obedience_n arise_v from_o the_o good_a that_o may_v be_v gain_v by_o that_o obedience_n or_o by_o the_o evil_a that_o may_v be_v avoid_v by_o it_o if_o a_o superior_a by_o which_o i_o understand_v one_o that_o have_v power_n and_o right_n over_o i_o command_v i_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n it_o follow_v that_o my_o disobedience_n must_v needs_o expose_v i_o to_o the_o dire_a effect_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a sanction_n to_o constitute_v a_o law_n without_o any_o express_a threaten_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a punishment_n the_o power_n of_o inflict_v which_o be_v suppose_v as_o essential_o inherent_a in_o the_o superior_a person_n and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o promise_n s._n i_o think_v my_o author_n show_v very_o well_o that_o cunning_a lawgiver_n allure_v the_o vulgar_a to_o obedience_n to_o wholesome_a law_n by_o propound_v to_o they_o a_o quite_o different_a end_n from_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o law_n its_o self_n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v virtuous_a for_o the_o reward_n that_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n must_v needs_o spring_n from_o virtue_n its_o self_n but_o i_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o other_o allurement_n by_o which_o you_o divine_v will_v entice_v man_n to_o follow_v your_o own_o direction_n l._n i_o easy_o grant_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o pleasure_n of_o mind_n arise_v from_o all_o act_n of_o genuine_a virtue_n as_o there_o be_v a_o regret_n and_o torment_n that_o attend_v upon_o vice_n and_o that_o the_o certain_a pain_n or_o pleasure_n which_o accompany_v these_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o what_o probable_o may_v be_v far_o expect_v from_o god_n be_v the_o very_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o pain_n or_o pleasure_n that_o follow_v any_o action_n either_o by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o free_a will_n of_o god_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o law_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v a_o law_n when_o the_o transgression_n bring_v no_o inconvenience_n nor_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n to_o the_o subject_a s._n how_o many_o law_n be_v daily_o transgress_v and_o yet_o no_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o the_o offender_n do_v they_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v law_n l._n no._n because_o though_o punishment_n be_v not_o actual_o inflict_v upon_o all_o that_o offend_v yet_o it_o be_v threaten_v to_o all_o and_o the_o very_a danger_n of_o incur_v the_o penalty_n be_v a_o sufficient_a sanction_n but_o in_o a_o penal_a law_n if_o all_o possibility_n of_o offend_a god_n or_o man_n or_o ourselves_o be_v take_v away_o it_o will_v then_o lose_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o law_n and_o revolt_v again_o into_o its_o first_o state_n of_o indifferency_n to_o gain_v therefore_o good_a and_o to_o avoid_v evil_a be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o all_o law_n and_o your_o author_n very_o much_o mistake_v the_o point_n when_o he_o represent_v reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o adapt_v only_o to_o govern_v the_o vulgar_a who_o know_v not_o the_o true_a end_n of_o law_n and_o have_v not_o learned_a the_o great_a art_n of_o be_v virtuous_a for_o virtue_n sake_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v adapt_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o mankind_n even_o the_o author_n himself_o who_o will_v not_o have_v venture_v to_o write_v such_o a_o book_n if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o a_o country_n where_o he_o have_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v be_v punish_v as_o he_o deserve_v for_o it_o he_o that_o love_v virtue_n or_o hate_v vice_n must_v do_v it_o either_o for_o some_o good_a or_o evil_a essential_o inherent_a or_o accidental_o annex_v to_o they_o and_o if_o god_n by_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n do_v explain_v confirm_v and_o enlarge_v these_o sanction_n or_o adapt_v they_o in_o some_o case_n to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o obedience_n to_o these_o law_n be_v servile_a but_o rather_o that_o it_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n s._n be_v he_o a_o just_a man_n that_o forbear_v to_o steal_v for_o fear_n of_o hang_v l._n no_o but_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o just_a man_n who_o forbear_v to_o steal_v for_o fear_v of_o run_v into_o that_o evil_a which_o reason_n show_v be_v intrinsical_o inherent_a in_o it_o or_o which_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n have_v threaten_v as_o consequential_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o reward_n or_o punishment_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o act_v like_o man_n or_o choose_v what_o be_v best_a like_v unto_o rational_a creature_n s._n notwithstanding_o your_o pulpit-cant_n my_o author_n give_v you_o a_o more_o noble_a scheme_n of_o virtue_n he_o show_v you_o that_o our_o understanding_n be_v our_o best_a part_n our_o chief_a happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n that_o all_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o can_v have_v depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v exist_v or_o be_v conceive_v without_o god_n as_o also_o because_o we_o may_v doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n whilst_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a conception_n of_o god_n hence_o he_o tell_v you_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o nature_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o perfection_n do_v involve_v or_o express_v our_o conception_n of_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o know_v natural_a thing_n so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o