hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o that_o their_o child_n which_o have_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n may_v hear_v and_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v in_o the_o land_n whither_o you_o go_v over_o jordan_n to_o possess_v it_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o more_o effectual_a care_n can_v have_v be_v take_v to_o secure_v a_o law_n from_o be_v deprave_a and_o alter_v by_o imposture_n every_o seven_o day_n at_o least_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o read_n and_o learn_v it_o in_o their_o seveval_fw-fr tribe_n throughout_o all_o the_o land_n and_o then_o once_o in_o seven_o year_n it_o be_v read_v at_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a feast_n when_o they_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n moses_n write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v put_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v transgress_v it_o much_o more_o if_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o it_o and_o out_o of_o this_o book_n the_o king_n be_v to_o write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n xvii_o 1â—_n and_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v by_o hilâ—iah_n the_o highpriest_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cron._n xxxiv_o 14.2_o king_n xxii_o 8._o for_o after_o all_o that_o the_o wicked_a and_o idolatrous_a king_n can_v do_v to_o suppress_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o draw_v aside_o the_o people_n to_o idolatry_n the_o authentic_a book_n of_o the_o law_n write_v by_o moses_n himself_o be_v still_o preserve_v in_o josiah_n time_n beside_o the_o several_a copy_n which_o must_v be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o land_n for_o the_o use_n of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o those_o which_o must_v be_v remain_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o pious_a men._n and_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o very_a book_n write_v by_o moses_n be_v preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o be_v that_o book_n which_o ezra_n read_v to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n credible_a that_o the_o prophet_n will_v suffer_v that_o book_n to_o be_v lose_v much_o less_o that_o they_o will_v suffer_v all_o the_o copy_n general_o to_o be_v lose_v or_o corrupt_v which_o indeed_o consider_v the_o number_n be_v hardly_o possible_a be_v it_o probable_a that_o jeremiah_n will_v use_v that_o favour_n which_o he_o have_v with_o nabuchadnezzar_n to_o any_o other_o purpose_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n say_v the_o ark_n be_v secure_v in_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o captivity_n but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o book_n of_o their_o law_n be_v secure_v it_o be_v both_o more_o easy_o convey_v away_o and_o not_o so_o tempt_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o enemy_n we_o find_v the_o law_n cite_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n by_o daniel_n den._n ix_o 11._o by_o nehemiah_n nehem._n i_o 8_o 9_o and_o in_o tobit_n who_o belong_v â—o_o the_o ten_o tribe_n tob._n vi_fw-la 12._o &_o seven_o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o and_o other_o pious_a man_n have_v copy_n of_o it_o by_o they_o and_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v they_o maimonides_n 41._o maimonides_n huet_n 〈◊〉_d prop._n 41._o say_v that_o mise_v himself_o write_v out_o twelve_o book_n of_o the_o law_n one_o for_o each_o tripe_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o the_o rabbin_n teach_v that_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n by_o he_o and_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n 11._o nehemiah_n dros_n dâ—â—â—â—th_n sect._n l._n 3._o c._n 11._o be_v say_v to_o have_v bring_v three_o hundred_o book_n of_o the_o law_n into_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v at_o their_o return_n from_o captivity_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v scribe_n of_o the_o law_n before_o the_o captivity_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o it_o jer._n viij_o 8._o ezra_n be_v style_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o scribe_n even_o a_o scribe_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o statute_n to_o israel_n and_o by_o artaxerxes_n in_o his_o letter_n he_o be_v call_v a_o scribe_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n ezra_n seven_o 6_o 11_o 12._o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v scribe_n of_o the_o law_n during_o the_o captivity_n who_o be_v know_v by_o this_o solemn_a style_n and_o character_n and_o who_o care_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v to_o study_v and_o write_v over_o the_o law_n of_o who_o ezra_n be_v the_o principal_a at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o return_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a then_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v preserve_v in_o moses_n own_o hand_n till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o babylon_n beside_o the_o copy_n that_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o daniel_n nehemiah_n ezra_n zechariah_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n who_o be_v not_o only_o of_o unquestionable_a integrity_n but_o write_v themselves_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n 3._o nothing_o be_v more_o express_o forbid_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n than_o all_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suspect_v that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o fraud_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n imaginable_a to_o introduce_v or_o establish_v a_o law_n that_o forbid_v it_o moses_n have_v forewarn_v they_o against_o all_o such_o practice_n both_o in_o his_o law_n in_o general_a and_o by_o a_o express_a prohibition_n you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n four_o 2._o and_o all_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n will_v observe_v this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o part_n of_o it_o for_o this_o preserve_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n inviolable_a and_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n but_o have_v alter_v it_o as_o they_o please_v they_o will_v certain_o have_v make_v such_o alteration_n as_o will_v have_v gratify_v the_o people_n and_o will_v have_v take_v great_a care_n to_o leave_v nothing_o which_o may_v give_v offence_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v such_o as_o that_o without_o a_o divine_a authority_n to_o enforce_v they_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v comply_v with_o but_o will_v have_v be_v grievous_a to_o a_o less_o suspicious_a and_o impatient_a people_n than_o the_o jew_n be_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o prohibition_n against_o alteration_n may_v be_v add_v among_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o probability_n for_o it_o but_o so_o much_o odds_o against_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o suspect_v that_o the_o whole_a five_o book_n have_v be_v forge_v as_o to_o pitch_v upon_o that_o particular_a verse_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o genuine_a beside_o why_o shall_v impostor_n insert_v such_o a_o clause_n as_o will_v hinder_v they_o from_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o law_n ever_o after_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o rather_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n of_o change_v and_o add_v as_o often_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a 2._o as_o the_o law_n themselves_o can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o alter_v after_o moses_n time_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v insert_v after_o his_o death_n by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v confirm_v be_v afterward_o insert_v they_o must_v be_v intend_v as_o a_o sanction_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o awe_n when_o they_o be_v become_v uneasy_a and_o disobedient_a under_o the_o government_n of_o those_o law_n but_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o introduce_v law_n at_o first_o than_o to_o govern_v a_o people_n by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v be_v once_o introduce_v and_o be_v settle_v and_o receive_v among_o they_o indeed_o it_o be_v incredible_a how_o law_n so_o little_a favourable_a to_o the_o ease_n or_o advantage_n of_o a_o people_n which_o be_v so_o expensive_a and_o burdensome_a in_o their_o
upon_o any_o subject_a and_o then_o they_o trample_v with_o wonderful_a scorn_n and_o triumph_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o conceive_v be_v so_o miserable_o overcome_v but_o alas_o the_o victory_n be_v over_o themselves_o nothing_o be_v either_o the_o more_o or_o the_o less_o true_a for_o their_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o religion_n be_v always_o the_o same_o how_o profane_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o we_o have_v no_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o any_o man_n faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o what_o we_o say_v it_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o reasonable_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hearken_v to_o reason_n religion_n be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o father_n often_o speak_v the_o best_a and_o true_a philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v how_o much_o soever_o i_o may_v have_v fail_v in_o the_o performance_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v with_o such_o clear_a and_o full_a evidence_n even_o to_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o to_o make_v all_o pretence_n of_o argue_v against_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v impious_a the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o book_n such_o point_n be_v clear_v in_o the_o second_o as_o be_v think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o consider_v the_o strength_n and_o compass_n of_o their_o own_o faculty_n and_o the_o manifold_a defect_n of_o humane_a reason_n p._n 1._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v demonstrable_a p._n 4._o every_o man_n believe_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 12._o those_o who_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a p._n 24._o chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o conceivable_a by_o we_o that_o god_n do_v act_n upon_o the_o immaterial_a as_o that_o he_o act_v upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o may_v act_v more_o powerful_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n than_o of_o other_o p._n 28._o wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v p._n 31._o such_o inference_n from_o thence_o as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_a p._n 41._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n as_o information_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n etc._n etc._n p._n 42._o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n ibid._n though_o something_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n indefinite_o and_o without_o any_o positive_a assertion_n or_o determination_n this_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o their_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n p._n 43._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o humane_a prudence_n and_o observation_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v use_v only_o a_o directive_n power_n and_o influence_n p._n 46._o this_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a p._n 49._o it_o do_v not_o prevent_v personal_a fail_n p._n 50._o no_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n in_o the_o scripture_n erroneous_a p._n 51._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speech_n p._n 53._o those_o which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture-style_n be_v usual_a in_o the_o most_o approve_a heathen_a author_n p._n ib._n metaphor_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n and_o figure_n p._n 57_o the_o style_n different_a of_o different_a nation_n p._n 58._o the_o title_n of_o king_n p._n 59_o what_o art_n be_v use_v by_o orator_n to_o raise_v the_o passion_n p._n 60._o that_o they_o sometime_o read_v their_o speech_n p._n 62._o the_o figurative_a expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o type_n and_o parable_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v ibid._n several_a thing_n relate_v as_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v only_o parabolical_a description_n or_o representation_n p._n 64._o the_o prophetic_a scheme_n of_o speech_n usual_a with_o the_o eastern_a nation_n p._n 66._o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n p._n 68_o the_o antiquity_n and_o various_a way_n of_o poetry_n p._n 69._o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n p._n 71._o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n p._n 79._o the_o method_n p._n 86._o some_o book_n of_o scripture_n admirable_a for_o their_o style_n p._n 89._o why_o the_o style_n not_o alike_o excellent_a in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n p._n 93._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o controversy_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o rest_n p._n 96._o the_o uncontroverted_a book_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n p._n 97._o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o apochrypha_n fall_v not_o here_o under_o consideration_n p._n 99_o no_o suppression_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o idolatrous_a king_n etc._n etc._n p._n 100_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o handwriting_a of_o moses_n find_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o josiah_n p._n 102._o no_o book_n but_o those_o which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n receive_v by_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o canon_n p._n 103._o what_o opinion_n the_o ten_o tribe_n have_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n p._n 105._o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 106._o of_o the_o book_n whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o o._n t._n p._n 106._o why_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n shall_v be_v express_v p._n 108._o a_o wonderful_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o o._n t._n for_o so_o many_o age_n p._n 109._o the_o new_a testament_n confirm_v the_o old_a p._n 111._o the_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n ib._n the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a p._n 113._o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matt._n in_o hebrew_n how_o long_o preserve_v p._n 115._o the_o greek_a version_n of_o it_o p._n 116._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n finish_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n review_v by_o he_o p._n 117._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n ib._n copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n still_o extant_a p._n 118._o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o p._n 119._o the_o canon_n have_v be_v fix_v and_o confirm_v in_o council_n in_o tertullian_n time_n p._n 121._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n general_o receive_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n p._n 124._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n a_o extraordinary_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o such_o casualty_n as_o have_v befall_v other_o book_n p._n 126._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n p._n 127._o the_o change_n of_o the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n into_o that_o now_o in_o use_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n p._n 130._o the_o keri_n and_o the_o ketib_n no_o prejudice_n to_o it_o ib._n the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n and_o other_o version_n or_o between_o the_o version_n themselves_o no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 132._o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o great_a critic_n both_o protestant_n and_o
question_n be_v not_o only_o dubious_a but_o certain_o spurious_a the_o remain_a book_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o the_o necessary_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v former_o matter_n of_o controversy_n i_o shall_v enter_v upon_o no_o discourse_n concern_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n the_o authority_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o effectual_o disprove_v by_o protestant_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n have_v now_o little_a to_o say_v for_o they_o but_o â—re_n force_v only_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n or_o to_o beg_v something_o as_o hard_a to_o be_v grant_v viz._n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o engage_v in_o no_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v general_o speak_v agree_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n these_o book_n in_o the_o main_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a and_o without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o propose_v such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o obviate_v objection_n the_o agreement_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n for_o its_o authority_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a idolatry_n commit_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n yet_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o the_o people_n nor_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n as_o that_o the_o book_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v suppress_v or_o alter_v for_o three_o year_n under_o rehoboam_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n 2_o chron._n 11.17.12.1_o and_o though_o afterward_o he_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o israel_n with_o he_o his_o reign_n be_v in_o all_o but_o seventeen_o year_n abijam_n be_v a_o wicked_a king_n but_o he_o reign_v no_o long_o than_o three_o year_n 1_o king_n xv_o 2._o asa_n the_o three_o from_o solomon_n and_o jehoshaphat_n his_o son_n be_v great_a reformer_n and_o asa_n reign_v one_o and_o forty_o year_n and_o jehoshaphat_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o chron._n xuj_o 13._o xx_o 31._o the_o two_o next_o king_n in_o succession_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o their_o reign_n be_v short_a jehoram_n reign_v eight_o year_n and_o ahaziah_n but_o one_o 2_o chron._n xxi_o 20._o xxii_o 2._o during_o the_o interval_n of_o six_o year_n under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o athaliah_n the_o people_n can_v not_o be_v great_o corrupt_v for_o she_o be_v hateful_a to_o they_o as_o jehoram_n her_o husband_n have_v be_v before_o she_o and_o they_o ready_o join_v with_o jehoiada_n in_o slay_v she_o and_o in_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n xxii_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o ahaziah_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o jehoiada_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 2._o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o reign_v well_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o king_n twelve_o 6._o and_o probable_o much_o long_o for_o jehoiada_n live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 15._o amaziah_n his_o son_n have_v the_o same_o character_n and_o with_o the_o same_o abatement_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o chron._n twenty-five_o 2._o or_o yet_o not_o like_o david_n his_o father_n he_o do_v according_a to_o all_o thing_n as_o joash_n his_o father_n do_v 2_o king_n fourteen_o 3._o vzziah_n son_n to_o amaziah_n reign_v well_o and_o seek_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o zachariah_n 2_o chron._n xxvi_o 5._o and_o after_o he_o be_v seize_v with_o the_o leprosy_n for_o invade_v the_o priest_n office_n the_o administration_n of_o affair_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o son_n jotham_n vers_fw-la 21._o who_o imitate_v the_o good_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n chap._n xxvii_o 2._o ahaz_n be_v wicked_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o he_o reign_v only_o sixteen_o year_n chap._n xxviii_o 1._o and_o his_o son_n hezekiah_n wrought_v a_o great_a reformation_n who_o reign_v twenty_o nine_o year_n chap._n xxix_o 1._o manasses_n be_v much_o give_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o reign_n but_o after_o his_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n he_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o it_o chap._n xxxiii_o 15_o 16._o amon_n imitate_v the_o ill_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n but_o his_o own_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o two_o year_n chap._n xxxiii_o 21._o the_o next_o be_v josiah_n in_o who_o time_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n own_o hand-writing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n can_v be_v no_o such_o rare_a thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o to_o be_v take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v that_o book_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o be_v to_o be_v transcribe_v by_o every_o king_n it_o seem_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v purposely_o hide_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o attempt_n of_o idolater_n who_o it_o be_v fear_v may_v have_v a_o design_n to_o destroy_v it_o for_o if_o it_o have_v only_o lie_v by_o neglect_a the_o find_n of_o it_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o surprise_v thing_n because_o the_o place_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v well_o know_v where_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o where_o they_o may_v have_v seek_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v probable_o at_o that_o time_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v utter_o lose_v and_o its_o be_v find_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n the_o veneration_n which_o josiah_n have_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o write_n and_o the_o happy_a and_o unexpected_a recovery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o have_v be_v disregard_v and_o almost_o lose_v through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o predecessor_n these_o consideration_n can_v not_o but_o exceed_o move_v a_o mind_n so_o tender_a and_o affectionate_o pious_a as_o that_o king_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n under_o moses_n own_o hand_n send_v he_o as_o he_o believe_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o deliver_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v anew_o from_o heaven_n not_o long_o after_o his_o time_n be_v the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n till_o which_o there_o be_v always_o prophet_n frequent_a reformation_n and_o never_o any_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n which_o continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o very_o few_o king_n be_v idolatrous_a throughout_o their_o whole_a reign_n and_o those_o that_o be_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n 9_o time_n book_n 1._o part_n 2._o c._n 6._o &_o 9_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o their_o return_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n that_o ezra_n who_o compose_v the_o canon_n do_v it_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o do_v it_o 1._o it_o joseph_n câ—nt_fw-la apion_n lib._n 1._o josephus_n say_v that_o their_o book_n after_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o before_o his_o time_n for_o want_v of_o a_o certain_a succession_n of_o prophet_n and_o since_o the_o jew_n admit_v no_o writing_n as_o inspire_v into_o the_o canon_n after_o malachi_n prophecy_n this_o show_v their_o sincerity_n and_o exactness_n in_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n as_o they_o admit_v into_o their_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o pharisee_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n but_o never_o dare_v presume_v to_o impose_v they_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o
after_o a_o captivity_n of_o seventy_o year_n and_o cyrus_n send_v forth_o his_o proclamation_n declare_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o kigdom_n from_o god_n with_o a_o charge_n to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n 2_o chron._n xxxvi_o 23._o and_o this_o decree_n of_o cyrus_n be_v reinforce_v by_o darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n ezra_n vi_fw-la seven_o now_o so_o many_o several_a decree_n put_v forth_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o miraculous_a power_n and_o wisdom_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o they_o and_o the_o advancement_n of_o daniel_n and_o other_o and_o the_o long_a life_n and_o continuance_n of_o daniel_n in_o that_o power_n and_o esteem_n must_v leave_v all_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o excuse_n who_o be_v not_o convert_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o advancement_n of_o esther_n and_o mordecai_n under_o ahasuerus_n and_o of_o nehemiah_n under_o artaxerxes_n give_v the_o jew_n great_a authority_n and_o great_a opportunite_v of_o propagate_a their_o religion_n from_o india_n even_o unto_o aethiopia_n over_o a_o hundred_o and_o seven_o and_o twenty_o province_n for_o this_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o ahasuerus_n esth_n i._o 1._o and_o the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o babylon_n chap._n iii._o 8._o and_o they_o want_v no_o care_n nor_o diligence_n to_o improve_v every_o opportunity_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o book_n of_o ezekiel_n daniel_n ezra_n nehemiah_n and_o esther_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o such_o person_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v want_v no_o mean_n of_o conversion_n confess_v he_o before_o the_o gentile_n you_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o he_o have_v scatter_v we_o among_o they_o there_o declare_v his_o greatness_n and_o extol_v he_o before_o all_o the_o live_n for_o he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o he_o be_v the_o god_n our_o father_n for_o ever_o in_o the_o land_n of_o my_o captivity_n do_v i_o praise_v he_o and_o declare_v his_o might_n and_o majesty_n to_o a_o sinful_a nation_n tob._n xiii_o 3_o 4_o 6._o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o pious_a man_n among_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o who_o some_o be_v likewise_o in_o great_a place_n and_o authority_n chap._n i._n 13_o 21_o 22._o and_o as_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v first_o carry_v away_o captive_a so_o upon_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n all_o but_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o tribe_n remain_v in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o captivity_n and_o many_o 75._o many_o joseph_n antiq._n l._n 11._o c._n 1._o mede_n discourse_n 20._o p._n 75._o of_o those_o two_o tribe_n also_o choose_v rather_o to_o continue_v in_o babylon_n than_o forsake_v the_o possession_n which_o they_o enjoy_v there_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o not_o much_o more_o than_o half_a of_o they_o return_v and_o there_o be_v afrerwards_o three_o celebrate_a university_n 799._o university_n lightf_n harm_n n.t._n p._n 335._o exercit._n on_o act_n p._n 681_o 799._o of_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n nehardea_n pombeditha_n and_o soria_n beside_o several_a other_o place_n famous_a for_o learning_n the_o jew_n relate_v x._o relate_v hier._n in_o zech._n x._o that_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v away_o not_o only_o into_o media_n and_o persia_n but_o into_o the_o northern_a country_n beyond_o the_o bosphorus_n and_o ortelius_n find_v they_o in_o tartary_n the_o odomantes_n a_o people_n of_o thrace_n be_v circumcise_a and_o the_o 4._o the_o aristophan_v acharnens_fw-la act._n 1._o scen_n 4._o scholiast_n of_o aristophanes_n say_v that_o they_o be_v report_v to_o be_v jew_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o cyrus_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o before_o appoint_v and_o name_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o work_n be_v ordain_v for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o from_o the_o west_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n beside_o he_o isa_n xlv_o 6._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n be_v never_o give_v to_o idolatry_n and_o though_o they_o be_v bofore_o too_o much_o addict_v to_o it_o yet_o this_o give_v occasion_n to_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o it_o and_o these_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o befall_v they_o for_o their_o iniquity_n give_v continual_a manifestation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v from_o samaria_n and_o strange_a nation_n be_v transplant_v thither_o in_o their_o room_n god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o name_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v quite_o neglect_v and_o forget_v among_o they_o but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o send_v for_o a_o priest_n back_o again_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o king_n xvii_o and_o after_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalem_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o the_o death_n of_o gedaliah_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o that_o be_v leave_v behind_o in_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v not_o before_o carry_v to_o babylon_n flee_v into_o egypt_n jeremiah_n be_v force_v along_o with_o they_o who_o there_o prophesy_v against_o egypt_n and_o foretell_v its_o destruction_n by_o the_o babylonian_n jer._n xliii_o and_o at_o last_o suffer_v maâ—yrdom_n their_o go_v into_o egypt_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o jeremiah_n but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o order_v thing_n that_o jeremiah_n shall_v be_v carry_v thither_o with_o the_o rest_n to_o testify_v against_o their_o wickedness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o upon_o the_o egyptian_n in_o who_o they_o place_v their_o confidence_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o then_o to_o die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v cyrus_n and_o darius_n desire_v the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o kingdom_n alexander_n the_o great_a pâ—olemaeus_n philadelphus_n augustus_n tiberius_n and_o vitellius_n send_v victim_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v at_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o philo_n and_o josephus_n the_o jew_n constant_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o king_n and_o emperor_n under_o who_o they_o live_v and_o for_o their_o ally_n and_o confederate_n 1_o maccab._n seven_o 33._o &_o twelve_o 11._o and_o it_o be_v expect_v of_o they_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o this_o contrary_a to_o their_o know_a and_o approve_a custom_n in_o all_o former_a time_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o hasten_v their_o final_a destruction_n by_o the_o roman_n the_o course_n of_o alexander_n victory_n be_v so_o unexpected_a so_o sudden_a and_o every_o way_n so_o wonderful_a that_o it_o alarm_v the_o world_n and_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n only_o to_o gratify_v the_o ambition_n and_o vanity_n of_o a_o rash_a youth_n but_o to_o open_v a_o way_n for_o a_o communication_n between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o when_o this_o work_n be_v do_v he_o be_v no_o long_o the_o same_o man_n he_o have_v be_v before_o but_o soon_o resign_v his_o conquest_n with_o his_o life_n alexander_n be_v say_v by_o ult_n by_o joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 11._o c._n ult_n josephus_n to_o have_v be_v mighty_o encourage_v in_o his_o enterprise_n against_o persia_n by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n he_o remit_v the_o tribute_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n in_o which_o by_o their_o law_n they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o sow_v their_o ground_n 17._o ground_n ibid._n l._n 14._o c._n 17._o which_o be_v afterward_o remit_v to_o they_o likewise_o by_o the_o roman_n he_o grant_v the_o jew_n who_o in_o great_a number_n list_v themselves_o in_o his_o army_n the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o promise_v to_o grant_v the_o same_o to_o the_o jew_n of_o babylon_n and_o media_n and_o those_o of_o sanballat_n faction_n who_o follow_v he_o into_o egypt_n he_o place_v in_o thebais_n hecatoeus_n who_o live_v in_o alexander_n time_n write_v etc._n write_v joseph_n contra_fw-la ap._n lib._n 1._o pag._n 1048_o etc._n etc._n a_o book_n concern_v the_o jew_n in_o which_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o great_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o this_o instance_n that_o when_o alexander_n repair_v the_o temple_n of_o belus_n at_o babylon_n his_o soldier_n who_o be_v jew_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o help_v forward_o that_o work_n and_o at_o last_o the_o king_n excuse_v they_o he_o relate_v that_o hezechias_n the_o highpriest_n of_o the_o jew_n
