of_o the_o divine_a original_a authority_n self-evidencing_a light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o that_o enquiry_n how_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n also_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o some_o consideration_n on_o the_o prolegomena_n &_o appendix_n to_o the_o late_a biblia_fw-la polyglotta_n whereunto_o be_v subjoin_v some_o exercitation_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o right_a of_o interpretation_n internal_a light_n revelation_n etc._n etc._n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 5._o 39_o oxford_z print_v by_o henry_n hall._n printer_n to_o the_o university_n for_o tho_o robinson_n 1659._o to_o my_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a friend_n the_o prebend_n of_o ch_z church_n college_n in_o oxford_n with_o all_o the_o stvdent_n in_o divinity_n in_o that_o society_n the_o reason_n of_o my_o inscribe_v the_o ensue_a plea_n for_o the_o authority_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o the_o pretence_n of_o some_o to_o the_o contrary_a in_o these_o day_n unto_o you_o be_v because_o some_o of_o you_o value_n and_o study_v the_o scripture_n as_o much_o as_o any_o i_o know_v and_o it_o be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o of_o you_o will_v so_o do_v now_o whereas_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o unto_o i_o to_o discourse_v with_o you_o by_o the_o way_n of_o preface_n namely_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o with_o the_o various_a way_n and_o mean_n that_o be_v use_v by_o some_o for_o the_o lessen_v and_o depress_v of_o its_o authority_n and_o excellency_n on_o the_o other_o the_o former_a be_v to_o good_a purpose_n by_o one_o or_o other_o almost_o every_o day_n perform_v i_o shall_v insist_v at_o present_a on_o the_o latter_a only_o which_o also_o be_v more_o suit_v to_o discover_v my_o aim_n and_o intention_n in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n now_o herein_o as_o i_o shall_v it_o may_v be_v seem_v to_o exceed_v that_o proportion_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o a_o preface_n to_o such_o short_a discourse_n as_o these_o follow_v yet_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v more_o brief_a than_o the_o nature_n of_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n as_o that_o propose_v to_o consideration_n do_v require_v and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o subject_n that_o now_o lie_v before_o i_o many_o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v who_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a interest_n have_v engage_v themselves_o to_o decry_v and_o disparage_v that_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o it_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o they_o be_v too_o many_o particular_o to_o be_v consider_v i_o shall_v only_o pass_v through_o they_o in_o general_a and_o fix_v upon_o such_o instance_n by_o the_o way_n as_o may_v give_v evidence_n to_o the_o thing_n insist_v on_o those_o who_o in_o this_o business_n be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n who_o filth_n and_o abomination_n give_v out_o in_o grossâ—_n other_o have_v but_o parcel_v among_o themselves_o be_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o rome_n these_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a keeper_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o only_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n let_v we_o then_o a_o little_a consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n how_o it_o have_v discharge_v this_o trust_n for_o it_o be_v but_o equal_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n upon_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o who_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v a_o trust_v repose_v in_o they_o do_v manifest_a a_o treacherous_a mind_n will_v not_o be_v one_o whit_n better_o if_o they_o have_v so_o indeed_o what_o then_o have_v these_o man_n do_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o pretend_a trust_n nay_o what_o have_v that_o synagogue_n leave_v unattempted_a yea_o what_o have_v it_o leave_v unfinished_a that_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o convince_v it_o of_o perfidiousness_n that_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v commit_v to_o it_o alone_o and_o will_v if_o it_o be_v able_a deprive_v all_o other_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o or_o their_o life_n what_o scripture_n then_o be_v this_o or_o when_o be_v this_o deed_n of_o trust_n make_v unto_o they_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n they_o tell_v we_o commit_v to_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n by_o peter_n and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o whole_a canon_n what_o now_o have_v they_o not_o do_v in_o add_v detract_n corrupt_a forge_v asperse_v those_o scripture_n to_o falsify_v their_o pretend_a trust_n they_o add_v more_o book_n to_o they_o never_o indict_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o remote_a from_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o deny_v the_o self_n evidence_v power_n of_o that_o word_n which_o be_v true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o mix_v it_o with_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o humane_a rise_n and_o spring_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o have_v lose_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v promise_v with_o the_o word_n to_o abide_v with_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o isa_n 59_o 21._o they_o have_v take_v from_o its_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n its_o sufficiency_n and_o excellency_n by_o their_o massora_n their_o oral_a law_n or_o verbum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o unknown_a endless_a bottomless_a boundless_a treasure_n of_o tradition_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o all_o their_o abomination_n the_o scripture_n its_o self_n as_o they_o say_v commit_v to_o they_o they_o plead_v to_o their_o eternal_a shame_n to_o be_v in_o the_o original_a language_n corrupt_v vitiate_a interpolated_a so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o stable_n rule_v to_o guide_v we_o throughout_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n they_o say_v do_v it_o whilst_o they_o be_v busy_a in_o burn_v of_o christian_n therefore_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o original_n they_o have_v enthrone_v a_o translation_n that_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o they_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o know_v neither_o how_o nor_o when_o nor_o by_o who_o so_o that_o one_o say_v of_o its_o author_n si_fw-mi quis_fw-la percontetur_fw-la gallus_n fuerit_fw-la a_o sarmata_fw-la judaeus_n a_o christianus_n erasmuâ—_n vir_fw-la a_o mulier_fw-la nihil_fw-la habituri_fw-la sint_fw-la ejus_fw-la patroni_fw-la quod_fw-la expeditè_fw-fr respondeant_fw-la all_o this_o to_o place_v themselves_o in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o a_o translation_n authentic_a from_o their_o stamp_n upon_o they_o and_o not_o from_o their_o relation_n unto_o and_o agreement_n with_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o yet_o far_o as_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o manifest_v what_o trustee_n they_o have_v be_v they_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n unless_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o their_o own_o deny_v that_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o tell_v he_o so_o it_o be_v but_o ink_n and_o paper_n skin_n of_o parchment_n a_o dead_a letter_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n a_o lesbian_a rule_n of_o no_o authority_n unto_o we_o at_o all_o o_o faithful_a trustee_n holy_a mother_n church_n infallible_a chair_n can_v wickedness_n yet_o make_v any_o far_a progress_n be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o man_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o these_o man_n have_v do_v to_o prove_v themselves_o faithless_a and_o treacherous_a in_o a_o trust_n commit_v to_o they_o be_v not_o this_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o volume_n that_o have_v even_o fill_v the_o world_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v to_o we_o alone_o and_o no_z other_o under_o our_o keep_n it_o be_v corrupt_v deprave_a vitiate_a the_o copy_n deliver_v unto_o we_o we_o have_v reject_v and_o take_v up_o one_o of_o our_o own_o choice_n nor_o let_v any_o complain_v of_o we_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v worse_o this_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la have_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o credit_n
its_o truth_n it_o be_v authority_n in_o its_o self_n be_v its_o authority_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o nor_o have_v it_o any_o whit_n more_o in_o its_o self_n than_o the_o jure_v it_o have_v towards_o and_o over_o all_o they_o to_o who_o it_o come_v that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la some_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n &_o rebellion_n this_o truth_n and_o consequent_o this_o authority_n be_v evidence_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o it_o with_o divine_a light_n and_o power_n to_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o by_o its_o self_n propose_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o the_o condition_n wherein_o we_o be_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n or_o truth_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n we_o receive_v it_o and_o religious_o subject_v our_o soul_n unto_o it_o as_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o the_o everliving_a sovereign_a god_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o bottom_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith_n i_o here_o public_o profess_v that_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o sect._n 14._o have_v lay_v this_o stable_a foundation_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n consider_v some_o pretence_n and_o allegation_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n invent_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o that_o foundation_n the_o close_n wherewith_o will_v in_o this_o matter_n alone_o bring_v peace_n unto_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o this_o chapter_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o compare_v together_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o mention_v and_o explain_v and_o the_o other_o pretence_n and_o plea_n that_o shall_v now_o be_v examine_v sect._n 15._o 1._o some_o say_v when_o on_o other_o account_n they_o be_v concern_v so_o to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n and_o this_o give_v a_o credibility_n unto_o it_o of_o tradition_n in_o general_a without_o this_o limitation_n which_o destroy_v it_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o credibility_n either_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o probability_n as_o that_o may_v be_v heighten_v to_o a_o manifest_a uncontrâ—leablenesse_n whilst_o yet_o its_o principle_n exceed_v not_o that_o sphere_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o to_o our_o present_a discourse_n or_o it_o include_v a_o firm_a suitable_a foundation_n for_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a have_v we_o in_o this_o sense_n receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o that_o church_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v that_o church_n able_a to_o give_v such_o a_o credibility_n to_o any_o thing_n or_o do_v the_o scripture_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o a_o credibility_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o from_o that_o church_n be_v not_o the_o first_o most_o false_a and_o be_v not_o the_o last_o blasphemous_a to_o receive_v a_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n as_o a_o church_n be_v to_o receive_v it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n if_o we_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n we_o do_v it_o not_o because_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d worthy_a of_o acceptation_n but_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n allege_v if_o then_o we_o thus_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n why_o in_o particular_a do_v we_o not_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n also_o which_o she_o receive_v how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n reâ—eive_v the_o scripture_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o she_o be_v authorize_v to_o give_v out_o what_o seem_v good_a to_o