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accident_n in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o kind_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n alike_o in_o both_o allow_v only_o the_o difference_n of_o gradual_a and_o individual_a circumstance_n this_o be_v premise_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v further_o say_v be_v brief_o this_o that_o 1._o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n these_o book_n be_v true_a 2._o that_o since_o that_o time_n they_o have_v not_o be_v change_v from_o which_o two_o proposition_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o still_o they_o be_v so_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o new_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v these_o proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o will_v be_v infer_v by_o this_o ratiocination_n 1._o the_o book_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v 2._o the_o book_n which_o the_o jew_n now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o do_v former_o receive_v even_o up_o to_o the_o consignation_n of_o their_o canon_n 3._o the_o book_n which_o then_o they_o do_v receive_v be_v true_a sect._n vii_o the_o first_o assertion_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v that_o those_o canonical_a book_n which_o we_o receive_v be_v the_o self_n same_o with_o those_o which_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o present_a do_v receive_v be_v a_o case_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o need_v no_o manner_n of_o proof_n but_o only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n to_o compare_v our_o english_a or_o latin_a bible_n with_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n which_o be_v use_v among_o the_o jew_n at_o present_a and_o daily_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o present_a
upon_o design_n see_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v do_v no_o way_n infer_v any_o difference_n either_o in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o history_n of_o the_o testament_n it_o be_v of_o the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o preserve_v to_o his_o church_n those_o various_a read_n that_o by_o compare_v they_o together_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o the_o true_a read_n of_o they_o might_n at_o once_o be_v manifest_v sect._n xi_o objection_n against_o particular_a part_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v now_o objection_n against_o particular_a book_n of_o either_o testament_n will_v be_v find_v likewise_o inconsiderable_a it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v either_o doubt_v of_o or_o reject_v by_o some_o man_n but_o those_o who_o have_v pertinacious_o refuse_v they_o have_v do_v it_o rather_o out_o of_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n than_o out_o of_o judgement_n brief_o ecclesiastes_n have_v be_v reject_v by_o some_o as_o write_a by_o solomon_n in_o his_o dotage_n place_v felicity_n in_o sense_n but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o can_v no_o way_n be_v prove_v nay_o the_o contrary_a appear_v by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o it_o well_o consider_v and_o the_o latter_a be_v evident_o confute_v by_o the_o conclusion_n fear_v cod_n etc._n etc._n for_o god_n shall_v bring_v etc._n etc._n the_o canticle_n have_v be_v take_v for_o a_o lovesong_n compile_v in_o a_o compliment_n to_o pharaoh_n daughter_n but_o it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o slender_a compliment_n to_o tell_v she_o that_o her_o eye_n be_v like_o fish-pool_n and_o her_o nose_n like_o the_o tower_n of_o lebanon_n that_o look_v towards_o damascus_n the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n have_v be_v charge_v by_o porphyrius_n to_o have_v be_v a_o history_n write_v after_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n under_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o name_n of_o daniel_n but_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o appear_v out_o of_o history_n that_o that_o prophecy_n be_v show_v to_o alexander_n the_o great_a in_o his_o advance_n towards_o jerusalem_n 150._o year_n before_o antiochus_n new_a testament_n hebrew_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o latin_a church_n because_o the_o author_n be_v unknown_a and_o because_o of_o some_o passage_n especial_o seem_v to_o favour_v the_o novatian_a heresy_n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o author_n which_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o writing_n but_o that_o character_n of_o his_o person_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o ability_n and_o integrity_n now_o these_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o in_o that_o author_n 2._o those_o passage_n be_v very_o well_o to_o be_v understand_v otherwise_o then_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o novatian_n 3._o it_o be_v ever_o receive_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o recite_v among_o the_o canonical_a book_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o nice_a laodicea_n and_o carthage_n 4._o if_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o western_a church_n have_v ground_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o at_o such_o time_n as_o it_o do_v not_o admit_v it_o we_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o that_o church_n have_v reason_n which_o satisfy_v