between_o virgil_n four_o eclogue_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o into_o greek_a in_o constantine_n oration_n be_v rather_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n than_o against_o it_o for_o constantine_n be_v wont_a to_o compose_v his_o oration_n and_o epistle_n in_o latin_a and_o they_o be_v translate_v into_o greek_a by_o some_o who_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o service_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o translation_n translate_v only_o what_o be_v proper_o virgil_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o what_o be_v by_o virgil_n borrow_a from_o the_o sibyl_n he_o write_v down_o the_o original_a greek_a not_o translate_n the_o variation_n which_o virgil_n have_v make_v from_o it_o to_o apply_v the_o prophecy_n to_o his_o own_o subject_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_n take_v as_o great_a a_o liberty_n as_o this_o in_o their_o translation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o allowable_a when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o design_n or_o likelihood_n of_o deceit_n in_o the_o translation_n of_o so_o famous_a a_o poem_n as_o that_o eclogue_n of_o virgil._n this_o be_v but_o to_o point_v out_o the_o alteration_n which_o virgil_n have_v make_v and_o to_o show_v how_o easy_o these_o part_n of_o his_o poem_n may_v be_v supply_v from_o the_o original_a greek_a and_o perhaps_o this_o be_v a_o know_a translation_n of_o that_o eclogue_n which_o have_v be_v make_v with_o this_o design_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o answer_v all_o the_o other_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o sybilline_a oracle_n so_o far_o as_o the_o notion_n here_o propose_v be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o book_n which_o we_o have_v now_o contain_v manifest_a falsification_n and_o forgery_n yet_o there_o must_v have_v be_v something_o real_a to_o give_v a_o pretence_n and_o countenance_n to_o so_o many_o elaborate_a forgery_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v the_o sibylline_a oracle_n mention_v in_o tully_n sallust_n virgil_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n receive_v a_o considerable_a promulgation_n from_o these_o oracle_n which_o serve_v to_o awaken_v in_o the_o gentile_n a_o expectation_n of_o a_o king_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o judaea_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o gospel_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n like_o the_o rise_a sun_n it_o diffuse_v its_o divine_a light_n and_o influence_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n its_o propagation_n be_v itself_o a_o miracle_n and_o answerable_a to_o that_o miraculous_a power_n of_o language_n and_o other_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v accomplish_v tertullian_n acquaint_v we_o 7._o we_o tertull._n adv_o judoee_n c._n 7._o that_o it_o be_v soon_o propagate_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o northern_a part_n of_o britain_n and_o we_o know_v it_o receive_v as_o early_o a_o propagation_n in_o other_o place_n more_o remote_a be_v preach_v by_o st._n bartholomew_n 10._o bartholomew_n euseb_n hist_o l._n 3._o c._n 1._o &_o l._n 5._o c._n 10._o to_o the_o indian_n by_o st._n thomas_n to_o the_o parthian_n and_o to_o the_o scythian_n by_o st._n andrew_n in_o st._n augustine_n time_n 7._o time_n st._n aug._n de_fw-fr vtilit_fw-la credendi_fw-la c._n 7._o the_o christian_n be_v more_o numerous_a in_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n together_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a disciple_n and_o follower_n have_v carry_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o than_o either_o ambition_n or_o avarice_n itself_o till_o of_o late_a year_n have_v make_v any_o discovery_n which_o tertullian_n likewise_o sufficient_o intimate_v the_o cross_n be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o chinese_n by_o those_o who_o first_o go_v from_o europe_n 31._o europe_n trigaut_n de_fw-fr christ_n expedit_fw-la apud_fw-la sinus_n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o alvar._n semedo_n hist_o of_o china_n part_v 1._o c._n 31._o into_o china_n and_o a_o bell_n be_v see_v there_o which_o have_v greek_a character_n engrave_v on_o it_o and_o those_o who_o honour_v the_o cross_n be_v in_o so_o great_a number_n in_o the_o northern_a province_n that_o they_o give_v jealousy_n to_o the_o infidel_n the_o christian_n there_o be_v call_v isai_n from_o the_o name_n jesus_n and_o from_o the_o chaldee_n book_n which_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o coast_n of_o malabar_n it_o appear_v that_o st._n thomas_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o china_n and_o found_v many_o church_n there_o the_o passage_n which_o prove_v this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o trigautius_n and_o semedo_n translate_v out_o of_o those_o book_n nicolas_n de_fw-fr conti_n 16._o conti_n purch_n part_n 1._o l._n 4._o c._n 16._o say_v of_o the_o chinese_n that_o when_o they_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n they_o turn_v their_o face_n to_o the_o east_n and_o with_o their_o hand_n join_v say_v god_n in_o trinity_n keep_v we_o in_o this_o law_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o china_n ib._n china_n le_fw-fr compte's_n memoirs_fw-fr p._n 348._o semedo_n ib._n by_o some_o who_o come_v from_o judaea_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v monk_n a._n d._n dcxxxvi_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o a_o marble_n table_n erect_v a._n d._n dcclxxxii_o and_o find_v a._n d._n mdcxxv_o this_o monument_n contain_v the_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o inscription_n may_v be_v see_v in_o le_fw-fr compte_n memoir_n and_o the_o whole_a be_v translate_v by_o semedo_n hornius_n 15._o hornius_n horn._n de_fw-fr orig._n american_n l._n 4_o c._n 15._o indeed_o reject_v this_o inscription_n which_o be_v likewise_o produce_v by_o kircher_n as_o counterfeit_v but_o without_o any_o cause_n that_o i_o can_v perceive_v for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o fraud_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v all_o the_o point_n of_o popery_n insert_v in_o it_o osorius_n write_v 2._o write_v hierom._n oâ—r_n de_fw-fr rebus_fw-la eman_n lusitan_n regis_fw-la l._n 2._o that_o the_o brahmin_n believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o god_n incarnate_a to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o st._n thomas_n be_v esteem_v most_o holy_a among_o the_o saracen_n and_o other_o nation_n for_o the_o report_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v there_o the_o gentile_n of_o indostan_n 4._o indostan_n continuat_fw-la of_o the_o history_n of_o m._n bernier_n tom._n 4._o retain_v some_o notion_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o second_o person_n though_o corrupt_v with_o fabulous_a story_n the_o people_n of_o ceylon_n 5._o ceylon_n capt._n knox_n his_o hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_v 3._o c._n 5._o do_v firm_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o indian_n in_o america_n 28._o america_n jos_n accost_n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 28._o worship_v a_o god_n who_o they_o say_v be_v one_o in_o three_o and_o three_o in_o one._n they_o baptise_a 9_o baptise_a pet._n mart._n decad_n 4._o c._n 8._o &_o decad._n 8._o c._n 9_o their_o child_n and_o use_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n have_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o cross_n and_o think_v it_o a_o preservative_n against_o evil_a spirit_n they_o believe_v the_o 16._o the_o lerii_fw-la navigate_fw-la in_o bras_fw-fr c._n 16._o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n they_o have_v monastery_n nunnery_n confessor_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o mexican_n 25._o mexican_n accost_n l._n 5._o c._n 14_o 23_o 24_o 25._o in_o their_o ancient_a tongue_n call_v their_o high-priest_n papae'_v or_o sovereign_a bishop_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o history_n it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a relation_n which_o lerius_fw-la give_v ibid._n give_v lerius_fw-la navigate_fw-la ibid._n of_o the_o people_n of_o brasil_n that_o when_o he_o have_v discourse_v to_o they_o concern_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o become_v christian_n one_o of_o their_o ancient_a man_n answer_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v excellent_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o they_o which_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o they_o have_v often_o hear_v from_o their_o forefather_n that_o a_o long_a while_n ago_o many_o age_n before_o their_o time_n there_o come_v a_o stranger_n into_o their_o country_n in_o such_o a_o habit_n and_o with_o a_o beard_n as_o they_o see_v the_o french_a wear_n for_o these_o american_n wear_v none_o who_o preach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n as_o they_o have_v now_o hear_v he_o do_v but_o that_o the_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o he_o upon_o which_o lerius_fw-la observe_v that_o nicephorus_n write_v that_o st._n matthew_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o cannibal_n and_o he_o think_v it_o not_o improbable_a that_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n may_v pass_v into_o america_n that_o the_o sound_v of_o
be_v keep_v of_o every_o family_n make_v they_o have_v a_o more_o separate_a and_o distinct_a interest_n in_o every_o tribe_n and_o a_o more_o exact_a account_n of_o time_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n in_o every_o family_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o the_o people_n of_o other_o nation_n may_v be_v where_o marriage_n and_o inheritance_n be_v promiscuous_a and_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v for_o the_o like_a emulation_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o where_o no_o such_o remembrance_n and_o notice_n of_o the_o transaction_n of_o affair_n be_v to_o be_v consult_v by_o any_o one_o of_o every_o private_a family_n in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o second_o month_n in_o the_o second_o year_n after_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n moses_n and_o aaron_n assemble_v all_o the_o congregation_n together_o and_o they_o declare_v their_o pedigree_n after_o their_o family_n by_o the_o house_n of_o their_o father_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o name_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a by_o their_o poll_n num._n i._n 1_o 18._o and_o this_o be_v do_v again_o in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o year_n chap._n xxvi_o and_o these_o genealogy_n we_o preserve_v not_o only_o during_o the_o captivity_n ezra_n seven_o and_o down_o to_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n but_o even_o to_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n who_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o apion_n say_v that_o they_o have_v the_o genealogy_n of_o their_o priest_n then_o still_o extant_a for_o two_o thousand_o year_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o tribe_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o separate_a interest_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o korah_n sedition_n against_o moses_n and_o every_o man_n among_o their_o tribe_n may_v certain_o hereby_o know_v how_o many_o generation_n he_o be_v remove_v from_o those_o who_o first_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o may_v find_v the_o name_n of_o his_o ancestor_n register_v who_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o moses_n or_o come_v with_o joshua_n over_o jordan_n and_o this_o must_v make_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o ancestor_n more_o dear_a and_o familiar_a to_o they_o and_o it_o must_v make_v they_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n for_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o especial_o for_o a_o book_n upon_o which_o their_o right_n of_o inheritance_n and_o the_o title_n they_o have_v to_o all_o they_o enjoy_v depend_v this_o be_v the_o deed_n by_o which_o they_o hold_v their_o estate_n and_o the_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n as_o it_o be_v of_o their_o ancestor_n among_o who_o the_o land_n be_v divide_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n be_v more_o careful_a of_o nothing_o than_o of_o the_o write_n by_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o estate_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a dauger_v when_o a_o will_n be_v once_o come_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o right_a heir_n that_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v or_o salsify_v to_o his_o prejudice_n but_o if_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v alter_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o advantage_n to_o such_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o make_v the_o alteration_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o other_o who_o therefore_o will_v have_v find_v themselves_o concern_v to_o oppose_v such_o alteration_n but_o as_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o deed_n of_o settlement_n to_o every_o tribe_n and_o family_n so_o they_o be_v a_o law_n too_o which_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v and_o observe_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o be_v so_o general_o know_v and_o universal_o practise_v it_o can_v no_o more_o be_v falsify_v at_o any_o time_n since_o its_o first_o promulgation_n than_o it_o can_v be_v now_o at_o this_o day_n for_o 2._o another_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n less_o capable_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o they_o be_v by_o their_o law_n themselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o constant_a study_n of_o they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n and_o to_o be_v continual_o discourse_v and_o meditate_v on_o they_o to_o bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o frontlet_n between_o their_o eye_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n speak_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o door-post_n of_o their_o house_n and_o upon_o their_o gate_n deut._n xi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v more_o notorious_a and_o familiar_a to_o they_o and_o according_o they_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o as_o josephus_n say_v know_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v their_o own_o name_n they_o have_v they_o constant_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o thousand_o have_v die_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o and_o can_v by_o no_o menace_n or_o torment_n be_v bring_v to_o forsake_v or_o renounce_v they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n one_o day_n in_o seven_o be_v by_o moses_n his_o law_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o learning_n and_o understand_v of_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o tradition_n that_o moses_n appoint_v the_o law_n to_o be_v read_v therice_o every_o year_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o grotius_n 2._o grotius_n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la matth._n xv_o 2._o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n however_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o that_o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath-day_n act._n xv_o 21._o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o synagogue_n before_o the_o captivity_n but_o then_o by_o synagogue_n must_v be_v understand_v place_n of_o judicature_n rather_o than_o of_o divine_a worship_n for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v but_o the_o jew_n have_v their_o proseuchas_fw-la or_o place_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o beginning_n since_o it_o be_v incredible_a that_o those_o who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o can_v not_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o other_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n beside_o the_o three_o great_a festival_n when_o all_o their_o male_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n shall_v not_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v nay_o they_o be_v by_o a_o express_a law_n oblige_v to_o it_o on_o the_o sabbath_n the_o seven_o day_n be_v the_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n a_o holy_a convocation_n you_o shall_v do_v no_o work_n therein_o it_o be_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o your_o dwelling_n leu._n xxiii_o 3._o they_o must_v therefore_o have_v place_n in_o all_o their_o dwelling_n to_o resort_v to_o where_o they_o hold_v their_o convocation_n or_o assembly_n and_o these_o they_o go_v to_o on_o the_o new_a moon_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o sabbath_n 2_o king_n four_o 23._o which_o make_v the_o psalmist_n lament_v that_o the_o enemy_n have_v burn_v up_o all_o the_o synagogue_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n psal_n lxxiu_o 8._o and_o be_v meet_v together_o there_o be_v as_o little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o they_o read_v the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v by_o they_o in_o their_o family_n and_o much_o more_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o their_o solemn_a day_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n therefore_o be_v â—ead_a in_o their_o synagogue_n in_o every_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o ancient_a generation_n or_o from_o the_o first_o settlement_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o then_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n the_o law_n be_v read_v in_o the_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o year_n of_o release_n in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n moses_n write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o command_v it_o to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n deut._n xxxi_o 29._o as_o the_o two_o table_n of_o stone_n be_v put_v into_o the_o ark_n itself_o chap._n x._o 5._o and_o this_o he_o deliver_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o to_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n and_o command_v they_o say_v at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o year_n of_o release_n in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o
ceremony_n and_o which_o where_o purposely_o design_v in_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o to_o the_o custom_n which_o they_o have_v be_v themselves_o acquaint_v with_o in_o egypt_n in_o so_o many_o instance_n can_v be_v at_o first_o introduce_v but_o by_o miracle_n but_o if_o they_o can_v have_v be_v once_o introduce_v without_o miracle_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v but_o that_o when_o the_o people_n be_v use_v and_o accustom_a to_o they_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o as_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v over_o awe_v by_o a_o report_n of_o miracle_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v never_o to_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o till_o the_o people_n give_v occasion_n for_o the_o invention_n of_o they_o by_o their_o disobedience_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v read_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o synagogue_n or_o religious_a assembly_n in_o the_o several_a tribe_n at_o least_o every_o sabbath-day_n and_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v solemn_o read_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o people_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n every_o seven_o year_n and_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o from_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o it_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n yet_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_a and_o forgetful_a as_o not_o to_o remember_v when_o these_o miracle_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v first_o read_v to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v they_o before_o but_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o impose_v upon_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n read_v every_o week_n to_o they_o and_o have_v they_o beside_o in_o their_o own_o keep_n to_o read_v they_o at_o their_o leisure_n the_o miracle_n now_o make_v up_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n they_o be_v every_o where_o intersperse_v and_o intermix_v throughout_o the_o history_n and_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o miracle_n so_o often_o repeat_v and_o every_o be_v inculcate_v can_v be_v insert_v by_o any_o contrivance_n and_o impose_v upon_o a_o people_n who_o be_v all_o wont_a to_o hear_v the_o law_n public_o read_v in_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n once_o every_o seven_o year_n and_o hear_v it_o read_v in_o their_o synagogue_n beside_o every_o seven_o day_n will_v they_o not_o be_v infinite_o surprise_v the_o first_o time_n they_o hear_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o plague_n inflict_v on_o the_o egyptian_n of_o the_o judgement_n upon_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n and_o of_o the_o miraculous_a punishment_n which_o befall_v the_o idolatrous_a and_o disobedient_a in_o the_o wilderness_n will_v they_o not_o soon_o have_v find_v out_o so_o obvious_a a_o deceit_n as_o this_o must_v have_v be_v if_o it_o have_v be_v one_o if_o we_o can_v think_v that_o such_o insertion_n can_v pass_v without_o discovery_n why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o believe_v too_o that_o as_o many_o more_o may_v be_v make_v now_o and_o not_o be_v discover_v will_v not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n have_v be_v able_a to_o testify_v that_o all_o this_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o insert_v into_o the_o law_n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v read_v to_o they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n nor_o have_v be_v read_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o last_o seven_o year_n but_o it_o be_v all_o now_o add_v to_o terrify_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o follow_v the_o custom_n of_o other_o nation_n will_v not_o this_o have_v be_v the_o worst_a contrivance_n that_o can_v have_v be_v think_v of_o to_o keep_v a_o people_n in_o awe_n to_o tell_v they_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o every_o man_n of_o they_o can_v disprove_v that_o be_v of_o age_n and_o have_v but_o understanding_n and_o memory_n enough_o to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v so_o often_o read_v before_o and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o they_o can_v hardly_o escape_v any_o one_o memory_n who_o have_v ever_o hear_v of_o they_o they_o have_v book_n of_o the_o law_n for_o their_o private_a read_n and_o beside_o the_o read_n of_o it_o in_o their_o weekly_a assembly_n they_o have_v a_o solemn_a publication_n and_o proclamation_n of_o their_o law_n once_o every_o seven_o year_n as_o it_o be_v purposely_o to_o prevent_v any_o design_n of_o falsify_v it_o and_o to_o have_v read_v any_o thing_n so_o remarkable_a as_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o all_o their_o circumstance_n so_o often_o repeat_v and_o insist_v upon_o if_o the_o people_n have_v not_o find_v they_o in_o their_o own_o book_n and_o have_v not_o be_v use_v to_o hear_v they_o read_v to_o they_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n have_v be_v only_o for_o the_o projector_n to_o proclaim_v themselves_o impostor_n but_o can_v never_o have_v deceive_v any_o man._n and_o beside_o the_o care_n that_o be_v take_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v public_a memorial_n of_o the_o principal_a miracle_n enjoin_v such_o be_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o angel_n pass_v over_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o slay_v the_o first-born_a bear_v of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o tarbernacle_n in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o dwell_n in_o tent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o such_o be_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n the_o ark_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n these_o be_v thing_n see_v and_o observe_v or_o know_v by_o all_o and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v introduce_v after_o moses_n time_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o it_o since_o they_o who_o introduce_v they_o must_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v before_o at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o they_o design_v first_o to_o introduce_v they_o the_o vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n be_v both_o a_o constant_a miracle_n and_o a_o constant_a attestation_n to_o the_o law_n by_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v and_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o leprosy_n either_o in_o person_n or_o thing_n be_v secure_v from_o the_o infection_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v infectious_a to_o all_o other_o and_o their_o constant_a service_n can_v not_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o 2030._o a_o vid._n lightfoot'_v prospect_n of_o the_o temple_n c._n 34._o p._n 2030._o miraculous_a dispensation_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o proof_n which_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o bring_v in_o any_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o be_v falsify_v by_o any_o man_n or_o party_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o since_o the_o nature_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o do_v effectual_o provide_v against_o all_o imposture_n and_o the_o jew_n have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o people_n to_o have_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o same_o which_o he_o write_v and_o leave_v behind_o he_o and_o this_o inspire_v they_o with_o such_o a_o zeal_n for_o their_o law_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n in_o vindication_n of_o it_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o book_n whatsoever_o as_o josephus_n observe_v among_o the_o heathen_n which_o any_o man_n among_o they_o will_v not_o rather_o a_o thousand_o time_n see_v destroy_v though_o it_o be_v in_o never_o so_o much_o esteem_v with_o they_o than_o he_o will_v suffer_v for_o it_o which_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o their_o law_n from_o all_o the_o evidence_n abovementioned_a and_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o which_o moses_n deliver_v and_o leave_v behind_o he_o 3._o the_o pentateuch_n can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v conceal_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v know_v of_o the_o imposture_n and_o no_o man_n ever_o discover_v it_o nor_o no_o apostate_n ever_o divulge_v it_o but_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n shall_v always_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o law_n to_o be_v reveal_v to_o moses_n by_o god_n himself_o just_a as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o in_o the_o peutateuch_n that_o under_o all_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n they_o shall_v impute_v their_o suffering_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o
nation_n to_o report_v that_o after_o so_o many_o loathsome_a and_o grievous_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o he_o and_o his_o whole_a army_n in_o the_o red-sea_n make_v their_o escape_n and_o that_o they_o force_v their_o way_n through_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n that_o withstand_v their_o passage_n into_o canaan_n and_o vanquish_v and_o destroy_v they_o as_o they_o go_v and_o then_o to_o proclaim_v a_o sacred_a war_n against_o all_o the_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o many_o of_o who_o posterity_n be_v remain_v in_o solomon_n time_n and_o probable_o long_a after_o and_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v great_a part_n of_o what_o the_o israelite_n affirm_v of_o themselves_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o of_o a_o late_a invention_n for_o any_o people_n i_o say_v to_o invent_v such_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o ancestor_n and_o then_o to_o make_v such_o law_n and_o to_o have_v the_o one_o believe_v and_o the_o other_o obey_v be_v altogether_o incredible_a when_o they_o have_v enrage_v all_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n to_o their_o destruction_n they_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o their_o law_n to_o leave_v all_o their_o border_n naked_a thrice_o every_o year_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o no_o people_n can_v have_v live_v half_o a_o age_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n under_o such_o law_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v protect_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o appear_v therefore_o that_o as_o neither_o moses_n himself_o nor_o any_o party_n of_o man_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o after_o it_o can_v either_o invent_v or_o change_n and_o falsify_v the_o book_n which_o be_v under_o his_o name_n so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o extravagant_a if_o possible_a to_o conceit_n that_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n shall_v either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o afterward_o be_v conscious_a to_o such_o a_o imposture_n and_o yet_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o discover_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v to_o this_o day_n be_v conceal_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o that_o neither_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n when_o jeroboam_n be_v force_v to_o set_v up_o altar_n in_o other_o place_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n nor_o upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n this_o secret_a if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v so_o which_o must_v be_v know_v to_o so_o many_o thousand_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o light_v beside_o that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v those_o law_n by_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v so_o hardly_o bring_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v disobedient_a they_o will_v never_o have_v pretend_v they_o be_v and_o have_v invent_v miracle_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o forward_o in_o their_o obedience_n they_o can_v not_o have_v live_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n without_o a_o perpetual_a miracle_n if_o then_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o consequent_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o give_v his_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o if_o neither_o moses_n himself_o can_v feign_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o afterward_o can_v insert_v they_o or_o change_v the_o law_n and_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n conspire_v in_o such_o a_o fiction_n and_o imposture_n we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o any_o sober_a man_n can_v desire_v both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n pen_v by_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o after_o all_o the_o reflection_n make_v by_o infidel_n upon_o the_o credulity_n as_o they_o esteem_v it_o of_o other_o there_o be_v none_o so_o credulous_a as_o they_o for_o they_o reject_v the_o most_o certain_a to_o believe_v the_o most_o incredible_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o divine_a mission_n and_o authority_n of_o moses_n be_v sully_v prove_v from_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v institute_v the_o jewish_a government_n be_v in_o point_n both_o of_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n concern_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n must_v he_o watchful_a over_o this_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n 2_o that_o whatever_o befall_v they_o either_o by_o prophecy_n or_o by_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a appointment_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o revelation_n make_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v beside_o its_o own_o proper_a and_o intrinsic_a evidence_n the_o additional_a proof_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o moses_n his_o book_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o consequent_a to_o these_o 3._o that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o this_o place_n reciprocal_o prove_v each_o other_o like_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n the_o pentateuch_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o these_o and_o these_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o fulfil_n the_o several_a prediction_n of_o it_o chap._n vii_o of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n under_o their_o government_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o joshua_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n and_o some_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n yet_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o must_v be_v write_v by_o his_o particular_a order_n in_o his_o life-time_n or_o soon_o after_o his_o death_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n among_o the_o several_a tribe_n shall_v forthwith_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v for_o no_o people_n can_v be_v name_v who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n that_o trust_v the_o boundary_n of_o their_o land_n to_o memory_n and_o there_o be_v no_o delay_n to_o be_v use_v in_o such_o case_n joshua_n therefore_o who_o do_v by_o lot_n set_v out_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o tribe_n at_o the_o same_o time_n put_v they_o down_o in_o write_v which_o he_o lest_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n to_o prevent_v dispute_n and_o to_o be_v appeal_v to_o in_o case_n any_o controversy_n shall_v arise_v but_o the_o bare_a distribution_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o to_o be_v transmit_v without_o a_o account_n of_o the_o miraculous_a conquest_n of_o it_o which_o may_v dispose_v they_o to_o be_v conâ—ented_v with_o their_o several_a lot_n and_o remind_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o possesssion_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o land_n which_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o thy_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v write_v during_o the_o life-time_n of_o rahab_n jos_n vi_fw-la 25._o and_o to_o have_v be_v write_v in_o part_n at_o least_o by_o joshua_n himself_o and_o annex_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n chap._n xxiv_o 26._o but_o the_o five_o last_o verse_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o what_o follow_v after_o it_o be_v add_v by_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n probable_o by_o samuel_n who_o according_a to_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n where_o we_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v concern_v the_o death_n of_o joshua_n judg._n two_o 7._o the_o book_n of_o judge_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n two_o 23._o judg._n xiii_o 5._o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v entitle_v to_o samuel_n act._n iii._o 24._o where_o samuel_n be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o the_o book_n write_v by_o they_o that_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n be_v pen_v before_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalâ—â—â—_n by_o david_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o judg._n i._n 22._o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n joshua_n undertake_v the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o investiture_n to_o it_o by_o moses_n num._n xxvii_o 22._o who_o also_o foretell_v the_o great_a success_n that_o
