they_o have_v take_v much_o pain_n to_o correct_v in_o themselves_o the_o fault_n which_o other_o commit_v they_o have_v apply_v themselves_o to_o read_v or_o they_o have_v travel_v in_o france_n these_o jew_n bear_v in_o the_o country_n where_o nothing_o but_o greek_a be_v speak_v understand_v not_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n nor_o the_o hebrew_n then_o speak_v in_o judaea_n they_o make_v use_v in_o their_o synagogue_n of_o the_o version_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o because_o they_o speak_v nothing_o but_o greek_a they_o be_v call_v the_o hellenist_n jew_n salmasius_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o hellenist_n tongue_n against_o heinsius_n show_v that_o these_o jew_n speak_v very_o good_a greek_a and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a in_o some_o learned_a man_n to_o imagine_v there_o be_v a_o hellenish_v tongue_n as_o if_o the_o hebrew_n that_o know_v not_o their_o own_o language_n have_v a_o particular_a one_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o that_o this_o language_n be_v that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o a_o name_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o corrupt_a greek_a it_o shall_v rather_o be_v call_v hebraistic_a because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o hebraism_n or_o chaldaism_n but_o as_o the_o language_n of_o the_o walloon_n or_o of_o some_o of_o the_o province_n of_o france_n can_v pass_v for_o a_o particular_a language_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o corrupt_a french_a so_o neither_o aught_o the_o barbarous_a greek_a of_o judaea_n to_o pass_v for_o a_o language_n by_o itself_o different_a from_o the_o greek_a language_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v live_v a_o good_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o judaea_n or_o who_o be_v bear_v there_o and_o have_v not_o apply_v themselves_o to_o learn_v perfect_o the_o greek_a tongue_n nor_o to_o speak_v it_o in_o purity_n use_v it_o so_o improper_o in_o their_o write_n st._n paul_n himself_o bear_v in_o a_o town_n that_o speak_v nothing_o but_o greek_a have_v so_o corrupt_v his_o speech_n by_o his_o long_a dwell_n in_o judaea_n that_o he_o confess_v he_o be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o language_n 2_o cor._n xi_o 6._o as_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o all_o his_o epistle_n the_o greek_a whereof_o be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o josephus_n and_o therefore_o the_o greek_a father_n have_v complain_v of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o style_n of_o the_o barbarous_a phrase_n that_o be_v therein_o and_o of_o apparent_a confusion_n in_o the_o order_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o those_o who_o very_o ready_o understand_v plato_n and_o demosthenes_n be_v oblige_v as_o erasum_n judicious_o observe_v to_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o understand_v st._n paul_n we_o need_v but_o compare_v his_o style_n with_o that_o of_o some_o greek_a author_n to_o find_v that_o this_o apostle_n apply_v himself_o not_o much_o to_o the_o greek_a eloquence_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v not_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o expression_n they_o be_v to_o use_v if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o st._n paul_n can_v not_o have_v say_v he_o be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o language_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v he_o with_o a_o language_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o people_n and_o all_o the_o greek_a father_n will_v have_v blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o little_a eloquence_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o according_a to_o this_o supposition_n that_o will_v not_o have_v proceed_v from_o st._n paul_n but_o from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o any_o one_o doubt_n of_o this_o he_o need_v but_o read_v erasmus_n in_o the_o place_n i_o have_v cite_v it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o famous_a protestant_n divine_a have_v undertake_v to_o confute_v he_o in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o the_o 10_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n but_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o declaim_v as_o he_o be_v use_v to_o do_v against_o a_o author_n more_o learned_a and_o more_o judicious_a than_o himself_o without_o bring_v any_o solid_a reason_n we_o must_v now_o speak_v a_o word_n of_o some_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o contain_v neither_o history_n nor_o prophecy_n such_o be_v the_o book_n of_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o solomon_n and_o job_n which_o last_o be_v apparent_o a_o dramatic_a piece_n whereof_o nothing_o but_o the_o subject_n be_v true_a as_o be_v the_o tragedy_n of_o the_o greek_a poet_n there_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o proverb_n be_v inspire_v to_o solomon_n by_o god_n after_o a_o prophetic_a manner_n they_o be_v moral_a sentence_n which_o a_o good_a man_n may_v well_o pronounce_v without_o inspiration_n as_o be_v those_o contain_v in_o ecclesiastious_a there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o they_o that_o be_v but_o vulgar_a proverb_n which_o carry_v indeed_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o of_o divine_a there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o direction_n about_o oeconomy_n which_o woman_n and_o countrypeople_n everywhere_o know_v without_o revelation_n see_v chap._n xxiv_o 27._o and_o xxvii_o 23._o and_o the_o description_n of_o a_o virtuous_a woman_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o book_n the_o name_n of_o prophet_n be_v very_o liberal_o bestow_v on_o agur_n the_o son_n of_o jakeh_n for_o some_o morality_n that_o be_v find_v under_o his_o name_n prov._n xxx_o whereas_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v better_a thing_n may_v have_v be_v say_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n three_o thing_n say_v he_o for_o example_n be_v too_o marvellouss_n for_o i_o and_o even_o four_o which_o i_o know_v not_o the_o way_n of_o a_o eagle_n in_o the_o air_n the_o way_n of_o a_o serpent_n on_o a_o rock_n the_o way_n of_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o way_n of_o a_o man_n with_o a_o maid_n one_o must_v have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o dictate_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o and_o indeed_o neither_o do_v the_o author_n pretend_v to_o that_o eminency_n but_o say_v modest_o concern_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n and_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man._n but_o there_o be_v particular_o one_o precept_n of_o good_a husbandry_n that_o be_v often_o repeat_v which_o our_o merchant_n now_o adays_o know_v as_o well_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o live_v in_o solomon_n time_n it_o be_v that_o which_o express_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v surety_n for_o any_o body_n chap._n vi_o 1._o xvii_o 18._o xx._n 16._o xxii_o 26._o xxvii_o 13._o it_o be_v true_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a husbandry_n a_o man_n shall_v never_o be_v surety_n but_o there_o happen_v oftentimes_o case_n wherein_o charity_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o good_a husbandry_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o samaritan_n who_o become_v surety_n for_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v find_v hurt_v on_o the_o road._n there_o be_v methinks_v no_o great_a need_n that_o god_n shall_v send_v prophet_n to_o teach_v man_n good_a husbandry_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o christ_n shall_v preach_v liberality_n some_o learned_a man_n have_v believe_v that_o ecclesiastes_n be_v a_o dialogue_n where_o a_o pious_a man_n dispute_v with_o a_o impious_a one_o who_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o in_o effect_n there_o be_v thing_n direct_o oppose_v one_o to_o another_o which_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v the_o same_o person_n speak_v the_o epicurean_a conclusion_n to_o eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a because_o a_o man_n have_v nothing_o else_o which_o be_v up_o and_o down_o in_o many_o place_n of_o this_o book_n be_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o that_o conclusion_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o work_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o distinguish_v the_o person_n or_o to_o find_v out_o exact_o in_o the_o name_n of_o what_o person_n the_o author_n speak_v in_o every_o passage_n however_o it_o be_v there_o appear_v in_o it_o nothing_o of_o prophetic_a and_o there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v set_v out_o with_o so_o great_a strength_n the_o argument_n of_o sadducee_n or_o perhaps_o of_o worse_a man_n to_o answer_v they_o but_o in_o two_o or_o three_o word_n read_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o nine_o chapter_n and_o make_v reflection_n on_o these_o word_n the_o live_a know_v that_o they_o shall_v die_v but_o the_o dead_a know_v not_o any_o thing_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o more_o a_o reward_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v forget_v also_o their_o love_n and_o their_o hatred_n and_o their_o envy_n be_v now_o perish_a neither_o have_v they_o any_o more_o a_o portion_n for_o ever_o