acquire_v a_o more_o perfect_a conception_n of_o god_n or_o may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v most_o happy_a who_o love_v the_o intellectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o it_o and_o these_o medium_n of_o this_o knowledge_n as_o far_o as_o conducive_v to_o this_o end_n may_v be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o god_n l._n perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v render_v a_o man_n complete_o happy_a unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o faculty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o that_o of_o understand_v only_o for_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v a_o good_a understanding_n but_o a_o irregular_a will_n and_o affection_n that_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v complete_o happy_a for_o happiness_n be_v a_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n it_o must_v be_v equal_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a happiness_n our_o saviour_n speak_v more_o emphatical_o to_o the_o purpose_n you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o his_o reason_n why_o all_o the_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v by_o man_n depend_v upon_o his_o right_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v very_o false_a and_o deceitful_a viz._n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v or_o be_v conceive_v without_o god_n by_o which_o obscure_a circumlocution_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o in_o plain_a term_n than_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n than_o the_o universe_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o nature_n as_o he_o say_v do_v involve_v a_o conception_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o know_v natural_a thing_n we_o know_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n for_o if_o god_n himself_o be_v not_o matter_n a_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o matter_n can_v give_v we_o entrance_n into_o a_o more_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o 20._o rom._n 1._o 20._o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n say_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n that_o be_v our_o knowledge_n that_o some_o visible_a thing_n be_v make_v which_o can_v not_o make_v themselves_o lead_v man_n to_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o eternal_a invisible_a power_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o this_o knowledge_n arise_v not_o from_o a_o accurate_a discussion_n of_o all_o the_o property_n of_o matter_n since_o it_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o bare_a existence_n for_o the_o very_a creation_n of_o matter_n show_v the_o invisible_a power_n of_o god_n though_o his_o wisdom_n be_v more_o visible_o see_v in_o the_o various_a modification_n of_o it_o but_o still_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o best_o know_v natural_a thing_n do_v best_a know_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n unless_o god_n himself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o universe_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o great_a virtuoso_fw-la and_o very_o ingenious_a in_o render_v a_o account_n of_o the_o concatenation_n of_o secondary_a cause_n
a_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v tractatus_fw-la theologico_fw-la politicus_fw-la london_n print_v for_o charles_n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n at_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n 1697._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a charles_n earl_n of_o winchelsea_n viscount_n maidstone_n baron_n fitz-herbert_n of_o eastwell_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n this_o treatise_n be_v by_o i_o design_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o reveal_v religion_n against_o those_o deistical_a and_o sceptical_a notion_n which_o be_v too_o frequent_a in_o this_o age_n have_v there_o be_v no_o singular_a obligation_n to_o induce_v i_o yet_o can_v i_o not_o have_v find_v a_o more_o proper_a patron_n than_o your_o lordship_n who_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o favourer_n and_o protector_n of_o religion_n virtue_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v praiseworthy_a among_o man_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o my_o small_a station_n in_o the_o church_n may_v very_o well_o have_v excuse_v i_o from_o engage_v in_o a_o argument_n which_o may_v just_o require_v a_o person_n of_o more_o dignity_n learning_n and_o leisure_n but_o i_o be_o at_o the_o same_o time_n very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o your_o lordship_n and_o all_o good_a man_n will_v not_o expect_v much_o where_o but_o little_o be_v give_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o same_o plainness_n and_o sincerity_n wherein_o i_o at_o first_o write_v it_o i_o presume_v to_o dedicate_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n as_o a_o small_a token_n how_o much_o i_o be_o your_o lordship_n be_v most_o humble_a and_o oblige_a servant_n mathias_n earbery_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n though_o i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o whosoever_o write_v a_o book_n aught_o to_o write_v a_o preface_n for_o some_o be_v so_o good_a that_o they_o need_v none_o and_o some_o so_o bad_a that_o they_o do_v deserve_v one_o yet_o i_o think_v myself_o to_o lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o account_n of_o those_o reason_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o answer_v a_o book_n which_o if_o it_o have_v its_o due_a desert_n aught_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o silence_n and_o darkness_n for_o ever_o 1._o i_o may_v here_o allege_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o tractatus_fw-la theologico-politicus_a have_v not_o as_o yet_o the_o honour_n to_o receive_v a_o entire_a confutation_n from_o