to_o lose_v so_o many_o talent_n and_o to_o want_v their_o help_n in_o the_o war_n and_o to_o venture_v the_o ravage_v that_o such_o a_o army_n who_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o affront_v make_v in_o his_o country_n upon_o the_o prophet_n assure_v he_o that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o the_o victory_n if_o he_o will_v dismiss_v they_o but_o not_o otherwise_o and_o tell_v he_o the_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o give_v thou_o much_o more_o than_o this_o and_o the_o event_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n 2_o chron._n twenty-five_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n likewise_o at_o the_o word_n of_o oded_a the_o prophet_n send_v back_o two_o hundred_o thousand_o person_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n with_o great_a spoil_n which_o they_o have_v take_v 2_o chron._n xxviii_o so_o ready_a and_o so_o general_a a_o compliance_n in_o such_o case_n can_v arise_v from_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a belief_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v but_o at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v despise_v and_o persecute_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n be_v not_o only_o attest_v by_o miracle_n and_o justify_v by_o the_o event_n and_o confess_v by_o the_o deference_n and_o respect_n both_o of_o the_o king_n and_o people_n but_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o their_o suffering_n and_o seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v at_o last_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v slay_v they_o they_o be_v most_o forward_o and_o zealous_a to_o adorn_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o their_o forefather_n have_v kill_v and_o to_o die_v in_o vindication_n of_o those_o prophecy_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v slay_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n till_o the_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n some_o prophesy_v for_o many_o year_n jeremiah_n for_o above_o one_o and_o forty_o year_n ezekâ—el_n about_o twenty_o year_n the_o least_o time_n assign_v to_o hosea_n prophesy_v be_v forty_o three_o year_n amos_n prophesy_v about_o six_o and_o twenty_o year_n micah_n about_o fifty_o isaiah_n jonah_n and_o daniel_n a_o much_o long_a time_n so_o that_o they_o live_v to_o see_v divers_a of_o their_o own_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o to_o have_v suffer_v as_o false_a prophet_n if_o they_o have_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o though_o many_o prophecy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v till_o long_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o deliver_v they_o yet_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n or_o they_o foretell_v some_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v soon_o after_o according_a to_o their_o prediction_n to_o give_v evidence_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o confirm_v their_o divine_a miâ—â—ion_n the_o prophet_n commit_v their_o prophecy_n to_o writing_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o posterity_n isa_n thirty_o 8._o per._n thirty_o 2._o &_o xxxvi_o 32._o hab._n two_o 1_o 2._o and_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n belong_v to_o the_o prophet_n 1_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o 2_o chron._n twelve_o 15._o &_o xiii_o 22._o &_o xx_o 34._o &_o xxvi_o 22._o &_o xxxii_o 32._o and_o both_o in_o their_o prophetical_a and_o historical_a book_n they_o deal_v with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o sincerity_n they_o record_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o they_o leave_v to_o posterity_n a_o relation_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o crime_n of_o their_o best_a prince_n david_n solomon_n and_o other_o who_o be_v type_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o from_o who_o race_n they_o expect_v he_o and_o look_v upon_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o several_a reign_n to_o be_v presage_n of_o his_o be_v yet_o describe_v not_o only_o without_o flattery_n but_o without_o any_o reserve_n or_o extenuation_n they_o write_v as_o man_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o truth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o tell_v it_o the_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o command_v to_o seal_v and_o shut_v up_o their_o prophecy_n that_o the_o original_n may_v be_v preserve_v till_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o and_o then_o compare_v with_o the_o event_n isai_n viij_o 16._o jer._n xxxii_o 14._o dan._n viij_o 26._o &_o twelve_o 4._o for_o when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v till_o many_o year_n and_o in_o some_o case_n not_o till_o several_a age_n afterward_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o original_a write_n shall_v be_v keep_v with_o all_o care_n but_o when_o the_o time_n be_v so_o near_o at_o hand_n that_o the_o prophecy_n must_v be_v in_o every_o one_o memory_n or_o that_o the_o original_n can_v not_o be_v suspect_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v lose_v there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o care_n require_v rev._n xxii_o 10._o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v customary_a 5_o customary_a 〈◊〉_d anâ—â—quit_n l._n 11._o c._n 1._o 〈◊〉_d l._n 6._o c._n 5_o for_o the_o propher_n to_o put_v their_o write_n into_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o lay_v they_o up_o before_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n x._o 25._o and_o there_o be_v a_o tradition_n 4._o tradition_n epiphan_n de_fw-fr ponderib_n &_o measâ—â—_n c._n 4._o that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n be_v put_v into_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n be_v careful_o preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o be_v frequent_o refer_v to_o and_o cite_v by_o the_o latter_a prophet_n the_o pentateuch_n have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o be_v as_o evident_a of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n be_v quote_v jer._n xxvi_o 18._o a_o little_a before_o the_o captivity_n and_o under_o it_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n be_v cite_v dan._n ix_o 2._o and_o all_o the_o prophet_n v._o 6._o and_o so_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_n be_v mention_v neh._n ix_o 26_o 30._o and_o zechariah_n not_o only_o cite_v the_o former_a prophet_n zech._n i_o 4._o but_o suppose_v their_o write_n well_o know_v to_o the_o people_n shall_v you_o not_o hear_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v cry_v by_o the_o former_a prophet_n when_o jerusalem_n be_v inhabit_v and_o in_o prosperity_n chap._n seven_o 7._o the_o prophet_n amos_n be_v likewise_o cite_v tob._n two_o 6._o and_o ionas_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_a chap._n fourteen_o 4_o 5_o 8._o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o that_o ezra_n nehemiah_n daniel_n zechariah_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o keep_v the_o book_n of_o the_o former_a prophet_n for_o they_o frequent_o cite_v they_o and_o appeal_v to_o they_o and_o expect_a deliverance_n out_o of_o their_o captivity_n by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o perhaps_o from_o the_o original_n themselves_o or_o however_o from_o copy_n take_v by_o ezra_n the_o scribe_n or_o by_o some_o of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n or_o at_o least_o acknowledge_v for_o genuine_a and_o approve_v of_o by_o they_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n and_o other_o inspire_a write_n be_v preserve_v and_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o all_o together_o make_v up_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n mention_v act._n seven_o 42._o which_o be_v read_v as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n every_o sabbath-day_n act._n xiii_o 27._o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n samuel_n and_o king_n have_v the_o title_n of_o the_o former_a prophet_n in_o the_o hebrew_n bibles_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o book_n which_o they_o set_v out_o under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n etc._n etc._n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n and_o judge_n have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n be_v write_v by_o samuel_n nathan_n and_o gad_n 1_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n to_o the_o 25_o chapter_n be_v write_v by_o samuel_n himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o and_o the_o whole_a second_o book_n by_o nathan_n and_o gad_n but_o samuel_n be_v a_o person_n so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o history_n and_o have_v write_v so_o much_o of_o it_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o he_o the_o whole_a two_o book_n go_v under_o his_o name_n though_o indeed_o the_o jew_n ancient_o reckon_v both_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n as_o one_o book_n and_o aquila_n as_o theodorit_n have_v observe_v make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o first_o and_o second_o book_n of_o samuel_n follow_v the_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o his_o time_n and_o in_o our_o hebrew_a bibles_n though_o they_o be_v distinguish_v yet_o they_o be_v
character_n of_o a_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o modern_a jew_n in_o like_a manner_n never_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o new_a book_n of_o revelation_n but_o have_v constant_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a and_o what_o inducement_n can_v the_o jew_n have_v to_o receive_v these_o book_n into_o their_o canon_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v rather_o than_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o especial_o remarkable_a in_o some_o book_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v certain_a book_n under_o the_o name_n of_o solomon_n esther_n daniel_n and_o ezra_n but_o not_o admit_v into_o the_o canon_n other_o go_v under_o the_o same_o name_n but_o because_o of_o the_o difference_n in_o their_o authority_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o their_o forefather_n have_v slay_v and_o those_o very_a book_n for_o which_o they_o slay_v they_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o no_o prejudice_n in_o their_o favour_n but_o with_o very_a many_o against_o the_o book_n of_o such_o author_n to_o give_v another_o instance_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n contain_v the_o affair_n and_o transaction_n of_o a_o particular_a family_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n as_o one_o may_v imagine_v at_o first_o view_n and_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v with_o as_o much_o â—are_n and_o as_o constant_o receive_v as_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v little_a reason_n upon_o human_a consideration_n why_o a_o relation_n concern_v that_o family_n shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n rather_o than_o one_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o the_o lineage_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v insert_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o providence_n neither_o the_o emulation_n and_o envy_n of_o other_o family_n nor_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o accident_n hinder_v its_o reception_n and_o preservation_n among_o the_o other_o inspire_v book_n and_o in_o that_o history_n there_o be_v a_o account_v not_o very_o honourable_a for_o david_n family_n in_o derive_v his_o descent_n from_o phares_n of_o thamar_n and_o show_v that_o his_o great_a grandmother_n be_v a_o moabitess_n the_o moabite_n be_v a_o people_n who_o have_v a_o indelible_a mark_n of_o intamy_n sixth_o upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dentr_n xxiii_o 3._o ii_o as_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o tribe_n judah_n so_o if_o they_o reject_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o must_v have_v be_v because_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n own_v the_o temple_n of_o jerasalem_fw-la to_o be_v the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o israelite_n and_o samaritan_n must_v have_v great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o book_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v those_o of_o moses_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n have_v less_o regard_n pay_v to_o they_o upon_o reason_n of_o state_n by_o the_o tribe_n who_o follow_v the_o revolt_n of_o jeroboam_n yet_o when_o 1._o when_o antiqu._n orient_a eccl._n pist_o 1._o joseph_n scaliger_n send_v to_o the_o samaritan_n for_o the_o canticle_n of_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n in_o their_o language_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o joshua_n they_o promise_v to_o send_v he_o they_o and_o it_o be_v prove_v sufficient_o by_o dr_n 25._o dr_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit_fw-la on_o joh._n four_o 25._o lightfoot_n that_o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o rest_n into_o the_o same_o veneration_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n nor_o read_v they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n this_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o f._n simon_n 12._o simon_n crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 1._o c._n 16._o &_o 29._o disquisit_a crit_fw-fr c._n 12._o both_o of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n and_o orient_a and_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu_n eccl._n orient_a morinus_n likewise_o prove_v it_o of_o the_o karaei_n who_o be_v general_o take_v for_o sadducee_n f._n simon_n maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o have_v wrong_v do_v they_o in_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o sadducces_n however_o this_o be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n since_o he_o show_v that_o both_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n or_o caraite_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n beside_o receive_v the_o entire_a volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o contradiction_n lipmanno_n contradiction_n praefat._n de_fw-fr lipmanno_n hackspan_n likewise_o have_v show_v that_o the_o sadducee_n deny_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n iii_o concern_v the_o book_n whereof_o we_o we_o find_v mention_v make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n either_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v now_o in_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o same_o book_n under_o divers_a name_n or_o 2._o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n though_o write_v by_o prophet_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v any_o more_o than_o in_o all_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o show_v the_o care_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o compile_v their_o canon_n that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v into_o it_o all_o the_o write_n even_o of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o but_o only_o such_o as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v write_v by_o they_o as_o prophet_n that_o be_v by_o inspiration_n the_o prophet_n themselves_o no_o doubt_n make_v a_o distinction_n as_o we_o find_v st_n paul_n do_v between_o what_o they_o have_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a direction_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n or_o 3_o they_o may_v not_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n for_o the_o office_n of_o recorder_n or_o remembrancer_n or_o writer_n of_o chronicle_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v mention_v as_o â—n_v office_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o trust_v and_o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o sam._n viij_o â—6_n 2_o king_n xviii_o 18_o 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 8._o isaiah_n xxxvi_o 3_o 22._o beside_o the_o hebrew_n call_v every_o small_a write_v a_o book_n thus_o deut._n xxiv_o 1._o â—hat_n which_o we_o render_v a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n â—s_v in_o the_o original_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o josh_n x._o 13._o and_o 〈◊〉_d sam._n i._n 18._o be_v translate_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n â—o_o matt._n nineteeen_o 7._o and_o mark_v x._o 4._o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o septuagint_n have_v use_v it_o indeed_o may_v signify_v a_o little_a book_n but_o it_o often_o signify_v a_o book_n without_o that_o distinction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v render_v 2_o tim._n four_o 13._o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n be_v a_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a 2_o sam._n xi_o 14_o 15._o and_o lettet_n be_v style_v book_n by_o 4._o by_o herod_n lib._n 1._o c._n 124._o &_o lib._n 6._o c._n 4._o herodotus_n or_o 4._o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n be_v now_o lose_v it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v write_n to_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n which_o be_v dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n several_a thing_n may_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v by_o revelation_n to_o the_o person_n who_o they_o concern_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o writing_n and_o other_o which_o be_v write_v but_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n but_o rather_o concern_v particular_a time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o substance_n whereof_o as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o scripture_n may_v by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o man_n never_o come_v to_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o posterity_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v always_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o common_o they_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o in_o matter_n
may_v not_o suffer_v a_o book_n write_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v encumber_a through_o length_n of_o time_n and_o the_o frailty_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v still_o to_o retain_v the_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a in_o all_o the_o evidence_n necessary_a to_o prove_v it_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o it_o for_o as_o long_o as_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v secure_v all_o the_o rest_n though_o it_o be_v of_o never_o so_o great_a use_n and_o excellency_n yet_o can_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o a_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v permit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o fault_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n to_o become_v perplex_v with_o abundance_n of_o divers_a readins_n and_o even_o with_o contradiction_n in_o the_o chronological_a and_o less_o material_a point_n of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v defective_a as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n either_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o or_o through_o defect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o other_o difficulty_n will_v never_o prove_v it_o not_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n because_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n but_o what_o may_v be_v in_o any_o book_n though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o by_o creation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o the_o formation_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o there_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o late_a year_n prevail_v very_o injurious_a to_o religion_n and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o former_a age_n that_o god_n only_o create_v matter_n and_o give_v it_o motion_n to_o be_v perform_v under_o certain_a law_n by_o which_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n both_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v about_o without_o any_o far_a immediate_a divine_n power_n or_o concourse_n than_o what_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o be_v that_o be_v god_n create_v matter_n and_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n and_o then_o matter_n and_o motion_n do_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o settle_a course_n and_o by_o establish_a law_n without_o any_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a aid_n or_o direction_n this_o notion_n indeed_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o little_o befriend_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v show_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o this_o way_n i._o as_o to_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v consider_v both_o the_o time_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v understand_v either_o the_o time_n when_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o the_o time_n which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o but_o this_o latter_a sense_n will_v come_v under_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n 1._o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o beginning_n of_o time_n or_o of_o the_o world_n duration_n must_v be_v whole_o arbitrary_a and_o absolute_o at_o god_n sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o disposal_n for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o eternal_a duration_n to_o fix_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n more_o to_o one_o time_n than_o another_o or_o to_o determine_v why_o it_o shall_v begin_v soon_o or_o late_a and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v eternal_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n whenever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v no_o good_a objection_n because_o though_o the_o world_n have_v be_v create_v never_o so_o long_o before_o there_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v as_o much_o a_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n for_o there_o must_v have_v be_v some_o period_n of_o time_n when_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v now_o and_o no_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o long_o ago_o but_o still_o it_o may_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v ask_v why_o it_o be_v not_o create_v soon_o 2._o in_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o its_o creation_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanichal_n law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n whereas_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o preserve_v according_a to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v first_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o its_o preservation_n and_o government_n in_o its_o fix_a and_o settle_v state_n the_o origin_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n before_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o several_a law_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o take_v place_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o of_o all_o miracle_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v the_o great_a not_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o production_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o put_v thing_n into_o such_o order_n as_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n ordain_v for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v what_o these_o law_n of_o motion_n be_v which_o the_o philosopher_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o combination_n of_o body_n and_o such_o a_o dependence_n of_o every_o body_n upon_o so_o many_o other_o in_o every_o motion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v how_o any_o two_o body_n will_v act_v upon_o each_o other_o if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o body_n beside_o or_o be_v out_o of_o that_o state_n which_o they_o now_o be_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v range_v and_o settle_v before_o these_o law_n can_v take_v place_n and_o to_o reduce_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o now_o prevail_v in_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o creation_n antecedent_n to_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o indian_a shall_v attempt_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o make_n of_o a_o watch_n by_o the_o several_a motion_n which_o he_o see_v perform_v in_o it_o after_o it_o be_v make_v and_o shall_v imagine_v that_o the_o material_n move_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n at_o last_o arrive_v to_o the_o exact_a frame_n of_o a_o watch._n 2._o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n it_o be_v great_a presumption_n in_o man_n to_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o whatever_o he_o deliver_v of_o himself_o we_o ought_v entire_o to_o believe_v both_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o thou_o have_v understanding_n job_n xxxviii_o 4._o but_o this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o such_o as_o censure_n and_o cavil_v at_o his_o word_n that_o even_o by_o man_n such_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o his_o action_n as_o all_o his_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gainsay_v god_n have_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o measure_n and_o number_n and_o weight_n wisd_v xi_o 20._o and_o as_o to_o
the_o perform_v any_o good_a action_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o jam._n i._n 17._o 3._o we_o learn_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o do_v often_o over-rule_v even_o the_o worst_a action_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o best_a end_n and_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n job_n xv_o 15._o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o case_n of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n when_o jacob_n come_v by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n and_o deprive_v his_o brother_n of_o the_o blessing_n 11._o blessing_n casaub_n in_o athenae_n lib._n 1._o c._n 11._o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n customary_a to_o offer_v that_o of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v in_o sacrifice_n especial_o on_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n as_o a_o father_n give_v his_o final_a blessing_n and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n foretell_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o posterity_n and_o therefore_o when_o jacob_n have_v by_o subtlety_n get_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n can_v not_o recall_v it_o to_o confer_v it_o upon_o esau_n because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o so_o solemn_a a_o manner_n have_v a_o religious_a obligation_n amount_v to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o oath_n though_o obtain_v by_o fraud_n be_v obligatory_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gibeonite_n he_o have_v bless_v jacob_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prediction_n that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a gen._n twenty-five_o 23._o with_o esau_n despise_v and_o sell_v his_o birthright_n may_v now_o probable_o come_v into_o isaac_n mind_n whereupon_o though_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o fraud_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v obtain_v yet_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o that_o the_o divine_a purpose_n and_o prediction_n will_v be_v accomplish_v thereby_o and_o what_o he_o have_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n confer_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o recall_v the_o relation_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o justify_v jacob_n behaviour_n in_o it_o but_o manifest_v the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o make_v any_o mean_n whatsoever_o instrumental_a to_o his_o gracious_a end_n which_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v by_o any_o action_n of_o man_n for_o if_o they_o depend_v upon_o humane_a action_n these_o will_v often_o fail_v they_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o so_o much_o frailty_n and_o sin_n 4._o though_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n do_v accept_v of_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o the_o righteous_a forgive_a upon_o their_o habitual_a repentance_n the_o sin_n and_o frailty_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o best_a action_n and_o pardon_v the_o worst_a action_n likewise_o after_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n yet_o these_o stand_n upon_o record_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o for_o a_o memorial_n and_o warning_n to_o future_a age_n that_o man_n may_v neither_o presume_v upon_o their_o own_o righteousness_n nor_o despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o because_o they_o be_v pardon_v they_o be_v not_o always_o censure_v and_o i_o think_v the_o ill_a action_n of_o good_a man_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o mention_v with_o a_o mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n unless_o the_o series_n of_o the_o history_n require_v it_o and_o then_o the_o reproof_n be_v mention_v which_o pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n peter_n but_o where_o no_o such_o censure_n be_v pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n the_o action_n itself_o be_v bare_o relate_v and_o nothing_o further_o say_v of_o it_o because_o the_o crime_n be_v forgive_v god_n forbear_v to_o show_v any_o further_a displeasure_n against_o it_o such_o be_v his_o mercy_n to_o repent_v sinner_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v for_o any_o censure_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o who_o may_v know_v by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n what_o action_n be_v sinful_a though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o style_v so_o in_o relate_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o imprecation_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o universal_a charity_n which_o it_o enjoin_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o charity_n be_v likewise_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o those_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o imply_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o i._o many_o of_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o nation_n upon_o who_o after_o signal_n act_v of_o mercy_n and_o forbearance_n on_o his_o part_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n on_o they_o god_n have_v command_v the_o israelite_n to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accomplish_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o repent_v and_o that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o they_o in_o the_o fulfil_n his_o will_n but_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v they_o to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o the_o heathen_a ps_n cxlix_o 7._o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a likewise_o to_o pray_v against_o all_o the_o other_o enemy_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v abase_v their_o pride_n and_o make_v they_o to_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n ps_n ix_o 20._o lxxiu_o 22_o 23._o cxxxix_o 21_o 22._o ii_o david_n be_v king_n have_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o when_o his_o rebellious_a subject_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o as_o in_o the_o rebellion_n of_o absalon_n he_o may_v make_v his_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n if_o he_o may_v punish_v his_o subject_n he_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o foreign_a war_n if_o he_o may_v kill_v his_o enemy_n he_o may_v pray_v for_o victory_n and_o success_n over_o they_o iii_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o public_a and_o notorious_a malefactor_n may_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o punishment_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o that_o may_v be_v do_v which_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o seek_v redress_n of_o private_a injury_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v redress_v for_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o success_n upon_o any_o honest_a undertake_n if_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o justice_n and_o a_o necessary_a care_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n not_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o a_o thirst_n after_o revenge_n but_o with_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n that_o the_o worst_a action_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o offender_n in_o give_v he_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n and_o grant_v he_o whatsoever_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n towards_o other_o man_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n iv_o god_n be_v the_o peculiar_a lawgiver_n and_o political_a governor_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o condemnation_n 2_o cor._n three_o 7_o 9_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n as_o such_o belong_v only_o to_o this_o life_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v denounce_v against_o every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o gal._n iii._o 10_o 11._o god_n have_v express_o threaten_v to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o those_o law_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o his_o judgement_n may_v overtake_v evil_a doer_n be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o government_n to_o prosecute_v offender_n before_o the_o magistrate_n they_o appeal_v to_o god_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o force_n against_o they_o and_o not_o to_o