they_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o at_o such_o time_n as_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n james_n 2d_o of_o st_n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st_n john_n jude_n revelation_n have_v all_o of_o they_o be_v doubt_v of_o for_o some_o time_n by_o some_o party_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v indeed_o write_v by_o those_o author_n under_o who_o name_n they_o be_v now_o receive_v but_o though_o they_o be_v some_o time_n doubt_v by_o some_o they_o be_v always_o receive_v by_o other_o and_o those_o church_n which_o do_v refuse_v they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v unsatisfy_v be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v satisfy_v when_o they_o do_v receive_v they_o and_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a cedit_fw-la to_o they_o then_o to_o such_o other_o as_o have_v not_o be_v question_v inasmuch_o as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v deliberate_v and_o debate_v and_o then_o decide_v be_v to_o be_v credit_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o silent_o have_v pass_v on_o unquestioned_a and_o now_o i_o have_v with_o brevity_n as_o i_o suppose_v congruous_a to_o such_o a_o essay_n as_o i_o intend_v make_v evident_a the_o last_o assertion_n which_o i_o undertake_v that_o to_o disbelieve_v either_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n or_o not_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o eternity_n necessity_n simplicity_n independency_n incorporeality_n immensity_n unity_n omnipotence_n omniscience_n
undertake_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v believe_v the_o doctrinal_a p._n 81._o sect._n iii_o the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o historical_a faith_n in_o general_n p._n 89._o sect._n iv._o a_o application_n of_o those_o general_a ground_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o history_n in_o the_o world_n p._n 97._o sect._n v._o that_o there_o be_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o any_o other_o history_n p._n 206._o sect._n vi_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o proposal_n of_o three_o several_a assertion_n whereby_o it_o be_v conclude_v p._n 119._o sect._n vii_o the_o first_o assertion_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v p._n 124._o sect._n viii_o that_o the_o book_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v ever_o since_o the_o consignation_n of_o their_o canon_n p._n 128._o sect._n ix._o that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n these_o book_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n p._n 135._o sect._n x._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n objection_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v first_o general_a objection_n against_o the_o whole_a p._n 138._o sect._n xi_o objection_n against_o particular_a part_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v p._n 149._o part_n i._n preface_n sect._n i._n although_o i_o be_o not_o without_o apprehension_n that_o the_o discourse_n which_o i_o design_n may_v be_v prejudge_v unprofitable_a as_o pretend_v to_o lay_v again_o that_o foundation_n which_o have_v long_o since_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v reader_n of_o it_o yet_o when_o i_o consider_v those_o scandal_n which_o the_o looseness_n of_o our_o time_n have_v offer_v even_o to_o the_o religious_a and_o the_o bold_a and_o horrid_a pride_n and_o presumption_n of_o atheist_n and_o epicure_n which_o by_o a_o profane_a and_o confident_a assert_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n undervalue_v the_o ability_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o raise_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o personal_a excellency_n have_v labour_v to_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n a_o general_a athiesm_n or_o at_o least_o a_o doubtful_a scepticism_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v upon_o any_o ill_a suggestion_n apt_a still_o to_o receive_v some_o impression_n those_o thing_n be_v of_o like_a operation_n with_o calumny_n which_o if_o it_o be_v confident_o and_o bold_o charge_v will_v be_v sure_a to_o leave_v some_o scar_n behind_o it_o when_o we_o observe_v this_o use_n and_o inclination_n in_o ourselves_o which_o be_v in_o thing_n where_o we_o have_v not_o a_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v not_o give_v perfect_a credit_n to_o a_o accusation_n yet_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o suspicion_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o although_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o contrary_a belief_n do_v keep_v we_o from_o a_o full_a assent_n to_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n yet_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o thing_n concern_v ourselves_o and_o we_o have_v happen_v to_o cross_v our_o opinion_n or_o our_o belief_n in_o our_o way_n of_o practice_n such_o be_v the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o especial_o if_o they_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o know_v man_n to_o oppose_v against_o their_o own_o belief_n and_o interpose_v betwixt_o the_o lash_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o themselves_o i_o say_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v such_o i_o can_v think_v it_o useless_a nay_o not_o unnecessary_a to_o raise_v a_o discourse_n of_o religion_n even_o