any_o one_o learned_a hand_n that_o i_o know_v in_o europe_n bishop_n boyl_n in_o his_o little_a body_n of_o divinity_n and_o almost_o all_o our_o modern_n who_o have_v write_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v take_v notice_n of_o divers_a of_o its_o dangerous_a position_n as_o they_o lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o almost_o every_o page_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o conclude_v that_o if_o those_o learned_a man_n do_v think_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o answer_v the_o chief_a objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n one_o by_o one_o a_o collective_a answer_n to_o the_o whole_a book_n will_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o public_a good_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_v not_o induce_v to_o undertake_v this_o task_n because_o i_o think_v none_o can_v do_v it_o better_o but_o because_o none_o before_o i_o have_v begin_v so_o useful_a a_o work_n i_o consider_v also_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o most_o who_o have_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a have_v either_o do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o philosophical_a manner_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o intelligible_a by_o the_o vulgar_a or_o have_v proceed_v against_o he_o and_o his_o party_n by_o such_o philological_a argument_n as_o though_o very_o learned_a yet_o at_o most_o be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o therefore_o never_o can_v convince_v a_o stubborn_a sceptist_n though_o they_o be_v very_o please_v to_o ingenious_a men._n now_o though_o this_o way_n of_o write_v be_v very_o take_v whilst_o the_o argument_n be_v only_o toss_v too_o and_o fro_o among_o learned_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a when_o such_o deistical_a principle_n begin_v to_o be_v popular_a and_o seize_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o though_o they_o want_v reason_n yet_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o obstinacy_n to_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o since_o this_o book_n have_v as_o i_o be_o inform_v receive_v late_o some_o impression_n in_o our_o own_o language_n i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o administer_v the_o antidote_n in_o the_o same_o vehicle_n in_o which_o the_o party_n have_v present_v the_o poison_n and_o wave_v all_o conjectural_a argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o humane_a authority_n or_o who_o force_n depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o book_n or_o be_v too_o remote_a from_o common_a sense_n to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o man_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o chief_o such_o principle_n as_o all_o may_v understand_v and_o all_o who_o understand_v they_o must_v needs_o admit_v to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o hope_v that_o it_o will_v be_v apparent_a from_o thence_o that_o they_o who_o renounce_v their_o religion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a must_v renounce_v their_o reason_n too_o which_o they_o boast_v to_o be_v their_o only_a guide_n nor_o be_o i_o ignorant_a that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v very_o well_o verse_v pardon_n so_o favourable_a a_o expression_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n understand_v the_o original_a language_n and_o have_v make_v a_o diligent_a search_n to_o find_v all_o weak_a place_n wherein_o he_o may_v assault_v and_o ruin_n the_o impregnable_a fortress_n of_o reveal_v religion_n mr._n hobbs_n have_v another_o way_n of_o trifle_v with_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o wrest_v some_o particular_a place_n to_o his_o odd_a opinion_n but_o this_o author_n begin_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o foundation_n by_o take_v away_o all_o divine_a authority_n from_o prophecy_n miracle_n or_o inspiration_n and_o make_v all_o the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o either_o madman_n or_o impostor_n now_o though_o such_o sentiment_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o judge_n than_o refute_v by_o the_o divine_a yet_o since_o too_o much_o liberty_n have_v relax_v the_o reins_o both_o of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a power_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o such_o weapon_n shall_v be_v use_v as_o be_v therefore_o leave_v we_o because_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v take_v away_o and_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v at_o least_o some_o punishment_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o very_a sbades_n and_o manes_n of_o this_o author_n to_o show_v the_o world_n that_o he_o who_o so_o long_o have_v find_v a_o place_n in_o the_o library_n and_o hand_n of_o very_o learned_a man_n do_v scarce_o for_o his_o stupidity_n and_o trifle_a way_n of_o argue_v merit_v to_o obtain_v a_o place_n among_o the_o low_a form_n of_o inferior_a animal_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o he_o can_v say_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n against_o reveal_v religion_n his_o little_a disciple_n of_o the_o town_n can_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n less_o but_o indeed_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o all_o be_v the_o general_a disposition_n of_o man_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o capacity_n in_o this_o age_n to_o ridicule_n our_o religion_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v nay_o a_o great_a deal_n far_o than_o their_o own_o ability_n will_v give_v they_o leave_v how_o will_v some_o little_a people_n vent_v a_o jest_n upon_o the_o bible_n or_o argue_v against_o moses_n who_o never_o read_v a_o chapter_n in_o it_o with_o that_o attention_n which_o be_v due_a to_o those_o sacred_a write_n and_o never_o even_o in_o their_o young_a day_n know_v any_o