because_o it_o be_v the_o easy_a way_n of_o wit_n flow_v so_o natural_o from_o the_o very_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o any_o smart_a reflection_n may_v easy_o be_v take_v from_o another_o subject_n and_o apply_v here_o with_o advantage_n because_o it_o look_v more_o extravagant_a and_o dare_a and_o surprise_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o for_o the_o bold_a irreverent_a use_n of_o it_o what_o be_v there_o in_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v untrue_a that_o can_v seem_v ridiculous_a what_o in_o the_o awful_a majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o can_v provonke_v the_o laughter_n and_o mockery_n of_o any_o but_o fool_n and_o madman_n it_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o conceive_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o man_n part_n to_o revile_v his_o god_n than_o his_o prince_n to_o speak_v blasphemy_n than_o it_o be_v to_o speak_v treason_n or_o why_o the_o wit_n shall_v atone_v for_o the_o crime_n more_o in_o the_o one_o case_n than_o in_o the_o other_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o very_a moderate_a share_n of_o that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n in_o both_o case_n produce_v your_o cause_n say_v the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a reason_n say_v the_o god_n of_o jacob._n 7._o and_o indeed_o from_o the_o wit_n and_o drollery_n of_o some_o other_o have_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o proceed_v to_o argument_n but_o they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v either_o strong_a or_o plausible_a for_o i_o never_o in_o my_o life_n observe_v so_o much_o disingenuity_n so_o vain_a a_o affectation_n of_o learning_n and_o so_o groundless_a a_o pretence_n to_o reason_n as_o in_o these_o men._n the_o extravagancy_n of_o cardan_n be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o ever_o hear_v of_o he_o the_o lust_n and_o pride_n and_o base_a flattery_n of_o vaninus_n be_v every_o where_o visible_a aut_fw-la deus_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la vaninus_n be_v such_o a_o expression_n as_o no_o man_n beside_o ever_o use_v in_o a_o dialogue_n of_o himself_o and_o mr._n hobb_n love_n of_o singularity_n and_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n be_v evident_a from_o his_o own_o confession_n and_o my_o late_a lord_n clarendon_n who_o know_v he_o well_o have_v acquaint_v the_o world_n both_o with_o the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o man_n and_o with_o the_o error_n of_o his_o write_n but_o i_o shall_v come_v down_o low_o and_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o argument_n of_o late_a writer_n who_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v that_o they_o have_v not_o retain_v and_o improve_v all_o the_o profound_a reason_n of_o their_o predecessor_n in_o irreligion_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v to_o find_v abridge_v in_o a_o book_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n a_o rhapsody_n of_o letter_n and_o some_o small_a tract_n of_o divers_a men._n but_o here_o i_o need_v not_o much_o concern_v myself_o with_o what_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o author_n of_o religio_fw-la medici_n and_o of_o the_o archaeologiae_fw-la philosophicae_fw-la because_o these_o author_n notwithstanding_o those_o objection_n profess_v a_o unfeinged_a belief_n of_o reveal_v religion_n in_o these_o very_a book_n though_o the_o transcriber_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v his_o reader_n with_o such_o profession_n for_o fear_v of_o bring_v a_o antidote_n with_o his_o poison_n but_o since_o those_o objection_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v that_o effect_n upon_o the_o author_n themselves_o all_o that_o they_o can_v serve_v for_o be_v to_o show_v that_o they_o can_v make_v a_o deist_n of_o none_o but_o a_o weak_a or_o a_o ill_a man._n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o preface_n of_o religio_fw-la medici_n to_o see_v how_o disingenuous_a it_o be_v to_o quote_v any_o thing_n from_o that_o book_n as_o the_o fix_a and_o mature_a thought_n of_o sir_n thomas_n brown_n but_o as_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v disingenuity_n enough_o we_o have_v he_o bring_v in_o say_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o find_v in_o his_o book_n 22._o book_n relig._n med._n par_fw-fr 1._o §._o 22._o how_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o creature_n say_v sir_n thomas_n not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o bulk_n but_o with_o a_o competency_n of_o food_n and_o sustenance_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o one_o ark_n and_o within_o the_o extent_n of_o three_o hundred_o cubit_n to_o a_o reason_n that_o right_o examine_v it_o will_v appear_v very_o feasible_a thus_o it_o be_v both_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o and_o in_o the_o annotation_n upon_o it_o but_o our_o 5._o our_o oracle_n of_o reason_n p._n 5._o transcriber_n have_v make_v the_o author_n say_v quite_o contrary_a that_o this_o will_v not_o appear_v very_o feasible_a what_o be_v transcribe_v likewise_o from_o the_o same_o author_n book_n 9_o book_n ibid._n p._n 9_o of_o vulgar_a error_n be_v not_o fair_o cite_v and_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v that_o this_o learned_a author_n have_v a_o whole_a chapter_n in_o that_o very_a work_n concern_v 4._o concern_v vulg._n error_n l._n 5._o c._n 4._o the_o temptation_n of_o eve_n by_o the_o serpent_n where_o that_o be_v clear_v which_o be_v 1._o be_v ibid._n l._n 1._o c._n 1._o before_o bring_v only_o as_o a_o objection_n and_o transcribe_v by_o mr._n blount_n how_o the_o translator_n have_v deal_v with_o the_o author_n of_o archaeologiae_fw-la philosophicae_fw-la i_o have_v not_o his_o book_n by_o i_o to_o examine_v he_o be_v live_v to_o vindicate_v himself_o one_o thing_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o mr._n blount_n assure_v we_o that_o 3._o that_o oracle_n of_o reason_n p._n 3._o this_o learned_a author_n do_v as_o strenuous_o affirm_v as_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n about_o six_o thousand_o year_n since_o whereas_o the_o translation_n which_o this_o gentleman_n send_v mr._n gildon_n with_o his_o letter_n say_v 73._o say_v ibid._n p._n 73._o that_o to_o prescribe_v the_o divine_a creation_n so_o short_a a_o epocha_n as_o the_o limit_n of_o six_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v wat_fw-mi he_o never_o dare_v now_o either_o mr._n blount_n or_o the_o translator_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o author_n and_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o latter_a must_v mistake_v he_o for_o whenever_o the_o world_n have_v be_v create_v there_o must_v have_v be_v a_o time_n when_o it_o have_v exi_v but_o six_o thousand_o year_n and_o then_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o epocha_n may_v have_v be_v object_v as_o well_o as_o now_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o prevent_v this_o objection_n unless_o the_o world_n can_v have_v be_v eternal_a which_o be_v likewise_o impossible_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o time_n which_o be_v successive_a necessary_o imply_v a_o beginning_n and_o as_o this_o author_n by_o his_o translator_n speak_v in_o that_o place_n we_o can_v form_v to_o ourselves_o any_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n create_v from_o eternity_n but_o what_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o either_o of_o these_o author_n will_v fall_v under_o some_o of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o another_o book_n which_o i_o design_v upon_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o only_o single_a out_o such_o particular_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n and_o conceit_n of_o our_o deist_n and_o of_o which_o i_o have_v no_o thought_n or_o occasion_n to_o speak_v elsewhere_o mr._n blount_n 160._o blount_n ibid._n p._n 160._o will_v have_v the_o prophecy_n of_o jacob_n concern_v the_o sceptre_n be_v not_o be_v to_o depart_v from_o judah_n till_o the_o come_v of_o shiloh_n to_o have_v be_v first_o apply_v to_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o cabalist_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o not_o to_o have_v be_v expound_v of_o david_n line_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n at_o least_o not_o general_o for_o here_o he_o be_v not_o so_o positive_a as_o a_o man_n may_v have_v be_v in_o a_o thing_n pure_o of_o his_o own_o invention_n but_o do_v he_o bring_v any_o proof_n or_o probability_n for_o what_o he_o say_v no_o it_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o most_o ancient_a exposition_n of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n but_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o cabbala_n and_o the_o pharisee_n hate_v herod_n and_o the_o herodian_o flatter_v he_o and_o josephus_n flatter_v vespasian_n and_o therefore_o from_o some_o circumstance_n superficial_o frame_v and_o put_v together_o he_o will_v needs_o gather_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o other_o without_o any_o consideration_n have_v to_o what_o so_o many_o have_v say_v to_o reconcile_v they_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o say_v that_o the_o jew_n reckon_v the_o book_n of_o daniel_n among_o their_o hagiographa_n or_o sacred_a but_o not_o canonical_a book_n father_n simon_n to_o who_o write_n i_o suppose_v this_o gentleman_n be_v no_o stranger_n may_v
prophecy_n be_v misapply_v to_o a_o wrong_a person_n the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgil_n contain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o sibyl_n and_o however_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o be_v in_o most_o thing_n much_o more_o applicable_a to_o our_o saviour_n than_o to_o the_o person_n who_o he_o describe_v in_o cataline_n conspiracy_n lentulus_n flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v a_o king_n from_o catiline_n from_o tull._n in_o catalin_n orat._n 3._o sallust_n bell._n catiline_n the_o sibylline_a oracle_n and_o from_o the_o same_o oracle_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v probable_a the_o expectation_n of_o a_o king_n who_o shall_v arise_v out_o of_o judaea_n which_o both_o suetonius_n and_o tacitus_n mention_n 4._o mention_n tacit._n hist_o l._n 5._o sueton._n in_o vespas_fw-la c._n 4._o be_v spread_v throughout_o the_o east_n what_o tully_n say_v lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr divin_n in_o disparagement_n of_o this_o oracle_n be_v not_o much_o considerable_a in_o the_o case_n because_o that_o whole_a book_n be_v write_v with_o a_o design_n to_o disparage_v all_o divination_n in_o general_a for_o be_v a_o academic_a as_o he_o profess_v throughout_o his_o book_n of_o philosophy_n he_o acknowledge_v no_o more_o of_o any_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n as_o he_o own_v himself_o in_o divers_a place_n however_o from_o he_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o sybylline_a oracle_n be_v allege_v to_o the_o purpose_n there_o mention_v and_o that_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o caesar_n and_o of_o monarchy_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o be_v cause_n enough_o for_o tully_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o turn_v it_o to_o ridicule_n 2._o though_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o sibyl_n of_o cuma_n be_v burn_v with_o the_o capitol_n a._n v._o c._n dclxxi_o yet_o virgil_n express_o name_v cuma_n this_o sibyl_n verse_n must_v be_v still_o remain_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o unless_o what_o he_o write_v become_v some_o way_n or_o other_o know_v before_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o capitol_n and_o be_v deliver_v afterward_o down_o by_o tradition_n tully_n quote_v sibylla_n erythraea_n lib._n 1._o de_fw-fr divin_n and_o if_o he_o mean_v the_o same_o sibyl_n in_o the_o 2d_o book_n martianus_n capella_n say_v 2._o say_v martian_a capel_n nupt_v philolog_fw-la l._n 2._o that_o sibylla_n erythraea_n and_o cumana_n be_v the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o search_n which_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n in_o italy_n and_o in_o all_o other_o place_n where_o there_o be_v any_o probability_n of_o find_v any_o remain_n of_o they_o after_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o capitol_n it_o be_v likely_a her_o verse_n may_v be_v recover_v for_o 1._o for_o valer._n maximus_n l._n 1._o c._n 1._o valerius_n maximus_n say_v that_o m._n tullius_n as_o he_o call_v he_o not_o attilius_n be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o tarqvinius_n for_o suffer_v petronius_n sabinus_n to_o transcribe_v the_o sybil_n verse_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v disperse_v in_o divers_a copy_n before_o it_o be_v discover_v so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v suppress_v it_o be_v not_o know_v but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o verse_n of_o some_o other_o sibyl_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibyl_n of_o cuma_n after_o she_o be_v burn_v with_o the_o capitol_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a however_o the_o roman_n certain_o think_v they_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o cuman_a sibyl_n for_o as_o lactantius_n say_v 6._o say_v lactan._n de_fw-fr falsa_fw-la relig_n c._n 6._o they_o allow_v the_o verse_n of_o all_o the_o other_o sibyl_n to_o be_v copy_v out_o and_o publish_v though_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o of_o cuma_n to_o be_v read_v but_o by_o order_n of_o the_o senate_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o care_n they_o can_v not_o keep_v they_o conceal_v for_o we_o meet_v they_o often_o quote_v indeed_o the_o oracle_n in_o the_o capitol_n 4._o capitol_n diovys_n halicar_n l._n 4._o be_v only_a copy_n take_v from_o original_n which_o be_v leave_v in_o those_o place_n from_o whence_o the_o roman_n have_v their_o own_o copy_n transcribe_v and_o the_o original_n may_v be_v read_v and_o other_o copy_n take_v how_o careful_o soever_o the_o roman_n keep_v their_o own_o 3._o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n contain_v thing_n which_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o verse_n themselves_o be_v in_o divers_a hand_n this_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o to_o make_v many_o more_o verse_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sybil_n relate_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n have_v be_v all_o burn_a or_o lose_v or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v so_o close_o that_o no_o body_n can_v possible_o come_v to_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o leave_n from_o the_o senate_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o any_o imposture_n nor_o will_v the_o christian_n ever_o have_v allege_v they_o as_o genuine_a celsus_n object_n only_o 7._o only_o origen_n contra_fw-la cell_n l._n 7._o that_o many_o thing_n be_v add_v to_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o sibyl_n not_o that_o they_o be_v all_o counterfeit_n or_o that_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o mean_n of_o come_v by_o the_o true_a which_o be_v a_o advantage_n that_o a_o adversary_n much_o less_o subtle_a than_o celsus_n will_v not_o have_v omit_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o ground_n for_o it_o origen_n reply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o malicious_a accusation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o by_o produce_v ancient_a copy_n more_o genuine_a than_o those_o which_o the_o christian_n make_v use_v of_o and_o if_o the_o sibyl_n have_v deliver_v nothing_o relate_v to_o these_o matter_n why_o shall_v any_o one_o counterfeit_a verse_n in_o their_o name_n rather_o than_o under_o the_o title_n of_o any_o other_o oracle_n there_o must_v be_v some_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o give_v any_o opportunity_n or_o pretence_n to_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sibyl_n concern_v christ_n must_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o additional_a one_o which_o be_v false_o ascribe_v to_o they_o 4._o isaac_n vossius_fw-la think_v that_o great_a part_n of_o these_o oracle_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o indeed_o pausanias_n say_v 328._o say_v pausan_n in_o phocic_n p._n 328._o one_o of_o the_o sibyl_n be_v by_o the_o jew_n call_v sabba_n the_o same_o i_o suppose_v who_o be_v mention_v by_o 35._o by_o aelian_a l._n 2._o c._n 35._o aelian_a and_o by_o suidas_n say_v to_o be_v descend_v from_o noah_n and_o name_v sambethe_n call_v the_o chaldaean_n and_o by_o some_o the_o hebrew_n and_o also_o the_o persian_a sibyl_n who_o 16._o who_o alexand._n ab_fw-la alex._n l._n 3._o c._n 16._o alexander_n ab_fw-la alexandro_n call_v sibylla_n judaea_n but_o if_o these_o be_v only_o heathen_a oracle_n yet_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o prediction_n concern_v christ_n be_v very_o plain_a though_o not_o so_o particular_a as_o those_o now_o set_v down_o in_o the_o sibylline_a book_n both_o because_o the_o heathen_a have_v but_o few_o oracle_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o so_o many_o of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a that_o these_o shall_v be_v plain_a and_o because_o we_o find_v that_o when_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n see_v it_o fit_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o other_o he_o do_v it_o in_o as_o plain_a a_o manner_n and_o sometime_o in_o a_o plain_a than_o he_o do_v to_o his_o own_o people_n in_o any_o one_o prophecy_n thus_o balaam_n prophecy_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o prophecy_n of_o that_o time_n at_o least_o and_o our_o saviour_n discover_v himself_o more_o plain_o to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n than_o he_o have_v yet_o do_v to_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n john_n four_o 26._o not_o to_o mention_v the_o dream_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n or_o the_o message_n of_o jonah_n to_o the_o ninevite_n and_o as_o balaam_n a_o enchanter_n or_o sorcerer_n deliver_v a_o true_a and_o famous_a prophecy_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n may_v ordain_v that_o these_o celebrate_a prophetess_n who_o oracle_n be_v otherwise_o the_o devil_n instrument_n to_o promote_v his_o end_n shall_v foretell_v our_o saviour_n come_v and_o yet_o st._n augustine_n assure_v we_o 23._o we_o august_n civ_o dei_fw-la l._n 18._o c._n 23._o that_o the_o sibylla_n erythraea_n or_o cumana_n have_v nothing_o of_o idolatry_n in_o her_o verse_n but_o speak_v so_o much_o against_o it_o that_o he_o believe_v she_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o city_n of_o god_n 5._o the_o difference_n which_o there_o be_v
therefore_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v or_o write_v as_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o command_n be_v real_o so_o for_o if_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o work_v perform_v by_o moses_n be_v such_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v whether_o they_o be_v real_o perform_v by_o he_o since_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o god_n may_v not_o upon_o great_a reason_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v suppose_v only_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v give_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o stand_v confirm_v by_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n and_o that_o he_o deliver_v the_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v affirm_v by_o the_o best_a heathen_a author_n as_o diodorus_n siculus_n strabo_n and_o other_o and_o be_v never_o yet_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o question_v by_o any_o man_n for_o those_o who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n which_o contain_v it_o yet_o confess_v that_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v of_o his_o prescribe_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v question_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n who_o give_v they_o their_o law_n how_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o new_a and_o burdensome_a law_n which_o at_o first_o be_v so_o very_o uneasy_a to_o they_o and_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o full_a persunsion_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n can_v ever_o have_v make_v they_o so_o zealous_a for_o shall_v be_v receive_v by_o any_o nation_n mere_o upon_o a_o feign_a and_o groundless_a report_n that_o moses_n have_v at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o deliver_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o man_n or_o such_o a_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o world_n can_v any_o one_o or_o more_o man_n persuade_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o this_o or_o can_v a_o whole_a nation_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n with_o a_o belief_n of_o it_o what_o mighty_a charm_n can_v there_o be_v in_o a_o name_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o in_o a_o story_n new_o invent_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v present_o grow_v fond_a of_o it_o they_o must_v consider_v humane_a nature_n very_o little_a who_o can_v fancy_n any_o thing_n so_o unnatural_a i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v give_v by_o he_o and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o prove_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o miracle_n relate_v of_o he_o be_v indeed_o perform_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v no_o rational_a man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n i_o shall_v now_o therefore_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n bare_o as_o national_a record_v not_o as_o write_v by_o a_o inspire_a author_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o they_o consider_v only_o as_o a_o account_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o person_n inspire_v and_o assist_v by_o god_n and_o both_o write_v and_o do_v all_o by_o god_n express_a will_n and_o appointment_n and_o if_o we_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n in_o this_o matter_n when_o they_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o national_a record_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n either_o 1._o because_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v not_o at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v or_o 2._o because_o the_o record_n themselves_o be_v seign_v and_o therefore_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v not_o to_o be_v depend_v upon_o for_o if_o the_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n then_o if_o the_o history_n be_v true_a the_o miracle_n must_v be_v so_o too_o 1._o the_o miracle_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v the_o permission_n of_o polygamy_n among_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o people_n the_o peculiar_a fruitfulness_n of_o the_o climate_n of_o egypt_n where_o the_o woman_n be_v observe_v to_o bring_v forth_o often_o two_o or_o three_o sometime_o more_o child_n at_o a_o birth_n the_o long_a life_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o age_n and_o above_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v bless_v and_o multiply_v his_o posterity_n in_o isaac_n line_n gen._n xxii_o 17._o cause_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v exceed_o numerous_a in_o a_o few_o generation_n after_o they_o come_v into_o aeygpt_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v their_o father_n and_o he_o go_v down_o into_o aeygpt_n and_o sojourn_v there_o with_o a_o few_o and_o become_v there_o a_o nation_n great_a mighty_a and_o populous_a deut._n xxvi_o 5._o the_o fighting-man_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a that_o be_v number_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n in_o the_o second_o year_n after_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o beside_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n num._n i._n 1_o 46_o 47._o and_o the_o male_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v number_v from_o thirty_o year_n old_a to_o fifty_o be_v egtht_v thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o and_o fourscore_o num._n four_o 47_o 48._o and_o the_o number_n of_o male_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a which_o be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o a_o thousand_o seven_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o beside_o the_o levite_n and_o those_o that_o be_v number_v of_o they_o be_v twenty_o and_o three_o thousand_o all_o male_n from_o a_o month_n old_a and_o upward_a and_o not_o a_o man_n of_o these_o be_v number_v before_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n chap._n xxvi_o 51_o 62_o 64._o and_o those_o of_o the_o other_o sex_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v about_o the_o same_o number_n when_o both_o these_o account_n be_v take_v in_o all_o reckon_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n the_o number_n be_v compute_v at_o three_o million_o and_o all_o this_o people_n the_o parent_n and_o the_o child_n who_o as_o they_o die_v grow_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n be_v conduct_v for_o forty_o year_n together_o by_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v continual_o in_o their_o sight_n god_n take_v he_o a_o nation_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o nation_n by_o temptation_n by_o sign_n and_o by_o wonder_n and_o by_o war_n and_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n and_o by_o great_a terror_n deut._n four_o 34._o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o there_o be_v miracle_n wrought_v to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n these_o be_v public_a and_o notorious_a both_o to_o the_o israelite_n and_o the_o egyptian_n the_o magician_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v the_o like_a with_o their_o enchantment_n but_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n viij_o 19_o and_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o of_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n that_o they_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o two_o nation_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o effect_n and_o event_n of_o they_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v be_v witness_n of_o ten_o plague_n inflict_v successive_o upon_o the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o most_o remarkable_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n and_o when_o pharaoh_n pursue_v they_o as_o they_o be_v go_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o escape_v from_o he_o but_o by_o miracle_n the_o people_n be_v in_o the_o great_a consternation_n they_o wish_v themselves_o again_o in_o egypt_n and_o make_v such_o expostulation_n with_o moses_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n in_o that_o condition_n to_o make_v and_o such_o as_o show_v that_o upon_o the_o first_o opportunity_n they_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a â—o_o deliver_v up_o moses_n to_o secure_v themselves_o and_o malâ—â—_n their_o peace_n with_o pharaoh_n and_o they_o say_v unto_o moses_n because_o there_o be_v no_o grave_n in_o egypt_n have_v thou_o take_v we_o away_o to_o die_v in_o â—he_n wilderness_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o to_o carry_v we_o forth_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v not_o â—his_v
fact_n to_o be_v know_v to_o any_o single_a person_n 2._o have_v show_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o miracle_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v and_o that_o if_o we_o may_v credit_v that_o relation_n all_o the_o miracle_n there_o mention_v be_v certain_o wrought_v by_o he_o since_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o they_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o for_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o miracle_n be_v either_o feign_v or_o falsify_v this_o must_v be_v do_v either_o in_o moses_n his_o time_n or_o afterward_o and_o if_o in_o his_o time_n then_o either_o by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n with_o other_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israâ—l_n together_o and_o if_o it_o be_v do_v after_o moses_n his_o death_n than_o again_o it_o must_v be_v do_v either_o by_o some_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o some_o few_o or_o more_o together_o or_o it_o must_v have_v be_v by_o the_o joint_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n i_o will_v therefore_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n 3._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o 1._o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o can_v never_o invent_v such_o a_o account_n as_o that_o of_o their_o miraculous_a escape_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o their_o travel_v in_o the_o wilderness_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o support_v of_o the_o same_o miraculous_a power_n and_o then_o impose_v it_o upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o truth_n for_o the_o people_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v chief_o concern_v in_o the_o whole_a relation_n moses_n appeal_v to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n the_o lord_n make_v not_o this_o covenant_n with_o our_o father_n but_o with_o we_o even_o with_o we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o we_o here_o alive_a this_o day_n deut._n v._n 3._o and_o know_v you_o this_o day_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o with_o your_o child_n which_o have_v not_o know_v and_o which_o have_v not_o see_v the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n his_o greatness_n his_o mighty_a hand_n and_o his_o stretched-out_a arm_n and_o his_o miracle_n and_o his_o act_n which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o egypt_n unto_o pharaoh_n the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o unto_o all_o his_o land_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o the_o army_n of_o egypt_n unto_o their_o horse_n and_o to_o their_o chariot_n how_o he_o make_v the_o water_n of_o the_o red-sea_n to_o over_o flow_v they_o as_o they_o pursue_v after_o you_o and_o how_o the_o lord_n have_v destroy_v they_o unto_o this_o day_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o wilderness_n until_o you_o come_v into_o this_o place_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o dathan_n and_o abiram_n the_o son_n of_o eliab_n the_o son_n of_o reuben_n how_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o their_o household_n and_o their_o tent_n and_o all_o their_o substance_n that_o be_v in_o their_o possession_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o israel_n but_o your_o eye_n have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o do_v deut._n xi_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o here_o be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v with_o a_o appeal_n to_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o moses_n will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o appeal_n as_o these_o if_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v disprove_v he_o they_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o â—ame_n out_o of_o egypt_n after_o so_o many_o plague_n inflict_v upon_o the_o egyptian_n to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o be_v so_o long_a time_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o that_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o their_o sight_n if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o they_o though_o man_n may_v perhaps_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o their_o ancestor_n a_o long_a time_n ago_o see_v and_o hear_v thing_n which_o they_o never_o see_v nor_o hear_v yet_o a_o whole_a nation_n be_v never_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v persuade_v out_o of_o their_o sense_n at_o once_o and_o moses_n can_v not_o attempt_v to_o make_v so_o many_o man_n believe_v what_o they_o must_v all_o have_v know_v to_o have_v be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o himself_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o but_o he_o will_v have_v lard_n the_o scene_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n and_o not_o have_v bring_v those_o in_o as_o chief_o concern_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n who_o be_v then_o alive_a and_o present_a to_o convince_v he_o of_o falsehood_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o particular_n set_v down_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v false_a and_o as_o ancient_a as_o moses_n his_o time_n they_o must_v be_v invent_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o moses_n and_o aaron_n can_v never_o so_o far_o delude_v so_o many_o thousand_o as_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o variety_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o so_o many_o and_o so_o wonderful_a instance_n set_v forth_o and_o with_o such_o notorious_a circumstance_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o they_o deceive_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o perceive_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o what_o have_v be_v do_v for_o so_o many_o year_n if_o it_o have_v be_v all_o but_o fiction_n 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n if_o the_o miracle_n be_v feign_v after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n either_o the_o law_n must_v likewise_o be_v invent_v or_o alter_v after_o his_o death_n and_o the_o miracle_n insert_v to_o procure_v they_o authority_n or_o the_o law_n remain_v as_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o he_o and_o the_o miracle_n only_o be_v add_v for_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o contain_v the_o law_n deliver_v by_o he_o or_o as_o relate_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o these_o law_n be_v ratify_v and_o establish_v in_o each_o of_o which_o respect_v there_o can_v be_v no_o forgery_n or_o falsification_n for_o 1._o the_o law_n themselves_o can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o alter_v or_o falsify_v because_o the_o whole_a jewish_a state_n and_o policy_n be_v found_v upon_o they_o and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o jewish_a government_n which_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o have_v be_v first_o erect_v by_o moses_n for_o not_o only_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o their_o civil_a right_n and_o interest_n depend_v entire_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n their_o public_a proceed_n and_o their_o private_a deal_n one_o with_o another_o be_v all_o to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v by_o these_o law_n and_o when_o any_o law_n be_v bring_v into_o constant_a use_n and_o practice_n in_o any_o nation_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v be_v alter_v and_o falsify_v and_o a_o new_a system_fw-la of_o law_n introduce_v instead_o of_o they_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n govern_v by_o they_o or_o any_o remembrance_n of_o it_o leave_v among_o they_o no_o material_a alteration_n can_v be_v make_v in_o law_n which_o be_v of_o continual_a use_n and_o which_o concern_v every_o man_n interest_n but_o they_o must_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o discover_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v find_v themselves_o aggrieve_v by_o such_o alteration_n but_o this_o be_v less_o practicable_a among_o the_o jew_n than_o among_o any_o other_o people_n 1._o because_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o the_o genealogy_n which_o