she_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o but_o she_o have_v receive_v they_o by_o tradition_n so_o she_o plead_v that_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n also_o we_o then_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o rome_n rome_n by_o tradition_n we_o make_v ourselves_o judge_n of_o that_o tradition_n and_o yet_o rome_n say_v this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o she_o have_v by_o the_o same_o tradition_n namely_o that_o she_o alone_o be_v judge_n of_o what_o she_o have_v by_o tradition_n but_o the_o common_a fate_n of_o liar_n be_v befall_v that_o harlot_n she_o have_v so_o long_o so_o constant_o so_o desperate_o lie_v in_o many_o the_o most_o thing_n that_o she_o profess_v pretend_v tradition_n for_o they_o that_o indeed_o she_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o she_o tell_v the_o truth_n beside_o she_o plead_v that_o she_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n of_o the_o old_a and_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v only_o authentic_a these_o she_o plead_v now_o under_o her_o keep_n to_o be_v woeful_o corrupt_v and_o yet_o be_v angry_a that_o we_o believe_v not_o her_o tradition_n sect._n 16._o some_o add_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o miracle_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o universal_a tradition_n but_o first_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v many_o other_o miracle_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v write_v joh._n 20._o 30._o ch_n 21._o 25._o and_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o they_o can_v by_o all_o their_o tradition_n help_v we_o to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o obscure_a report_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o write_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o legend_n which_o yet_o at_o their_o performance_n be_v no_o less_o know_v than_o those_o that_o be_v nor_o be_v less_o useful_a for_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n than_o they_o of_o tradition_n in_o general_n afterward_o but_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o miracle_n whereof_o they_o speak_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o if_o so_o can_v these_o miracle_n operate_v upon_o the_o understanding_n or_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n unless_o they_o first_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v to_o the_o beget_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n of_o they_o even_o that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o miracle_n suppose_v these_o miracle_n allege_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o believe_v of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o be_v write_v but_o like_o the_o sibyl_n leaf_n have_v be_v drive_v up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o worst_a and_o fierce_a wind_n that_o blow_v in_o this_o world_n the_o breath_n of_o man_n those_o who_o shall_v keep_v they_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v man_n be_v by_o nature_n so_o vain_a foolish_a malicious_a such_o liar_n adder_n detractor_n have_v spirit_n and_o mind_n so_o unsuit_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o liable_a to_o alteration_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o contradiction_n one_o to_o another_o be_v so_o give_v to_o imposture_n and_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o have_v be_v so_o shuffle_v and_o drive_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n in_o every_o generation_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o utter_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o themselves_o be_v whence_o they_o come_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o go_v that_o i_o can_v give_v very_o little_a credit_n to_o what_o i_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o authority_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o without_o any_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v self_n sect._n 17._o abstract_v then_o from_o the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o prime_a revealer_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o no_o tolerable_a assurance_n as_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n where_o a_o foundation_n for_o faith_n be_v inquire_v after_o can_v be_v give_v that_o ever_o any_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v if_o number_n of_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v we_o may_v have_v a_o traditional_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o blasphemous_a figment_n of_o the_o alcoran_n under_o the_o name_n of_o true_a miracle_n but_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o more_o than_o a_o 1000_o year_n carry_v on_o by_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o man_n great_a wise_a and_o sober_a from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v but_o set_v open_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n for_o the_o mahometan_n yet_o set_v aside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o what_o be_v resolve_v thereinto_o i_o know_v not_o why_o they_o may_v not_o vie_v tradition_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n
they_o think_v be_v hide_v to_o other_o also_o hence_o when_o any_o thing_n present_v its_o self_n new_a to_o their_o mind_n as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o know_v what_o they_o than_o first_o know_v and_o which_o they_o have_v only_o a_o obscure_a glimpse_n of_o they_o rest_v not_o until_o they_o have_v publish_v it_o to_o their_o praise_n such_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o that_o person_n partly_o trivial_a partly_o obviate_v and_o render_v utter_o useless_a to_o his_o purpose_n by_o that_o treatise_n which_o he_o venture_v weak_o to_o oppose_v i_o wish_v i_o can_v prevail_v with_o those_o who_o interest_n compel_v they_o to_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v ignorant_a then_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o i_o to_o let_v my_o book_n alone_o another_o after_o two_o or_o three_o year_n consideration_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n of_o near_o 140_o sheet_n of_o paper_n return_v a_o scoff_a reply_n to_o so_o much_o of_o it_o g._n as_o be_v write_v in_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n i_o be_o therefore_o still_o mind_v to_o abstain_v from_o such_o engagement_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v if_o there_o be_v less_o writing_n by_o some_o there_o will_v be_v more_o read_v by_o other_o at_o least_o to_o more_o purpose_n many_o book_n full_a of_o profound_a learning_n lie_v neglect_v whilst_o man_n spend_v their_o time_n on_o trifle_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n be_v suppress_v by_o their_o author_n whilst_o thing_n of_o vo_o value_n be_v pour_v out_o one_o on_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o one_o of_o yourselves_o i_o have_v often_o solicit_v for_o the_o publish_v of_o some_o divinity_n lecture_n university_n read_v at_o solemn_a time_n in_o the_o university_n which_o if_o i_o know_v aught_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o worthy_a of_o public_a view_n i_o yet_o hope_v a_o short_a time_n will_v answer_v my_o desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o my_o present_a undertake_n there_o be_v 3_o part_n the_o first_o be_v a_o subject_a that_o have_v preach_v on_o i_o be_v by_o many_o urge_v to_o publish_v my_o thought_n upon_o it_o judge_v it_o may_v be_v useful_a i_o have_v answer_v their_o request_n what_o i_o have_v perform_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n undertake_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a reader_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o prolegomena_n and_o appendix_n to_o the_o late_a biblia_fw-la polyglotta_n of_o this_o i_o say_v often_o ab_fw-la alio_fw-la quovis_fw-la hoc_fw-la fieri_fw-la mallem_fw-la quam_fw-la à _fw-la i_o sed_fw-la à _fw-la i_o tamen_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la à _fw-la nemine_fw-la the_o reason_n of_o my_o engage_v in_o that_o work_n be_v declare_v at_o large_a in_o the_o entrance_n of_o it_o the_o thesis_n in_o the_o close_o be_v draw_v in_o by_o their_o affinity_n in_o subject_a to_o the_o other_o discourse_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o scripture_n i_o endeavour_v to_o comprise_v in_o they_o the_o whole_a truth_n about_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o to_o name_n &_o thing_n oppose_v by_o the_o poor_a fanatical_a quaker_n as_o also_o to_o discover_v the_o principle_n they_o proceed_v upon_o in_o their_o confuse_a opposition_n to_o that_o truth_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o add_v but_o only_o beg_v i_o may_v have_v the_o continuance_n of_o your_o prayer_n and_o assistance_n in_o your_o several_a station_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n in_o this_o place_n commit_v unto_o we_o that_o i_o may_v give_v my_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n to_o he_o that_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o remain_v your_o fellow_n labourer_n and_o brother_n in_o our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n i._o o._n from_o my_o study_n septemb_n 22._o 1658._o of_o the_o divine_a original_a with_o the_o authority_n self_n evidence_v power_n and_o light_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o its_o authority_n the_o original_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n heb._n 1._o 11._o several_a way_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n consideration_n thereon_o various_a expression_n of_o that_o way_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o the_o write_a word_n as_o write_v preserve_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n capellus_n opinion_n about_o various_a lection_n consider_v the_o scripture_n not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n how_o the_o word_n come_v of_o old_a and_o how_o it_o be_v receive_v entire_o from_o god_n to_o the_o least_o title_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o their_o peculiar_a prerogative_n sect._n 1_o that_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o its_o self_n depend_v sole_o on_o its_o divine_a original_a be_v confess_v by_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v its_o authority_n the_o evince_a and_o declaration_n of_o that_o authority_n be_v the_o thing_n at_o present_a aim_v at_o the_o discovery_n of_o its_o divine_a spring_n and_o rise_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_o to_o be_v premise_v thereunto_o that_o foundation_n be_v once_o lay_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o educe_v our_o follow_a reason_v and_o argument_n wherein_o we_o aim_v more_o at_o weight_n than_o number_n from_o their_o own_o proper_a principle_n sect._n 2._o as_o to_o the_o original_a of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v say_v god_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 1._o 1_o of_o old_a or_o former_o in_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n the_o lawgiver_n and_o downward_o unto_o the_o consignation_n and_o bound_v of_o the_o canon_n deliver_v to_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ezra_n and_o his_o companion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a congregation_n so_o god_n speak_v this_o be_v do_v only_o among_o the_o jew_n they_o as_o his_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 3._o 2_o 9_o 4._o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n god_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysostome_n theophilact_v in_o for_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o prophet_n as_o luk._n 1._o 70._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o far_o intend_v in_o this_o expression_n sect._n 3_o in_o the_o exposition_n or_o give_v out_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o the_o mind_n &_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n there_o be_v considerable_a his_o speak_n unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o his_o speak_n by_o they_o unto_o we_o in_o this_o expression_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o filia_fw-la vocis_fw-la that_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o come_v to_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v understand_v so_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o reference_n thereunto_o there_o be_v propriety_n in_o that_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o prophet_n thus_o the_o psalm_n be_v many_o of_o they_o say_v to_o be_v to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o golden_a psalm_n to_o david_n that_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o thence_o their_o tongue_n be_v as_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o writer_n psal_n 45._o 1._o so_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o before_o he_o speak_v by_o they_o sect._n 4._o the_o various_a way_n of_o special_a revelation_n by_o dream_n vision_n audible_a voice_n inspiration_n with_o that_o peculiar_a one_o of_o the_o law_n giver_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d face_n to_o face_n exod._n 33._o 11._o deut._n 34._o 10_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d numb_a 11._o 8_o with_o that_o which_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o and_o exalt_v above_o it_o heb._n 1._o 1_o 2_o 3._o in_o the_o new_a by_o the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n joh._n 1._o 17._o 18_o be_v not_o of_o my_o present_a consideration_n all_o of_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n inquire_v after_o not_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n sect._n 5._o by_o the_o assertion_n then_o lay_v down_o of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n consist_v of_o 1000_o year_n wherein_o he_o give_v out_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n two_o thing_n be_v ascertain_v unto_o we_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o present_a discourse_n sect._n 6._o 1_o that_o the_o law_n they_o make_v know_v the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v the_o instruction_n they_o give_v the_o