thing_n beyond_o a_o play_n or_o a_o romance_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o too_o much_o liberty_n have_v give_v opportunity_n to_o deism_n to_o grow_v up_o with_o those_o other_o weed_n that_o infest_v this_o nation_n though_o if_o i_o shall_v it_o may_v be_v find_v to_o appear_v not_o very_o unlibe_o to_o those_o who_o consider_v that_o mr._n hobbs_n leviathan_n be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o like_a time_n of_o liberty_n and_o that_o this_o author_n plead_v for_o nothing_o more_o than_o liberty_n to_o exclude_v the_o conscientious_a fear_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o general_n corruption_n of_o manner_n contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n bold_a agitation_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n among_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o same_o church_n do_v render_v discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n very_o necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o those_o mocker_n who_o st._n peter_n long_v since_o prophesy_v shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_v for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n i_o
they_o take_v up_o by_o the_o deist_n to_o destroy_v all_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o reveal_v religion_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v neither_o so_o obscure_a as_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v nor_o so_o absurd_a as_o you_o deist_n do_v make_v it_o and_o first_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v very_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o reduce_v scripture_n to_o those_o several_a head_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o for_o first_o for_o some_o thing_n be_v the_o pure_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o humane_a reason_n in_o which_o natural_a religion_n and_o revelation_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o heaven_n and_o other_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n of_o these_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v speak_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o the_o most_o philosophical_a term_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o it_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o their_o beauty_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o your_o author_n observation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o author_n of_o joshua_n history_n concern_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n unless_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o that_o book_n to_o give_v we_o a_o system_fw-la of_o astronomy_n second_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v be_v matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o reason_n can_v never_o discover_v but_o receive_v they_o as_o addition_n to_o it_o such_o as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a which_o my_o lord_n bacon_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr augmentis_fw-la scientiarum_fw-la wish_v reduce_v into_o one_o body_n that_o so_o we_o may_v distinct_o view_v what_o knowledge_n be_v altogether_o support_v by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o what_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o unerring_a rule_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v by_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o firmness_n of_o assent_n as_o a_o first_o principle_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o we_o may_v safe_o venture_v to_o draw_v legitimate_a conclusion_n from_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v be_v more_o modest_a in_o matter_n of_o mere_a revelation_n lest_o otherwise_o we_o wade_v beyond_o our_o depth_n for_o here_o we_o must_v acquiesce_v in_o nothing_o but_o the_o scripture_n three_o other_o matter_n be_v intelligible_a by_o reason_n and_o by_o revelation_n too_o as_o visible_a by_o a_o double_a light_n thus_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o decalogue_n except_v only_o the_o circumstantial_a part_n of_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o sabbath_n and_o our_o saviour_n divine_a sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n and_o other_o precept_n of_o morality_n be_v so_o many_o branch_n of_o natural_a religion_n revelation_n only_o confirm_v what_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v guess_v at_o before_o and_o make_v that_o obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n which_o before_o be_v know_v to_o the_o more_o think_v part_n of_o mankind_n and_o add_v the_o certainty_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o alone_o can_v engage_v a_o man_n to_o act_v with_o vigour_n and_o therefore_o we_o right_o enough_o interpret_v moral_a duty_n by_o know_a principle_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o many_o absurdity_n by_o adhere_v to_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o decalogue_n its_o self_n if_o we_o do_v not_o interpret_v the_o second_o commandment_n in_o this_o manner_n every_o picture_n in_o our_o house_n every_o sign_n in_o our_o street_n will_v be_v so_o many_o breach_n of_o the_o divine_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o graven_n image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n etc._n etc._n all_o execution_n of_o criminal_n and_o slay_v of_o man_n in_o a_o just_a war_n will_v be_v downright_a murder_n if_o the_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a sense_n nay_o the_o scripture_n will_v contradict_v themselves_o when_o in_o some_o case_n they_o command_v criminal_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n four_o other_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o history_n such_o as_o be_v the_o narration_n of_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v among_o they_o and_o of_o these_o we_o judge_v as_o of_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n