in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n go_v thy_o way_n eat_v thy_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v thy_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n for_o god_n now_o accept_v thy_o work_n grotius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o write_v by_o solomon_n himself_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n compose_v under_o his_o name_n by_o one_o that_o have_v be_v in_o caldea_n because_o there_o be_v divers_a caldean_a word_n in_o it_o if_o this_o conjecture_n be_v true_a as_o be_v not_o impossible_a than_o this_o book_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n compose_v by_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o captivity_n and_o i_o know_v one_o who_o have_v study_v much_o the_o critic_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o suspect_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n to_o have_v be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o the_o sadducee_n be_v of_o afterward_o about_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o seem_v to_o he_o that_o this_o author_n say_v nothing_o which_o a_o true_a sadduce_v may_v not_o say_v but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v it_o best_o to_o determine_v nothing_o herein_o it_o be_v common_o believe_v that_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n be_v a_o mysterious_a book_n describe_v the_o mutual_a love_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o neither_o in_o the_o old_a nor_o new_a testament_n nor_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o the_o jew_n explain_v this_o book_n allegorical_o of_o god_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o a_o man_n need_v but_o read_v their_o allegory_n to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v the_o vision_n of_o rabbin_n have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o fanciful_a extravagance_n of_o their_o brain_n which_o frame_n of_o mind_n our_o divine_n have_v so_o much_o inherit_v from_o they_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o whole_o up_o to_o find_v mystery_n in_o every_o thing_n nay_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v in_o that_o outdo_v the_o rabbin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o chimerical_a in_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v as_o in_o the_o commentary_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v this_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o revelation_n and_o that_o in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v all_o the_o war_n about_o religion_n of_o this_o past_a age_n in_o germany_n the_o interim_n the_o league_n of_o smalcald_a the_o peace_n of_o passau_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v then_o no_o proof_n of_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o this_o book_n if_o we_o judge_v by_o the_o book_n itself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o idyle_n or_o eglogue_n where_o solomon_n bring_v himself_o in_o as_o a_o shepherd_n and_o one_o of_o his_o wife_n perhaps_o pharaoh_n daughter_n as_o the_o learned_a think_v as_o a_o shepherdess_n that_o the_o style_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o pastoral_a poem_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n save_v that_o it_o be_v more_o rough_a and_o dithyrambic_a accord_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o hebrew_n poetry_n you_o may_v compare_v the_o similitude_n solomon_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n with_o those_o ovid_n use_v in_o the_o pastoral_n song_n he_o make_v polyphemus_n sing_v in_o the_o xiiith_o book_n of_o his_o metamorphosis_n the_o book_n of_o job_n be_v also_o a_o piece_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o prophetic_a the_o critic_n who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o nice_a judgement_n agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o tragicomedy_n it_o be_v likely_a there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o job_n since_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n speak_v of_o he_o and_o that_o he_o meet_v with_o great_a affliction_n which_o afford_v subject_a to_o some_o jew_n of_o the_o captivity_n to_o exercise_v his_o wit_n upon_o there_o be_v in_o this_o book_n as_o well_o as_o in_o ecclesiastes_n many_o chaldean_a word_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v either_o in_o chaldea_n or_o after_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n divine_n agree_v that_o god_n inspire_v not_o job_n friend_n with_o what_o the_o author_n make_v they_o say_v and_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o verse_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o meditation_n wherein_o the_o author_n will_v make_v his_o part_n appear_v neither_o job_n nor_o his_o friend_n can_v talk_v in_o that_o manner_n extempore_o the_o design_n of_o the_o work_n be_v to_o show_v that_o providence_n ofttimes_o afflict_v good_a people_n not_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o any_o particular_a sin_n as_o if_o they_o have_v deserve_v those_o affliction_n more_o than_o other_o but_o simple_o to_o try_v they_o and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o exercise_v their_o virtue_n this_o be_v without_o doubt_v a_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v a_o prophet_n to_o know_v it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v one_o very_o remarkable_a fault_n in_o this_o book_n the_o author_n bring_v in_o job_n complain_v chap._n iii_o with_o bitterness_n and_o extreme_a impatience_n unworthy_a not_o only_o of_o a_o pious_a man_n who_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o even_o of_o a_o pagan_a that_o have_v any_o wisdom_n let_v the_o day_n perish_v in_o which_o i_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o night_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v a_o manchild_n in_o bear_v etc._n etc._n this_o manner_n of_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n with_o so_o much_o passion_n become_v not_o a_o pious_a man_n such_o as_o job_n to_o what_o extremity_n soever_o he_o may_v be_v reduce_v it_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a indecorum_n to_o put_v into_o a_o good_a man_n mouth_n so_o passionate_a word_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v in_o chap._n x._o i_o will_v say_v unto_o god_n do_v not_o condemn_v i_o show_v i_o wherefore_o thou_o contend_v with_o i_o become_v it_o thou_o to_o oppress_v etc._n etc._n after_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o which_o be_v very_o like_a blasphemy_n god_n find_v say_v the_o author_n that_o his_o servant_n job_n have_v speak_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a before_o he_o and_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o friend_n for_o believe_v that_o job_n be_v afflict_v for_o his_o sin_n it_o appear_v methinks_v hereby_o clear_o enough_o that_o there_o be_v no_o inspiration_n in_o this_o book_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o three_o forego_v not_o but_o that_o these_o book_n be_v useful_a and_o may_v be_v read_v with_o profit_n and_o edification_n as_o well_o as_o antiquity_n read_v those_o which_o we_o at_o present_a call_v apochrypha_fw-la nay_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v that_o they_o which_o compose_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v be_v full_a of_o piety_n and_o that_o they_o write_v they_o with_o a_o prospect_n of_o lead_v those_o that_o shall_v read_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o these_o book_n be_v in_o the_o jew_n canon_n ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o divine_o inspire_v rather_o than_o the_o apocrypha_n that_o never_o be_v in_o it_o i_o answer_v to_o that_o first_o that_o no_o clear_a reason_n be_v bring_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o those_o who_o make_v the_o canon_n or_o catalogue_n of_o their_o book_n be_v infallible_a or_o have_v any_o inspiration_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v