the_o law_n and_o that_o so_o many_o shall_v die_v rather_o than_o depart_v from_o it_o upon_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n jeroboam_n will_v certain_o have_v discover_v it_o if_o he_o have_v but_o suspect_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o imposture_n or_o can_v but_o have_v hope_v to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o of_o humane_a invention_n and_o contrivance_n but_o he_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a whilst_o he_o tempt_v the_o people_n to_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o behold_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n 1_o king_n twelve_o 28._o he_o suppose_v they_o bring_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o two_o calf_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n be_v the_o god_n who_o deliver_v they_o and_o by_o who_o authority_n the_o law_n be_v give_v they_o and_o that_o therefore_o either_o of_o those_o place_n be_v as_o proper_a to_o sacrifice_v in_o as_o jerusalem_n which_o however_o absurd_v it_o be_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o think_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o their_o law_n itself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o imposture_n he_o have_v some_o hope_n to_o succeed_v in_o this_o project_n and_o the_o event_n show_v he_o understand_v the_o temper_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o people_n he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o but_o the_o other_o be_v too_o gross_a for_o he_o to_o attempt_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o israel_n be_v ever_o as_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o false_a pophet_n of_o either_o kingdom_n never_o dare_v deny_v its_o authority_n these_o false_a prophet_n affront_v and_o contradict_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o ever_o own_v the_o law_n and_o pretend_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v deliver_v it_o to_o moses_n and_o this_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n make_v it_o impossible_a afterward_o for_o either_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n or_o of_o judah_n to_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a emulation_n and_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o kingdom_n that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v agree_v to_o insert_v the_o same_o corruption_n and_o if_o either_o of_o they_o have_v attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n it_o will_v soon_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o samaritan_n with_o the_o hebrew_n pentateuch_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v but_o different_a copy_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o genuine_a the_o child_n of_o israel_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a proneness_n to_o idolatry_n never_o cast_v off_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v do_v be_v so_o often_o bring_v into_o bondage_n by_o their_o neighbour-nation_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o law_n which_o they_o transgress_v but_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o oppression_n of_o jolatrous_a nation_n they_o hope_v for_o deliverance_n upon_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o it_o and_o can_v by_o no_o temptation_n or_o torment_n be_v persuade_v or_o force_v to_o renounce_v it_o but_o the_o long_a captivity_n in_o babylon_n wrought_v a_o perfect_a cure_n in_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o their_o inclination_n to_o idolatry_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v unless_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n in_o see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o by_o other_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v sully_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n beyond_o all_o other_o if_o it_o have_v be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v their_o law_n in_o every_o respect_n more_o favourable_a to_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o have_v cloy_v it_o with_o burden_n some_o ceremony_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o neighbour-nation_n who_o idolatry_n they_o be_v so_o long_o prone_a to_o and_o which_o these_o ceremony_n be_v design_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o they_o who_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n so_o fond_a of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a will_v never_o have_v invent_v law_n so_o uneasy_a to_o themselves_o and_o so_o contrary_a and_o odious_a to_o other_o nation_n they_o will_v never_o have_v frame_v they_o themselves_o and_o then_o have_v pretend_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o law_n which_o they_o be_v so_o little_o please_v with_o they_o will_v never_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n through_o all_o age_n as_o a_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a people_n notwithstanding_o so_o many_o and_o so_o convince_a miracle_n so_o long_o wrought_v among_o they_o the_o miracle_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v most_o of_o they_o judgement_n upon_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o they_o will_v never_o have_v set_v down_o these_o miracle_n but_o will_v rather_o have_v lest_o they_o out_o though_o they_o be_v true_a as_o disgraceful_a to_o their_o nation_n for_o thus_o josephus_n have_v omit_v some_o thing_n to_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n which_o he_o be_v a_o ware_n will_v have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o heathen_a by_o a_o full_a and_o punctual_a relation_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o they_o can_v be_v as_o little_a ignorant_a as_o josephus_n what_o will_v prove_v disgraceful_a to_o they_o and_o what_o will_v make_v for_o their_o honour_n and_o renown_n and_o when_o the_o design_n of_o these_o suppose_a forgery_n and_o falsification_n must_v have_v be_v to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o as_o these_o no_o if_o they_o have_v make_v any_o alteration_n it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o strike_v out_o those_o numerous_a passage_n which_o be_v so_o reproachful_a to_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o have_v insert_v other_o which_o may_v raise_v the_o fame_n and_o glory_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o to_o have_v change_v those_o ceremony_n that_o be_v so_o burdensome_a and_o so_o singular_a for_o those_o which_o will_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a to_o themselves_o and_o may_v have_v recommend_v they_o to_o the_o good_a opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n but_o when_o so_o refractory_a a_o people_n become_v so_o zealous_a for_o such_o a_o law_n so_o uneasy_a at_o first_o and_o so_o distasteful_a to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o they_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o falsify_v it_o themselves_o nor_o sufter_o other_o to_o falsify_v it_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v unanimous_a to_o a_o man_n in_o the_o make_v these_o law_n if_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o make_n for_o if_o any_o one_o have_v dissent_v he_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o argument_n to_o draw_v other_o after_o he_o in_o make_v law_n the_o interest_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n be_v always_o the_o motive_n for_o the_o enact_v they_o and_o beside_o the_o public_a honour_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o too_o often_o be_v less_o consider_v the_o particular_a interest_n of_o every_o single_a man_n will_v have_v make_v he_o concern_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o such_o law_n no_o people_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o make_v law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o sow_v their_o land_n every_o seven_o year_n and_o be_v command_v to_o leave_v their_o habitation_n and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o capital_a city_n from_o every_o part_n of_o their_o country_n thrice_o in_o a_o year_n no_o people_n can_v agree_v to_o enact_v such_o law_n of_o their_o own_o contrivance_n because_o none_o can_v subsist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o without_o a_o miracle_n how_o can_v we_o conceive_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o people_n to_o subsist_v by_o such_o law_n if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o their_o own_o make_n or_o that_o any_o nation_n shall_v agree_v in_o the_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o must_v provoke_v all_o their_o neighbour_n nation_n to_o make_v war_n against_o they_o nay_o by_o which_o they_o actual_o declare_v a_o irreconcilable_a war_n against_o seven_o nation_n at_o once_o for_o one_o nation_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o their_o law_n and_o constitution_n from_o all_o other_o people_n to_o lay_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o government_n in_o the_o disgrace_n and_o infamy_n of_o all_o their_o neighbour_n
not_o distinguish_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o two_o book_n of_o king_n and_o of_o chronicle_n be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o book_n begin_v by_o samuel_n and_o continue_v by_o other_o prophet_n shall_v bear_v the_o name_n only_o of_o samuel_n from_o 1_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n must_v be_v write_v by_o one_o of_o these_o prophet_n both_o the_o book_n of_o king_n as_o far_o as_o hezekiah_n reign_n be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n for_o 2_o kin._n 18.5_o it_o be_v say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o after_o he_o be_v none_o like_o he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n nor_o any_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o of_o josiah_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o king_n xxiii_o 25._o that_o like_a unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o josiah_n in_o his_o reformation_n exceed_v hezekiah_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n of_o hezekiah_n must_v be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n or_o else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v with_o truth_n say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o there_o be_v no_o king_n after_o he_o who_o be_v like_o he_o or_o equal_v he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n from_o 1_o chron._n four_o 43._o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n though_o the_o genealogy_n be_v transcribe_v afterward_o out_o of_o the_o record_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 1_o chron._n ix_o 1._o that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o 2_o chron._n v._n 9_o 1_o king_n viij_o 8._o for_o the_o ark_n be_v not_o remain_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o king_n gives_z so_o particular_a a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a in_o every_o material_a circumstance_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o memorir_n be_v constant_o take_v and_o preserve_v of_o all_o that_o happen_v the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n conclude_v with_o the_o first_o year_n of_o cyrus_n in_o the_o same_o word_n with_o which_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n begin_v be_v add_v by_o he_o at_o the_o time_n when_o cyrus_n give_v out_o his_o proclamation_n for_o the_o prophet_n from_o time_n to_o time_n make_v continuation_n to_o the_o history_n of_o their_o predecessor_n by_o insert_v what_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n among_o the_o ancient_n as_o grotius_n observe_v to_o begin_v one_o book_n with_o the_o conclusion_n of_o another_o the_o psalm_n be_v quote_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n xiii_o 35_o &_o xxvii_o 35._o and_o from_o the_o first_o pen_n they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n xuj_o 7._o 2_o chron._n v._n 13._o &_o seven_o 6._o &_o xx_o 21._o jer._n xxxiii_o 11._o ezra_n iii._o 10_o 11._o this_o be_v know_v even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o captivity_n psal_n cxxxvii_o 3._o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n under_o it_o and_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o hymn_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n and_o prayer_n make_v up_o the_o jewish_a form_n of_o worship_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n luke_n xuj_o 29._o act_n xiii_o 15._o and_o if_o both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n comprehend_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v still_o extant_a and_o well_o know_v and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o pious_a man_n during_o all_o that_o time_n and_o the_o people_n have_v copy_n of_o they_o or_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o as_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n suppose_v zech._n seven_o 7._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n at_o their_o restoration_n many_o be_v still_o alive_a who_o be_v first_o carry_v away_o captive_a and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n during_o the_o captivity_n show_v that_o the_o people_n do_v understand_v it_o for_o they_o all_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n except_o upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n where_o their_o prophecy_n more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o babylonian_a affair_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n can_v understand_v ezra_n when_o he_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v attentive_a unto_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n neh._n viij_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o language_n unless_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o in_o all_o language_n will_v want_v explication_n to_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v native_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v that_o be_v interpret_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o letter_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v both_o write_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n and_o interpret_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n ezra_n four_o 7._o nehemiah_n particular_o complain_v that_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o have_v marry_v strange_a wife_n can_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o jew_n language_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o child_n of_o other_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n themselves_o be_v teach_v to_o speak_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n neh._n xiii_o 24._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o ahasuerus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v write_v unto_o every_o province_n according_a unto_o the_o write_n thereof_o and_o unto_o every_o people_n after_o their_o language_n and_o unto_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o their_o writing_n and_o according_a to_o their_o language_n est_fw-la viij_o 9_o which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o the_o jew_n still_o retain_v not_o only_o their_o language_n but_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v it_o or_o the_o form_n and_o fashion_n of_o their_o letter_n under_o the_o captivity_n not_o long_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o be_v disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n that_o the_o copy_n can_v not_o be_v destroy_v either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n or_o at_o any_o other_o time_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o perscutor_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o their_o tradition_n as_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o they_o yet_o they_o never_o add_v any_o book_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o tradition_n which_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o but_o when_o they_o have_v no_o long_o any_o prophet_n among_o they_o they_o dare_v not_o place_v any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o same_o rank_a and_o authority_n with_o those_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v write_v by_o inspire_a author_n and_o have_v be_v in_o constant_a use_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o public_a assembly_n even_o from_o the_o first_o write_v they_o for_o they_o be_v preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o both_o understand_v and_o use_v by_o the_o people_n but_o their_o other_o book_n write_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n though_o never_o so_o useful_a and_o pious_a be_v never_o receive_v with_o the_o like_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o humane_a composition_n and_o be_v never_o rank_v with_o those_o of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o false_a prophet_n prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n 1_o king_n xxii_o which_o suppose_v that_o true_a prophecy_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o his_o name_n or_o else_o they_o can_v never_o have_v hope_v to_o deceive_v by_o it_o and_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v relate_v reference_n be_v frequent_o make_v to_o the_o record_n then_o extant_a in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n most_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n and_o so_o intermix_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n that_o they_o must_v be_v record_v together_o with_o they_o josiah_n 5._o josiah_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 10._o c._n 5._o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n three_o hundred_o sixty_o one_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v behold_v a_o child_n shall_v be_v bear_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o david_n josiah_n by_o name_n
of_o babylon_n and_o be_v carry_v to_o babylon_n ezekiel_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v babylon_n jeremiah_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o peace_n and_o be_v bury_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ancestor_n ezekiel_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v at_o babylon_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v all_o this_o with_o the_o history_n nothing_o ever_o be_v more_o punctual_o fulfil_v for_o zedekiah_n see_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n who_o command_v his_o eye_n to_o be_v put_v out_o before_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o babylon_n and_o he_o die_v there_o but_o die_v peaceable_o and_o be_v suffer_v to_o have_v the_o usual_a funeral_n solemnity_n 2_o king_n twenty-five_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o both_o prophecy_n prove_v true_a in_o the_o event_n which_o seem_v before_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o so_o critical_a a_o exactness_n in_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n in_o prophecy_n deliver_v by_o two_o person_n who_o be_v before_o think_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o be_v such_o a_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n after_o they_o have_v see_v they_o so_o punctual_o fulfil_v in_o their_o captivity_n that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n but_o that_o both_o be_v from_o god_n jeremiah_n foretell_v also_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v restore_v after_o a_o captivity_n of_o seventy_o year_n these_o nation_n shall_v serve_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n seventy_o year_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v when_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v that_o i_o will_v punish_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o that_o nation_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o iniquity_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n jer._n twenty-five_o 11_o 12._o for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o after_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v at_o babylon_n i_o will_v visit_v you_o and_o perform_v my_o good_a word_n towards_o you_o in_o cause_v you_o to_o return_v to_o this_o place_n jer._n xxix_o 10._o and_o this_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n the_o jew_n depend_v upon_o under_o the_o captivity_n dan._n ix_o 2._o zech._n i._n 12._o and_o it_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v to_o they_o the_o generation_n of_o nebuchadnezzar_n posterity_n that_o shall_v succeed_v he_o till_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o monarchy_n be_v foretell_v jer._n xxvii_o 7._o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o take_v the_o city_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v and_o describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n agree_v punctual_o with_o the_o account_n of_o it_o by_o 191._o by_o 〈◊〉_d â—odoâ—_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 191._o herodotus_n one_o post_n shall_v run_v to_o meet_v another_o and_o one_o messenger_n to_o meet_v another_o to_o show_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n that_o his_o city_n be_v take_v at_o one_o end_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n be_v stop_v and_o the_o reed_n they_o have_v burn_v with_o sire_n and_o the_o man_n of_o war_n be_v affright_v and_o this_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o memorable_a and_o solemn_a manner_n by_o write_v it_o down_o and_o by_o cast_v the_o book_n into_o euphrates_n jer._n li._n 31_o 32_o 62_o 63._o the_o destruction_n of_o tyre_n and_o zidon_n and_o of_o egypt_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n after_o forty_o year_n ezek._n xxviii_o 19_o &_o xxix_o 12_o 13._o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o of_o the_o sanctuary_n by_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n with_o the_o death_n of_o antiochus_n and_o a_o description_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o of_o his_o very_a countenance_n be_v clear_o deliver_v by_o daniel_n four_o hundred_o and_o eight_o year_n 11._o year_n joseph_n antiquit._n l._n 11._o c._n 11._o before_o the_o accomplishment_n dan._n viij_o daniel_n likewise_o describe_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o rebuilding_n of_o their_o city_n and_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o it_o and_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v say_v 8._o say_v ibid._n l._n 11._o c._n 8._o to_o have_v be_v encourage_v by_o daniel_n prophecy_n in_o his_o expedition_n indeed_o his_o prophecy_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n be_v so_o exact_o parallel_v that_o porphyry_n can_v find_v no_o other_o evasion_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v after_o the_o event_n which_o as_o grotius_n observe_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v maintain_v that_o the_o work_n of_o virgil_n be_v not_o write_v under_o augustus_n but_o after_o his_o time_n for_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v as_o public_a and_o as_o much_o disperse_v and_o as_o universal_o receive_v as_o ever_o any_o book_n can_v be_v last_o haggai_n and_o malachi_n prophesy_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n hag._n two_o 7_o 9_o mal._n iii._o 1._o and_o hosea_n foretell_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o those_o remarkable_a word_n they_o shall_v be_v night-wanderer_n among_o the_o nation_n hos_fw-la ix_o 17._o not_o to_o insist_v therefore_o upon_o other_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n or_o less_o remarkable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n these_o may_v suffice_v which_o be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n in_o they_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o prejudice_n or_o malice_n have_v prepare_v to_o make_v the_o utmost_a discovery_n be_v witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o both_o the_o prophecy_n themselves_o and_o the_o fulfil_v of_o they_o be_v notorious_a to_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n they_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath-day_n the_o jew_n have_v as_o good_a evidence_n for_o instance_n that_o elijah_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n as_o they_o can_v have_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o public_a transaction_n and_o council_n of_o prince_n the_o fate_n and_o revolution_n of_o empire_n with_o the_o prefix_v time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o person_n be_v so_o particular_o foretell_v two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o history_n as_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o revelation_n for_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o history_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v set_v down_o in_o the_o very_a circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o afterward_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v dispute_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o elijah_n or_o such_o a_o prince_n as_o josiah_n or_o cyrus_n he_o will_v but_o make_v himself_o ridiculous_a but_o if_o he_o deny_v that_o elijah_n wrought_v such_o miracle_n or_o that_o isaiah_n speak_v of_o cyrus_n and_o another_o prophet_n of_o josiah_n by_o inspiration_n perhaps_o he_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v make_v some_o great_a discovery_n and_o to_o know_v something_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o shall_v be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o applause_n instead_o of_o that_o contempt_n which_o such_o pretence_n deserve_v so_o strange_o partial_a be_v man_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o man_n to_o bring_v better_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o elijah_n and_o josiah_n and_o cyrus_n than_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o show_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v by_o name_n prophesy_v of_o long_a before_o their_o birth_n and_o that_o the_o first_o wrought_v all_o the_o miracle_n relate_v of_o he_o or_o to_o produce_v clear_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o reign_n of_o cyrus_n than_o we_o have_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o people_n with_o their_o restoration_n after_o seventy_o year_n be_v foretell_v by_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n do_v their_o miracle_n in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n and_o their_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v not_o in_o corner_n but_o open_o before_o all_o the_o people_n not_o in_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a word_n but_o in_o plain_a term_n with_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o person_n and_o time_n and_o place_n they_o be_v keep_v they_o be_v read_v and_o study_v by_o that_o very_a people_n who_o at_o first_o as_o little_o regard_v they_o as_o any_o man_n now_o among_o we_o can_v do_v but_o slay_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o reject_v their_o prophecy_n with_o rage_n and_o indignation_n but_o be_v afterward_o by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n so_o full_o convince_v which_o be_v likewise_o foretell_v ezek._n xxxiii_o 33._o of_o their_o
composition_n of_o cato_n it_o have_v be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v the_o be_v a_o stoic_a and_o he_o may_v probable_o have_v found_v that_o sect_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o philosopher_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o promise_v reward_n or_o to_o threaten_v punishment_n upon_o the_o observation_n or_o neglect_n of_o their_o precept_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o reject_v what_o they_o teach_v and_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o unavoidable_a defect_n in_o all_o humane_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n therefore_o in_o suppose_v that_o many_o of_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o proverb_n and_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v without_o a_o revelation_n for_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o very_o good_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o a_o system_fw-la of_o ethic_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o moral_a precept_n but_o as_o a_o body_n of_o law_n give_v out_o upon_o divers_a occasion_n and_o as_o rule_n of_o instruction_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o show_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o command_v our_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o expect_v that_o king_n in_o their_o law_n shovid_v argue_v more_o profound_o than_o other_o man_n do_v but_o they_o shall_v command_v more_o effectual_o than_o other_o can_v teach_v they_o do_v not_o dispute_v but_o pronounce_v and_o dictate_v what_o their_o subject_n must_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o their_o peril_n and_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o a_o prince_n authority_n to_o command_v the_o most_o know_a and_o obvious_a thing_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o subject_n to_o need_v such_o command_n and_o god_n in_o his_o word_n do_v not_o design_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o a_o treatise_n of_o philosophy_n to_o gratify_v our_o curiosity_n with_o strange_a and_o new_a notion_n and_o make_v we_o profound_a scholar_n but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o know_a duty_n to_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o enforce_v those_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o natural_a reason_n perhaps_o may_v suggest_v to_o they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n establish_v upon_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 3._o though_o the_o philosopher_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v something_o more_o than_o other_o man_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v but_o be_v overbear_v with_o the_o error_n and_o vice_n the_o time_n and_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v even_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n and_o therefore_o their_o doctrine_n whatever_o they_o be_v can_v do_v but_o little_a good_a towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o report_n concern_v socrates_n and_o plato_n seneca_n and_o cato_n himself_o but_o only_o observe_v that_o socrates_n who_o be_v the_o only_a martyr_n among_o the_o philosopher_n for_o the_o truth_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v speak_v with_o no_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o order_v a_o cock_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o aesoulapius_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o doctrine_n for_o for_o which_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o die_v and_o after_o his_o death_n how_o do_v his_o friend_n and_o disciple_n behave_v themselves_o do_v they_o open_o and_o courageous_o vindicate_v his_o innocence_n and_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o he_o suffer_v do_v they_o not_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v it_o but_o mankind_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o perfect_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o such_o instructor_n as_o shall_v both_o teach_v and_o practice_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n and_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o such_o man_n as_o shall_v bear_v testimony_n to_o their_o doctrine_n both_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v during_o their_o life_n and_o by_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o death_n 4._o as_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n want_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o law_n and_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o so_o it_o want_v principal_a motive_n to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n the_o philosopher_n teach_v nothing_o of_o the_o exceed_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o of_o his_o desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o assist_v and_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n they_o own_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o perseverance_n in_o it_o iii._o it_o tull._n de_fw-fr nat._n dâ—or_n lib._n iii._o virtutem_fw-la autem_fw-la nemo_fw-la unquam_fw-la acceptam_fw-la deo_fw-la retulit_fw-la nimirum_fw-la recte_fw-la propter_fw-la virtutem_fw-la enim_fw-la jure_fw-la laudamur_fw-la &_o in_o virtute_fw-la recte_fw-la gloriamur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la contingeret_fw-la si_fw-la id_fw-la donum_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la non_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la haberemus_fw-la nam_fw-la quis_fw-la quod_fw-la bone_fw-la vir_fw-la esset_fw-la gratias_fw-la diis_fw-la egit_fw-la unquam_fw-la jovemque_fw-la optimum_fw-la maximum_fw-la ob_fw-la eas_fw-la res_fw-la appellant_n non_fw-la quod_fw-la justos_fw-la temperatos_fw-la sapientes_fw-la efficiat_a sed_fw-la quod_fw-la salvos_fw-la incolumes_fw-la opulento_n copioso_n this_o occasion_v those_o 53._o those_o sen_n epist_n 53._o insolent_a boast_n of_o the_o stoic_n equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o god_n and_o sometime_o even_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o they_o because_o they_o have_v difficulty_n to_o encounter_v which_o make_v their_o conquest_n of_o vice_n and_o their_o improvement_n in_o virtue_n more_o glorious_a than_o they_o suppose_v the_o like_a excellency_n to_o be_v in_o their_o god_n who_o be_v good_a by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n wherefore_o though_o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n have_v be_v never_o so_o perfect_a yet_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v ineffectual_a be_v so_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o and_o so_o unactive_a and_o dead_a when_o they_o be_v discover_v without_o that_o authority_n and_o life_n and_o energy_n that_o may_v be_v have_v from_o divine_a revelation_n which_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o not_o only_o to_o supply_v the_o imperfection_n and_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o philosophy_n but_o to_o enforce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o perfect_a chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o this_o religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o sensual_a allurement_n owe_v its_o propagation_n sole_o to_o the_o â—ower_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o though_o the_o alcoran_n have_v be_v translate_v into_o most_o of_o the_o language_n in_o use_n among_o christian_n yet_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v to_o make_v any_o proselyte_n but_o by_o force_n of_o arms._n at_o first_o this_o religion_n have_v many_o circumstance_n for_o its_o advantage_n which_o may_v in_o humane_a probability_n gain_v it_o success_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v begin_v in_o rebellion_n and_o in_o a_o final_a revolt_n from_o the_o emperor_n heraclius_n and_o beside_o this_o popular_a and_o seduce_a temptation_n of_o licence_n and_o violence_n mahomet_n add_v the_o enticement_n of_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n he_o forbid_v man_n indeed_o some_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o he_o can_v easy_o see_v they_o will_v part_v with_o for_o the_o free_a and_o unbounded_a enjoyment_n of_o other_o than_o he_o pretend_v to_o sound_v his_o doctrine_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v he_o all_o which_o make_v his_o religion_n find_v the_o more_o easy_a entertainment_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o gnostic_n at_o the_o first_o and_o not_o altogether_o so_o gross_a and_o this_o must_v needs_o incline_v all_o of_o seditious_a and_o lewd_a principle_n to_o come_v in_o to_o he_o be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o colour_n for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o power_n and_o force_n to_o make_v it_o more_o last_a than_o other_o such_o blasphemy_n have_v be_v christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n forbid_v resistance_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n upon_o any_o term_n whatsoever_o he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n but_o so_o as_o to_o abolish_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v what_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o fond_a of_o so_o that_o this_o very_a thing_n make_v the_o jew_n