by_o the_o number_n and_o credibility_n of_o witness_n and_o here_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n for_o these_o miracle_n which_o be_v history_n to_o we_o to_o those_o who_o see_v they_o be_v matter_n of_o sense_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v thence_o to_o be_v deduce_v by_o observe_v method_n and_o order_n without_o which_o all_o thing_n appear_v to_o the_o understanding_n without_o shape_n or_o beauty_n s._n be_v this_o all_o you_o will_v advise_v l._n no._n i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o see_v if_o the_o work_n be_v possible_a a_o authentic_a history_n synchronical_a with_o all_o part_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n for_o want_v of_o this_o many_o have_v carp_v at_o moses_n history_n who_o yet_o can_v find_v out_o nothing_o so_o ancient_a nor_o so_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o remnant_n of_o past_a event_n that_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o fable_n or_o history_n of_o pagan_a writer_n where_o we_o have_v a_o synchronical_a history_n it_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o if_o a_o account_n can_v be_v find_v of_o whatever_o happen_v to_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n about_o palestine_n it_o will_v clear_v many_o passage_n in_o the_o other_o prophet_n which_o now_o seem_v trifle_v absurd_a or_o unintelligible_a s._n what_o do_v you_o think_v of_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n and_o all_o the_o idiom_n of_o that_o language_n l._n i_o think_v it_o very_o useful_a but_o that_o defect_n be_v sufficient_o supply_v to_o the_o vulgar_a by_o faithful_a translation_n of_o learned_a men._n i_o therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n will_v recommend_v what_o be_v touch_v upon_o by_o your_o author_n a_o exact_a history_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n viz._n by_o who_o write_v for_o what_o end_n at_o what_o time_n what_o be_v the_o natural_a disposition_n ability_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o respective_a penman_n for_o author_n i_o must_v not_o call_v they_o with_o other_o circumstance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n s._n then_o i_o perceive_v you_o will_v agree_v with_o my_o author_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n though_o not_o in_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n l._n so_o far_o as_o it_o agree_v with_o truth_n and_o no_o far_o i_o approve_v of_o a_o collection_n of_o those_o place_n that_o seem_v to_o agree_v and_o of_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o repugnant_a but_o 86._o with_fw-mi p._n 86._o then_o i_o do_v not_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n be_v real_o repugnant_a because_o then_o some_o of_o they_o must_v have_v be_v false_a and_o to_o ascribe_v falsehood_n to_o inspire_a writer_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n himself_o and_o because_o i_o find_v no_o seem_a opposition_n in_o those_o write_n which_o may_v not_o be_v reconcile_v by_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o language_n comparison_n with_o the_o context_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o true_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o holy_a person_n as_o for_o what_o your_o author_n say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o any_o inspire_a pen_n man_n because_o it_o be_v absurd_a since_o in_o speculative_a matter_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a absurdity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v by_o a_o rational_a man._n in_o those_o thing_n indeed_o which_o be_v intelligible_a from_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v plain_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a to_o reason_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o fly_v to_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n and_o meaning_n but_o we_o must_v not_o do_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a revelation_n because_o they_o be_v deducible_a from_o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v absurd_a or_o possible_a in_o they_o but_o we_o give_v assent_v to_o they_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o because_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o god_n nor_o do_v i_o wish_v for_o a_o historical_a account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n that_o from_o thence_o like_o your_o author_n i_o may_v ascribe_v what_o i_o think_v to_o be_v erroneous_a to_o the_o education_n ignorance_n or_o stupidity_n of_o
the_o prophet_n because_o inspiration_n equal_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o leave_v nothing_o to_o natural_a ability_n but_o only_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o that_o i_o must_v confess_v may_v be_v guess_v at_o from_o such_o a_o historical_a account_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o respective_a penman_n s._n i_o have_v hear_v you_o hitherto_o with_o some_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o i_o fear_v you_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o assign_v any_o better_a method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n than_o that_o which_o be_v propound_v by_o my_o judicious_a author_n for_o as_o nothing_o unfold_v nature_n better_o than_o a_o natural-history_n so_o be_v scripture_n best_o interpret_v by_o a_o history_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o history_n must_v not_o only_o contain_v the_o property_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o original_a language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o write_v of_o which_o we_o have_v discourse_v something_o already_o but_o second_o a_o collection_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o each_o book_n which_o be_v reducible_a to_o the_o same_o general_a head_n that_o so_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v expound_v by_o