pre-eminence_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 2._o 3._o it_o receive_v its_o beginning_n of_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o god_n speak_v in_o these_o last_o day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o son_n heb._n 1._o 1._o sect._n 24._o thus_o god_n who_o himself_o begin_v the_o write_n of_o the_o word_n with_o his_o own_o finger_n exod._n 31._o 11_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o exod._a 20_o appoint_v or_o approve_v the_o write_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v deut._n 31._o 12._o josh_n 23._o 6._o 1_o king_n 2_o 3._o 2_o king_n 14._o 6._o 2_o king_n 17._o 13._o 1_o chron._n 21._o 15._o 2_o chron._n 25._o 4_o 4._o ezek._n 2._o 9_o 10._o hab._n 2._o 2._o luk._n 16._o 29._o joh._n 5._o 39_o joh._n 20._o 31._o act._n 17._o 11_o do_v last_o command_v the_o close_a of_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n re._n 1._o 11_o and_o so_o give_v out_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o mind_n and_o counsel_n unto_o we_o in_o write_v as_o a_o merciful_a and_o steadfast_a relief_n against_o all_o that_o confusion_n darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o vanity_n folly_n and_o looseness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n draw_v out_o and_o heighten_v by_o the_o unspeakable_a alteration_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v certain_o run_v into_o sect._n 25._o thus_o we_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o original_a of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n and_o this_o original_a be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o its_o authority_n thus_o be_v it_o from_o god_n entire_o from_o he_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o word_n wherein_o that_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v it_o be_v whole_o he_o what_o that_o speak_v he_o speak_v himself_o he_o speak_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v vest_v with_o all_o the_o moral_a authority_n of_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n chap._n ii_o the_o main_a question_n propose_v to_o consideration_n how_o we_o may_v know_v assure_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o divine_a faith_n the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n inquire_v after_o the_o answer_n in_o the_o general_n thesis_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n that_o foundation_n the_o way_n whereby_o that_o authority_n be_v evidence_v or_o make_v know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o other_o first_o general_a evidence_n give_v to_o the_o thesis_n lay_v down_o the_o various_a way_n of_o god_n reveal_v he_o self_n and_o his_o mind_n 1_o by_o his_o work_n 2._o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 3._o by_o his_o word_n each_o of_o these_o evince_n themselves_o to_o be_v from_o he_o his_o word_n especial_o sect._n 1_o have_v lay_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o foundation_n that_o we_o be_v to_o build_v and_o proceed_v upon_o i_o come_v now_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o enquiry_n who_o resolution_n must_v thence_o be_v educe_v that_o than_o which_o we_o be_v seek_v after_o be_v how_o we_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o through_o the_o merciful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n have_v the_o book_n or_o book_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n give_v out_o from_o he_o as_o above_o declare_v be_v contain_v or_o say_v to_o be_v contain_v who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n from_o the_o last_o person_n who_o receive_v any_o part_n of_o it_o immediate_o from_o god_n or_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o immediate_o ourselves_o may_v come_v to_o be_v ascertain_v as_o to_o all_o end_n and_o purpose_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v concern_v therein_o that_o the_o whole_a and_o entire_o write_v word_n in_o that_o book_n or_o those_o book_n have_v the_o original_n &_o consequent_o the_o authority_n that_o it_o plead_v and_o avow_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n lay_v down_o and_o not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n attend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 1._o 26_o or_o to_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n sect._n 2._o now_o see_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o and_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o on_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o eternal_a displeasure_n if_o we_o fail_v in_o our_o duty_n 2_o thes_n 1._o 8_o 9_o 10._o that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n not_o as_o we_o do_v other_o book_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o author_n with_o a_o firm_a opinion_n build_v on_o prevail_v probable_a argument_n prevalent_a against_o any_o actual_a conclusion_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o with_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a faith_n omit_v all_o such_o induction_n as_o serve_v only_o to_o ingenerate_v a_o persuasion_n not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n by_o contrary_a reason_n or_o objection_n it_o be_v especial_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o foundation_n &_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o do_v so_o if_o we_o so_o do_v whatever_o that_o be_v it_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o important_a question_n why_o or_o on_o what_o account_n do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o one_o what_o ever_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v of_o other_o inducement_n or_o argument_n to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o influence_n into_o that_o divine_a faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o they_o may_v indeed_o be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o repel_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v or_o may_v by_o any_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o truth_n we_o believe_v and_o so_o indirect_o cherish_v and_o further_a faith_n its_o self_n but_o as_o to_o a_o concurrence_n unto_o the_o foundation_n or_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o sect._n 3_o have_v then_o lay_v down_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o open_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o word_n be_v come_v forth_o from_o god_n a_o answer_n shall_v now_o on_o that_o sole_a foundation_n be_v return_v to_o the_o enquiry_n lay_v down_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o ensue_a position_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o first_o and_o only_o absolute_a truth_n who_o word_n be_v truth_n speak_v in_o and_o by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v single_o in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o sole_a bottom_n and_o foundation_n or_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o assent_v to_o those_o scripture_n as_o his_o word_n and_o of_o our_o submit_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n unto_o they_o with_o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o moral_o respect_v he_o and_o be_v due_a to_o he_o alone_o sect._n 4_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n heb._n 1._o 1_o his_o voice_n to_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o its_o own_o evidence_n which_o give_v assurance_n unto_o they_o and_o god_n speak_v by_o they_o or_o their_o write_n unto_o we_o his_o word_n be_v accompany_v with_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o give_v assurance_n unto_o we_o his_o authority_n and_o veracity_n do_v and_o do_v in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o sufficient_o manifest_v themselves_o that_o man_n may_v quiet_o repose_v their_o soul_n upon_o they_o in_o believe_v and_o obedience_n thus_o be_v we_o build_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 2._o 20._o on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o our_o believe_v sect._n 5._o that_o than_o which_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n i_o shall_v labour_v to_o prove_v and_o evince_v be_v plain_o this_o namely_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v abundant_o and_o uncontroleable_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o proposal_n of_o themselves_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o name_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n as_o such_o without_o the_o contribution_n of_o help_n or_o assistance_n from_o tradition_n church_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o without_o themselves_o we_o be_v oblige_v upon_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o be_v all_o to_o who_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o come_v or_o be_v bring_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o that_o subjection_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o they_o they_o afford_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o divine_a evidence_n of_o themselves_o which_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o grant_v unto_o we_o
the_o ground_n of_o the_o request_n for_o the_o rise_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v lay_v in_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o man_n not_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n who_o think_v that_o if_o a_o evident_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v all_o pretence_n and_o plea_n of_o unbelief_n will_v be_v exclude_v who_o do_v not_o think_v so_o our_o saviour_n discover_v that_o mistake_n and_o let_v man_n know_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o own_o or_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o the_o most_o signal_n miracle_n imaginable_a if_o a_o holy_a man_n who_o we_o have_v know_v assure_o to_o have_v be_v dead_a for_o some_o year_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o his_o grave_n and_o come_v unto_o we_o with_o a_o message_n from_o god_n can_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v send_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n or_o no_o i_o suppose_v not_o the_o rise_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o attend_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 27._o 52_o 53._o yea_o great_a than_o his_o own_o if_o the_o socinian_o may_v be_v believe_v namely_o in_o that_o he_o raise_v not_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o power_n yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o mission_n of_o such_o a_o one_o &_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o he_o our_o saviour_n be_v judge_n be_v not_o of_o a_o efficacy_n to_o enforce_v belief_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o write_a word_n nor_o a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o faith_n to_o repose_v its_o self_n upon_o sect._n 15._o can_v we_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n accompany_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n as_o to_o evidence_n its_o self_n to_o be_v from_o god_n shall_v we_o not_o rest_v in_o it_o as_o such_o i_o suppose_v man_n think_v they_o will_v can_v we_o think_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o