always_o to_o write_v every_o little_a circumstance_n concern_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o relate_v many_o miracle_n be_v whole_o omit_v and_o many_o circumstance_n not_o considerable_a or_o material_a to_o be_v mention_v be_v omit_v of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v record_v but_o if_o nothing_o be_v relate_v which_o may_v lead_v we_o into_o error_n and_o nothing_o omit_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o nothing_o but_o truth_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o it_o but_o not_o that_o every_o truth_n shall_v be_v in_o it_o for_o then_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v suppose_v therefore_o that_o st_n john_n do_v not_o know_v precise_o how_o many_o cubit_n the_o ship_n be_v from_o shore_n what_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o there_o relate_v do_v it_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o inspire_v in_o what_o he_o do_v relate_v if_o he_o be_v not_o inspire_v in_o what_o he_o omit_v if_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o precise_a distance_n and_o have_v not_o know_v it_o this_o may_v have_v discredit_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o gospel_n but_o when_o he_o have_v not_o determine_v it_o can_v this_o be_v a_o argument_n in_o diminution_n of_o its_o authority_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o he_o do_v not_o profess_v to_o know_v be_v it_o not_o 〈◊〉_d good_a argument_n in_o confirmation_n of_o its_o authority_n that_o he_o will_v assert_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o certain_o know_v if_o in_o what_o he_o be_v not_o persect_o assure_v he_o mention_n no_o further_o than_o he_o know_v of_o it_o so_o st_o paul_n acquaint_v we_o when_o he_o speak_v himself_o and_o not_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o we_o that_o in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o he_o it_o be_v a_o consirmation_n of_o his_o integrity_n that_o he_o will_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o because_o he_o that_o tell_v we_o in_o any_o one_o case_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o not_o as_o from_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v make_v the_o same_o declaration_n in_o other_o case_n whenever_o he_o have_v write_v any_o thing_n without_o express_a revelation_n 4._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o human_a prudence_n and_o observation_n there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v dictate_v immediate_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o only_o to_o have_v use_v a_o directive_n or_o conduct_a power_n and_o influence_n so_o as_o to_o supply_v such_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n to_o they_o as_o may_v be_v most_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o of_o expediency_n for_o the_o present_a case_n and_o occasion_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o insert_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o state_n of_o affair_n require_v which_o though_o not_o immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o inspiration_n and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o ministry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o assert_v that_o st_n paul_n send_v for_o his_o cloak_n and_o parchment_n by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o immediate_a command_n or_o direction_n to_o salute_v the_o particular_a person_n name_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o epistle_n but_o only_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o he_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o put_v that_o into_o his_o own_o word_n but_o so_o as_o never_o to_o be_v suffer_v to_o express_v it_o otherwise_o than_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v full_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o infallible_o true_a so_o in_o these_o lesser_a and_o indifferent_a matter_n which_o some_o present_a occasion_n make_v requisite_a to_o be_v write_v of_o he_o have_v the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o prevent_v he_o from_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v expedient_a in_o those_o circumstance_n and_o serviceable_a to_o his_o call_n and_o ministry_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n in_o themselves_o may_v become_v necessary_a as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n st_o paul_n journey_v into_o macedonia_n rather_o than_o into_o any_o other_o country_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o soul_n may_v depend_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v warn_v by_o revelation_n not_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o asia_n nor_o to_o go_v into_o bythinia_n but_o into_o macedonia_n act_v 16.6_o 7_o 9_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o salutation_n of_o particular_a person_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o epistle_n though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a importance_n yet_o may_v be_v of_o mighty_a consideration_n and_o consequence_n to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o to_o be_v salute_v by_o a_o apostle_n in_o so_o particular_a and_o solemn_a a_o manner_n may_v revive_v their_o spirit_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o perseverance_n under_o their_o temptation_n and_o assliction_n for_o his_o salutation_n include_v his_o benediction_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o apostolic_a office_n and_o authority_n in_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o god_n himself_o may_v direct_v the_o apostle_n to_o salute_v such_o person_n for_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o faith_n beside_o the_o salutation_n add_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v
eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n of_o mankind_n be_v combine_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o less_o elegancy_n and_o accuracy_n of_o style_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n than_o have_v be_v before_o use_v by_o moses_n and_o thâ—_n prophet_n who_o yet_o have_v nothing_o which_o seem_v so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a to_o deliver_v which_o be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o can_v prevail_v so_o much_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n in_o the_o world_n only_o by_o tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a manner_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_a the_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n be_v best_a as_o in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o man_n make_v themselves_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o likewise_o be_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 24._o their_o cause_n and_o doctrine_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o any_o word_n which_o do_v but_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v their_o meaning_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n their_o rhetoric_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o in_o word_n there_o be_v no_o great_a art_n require_v to_o prove_v that_o to_o any_o man_n which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v great_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o under_o the_o law_n so_o there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o eloquence_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v as_o a_o 4._o a_o mer_n casaub_n of_o enthus_n c._n 4._o learned_a critic_n have_v declare_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o some_o kind_n and_o upon_o some_o subject_n be_v as_o eloquent_a as_o ever_o man_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o demosthenes_n in_o who_o writing_n he_o believe_v that_o apostle_n have_v be_v much_o conversant_a or_o aeschines_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_o most_o admire_v 3._o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v permit_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o style_n so_o direct_v they_o still_o and_o overrule_a they_o in_o every_o word_n and_o sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v infallible_o express_v his_o own_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a style_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o isaiah_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a and_o educate_v at_o court_n may_v write_v in_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o lofty_a style_n and_o amos_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o among_o the_o herdsman_n of_o tekoa_n may_v speak_v in_o a_o more_o humble_a strain_n and_o fetch_v his_o metaphor_n from_o low_a and_o mean_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o both_o may_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o exact_o true_a and_o infallible_a as_o if_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v dictate_v by_o he_o but_o this_o have_v be_v already_o consider_v under_o its_o proper_a head_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o catalogue_n and_o number_n of_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o or_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o church_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a way_n of_o argue_v than_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o must_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o we_o know_v and_o by_o consequence_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n since_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o author_n of_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n but_o that_o critic_n have_v have_v dispute_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o his_o genuine_a work_n and_o yet_o this_o have_v never_o be_v think_v any_o prejudice_n to_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o to_o be_v genuine_a will_v not_o that_o man_n make_v himself_o ridiculous_a who_o shall_v reject_v the_o philippic_n of_o tully_n or_o virgil_n aeneis_n as_o spurious_a because_o other_o book_n either_o doubtful_a or_o counterfeit_v have_v past_a under_o the_o name_n of_o these_o two_o author_n if_o some_o book_n have_v be_v dispute_v the_o rest_n certain_o be_v genuine_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n because_o they_o have_v never_o be_v call_v into_o question_n or_o doubt_v now_o if_o these_o book_n only_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o dispute_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v be_v any_o controversy_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o useful_a to_o explain_v divers_a thing_n which_o we_o find_v in_o these_o and_o perhaps_o to_o teach_v we_o some_o thing_n not_o essential_a to_o our_o religion_n nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v elsewhere_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v because_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v full_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v receive_v without_o contradiction_n or_o dispute_n many_o man_n be_v undoubted_o save_v before_o the_o write_n of_o these_o controvert_v book_n nay_o before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o book_n at_o all_o write_n be_v no_o further_o necessary_a than_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v write_v when_o the_o thing_n now_o write_v can_v be_v as_o well_o know_v without_o writing_n book_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o though_o for_o after_o age_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v consign_v their_o doctrine_n to_o writing_n yet_o no_o more_o of_o their_o writing_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o than_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o afford_v we_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o natural_a and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o any_o man_n to_o reject_v any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n or_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v but_o still_o that_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o natural_a life_n and_o health_n who_o shall_v think_v all_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o common_a or_o unclean_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v for_o food_n and_o if_o a_o man_n without_o any_o of_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o the_o uncontrrovert_v book_n he_o will_v find_v they_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o procure_v his_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o one_o infallible_a authority_n be_v as_o great_a a_o security_n as_o never_o so_o many_o can_v be_v but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o furnish_v we_o with_o so_o much_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n for_o our_o further_a instruction_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n though_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a and_o wicked_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v all_o the_o point_n of_o necessary_a faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n unless_o he_o likewise_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v now_o find_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n whether_o it_o be_v genuine_a or_o no_o but_o to_o suppose_v the_o most_o and_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v if_o those_o book_n which_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v call_v in_o