inspire_v book_n from_o those_o which_o be_v not_o this_o collection_n be_v common_o attribute_v to_o esdras_n and_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n of_o his_o time_n among_o who_o they_o say_v be_v zacchary_n haggai_n and_o malachy_n but_o many_o learned_a man_n believe_v not_o this_o story_n because_o no_o proof_n be_v bring_v for_o it_o except_o a_o very_a uncertain_a jewish_a tradition_n there_o be_v much_o more_o likelihood_n that_o this_o collection_n which_o we_o have_v be_v the_o remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o divers_a particular_a man_n at_o first_o gather_v together_o and_o of_o which_o afterward_o public_a use_n be_v make_v in_o the_o synagogue_n whereas_o in_o the_o time_n of_o nehemiah_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o book_n that_o bear_v his_o name_n they_o read_v public_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o you_o will_v stand_v to_o the_o jew_n canon_n it_o be_v plain_o on_o my_o side_n they_o divide_v the_o scripture_n into_o three_o part_n of_o which_o the_o first_o contain_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n the_o second_o the_o book_n they_o call_v the_o prophet_n and_o the_o three_o contain_v other_o which_o they_o call_v chetoubim_n or_o simple_o write_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o psalm_n the_o proverb_n job_n daniel_n esdras_n nehemiah_n the_o chronicle_n and_o those_o which_o they_o call_v the_o five_o little_a book_n
the_o song_n of_o solomon_n ruth_n the_o lamentation_n ecclesiaste_n and_o esther_n they_o believe_v that_o these_o book_n which_o they_o call_v chetoubim_n be_v not_o inspire_v as_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v they_o a_o separate_a part_n of_o scripture_n distinct_a from_o the_o two_o former_a which_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v inspire_v this_o division_n be_v very_o ancient_a have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o lord_n luke_n xxiv_o 44._o and_o josephus_n own_v it_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n which_o make_v i_o believe_v that_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o judgement_n that_o those_o who_o collect_v the_o book_n of_o their_o canon_n make_v of_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a daniel_n be_v true_o a_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o isaiah_n but_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o have_v rank_v his_o book_n among_o the_o chetoubim_n only_o because_o it_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o caldea_n after_o the_o collection_n be_v make_v and_o perhaps_o because_o be_v write_v in_o chaldean_a it_o be_v in_o part_n translate_v into_o hebrew_n by_o some_o other_o as_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a have_v conjecture_v for_o the_o other_o write_n which_o make_v up_o this_o division_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o history_n or_o book_n of_o morality_n or_o song_n they_o have_v reason_n to_o determine_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o prophetic_a in_o they_o at_o least_o not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o prophecy_n with_o that_o of_o isaiah_n and_o other_o who_o be_v proper_o call_v prophet_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v some_o prediction_n in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o sort_n of_o prediction_n that_o proceed_v from_o inspiration_n or_o revelation_n as_o be_v those_o of_o isaiah_n david_n never_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n nor_o be_v it_o say_v in_o his_o history_n that_o in_o his_o time_n he_o pass_v for_o a_o prophet_n it_o only_o happen_v that_o in_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o person_n he_o speak_v thing_n that_o agree_v not_o so_o much_o to_o himself_o as_o to_o the_o messiah_n of_o who_o he_o be_v unknown_a to_o himself_o the_o type_n but_o i_o have_v already_o handle_v this_o sort_n of_o prophecy_n it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o christ_n have_v acknowledge_v for_o divine_o inspire_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o for_o that_o reason_n alone_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o that_o belief_n but_o there_o be_v not_o any_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n where_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n both_o as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o thing_n he_o approve_v they_o only_o in_o gross_a without_o descend_v to_o particular_n and_o examine_v every_o book_n by_o itself_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o there_o be_v divers_a prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o authority_n whereof_o be_v receive_v among_o the_o jew_n that_o point_v at_o he_o our_o saviour_n never_o undertake_v to_o make_v a_o critical_a treatise_n upon_o the_o sacred_a book_n nor_o to_o clear_v the_o historical_a difference_n in_o they_o his_o design_n be_v not_o to_o make_v we_o able_a critic_n but_o good_a man_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o render_v to_o god_n the_o obedience_n due_a to_o he_o he_o omit_v nothing_o that_o may_v instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n but_o he_o never_o trouble_v himself_o to_o correct_v certain_a error_n of_o small_a importance_n which_o may_v be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o if_o we_o must_v take_v all_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n as_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o book_n he_o cite_v to_o be_v all_o inspire_v even_o to_o the_o least_o syllable_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n we_o must_v reject_v many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v common_o repute_v inspire_v neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o cite_v the_o work_n of_o solomon_n or_o the_o book_n of_o job_n except_o that_o st._n james_n praise_v the_o patience_n of_o job_n which_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v not_o to_o cite_v the_o book_n but_o the_o history_n and_o if_o we_o must_v conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o all_o these_o book_n have_v be_v wrongful_o put_v into_o the_o jew_n canon_n the_o common_a opinion_n will_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n these_o book_n then_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o be_v not_o necessary_o to_o be_v account_v divine_a for_o be_v in_o the_o canon_n or_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o jesus_n christ_n never_o call_v in_o question_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o interpret_v the_o word_n canonical_a as_o if_o it_o signify_v inspire_v of_o god_n the_o jew_n put_v in_o their_o collection_n all_o the_o fragment_n they_o have_v remain_v of_o their_o ancient_a book_n they_o leave_v out_o none_o because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o it_o be_v all_o their_o library_n the_o rest_n have_v be_v lose_v in_o the_o captivity_n or_o before_o or_o after_o for_o the_o story_n set_v not_o down_o the_o time_n of_o that_o fatal_a loss_n they_o pretend_v not_o at_o first_o that_o this_o collection_n consist_v of_o no_o other_o but_o what_o be_v divine_o inspire_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o there_o be_v therein_o many_o write_n that_o be_v true_o prophetic_a and_o as_o these_o be_v the_o only_a book_n that_o have_v escape_v the_o general_a loss_n which_o have_v involve_v the_o rest_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v look_v on_o with_o more_o respect_n than_o they_o have_v be_v at_o first_o and_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o all_o these_o book_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ancient_a catalogue_n be_v true_o divine_a and_o whereas_o before_o that_o time_n man_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a in_o the_o law_n without_o make_v many_o commentary_n from_o thence_o forward_o they_o grow_v nice_a about_o the_o word_n will_v take_v every_o thing_n in_o a_o strict-sense_n and_o by_o seek_v for_o mystery_n where_o there_o be_v none_o they_o abandon_v the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n they_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o study_n of_o a_o thousand_o vain_a subtlety_n and_o piety_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o scrupulous_a observation_n of_o ceremonial_a law_n according_a as_o the_o doctor_n interpret_v they_o this_o the_o pharisee_n do_v in_o our_o lord_n time_n and_o it_o be_v also_o that_o which_o the_o divine_n among_o the_o christian_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a have_v imitate_v since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n man_n apply_v themselves_o to_o learn_v their_o