any_o notion_n of_o reason_n but_o by_o sentence_n collect_v from_o its_o self_n l._n i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o can_v at_o all_o advance_v the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n s._n then_o i_o will_v open_v your_o understanding_n with_o a_o clear_a instance_n moses_n say_v in_o 86._o p._n 86._o one_o place_n that_o god_n be_v a_o fire_n and_o in_o another_o that_o he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n now_o you_o divine_v will_v present_o conclude_v that_o fire_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o a_o immaterial_a god_n shall_v be_v a_o material_a fire_n not_o consider_v that_o moses_n may_v teach_v that_o god_n be_v a_o fire_n though_o that_o doctrine_n 87._o p._n 87._o be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o unless_o the_o word_n fire_n in_o the_o 31st_o of_o job_n and_o the_o 12_o verse_n have_v be_v put_v to_o signify_v wrath_n or_o jealousy_n nothing_o have_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o moses_n have_v teach_v the_o israelite_n that_o god_n be_v a_o fire_n i._n e._n the_o refine_a part_n of_o the_o most_o sublimate_v aether_n now_o since_o moses_n teach_v that_o god_n be_v jealous_a and_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o say_v that_o he_o be_v void_a of_o passion_n thence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o moses_n do_v believe_v or_o at_o least_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v the_o simple_a israelite_n believe_v that_o there_o sig_n vid._n sig_n be_v the_o same_o passion_n in_o god_n as_o there_o be_v in_o man._n and_o pray_v consider_v how_o many_o absurdity_n there_o will_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o you_o divine_v in_o proposition_n repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n do_v not_o to_o save_v the_o credit_n of_o your_o own_o profession_n fly_v from_o a_o literal_a to_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n and_o mean_v l._n that_o scripture_n be_v very_o well_o expound_v by_o scripture_n in_o most_o case_n be_v a_o proposition_n which_o we_o be_v more_o fond_a to_o defend_v than_o your_o very_a author_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o exclude_v that_o use_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o mean_a author_n when_o we_o read_v any_o historian_n orator_n or_o poet_n we_o ready_o guess_v what_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o proper_a and_o what_o in_o a_o translate_v sense_n by_o the_o very_a contexture_n and_o position_n of_o the_o word_n without_o turn_v over_o the_o whole_a history_n poem_n or_o oration_n to_o find_v out_o a_o metaphor_n or_o catacresis_n that_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o first_o view_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o let_v any_o man_n read_v the_o 23d_o of_o deuteronomy_n and_o the_o 23d_o and_o 24_o verse_n and_o judge_n whether_o moses_n therein_o can_v be_v conceive_v as_o teach_v the_o israelite_n that_o god_n be_v a_o real_a fire_n though_o job_n have_v never_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o the_o matter_n 23._o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o lest_o you_o forget_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o he_o make_v with_o you_o and_o make_v you_o a_o grave_v image_n or_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v forbid_v thou_o 24._o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n even_o a_o jealous_a god_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o moses_n shall_v be_v conceive_v as_o teach_v the_o israelite_n that_o god_n be_v real_a fire_n when_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o make_v any_o likeness_n of_o he_o which_o the_o israelite_n must_v needs_o have_v do_v every_o time_n they_o strike_v a_o light_n or_o go_v to_o oven_n if_o god_n have_v be_v a_o real_a fire_n suppose_v job_n have_v never_o use_v the_o word_n fire_n in_o all_o his_o complaint_n can_v not_o the_o israelite_n have_v understand_v moses_n when_o he_o express_v the_o activity_n and_o vehemence_n of_o god_n indignation_n against_o idolatry_n in_o such_o plain_a word_n viz._n thy_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n even_o a_o jealous_a god_n beside_o with_o what_o impudence_n do_v your_o author_n expound_v moses_n by_o job_n when_o according_a 9_o p._n 9_o to_o his_o canon_n of_o interpretation_n non_fw-la licet_fw-la mentem_fw-la unius_fw-la prophetae_fw-la ex_fw-la locis_fw-la clarioribus_fw-la alterius_fw-la concludere_fw-la neque_fw-la explicare_fw-la nisi_fw-la evident_a issime_fw-la constet_fw-la eos_fw-la unam_fw-la eandemque_fw-la fovisse_fw-la sententiam_fw-la we_o must_v not_o conclude_v the_o mind_n of_o one_o prophet_n from_o the_o more_o express_a place_n of_o another_o unless_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o both_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o again_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o 95th_o page_n that_o we_o must_v not_o hope_v to_o solve_v all_o repugnancy_n in_o the_o scripture_n by_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o since_o that_o only_o can_v illustrate_v some_o few_o place_n by_o chance_n quando_fw-la quidem_fw-la nullus_fw-la propheta_fw-la eo_fw-la sine_fw-la scripsit_fw-la ut_fw-la verba_fw-la alterius_fw-la aut_fw-la sva_fw-la ipsa_fw-la ex_fw-la professo_fw-la explicaret_fw-la no_o prophet_n write_v on_o purpose_n to_o explain_v his_o own_o or_o another_o prophet_n meaning_n s._n methinks_v it_o be_v something_o odd_a to_o say_v that_o no_o prophet_n write_v any_o thing_n to_o explain_v his_o own_o meaning_n l._n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o your_o author_n obtrude_v upon_o you_o under_o the_o name_n of_o solid_a reason_n whereas_o he_o be_v full_a of_o inconsistency_n and_o seem_v never_o to_o know_v his_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o 87_o the_o pag._n notwithstanding_o the_o illogical_a