character_n of_o a_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o modern_a jew_n in_o like_a manner_n never_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o new_a book_n of_o revelation_n but_o have_v constant_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a and_o what_o inducement_n can_v the_o jew_n have_v to_o receive_v these_o book_n into_o their_o canon_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v rather_o than_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o especial_o remarkable_a in_o some_o book_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v certain_a book_n under_o the_o name_n of_o solomon_n esther_n daniel_n and_o ezra_n but_o not_o admit_v into_o the_o canon_n other_o go_v under_o the_o same_o name_n but_o because_o of_o the_o difference_n in_o their_o authority_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o their_o forefather_n have_v slay_v and_o those_o very_a book_n for_o which_o they_o slay_v they_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o no_o prejudice_n in_o their_o favour_n but_o with_o very_a many_o against_o the_o book_n of_o such_o author_n to_o give_v another_o instance_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n contain_v the_o affair_n and_o transaction_n of_o a_o particular_a family_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n as_o one_o may_v imagine_v at_o first_o view_n and_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v with_o as_o much_o â—are_n and_o as_o constant_o receive_v as_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v little_a reason_n upon_o human_a consideration_n why_o a_o relation_n concern_v that_o family_n shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n rather_o than_o one_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o the_o lineage_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v insert_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o providence_n neither_o the_o emulation_n and_o envy_n of_o other_o family_n nor_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o accident_n hinder_v its_o reception_n and_o preservation_n among_o the_o other_o inspire_v book_n and_o in_o that_o history_n there_o be_v a_o account_v not_o very_o honourable_a for_o david_n family_n in_o derive_v his_o descent_n from_o phares_n of_o thamar_n and_o show_v that_o his_o great_a grandmother_n be_v a_o moabitess_n the_o moabite_n be_v a_o people_n who_o have_v a_o indelible_a mark_n of_o intamy_n sixth_o upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dentr_n xxiii_o 3._o ii_o as_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o tribe_n judah_n so_o if_o they_o reject_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o must_v have_v be_v because_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n own_v the_o temple_n of_o jerasalem_fw-la to_o be_v the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o israelite_n and_o samaritan_n must_v have_v great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o book_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v those_o of_o moses_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n have_v less_o regard_n pay_v to_o they_o upon_o reason_n of_o state_n by_o the_o tribe_n who_o follow_v the_o revolt_n of_o jeroboam_n yet_o when_o 1._o when_o antiqu._n orient_a eccl._n pist_o 1._o joseph_n scaliger_n send_v to_o the_o samaritan_n for_o the_o canticle_n of_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n in_o their_o language_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o joshua_n they_o promise_v to_o send_v he_o they_o and_o it_o be_v prove_v sufficient_o by_o dr_n 25._o dr_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit_fw-la on_o joh._n four_o 25._o lightfoot_n that_o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o rest_n into_o the_o same_o veneration_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n nor_o read_v they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n this_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o f._n simon_n 12._o simon_n crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 1._o c._n 16._o &_o 29._o disquisit_a crit_fw-fr c._n 12._o both_o of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n and_o orient_a and_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu_n eccl._n orient_a morinus_n likewise_o prove_v it_o of_o the_o karaei_n who_o be_v general_o take_v for_o sadducee_n f._n simon_n maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o have_v wrong_v do_v they_o in_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o sadducces_n however_o this_o be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n since_o he_o show_v that_o both_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n or_o caraite_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n beside_o receive_v the_o entire_a volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o contradiction_n lipmanno_n contradiction_n praefat._n de_fw-fr lipmanno_n hackspan_n likewise_o have_v show_v that_o the_o sadducee_n deny_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n iii_o concern_v the_o book_n whereof_o we_o we_o find_v mention_v make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n either_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v now_o in_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o same_o book_n under_o divers_a name_n or_o 2._o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n though_o write_v by_o prophet_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v any_o more_o than_o in_o all_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o show_v the_o care_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o compile_v their_o canon_n that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v into_o it_o all_o the_o write_n even_o of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o but_o only_o such_o as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v write_v by_o they_o as_o prophet_n that_o be_v by_o inspiration_n the_o prophet_n themselves_o no_o doubt_n make_v a_o distinction_n as_o we_o find_v st_n paul_n do_v between_o what_o they_o have_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a direction_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n or_o 3_o they_o may_v not_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n for_o the_o office_n of_o recorder_n or_o remembrancer_n or_o writer_n of_o chronicle_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v mention_v as_o â—n_v office_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o trust_v and_o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o sam._n viij_o â—6_n 2_o king_n xviii_o 18_o 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 8._o isaiah_n xxxvi_o 3_o 22._o beside_o the_o hebrew_n call_v every_o small_a write_v a_o book_n thus_o deut._n xxiv_o 1._o â—hat_n which_o we_o render_v