doctrine_n without_o subtilize_v about_o their_o expression_n and_o this_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o assurance_n they_o have_v that_o those_o holy_a man_n teach_v faithful_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o christ._n since_o then_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n to_o dispute_v about_o their_o word_n and_o to_o strain_v to_o the_o utmost_a divers_a of_o their_o expression_n which_o be_v not_o over_o exact_a from_o whence_o many_o faction_n have_v be_v beget_v among_o christian_n who_o have_v fall_v foul_a one_o upon_o another_o about_o the_o meaning_n of_o some_o such_o particular_a expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v neglect_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v abandon_v the_o inward_a substance_n of_o religion_n to_o busy_v themselves_o about_o the_o outside_o man_n have_v think_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o be_v style_v that_o which_o they_o call_v zealous_a orthodox_n to_o be_v firm_o link_v to_o a_o certain_a party_n to_o load_v other_o with_o calumny_n and_o to_o damn_v by_o a_o absolute_a authority_n the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o have_v take_v no_o care_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o sincertity_n and_o fervour_n of_o their_o piety_n by_o a_o exact_a observation_n of_o the_o gospel_n moral_n which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o reason_n that_o orthodoxy_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o our_o passion_n whereas_o the_o severe_a moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incompatible_a with_o our_o way_n of_o live_v thus_o much_o by_o the_o by_o to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o this_o great_a zeal_n which_o man_n have_v for_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o a_o cloak_n they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o hide_v the_o little_a esteem_n they_o have_v for_o the_o religion_n itself_o of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o criticism_n or_o controversy_n but_o in_o keep_v god_n commandment_n but_o it_o will_v be_v ask_v then_o what_o authority_n
be_v to_o say_v on_o the_o contrary_a my_o opinion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v only_o in_o prophecy_n and_o some_o other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o sermon_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o where_o god_n himself_o be_v introduce_v speak_v that_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n have_v be_v immediate_o reveal_v to_o those_o who_o speak_v they_o that_o the_o style_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o those_o who_o speak_v or_o write_v that_o there_o be_v some_o book_n that_o be_v not_o inspire_v neither_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n nor_o word_n as_o job_n ecclesiastes_n etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v some_o passage_n which_o passion_n dictate_v to_o those_o that_o write_v they_o as_o many_o curse_n in_o the_o psalm_n that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n may_v commit_v and_o have_v actual_o commit_v some_o light_a fault_n which_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o in_o write_v their_o work_n be_v not_o ordinary_o inspire_v neither_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n nor_o the_o word_n but_o that_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o judgement_n in_o declare_v what_o jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v they_o or_o frame_v argument_n or_o draw_v consequence_n from_o thence_o that_o the_o apostle_n while_o they_o live_v be_v only_o look_v upon_o as_o faithful_a witness_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o as_o person_n well_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n whereof_o no_o part_n be_v unknown_a to_o they_o or_o conceal_v by_o they_o from_o their_o disciple_n but_o not_o as_o man_n that_o preach_v and_o teach_v by_o perpetual_a inspiration_n i_o believe_v indeed_o that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o christian_a religion_n be_v easy_a and_o comprise_v in_o a_o few_o article_n that_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o deep_a argumentation_n and_o to_o draw_v conseqrence_n remote_a from_o their_o principle_n and_o that_o they_o never_o undertake_v to_o treat_v of_o nice_a and_o controversial_a matter_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o read_v of_o their_o write_n or_o if_o it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v happen_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o to_o st._n barnabas_n it_o have_v be_v in_o thing_n of_o small_a consequence_n and_o they_o soon_o perceive_v their_o error_n as_o do_v these_o two_o apostle_n this_o sort_n of_o infallibility_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o integrity_n who_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o who_o do_v not_o much_o enter_v into_o argumentation_n and_o draw_v of_o inference_n can_v hardly_o err_v so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o temper_n and_o observe_v that_o conduct_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o my_o write_v concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n and_o it_o be_v herein_o precise_o that_o i_o differ_v from_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o divine_n you_o see_v how_o much_o these_o principle_n be_v contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o deist_n who_o reject_v all_o sort_n of_o inspiration_n and_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o work_n full_a of_o falsity_n and_o wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v pure_o human_a the_o divine_n that_o have_v accuse_v i_o of_o deism_n on_o account_n of_o this_o write_n certain_o either_o never_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o or_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v accuse_v i_o of_o so_o detestable_a a_o opinion_n out_o of_o pure_a malice_n and_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o be_v undoubted_o in_o some_o measure_n mislead_v by_o a_o false_a zeal_n that_o render_v they_o little_a attentive_a to_o what_o they_o read_v or_o make_v they_o suspect_v that_o the_o author_n have_v not_o discover_v all_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o mind_n it_o be_v a_o ill_a custom_n that_o some_o peevish_a and_o ill-natured_a person_n have_v to_o judge_n of_o other_o man_n opinion_n rather_o by_o the_o suspicion_n which_o their_o own_o deprave_a imagination_n suggest_v to_o they_o than_o by_o those_o man_n expression_n and_o action_n which_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v regard_v on_o these_o occasion_n a_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o what_o he_o say_v and_o not_o by_o what_o he_o say_v not_o nor_o by_o what_o be_v injurious_o impute_v to_o he_o without_o any_o proof_n and_o if_o this_o aught_o always_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o there_o be_v more_o particular_a reason_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o when_o a_o man_n protest_v as_o i_o do_v at_o present_a that_o he_o be_v not_o of_o any_o other_o opinion_n than_o what_o he_o express_o set_v down_o and_o that_o he_o disow_v the_o ill_a consequence_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o discourse_n and_o which_o to_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v deducible_a from_o they_o by_o this_o explanation_n of_o mr._n n_n principle_n which_o i_o receive_v from_o himself_o you_o may_v see_v sir_n that_o he_o be_v very_o far_o from_o those_o impious_a opinion_n which_o some_o too_o hotheaded_a divine_n have_v charge_v he_o with_o candid_a and_o equitable_a reader_n have_v no_o need_n of_o this_o explanation_n in_o which_o i_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v plain_o enough_o set_v down_o in_o his_o first_o write_v but_o as_o equity_n be_v a_o virtue_n seldom_o practise_v in_o theological_a controversy_n he_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o give_v these_o further_a explication_n to_o those_o who_o persist_v still_o in_o suspect_v he_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o he_o abhor_v we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o if_o any_o ill_a consequence_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o his_o opinion_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o that_o i_o will_v transcribe_v here_o what_o he_o further_o add_v to_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o see_v in_o read_v say_v he_o the_o prior_n of_o bolleville_n answer_n to_o the_o thought_n of_o some_o holland_n divine_v i_o observe_v that_o mr._n simon_n accuse_v i_o of_o have_v take_v part_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v