from_o the_o common_a element_n and_o fundamental_n and_o for_o a_o while_n neglect_v the_o more_o know_a party_n of_o man_n to_o undertake_v so_o far_o as_o the_o argument_n will_v bear_v to_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n and_o lead_v on_o the_o weak_a from_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o themselves_o can_v deny_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o injunction_n of_o our_o religion_n sect._n ii_o of_o the_o design_n and_o definition_n of_o religion_n the_o prejudice_n and_o pretence_n against_o the_o christian_a the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v in_o controversy_n deduce_v to_o three_o question_n 1._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n attribute_n 2._o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n 3._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o definition_n and_o the_o design_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n however_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n may_v contradict_v it_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v take_v this_o definition_n of_o religion_n as_o one_o that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o apprehension_n which_o all_o of_o we_o have_v of_o it_o religion_n be_v a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o a_o expectation_n of_o reward_n the_o design_n indeed_o of_o religion_n however_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v mere_o obedience_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o height_n of_o it_o be_v bare_o terminate_v in_o his_o glory_n so_o that_o the_o high_a act_n of_o it_o be_v adoration_n yet_o i_o say_v the_o design_n of_o man_n religion_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o estate_n of_o happiness_n the_o very_a definition_n of_o religion_n suppose_v a_o godhead_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o both_o the_o party_n worship_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o that_o god_n likewise_o do_v not_o neglect_v his_o service_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o again_o the_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o suppose_v the_o resignation_n of_o our_o supreme_a faculty_n those_o be_v our_o understanding_n and_o our_o will_n viz._n our_o will_n to_o a_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n to_o a_o performance_n of_o his_o injunction_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o resignation_n likewise_o of_o our_o understanding_n to_o his_o truth_n now_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o can_v practise_v the_o will_n of_o god_n unless_o we_o know_v it_o and_o that_o we_o can_v know_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o so_o then_o in_o our_o profession_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v these_o supposal_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o that_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o his_o way_n of_o reward_v that_o the_o diligence_n of_o our_o seek_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o a_o way_n conformable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o want_v not_o rule_n for_o this_o conformity_n these_o be_v i_o say_v the_o general_a supposition_n of_o every_o religion_n under_o heaven_n you_o see_v that_o the_o being_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o self-resignation_n but_o the_o end_n of_o that_o resignation_n it_o be_v reward_n still_o retain_v in_o mind_n that_o caution_n that_o mercenary_o to_o labour_v for_o reward_n be_v not_o the_o supreme_a exaltation_n of_o religious_a act_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o man_n religion_n and_o a_o allowable_a and_o commendable_a step_n and_o a_o degree_n unto_o the_o other_o it_o be_v the_o strong_a powerful_a motive_n to_o moses_n to_o neglect_v the_o momentany_a pleasure_n of_o pharaoh_n court_n because_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o natural_a way_n of_o reason_n in_o every_o act_n to_o look_v at_o some_o or_o other_o end_n and_o to_o undertake_v no_o labour_n without_o a_o eye_n upon_o reward_n now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o some_o man_n who_o account_v themselves_o the_o wise_a observe_v as_o they_o think_v the_o design_n and_o issue_n of_o religion_n and_o compare_v the_o labour_n and_o the_o wage_n they_o with_o much_o wisdom_n as_o they_o think_v conclude_v that_o all_o the_o business_n of_o gain_n which_o come_v by_o religion_n be_v no_o way_n worth_n the_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n come_v
it_o be_v believe_v because_o of_o his_o ability_n to_o know_v and_o because_o it_o make_v not_o thing_n appear_v to_o be_v strain_v in_o his_o behalf_n because_o it_o may_v have_v be_v contradict_v if_o it_o have_v be_v otherwise_o and_o because_o he_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o complexion_n of_o history_n as_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n that_o will_v not_o write_v a_o lie_n that_o the_o history_n of_o sallust_n be_v true_a it_o be_v believe_v because_o he_o write_v of_o thing_n do_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o time_n whereof_o he_o may_v well_o inform_v himself_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o can_v not_o gain_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v deliver_v if_o it_o be_v untrue_a that_o all_o of_o these_o history_n be_v write_v by_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o