assent_n and_o say_v yea_o but_o i_o must_v have_v some_o testimony_n that_o this_o be_v from_o god_n all_o such_o evasion_n be_v preclude_v in_o the_o supposition_n wherein_o a_o self_n evidence_v power_n be_v grant_v what_o great_a miracle_n do_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n ever_o behold_v or_o hear_v then_o that_o voice_n that_o come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o most_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n yet_o peter_n who_o hear_v that_o voice_n tell_v we_o that_o comparative_o we_o have_v great_a security_n from_o and_o by_o the_o write_a word_n than_o they_o have_v in_o and_o by_o that_o miraculous_a voice_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o hear_v say_v he_o that_o voice_n indeed_o but_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n to_o attend_v unto_o more_o sure_a not_o in_o in_o its_o self_n but_o in_o its_o give_v out_o its_o evidence_n unto_o we_o and_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v before_o insist_v on_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20._o sect._n 16._o yea_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o moses_n or_o as_o he_o speak_v to_o christ_n or_o from_o some_o certain_a place_n as_o numb_a 7._o 8_o 9_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n can_v satan_n cause_v a_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o air_n and_o so_o deceive_v we_o or_o may_v not_o there_o be_v some_o way_n in_o this_o kind_n find_v out_o whereby_o man_n may_v impose_v upon_o we_o with_o their_o delusion_n pope_n celestine_n think_v he_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o it_o be_v but_o the_o cheat_n of_o his_o successor_n must_v we_o not_o rest_v at_o last_o in_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o accompany_v the_o true_a voice_n of_o god_n evidence_v its_o self_n and_o ascertain_v the_o soul_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n now_o do_v not_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d accompany_v the_o write_a word_n at_o its_o first_o give_v forth_o if_o it_o do_v not_o as_o be_v say_v how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o discern_v it_o from_o all_o delusion_n if_o it_o do_v how_o come_v it_o to_o loose_v it_o do_v god_n appoint_v his_o word_n to_o be_v write_v that_o so_o he_o may_v destroy_v its_o authority_n if_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v truth_n of_o god_n or_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n we_o be_v send_v to_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n and_o that_o alone_a to_o give_v the_o determination_n chap._n iu._n innate_a argument_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o its_o divine_a original_n and_o authority_n these_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o be_v self_n evidence_v efficacy_n all_o light_n manife_v itself_o the_o scripture_n light_n what_o kind_n of_o light_n it_o be_v spiritual_a light_n evidentiall_a the_o ground_n of_o man_n not_o discern_v this_o light_n consectary_n from_o the_o premise_n lay_v down_o what_o the_o self_n evidence_v light_n of_o the_o scripture_n peculiar_o be_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v from_o and_o by_o this_o light_n power_n self_n evidence_v the_o scripture_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o powerful_a how_o this_o power_n exert_v its_o self_n the_o whole_a question_n resolve_v §_o 1._o have_v give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o those_o many_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a term_n bear_v to_o its_o self_n and_o the_o spring_n rise_v and_o fountain_n of_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o it_o claim_v among_o and_o over_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v on_o any_o account_n whatever_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v its_o divinity_n be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o and_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v or_o the_o innate_a argument_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v furnish_v withal_o for_o its_o own_o manifestation_n and_o whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v for_o faith_n to_o repose_v its_o self_n upon_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n into_o consideration_n now_o these_o argument_n contain_v the_o full_a and_o formal_a ground_n of_o our_o answer_n to_o that_o enquiry_n before_o lay_v down_o namely_o why_o and_o wherefore_o we_o do_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o whereon_o it_o be_v build_v and_o whereunto_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o be_v inquire_v after_o we_o answer_v as_o we_o say_v before_o we_o do_v so_o receive_v embrace_v believe_v and_o submit_v unto_o it_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v it_o or_o give_v it_o forth_o as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n evidence_v its_o self_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o with_o that_o word_n unto_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n or_o because_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o preservation_n it_o do_v evidence_n its_o self_n infallible_o unto_o our_o conscience_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n sect._n 2._o the_o self_n evidence_v efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o common_a medium_n that_o have_v a_o extent_n and_o latitude_n answerable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n whether_o as_o yet_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o be_v that_o than_o which_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v and_o vindicate_v this_o only_a i_o shall_v desire_v to_o premise_v that_o whereas_o some_o ground_n of_o this_o efficacy_n seem_v to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o consider_v they_o abstract_o as_o such_o but_o under_o the_o formality_n of_o their_o be_v the_o scripture_n or_o write_a word_n of_o god_n without_o which_o consideration_n and_o resolution_n the_o thing_n mention_v will_v be_v leave_v naked_a and_o utter_o devest_v of_o their_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n plead_v for_o and_o be_v of_o no_o other_o nature_n and_o importance_n than_o the_o same_o thing_n find_v in_o other_o book_n it_o be_v the_o write_v its_o self_n that_o now_o supply_v the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o the_o person_n in_o and_o by_o who_o god_n original_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o be_v the_o person_n speak_v of_o old_a so_o be_v the_o write_n now_o it_o be_v the_o word_n speak_v that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o as_o speak_v by_o they_o from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v now_o the_o word_n write_v that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o as_o write_v by_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n sect._n
be_v wise_a than_o any_o other_o and_o more_o able_a to_o discern_v than_o they_o now_o though_o i_o shall_v easy_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v very_o subtle_a and_o cunning_a yet_o that_o they_o be_v so_o much_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o impose_v upon_o their_o belief_n thing_n that_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v discern_v or_o know_v i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o admit_v until_o i_o can_v believe_v myself_o and_o all_o other_o not_o of_o their_o society_n or_o combination_n to_o be_v beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o they_o as_o the_o serpent_n among_o we_o sect._n 26._o if_o it_o be_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o seek_v to_o make_v good_a this_o claim_n then_o as_o we_o cause_v they_o there_o to_o make_v a_o stand_n which_o be_v all_o we_o aim_v at_o so_o their_o plea_n must_v be_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o some_o special_a assistance_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n if_o their_o assistance_n be_v that_o of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v either_o of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o believer_n to_o work_v in_o they_o as_o before_o describe_v and_o relate_v or_o it_o be_v some_o private_a testimony_n that_o they_o pretend_v be_v afford_v to_o they_o if_o the_o former_a be_v affirm_v we_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o devolve_v all_o on_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n to_o decide_v and_o judge_v who_o be_v beleiver_n lie_v in_o every_o one_o view_n if_o the_o latter_a who_o shall_v give_v i_o assurance_n that_o when_o they_o pretend_v that_o witness_n and_o testimony_n they_o do_v not_o lie_v and_o deceive_v we_o must_v here_o certain_o go_v either_o to_o the_o scrippture_n or_o to_o some_o cunning_a man_n to_o be_v resolve_v isa_n 8._o 19_o 20._o sect._n 27._o i_o confess_v the_o argument_n which_o have_v not_o long_o since_o be_v single_v out_o and_o dextrous_o manage_v by_o a_o able_a and_o learned_a pen_n namely_o of_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n etc._n from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n from_o the_o certainty_n there_o be_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v those_o person_n who_o name_n and_o inscription_n they_o bear_v so_o pursue_v the_o evidence_n that_o what_o they_o write_v be_v true_a and_o know_v to_o they_o so_o to_o be_v from_o all_o requisita_fw-la that_o may_v possible_o be_v seek_v after_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o such_o evidence_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n it_o be_v i_o say_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n as_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v insist_v on_o that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v man_n rational_a inquiry_n but_o as_o to_o a_o ground_n of_o faith_n it_o have_v the_o same_o insufficiency_n with_o all_o other_o argument_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n though_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n &_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v person_n of_o the_o great_a industry_n honesty_n integrity_n faithfulness_n holiness_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o be_v and_o that_o they_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o have_v as_o good_a assurance_n of_o as_o what_o man_n by_o their_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o hear_v be_v able_a to_o attain_v yet_o such_o a_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o they_o receive_v not_o every_o word_n by_o inspiration_n and_o that_o evidence_v its_o self_n unto_o we_o otherwise_o then_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o integrity_n it_o can_v be_v no_o foundation_n for_o we_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o sect._n 28._o before_o the_o commit_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o writing_n god_n have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o experiment_n what_o keeper_n man_n be_v of_o this_o revelation_n by_o tradition_n within_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o the_o flood_n all_o knowledge_n of_o he_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v unspeakable_a be_v so_o lose_v that_o nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o a_o new_a world_n or_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o new_a church_n state_n by_o new_a revelation_n can_v relieve_v it_o after_o that_o great_a trial_n what_o can_v be_v far_o pretend_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o tradition_n i_o know_v not_o sect._n 29._o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v the_o merciful_a good_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v by_o divers_a and_o various_a mean_n use_v therein_o among_o other_o thing_n the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o church_n preserve_v the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o same_o gracious_a disposal_n afford_v they_o unto_o we_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o by_o we_o upon_o the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a before_o insist_v on_o sect_n 30._o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n then_o i_o will_v know_v whither_o if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o man_n when_o or_o where_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v it_o attest_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o any_o public_a or_o private_a authority_n of_o man_n or_o church_n tradition_n or_o otherwise_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o or_o no_o whither_o he_o shall_v obey_v god_n in_o believe_v or_o sin_n in_o the_o