out_o grotius_n his_o book_n call_v votum_fw-la pro_fw-la pace_n ecclesiasticâ_fw-la i_o shall_v be_v well_o please_v that_o my_o reader_n believe_v it_o i_o can_v not_o then_o be_v accuse_v as_o i_o be_o by_o some_o of_o innovation_n it_o be_v true_a i_o have_v read_v that_o book_n but_o it_o be_v long_o ago_o that_o passage_n of_o grotius_n be_v not_o in_o my_o mind_n otherwise_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v cite_v it_o as_o i_o have_v cite_v other_o of_o the_o same_o author_n that_o be_v less_o express_a i_o think_v it_o therefore_o not_o amiss_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o this_o advertisement_n and_o now_o to_o set_v down_o that_o passage_n together_o with_o another_o take_v out_o of_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o vow_n for_o peace_n title_v discussio_fw-la apologetici_fw-la rivetiani_n grotius_n have_v say_v in_o a_o work_n wherein_o he_o defend_v his_o observation_n upon_o the_o consultation_n of_o cassander_n against_o rivet_n 647._o that_o this_o last_o divine_a be_v very_o much_o deceive_v in_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n canon_n be_v dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o esdras_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o a_o prophet_n nor_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o his_o book_n and_o the_o collection_n he_o make_v of_o the_o more_o ancient_a book_n have_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o great_a synagogue_n in_o which_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o prophet_n although_o the_o jew_n hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n etc._n etc._n rivet_n like_v not_o this_o opinion_n of_o grotius_n and_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a by_o scripture_n and_o by_o some_o jewish_a author_n grotius_n reply_v to_o he_o in_o these_o term_n 672._o in_o his_o vow_n for_o peace_n etc._n i_o say_v indeed_o that_o the_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n canon_n be_v not_o all_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v write_v with_o a_o pious_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o this_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n who_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o jew_n submit_v to_o for_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o the_o history_n shall_v be_v dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o writer_n have_v a_o good_a memory_n for_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v see_v or_o that_o he_o be_v careful_a in_o transcribe_v the_o ancient_a record_n the_o word_n holy_a
this_o occasion_n which_o be_v express_v in_o these_o term_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o for_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v peter_n rise_v up_o and_o say_v etc._n etc._n the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o when_o the_o debate_n be_v about_o doctrinal_a matter_n the_o truth_n be_v immediate_o present_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o any_o need_n of_o meditation_n this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a as_o to_o the_o thing_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v they_o clear_o and_o they_o need_v no_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n to_o call_v they_o to_o mind_n but_o this_o principle_n be_v extend_v by_o some_o to_o all_o the_o function_n of_o their_o charge_n now_o ask_v if_o that_o be_v so_o what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v not_o only_o meet_v but_o also_o talk_v a_o long_a while_n together_o the_o first_o that_o have_v speak_v will_v have_v sound_a all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o for_o he_o to_o pronounce_v upon_o the_o question_n according_a to_o their_o general_n though_o tacit_n agreement_n it_o can_v be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o conference_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n concern_v this_o doctrine_n since_o st._n luke_n after_o have_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o immediate_o add_v that_o there_o be_v much_o dispute_v and_o that_o peter_n rise_v up_o and_o say_v etc._n etc._n neither_o can_v the_o principle_n of_o mr._n simon_n be_v here_o make_v use_n of_o who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n may_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n but_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o assemble_v and_o expose_v in_o public_a their_o reason_n for_o not_o impose_v jewish_n ceremony_n upon_o the_o gentile_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o inspire_v as_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o say_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o determine_v nothing_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n they_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o declare_v what_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v reveal_v to_o they_o as_o do_v the_o prophet_n who_o meet_v not_o together_o to_o confer_v about_o their_o prophecy_n before_o the_o pronounce_v of_o they_o but_o pronounce_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o god_n have_v command_v they_o without_o stay_v for_o any_o body_n consent_n and_o herein_o they_o act_v not_o by_o their_o private_a authority_n but_o by_o the_o authority_n that_o god_n give_v they_o in_o command_v they_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n no_o more_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v act_v by_o their_o own_o private_a authority_n in_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o mr._n simon_n have_v fancy_v a_o very_a particular_a sort_n of_o inspiration_n in_o the_o apostle_n ibid._n he_o say_v it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v declare_v that_o they_o determine_v nothing_o which_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o master_n and_o that_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o deliberate_v thereupon_o in_o assembly_n in_o which_o their_o opinion_n happen_v to_o be_v sometime_o divide_v a_o man_n must_v be_v very_o acute_a that_o can_v comprehend_v how_o man_n inspire_v after_o a_o prophetic_a manner_n can_v be_v of_o different_a opinion_n but_o mr._n simon_n clear_v this_o difficulty_n wonderful_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n we_o ought_v not_o say_v he_o to_o be_v surprise_v at_o this_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n since_o every_o one_o ground_v his_o particular_a one_o upon_o inspiration_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v have_v hinder_v they_o from_o be_v of_o different_a opinion_n since_o assure_o god_n inspire_v not_o several_a opinion_n about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v surprise_v that_o of_o two_o prophet_n one_o shall_v say_v a_o thing_n shall_v happen_v and_o the_o other_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o happen_v because_o they_o both_o ground_n their_o prediction_n upon_o inspiration_n and_o indeed_o mr._n simon_n correct_v himself_o after_o a_o fashion_n by_o add_v or_o rather_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o light_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o religion_n if_o he_o understand_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o but_o the_o light_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o religion_n why_o do_v he_o make_v all_o this_o ado_n since_o herein_o we_o agree_v with_o he_o he_o ought_v to_o tell_v we_o whether_o or_o no_o when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o inspiration_n they_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o express_v in_o their_o own_o way_n the_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v put_v ready_o frame_v into_o their_o mind_n if_o that_o be_v so_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o their_o opinion_n shall_v not_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o if_o he_o inspire_v they_o not_o with_o the_o reason_n they_o use_v than_o we_o can_v attribute_v prophetic_a inspiration_n to_o they_o since_o it_o be_v therein_o that_o prophetic_a inspiration_n consist_v it_o be_v very_o absurd_a therefore_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o reason_v the_o apostle_n use_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o those_o we_o read_v in_o their_o book_n be_v inspire_v for_o it_o be_v therein_o that_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v ordinary_o conceive_v to_o consist_v this_o be_v that_o uniform_a constant_a and_o ordinary_a inspiration_n which_o mr._n simon_n comprehend_v not_o because_o he_o never_o think_v well_o upon_o it_o nor_o indeed_o do_v he_o know_v what_o opinion_n he_o be_v of_o sometime_o he_o speak_v like_o the_o generality_n of_o