a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n â—s_v in_o the_o original_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o josh_n x._o 13._o and_o 〈◊〉_d sam._n i._n 18._o be_v translate_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n â—o_o matt._n nineteeen_o 7._o and_o mark_v x._o 4._o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o septuagint_n have_v use_v it_o indeed_o may_v signify_v a_o little_a book_n but_o it_o often_o signify_v a_o book_n without_o that_o distinction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v render_v 2_o tim._n four_o 13._o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n be_v a_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a 2_o sam._n xi_o 14_o 15._o and_o lettet_n be_v style_v book_n by_o 4._o by_o herod_n lib._n 1._o c._n 124._o &_o lib._n 6._o c._n 4._o herodotus_n or_o 4._o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n be_v now_o lose_v it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v write_n to_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n which_o be_v dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n several_a thing_n may_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v by_o revelation_n to_o the_o person_n who_o they_o concern_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o writing_n and_o other_o which_o be_v write_v but_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n but_o rather_o concern_v particular_a time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o substance_n whereof_o as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o scripture_n may_v by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o man_n never_o come_v to_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o posterity_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v always_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o common_o they_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o in_o matter_n
first_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o contrivance_n and_o method_n and_o style_v of_o it_o not_o to_o criticise_v upon_o some_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v the_o method_n use_v by_o all_o who_o will_v criticise_v with_o judgement_n upon_o any_o author_n and_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o key_n as_o it_o be_v and_o a_o direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o other_o thus_o whereas_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n baptize_v in_o another_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o baptize_v not_o and_o the_o former_a place_n be_v expaline_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o baptism_n perform_v by_o himself_o but_o by_o his_o disciple_n who_o baptize_v in_o his_o name_n joh._n iii._o 22._o four_o 1_o 2._o iii_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o observe_v whether_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o such_o as_o do_v suppose_n mistake_v which_o a_o man_n who_o can_v write_v such_o a_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v find_v in_o can_v not_o run_v into_o for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n this_o very_a consideration_n be_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n and_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v answer_v and_o that_o the_o mistake_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o reader_n who_o without_o sufficient_a skill_n or_o attention_n pass_v a_o rash_a judgement_n upon_o it_o for_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_v a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o candour_n and_o equity_n will_v prevent_v many_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n even_o without_o inspiration_n they_o can_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o mistake_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v exod._n xxxiii_o 11._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n yet_o verse_n 20._o the_o lord_n answer_v moses_n who_o have_v beseech_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n for_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n see_v i_o and_o live_v will_v it_o not_o be_v impudent_a trifle_a to_o pretend_v any_o contradiction_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n when_o they_o be_v easy_o understand_v in_o a_o consistent_a sense_n and_o no_o man_n of_o any_o judgement_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o write_v contradiction_n and_o lay_v they_o so_o near_o together_o when_o it_o be_v say_v act._n ix_o 7._o that_o the_o man_n who_o journey_v with_o st._n paul_n hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man_n and_o act._n xxii_o 9_o that_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v to_o st._n paul_n beside_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v know_v and_o obvious_a to_o reconcile_v these_o text_n those_o who_o who_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consult_v expositor_n or_o to_o consider_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v please_v to_o observe_v that_o st._n luke_n be_v a_o man_n breed_v to_o learning_n and_o this_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v at_o least_o a_o prudent_a and_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v write_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o the_o objection_n must_v suppose_v in_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n concern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n in_o his_o whole_a history_n relate_v to_o a_o person_n with_o who_o he_o constant_o travel_v and_o converse_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o two_o such_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o thucydides_n or_o xenophon_n or_o even_o in_o the_o very_o worst_a historian_n he_o will_v not_o be_v incline_v rather_o to_o seek_v out_o for_o some_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o than_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o can_v so_o soon_o forget_v what_o he_o have_v write_v so_o little_a a_o while_n before_o in_o a_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v that_o difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o in_o st._n luke_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o and_o long_o after_o extant_a in_o the_o public_a register_n 9_o register_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la adam_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la extremum_fw-la zorobabel_n omnium_fw-la generationes_fw-la ita_fw-la memoriter_fw-la velociterque_fw-la precur_v runt_n ut_fw-la eos_fw-la suum_fw-la pute_fw-la refer_v nomen_fw-la hieron_n in_o tit._n iii._o 9_o they_o can_v repeat_v they_o by_o heart_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n as_o they_o can_v their_o own_o name_n and_o to_o insert_v