reject_v of_o it_o suppose_v de_fw-fr do_v but_o take_v it_o into_o consideration_n do_v but_o give_v it_o the_o read_n or_o hear_v see_v in_o every_o place_n it_o aver_v its_o self_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n either_o give_v credit_n unto_o it_o or_o disbelieve_v it_o to_o hang_v in_o suspense_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o imperfect_a act_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o its_o self_n a_o weakness_n and_o in_o this_o case_n be_v reckon_v no_o the_o worst_a side_n be_v interpretative_o a_o rejection_n if_o you_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o believe_v it_o you_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o original_a authority_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v no_o man_n duty_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o you_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v his_o sin_n to_o reject_v and_o refuse_v it_o to_o disbelieve_v all_o that_o it_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n then_o this_o be_v that_o you_o say_v god_n may_v true_o and_o real_o speak_v unto_o a_o man_n as_o he_o do_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o that_o man_n not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o we_o deal_v not_o thus_o with_o one_o another_o sect._n 31._o to_o wind_v up_o then_o the_o plea_n insist_v on_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n concern_v the_o self_n evidence_v light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o have_v divert_v and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o some_o other_o consideration_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a i_o shall_v close_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o two_o general_a consideration_n follow_v sect._n 32._o 1_o then_o lay_v aside_o these_o fail_a plea_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o manifest_v it_o be_v own_o original_a and_o its_o authority_n from_o thence_o quaelibet_fw-la herba_fw-la deum_fw-la there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o god_n as_o be_v show_v but_o reveal_v its_o author_n a_o curious_a artificer_n impart_v that_o of_o form_n shape_n proportion_n and_o comeliness_n to_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o invention_n and_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n that_o every_o one_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o come_v from_o skill_n and_o ability_n a_o man_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o write_n of_o a_o book_n will_v give_v it_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o reason_n that_o though_o you_o can_v conclude_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n write_v it_o yet_o you_o must_v that_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o man_n or_o rational_a creature_n yea_o some_o individual_a man_n of_o excellency_n in_o some_o skill_n be_v instant_o know_v by_o they_o that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v in_o that_o art_n or_o skill_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o skill_n this_o be_v the_o piece_v this_o be_v the_o hand_n the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o one_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o those_o who_o be_v conversant_a about_o ancient_a author_n to_o discover_v a_o author_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o stile_n of_o his_o write_n now_o certain_o this_o be_v strange_a beyond_o all_o belief_n that_o almost_o every_o agent_n shall_v give_v a_o impress_n to_o its_o work_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v appropriate_v unto_o he_o and_o only_o the_o
both_o opinion_n and_o principle_n confirm_v by_o suitable_a practice_n that_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n before_o mention_v 1_o after_o a_o seq_n long_a dispute_n to_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v determine_v that_o the_o hebrew_n point_n or_o vowel_n and_o accent_n be_v a_o novel_a invention_n of_o some_o judaical_a rabbin_n about_o 5_o or_o 600_o year_n after_o the_o give_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o 1._o a_o antiquity_n be_v ascribe_v to_o some_o translation_n 2_o or_o 3_o at_o the_o least_o above_o and_o before_o the_o invention_n of_o these_o point_n who_o agreement_n with_o the_o original_a can_v therefore_o by_o just_a consequence_n be_v try_v by_o the_o present_a text_n as_o now_o point_v and_o accent_v 2._o the_o whole_a credit_n of_o our_o read_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o regulate_v by_o the_o present_a punctation_n depend_v sole_o on_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o skill_n of_o those_o jew_n who_o invention_n this_o work_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v 2_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o sort_n be_v above_o 800_o in_o the_o hebrew_n bibles_n etc_n be_v various_a lection_n partly_o gather_v by_o some_o judaical_a rabbin_n out_o of_o ancient_a copy_n partly_o their_o critical_a amendment_n and_o therefore_o after_o these_o various_a lection_n as_o they_o be_v esteem_v be_v present_v unto_o we_o in_o their_o own_o proper_a order_n wherein_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o great_a bibles_n not_o sure_o to_o increase_v the_o bulk_n of_o divers_a readins_n or_o to_o present_v a_o face_n of_o new_a variety_n to_o a_o less_o attentive_a observer_n but_o to_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v such_o various_a lection_n as_o above_o describe_v they_o be_v give_v we_o over_o a_o second_o time_n 5._o in_o the_o method_n whereinto_o they_o be_v cast_v by_o capellus_n the_o great_a patriarch_n of_o these_o mystery_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v such_o alteration_n befall_v the_o original_a 12._o as_o in_o many_o place_n may_v be_v rectify_v by_o the_o translation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o old_a and_o therefore_o various_a lection_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o gather_v out_o of_o those_o translation_n 10._o by_o consider_v how_o they_o read_v in_o their_o copy_n and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o those_o which_o we_o now_o enjoy_v 4._o it_o be_v also_o declare_v that_o where_o any_o gross_a fault_n or_o corruption_n be_v befall_v the_o original_n 12._o man_n may_v by_o their_o faculty_n of_o critical_a conjecture_v amend_v they_o and_o restore_v the_o native_a lection_n that_o be_v lose_v though_o in_o general_a without_o the_o authority_n of_o copy_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v and_o therefore_o a_o collection_n of_o various_a readins_n out_o of_o grotius_n consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o such_o conjecture_n be_v in_o the_o appendix_n present_v unto_o we_o 5._o the_o voluminous_a bulk_n of_o various_a lection_n as_o naked_o exhibit_v seem_v sufficient_a to_o be_v get_v scruple_n and_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o by_o many_o pretend_a concern_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o the_o care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n sect._n 8._o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n acquaint_v with_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v no_o new_a opinion_n coin_a or_o maintain_v by_o the_o learned_a prefacer_n to_o these_o bibles_n the_o severall_n mention_v have_v be_v assert_v and_o maintain_v by_o sundry_a learned_a man_n have_v the_o opinion_n about_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o ordinary_a sphere_n of_o man_n private_a conception_n in_o their_o own_o private_a write_n run_v the_o hazard_n of_o man_n judgement_n on_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o reputation_n i_o shall_v not_o from_o my_o former_a discourse_n have_v esteem_v myself_o concern_v in_o they_o every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o we_o if_o we_o be_v find_v hold_v the_o foundation_n if_o we_o build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o it_o though_o our_o work_n perish_v we_o shall_v be_v save_v let_v every_o man_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o no_o offence_n it_o be_v their_o be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o these_o biblia_fw-la polyglotta_fw-it with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o render_v they_o catholic_a not_o in_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o in_o their_o appendage_n to_o the_o authority_n that_o on_o good_a ground_n be_v expect_v to_o this_o work_n that_o call_v for_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o they_o all_o man_n who_o will_v find_v they_o state_v in_o these_o prolegomena_fw-la may_v not_o perhaps_o have_v have_v leisure_n may_v not_o perhaps_o have_v the_o ability_n to_o know_v what_o issue_n the_o most_o of_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o drive_v unto_o in_o the_o write_n of_o private_a man_n sect._n 9_o as_o i_o willing_o grant_v then_o that_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n may_v without_o any_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v candid_o debate_v among_o learned_a man_n so_o take_v they_o altogether_o place_v in_o the_o advantage_n they_o now_o enjoy_v i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o engine_n suit_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o important_a truth_n before_o plead_v for_o and_o as_o a_o fit_a weapon_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n of_o atheistical_a mind_n and_o principle_n such_o as_o this_o age_n abound_v withal_o to_o oppose_v the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n i_o fear_v with_o some_o either_o the_o pretend_a infallible_a judge_n or_o the_o depth_n of_o atheism_n will_v be_v find_v to_o lie_v at_o the_o door_n of_o these_o consideration_n hoc_fw-la ithacus_n vellet_fw-la but_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o either_o romanist_n or_o atheist_n from_o hence_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n and_o season_n nor_o be_v the_o guilt_n of_o any_o consequence_n of_o this_o nature_n charge_v on_o the_o workman_n which_o yet_o may_v be_v fear_v from_o the_o work_n its_o self_n chap._n ii_o 1_o of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o original_n 2_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o scripture_n lose_v 3_o that_o of_o moses_n how_o and_o how_o long_o preserve_v of_o the_o book_n find_v by_o hilkiah_n 4_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o new_a testament_n 5_o of_o the_o first_o copy_n of_o the_o original_n the_o scribe_n of_o those_o copy_n not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o 9_o the_o great_a and_o incomparable_a care_n of_o the_o scribe_n of_o it_o 7_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n in_o every_o tittle_n of_o it_o preserve_v entire_a in_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o original_a extant_a 8_o head_n of_o argument_n to_o that_o purpose_n 9_o what_o various_a lection_n be_v grant_v in_o the_o original_a of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n sundry_a consideration_n concern_v they_o manifest_v they_o to_o be_v of_o no_o importance_n 10._o 11._o 12._o 13._o that_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o corrupt_v the_o text_n the_o most_o probable_a instance_n consider_v sect._n 1_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o mention_v the_o particular_n that_o be_v all_z or_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v take_v into_o further_a consideration_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o their_o discussion_n i_o shall_v by_o way_n of_o addition_n and_o explanation_n to_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v in_o the_o former_a treatise_n give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o my_o apprehension_n concern_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o present_a original_a copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o rather_o copy_n of_o the_o original_a language_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v now_o and_o have_v for_o many_o age_n enjoy_v as_o her_o chief_a treasure_n whereby_o it_o may_v more_o full_o appear_v what_o it_o be_v we_o plead_v for_o and_o defend_v against_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n above_o mention_v sect._n 2._o first_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o individual_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o all_o probability_n and_o as_o to_o all_o that_o we_o know_v utter_o perish_v and_o lose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o the_o copy_n of_o ezra_n the_o 9_o report_v mention_v by_o some_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v open_a fiction_n the_o individual_a ink_n and_o parchment_n the_o roll_n or_o book_n that_o they_o write_v can_v not_o without_o a_o miracle_n have_v be_v preserve_v from_o moulder_a into_o dust_n before_o this_o time_n nor_o do_v it_o seem_v improbable_a that_o god_n be_v willing_a by_o their_o loss_n to_o reduce_v we_o to_o a_o near_a consideration_n of_o his_o care_n