divine_n sometime_o again_o he_o open_o contradict_v they_o as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o word_n i_o have_v cite_v he_o must_v study_v a_o little_a better_o this_o matter_n if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o answer_v he_o for_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n he_o understand_v not_o himself_o i_o will_v give_v but_o one_o example_n more_o of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o which_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o author_n of_o ecclesiastes_n p._n 138._o for_o we_o need_v but_o read_v his_o word_n to_o find_v that_o the_o prior_n of_o bolleville_n mind_v not_o what_o he_o say_v the_o author_n say_v he_o of_o this_o work_n do_v not_o design_n only_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o pass_v their_o time_n in_o pleasure_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o declamation_n be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o a_o preacher_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v he_o despise_v all_o the_o ordinary_a business_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o prefer_v a_o easy_a commodious_a life_n before_o all_o the_o trouble_n that_o attend_v a_o contrary_a practice_n for_o which_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v censure_v as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o epicure_n after_o the_o manner_n that_o mr._n n._n here_o understand_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o epicurean_o he_o will_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v tell_v we_o of_o what_o sort_n of_o epicurism_n the_o author_n of_o the_o ecclesiaste_n may_v be_v accuse_v objection_n 15._o it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o boldness_n to_o judge_n four_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n three_z that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o solomon_n and_o that_o of_o job_n as_o unworthy_a to_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n canon_n that_o liberty_n of_o censure_v will_v weaken_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o every_o one_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v say_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o book_n be_v not_o canonical_a according_a to_o his_o own_o fancy_n answer_n although_o we_o may_v reject_v some_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v do_v the_o same_o by_o all_o of_o they_o neither_o do_v it_o follow_v because_o many_o ancient_n and_o modern_a divine_n have_v think_v it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a not_o to_o have_v join_v with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n certain_a book_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o therefore_o we_o may_v reject_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v book_n that_o be_v indisputable_o of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o there_o be_v other_o which_o have_v be_v questionable_a and_o be_v so_o still_o among_o the_o learned_a as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o of_o st._n peter_n the_o two_o last_o of_o st._n john_n and_o that_o of_o st._n jude._n these_o doubt_n hinder_v we_o not_o from_o
leasure-time_n the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n may_v easy_o have_v receive_v into_o their_o canon_n book_n that_o have_v no_o divine_a authority_n to_o come_v now_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n apostle_n and_o not_o there_o attribute_v to_o a_o particular_a revelation_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o examine_v those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o which_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v common_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v both_o as_o to_o word_n and_o thing_n yet_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o always_o inspire_v but_o only_o when_o god_n give_v they_o order_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n in_o his_o name_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o inspire_v without_o be_v ravish_v into_o ecstasy_n as_o the_o prophet_n be_v before_o their_o prophesy_v this_o opinion_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o promise_n that_o christ_n make_v his_o apostle_n to_o send_v they_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o he_o perform_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v john_n xvi_o 13._o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n he_o say_v also_o elsewhere_o to_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o bring_v you_o into_o the_o synagogue_n and_o unto_o magistrate_n and_o power_n take_v you_o no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o thing_n you_o shall_v answer_v or_o what_o you_o shall_v say_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v you_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v luk._n xii_o 11._o these_o be_v two_o the_o most_o formal_a passage_n that_o can_v be_v quote_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o examine_v they_o with_o some_o attention_n to_o see_v if_o they_o prove_v that_o which_o they_o be_v produce_v for_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v honour_v with_o a_o continual_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o dictate_v to_o they_o all_o that_o they_o say_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n insomuch_o that_o all_o their_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o oracle_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o latter_a i_o observe_v first_o that_o he_o do_v not_o promise_v a_o perpetual_a inspiration_n but_o only_o upon_o certain_a occasion_n viz._n when_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v bring_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o judge_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o it_o this_o passage_n will_v not_o at_o all_o favour_n the_o common_a opinion_n but_o there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o for_o it_o whole_o destroy_v it_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v resolve_v to_o give_v his_o apostle_n the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o inspire_v they_o perpetual_o he_o will_v not_o have_v tell_v they_o single_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o for_o what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v before_o the_o judge_n because_o then_o the_o spirit_n shall_v speak_v in_o they_o but_o he_o will_v have_v say_v that_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v want_v word_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v accompany_v they_o without_o cease_v as_o well_o before_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n as_o when_o they_o shall_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o design_n to_o supply_v another_o with_o money_n for_o all_o his_o expense_n will_v he_o say_v to_o he_o do_v not_o trouble_v yourself_o to_o get_v money_n for_o the_o journey_n you_o be_v to_o take_v for_o you_o shall_v then_o be_v supply_v he_o will_v rather_o say_v to_o he_o doubtless_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o want_v money_n because_o he_o shall_v be_v supply_v constant_o for_o all_o his_o occasion_n a_o man_n promise_v not_o for_o a_o particular_a occasion_n that_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o give_v alike_o at_o all_o time_n and_o when_o a_o man_n make_v a_o particular_a promise_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o perform_v it_o but_o upon_o certain_a occasion_n in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v have_v prophetic_a inspiration_n on_o certain_a occasion_n and_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o have_v have_v they_o so_o i_o confess_v that_o i_o find_v myself_o tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o by_o these_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v you_o in_o that_o hour_n what_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v or_o as_o st._n matthew_n have_v express_v it_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n that_o speak_v in_o you_o i_o be_o i_o say_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o by_o these_o word_n christ_n mean_v only_o to_o say_v this_o viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n produce_v in_o your_o heart_n will_v teach_v you_o what_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n which_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n will_v give_v they_o will_v never_o let_v they_o want_v word_n not_o even_o when_o they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o great_a power_n that_o which_o incline_v i_o to_o this_o explication_n of_o christ_n word_n be_v that_o in_o compare_v this_o promise_n with_o the_o