the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o bring_v christian_n into_o contempt_n among_o the_o heathen_a for_o nothing_o can_v make_v the_o gospel_n of_o less_o account_n in_o their_o esteem_n than_o to_o deduce_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o â—ews_n who_o soon_o after_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o christ_n become_v vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v no_o great_a wonder_n to_o see_v man_n draw_v into_o those_o vice_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n which_o no_o law_n nor_o punishment_n can_v restrain_v they_o from_o but_o for_o a_o religion_n that_o forbid_v all_o vice_n under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n to_o prevail_v in_o a_o vicious_a world_n be_v true_o miraculous_a beside_o it_o be_v death_n by_o the_o law_n of_o mahomet_n to_o contradict_v the_o alcoran_n man_n be_v forbid_v all_o disputation_n and_o discourse_n about_o religion_n they_o be_v charge_v to_o believe_v none_o but_o mahometan_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o other_o as_o unworthy_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n so_o that_o the_o sword_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o furious_a and_o ignorant_a zealot_n be_v the_o only_a way_n by_o which_o that_o religion_n be_v design_v to_o be_v propagate_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o compliance_n with_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n if_o we_o take_v in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o christian_a religion_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o jewish_a have_v have_v a_o much_o large_a propagation_n than_o ever_o mahometanism_n have_v have_v and_o have_v at_o all_o time_n be_v teach_v in_o more_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o among_o mahometan_n themselves_o and_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n and_o mission_n both_o of_o moses_n and_o christ_n serve_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o propagate_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o far_o i_o mean_v as_o to_o give_v a_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n for_o man_n to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o they_o and_o become_v acquaint_v with_o they_o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n mahometanism_n be_v ground_v neither_o upon_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n mahomet_n indeed_o call_v himself_o prophet_n very_o solemn_o but_o we_o have_v but_o this_o one_o instance_n of_o his_o prophetic_a spirit_n 66._o spirit_n alcoran_n c._n 66._o when_o the_o prophet_n go_v to_o visit_v one_o of_o his_o wife_n god_n reveal_v to_o he_o what_o she_o desire_v to_o say_v to_o he_o he_o approve_v one_o part_n and_o reject_v the_o other_o when_o he_o tell_v his_o wife_n what_o be_v in_o her_o will_n to_o speak_v to_o he_o she_o demand_v of_o he_o who_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o he_o he_o that_o know_v all_o thing_n have_v reveal_v it_o to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v be_v convert_v your_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o do_v what_o be_v forbid_v if_o you_o act_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o prophet_n know_v that_o god_n be_v his_o protector_n here_o be_v not_o one_o circumstance_n to_o make_v the_o story_n credible_a mahomet_n pretend_v to_o no_o miracle_n but_o when_o he_o have_v raise_v that_o objection_n as_o he_o often_o do_v that_o the_o world_n will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o unless_o they_o see_v some_o miracle_n he_o answer_v 13._o answer_v meor_n c._n 13._o i_o be_o not_o send_v but_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o afterward_o he_o mention_n that_o ridiculous_a story_n of_o the_o moon_n be_v divide_v in_o these_o word_n 54._o word_n ib._n c._n 54._o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n approach_v the_o moon_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n nevertheless_o infidel_n believe_v not_o miracle_n when_o they_o see_v they_o they_o say_v that_o this_o be_v magic_n they_o lie_v and_o follow_v but_o their_o passion_n but_o all_o be_v write_v here_o be_v no_o proof_n nor_o any_o pretence_n to_o it_o but_o only_o a_o confident_a assertion_n of_o a_o thing_n ridiculous_a and_o yet_o unless_o we_o will_v believe_v this_o prophecy_n and_o this_o miracle_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a alcoran_n either_o of_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n to_o give_v it_o any_o authority_n except_o that_o must_v be_v account_v one_o which_o he_o so_o often_o boast_v of_o viz._n it_o be_v wonderful_a doctrine_n and_o eloquence_n for_o xuj_o for_o ib._n c._n x_o xi_o xuj_o he_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o protest_v seven_o protest_v c._n seven_o that_o he_o can_v neither_o write_v nor_o read_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o have_v it_o by_o revelation_n and_o he_o introduce_v god_n swear_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o almost_o in_o every_o chapter_n and_o this_o be_v all_o he_o offer_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o suspicion_n which_o he_o so_o frequent_o suggest_v man_n then_o have_v of_o his_o be_v a_o impostor_n chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a i._o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a as_o when_o it_o make_v nineteeen_o make_v ib._n c._n nineteeen_o the_o virgin_n mary_n sister_n to_o aaron_n when_o it_o assert_n that_o four_o that_o ib._n c._n four_o christ_n be_v not_o crucify_a but_o one_o like_o he_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jew_n christian_n and_o heathen_n and_o that_o christ_n lxi_o christ_n ib._n c._n lxi_o prophesy_v of_o he_o by_o name_n without_o the_o least_o proof_n or_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o against_o all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v to_o the_o contrary_n ii_o the_o alcoran_n contain_v thing_n absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o in_o that_o story_n of_o the_o sleeper_n xviii_o sleeper_n c._n xviii_o the_o infidel_n say_v they_o be_v five_o and_o that_o their_o dog_n be_v the_o six_o they_o sâ—eak_v by_o opinion_n but_o the_o true_a believer_n affirm_v they_o to_o be_v seven_o and_o their_o dog_n to_o be_v the_o eight_o and_o xxvii_o and_o ib._n c._n xxvii_o in_o the_o story_n of_o solomon_n army_n compose_v of_o man_n devil_n and_o bird_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o the_o pismire_n and_o solomon_n discourse_n with_o the_o bird_n call_v the_o whoop_o who_o bring_v he_o tiding_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n iii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n be_v impious_a and_o immoral_a mahomet_n make_v all_o the_o angel_n worship_n adam_n in_o several_a part_n of_o his_o alcoran_n and_o his_o sensual_a paradise_n be_v well_o know_v and_o his_o allowance_n of_o many_o wife_n but_o perhaps_o his_o injustice_n be_v not_o so_o general_o take_v notice_n of_o xxiii_o of_o ib._n c._n four_o &_o xxiii_o in_o permit_v the_o professor_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o take_v away_o their_o slave_n wife_n from_o they_o the_o law_n of_o mahomet_n proceed_v from_o a_o savage_a and_o cruel_a spirit_n oblige_v those_o that_o embrace_v it_o to_o destroy_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o however_o the_o mahometan_n have_v not_o always_o act_v according_a to_o the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o religion_n humane_a nature_n not_o be_v always_o able_a to_o act_v so_o much_o contrary_n to_o itself_o but_o this_o be_v mahomet_n doctrine_n iii._o doctrine_n ib._n c._n iii._o god_n love_v not_o the_o unjust_a he_o forgive_v sin_n to_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o extirpate_v infidel_n four_o infidel_n ib._n c._n four_o if_o they_o forsake_v it_o the_o law_n of_o god_n pretend_v to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o alcoran_n kill_v they_o where_o you_o find_v they_o be_v not_o negligent_a to_o pursue_v the_o infidel_n and_o this_o the_o 24._o the_o tavern_n voyage_n de_fw-fr ind._n lib._n iii._o c._n 24._o faquir_n at_o their_o return_n from_o mecha_n be_v very_o mindful_a of_o with_o a_o furious_a zeal_n kill_v all_o they_o can_v that_o they_o meet_v who_o be_v not_o mahometan_n till_o they_o be_v kill_v themselves_o and_o then_o they_o be_v repute_v saint_n and_o prayer_n be_v make_v at_o their_o grave_n such_o be_v the_o alcoran_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o write_v by_o mahomet_n 54._o mahomet_n sandys_n trau._n lib._n i._n p._n 54._o many_o alteration_n have_v be_v make_v in_o it_o by_o insert_v some_o thing_n and_o strike_v out_o other_o and_o take_v some_o of_o the_o absurdity_n away_o mahomet_n the_o second_o particular_o be_v say_v to_o have_v make_v great_a alteration_n and_o addition_n 10._o addition_n ricaut_n hist_o of_o the_o ottom_n empire_n lib._n two_o c._n 10._o but_o the_o persian_n the_o follower_n of_o haly_n charge_v abubeke_a omar_n and_o ozman_n who_o the_o turk_n follow_v with_o falsify_v the_o alcoran_n chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n after_o this_o account_n of_o mahomet_n alcoran_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o say_v much_o of_o his_o person_n the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v lustful_a proud_a fierce_a and_o cruel_a
papist_n that_o no_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o can_v prejudice_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n or_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 135._o no_o less_o may_v be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o of_o the_o old_a the_o great_a care_n and_o reverence_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v for_o the_o book_n of_o it_o heretic_n can_v not_o corrupt_v the_o text_n and_o pass_v undiscovered_a to_o the_o orthodox_n or_o even_o by_o other_o heretic_n p._n 140._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o chronology_n in_o general_a p._n 142._o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o infer_v uncertainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o p_o 143._o they_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v any_o chronological_a mistake_v make_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 145._o the_o total_a term_n of_o year_n be_v not_o always_o exact_o distinguish_v from_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compose_v and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o mistake_v in_o chronology_n p._n 146._o another_o occasion_n of_o mistake_v have_v be_v that_o sometime_o the_o principal_a number_n be_v set_v down_o and_o the_o odd_a or_o lesser_a number_n be_v omit_v which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o principal_a number_n in_o other_o place_n p._n 147._o sometime_o a_o epocha_n be_v mistake_v by_o chronologer_n p._n 149._o the_o likeness_n of_o two_o word_n may_v occasion_v variation_n in_o chronology_n p._n 150._o the_o numeral_a letter_n be_v easy_o mistake_v by_o transcriber_n ib._n some_o alteration_n of_o the_o septuagint_n from_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v with_o design_n p._n 151._o the_o term_n of_o time_n sometime_o take_v inclusive_o and_o at_o other_o time_n exclusive_o p._n 154._o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v p._n 157._o some_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a in_o themselves_o p._n 158._o the_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n of_o ancient_a time_n consist_v in_o proverb_n and_o parable_n p._n 161._o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o the_o age_n when_o they_o be_v write_v p._n 164._o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o parable_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o not_o every_o word_n and_o circumstance_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o p._n 168_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o type_n consider_v p._n 170._o difference_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o phrophecy_n no_o argument_n for_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o they_o ib._n it_o be_v evident_a and_o agree_v by_o interpreter_n that_o prophecy_n have_v be_v fulfil_v though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v fulfil_v p._n 171._o some_o prophecy_n purposely_o obscure_a and_o why_o p._n 172._o some_o prophecy_n have_v never_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o posterity_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v obscure_o write_v p._n 175._o other_o can_v never_o have_v be_v fulsil_v ib._n if_o prophecy_n have_v be_v plain_a it_o will_v have_v be_v think_v that_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v only_o by_o design_n and_o contrivance_n p._n 177._o man_n will_v have_v commit_v sin_n in_o many_o case_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n ib._n they_o may_v sometime_o be_v obscure_a in_o mercy_n to_o man_n p._n 178._o and_o at_o other_o time_n for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a p._n 179._o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n design_v to_o abate_v the_o confidence_n and_o exercise_v the_o diligence_n of_o man_n p._n 180._o some_o prophecy_n plain_o deliver_v by_o all_o prophet_n those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v of_o great_a use_n even_o before_o the_o accomplishment_n this_o show_v of_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n p._n 182._o the_o nature_n and_o certainty_n of_o type_n consider_v p._n 177._o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o p._n 180._o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v so_o pen_v as_o to_o afford_v no_o suspicion_n of_o contradiction_n to_o injudicious_a and_o rash_a man_n p._n 184._o what_o method_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o any_o author_n p._n 186._o a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n p._n 187._o contradiction_n in_o point_n of_o chronology_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o little_a moment_n though_o they_o shall_v have_v happen_v by_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n will_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 190._o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o world_n begin_v p._n 193._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n p._n 194._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n p._n 196._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o angel_n p._n 200._o with_o respect_n to_o man_n p._n 203._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o perform_v according_a to_o mechanical_a principle_n p._n 208._o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n ground_v upon_o mistake_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v always_o the_o same_o quantity_n of_o motion_n p._n 208._o that_o there_o be_v a_o plenum_fw-la ib._n they_o suppose_v it_o move_v worthy_a of_o god_n to_o leave_v matter_n and_o motion_n to_o perform_v all_o by_o themselves_o without_o his_o immediate_a interposition_n and_o assistance_n p._n 210._o the_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a or_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n consider_v p._n 211._o the_o law_n of_o the_o material_a and_o of_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o world_n compare_v p._n 213._o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n inconsistent_a with_o our_o duty_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o deliverance_n in_o sickness_n and_o danger_n p._n 214._o the_o mechanical_a philosophy_n proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o god_n p._n 215._o chap._n x._o of_o other_o habitable_a world_n beside_o this_o earth_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o god_n yet_o man_n be_v most_o incline_v to_o admire_v and_o glorify_v he_o for_o the_o vastness_n of_o his_o work_n p._n 218._o wonderful_a discovery_n late_o make_v upon_o earth_n by_o microscope_n as_o well_o as_o by_o telescope_n in_o the_o heaven_n but_o angel_n who_o have_v no_o need_n of_o artificial_a help_n to_o discern_v they_o glorify_v god_n for_o his_o work_n more_o than_o man_n p._n 219._o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o star_n p._n ib._n the_o earth_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o seat_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n under_o which_o notion_n it_o be_v no_o contemptible_a place_n p._n 220._o the_o planet_n not_o inhabitable_a ib._n for_o what_o use_v they_o may_v be_v design_v p._n 222._o chap._n xi_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o contradict_v the_o late_a discovery_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n the_o use_n of_o popular_a expression_n imply_v neither_o the_o affirmation_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o philosophical_a truth_n of_o they_o p._n 224._o how_o the_o sun_n be_v say_v to_o stand_v still_o jos_n x._o 12._o p._n 225._o the_o firmament_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n gen._n 1.6_o explain_v p._n 226._o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n how_o say_v to_o be_v two_o great_a light_n gen._n 1.16_o p._n 227._o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o earth_n 1_o sam._n 11.8_o p._n 229._o the_o sky-strong_a and_o as_o a_o molten_n looking-glass_n job_n xxxvii_o 18._o ib._n the_o scripture_n speak_v strict_o according_a to_o philosophy_n p._n 230._o chap._n xii_o of_o man_n be_v create_v capable_a of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n this_o repugnant_a neither_o to_o the_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n of_o god_n p._n 231._o the_o objection_n right_o state_v p._n 233._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o advance_v and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n itself_o be_v more_o display_v by_o leave_v man_n to_o a_o freedom_n of_o act_v than_o they_o will_v have_v be_v by_o impose_v a_o inevitable_a fate_n upon_o mankind_n p._n 234._o freedom_n of_o action_n conduce_v more_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a than_o a_o necessity_n of_o not_o sin_v can_v
by_o in_o vit._n homer_n plutarch_n as_o excellency_n in_o homer_n and_o he_o say_v they_o be_v usual_a in_o prose_n as_o well_o as_o in_o verse_n among_o the_o ancient_n whatsoever_o soloccism_n or_o impropriety_n of_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o like_a have_v be_v observe_v sacr._n observe_v vid._n dan._n heins_n proleg_n ad_fw-la exercit_fw-la sacr._n in_o homer_n aeschylus_n sophocles_n pindar_n and_o apollonius_n rhodius_n by_o their_o several_a scholiast_n and_o in_o thucydides_n by_o dionysius_n halicarnasseus_n and_o in_o tully_n by_o cicuron_n by_o dialog_n cicuron_n erasmus_n and_o other_o xenophon_n be_v observe_v by_o cclxxix_o by_o apud_fw-la phot._n cod_n cclxxix_o helladius_n not_o to_o be_v always_o exact_a in_o point_n of_o grammar_n which_o he_o ascribe_v to_o his_o military_a life_n and_o his_o conversation_n with_o stranger_n many_o soloecism_n be_v find_v in_o the_o ancient_a inscription_n and_o in_o hyginus_n a_o author_n as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v of_o augustus_n age_n which_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v rather_o to_o the_o custom_n of_o speech_n among_o the_o vulgar_a than_o to_o the_o mistake_n of_o these_o author_n for_o in_o language_n so_o difficult_a as_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a be_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v often_o make_v great_a mistake_n which_o by_o degree_n become_v customary_a and_o be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o hyginum_fw-la the_o vid._n schefferi_n praefat._n &_o munkeri_fw-la dissertat_fw-la in_o hyginum_fw-la low_a and_o plebeian_n style_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n they_o ascribe_v their_o soloeâ—isms_n to_o the_o particular_a dialect_n of_o the_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v most_o in_o use_n the_o stoic_n who_o be_v the_o most_o numerous_a and_o flourish_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n have_v little_a regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o grammar_n for_o they_o be_v caution_v by_o their_o master_n chrysippus_n not_o to_o be_v careful_a about_o such_o nicety_n and_o they_o be_v high_o commend_v by_o a_o 14._o a_o mer._n casaub_n in_o m._n antoâ—in_n lib._n â—_o n._n 14._o great_a critic_n for_o express_v their_o thought_n though_o common_o with_o word_n very_o proper_a and_o significant_a yet_o in_o a_o style_n so_o free_a from_o all_o affectation_n or_o curiosity_n as_o come_v next_o to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o design_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v word_n but_o thing_n and_o to_o express_v they_o in_o such_o word_n as_o may_v serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o if_o a_o improper_a word_n or_o a_o soloecism_n may_v be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o exactness_n and_o propriety_n of_o language_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o little_a genius_n to_o be_v overcurious_a about_o word_n as_o demosthenes_n intimate_v in_o his_o reply_n to_o aeschines_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o fortune_n of_o greece_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o a_o criticism_n which_o tully_n mention_v say_v it_o be_v orator_n be_v facile_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verbum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la arden_n ut_fw-la ita_fw-la dicam_fw-la notare_fw-la idque_fw-la restinctis_fw-la jam_fw-la animorum_fw-la incendiis_fw-la irridere_fw-la cic._n orator_n a_o easy_a matter_n to_o pitch_v upon_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o discourse_n and_o in_o cool_a blood_n to_o make_v sport_n with_o it_o but_o this_o be_v at_o large_a treat_v of_o by_o longinus_n and_o seneca_n speak_v excellent_o to_o this_o purpose_n cxv_o purpose_n cujuscunque_fw-la orationem_fw-la videris_fw-la sollicitam_fw-la &_o politam_fw-la scito_fw-la animum_fw-la quoque_fw-la non_fw-la minus_fw-la esse_fw-la pusillis_fw-la occupatum_fw-la magnus_fw-la ille_fw-la remissius_fw-la loquor_fw-la &_o securius_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la dicit_fw-la plus_fw-la habent_fw-la siduciae_fw-la quam_fw-la curae_fw-la senec._n epist_n cxv_o if_o you_o observe_v say_v he_o that_o a_o man_n speech_n be_v too_o nice_a and_o critical_a be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n take_v up_o with_o little_a thing_n a_o man_n of_o a_o great_a mind_n speak_v with_o the_o less_o caution_n and_o exactness_n whatsoever_o he_o say_v he_o be_v better_a assure_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o discourse_n than_o to_o trouble_v himself_o much_o about_o word_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o so_o many_o great_a author_n have_v afford_v so_o much_o work_v for_o the_o critic_n to_o blame_v or_o to_o excuse_v they_o and_o very_o often_o to_o commend_v they_o for_o depart_v from_o the_o common_a form_n the_o old_a testament_n have_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n but_o what_o for_o aught_o that_o can_v now_o be_v know_v be_v most_o proper_a in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n whatever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o and_o as_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v pen_v in_o such_o word_n and_o in_o such_o construction_n of_o grammar_n as_o may_v render_v it_o most_o useful_a not_o according_a to_o the_o attic_a or_o any_o other_o dialect_n which_o be_v know_v to_o so_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o it_o be_v confine_v as_o it_o be_v to_o one_o country_n or_o know_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a in_o other_o but_o in_o such_o greek_a as_o be_v general_o understand_v in_o the_o remote_a and_o numerous_a nation_n where_o that_o language_n be_v speak_v for_o which_o reason_n so_o many_o expression_n be_v take_v from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n which_o be_v so_o much_o in_o use_n among_o the_o proselyte_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n utter_v in_o hebrew_n and_o translate_v into_o another_o tongue_n have_v not_o the_o same_o force_n in_o they_o and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o hieron_n ad_fw-la amos._n v._n 8._o &_o in_o epist_n ad_fw-la galat._n 3_o 〈◊〉_d st_n jerom_n show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o make_v use_n of_o such_o word_n as_o be_v first_o take_v from_o the_o heathen_a fable_n in_o translate_n the_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n to_o they_o but_o when_o man_n speak_v or_o write_v they_o must_v do_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v unless_o they_o will_v do_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o must_v take_v such_o word_n as_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o be_v intelligible_a to_o those_o for_o who_o benefit_n they_o write_v and_o they_o must_v be_v content_v too_o with_o such_o grammatical_a construction_n as_o well_o as_o with_o such_o word_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v expedient_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o write_v 2._o write_v hieron_n in_o galat._n 1_o 2._o sometime_o again_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o frame_v new_a word_n to_o express_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n as_o tully_n have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n of_o philosophy_n to_o explain_v in_o latin_a the_o term_n of_o it_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n man_n must_v accommodate_v themselves_o to_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o for_o who_o they_o undertake_v to_o discourse_v upon_o it_o ii_o metaphor_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n or_o figure_n of_o speech_n man_n differ_v as_o much_o in_o their_o form_n and_o scheme_n of_o speak_v as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o manner_n or_o custom_n or_o in_o their_o complexion_n and_o disposition_n every_o man_n have_v something_o peculiar_a in_o his_o way_n of_o express_v himself_o which_o be_v so_o easy_o distinguish_v by_o good_a critic_n from_o that_o of_o other_o that_o they_o seldom_o fail_v in_o it_o though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o cclxv_o and_o phot._n cod_n cclxv_o photius_n observe_v that_o some_o oration_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o demosthenes_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o style_n ascribe_v by_o certain_a critic_n to_o other_o author_n make_v this_o remark_n that_o he_o have_v often_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o great_a resemblance_n in_o the_o style_n of_o oration_n make_v by_o different_a author_n and_o of_o as_o great_a a_o unlikeness_n in_o the_o style_n of_o those_o make_v by_o the_o same_o man_n but_o the_o different_a character_n and_o manner_n of_o style_n in_o the_o several_a country_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v much_o more_o easy_o discern_v than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o particular_a man_n of_o the_o same_o country_n thr_fw-mi people_n of_o caria_n phrygia_n and_o mysia_n be_v not_o at_o all_o polite_a and_o neat_a orator_n neat_a adsciverunt_fw-la aptum_fw-la suis_fw-la auribus_fw-la opimum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la &_o tanquam_fw-la adipatae_fw-la dictionis_fw-la genus_fw-la cic._n orator_n say_v tully_n and_o therefore_o they_o love_v a_o gross_a and_o slovenly_a kind_n of_o discourse_n which_o the_o rhodian_o not_o far_o distant_a from_o they_o never_o approve_v of_o and_o the_o other_o greek_n like_v it_o much_o less_o but_o the_o