and_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o every_o tittle_n contain_v in_o they_o have_v those_o individual_a write_n be_v preserve_v man_n will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o adore_v they_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o their_o synagogue_n sect._n 3_o moses_n indeed_o deliver_v his_o original_a copy_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n unto_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o korah_n to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o there_o keep_v for_o a_o perpetual_a monument_n deut._n 31._o 25_o 26._o that_o individual_a book_n be_v i_o doubt_v not_o preserve_v until_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n there_o be_v indeed_o no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o particular_a when_o the_o ark_n be_v solemn_o carry_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n after_o the_o build_n of_o solomon_n temple_n 2_o chron._n 5._o 4_o 5._o but_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n continue_v until_o then_o that_o and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v up_o v._n 5._o now_o the_o place_n of_o the_o book_n by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n observe_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_n some_o think_v the_o book_n find_v by_o hilkiah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o josiah_n be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o moses_n which_o be_v place_v by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark._n it_o rather_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v some_o ancient_a sacred_a copy_n use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o lay_v up_o there_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o second_o temple_n 24._o which_o be_v carry_v in_o triumph_n to_o rome_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o find_v it_o in_o general_a in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o work_n which_o be_v then_o do_v 2_o chron._n 14._o 15._o which_o be_v not_o in_o or_o about_o the_o holy_a place_n where_o he_o who_o be_v high_a priest_n know_v full_a well_o this_o book_n be_v keep_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o take_v that_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la from_o its_o peculiar_a archive_v to_o send_v it_o abroad_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o that_o book_n which_o he_o find_v nay_o doubtless_o it_o be_v altogether_o unlawful_a for_o he_o so_o to_o have_v do_v it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o a_o peculiar_a ordinance_n for_o a_o peculiar_a or_o special_a end_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n all_o enquiry_n after_o that_o book_n be_v in_o vain_a the_o author_n of_o the_o 2_o book_n of_o maccabee_n mention_n not_o its_o hide_v in_o nebo_n by_o jeremiah_n with_o the_o ark_n and_o altar_n or_o by_o josiah_n as_o say_v some_o of_o the_o talmudist_n nor_o be_v it_o of_o any_o importance_n if_o they_o have_v of_o the_o scripture_n preserve_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o its_o last_o destruction_n josphus_n give_v we_o a_o full_a account_n de_fw-la bello_fw-la juda_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 24._o sect._n 4._o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o it_o be_v ever_o gather_v into_o one_o volume_n there_o be_v now_o no_o one_o church_n to_o keep_v they_o for_o the_o rest_n the_o epistle_n though_o immediate_o transcribe_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o church_n col._n 4._o 16_o be_v doubtless_o keep_v in_o the_o several_a church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v direct_v 1._o from_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v quick_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d transcribe_v copy_n give_v out_o to_o faithful_a man_n whilst_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o continue_v his_o guidance_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n sect._n 5._o for_o the_o first_o transcriber_n of_o the_o original_a copy_n and_o those_o who_o in_o succeed_a age_n have_v do_v the_o like_a work_n from_o they_o whereby_o they_o have_v be_v propagate_v and_o continue_v down_o to_o we_o in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n we_o say_v not_o as_o be_v vain_o charge_v by_o morinus_n and_o capellus_n that_o they_o be_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d infallible_a and_o divine_o inspire_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n to_o mistake_v it_o be_v know_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o fail_n have_v be_v among_o they_o and_o that_o various_a lection_n be_v from_o thence_o rise_v of_o which_o afterward_o religious_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o their_o work_n with_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o he_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v all_o we_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v these_o free_o in_o they_o without_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v high_a uncharitableness_n impiety_n and_o ingratitude_n this_o care_n and_o diligence_n we_o say_v in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v produce_v the_o effect_n contend_v for_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n further_o necessary_a thereunto_o on_o this_o account_n to_o argue_v as_o some_o do_v from_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o mistake_n of_o man_n their_o oscitancy_n and_o negligence_n in_o transcribe_v the_o old_a heathen_a author_n homer_n aristotle_n tully_n we_o think_v it_o not_o tolerable_a in_o a_o christian_a or_o any_o one_o that_o have_v the_o least_o sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o care_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o church_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o man_n who_o write_v out_o book_n wherein_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o person_n mention_v and_o other_o like_v they_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o that_o they_o do_v as_o those_o who_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o every_o letter_n and_o tittle_n that_o they_o be_v transcribe_v be_v part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a god_n wherein_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o do_v lie_v certain_o whatever_n may_v be_v look_v for_o from_o the_o religious_a care_n and_o diligence_n of_o man_n lie_v under_o a_o love_a and_o careful_a aspect_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v be_v just_o expect_v from_o they_o who_o undertake_v that_o work_n however_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o own_o all_o their_o fail_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o assert_v in_o this_o case_n without_o proof_n be_v injurious_a sect._n 6._o the_o jew_n have_v a_o common_a say_n among_o they_o that_o to_o alter_v one_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v no_o less_o sin_n then_o to_o set_v the_o whole_a world_n on_o fire_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o in_o write_v it_o they_o take_v no_o more_o care_n than_o a_o man_n will_v do_v in_o write_v out_o aristotle_n or_o plato_n who_o for_o a_o very_a little_a portion_n of_o the_o world_n will_v willing_o have_v do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v both_o their_o work_n out_o of_o it_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n to_o be_v transcribe_v be_v every_o title_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o as_o write_v be_v propose_v as_o he_o as_o from_o he_o that_o if_o any_o fail_n be_v make_v innumerable_a eye_n of_o man_n own_v their_o eternal_a concernment_n to_o lie_v in_o that_o word_n be_v open_a upon_o it_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o that_o thousand_o of_o copy_n be_v extant_a to_o try_v it_o by_o and_o all_o this_o know_v unto_o and_o confess_v by_o every_o one_o that_o undertake_v this_o work_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v their_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o have_v out_o go_v that_o of_o other_o common_a scribe_n of_o heathen_a author_n the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v prodigious_a thing_n that_o be_v relate_v of_o the_o exact_a diligence_n and_o reverential_a care_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n in_o this_o work_n especial_o when_o they_o entrust_v a_o copy_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o standard_n of_o other_o private_a copy_n maimonides_n in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 8._o 3_o 4_o tell_v we_o that_o ben_fw-mi asher_n spend_v many_o year_n in_o the_o careful_a exact_a writing_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n let_v any_o man_n consider_v the_o 20_o thing_n which_o they_o affirm_v to_o profane_v a_o book_n or_o copy_n and_o this_o will_v far_o appear_v they_o be_v repeat_v by_o rabbi_n moses_n tract_n at_o de_fw-fr libro_fw-la legis_fw-la
son_n of_o pandira_n and_o stada_n in_o the_o talmud_n the_o bless_a messiah_n be_v intend_v so_o do_v galatinus_n arcan_a relig._n cathol_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 7._o and_o reuchlins_n cabal_n lib._n 1._o p._n 636._o guliel_n schickard_n in_o prooem_n tarich_n p._n 83._o the_o contrary_n be_v assert_v by_o reynoldus_n praelec_fw-la in_o lib._n apoc._n praelec_fw-la 103._o p._n 405_o 406._o buxtorfius_n lexic._o rab._n voce_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o also_o in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vorstius_fw-la not_o add_v tzem_n dau_n pag._n 264._o and_o in_o truth_n the_o reason_n plead_v by_o galatinus_n and_o other_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o intend_v our_o saviour_n do_v upon_o due_a consideration_n evince_v the_o contrary_n the_o jesus_n say_v they_o who_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o talmud_n live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o maccabee_n be_v slay_v in_o the_o time_n of_o hyrcanus_n or_o of_o aristobulus_n a_o 100_o year_n before_o the_o death_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v he_o who_o be_v by_o they_o intend_v but_o this_o be_v invent_v by_o the_o curse_a wretch_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o appear_v that_o their_o temple_n be_v so_o soon_o destroy_v after_o their_o wicked_a defection_n from_o god_n in_o kill_v of_o his_o son_n this_o be_v most_o manifest_a from_o what_o be_v cite_v by_o genebrard_n from_o abraham_n levita_fw-la in_o his_o cabala_n hystoriae_fw-la where_o he_o say_v that_o christian_n invent_v this_o story_n that_o jesus_n be_v crucify_v in_o the_o life_n of_o herod_n that_o be_v the_o tetrarch_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o their_o temple_n be_v destroy_v immediate_o thereupon_o when_o say_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o mishna_n and_o talmud_n that_o he_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n and_o be_v crucify_v in_o the_o day_n of_o aristobulus_n so_o discover_v the_o true_a ground_n why_o they_o pervert_v the_o whole_a story_n of_o his_o time_n namely_o lest_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v see_v their_o sin_n and_o punishment_n stand_v so_o near_o together_o but_o it_o be_v well_o that_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o death_n be_v affirm_v even_o by_o the_o heathen_n before_o either_o their_o mishna_n or_o talmud_n be_v bear_v or_o think_v of_o abolendo_fw-la rumori_fw-la he_o speak_v of_o &_o nero_n of_o his_o fire_n rome_n subdidit_fw-la reos_fw-la &_o quaesitissimis_fw-la poenis_fw-la affecit_fw-la quos_fw-la per_fw-la flagitia_fw-la invisos_fw-la vulgus_fw-la christianos_n appellabat_fw-la author_n nominis_fw-la ejus_fw-la christus_fw-la qui_fw-la tiberio_fw-la imperitante_fw-la per_fw-la procuratorem_fw-la pontium_fw-la pilatum_fw-la supplicio_fw-la affectus_fw-la erat_fw-la tacit._n annal._n lib._n 15._o to_o return_v to_o our_o jew_n universal_o in_o all_o their_o old_a write_n they_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o design_n of_o impugn_v he_o in_o his_o gospel_n for_o as_o we_o need_v not_o their_o testimony_n nor_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o scripture_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n the_o place_n cite_v out_o of_o their_o