event_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v perform_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o observe_v and_o that_o neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v interpret_v so_o strict_o as_o if_o on_o these_o occasion_n a_o word_n may_v not_o slip_v from_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n luke_n tell_v we_o act_v xxiii_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v bring_v before_o the_o sanhedrim_n begin_v to_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n man_n and_o brethren_n i_o have_v live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n until_o this_o day_n here_o be_v nothing_o yet_o that_o one_o may_v not_o say_v without_o inspiration_n as_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o follow_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o passion_n wherewith_o neither_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n nor_o the_o patient_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n inspire_v st._n paul_n at_o that_o word_n say_v st._n luke_n ananias_n the_o high_a priest_n command_v they_o that_o stand_v by_o to_o smite_v he_o on_o the_o mouth_n the_o apostle_n provoke_v by_o this_o unjustice_n answer_v he_o angry_o god_n shall_v smite_v thou_o thou_o white_v wall_n for_o sit_v thou_o to_o judge_v i_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o command_v thou_o i_o to_o be_v smite_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o they_o that_o stand_v by_o say_v st._n luke_n say_v to_o paul_n revile_a thou_o god_n high_a priest_n then_o say_v paul_n i_o wist_v not_o brethren_n that_o he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n it_o be_v plain_a methinks_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v inspire_v st._n paul_n with_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o do_v not_o so_o neither_o with_o the_o answer_n he_o make_v the_o high_a priest_n nor_o with_o the_o excuse_v he_o make_v use_v of_o afterward_o when_o they_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n that_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o give_v sentence_n against_o himself_o by_o his_o answer_n suppose_v that_o he_o have_v know_v he_o who_o order_v he_o to_o be_v smite_v and_o as_o for_o the_o excuse_n it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o very_o good_a because_o the_o gospel_n allow_v not_o to_o revile_v any_o man_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o magistrate_n or_o a_o private_a man._n jesus_n christ_n say_v st._n peter_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o neither_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n inspire_v st._n paul_n with_o what_o he_o say_v afterward_o at_o least_o there_o be_v no_o body_n but_o can_v have_v say_v as_o much_o without_o inspiration_n now_o st._n paul_n know_v say_v the_o historian_n that_o the_o one_o part_n be_v sadducee_n and_o the_o other_o pharisee_n cry_v out_o in_o the_o council_n man_n and_o brethren_n i_o be_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o son_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi of_o the_o hope_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a i_o be_o call_v in_o question_n this_o expression_n also_o of_o st._n luke_n paul_n know_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o his_o speech_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o prudence_n rather_o than_o
though_o preach_v with_o never_o so_o much_o gravity_n it_o happen_v i_o say_v that_o these_o person_n reject_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o distinguish_v true_a christianity_n from_o those_o dream_n of_o fanciful_a divine_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v after_o this_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o prophecy_n that_o be_v in_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o christ_n have_v authorise_a they_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n notwithstanding_o any_o uncertainty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n as_o it_o appear_v there_o be_v still_o some_o uncertainty_n by_o divers_a contradiction_n which_o the_o divine_n with_o all_o their_o subtlety_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v after_o puzzle_v about_o it_o above_o three_o thousand_o year_n the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v in_o it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v receive_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o you_o will_v let_v we_o say_v that_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o christ._n no_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o those_o book_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v only_a piece_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n or_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o human_n be_v to_o be_v find_v such_o as_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n ecclesiastes_n etc._n etc._n last_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o strain_v too_o far_o the_o sense_n of_o particular_a expression_n as_o do_v the_o jew_n because_o if_o we_o except_o a_o very_a few_o place_n the_o expression_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o the_o sacred_a writer_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o explain_v their_o other_o thought_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v word_v both_o the_o jewish_a history_n and_o the_o revelation_n they_o have_v from_o heaven_n after_o their_o own_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o express_v themselves_o these_o sir_n be_v the_o thought_n of_o mr._n n._n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n i_o be_o tell_v he_o draw_v from_o these_o principle_n three_o consequence_n the_o first_o be_v that_o by_o admit_v this_o hypothesis_n we_o may_v terminate_v many_o great_a dispute_n among_o christian_n which_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o false_a subtlety_n of_o divine_n interpret_n too_o mysterious_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o if_o every_o syllable_n have_v be_v dictate_v by_o god_n the_o second_o be_v that_o whereas_o by_o stick_v too_o close_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o essence_n of_o religion_n come_v to_o be_v neglect_v as_o if_o god_n require_v no_o more_o of_o we_o at_o present_a but_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v instead_o i_o say_v of_o this_o practice_n it_o will_v be_v find_v necessary_a to_o apply_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o obey_v christ_n precept_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n god_n indispensable_o require_v from_o we_o the_o three_o consequence_n be_v that_o hereby_o at_o one_o blow_n will_v be_v solve_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o difficulty_n which_o libertine_n be_v wont_a to_o allege_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o solve_v by_o the_o ordinary_a principle_n their_o mouth_n will_v be_v stop_v say_v mr._n n._n and_o it_o will_v no_o long_o avail_v they_o to_o object_n against_o christian_n the_o contradiction_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o lowness_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n the_o little_a order_n observe_v to_o be_v in_o many_o of_o their_o discourse_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o they_o have_v be_v use_v to_o say_v against_o our_o divine_n who_o have_v in_o vain_a puzzle_v themselves_o to_o answer_v they_o by_o impose_v nothing_o upon_o these_o man_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v most_o essential_a in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o right_a reason_n they_o will_v be_v bring_v say_v he_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v real_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v easy_o incline_v to_o embrace_v that_o which_o hitherto_o they_o have_v obstinate_o reject_v because_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o supposition_n repugnant_a to_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o they_o be_v guide_v i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v sir_n to_o examine_v these_o consequence_n nor_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v draw_v i_o promise_v you_o only_o a_o bare_a account_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o mr._n n._n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v use_v mean_n that_o some_o divine_a verssed_a in_o these_o matter_n may_v satisfy_v we_o both_o upon_o this_o subject_a better_a than_o i_o myself_o be_o able_a to_o do_v i_o be_o etc._n etc._n the_o three_o letter_n you_o have_v see_v sir_n to_o how_o little_a purpose_n it_o be_v that_o mr._n simon_n endeavour_v to_o defend_v his_o particular_a opinion_n as_o well_o as_o those_o