a_o wrong_a genealogy_n have_v be_v to_o give_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o their_o cause_n than_o for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o produce_v a_o false_a pedigree_n when_o the_o true_a one_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o produce_v by_o any_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disprove_v they_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n descent_n from_o abraham_n and_o david_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v now_o be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o this_o twofold_a genealogy_n it_o be_v certain_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o that_o age_n and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o have_v for_o ever_o ruin_v their_o cause_n if_o they_o have_v produce_v it_o some_o crime_n be_v too_o great_a to_o charge_v upon_o man_n of_o any_o credit_n or_o reputation_n and_o some_o error_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a prudence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o commit_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o author_n rational_a and_o consistent_a in_o other_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n the_o ordinary_a ingenuity_n and_o condor_n of_o mankind_n will_v hinder_v we_o from_o suppose_v he_o to_o commit_v gross_a and_o palpable_a mistake_n and_o it_o be_v great_a disingenuity_n and_o folly_n to_o show_v the_o less_o respect_n to_o any_o author_n because_o he_o be_v at_o least_o believe_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o man_n because_o god_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n iv_o if_o any_o contradiction_n be_v frame_v or_o force_v from_o the_o various_a readins_n the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n or_o whatever_a elsé_fw-fr of_o this_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o critic_n they_o prove_v no_o more_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o do_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o these_o difficulty_n can_v not_o happen_v in_o a_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v first_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o afford_v no_o occasion_n for_o dispute_n and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o after_o so_o preserve_v by_o a_o constant_a miracle_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o none_o of_o the_o accident_n and_o casualty_n to_o which_o all_o other_o book_n be_v liable_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n may_v not_o permit_v book_n write_v by_o inspiration_n to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o any_o such_o casualty_n as_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n but_o if_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v preserve_v entire_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n all_o lesser_a matter_n may_v be_v lest_o to_o the_o same_o contingency_n which_o befall_v all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o evidence_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a in_o proof_n both_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o if_o no_o more_o can_v be_v produce_v than_o have_v by_o i_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v their_o authority_n yet_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o some_o mistake_n or_o defect_n in_o it_o no_o such_o objection_n can_v invalidate_v it_o because_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n
the_o perform_v any_o good_a action_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o jam._n i._n 17._o 3._o we_o learn_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o do_v often_o over-rule_v even_o the_o worst_a action_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o best_a end_n and_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n job_n xv_o 15._o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o case_n of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n when_o jacob_n come_v by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n and_o deprive_v his_o brother_n of_o the_o blessing_n 11._o blessing_n casaub_n in_o athenae_n lib._n 1._o c._n 11._o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n customary_a to_o offer_v that_o of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v in_o sacrifice_n especial_o on_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n as_o a_o father_n give_v his_o final_a blessing_n and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n foretell_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o posterity_n and_o therefore_o when_o jacob_n have_v by_o subtlety_n get_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n can_v not_o recall_v it_o to_o confer_v it_o upon_o esau_n because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o so_o solemn_a a_o manner_n have_v a_o religious_a obligation_n amount_v to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o oath_n though_o obtain_v by_o fraud_n be_v obligatory_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gibeonite_n he_o have_v bless_v jacob_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prediction_n that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a gen._n twenty-five_o 23._o with_o esau_n despise_v and_o sell_v his_o birthright_n may_v now_o probable_o come_v into_o isaac_n mind_n whereupon_o though_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o fraud_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v obtain_v yet_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o that_o the_o divine_a purpose_n and_o prediction_n will_v be_v accomplish_v thereby_o and_o what_o he_o have_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n confer_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o recall_v the_o relation_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o justify_v jacob_n behaviour_n in_o it_o but_o manifest_v the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o make_v any_o mean_n whatsoever_o instrumental_a to_o his_o gracious_a end_n which_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v by_o any_o action_n of_o man_n for_o if_o they_o depend_v upon_o humane_a action_n these_o will_v often_o fail_v they_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o so_o much_o frailty_n and_o sin_n 4._o though_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n do_v accept_v of_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o the_o righteous_a forgive_a upon_o their_o habitual_a repentance_n the_o sin_n and_o frailty_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o best_a action_n and_o pardon_v the_o worst_a action_n likewise_o after_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n yet_o these_o stand_n upon_o record_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o