talmud_n and_o gemara_n from_o the_o cabalist_n &_o other_o rabbin_n by_o martinus_n raymundus_n porchetus_n galatinus_n reuchlinus_n and_o other_o set_v aside_o galatinus_n his_o gale_n rezeia_n which_o must_v be_v set_v aside_o seem_v to_o be_v wrest_v the_o most_o of_o they_o beside_o their_o intention_n as_o thing_n obscure_o metaphorical_o and_o mystical_o write_v be_v easy_o deal_v withal_o their_o dispute_n about_o the_o messiah_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o he_o of_o set_a purpose_n as_o in_o lib._n sanedrim_n be_v foolish_a contradictious_a trifling_n wherein_o they_o leave_v all_o thing_n as_o uncertain_a as_o if_o they_o be_v wrangle_v in_o their_o wont_a manner_n de_fw-fr lana_fw-la caprina_fw-la so_o that_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o not_o much_o remove_v from_o the_o opinion_n of_o hulsius_n lib._n 1._o pa._n 2._o dic_fw-la sup_v de_fw-fr temp._n messiae_n that_o aesop_n fable_n be_v of_o as_o much_o use_n in_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o judaical_a talmud_n whilst_o they_o keep_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v never_o want_v weapon_n out_o of_o their_o own_o armoury_n for_o their_o destruction_n like_o the_o philistine_n they_o carry_v the_o weapon_n that_o will_v serve_v to_o cut_v off_o their_o own_o head_n now_o the_o tiberian_a massorite_n the_o suppose_a inventor_n of_o the_o point_n vowel_n and_o accent_n which_o we_o now_o use_v be_v man_n live_v after_o the_o finish_v the_o last_o talmud_n who_o whole_a religion_n be_v build_v thereon_o sect._n 14._o let_v we_o then_o a_o little_a without_o prejudice_n or_o passion_n consider_v who_o or_o what_o these_o man_n be_v who_o be_v the_o suppose_a author_n of_o this_o work_n 1._o man_n they_o be_v if_o any_o such_o be_v who_o have_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n as_o their_o forefather_n have_v of_o old_a be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o church_n or_o people_n but_o be_v only_o outward_o possessor_n of_o the_o letter_n without_o just_a right_n or_o title_n to_o it_o utter_o unintere_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o church_n preservation_n of_o truth_n isa_n 59_o 21._o 2_o man_n so_o remote_a from_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o that_o they_o be_v desperate_o engage_v to_o oppose_v his_o truth_n in_o the_o book_n which_o themselves_o enjoy_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o importance_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o good_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n poc._n the_o foundation_n of_o who_o religion_n be_v infidelity_n and_o one_o of_o their_o chief_a fundamental_o a_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n 3._o man_n under_o the_o special_a curse_n of_o god_n and_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n 4._o man_n all_o their_o day_n feed_v themselves_o with_o vain_a fable_n and_o mischievous_a device_n against_o the_o gospel_n labour_v to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a religion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o old_a in_o despite_n of_o god_n so_o strive_v to_o wrestle_v it_o out_o with_o his_o curse_n to_o the_o utmost_a 5._o man_n of_o a_o prosound_a ignorance_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n but_o only_o what_o concern_v their_o own_o dunghill_n tradition_n 40._o as_o appear_v in_o their_o story_n wherein_o they_o make_v pyrrhus_n king_n of_o epirus_n help_v nabuchadnezzar_n against_o jerusalem_n with_o innumerable_a the_o like_a foppery_n 6._o man_n so_o addict_v to_o such_o monstrous_a figment_n as_o appear_v in_o their_o talmud_n as_o their_o successor_n of_o after_o age_n be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o seek_v to_o palliate_v what_o they_o be_v able_a yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n idolater_n and_o magician_n as_o i_o shall_v evince_v now_o i_o dare_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o godly_a prudent_a person_n not_o addict_v to_o party_n and_o name_n of_o man_n who_o be_v at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o accent_n unto_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o what_o influence_n their_o present_a fixation_n have_v into_o the_o literal_a sense_n we_o embrace_v whether_o we_o need_v not_o very_o clear_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n yea_o undeniable_a and_o unquestionable_a to_o cast_v the_o rise_n and_o spring_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o invention_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n sect._n 15._o of_o all_o the_o fable_n that_o be_v in_o the_o talmud_n i_o know_v none_o more_o incredible_a than_o this_o story_n that_o man_n who_o can_v by_o any_o story_n or_o other_o record_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o they_o ever_o be_v in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la such_o man_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v obscure_a unobserved_a not_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o any_o learned_a man_n jew_n or_o christian_n shall_v in_o a_o time_n of_o deep_a ignorance_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v among_o a_o people_n whole_o addict_v to_o monstrous_a fable_n themselves_o blind_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n find_v out_o so_o great_a so_o excellent_a a_o work_n of_o such_o unspeakable_a usefulness_n not_o once_o advise_v with_o the_o man_n of_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o religion_n who_o then_o flourish_v in_o great_a abundance_n at_o babylon_n and_o the_o place_n adjacent_a and_o impose_v it_o on_o all_o the_o world_n that_o receive_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v every_o tittle_n of_o their_o work_n receive_v without_o any_o opposition_n or_o question_n from_o any_o person_n or_o person_n of_o any_o principle_n whatever_o yea_o so_o as_o to_o have_v their_o invention_n make_v the_o constant_a rule_n of_o all_o follow_a exposition_n comment_n and_o interpretation_n credat_fw-la apella_n to_o
when_o extend_v or_o greatn_v by_o way_n of_o engrave_v or_o emboss_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v put_v upon_o or_o cut_v in_o why_o may_v we_o not_o think_v they_o be_v inven_v for_o that_o purpose_n namely_o to_o engrave_v on_o vessel_n &_o to_o stamp_v on_o coin_n &_o so_o come_v to_o be_v of_o some_o use_n in_o writing_n also_o their_o shape_n and_o frame_n promise_v some_o such_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v render_v the_o more_o probable_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o egyptian_n 5._o who_o as_o clement_n alexan_n tell_v we_o have_v 3_o sort_n of_o letter_n one_o which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o which_o they_o write_v thing_n of_o common_a use_n another_o term_v by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v by_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o also_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n simple_a and_o symbolical_a see_v then_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n to_o have_v sundry_a sort_n of_o letter_n for_o sundry_a purpose_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o it_o be_v so_o also_o among_o the_o jew_n not_o that_o they_o write_v the_o sacred_a write_n in_o a_o peculiar_a character_n as_o it_o be_v to_o hide_v they_o which_o be_v declaim_v against_o but_o only_o that_o the_o other_o character_n may_v be_v in_o use_n for_o some_o purpose_n which_o be_v not_o unusual_a i_o can_v think_v the_o greek_n of_o old_a use_v only_o the_o unciall_a letter_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v some_o do_v though_o he_o do_v not_o who_o write_v homer_n iliad_n in_o no_o great_a a_o volume_n then_o will_v go_v into_o a_o nutshell_n sect._n 4._o but_o if_o that_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o can_v be_v prove_v namely_o that_o such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v yet_o this_o prejudices_fw-la not_o they_o in_o the_o least_o who_o affirm_v ezra_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a congregation_n to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o point_n see_v the_o author_n of_o this_o rumour_n affix_v that_o as_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o old_a hebrew_n letter_n be_v excommunicate_v out_o of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o samaritan_n nay_o it_o cast_v a_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n namely_o that_o ezra_n lay_v aside_o the_o old_a letter_n because_o of_o their_o difficulty_n together_o with_o the_o new_a introduce_v the_o point_n to_o facilitate_v their_o use_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n have_v never_o any_o vowel_n affix_v to_o they_o postellus_n affirm_v that_o the_o samaritan_n have_v point_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hierome_n and_o that_o their_o loss_n of_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o present_a corrupt_a read_n punctis_fw-la hodie_fw-la quae_fw-la habebant_fw-la hieronimi_fw-la temporibus_fw-la carent_fw-la leguntque_fw-la sine_fw-la punctis_fw-la admodum_fw-la depravatè_fw-la postell_n alphab_n 12._o lingua_fw-la there_o be_v always_o some_o copy_n write_v without_o vowel_n which_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o other_o lose_v that_o people_n if_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o be_v wicked_a ignorant_a sottish_a superstitious_a idolatrous_a rejector_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n corruptor_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v may_v neglect_v the_o task_n of_o transcribe_v copy_n with_o point_n because_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v perform_v aright_o nor_o be_v it_o improbable_a what_o ever_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o continue_v in_o their_o sepation_n from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o may_v get_v the_o law_n write_v in_o a_o character_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o the_o jew_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whither_o from_o this_o heap_n of_o uncertaintye_n any_o thing_n can_v arise_v with_o the_o face_n of_o a_o witness_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o give_v testimony_n in_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n he_o that_o will_v part_v with_o his_o possession_n on_o such_o easy_a term_n never_o find_v much_o benefit_n in_o it_o sect._n 5._o 2_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o preserve_v in_o their_o synagogue_n one_o book_n which_o they_o almost_o adore_v write_v without_o point_n be_v allege_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o what_o do_v they_o else_o hereby_o but_o tacit_o acknowledge_v the_o point_n to_o have_v a_o humane_a original_a an_fw-mi but_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v not_o so_o acknowledge_v they_o neither_o by_o that_o practice_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o way_n it_o be_v the_o constant_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o they_o all_o elias_n only_a except_v that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a extract_n and_o if_o their_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v it_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o in_o one_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o 2_o the_o jew_n give_v a_o threefold_a account_n of_o this_o practice_n first_o the_o difficulty_n of_o transcribe_v copy_n without_o any_o fail_n the_o least_o render_v the_o whole_a book_n as_o to_o its_o use_n in_o their_o synagogue_n profane_a 2_o the_o liberty_n they_o have_v thereby_o to_o draw_v out_o various_a sense_n more_o eminent_a as_o they_o say_v indeed_o more_o vain_a and_o curious_a than_o they_o have_v any_o advantage_n to_o do_v when_o the_o read_n be_v restrain_v to_o one_o certain_a sense_n by_o the_o vowel_n and_o accent_n 3_o to_o keep_v all_o learner_n in_o dependence_n on_o their_o teacher_n see_v they_o can_v learn_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o by_o their_o exposition_n rab_n azarias_n lib._n jmre_v bina_n cap._n 59_o if_o these_o reason_n satisfy_v not_o any_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o practice_n they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o inquire_v of_o they_o for_o other_o who_o intend_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o authority_n that_o the_o point_n be_v invent_v by_o some_o late_a massorite_n they_o will_v not_o inform_v they_o for_o jesuitical_a story_n out_o of_o china_n they_o be_v with_o i_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o like_a credit_n with_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o