they_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n that_o doubt_n because_o there_o be_v no_o improbability_n in_o reason_n they_o have_v be_v constant_o so_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o mention_v successive_o in_o author_n follow_v one_o another_o from_o their_o several_a generation_n down_o to_o we_o we_o see_v the_o various_a degree_n of_o qualification_n some_o of_o they_o upon_o which_o we_o build_v a_o historical_a belief_n that_o this_o belief_n come_v short_a of_o the_o clearness_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n be_v evident_a because_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n that_o thing_n shall_v be_v otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o contradiction_n involve_v in_o the_o very_a term_n and_o in_fw-la adjecto_fw-la but_o here_o be_v no_o impossibility_n but_o only_o a_o exceed_a difficulty_n which_o make_v up_o not_o indeed_o a_o mathematical_a but_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o all_o man_n may_v combine_v together_o to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v see_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v not_o see_v because_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n but_o how_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o do_v it_o or_o to_o what_o end_n be_v so_o invisible_a and_o inconceivable_a that_o the_o matter_n take_v in_o the_o gross_a be_v altogether_o incredible_a it_o be_v absolute_o possible_a that_o all_o those_o writing_n which_o we_o receive_v as_o deliver_v down_o from_o ancient_a time_n may_v have_v be_v of_o late_o devise_v by_o some_o man_n to_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o put_v upon_o other_o name_n but_o to_o what_o end_n any_o man_n shall_v ttke_v the_o pain_n and_o how_o they_o shall_v fit_v they_o with_o circumstance_n and_o make_v they_o all_o depend_v upon_o each_o other_o in_o a_o constant_a succession_n agree_v in_o the_o mention_n of_o person_n place_n and_o action_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o difficult_a as_o that_o it_o will_v argue_v madness_n to_o believe_v and_o conclude_v he_o to_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n that_o shall_v reject_v the_o light_n of_o all_o antiquity_n sect._n iv._o a_o application_n of_o those_o general_a ground_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n assertion_n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o history_n in_o the_o world_n such_o madness_n then_o and_o no_o less_o it_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o history_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n no_o less_o madness_n nay_o it_o be_v much_o great_a and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v of_o more_o concernment_n to_o we_o then_o the_o act_n of_o man_n of_o former_a time_n but_o even_o because_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o those_o history_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o here_o first_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v that_o the_o four_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v write_v by_o saint_n luke_n etc._n etc._n now_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o these_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a affirmative_o to_o demonstrate_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a evidence_n of_o it_o as_o of_o any_o other_o write_v in_o the_o world_n that_o by_o whatsoever_o argument_n it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o any_o book_n have_v be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v repute_v for_o their_o author_n in_o antiquity_n that_o the_o work_n of_o homer_n or_o plato_n or_o aristotle_n or_o tully_n be_v they_o by_o the_o same_o it_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a that_o these_o have_v proceed_v from_o our_o author_n have_v they_o be_v successive_o deliver_v so_o have_v these_o have_v they_o be_v continual_o mention_v under_o those_o name_n so_o have_v these_o have_v they_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o party_n so_o have_v these_o those_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n do_v oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o under_o the_o pretence_n that_o their_o book_n be_v spurious_a neither_o jew_n nor_o pagan_n have_v the_o impudence_n to_o make_v that_o objection_n julian_n the_o apostate_n do_v free_o acknowledge_v cyrill_n 10._o grot._n 3._o ver._n that_o the_o book_n which_o by_o the_o christian_n be_v receive_v under_o the_o name_n of_o peter_n paul_n matthew_n mark_n luke_n they_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o those_o author_n it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o book_n receive_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o author_n be_v unknown_a as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o some_o other_o but_o concerning_o they_o i_o hope_v to_o speak_v in_o answer_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v just_o assume_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o those_o whereof_o no_o question_n have_v be_v make_v in_o ancient_a time_n they_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v and_o now_o this_o be_v suppose_v which_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n be_v deny_v it_o follow_v clear_o that_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v relate_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o