for_o a_o memorial_n and_o warning_n to_o future_a age_n that_o man_n may_v neither_o presume_v upon_o their_o own_o righteousness_n nor_o despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o because_o they_o be_v pardon_v they_o be_v not_o always_o censure_v and_o i_o think_v the_o ill_a action_n of_o good_a man_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o mention_v with_o a_o mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n unless_o the_o series_n of_o the_o history_n require_v it_o and_o then_o the_o reproof_n be_v mention_v which_o pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n peter_n but_o where_o no_o such_o censure_n be_v pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n the_o action_n itself_o be_v bare_o relate_v and_o nothing_o further_o say_v of_o it_o because_o the_o crime_n be_v forgive_v god_n forbear_v to_o show_v any_o further_a displeasure_n against_o it_o such_o be_v his_o mercy_n to_o repent_v sinner_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v for_o any_o censure_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o who_o may_v know_v by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n what_o action_n be_v sinful_a though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o style_v so_o in_o relate_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o imprecation_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o universal_a charity_n which_o it_o enjoin_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o charity_n be_v likewise_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o those_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o imply_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o i._o many_o of_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o nation_n upon_o who_o after_o signal_n act_v of_o mercy_n and_o forbearance_n on_o his_o part_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n on_o they_o god_n have_v command_v the_o israelite_n to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accomplish_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o repent_v and_o that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o they_o in_o the_o fulfil_n his_o will_n but_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v they_o to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o the_o heathen_a ps_n cxlix_o 7._o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a likewise_o to_o pray_v against_o all_o the_o other_o enemy_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v abase_v their_o pride_n and_o make_v they_o to_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n ps_n ix_o 20._o lxxiu_o 22_o 23._o cxxxix_o 21_o 22._o ii_o david_n be_v king_n have_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o when_o his_o rebellious_a subject_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o as_o in_o the_o rebellion_n of_o absalon_n he_o may_v make_v his_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n if_o he_o may_v punish_v his_o subject_n he_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o foreign_a war_n if_o he_o may_v kill_v his_o enemy_n he_o may_v pray_v for_o victory_n and_o success_n over_o they_o iii_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o public_a and_o notorious_a malefactor_n may_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o punishment_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o that_o may_v be_v do_v which_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o seek_v redress_n of_o private_a injury_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v redress_v for_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o success_n upon_o any_o honest_a undertake_n if_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o justice_n and_o a_o necessary_a care_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n not_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o a_o thirst_n after_o revenge_n but_o with_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n that_o the_o worst_a action_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o offender_n in_o give_v he_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n and_o grant_v he_o whatsoever_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n towards_o other_o man_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n iv_o god_n be_v the_o peculiar_a lawgiver_n and_o political_a governor_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o condemnation_n 2_o cor._n three_o 7_o 9_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n as_o such_o belong_v only_o to_o this_o life_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v denounce_v against_o every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o gal._n iii._o 10_o 11._o god_n have_v express_o threaten_v to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o those_o law_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o his_o judgement_n may_v overtake_v evil_a doer_n be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o government_n to_o prosecute_v offender_n before_o the_o magistrate_n they_o appeal_v to_o god_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o force_n against_o they_o and_o not_o to_o
by_o exhortation_n and_o encouragement_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o admonitition_n and_o threaten_n on_o the_o other_o but_o to_o force_v man_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o profession_n will_v be_v to_o lay_v aside_o these_o term_n and_o to_o render_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o religion_n propose_v useless_a and_o to_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n by_o which_o it_o be_v enjoin_v there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o reason_n that_o god_n shall_v constrain_v man_n to_o have_v right_a notion_n of_o religion_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v force_v they_o to_o obey_v those_o notion_n and_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v restrain_v man_n from_o heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o be_v from_o such_o sin_n as_o more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o concern_v religion_n rather_o than_o from_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o because_o this_o will_v make_v religion_n itself_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a by_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o by_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o act_v by_o necessity_n can_v act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o advise_v and_o command_v man_n to_o refuse_v the_o evil_a and_o choose_v the_o good_n difference_n in_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v prevent_v without_o overrule_a all_o the_o passion_n and_o hinder_v