deduction_n of_o a_o universal_a proposition_n from_o a_o single_a instance_n he_o conclude_v from_o this_o passage_n of_o moses_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v only_o from_o themselves_o but_o from_o the_o very_a next_o line_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chap._n he_o contend_v earnest_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v gain_v not_o from_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o from_o a_o history_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o various_a chance_n that_o have_v happen_v to_o they_o viz._n a_o narration_n of_o the_o life_n manner_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o respective_a penman_n who_o they_o be_v at_o what_o time_n to_o who_o and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n they_o write_v each_o book_n so_o that_o according_a to_o your_o author_n the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v biblii_fw-la ex_fw-la solis_fw-la biblii_fw-la from_o the_o scripture_n alone_o and_o yet_o without_o such_o a_o extrinsic_a history_n which_o himself_o confess_v to_o be_v want_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o s._n i_o must_v confess_v that_o my_o author_n be_v a_o little_a too_o guilty_a of_o contradict_v himself_o for_o great_a wit_n have_v short_a memory_n but_o still_o you_o do_v not_o show_v any_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o moses_n be_v subject_a to_o humane_a passion_n since_o it_o be_v not_o where_o contradict_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o l._n because_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o do_v teach_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n john_n 4._o 24._o and_o that_o consequent_o he_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o passion_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o some_o perturbation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o since_o by_o nature_n we_o have_v no_o distinct_a and_o adequate_a comprehension_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o manner_n of_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o distribute_v reward_n and_o punishment_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o moses_n to_o express_v god_n first_o resolution_n of_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o
punish_v the_o bad_a in_o more_o proper_a term_n than_o those_o of_o love_n and_o anger_n etc._n etc._n though_o therefore_o those_o expression_n be_v figurative_a when_o apply_v to_o god_n yet_o since_o they_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a that_o we_o can_v find_v for_o what_o we_o can_v full_o understand_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o moses_n have_v right_a conception_n of_o god_n when_o in_o word_n he_o ascribe_v those_o passion_n to_o he_o s._n then_o you_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o reason_n l._n i_o do_v not_o make_v my_o reason_n the_o standard_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o i_o hope_v that_o i_o may_v make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o my_o reason_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n as_o you_o or_o any_o sensible_a man_n will_v do_v in_o read_v any_o humane_a author_n s._n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o deny_v you_o that_o liberty_n beside_o i_o be_o so_o much_o a_o friend_n to_o truth_n that_o i_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a to_o i_o that_o job_n in_o that_o place_n by_o fire_n do_v either_o understand_v jealousy_n 31._o vid._n job_n 31._o or_o anger_n but_o rather_o the_o crime_n of_o adultery_n or_o fornication_n for_o thus_o he_o speak_v v._o 9_o if_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v deceive_v by_o a_o woman_n or_o if_o i_o have_v lay_v wait_v at_o my_o neighhour_n door_n then_o let_v my_o wife_n grind_v unto_o a_o other_o and_o let_v other_o bow_v down_o upon_o she_o for_o this_o be_v a_o heinous_a crime_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o iniquity_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o judge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fire_n that_o consume_v to_o destruction_n and_o will_v root_v out_o all_o my_o increase_n now_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o jealousy_n which_o be_v no_o very_o expensive_a passion_n but_o the_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o woman_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o lie_v in_o wait_n at_o his_o neighbour_n door_n which_o job_n call_v here_o a_o consume_a fire_n that_o will_v soon_o bring_v destruction_n upon_o his_o body_n and_o estate_n l._n and_o yet_o your_o admire_a author_n make_v use_n of_o such_o force_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o affix_v absurdity_n of_o his_o own_o invention_n to_o those_o sacred_a write_n and_o thereby_o to_o destroy_v their_o divine_a authority_n for_o indeed_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v give_v we_o such_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o they_o can_v be_v distort_v to_o savour_v any_o opinion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a religion_n without_o open_a violence_n as_o well_o as_o secret_a art_n and_o cunning_a though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o teach_v some_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n be_v cause_n they_o come_v from_o a_o author_n who_o know_v more_o than_o in_o this_o life_n can_v be_v understand_v by_o we_o s._n if_o you_o right_o understand_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n which_o my_o author_n very_o learned_o reckon_v up_o in_o the_o 93._o pag._n and_o the_o great_a want_n we_o have_v of_o a_o certain_a history_n of_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o author_n you_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o we_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o those_o place_n which_o treat_v of_o moral_a precept_n for_o they_o