therefore_o be_v call_v prophet_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o in_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n inspire_a writer_n may_v use_v such_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v not_o be_v proper_a nor_o decent_a for_o other_o to_o use_v and_o this_o liberty_n be_v take_v by_o orator_n as_o well_o as_o poet_n when_o the_o occasion_n seem_v to_o require_v it_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o panathen_a in_o panegr_n &_o panathen_a isocrates_n for_o the_o ancient_a orator_n too_o by_o longinus_n observation_n pretend_v to_o something_o more_o than_o humane_a and_o will_v be_v think_v to_o speak_v by_o some_o kind_n of_o impulse_n upon_o which_o account_n this_o liberty_n may_v be_v allow_v they_o but_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o have_v use_v so_o many_o word_n on_o this_o subject_n when_o there_o be_v so_o little_a occasion_n for_o any_o objection_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o wherever_o there_o can_v be_v any_o pretence_n for_o it_o it_o have_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v labour_n ill_o bestow_v to_o show_v here_o beside_o how_o have_v critic_n they_o be_v that_o can_v object_v at_o this_o rate_n i_o will_v say_v further_o that_o the_o passage_n tob._n 5.16_o concern_v the_o dog_n which_o follow_v tobias_n which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o unwary_a and_o unskilful_a man_n to_o insult_v with_o so_o much_o scorn_n over_o a_o book_n that_o be_v very_o useful_a though_o not_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a pattern_n of_o antiquity_n seru._n antiquity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d odiss_n two_o nec_fw-la non_fw-la &_o geminy_n custodes_fw-la limine_fw-la ab_fw-la alto_fw-mi procedunt_fw-la gressumque_fw-la cane_n comitantur_fw-la herilem_fw-la aen._n 8._o hoc_fw-la &_o in_o homero_n lectum_fw-la est_fw-la &_o in_o historia_n romana_fw-la quae_fw-la ait_fw-la syphax_n inter_fw-la dvas_fw-la cane_n stans_fw-la scipionem_fw-la appellavit_fw-la seru._n homer_n and_o virgil_n who_o think_v it_o a_o very_a proper_a and_o natural_a ornament_n of_o their_o poem_n to_o describe_v dog_n follow_v their_o master_n homer_n speak_v of_o telemachus_n and_o virgil_n of_o evander_n and_o servius_n produce_v a_o example_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o roman_a history_n iv_o as_o to_o the_o method_n use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v write_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v or_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o diaries_n or_o annal_n since_o there_o may_v be_v reason_n whether_o know_v or_o unknown_a to_o we_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o place_v and_o thus_o the_o lyric_a â—â—â—ts_n 25._o â—â—â—ts_n vid._n hieron_n ad_fw-la hieremiae_n cap._n 21_o 25._o who_o pretend_v to_o enthusiasm_n and_o a_o imitation_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o confine_v themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o order_n of_o time_n some_o thing_n last_o foretell_v may_v be_v first_o to_o be_v fulfil_v or_o some_o thing_n be_v more_o or_o less_o remarkable_a or_o concern_v the_o jew_n more_o or_o less_o than_o other_o but_o general_o in_o the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n what_o concern_v the_o same_o subject_n be_v put_v together_o though_o foretold_v or_o fall_v out_o at_o different_a time_n that_o the_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a view_n may_v be_v have_v of_o it_o this_o as_o 30._o as_o hieren_fw-mi ad_fw-la ezech._n cap._n 29_o 30._o st_n jerom_n observe_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o diveâ—â—_n transposition_n in_o point_n of_o time_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o 7._o and_o id._n ad_fw-la dan._n c._n 7._o he_o take_v notice_n that_o daniel_n have_v set_v down_o the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o several_a reign_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n belshazzar_n darius_n or_o cyrus_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n afterward_o declare_v the_o revelation_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v but_o be_v write_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o posterity_n but_o the_o several_a transposition_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o account_v for_o by_o commentator_n and_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n mention_v no_o more_o of_o civil_a affair_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o refer_v to_o the_o history_n then_o extant_a for_o a_o full_a account_n of_o they_o their_o design_n be_v not_o to_o write_v a_o complete_a history_n of_o all_o event_n but_o they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o such_o as_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o proper_a business_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v repeat_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o intersperse_v with_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o no_o certain_a art_n or_o method_n because_o this_o prevent_v their_o be_v corrupt_v or_o falsify_v as_o they_o may_v have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o reduce_v to_o several_a distinct_a head_n and_o place_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n if_o one_o prophet_n repeat_v what_o another_o prophet_n have_v say_v this_o be_v to_o give_v it_o a_o new_a confirmation_n to_o revive_v the_o remembrance_n and_o show_v the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o best_a author_n not_o only_o to_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o their_o work_n but_o to_o meet_v with_o they_o repeat_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n thus_o isocrates_n xenophon_n and_o demosthenes_n transcribe_v in_o one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n what_o they_o have_v write_v in_o another_o but_o none_o i_o think_v so_o frequent_o as_o demosthenes_n though_o midiam_fw-la though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ulp._n enarr_n oâ—at_n demosthen_n coâ—t_fw-la midiam_fw-la ulpian_n have_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o ancient_a writer_n it_o be_v customary_a likewise_o with_o the_o philosopher_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o verse_n of_o homer_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o with_o little_a variation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o may_v be_v see_v frequent_o in_o diogenes_n laertius_n all_o the_o cavil_n therefore_o that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n of_o antiquity_n and_o from_o rashness_n in_o judge_v of_o ancient_a time_n and_o foreign_a country_n by_o our_o own_o whoever_o will_v either_o delight_n or_o profit_n must_v speak_v and_o act_v in_o some_o measure_n according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o people_n with_o who_o he_o converse_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o the_o same_o candour_n and_o respect_n with_o which_o we_o read_v the_o write_n of_o human_a author_n and_o consider_v the_o time_n and_o person_n and_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v write_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v seem_v harsh_a or_o improper_a either_o in_o the_o word_n or_o action_n of_o the_o person_n inspire_v for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o those_o country_n to_o speak_v by_o their_o action_n almost_o as_o much_o as_o in_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o observe_v the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v we_o shall_v find_v cause_n to_o admire_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o style_n be_v sublime_a and_o elegant_a beyond_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o write_n and_o yet_o as_o natural_a as_o if_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v otherwise_o express_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a excellency_n of_o style_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o natural_a and_o yet_o eloquent_a longinus_n give_v a_o high_a character_n of_o moses_n style_n in_o a_o book_n the_o design_n whereof_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o most_o perfect_a idea_n of_o eloquence_n indeed_o such_o be_v the_o fitness_n both_o in_o verse_n and_o prose_n of_o the_o word_n and_o style_n of_o moses_n so_o admirable_o suit_v to_o the_o subject_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v to_o prescribe_v a_o pattern_n of_o true_a eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o to_o enact_v law_n h._n stephens_n have_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a resemblance_n in_o herodotus_n to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n herodotus_n have_v homer_n in_o his_o view_n throughout_o his_o history_n and_o homer_n expression_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o instance_n as_o particular_o when_o he_o so_o often_o mention_n the_o child_n of_o the_o trojan_n and_o the_o child_n of_o
eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n of_o mankind_n be_v combine_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o less_o elegancy_n and_o accuracy_n of_o style_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n than_o have_v be_v before_o use_v by_o moses_n and_o thâ—_n prophet_n who_o yet_o have_v nothing_o which_o seem_v so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a to_o deliver_v which_o be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o can_v prevail_v so_o much_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n in_o the_o world_n only_o by_o tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a manner_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_a the_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n be_v best_a as_o in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o man_n make_v themselves_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o likewise_o be_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 24._o their_o cause_n and_o doctrine_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o any_o word_n which_o do_v but_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v their_o meaning_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n their_o rhetoric_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o in_o word_n there_o be_v no_o great_a art_n require_v to_o prove_v that_o to_o any_o man_n which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v great_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o under_o the_o law_n so_o there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o eloquence_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v as_o a_o 4._o a_o mer_n casaub_n of_o enthus_n c._n 4._o learned_a critic_n have_v declare_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o some_o kind_n and_o upon_o some_o subject_n be_v as_o eloquent_a as_o ever_o man_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o demosthenes_n in_o who_o writing_n he_o believe_v that_o apostle_n have_v be_v much_o conversant_a or_o aeschines_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_o most_o admire_v 3._o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v permit_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o style_n so_o direct_v they_o still_o and_o overrule_a they_o in_o every_o word_n and_o sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v infallible_o express_v his_o own_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a style_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o isaiah_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a and_o educate_v at_o court_n may_v write_v in_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o lofty_a style_n and_o amos_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o among_o the_o herdsman_n of_o tekoa_n may_v speak_v in_o a_o more_o humble_a strain_n and_o fetch_v his_o 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what_o we_o know_v and_o by_o consequence_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n since_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o author_n of_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n but_o that_o critic_n have_v have_v dispute_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o his_o genuine_a work_n and_o yet_o this_o have_v never_o be_v think_v any_o prejudice_n to_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o to_o be_v genuine_a will_v not_o that_o man_n make_v himself_o ridiculous_a who_o shall_v reject_v the_o philippic_n of_o tully_n or_o virgil_n aeneis_n as_o spurious_a because_o other_o book_n either_o doubtful_a or_o counterfeit_v have_v past_a under_o the_o name_n of_o these_o two_o author_n if_o some_o book_n have_v be_v dispute_v the_o rest_n certain_o be_v genuine_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n because_o they_o have_v never_o be_v call_v into_o question_n or_o doubt_v now_o if_o these_o book_n only_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o dispute_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v be_v any_o controversy_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o useful_a to_o explain_v divers_a thing_n which_o we_o find_v in_o these_o and_o perhaps_o to_o teach_v we_o some_o thing_n not_o essential_a to_o our_o religion_n nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v elsewhere_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v because_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v full_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v receive_v without_o contradiction_n or_o dispute_n many_o man_n be_v undoubted_o save_v before_o the_o write_n of_o these_o controvert_v book_n nay_o before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o book_n at_o all_o write_n be_v no_o further_o necessary_a than_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v write_v when_o the_o thing_n now_o write_v can_v be_v as_o well_o know_v without_o writing_n book_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o though_o for_o after_o age_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v consign_v their_o doctrine_n to_o writing_n yet_o no_o more_o of_o their_o writing_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o than_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o afford_v we_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o natural_a and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o any_o man_n to_o reject_v any_o mean_n of_o 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necessary_a and_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n for_o our_o further_a instruction_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n though_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a and_o wicked_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v all_o the_o point_n of_o necessary_a faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n unless_o he_o likewise_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v now_o find_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n whether_o it_o be_v genuine_a or_o no_o but_o to_o suppose_v the_o most_o and_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v if_o those_o book_n which_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v call_v in_o
of_o fact_n which_o be_v past_a a_o author_n may_v easy_o be_v disprove_v if_o he_o relate_v what_o be_v false_a of_o his_o own_o time_n or_o of_o time_n whereof_o there_o be_v memorial_n still_o extant_a but_o the_o credit_n of_o prophecy_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v a_o long_a time_n after_o to_o pass_v must_v depend_v upon_o the_o mission_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n only_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v annex_v that_o their_o prediction_n may_v be_v depend_v upon_o when_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o man_n who_o by_o other_o prediction_n already_o fulfil_v have_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n iv_o the_o very_a preservation_n of_o book_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n through_o so_o many_o change_n and_o revolution_n against_o all_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n and_o ignorance_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o war_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o adversary_n and_o so_o many_o 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the_o rest_n give_v up_o and_o abandon_v as_o out_o of_o date_n and_o of_o little_a use_n or_o esteem_v afterward_o and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v so_o little_a able_a to_o withstand_v the_o destruction_n of_o time_n that_o we_o know_v not_o much_o more_o of_o they_o than_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a be_v in_o great_a measure_n take_v out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v continue_v entire_a and_o unchanged_a under_o all_o accident_n and_o revolution_n of_o affair_n bear_v this_o character_n as_o well_o as_o other_o of_o he_o who_o be_v immutable_a they_o have_v be_v still_o assert_v against_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o opposition_n of_o enemy_n by_o a_o captive_a and_o disperse_a people_n who_o by_o the_o signal_n providence_n of_o god_n though_o they_o reject_v their_o messiah_n yet_o still_o acknowledge_v those_o prophecy_n which_o foretell_v his_o come_n and_o after_o their_o dispersion_n for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v they_o that_o they_o assert_v and_o maintain_v they_o and_o be_v zealous_a even_o to_o superstition_n for_o those_o book_n which_o command_v that_o worship_n and_o appoint_v those_o solemnity_n which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n to_o observe_v as_o if_o those_o law_n which_o be_v once_o so_o uneasy_a to_o their_o forefather_n be_v now_o become_v natural_a to_o their_o posterity_n or_o rather_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o who_o word_n shall_v never_o pass_v away_o till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v v._o the_o new_a testament_n give_v evidence_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a which_o be_v so_o often_o cite_v in_o it_o vi_o the_o christian_n be_v religious_o cautious_a and_o circumspect_a in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o script_n the_o hieron_n catalogue_n eccl._n script_n epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v at_o first_o scruple_v only_o or_o chief_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o style_n the_o style_n of_o the_o former_a be_v think_v different_a from_o that_o of_o st_n paul_n and_o the_o style_n of_o the_o latter_a from_o that_o of_o st_n peter_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n judas_n be_v likewise_o doubt_v of_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o enoch_n be_v cite_v in_o it_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o several_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v reject_v and_o by_o general_a consent_n lay_v aside_o the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o st_n barnabas_n who_o be_v style_v a_o apostle_n act_v xiii_o 2._o fourteen_o 14._o be_v never_o receive_v but_o as_o apocryphal_a and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st_n clement_n of_o who_o st_n paul_n give_v as_o high_a a_o character_n phil._n four_o 3._o as_o he_o do_v of_o st_n luke_n or_o as_o st_n peter_n ever_o give_v of_o st_n mark_n be_v never_o admit_v among_o the_o canonical_a book_n though_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n but_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st_n mark_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v by_o st_n luke_n have_v ever_o be_v receive_v for_o canonical_a for_o which_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o st_n mark_n and_o st_n luke_n be_v know_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n since_o upon_o all_o personal_a and_o humane_a account_n a_o epistle_n of_o st_n barnabas_n or_o st_n clement_n must_v have_v carry_v as_o much_o authority_n with_o it_o as_o any_o thing_n under_o the_o name_n of_o st_n mark_n or_o st_n luke_n ib._n luke_n unam_fw-la ad_fw-la aedisicationem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pertinentem_fw-la epistolam_fw-la composuit_fw-la quae_fw-la inter_fw-la apochrypha_n scripture_n legitur_fw-la id._n ib._n st_o jerom_n say_v that_o st_n barnabas_n be_v the_o author_n of_o one_o epistle_n write_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v read_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n so_o that_o book_n be_v style_v apocryphal_a not_o because_o it_o be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o because_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o they_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_z or_o no._n so_o careful_a be_v the_o primitive_a church_n to_o receive_v none_o into_o the_o canon_n but_o book_n certain_o inspire_v it_o be_v well_o observe_v 1._o observe_v crit_fw-fr hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part._n 1._o c._n 1._o by_o f._n simon_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o liturgy_n that_o we_o have_v under_o the_o name_n of_o several_a apostle_n to_o who_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o eastern_a christian_n do_v attribute_v they_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o the_o apostle_n for_o all_o the_o church_n have_v preserve_v they_o in_o their_o ancient_a purity_n whereas_o every_o particular_a nation_n have_v add_v to_o their_o liturgy_n and_o have_v take_v the_o liberty_n often_o to_o revise_v they_o the_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v always_o have_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o in_o sert_v any_o considerable_a addition_n therein_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o all_o people_n have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o divine_a book_n which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o alter_v on_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o liturgy_n though_o they_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o some_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o original_o write_v by_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v attribute_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o church_n to_o add_v to_o they_o or_o to_o diminish_v from_o they_o according_a as_o occasion_n require_v vii_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v very_o jealous_a and_o cautious_a in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n so_o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a the_o way_n of_o write_v and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o write_v as_o st_n paul_n intimate_v of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o manner_n of_o salutation_n for_o when_o he_o use_v a_o amanuensis_fw-la yet_o he_o write_v the_o salutation_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o his_o token_n in_o every_o epistle_n 2_o thess_n iii._o 17._o they_o general_o write_v to_o whole_a church_n but_o particular_a man_n be_v frequent_o name_v in_o their_o epistle_n which_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o ascertain_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o 36._o they_o ago_o jam_fw-la qui_fw-la voles_fw-fr curiofitatem_fw-la melius_fw-la exercere_fw-la in_o negotio_fw-la salutis_fw-la tuus_fw-la percurre_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la adhue_n cathedrae_fw-la
of_o nice_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o by_o that_o council_n and_o that_o they_o be_v style_v apostolical_a because_o they_o be_v make_v by_o apostolical_a man_n or_o such_o as_o live_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o deliver_v in_o these_o canon_n what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n dr_n beverege_n think_v they_o roman_n they_o bever_n annot._fw-la ad_fw-la pandect_a can._n &_o cod._n can._n eccl._n primit_fw-la vind_z cave_n histor_n litter_n in_o clem_v roman_n be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o dr_n cave_n seem_v incline_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a apostolical_a canon_n which_o contain_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n give_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o show_v wherein_o it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v since_o all_o which_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o tertullian_n that_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n among_o other_o thing_n under_o consideration_n which_o we_o find_v set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n no_o book_n be_v omit_v but_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o authentic_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o know_v of_o what_o authority_n it_o be_v but_o none_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n but_o such_o book_n as_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v finish_v by_o st_n john_n and_o that_o such_o book_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n be_v reject_v by_o council_n 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that_o a_o extrardinary_a providence_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n secure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o those_o casualty_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o humane_a write_n for_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n the_o difficulty_n to_o avoid_v mistake_n in_o transcribe_v book_n in_o a_o language_n which_o have_v so_o many_o of_o its_o letter_n and_o of_o its_o word_n themselves_o so_o like_o one_o another_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n as_o it_o be_v general_o now_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o point_n the_o change_n of_o the_o samaritan_n or_o ancient_a hebrew_n for_o the_o present_a hebrew_n character_n the_o captivity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o seventy_o year_n and_o the_o mixture_n and_o change_n which_o be_v during_o that_o time_n bring_v into_o their_o language_n in_o short_a all_o the_o accident_n which_o have_v ever_o happen_v to_o occasion_n error_n or_o mistake_n in_o any_o book_n have_v concur_v to_o cause_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o the_o different_a readins_n be_v much_o few_o and_o make_v much_o less_o alteration_n in_o the_o sense_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o same_o bigness_n and_o of_o any_o note_n and_o antiquity_n if_o all_o the_o copy_n shall_v be_v careful_o examine_v and_o every_o little_a variation_n as_o punctual_o set_v down_o as_o those_o of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v but_o though_o from_o hence_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o peculiar_a providence_n have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o from_o humane_a consideration_n and_o argument_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v assure_v that_o nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v happen_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n 1._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v not_o prejuduce_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o though_o the_o point_n which_o crititical_o determine_v the_o exact_a read_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v of_o a_o late_a invention_n yet_o that_o tongue_n be_v never_o without_o its_o vowel_n for_o aleph_fw-la vau_fw-fr and_o jod_a and_o which_o some_o add_v he_o and_o gnajm_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v use_v as_o vowel_n as_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v from_o josephus_n 49._o vid._n walton_n prolegom_n iii._o s_o 49._o origen_n and_o st_n jerom_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n in_o that_o language_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o these_o vowel_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o ascertain_v the_o true_a read_n as_o the_o point_n have_v since_o be_v but_o
first_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o contrivance_n and_o method_n and_o style_v of_o it_o not_o to_o criticise_v upon_o some_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v the_o method_n use_v by_o all_o who_o will_v criticise_v with_o judgement_n upon_o any_o author_n and_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o key_n as_o it_o be_v and_o a_o direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o other_o thus_o whereas_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n baptize_v in_o another_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o baptize_v not_o and_o the_o former_a place_n be_v expaline_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o baptism_n perform_v by_o himself_o but_o by_o his_o disciple_n who_o baptize_v in_o his_o name_n joh._n iii._o 22._o four_o 1_o 2._o iii_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o observe_v whether_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o such_o as_o do_v suppose_n mistake_v which_o a_o man_n who_o can_v write_v such_o a_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v find_v in_o can_v not_o run_v into_o for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n this_o very_a consideration_n be_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n and_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v answer_v and_o that_o the_o mistake_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o reader_n who_o without_o sufficient_a skill_n or_o attention_n pass_v a_o rash_a judgement_n upon_o it_o for_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_v a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o candour_n and_o equity_n will_v prevent_v many_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n even_o without_o inspiration_n they_o can_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o mistake_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v exod._n xxxiii_o 11._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n yet_o verse_n 20._o the_o lord_n answer_v moses_n who_o have_v beseech_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n for_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n see_v i_o and_o live_v will_v it_o not_o be_v impudent_a trifle_a to_o pretend_v any_o contradiction_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n when_o they_o be_v easy_o understand_v in_o a_o consistent_a sense_n and_o no_o man_n of_o any_o judgement_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o write_v contradiction_n and_o lay_v they_o so_o near_o together_o when_o it_o be_v say_v act._n ix_o 7._o that_o the_o man_n who_o journey_v with_o st._n paul_n hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man_n and_o act._n xxii_o 9_o that_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v to_o st._n paul_n beside_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v know_v and_o obvious_a to_o reconcile_v these_o text_n those_o who_o who_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consult_v expositor_n or_o to_o consider_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v please_v to_o observe_v that_o st._n luke_n be_v a_o man_n breed_v to_o learning_n and_o this_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v at_o least_o a_o prudent_a and_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v write_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o the_o objection_n must_v suppose_v in_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n concern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n in_o his_o whole_a history_n relate_v to_o a_o person_n with_o who_o he_o constant_o travel_v and_o converse_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o two_o such_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o thucydides_n or_o xenophon_n or_o even_o in_o the_o very_o worst_a historian_n he_o will_v not_o be_v incline_v rather_o to_o seek_v out_o for_o some_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o than_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o can_v so_o soon_o forget_v what_o he_o have_v write_v so_o little_a a_o while_n before_o in_o a_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v that_o difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o in_o st._n luke_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o and_o long_o after_o extant_a in_o the_o public_a register_n 9_o register_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la adam_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la extremum_fw-la zorobabel_n omnium_fw-la generationes_fw-la ita_fw-la memoriter_fw-la velociterque_fw-la precur_v runt_n ut_fw-la eos_fw-la suum_fw-la pute_fw-la refer_v nomen_fw-la hieron_n in_o tit._n iii._o 9_o they_o can_v repeat_v they_o by_o heart_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n as_o they_o can_v their_o own_o name_n and_o to_o insert_v a_o wrong_a genealogy_n have_v be_v to_o give_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o their_o cause_n than_o for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o produce_v a_o false_a pedigree_n when_o the_o true_a one_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o produce_v by_o any_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disprove_v they_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n descent_n from_o abraham_n and_o david_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v now_o be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o this_o twofold_a genealogy_n it_o be_v certain_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o that_o age_n and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o have_v for_o ever_o ruin_v their_o cause_n if_o they_o have_v produce_v it_o some_o crime_n be_v too_o great_a to_o charge_v upon_o man_n of_o any_o credit_n or_o reputation_n and_o some_o error_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a prudence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o commit_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o author_n rational_a and_o consistent_a in_o other_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n the_o ordinary_a ingenuity_n and_o condor_n of_o mankind_n will_v hinder_v we_o from_o suppose_v he_o to_o commit_v gross_a and_o palpable_a mistake_n and_o it_o be_v great_a disingenuity_n and_o folly_n to_o show_v the_o less_o respect_n to_o any_o author_n because_o he_o be_v at_o least_o believe_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o man_n because_o god_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n iv_o if_o any_o contradiction_n be_v frame_v or_o force_v from_o the_o various_a readins_n the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n or_o whatever_a elsé_fw-fr of_o this_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o critic_n they_o prove_v no_o more_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o do_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o these_o difficulty_n can_v not_o happen_v in_o a_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v first_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o afford_v no_o occasion_n for_o dispute_n and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o after_o so_o preserve_v by_o a_o constant_a miracle_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o none_o of_o the_o accident_n and_o casualty_n to_o which_o all_o other_o book_n be_v liable_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n may_v not_o permit_v book_n write_v by_o inspiration_n to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o any_o such_o casualty_n as_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n but_o if_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v preserve_v entire_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n all_o lesser_a matter_n may_v be_v lest_o to_o the_o same_o contingency_n which_o befall_v all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o evidence_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a in_o proof_n both_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o if_o no_o more_o can_v be_v produce_v than_o have_v by_o i_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v their_o authority_n yet_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o some_o mistake_n or_o defect_n in_o it_o no_o such_o objection_n can_v invalidate_v it_o because_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n