first_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v they_o be_v matter_n easy_o to_o be_v know_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o speech_n perform_v by_o our_o saviour_n or_o by_o themselves_o second_o the_o act_n be_v act_v public_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o speech_n which_o they_o deliver_v as_o speak_v by_o other_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v public_o either_o in_o the_o synagogue_n or_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o to_o the_o multitude_n somewhere_o gather_v together_o on_o a_o mountain_n by_o the_o seaside_n in_o public_a place_n so_o as_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o be_v contradict_v if_o they_o shall_v have_v deliver_v a_o falsehood_n three_o the_o party_n which_o have_v deliver_v they_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n in_o the_o world_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n they_o be_v thing_n do_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o within_o their_o own_o sight_n or_o hear_v for_o the_o great_a part_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a in_o the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o the_o reporter_n live_v matthew_n and_o john_n the_o two_o evangelist_n which_o write_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n two_o that_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o his_o action_n and_o his_o word_n more_o familiar_a with_o he_o then_o the_o rest_n the_o one_o be_v the_o disciple_n that_o jesus_n love_v and_o use_v to_o lean_v in_o his_o bosom_n as_o they_o lie_v at_o meat_n the_o other_o be_v usual_o take_v with_o he_o when_o most_o of_o the_o rest_n be_v leave_v behind_o and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v present_a at_o almost_o all_o the_o act_n and_o speech_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v mark_n and_o luke_n the_o other_o two_o evangelist_n they_o live_v in_o the_o same_o territory_n at_o the_o same_o time_n where_o and_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n bestow_v his_o conversation_n and_o moreover_o saint_n mark_n be_v as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a first_o a_o disciple_n of_o saint_n paul_n who_o be_v miraculous_o choose_v to_o deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n afterwards_o he_o be_v undoubted_o a_o disciple_n and_o companion_n of_o saint_n peter_n who_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v live_v familiar_o together_o with_o he_o be_v present_a at_o almost_o all_o thing_n which_o mark_n have_v write_v and_o beside_o whatever_o be_v deliver_v by_o saint_n mark_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n luke_n be_v a_o individual_a companion_n of_o paul_n and_o so_o he_o may_v learn_v of_o he_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o deliver_v beside_o that_o he_o say_v that_o he_o speak_v with_o those_o that_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o
rabbin_n reside_v in_o the_o several_a part_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o such_o a_o comparison_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o we_o do_v own_o the_o self_n same_o book_n which_o they_o do_v without_o any_o difference_n in_o the_o number_n or_o inscription_n chapter_n or_o verse_n of_o those_o book_n such_o as_o do_v doubt_n of_o this_o they_o must_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o try_v and_o to_o resolve_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n or_o else_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a or_o not_o willing_a to_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o make_v themselves_o their_o own_o resolver_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n believe_v the_o multitude_n of_o those_o that_o have_v already_o try_v it_o and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v general_o grant_v and_o allow_v of_o all_o man_n and_o all_o party_n however_o differ_v otherwise_o among_o themselves_o they_o must_v upon_o that_o account_n either_o believe_v the_o proposition_n or_o else_o devise_v some_o way_n how_o and_o for_o what_o end_n it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n jew_n christian_n papist_n protestant_n turk_n pagan_n etc._n etc._n shall_v agree_v together_o to_o impose_v upon_o that_o part_n of_o people_n that_o can_v or_o will_v not_o fit_v themselves_o to_o resolve_v a_o question_n so_o easy_a and_o of_o such_o concernment_n now_o that_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n do_v thus_o agree_v must_v likewise_o be_v believe_v until_o some_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o truth_n be_v the_o thing_n be_v a_o matter_n liable_a to_o the_o trial_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o obvious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o more_o controversy_n make_v of_o it_o among_o the_o learned_a then_o of_o a_o principle_n in_o mathematics_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o as_o concerning_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o book_n there_o be_v and_o almost_o ever_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o controversy_n among_o the_o learned_a but_o none_o as_o to_o the_o number_n and_o to_o the_o part_n of_o those_o that_o be_v deliver_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o true_a that_o the_o belief_n of_o far_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n do_v in_o its_o kind_n