be_v so_o plain_o intelligible_a that_o they_o retain_v the_o same_o perspicuity_n in_o all_o language_n l._n we_o know_v that_o the_o hebrew_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o language_n be_v subject_a to_o some_o ambiguity_n which_o may_v create_v error_n but_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o these_o ambiguity_n be_v so_o frequent_a or_o of_o such_o consequence_n as_o to_o shake_v our_o belief_n of_o any_o one_o fundamental_a article_n of_o reveal_v religion_n but_o with_o what_o gygantick_a confidence_n will_v your_o aurhor_n raise_v a_o stupendous_a structure_n upon_o this_o narrow_a and_o rot_a foundation_n there_o be_v some_o ambiguity_n in_o some_o place_n that_o may_v sometime_o arise_v concern_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o some_o few_o text_n of_o scripture_n therefore_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o any_o one_o text_n therein_o those_o only_o except_v which_o contain_v moral_a precept_n for_o of_o those_o we_o be_v certain_a before_o hand_n but_o we_o can_v never_o understand_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o people_n as_o the_o jew_n or_o such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n or_o such_o a_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n who_o do_v wonderful_a thing_n in_o judea_n nor_o any_o apostle_n send_v out_o by_o he_o for_o these_o be_v all_o speculative_a matter_n which_o though_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o greek_a yet_o be_v altogether_o obscure_v by_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n can_v you_o think_v your_o author_n will_v have_v descend_v to_o this_o absurd_a way_n of_o argue_v if_o his_o cause_n will_v have_v bear_v a_o better_a be_v not_o our_o faith_n on_o our_o saviour_n ground_v upon_o plain_a narration_n of_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o be_v as_o easy_o intelligible_a in_o one_o language_n as_o another_o and_o will_v not_o history_n as_o well_o bear_v a_o translation_n as_o the_o problem_n of_o euclid_n do_v not_o he_o pretend_v to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o some_o hebrew_n history_n if_o he_o can_v get_v one_o for_o his_o purpose_n and_o yet_o be_v all_o history_n so_o obscure_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v expound_v s._n you_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o history_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o prophet_n will_v much_o conduce_v towards_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o prophetical_a write_n l._n it_o may_v give_v light_a to_o some_o few_o place_n but_o be_v far_o from_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o expound_v all_o why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o understand_v the_o scripture_n without_o such_o a_o history_n as_o the_o work_n of_o plato_n or_o cicero_n or_o levy_v beside_o in_o what_o language_n must_v this_o expound_v history_n be_v write_v not_o in_o hebrew_n for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o ambiguity_n as_o the_o bible_n itself_o nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o eastern_a tongue_n for_o then_o the_o matter_n will_v not_o be_v much_o mend_v nor_o in_o any_o foreign_a dialect_n for_o than_o it_o will_v not_o pass_v for_o authentic_a as_o write_v by_o one_o not_o skilled_a in_o the_o jewish_a affair_n then_o by_o who_o must_v this_o history_n be_v write_v by_o a_o author_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v than_o spinosa_n will_v have_v the_o same_o prejudice_n against_o he_o as_o against_o the_o other_o prophet_n and_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n who_o he_o expose_v as_o madman_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o say_v one_o thing_n unless_o in_o moral_n that_o can_v be_v understand_v or_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o if_o this_o history_n be_v write_v by_o a_o author_n that_o pretend_v to_o no_o inspiration_n though_o that_o one_o thing_n may_v recommend_v he_o to_o spinosa_n yet_o it_o will_v give_v all_o think_v man_n just_a cause_n of_o caution_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o a_o man_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v as_o fallible_a as_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o unless_o they_o can_v be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o his_o integrity_n be_v great_a his_o understanding_n clear_a and_o his_o opportunity_n of_o know_v all_o the_o important_a matter_n of_o fact_n of_o those_o age_n more_o advantageous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o holy_a penman_n they_o will_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v rather_o correct_v scripture_n by_o the_o historian_n than_o the_o historian_n by_o scripture_n s._n ay_o but_o my_o author_n give_v you_o such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n as_o make_v all_o the_o pentateuch_n book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n etc._n etc._n to_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o novel_a invention_n most_o likely_a to_o be_v jumble_v together_o by_o esdras_n as_o he_o well_o conjecture_n and_o that_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n receive_v as_o canonical_a be_v not_o of_o that_o antiquity_n which_o you_o divine_v ascribe_v to_o they_o l._n but_o than_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o your_o author_n be_v a_o person_n upon_o who_o judgement_n we_o can_v rely_v since_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o integrity_n or_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o historian_n how_o little_a his_o integrity_n be_v we_o have_v already_o see_v by_o his_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o deist_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o love_v god_n when_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o his_o chapter_n of_o miracle_n that_o he_o be_v real_o a_o atheist_n as_o every_o