you_o not_o read_v that_o he_o which_o make_v they_o at_o the_o beginning_n make_v they_o male_a and_o female_a and_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o shall_v cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n and_o they_o twain_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n matth._n nineteeen_o 4_o 5._o and_o st._n paul_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o show_v that_o the_o woman_n ought_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n prove_v it_o by_o this_o argument_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o form_v then_o eve_n 1_o tim._n two_o 13._o and_o in_o another_o place_n and_o upon_o another_o occasion_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o woman_n of_o the_o man._n 1_o cor._n xi_o 8._o and_o long_o before_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n have_v argue_v from_o the_o same_o topick_n malach._n two_o 15._o and_o hebr._n four_o 4._o it_o be_v note_v that_o god_n do_v rest_v the_o seven_o day_n from_o all_o his_o work_n from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v that_o he_o that_o be_v enter_v into_o his_o rest_n he_o also_o have_v cease_v from_o his_o own_o work_n as_o god_n do_v from_o his_o verse_n 10._o now_o as_o these_o and_o whatever_o other_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v evident_o suppose_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n so_o they_o explain_v to_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v thus_o create_v for_o all_o these_o argument_n have_v be_v lose_v and_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o they_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v otherwise_o create_v as_o certain_o therefore_o as_o this_o argue_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v good_a so_o certain_a it_o be_v both_o that_o the_o world_n be_v so_o create_v and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o whatever_o some_o philisopher_n may_v think_v now_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o will_v have_v be_v more_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n than_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v make_v upon_o mechanical_a principle_n he_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v do_v he_o command_v and_o it_o stand_v fact_n psal_n xxxiii_o 9_o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v psal_n cxlviii_o 5._o this_o express_v not_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n but_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v ever_o have_v this_o notion_n of_o god_n that_o to_o command_v and_o to_o do_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o objection_n till_o of_o late_a have_v run_v the_o other_o way_n that_o god_n do_v rather_o create_v the_o world_n in_o a_o instant_n than_o in_o six_o day_n it_o be_v little_o suspect_v former_o that_o divers_a year_n or_o many_o age_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o longinus_n observe_v the_o sublime_a style_n of_o moses_n and_o if_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o be_v admirable_a the_o creation_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o relate_v must_v be_v much_o more_o admirable_a for_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o it_o to_o be_v thus_o describe_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o it_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o be_v do_v but_o what_o will_v longinus_n have_v say_v if_o the_o creation_n have_v be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v perform_v not_o by_o any_o command_n which_o have_v its_o immediate_a effect_n but_o by_o the_o tedious_a process_n of_o mechanical_a cause_n what_o grandeur_n what_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o majesty_n be_v there_o in_o this_o more_o than_o in_o any_o chemical_a operation_n if_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n be_v true_a it_o be_v strange_a presumption_n to_o demand_v of_o almighty_a god_n a_o reason_n of_o all_o his_o action_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o word_n that_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o when_o and_o how_o some_o man_n conceit_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v do_v but_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v may_v at_o least_o serve_v to_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o such_o men._n 2._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o perform_v according_a to_o mechanical_a law_n or_o principle_n the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n suppose_v that_o body_n act_n upon_o body_n or_o active_n upon_o passive_n in_o a_o certain_a course_n and_o according_a to_o such_o law_n as_o that_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o they_o necessary_o produce_v their_o effect_n without_o any_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o this_o notion_n be_v ground_v whole_o upon_o mistake_n 1._o it_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v at_o first_o a_o certain_a quantity_n of_o motion_n infuse_v or_o impress_v upon_o matter_n which_o still_o continue_v pass_v from_o one_o body_n to_o another_o according_a to_o certain_a method_n or_o rule_n prescribe_v but_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v always_o the_o same_o quantity_n of_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o precarious_a or_o rather_o notorious_o false_a and_o the_o best_a philosopher_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o account_n how_o motion_n can_v be_v communicate_v without_o a_o immediate_a impulse_n or_o concourse_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n 2._o by_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n it_o be_v suppose_v as_o a_o thing_n certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o plenum_fw-la which_o at_o least_o be_v very_o uncertain_a or_o rather_o it_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o mr._n newton_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vacuum_n not_o only_o intersperse_v but_o of_o a_o prodigious_a and_o almost_o incredible_a extent_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o earth_n simidiameter_n from_o we_o and_o by_o his_o principle_n gravitation_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o immediate_a and_o constant_a impression_n or_o impulse_n of_o god_n for_o it_o proceed_v from_o no_o action_n of_o one_o body_n upon_o another_o but_o be_v a_o quality_n belong_v to_o all_o matter_n alike_o and_o to_o every_o particle_n of_o matter_n however_o separate_v and_o distant_a from_o all_o other_o the_o projectile_a motion_n and_o that_o attractive_a force_n by_o which_o the_o planet_n be_v carry_v in_o their_o orbit_n can_v be_v communicate_v or_o perform_v according_a to_o any_o mechanical_a law_n whereby_o they_o be_v determine_v from_o a_o rectilinear_n to_o a_o orbicular_a motion_n for_o body_n can_v act_v upon_o body_n only_o by_o contract_n and_o therefore_o can_v communicate_v their_o motion_n or_o any_o way_n determine_v or_o affect_v the_o motion_n of_o each_o other_o in_o a_o vacuum_n so_o vast_a as_o it_o must_v be_v near_o the_o circumference_n of_o the_o several_a orbit_n so_o that_o the_o old_a occult_a quality_n and_o substantial_a term_n be_v not_o more_o repugnant_a to_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n than_o these_o principle_n be_v the_o be_v of_o a_o vacuum_n must_v suppose_v a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n necessary_a to_o keep_v the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o order_n in_o which_o we_o see_v it_o continue_v for_o otherwise_o by_o this_o principle_n of_o gravitation_n be_v inherent_a in_o every_o part_n of_o matter_n all_o body_n will_v press_v towards_o the_o centre_n and_o in_o a_o vacuum_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v their_o tendency_n towards_o it_o till_o they_o come_v crowd_v the_o upon_o another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n will_v soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o one_o confuse_a heap_n or_o moss_n unless_o some_o immaterial_a power_n interpose_v to_o hinder_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n be_v quite_o destroy_v by_o these_o principle_n for_o by_o these_o here_o be_v no_o connexion_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n according_a to_o any_o law_n of_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n but_o all_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n gravitation_n and_o the_o projectile_a motion_n must_v be_v impress_v and_o suspend_v without_o any_o dependence_n upon_o surround_v body_n they_o must_v produce_v their_o effect_n through_o prodigious_a void_a space_n where_o body_n have_v no_o communication_n of_o motion_n from_o one_o to_o another_o and_o all_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o immediate_a direct_n and_o assist_v hand_n of_o god_n a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o solve_v a_o miracle_n mechanical_o as_o to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n by_o mechanical_a law_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n 3._o the_o abetter_n of_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n argue_v that_o god_n act_n in_o the_o most_o general_a and_o uniform_a way_n that_o it_o be_v more_o become_v his_o wisdom_n to_o let_v nature_n have_v its_o course_n and_o that_o constant_o to_o interpose_v will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o order_n
be_v without_o abundance_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o herein_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v that_o to_o such_o a_o people_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n he_o give_v a_o law_n so_o admirable_o proper_a and_o well_o contrive_v to_o preserve_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o veil_n of_o ceremony_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o come_n of_o his_o son_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n but_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n joh._n i._n 17._o that_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n or_o substance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o law_n chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n our_o saviour_n be_v the_o great_a prophet_n who_o be_v to_o come_v as_o moses_n have_v foretell_v and_o who_o be_v expect_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o expect_v that_o that_o prophet_n shall_v work_v miracle_n as_o moses_n have_v do_v who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v like_a and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n as_o moses_n have_v be_v the_o jew_n have_v a_o general_a expectation_n that_o the_o messiah_n will_v manifest_v himself_o by_o miracle_n joh._n seven_o 31._o miracle_n have_v not_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n wrought_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o it_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o know_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v revive_v by_o he_o the_o 36._o the_o maiman_n more_n nevoch_n part_n 2._o c._n 36._o rabbin_n still_o teach_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v to_o return_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o god_n express_a promise_n and_o the_o samaritan_n themselves_o have_v this_o notion_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o be_v to_o give_v full_a instruction_n in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n joh._n four_o 25._o and_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o prove_v he_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v literal_o fulfil_v in_o our_o saviour_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n have_v be_v explain_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v full_o prove_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n by_o the_o accomplishment_n in_o he_o of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n we_o ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o his_o authority_n both_o for_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o for_o any_o explication_n which_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v against_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o their_o law_n be_v to_o cease_v when_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v the_o gospel_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contain_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v the_o fulfil_v and_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o the_o moral_a precept_n be_v improve_v and_o advance_v and_o the_o ceremonial_a and_o ritual_a part_n be_v not_o proper_o abrogate_a and_o abolish_v but_o it_o continue_v for_o as_o long_a time_n as_o it_o be_v design_v to_o do_v and_o then_o expire_v of_o itself_o it_o serve_v these_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o afterward_o must_v of_o consequence_n cease_v the_o ceremonial_a worship_n therefore_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o become_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n till_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o long_o practicable_a but_o must_v of_o necessity_n cease_v and_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o once_o it_o have_v its_o period_n and_o accomplishment_n be_v as_o much_o the_o will_n of_o the_o legislator_n at_o its_o first_o institution_n as_o its_o former_a obligation_n can_v be_v the_o jewish_a law_n be_v figurative_a and_o typical_a it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v to_o cease_v of_o course_n when_o the_o thing_n prefigure_v and_o typify_v by_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v when_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v for_o then_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n be_v fulfil_v can_v be_v of_o no_o long_o use_v nor_o the_o law_n which_o enjoin_v they_o of_o any_o long_a continuance_n when_o once_o this_o principal_a reason_n of_o it_o cease_v and_o all_o other_o end_v design_v by_o it_o may_v be_v better_o attain_v without_o it_o by_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o this_o law_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o not_o only_o to_o expire_v upon_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o by_o the_o messiah_n but_o to_o become_v impracticable_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v observe_v afterward_o i_o shall_v therefore_o prove_v the_o cessation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n i._o because_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v in_o who_o it_o be_v fulfil_v ii_o because_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o law_n shall_v cease_v upon_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n iii_o because_o after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v to_o become_v impracticable_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v observe_v 1._o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v in_o who_o the_o law_n be_v fulfil_v as_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v prefigure_v in_o the_o various_a type_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o receive_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o he_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o messiah_n since_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n have_v be_v all_o fulfil_v in_o he_o this_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o zechariah_n and_o malachy_n be_v so_o very_o plain_o and_o undeniable_o fulfil_v that_o stessia_n that_o munster_n de_fw-fr stessia_n some_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o evade_v they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v bear_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n though_o he_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v but_o that_o he_o be_v see_v at_o rome_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o lie_v conceal_v as_o moses_n do_v in_o the_o house_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o shall_v require_v the_o dismission_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o pope_n as_o moses_n demand_v of_o pharaoh_n the_o dismission_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n but_o they_o say_v that_o he_o defer_v the_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n have_v make_v many_o solemn_a humiliation_n to_o implore_v his_o help_n and_o hasten_v his_o come_n particular_o a._n d._n mdii_o they_o appoint_v a_o public_a humiliation_n for_o young_a and_o old_a man_n woman_n and_o child_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o nigh_o a_o whole_a year_n together_o dialog_n together_o just_a martyr_n dialog_n trypho_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o may_v be_v somewhere_o unknown_a but_o say_v that_o he_o can_v not_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v christ_n nor_o work_v miracle_n till_o elias_n have_v anoint_v he_o and_o manifest_v he_o to_o the_o world_n ib._n world_n muâ—ster_n ib._n other_o have_v say_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o three_o temple_n and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o the_o messiah_n will_v come_v only_o because_o abraham_n call_v the_o place_n where_o the_o temple_n stand_v a_o mountain_n isaaâ—_n a_o field_n and_o jacob_n a_o house_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o their_o sin_n hinder_v his_o come_n some_o again_o think_v that_o they_o be_v neither_o sinful_a enough_o nor_o righteous_a enough_o for_o say_v they_o he_o must_v come_v in_o a_o generation_n altogether_o sinful_a or_o altogether_o righteous_a the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n week_n be_v so_o punctual_o in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n fulfil_v that_o not_o only_a limborch_n only_a joseph_n antiqu_n judiac_n lib._n x._o c._n 12._o secundum_fw-la scriptum_n judai_n apud_fw-la limborch_n josephus_n and_o the_o modern_a jew_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o titus_n but_o 3._o but_o lud._n viu._n de_fw-fr ver_fw-la fid._n lib._n 3._o some_o of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o computation_n to_o be_v true_a and_o to_o agree_v exact_o with_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n have_v even_o dare_v to_o say_v that_o daniel_n himself_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o account_n other_o have_v confess_v that_o all_o the_o term_n of_o time_n assign_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v past_a and_o that_o now_o their_o only_a hope_n of_o deliverance_n and_o redemption_n be_v to_o be_v place_v in_o their_o repentance_n and_o other_o lay_v a_o curse_n upon_o such_o as_o presume_v to_o fix_v any_o particular_a time_n for_o the_o
be_v a_o long_a succession_n of_o philosopher_n and_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o school_fw-mi of_o platonist_n which_o continue_v at_o athens_n for_o some_o age_n will_v revive_v or_o reinforce_v any_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v use_v by_o their_o predecessor_n in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n proclus_n and_o damascius_n who_o be_v of_o this_o school_n live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o six_o age_n and_o the_o write_n of_o damascius_n be_v extant_a lxxvii_o extant_a phot._n cod_n clxxxi_o ccxlii_o lxxvii_o in_o photius_n time_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o nine_o age_n the_o history_n of_o eunapius_n be_v then_o likewise_o extant_a and_o be_v hist_o be_v voss_n de_fw-fr graec._n hist_o say_v to_o be_v preserve_v at_o venice_n we_o have_v the_o abridgement_n of_o it_o by_o zosimus_n and_o a_o sufficient_a specimen_fw-la of_o his_o malicious_a invective_n in_o his_o other_o write_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o and_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v continue_v much_o long_o than_o any_o account_n which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v of_o they_o mention_n of_o about_o thirty_o answer_n 10._o answer_n holstein_n de_fw-fr vit._n &_o script_n porphyt_n c._n 10._o which_o be_v write_v to_o porphyry_n by_o several_a author_n not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o the_o world_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o insufficieny_n of_o his_o objection_n the_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n be_v as_o little_o regard_v as_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o they_o the_o jew_n who_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n before_o but_o especial_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o vast_a number_n be_v spread_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n to_o detect_v any_o falsehood_n in_o it_o and_o have_v never_o omit_v any_o advantage_n of_o improve_n and_o enforce_v the_o argument_n against_o it_o and_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o retain_v any_o thing_n considerable_a which_o have_v be_v object_v by_o their_o forefather_n or_o by_o the_o heathen_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v the_o jew_n have_v be_v a_o perpetual_a restless_a enemy_n in_o all_o part_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o material_a in_o this_o case_n will_v escape_v their_o observation_n but_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a many_o thing_n have_v be_v allege_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o the_o unbelief_n therefore_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o those_o age_n be_v no_o material_a objection_n nor_o altogether_o so_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o unbelief_n of_o too_o many_o now_o who_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o have_v have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n be_v example_n be_v always_o the_o weak_a argument_n in_o any_o case_n and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o authority_n against_o the_o clear_a rational_a evidence_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v infinite_o surpass_v all_o other_o in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o martyr_n of_o both_o sex_n of_o every_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o rank_a and_o condition_n mistake_v ignorant_a zealot_n may_v often_o have_v suffer_v for_o other_o religion_n but_o man_n of_o the_o high_a station_n and_o worth_n and_o inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n esteem_v excellent_a have_v renounce_v all_o and_o upon_o choice_n and_o after_o a_o full_a consideration_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n tyrant_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o cruelty_n have_v make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o ambition_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n to_o extirpate_v the_o christian_a religion_n they_o esteem_v their_o persecution_n matter_n of_o triumph_n and_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o the_o 280._o the_o gâ—uter_n inscript_n p._n 238_o 280._o inscription_n of_o monument_n erect_v to_o their_o memory_n but_o the_o invincible_a patience_n and_o glorious_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n prevail_v against_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o force_n of_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o martyrology_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v there_o will_v soon_o appear_v so_o manifest_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o the_o sufferer_n for_o other_o religion_n that_o nothing_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o remember_v with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n at_o the_o low_a and_o argue_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n let_v we_o for_o a_o while_o set_v aside_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v say_v in_o preference_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o suppose_v the_o number_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o martyr_n for_o so_o we_o must_v call_v they_o at_o present_a of_o other_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o the_o cause_n itself_o make_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o they_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n in_o a_o wrong_n cause_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n which_o be_v maintain_v and_o promote_v by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o proceed_v upon_o sure_a ground_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o very_o strange_a if_o that_o which_o be_v true_a shall_v be_v ever_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o esteem_v because_o there_o may_v be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a of_o which_o some_o man_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v and_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o they_o as_o any_o one_o can_v be_v for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a thing_n that_o many_o have_v to_o pretend_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o there_o be_v many_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n and_o none_o be_v without_o its_o zealot_n to_o appear_v in_o vindication_n of_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n ever_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o religion_n upon_o so_o weak_a a_o pretence_n a_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v a_o undeserved_a value_n but_o their_o country_n their_o friend_n and_o themselves_o they_o be_v common_o as_o much_o mistake_v in_o and_o do_v as_o high_o overprize_v be_v there_o then_o no_o real_a difference_n or_o solid_a worth_n in_o any_o of_o these_o some_o of_o the_o most_o unlikely_a country_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v admire_v by_o the_o native_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o garden_n of_o eden_n and_o the_o place_n of_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o easy_a than_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n concern_v different_a country_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o elysium_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o mahomet_n paradise_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o between_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o they_o for_o which_o man_n have_v not_o show_v themselves_o passionate_o concern_v and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o more_o infallible_a in_o religion_n than_o in_o other_o thing_n or_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o less_o in_o earnest_n about_o it_o as_o not_o to_o discover_v the_o same_o frailty_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o the_o other_o action_n and_o business_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v often_o see_v in_o most_o case_n that_o some_o be_v as_o earnest_n and_o zealous_a in_o a_o false_a cause_n as_o other_o be_v in_o a_o true_a but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n when_o two_o man_n of_o opposite_a party_n be_v equal_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n as_o he_o contradict_v the_o other_o because_o as_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v both_o true_a so_o they_o can_v be_v both_o false_a if_o then_o a_o confident_a and_o zealous_a
who_o be_v not_o as_o singular_a in_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o his_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o have_v firm_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o thing_n to_o weigh_v the_o objection_n with_o the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o divers_a author_n and_o withal_o to_o observe_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o how_o far_o they_o affect_v the_o main_a cause_n and_o still_o to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n if_o our_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o we_o nor_o infidelity_n any_o prejudice_n we_o may_v take_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o give_v credit_n or_o no_o credit_n to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o we_o use_v in_o the_o read_n all_o other_o book_n and_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v it_o as_o we_o think_v fit_a or_o to_o believe_v only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o lies_z even_o with_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o worst_a this_o will_v be_v but_o folly_n in_o we_o but_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o reject_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a because_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v every_o word_n of_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o term_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o son_n shall_v choose_v to_o live_v miserable_o rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v a_o large_a estate_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o father_n because_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o design_n and_o full_a meaning_n of_o every_o particular_a in_o his_o will_n he_o search_v out_o for_o all_o way_n and_o art_n for_o cavil_v at_o it_o and_o be_v fond_a of_o any_o pretence_n to_o cast_v it_o aside_o as_o counterfeit_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o father_n for_o his_o father_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v he_o such_o and_o such_o clause_n will_v not_o be_v in_o it_o since_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o he_o can_v see_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v several_a thing_n mention_v in_o it_o he_o believe_v be_v mistimed_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o describe_v by_o fit_a name_n beside_o it_o be_v interline_v and_o he_o never_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o estate_n convey_v to_o he_o by_o such_o a_o will_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v miserable_a all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n this_o will_v be_v such_o peevishness_n and_o perverseness_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o where_o our_o temporal_a interest_n be_v concern_v but_o too_o many_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o reject_v the_o tender_v and_o despise_v the_o term_n of_o a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n in_o heaven_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o curse_n threaten_v to_o unbeliever_n because_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o exception_n and_o cavil_v to_o captious_a men._n god_n have_v send_v his_o prophet_n to_o call_v and_o admonish_v we_o and_o his_o son_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o offer_v we_o eternal_a peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o he_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o jew_n have_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o christian_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o not_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o without_o any_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o with_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o become_v christian_n when_o in_o this_o world_n christian_n be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a and_o be_v support_v only_o by_o the_o steadfast_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n after_o this_o life_n and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v not_o only_o that_o any_o other_o book_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v but_o as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n now_o what_o do_v these_o man_n how_o do_v they_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n why_o they_o overlook_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o search_v up_o and_o down_o for_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a passage_n to_o disprove_v it_o by_o not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o nothing_o can_v overthrow_v their_o authority_n but_o that_o which_o can_v invalidate_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n thus_o to_o despise_v god_n mercy_n and_o care_n over_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a danger_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o madness_n for_o what_o mild_a term_n can_v be_v find_v to_o express_v the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o they_o who_o reject_v a_o book_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n forewarn_v we_o upon_o pain_n of_o the_o severe_a effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n not_o to_o neglect_v they_o it_o be_v madness_n i_o say_v if_o we_o right_o consider_v it_o to_o reject_v such_o a_o book_n and_o at_o once_o both_o to_o affront_v the_o mercy_n and_o despise_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o infinite_o merciful_a and_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o powerful_a god_n it_o be_v a_o good_a caution_n to_o the_o atheist_n to_o forbear_v his_o blasphemy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o last_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a thing_n after_o all_o his_o profane_a talk_v and_o argue_v to_o be_v call_v before_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o often_o deny_v and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a advice_n to_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o be_v not_o god_n word_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a of_o this_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o they_o bear_v and_o which_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o as_o judicious_a as_o themselves_o think_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o shall_v methinks_v keep_v man_n within_o some_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o discretion_n for_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v more_o evident_a than_o how_o dear_o must_v they_o pay_v for_o a_o little_a cavil_v wit_n and_o subtilty_n the_o best_a and_o most_o divine_a thing_n may_v be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o a_o bold_a and_o scurrilous_a wit_n but_o can_v man_n think_v it_o a_o safe_a or_o a_o prudent_a thing_n to_o ridicule_n and_o scoff_n at_o those_o book_n which_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v may_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o fancy_n themselves_o so_o great_a master_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v the_o argument_n bring_v in_o vindication_n of_o they_o can_v they_o value_v the_o contemptible_a reputation_n of_o a_o little_a satyr_n and_o drollery_n at_o that_o mighty_a rate_n as_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o if_o man_n have_v any_o real_a doubt_n or_o scruple_n they_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o thing_n to_o jest_n and_o trifle_v withal_o when_o no_o less_o than_o the_o term_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o everlasting_a misery_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n and_o what_o wit_n there_o may_v be_v in_o it_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n to_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o a_o book_n by_o which_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v but_o that_o he_o must_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o a_o madman_n say_v solomon_n who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deceive_v his_o neighbour_n and_o say_v be_o not_o i_o