depend_v upon_o the_o questionable_a fidelity_n of_o translator_n and_o that_o fidelity_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v that_o must_v be_v do_v by_o mean_n which_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o question_n all_o therefore_o which_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o unless_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o skill_n sufficient_a for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o question_n we_o take_v into_o thought_n the_o qualification_n of_o translator_n in_o respect_n of_o skill_n and_o of_o fidelity_n and_o impartial_o that_o we_o consider_v all_o those_o rational_a head_n and_o ground_n whereon_o man_n use_v to_o settle_v their_o belief_n among_o which_o no_o great_a evidence_n can_v be_v expect_v then_o there_o be_v in_o case_n where_o all_o agree_v and_o such_o be_v the_o main_a body_n of_o we_o and_o other_o translation_n likewise_o this_o that_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o translation_n be_v indeed_o a_o digression_n from_o the_o proposition_n i_o shall_v demonstrate_v see_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o mean_v it_o not_o of_o translation_n as_o they_o be_v such_o but_o primary_o of_o the_o original_n and_o of_o translation_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v consonant_a to_o those_o original_n and_o thus_o much_o be_v indeed_o sufficient_a both_o for_o the_o assertion_n and_o explication_n of_o that_o proposition_n that_o the_o book_n which_o we_o receive_v they_o be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n receive_v sect._n viii_o that_o the_o book_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v ever_o since_o the_o consignation_n of_o their_o canon_n but_o second_o the_o book_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v they_o be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o do_v former_o receive_v upward_o to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nay_o beyond_o they_o to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o consignation_n or_o seal_v up_o the_o canon_n of_o their_o belief_n that_o be_v their_o book_n be_v never_o change_v nor_o corrupt_v it_o be_v not_o here_o my_o purpose_n to_o assert_v that_o never_o any_o letter_n or_o word_n have_v be_v change_v or_o former_o read_v otherwise_o then_o now_o it_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a bible_n i_o be_o not_o so_o far_o unacquainted_a with_o their_o keri_fw-he and_o chetib_n or_o with_o the_o note_n of_o the_o massore_v but_o that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v make_v any_o variation_n so_o considerable_a as_o to_o shake_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a copy_n of_o these_o various_a read_n i_o hope_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o answer_a objection_n in_o the_o interim_n i_o be_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v any_o considerable_a depravation_n and_o now_o this_o be_v a_o negative_a proposition_n common_a reason_n do_v present_o offer_v it_o to_o every_o one_o judgement_n that_o it_o can_v be_v positive_o prove_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o such_o proposition_n contradict_v that_o manner_n of_o proof_n the_o argument_n then_o which_o be_v producible_a be_v some_o of_o they_o take_v from_o the_o cause_n why_o they_o can_v not_o moral_o be_v corrupt_v the_o other_o from_o sign_n that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o the_o first_o argument_n than_o be_v take_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o combine_v together_o to_o corrupt_v upon_o design_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v accidental_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o casual_a corruption_n it_o be_v certain_o apparent_a out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o after_o their_o first_o and_o second_o captivity_n they_o do_v store_v themselves_o with_o multitude_n of_o copy_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n and_o that_o both_o public_o and_o private_o that_o which_o before_o they_o be_v disperse_v either_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o they_o or_o else_o be_v not_o so_o apprehend_v by_o they_o so_o long_o as_o the_o first_o temple_n be_v yet_o unraze_v we_o read_v but_o of_o very_o few_o if_o any_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o other_o nation_n out_o of_o the_o bound_n and_o terrirore_n of_o judea_n but_o after_o by_o their_o long_a and_o woeful_a captivity_n when_o their_o confidence_n in_o the_o protection_n of_o their_o law_n and_o their_o temple_n have_v by_o their_o sad_a experience_n and_o woeful_a suffering_n wear_v itself_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n their_o temple_n be_v utter_o demolish_v the_o best_a of_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o even_o the_o law_n may_v fail_v habbakuk_n and_o they_o now_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o make_v use_n of_o the_o rational_a mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o see_v there_o can_v not_o be_v any_o ready_a way_n think_v upon_o then_o the_o erect_n of_o synagogue_n and_o write_v many_o copy_n these_o be_v the_o course_n which_o they_o take_v they_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o have_v one_o only_a copy_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o copy_n which_o be_v find_v again_o by_o hilkiah_n the_o priest_n make_v king_n josiah_n to_o