talmud_n he_o that_o can_v believe_v all_o the_o miracle_n that_o they_o work_v where_o man_n be_v not_o warn_v of_o their_o juggle_n may_v credit_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n however_o as_o i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o argument_n the_o jew_n keep_v a_o book_n in_o their_o synagogue_n without_o point_n therefore_o the_o point_n and_o accent_n be_v invent_v by_o the_o tiberian_a massorite_n when_o they_o never_o read_v it_o or_o rather_o sing_v it_o but_o according_a to_o every_o point_n and_o accent_n in_o ordinary_a use_n indeed_o the_o whole_a profound_a mystery_n of_o this_o business_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o read_v or_o sing_v the_o law_n in_o their_o synagogue_n until_o he_o be_v so_o perfect_a in_o it_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v exact_o all_o point_n and_o accent_n in_o a_o book_n wherein_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o sect._n 6._o 3._o the_o testimony_n of_o elias_n levita_n not_o only_o as_o to_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o also_o as_o to_o what_o he_o mention_n from_o aben_n ezra_n and_o other_o be_v insist_v on_o they_o affirm_v say_v he_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o whole_a punctation_n from_o the_o tiberian_a massorite_n an._n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o elias_n be_v of_o that_o judgement_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o if_o that_o opinion_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o his_o mind_n the_o world_n have_v be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o it_o at_o this_o day_n that_o by_o receive_v of_o the_o punctation_n from_o the_o tiberian_o the_o continuation_n of_o it_o in_o their_o school_n not_o the_o invention_n of_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o aben_n ezra_n be_v beyond_o all_o exception_n evince_v by_o buxtorfius_n de_fw-fr punct_a antiq._n p._n 1._o cap._n 3._o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v speak_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o be_v intend_v than_o that_o which_o be_v urge_v in_o the_o prolegomena_n from_o aben_n ezra_n comment_n in_o exod._n 25._o 31._o where_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o see_v some_o book_n examine_v in_o all_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o whole_a punctation_n by_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o tiberias_n namely_o to_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v do_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n they_o have_v beside_o all_o elias_n argument_n be_v notable_o answer_v by_o rabbi_n azarias_n who_o answer_n be_v repeat_v by_o joseph_n the_o voysin_n in_o his_o most_o learned_a observation_n on_o the_o proemium_fw-la of_o the_o pugio_fw-la fidei_fw-la pag._n 91._o 92._o and_o the_o same_o azarias_n show_v the_o consistency_n of_o the_o various_a opinion_n that_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n about_o the_o vowel_n ascribe_v they_o as_o to_o their_o virtue_n and_o force_n to_o moses_n or_o god_n on_o mount_n
jew_n the_o uncontradict_v reception_n of_o they_o absolute_o without_o the_o least_o opposition_n all_o the_o world_n over_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o punctation_n itself_o follow_v the_o genius_n of_o the_o language_n not_o arise_v or_o flow_v from_o any_o artificial_a rule_n the_o impossibility_n of_o assign_v any_o author_n to_o it_o since_o the_o day_n of_o ezra_n but_o only_o by_o such_o loose_a conjecture_n and_o imagination_n as_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o any_o plea_n and_o place_n in_o this_o weighty_a cause_n all_o attend_v with_o that_o great_a uncertainty_n which_o without_o their_o own_n of_o these_o point_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a original_a we_o shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o in_o all_o translation_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a while_o the_o hebrew_n language_n be_v the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o be_v speak_v by_o every_o one_o uniform_o every_o where_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a that_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n man_n without_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o direction_n may_v possible_o affix_v note_n and_o figure_n which_o may_v with_o some_o exactness_n answer_v the_o common_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o language_n and_o so_o consequent_o exhibit_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o but_o when_o there_o have_v be_v a_o interruption_n of_o a_o 1000_o year_n in_o the_o vulgar_a use_n of_o the_o language_n it_o be_v preserve_v pure_a only_o in_o one_o book_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o true_a and_o exact_a proauntiation_n of_o every_o letter_n tittle_n and_o syllable_n be_v preserve_v alive_a by_o or_o all_o tradition_n not_o write_v any_o where_o not_o common_o speak_v by_o any_o be_v to_o build_v town_n and_o castle_n of_o imagination_n which_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o cast_v down_o as_o they_o be_v erect_v yet_o unless_o this_o be_v suppose_v which_o with_o no_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v suppose_v which_o be_v yet_o so_o by_o capellus_n and_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o prolegomena_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o all_o present_a translation_n exposition_n and_o comment_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o some_o 100_o d._n of_o year_n be_v the_o arbitrary_a invention_n of_o some_o few_o jew_n live_v in_o a_o obscure_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n in_o their_o unbelief_n and_o blindness_n the_o only_a relief_n in_o the_o prolegomena_n against_o this_o amaze_a inference_n be_v as_o be_v say_v that_o the_o massorite_n affix_v not_o the_o present_a punctation_n arbitrary_o so_o also_o capellus_n but_o according_a to_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v receive_v what_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o such_o a_o tradition_n for_o near_a a_o thousand_o year_n above_o according_a to_o morinus_n be_v easy_o to_o be_v imagine_v nor_o let_v man_n please_v themselves_o with_o the_o pretend_a facility_n of_o learning_n the_o hebrew_n language_n without_o point_n and_o accent_n and_o not_o only_o the_o language_n but_o the_o true_a &_o proper_a read_n and_o distinction_n of_o it_o in_o the_o bible_n let_v the_o point_n and_o accent_n be_v whole_o remove_v and_o all_o apprehension_n of_o the_o sense_n arise_v by_o the_o restraint_n and_o distinction_n of_o the_o word_n as_o now_o point_v and_o then_o turn_v in_o the_o drove_n of_o the_o learned_a critic_n of_o this_o age_n upon_o the_o note_a consonant_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o see_v what_o woeful_a work_n yea_o havoc_n of_o sacred_a truth_n will_v be_v make_v among_o they_o be_v they_o shut_v up_o in_o several_a cell_n i_o shall_v scarce_o expect_v the_o harmony_n &_o agreement_n among_o they_o which_o be_v fabulous_o report_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o like_a case_n among_o the_o 70._o the_o jew_n say_v &_o that_o true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o man_n can_v lift_v up_o his_o tongue_n to_o read_v without_o punctation_n and_o si_fw-la rationi_fw-la in_o his_o &_o similibus_fw-la dominium_fw-la concedamus_fw-la toti_fw-la mutabuntur_fw-la libri_fw-la in_fw-la literis_fw-la vocibus_fw-la &_o sententiis_fw-la &_o sic_fw-la res_fw-la ipsa_fw-la quoque_fw-la mutabitur_fw-la lib._n cosri_n 1._o par._n 3._o pag._n 28._o and_o thus_o have_v i_o with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n vindicate_v the_o position_n former_o insist_v on_o from_o this_o grand_a exception_n which_o may_v be_v just_o fear_v from_o the_o principle_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o prolegomena_n chap._n vi_o 1_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o their_o nature_n and_o original_a the_o difference_n be_v in_o the_o consonant_n 3._o morinus_n vain_a charge_n on_o arias_n montanus_n 4._o the_o sense_n of_o both_o consistent_a 5._o of_o the_o great_a congregation_n the_o spring_n and_o rise_v of_o these_o various_a readins_n 6._o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o prolegomena_n about_o they_o their_o order_n twice_o over_o in_o the_o appendix_n 7._o the_o rise_v assign_v to_o they_o 8._o consider_v 9_o of_o capellus_n his_o opinion_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o sect._n 1_o we_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o come_v to_o a_o close_a there_o be_v another_o thing_n agitate_a in_o these_o prolegomena_n and_o represent_v in_o the_o appendix_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o derogate_v from_o the_o universality_n of_o my_o assertion_n concern_v the_o entire_a preservation_n of_o the_o original_a copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o seriptio_fw-la and_o lectio_fw-la or_o scriptum_fw-la and_o lectum_fw-la be_v that_o which_o i_o intend_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o all_o they_o that_o have_v look_v into_o the_o bible_n one_o word_n be_v place_v in_o the_o line_n and_o another_o in_o the_o margin_n the_o word_n in_o the_o line_n have_v not_o the_o point_n or_o vowel_n affix_v to_o it_o that_o be_v its_o own_o but_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o word_n in_o the_o margin_n of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n 840_o or_o thereabouts_o for_o some_o of_o the_o late_a edition_n by_o mistake_n or_o oversight_n do_v differ_v in_o the_o precise_a number_n all_o man_n that_o have_v write_v any_o consideration_n on_o the_o hebrew_n text_n have_v speak_v of_o their_o nature_n in_o general_n so_o have_v the_o author_n of_o these_o prolegomena_n as_o to_o our_o present_a concernment_n namely_o to_o manifest_v that_o from_o they_o no_o argument_n can_v tie_v we_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o original_a the_o ensue_a observation_n concern_v they_o may_v suffice_v sect._n 2_o 1._o all_o the_o difference_n in_o these_o word_n be_v in_o the_o consonant_n not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o vowel_n the_o word_n in_o the_o margin_n own_v the_o vowel_n in_o the_o line_n as_o proper_a to_o it_o and_o the_o vowel_n in_o the_o line_n seem_v to_o be_v place_v to_o the_o word_n whereunto_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o meet_a place_n for_o they_o in_o the_o line_n where_o they_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v as_o belong_v to_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o scripture_n sect._n 3_o morinus_n to_o manifest_v his_o rage_n against_o the_o hebrew_n text_n take_v from_o hence_o occasion_n to_o quarrel_v with_o arias_n montanus_n and_o to_o accuse_v he_o of_o ignorance_n and_o false_a deal_n de_n heb._n text._n sincer_n excer_n 1._o cap._n 4._o pag._n 40._o the_o pretence_n of_o his_o quarrel_n he_o make_v to_o be_v that_o arias_n affirm_v the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o various_a lection_n to_o consist_v in_o some_o difference_n of_o the_o point_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o cite_v his_o word_n out_o of_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o collection_n of_o various_a lection_n maxima_fw-la in_o his_o lectionibus_fw-la varietatis_fw-la pars_fw-la in_o hujusmodi_fw-la punctorum_fw-la discrepantia_fw-la consistit_fw-la ut_fw-la toto_fw-la huius_fw-la mazzore_v sive_fw-la variarum_fw-la lectionum_fw-la volumine_fw-la demonstratur_fw-la whereunto_o he_o subjoine_v mira_fw-la assertio_fw-la ne_fw-la una_fw-la quidem_fw-la in_o punctis_fw-la sita_fw-la est_fw-la catalogum_fw-la plurimorum_fw-la ipse_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la praefationis_fw-la adtexuit_fw-la et_fw-la varietates_fw-la omnes_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o literis_fw-la nulla_fw-la in_o punctis_fw-la confidentius_fw-la scribo_fw-la omnium_fw-la variarum_fw-la lectionum_fw-la quas_fw-la judaei_n appellant_z 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d keri_n &_o ketib_n de_fw-la quibus_fw-la agit_fw-fr arias_n nulla_fw-la prorsus_fw-la ad_fw-la puncta_fw-la pertinet_fw-la iterun_v confidentius_fw-la etc._n etc._n will_v not_o any_o man_n think_v but_o that_o the_o man_n have_v make_v here_o some_o great_a discovery_n both_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o also_o to_o the_o ignorance_n of_o arias_n who_o he_o go_v on_o to_o reproach_n as_o a_o person_n unacquainted_a with_o the_o massora_n and_o with_o the_o various_a lection_n of_o ben-asher_n and_o ben-nepthali_a