all_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n and_o without_o frustrate_v the_o command_n and_o precept_n and_o contradict_v the_o design_n and_o institution_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o rather_o than_o suffer_v difference_n in_o religion_n god_n shall_v so_o check_v and_o restrain_v man_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o act_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o upon_o mere_a force_n and_o necessity_n if_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o err_v and_o to_o sin_n they_o will_v err_v and_o sin_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o and_o to_o debar_v man_n unavoidable_o from_o sin_n and_o error_n will_v be_v to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o offer_v violence_n not_o only_o to_o human_a nature_n but_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o force_v man_n upon_o do_v good_a but_o to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o if_o man_n will_v resolve_v to_o commit_v sin_n and_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o all_o that_o god_n have_v say_v and_o do_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o it_o then_o to_o make_v their_o worst_a action_n instrumental_a to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o men._n and_o there_o be_v this_o good_a effect_n from_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o those_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o they_o that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o good_a christian_a may_v appear_v and_o that_o the_o disguise_n may_v be_v take_v off_o from_o hypocrite_n that_o they_o may_v be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o seduce_v man_n by_o a_o show_n of_o godliness_n it_o be_v a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o unrepent_v sinner_n to_o let_v they_o fall_v from_o one_o wickedness_n to_o another_o and_o not_o come_v into_o his_o righteousness_n to_o punish_v secret_a sin_n by_o suffer_v man_n to_o run_v into_o public_a and_o notorious_a crime_n whereby_o they_o discover_v and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o heretic_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a tit._n i._n 16._o and_o give_v a_o full_a and_o lamentable_a description_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o conclusion_n he_o say_v but_o they_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o for_o their_o folly_n shall_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n 2_o tim._n three_o 9_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o come_v to_o such_o horrid_a and_o frightful_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o blasphemy_n as_o that_o all_o man_n who_o mean_v well_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v they_o and_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o of_o those_o who_o join_v themselves_o with_o such_o man_n and_o go_v over_o to_o they_o st._n john_n declare_v they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o 1_o john_n two_o 19_o and_o when_o these_o and_o such_o like_a heresy_n break_v loose_a and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n this_o make_v all_o sincere_a christian_n more_o careful_a and_o diligent_a to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o careless_a and_o unconcerned_a about_o religion_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o opposition_n but_o when_o the_o faith_n be_v deny_v and_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v dispute_v against_o this_o will_v stir_v up_o and_o actuate_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n in_o all_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o heresy_n have_v be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n but_o appear_v and_o show_v themselves_o be_v disprove_v become_v odious_a and_o after_o a_o while_o be_v hardly_o know_v but_o from_o the_o book_n of_o such_o as_o confute_v they_o and_o those_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contradict_v become_v so_o much_o the_o better_o establish_v and_o the_o more_o firm_o believe_v for_o the_o future_a heresy_n be_v but_o the_o trial_n of_o religion_n as_o danger_n be_v of_o courage_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o encompass_v with_o error_n which_o fall_v before_o it_o and_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o no_o hurt_n so_o that_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v suffer_v by_o almighty_a god_n as_o all_o other_o sin_n be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n not_o to_o compel_v man_n but_o to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v they_o and_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whilst_o it_o offer_v the_o most_o prevail_a argument_n and_o motive_n against_o it_o and_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n among_o the_o rest_n and_o these_o be_v temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o good_a man_n and_o often_o serve_v as_o judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a to_o punish_v one_o wickedness_n with_o another_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n for_o hypocrite_n and_o impostor_n and_o they_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o hereby_o become_v the_o more_o thorough_o examine_v and_o the_o more_o full_o explain_v and_o these_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v not_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n hinder_v those_o difference_n in_o religion_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n happen_v by_o the_o sin_n and_o folly_n man_n unless_o he_o shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o iii_o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v even_o the_o worst_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n religion_n be_v our_o direction_n our_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o because_o there_o be_v many_o wrong_a way_n therefore_o there_o be_v none_o right_a this_o be_v beneath_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o ordinary_a traveller_n who_o if_o the_o way_n be_v difficult_a resolve_v to_o use_v the_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o find_v it_o out_o but_o never_o conclude_v with_o himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n and_o no_o such_o place_n as_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v for_o a_o man_n to_o argue_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o if_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o curve_v line_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v none_o right_o when_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o straightness_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o crooked_a for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n of_o one_o without_o the_o