rend_v his_o clothes_n at_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o thing_n write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o according_o we_o find_v before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n many_o synagogue_n erect_v in_o foreign_a place_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o every_o synagogue_n read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n now_o every_o dispersion_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o synagogue_n and_o book_n and_o beside_o the_o first_o captivity_n of_o the_o tribe_n carry_v into_o media_n by_o the_o assyrian_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o even_o after_o they_o have_v licence_n from_o cyrus_n to_o return_v continue_v still_o abroad_o and_o upon_o many_o new_a occasion_n again_o disperse_v those_o that_o read_v over_o sacred_a history_n and_o profane_a shall_v find_v they_o seat_v in_o most_o of_o the_o eastern_a country_n adjacent_a judea_n or_o not_o far_o distant_a from_o thence_o the_o macedonian_n invite_v they_o to_o alexandria_n the_o cruelty_n of_o antiochus_n the_o civil_a war_n of_o the_o asmonaei_n the_o army_n of_o pompey_n and_o lossius_n drive_v many_o of_o they_o from_o their_o habitation_n the_o city_n of_o cyrene_n of_o asia_n macedonia_n and_o lycaonia_n the_o island_n of_o cyprus_n and_o crete_n and_o divers_a other_o even_o rome_n itself_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o furnish_v with_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o all_o these_o do_v agree_v together_o among_o themselves_o
which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o any_o and_o not_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v either_o casual_o or_o by_o design_n be_v corrupt_v beside_o that_o no_o end_n can_v appear_v to_o encourage_v such_o a_o design_n the_o thing_n itself_o make_v it_o impossible_a beside_o have_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v they_o must_v to_o make_v a_o correspondence_n have_v corrupt_v likewise_o the_o septuagint_n translation_n which_o for_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n be_v extant_a in_o egypt_n that_o i_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n extant_a before_o the_o time_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o then_o as_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o moral_a subject_n will_v admit_v we_o have_v show_v as_o from_o the_o cause_n that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v now_o as_o from_o the_o sign_n we_o have_v likewise_o powerful_a argument_n that_o to_o our_o saviour_n time_n they_o be_v uncorrupted_a because_o our_o saviour_n never_o discover_v any_o corruption_n of_o the_o text_n which_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v spare_v at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o tax_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n now_o that_o the_o hebrew_n canon_n have_v not_o be_v corrupt_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n we_o have_v this_o sign_n likewise_o that_o never_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v in_o their_o great_a heat_n of_o zeal_n against_o the_o jew_n accuse_v they_o of_o such_o corruption_n though_o justin_n martyr_n complain_v of_o wrong_v the_o septuagint_n translation_n and_o certain_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v corrupt_v they_o upon_o design_n either_o before_o or_o since_o it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o all_o those_o place_n which_o conclude_v against_o they_o for_o christ_n the_o true_a messiah_n that_o stumble_a stone_n upon_o which_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o those_o do_v remain_v unaltered_a the_o truth_n be_v to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v by_o the_o visible_a ordination_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n discover_v so_o much_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o way_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v bestow_v upon_o any_o other_o writing_n under_o heaven_n witness_v the_o critical_a note_n of_o their_o massore_v which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o number_n of_o of_o letter_n in_o every_o book_n almost_o and_o almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o of_o every_o various_a lection_n i_o conclude_v then_o that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v corrupt_v sect._n ix._o that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n these_o book_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n they_o be_v true_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o still_o refer_v to_o they_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n their_o use_v the_o testimony_n almost_o of_o every_o particular_a book_n as_o anthenticall_a their_o disputation_n found_v upon_o their_o authority_n particular_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o plain_a that_o without_o any_o more_o speak_v i_o will_v conclude_v that_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o old_a testament_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o i_o have_v former_o demonstrate_v upon_o great_a reason_n far_o than_o any_o other_o writing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n upon_o the_o same_o authority_n we_o have_v already_o discover_v some_o of_o those_o many_o reason_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a under_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n beside_o those_o whereupon_o i_o have_v insist_v there_o be_v many_o more_o some_o of_o they_o take_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o writer_n some_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o writing_n the_o former_a show_v that_o those_o man_n from_o who_o they_o proceed_v be_v not_o fit_a person_n to_o devise_v such_o thing_n they_o be_v many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o they_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a man_n the_o latter_a manifest_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o their_o nature_n obvious_a to_o be_v devise_v because_o they_o transcend_v the_o wit_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n the_o majesty_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o stile_n the_o concord_n and_o harmony_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n the_o antiquity_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n no_o way_n depend_v upon_o the_o multitude_n of_o argument_n or_o reason_n and_o all_o of_o these_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o some_o or_o other_o of_o those_o author_n which_o be_v obvious_a i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n finish_v what_o remain_v of_o that_o which_o at_o the_o first_o i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o as_o there_o be_v many_o and_o important_a reason_n move_v wise_a man_n to_o receive_v they_o so_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o sufficient_a argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o make_v man_n to_o refuse_v they_o sect._n x._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n objection_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v first_o general_a objection_n against_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o many_o both_o of_o old_a and_o late_a time_n have_v refuse_v either_o all_o or_o several_a part_n of_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v or_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v general_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o world_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o sure_o there_o ever_o will_v be_v antiscripturian_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o live_v according_a to_o sense_n and_o appetite_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la it_o be_v deny_v be_v not_o to_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o see_v there_o be_v of_o those_o dispute_v and_o theoretical_a heretic_n as_o well_o as_o practical_a to_o conceal_v or_o dissemble_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v to_o betray_v the_o cause_n that_o we_o have_v undertake_v and_o give_v occasion_n for_o some_o jealousy_n that_o their_o objection_n be_v unanswerable_a to_o come_v then_o to_o a_o issue_n some_o have_v reject_v all_o by_o reason_n of_o  _fw-fr impossibility_n  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr repugnance_n  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr mutation_n  _fw-fr part_n accuse_v they_o as_o sine_fw-la nomine_fw-la authoris_fw-la  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr dubitati_fw-la  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr ab_fw-la intrinseco_fw-la matter_n those_o who_o refuse_v the_o whole_a scripture_n they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o atheist_n other_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o yet_o do_v deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o write_a word_n pretend_v to_o private_a and_o secret_a illumination_n as_o the_o last_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n the_o design_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v against_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v only_o intimate_v the_o frenzy_n of_o the_o late_a they_o pretend_v that_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o write_a word_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o 1._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v god_n himself_o 2._o christ_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o letter_n kill_v 4._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v spirit_n and_o life_n these_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o by_o some_o enthusiast_n be_v use_v against_o the_o write_a letter_n and_o for_o answer_v to_o they_o we_o may_v only_o observe_v how_o by_o argue_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n these_o man_n do_v tacit_o assert_v it_o for_o take_v their_o argument_n out_o of_o it_o and_o proceed_v no_o further_a either_o by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o antecedent_n but_o bare_o rest_v in_o the_o recital_n of_o those_o word_n which_o be_v there_o write_v they_o do_v resolve_v all_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o their_o argument_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o very_a writing_n which_o they_o will_v impugn_v and_o consequent_o they_o do_v at_o once_o deny_v and_o grant_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o deserve_v the_o epithet_n which_o be_v give_v they_o of_o fanatical_a enthusiast_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v god_n himself_o take_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o immanent_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n be_v indeed_o a_o truth_n attainable_a by_o other_o principle_n by_o those_o i_o mean_v from_o whence_o the_o absolute_a simplicity_n