which_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o all_o other_o roman-catholic_a doctor_n you_o shall_v see_v now_o that_o he_o be_v no_o happy_a in_o go_v about_o to_o play_v the_o critic_n on_o two_o letter_n in_o which_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v it_o appear_v evident_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o itch_n he_o have_v of_o carp_n at_o other_o man_n write_n have_v make_v he_o undertake_v to_o examine_v those_o letter_n for_o he_o embrace_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o author_n there_o maintain_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o who_o have_v judge_v the_o opinion_n of_o mr._n n._n too_o bold_a will_v be_v as_o much_o scandalize_v at_o those_o of_o the_o pious_a prior_n of_o bolleville_n that_o incomparable_a critic_n maintain_v at_o first_o dash_n as_o bold_o as_o if_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o by_o revelation_n that_o he_o that_o be_v call_v mr._n n._n be_v noel_n aubert_n de_fw-fr versé_fw-fr which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o already_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o dream_n of_o mr._n simon_n be_v who_o think_v he_o may_v lawful_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v in_o his_o head_n and_o believe_v that_o by_o bold_o affirm_v it_o he_o shall_v make_v his_o reader_n be_v of_o his_o mind_n that_o be_v a_o secret_a of_o his_o rhetoric_n which_o he_o put_v in_o practice_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o find_v himself_o puzzle_v or_o when_o he_o imagine_v he_o may_v thereby_o worst_a his_o antagonist_n but_o by_o ill_a fortune_n he_o have_v use_v it_o so_o long_o that_o his_o art_n be_v plain_o discover_v can_v no_o more_o deceive_v any_o body_n by_o say_v whatever_o come_v in_o his_o mind_n although_o in_o truth_n he_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o he_o have_v so_o gross_o contradict_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v now_o lose_v all_o credit_n with_o man_n of_o worth_n i_o need_v therefore_o return_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o author_n xiith_o chap._n than_o by_o say_v that_o i_o be_o sorry_a his_o choler_n do_v so_o much_o blind_v he_o as_o to_o make_v he_o affirm_v a_o falsehood_n as_o bold_o as_o the_o clear_a truth_n i_o pray_v god_n as_o i_o have_v often_o do_v to_o cure_v he_o of_o a_o passion_n that_o discompose_v he_o in_o so_o deplorable_a a_o manner_n and_o which_o may_v in_o time_n render_v he_o incapable_a of_o serve_v the_o public_a as_o he_o may_v do_v if_o he_o consider_v a_o little_a more_o on_o what_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o publish_v i_o will_v not_o spend_v my_o labour_n single_o upon_o his_o remark_n for_o i_o write_v not_o this_o to_o satisfy_v he_o in_o the_o ill_a humour_n he_o be_v nothing_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o settle_v his_o mind_n as_o time_n i_o will_v therefore_o but_o touch_n on_o they_o as_o i_o go_v along_o when_o the_o nature_n of_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v lead_v i_o to_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o my_o design_n to_o defend_v the_o opinion_n of_o mr._n n._n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o answer_v his_o proof_n full_o i_o say_v not_o that_o i_o be_v convince_v on_o the_o contrary_a i_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o learned_a that_o i_o may_v provoke_v they_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n careful_o and_o may_v draw_v from_o their_o observation_n some_o further_a light_n than_o my_o own_o meditation_n can_v furnish_v i_o with_o but_o as_o man_n intention_n be_v not_o interpret_v always_o so_o favourable_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v i_o find_v myself_o oblige_v that_o i_o may_v satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o pious_a person_n and_o repel_v the_o calumny_n of_o some_o divine_n
agree_v about_o the_o gospel_n and_o st._n paul_n epistle_n nor_o from_o prove_v clear_o that_o they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v i_o know_v not_o why_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o some_o of_o those_o of_o the_o new_a and_o why_o ill_a consequence_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o their_o opinion_n who_o doubt_v of_o some_o of_o the_o former_a when_o none_o be_v draw_v from_o they_o that_o reject_v the_o latter_a the_o canon_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o much_o great_a importance_n with_o we_o than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a it_o be_v a_o mistake_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v all_o or_o reject_v all_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v all_o it_o be_v less_o true_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o reject_v all_o but_o there_o be_v a_o mean_a betwixt_o these_o two_o extreme_n objection_n 16._o but_o what_o will_v be_v say_v to_o these_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o vulgar_a translation_n according_a to_o the_o greek_a and_o also_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a vulgar_a omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la &_o utilis_fw-la whereas_o mr._n n._n read_v they_o omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la utilis_fw-la est_fw-la the_o verb_n est_fw-la be_v not_o in_o the_o greek_a but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v et_fw-la be_v before_o utilis_fw-la if_o this_o verb_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v because_o it_o be_v often_o want_v in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o syriac_a and_o consequent_o in_o the_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o manner_n omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la est_fw-la &_o utilis_fw-la answer_n mr._n simon_n be_v decree_n be_v not_o without_o appeal_n we_o maintain_v against_o he_o that_o this_o passage_n may_v very_o well_o be_v thus_o translate_v all_o scripture_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v be_v also_o profitable_a for_o instruction_n for_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n so_o the_o vulgar_a translate_v it_o which_o mr._n simon_n improper_o correct_v and_o which_o the_o gentleman_n of_o port-royal_a have_v judicious_o follow_v st._n paul_n design_n favour_v this_o version_n he_o tell_v timothy_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o which_o he_o add_v that_o all_o scripture_n give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n these_o word_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o explanation_n of_o those_o forego_n where_o st._n paul_n set_v down_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v instruct_v to_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o tacit_n opposition_n here_o between_o holy_a writ_n and_o certain_a profane_a study_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o go_v back_o a_o little_o high_a to_o find_v the_o thread_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n and_o observe_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o say_n that_o all_o writ_n divine_o inspire_v be_v profitable_a etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n describe_v in_o the_o 4._o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n a_o sort_n of_o wicked_a people_n who_o in_o the_o 5_o the_o verse_n he_o order_v timothy_n to_o avoid_v the_o character_n he_o mark_v they_o by_o suit_n very_o well_o to_o the_o gnostic_n but_o it_o matter_n not_o of_o who_o he_o speak_v it_o suffice_v that_o we_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v person_n who_o boast_v of_o teach_v their_o hearer_n many_o thing_n witness_v those_o 7._o woman_n they_o have_v seduce_v which_o be_v always_o learning_n and_o never_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 9_o but_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v their_o seducement_n shall_v not_o long_o continue_v 11._o he_o represent_v to_o timothy_n that_o he_o have_v full_o know_v his_o doctrine_n his_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o the_o persecution_n he_o have_v suffer_v in_o order_n to_o strengthen_v he_o by_o his_o example_n 13._o he_o declare_v that_o the_o good_a shall_v always_o be_v persecute_v and_o that_o there_o shall_v still_o be_v seducer_n and_o person_n seduce_v fol._n but_o thou_o continue_v he_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o know_v from_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n he_o oppose_v plain_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o study_n of_o fabulous_a doctrine_n which_o some_o impostor_n then_o teach_v and_o whereof_o he_o complain_v in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o two_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n 1_o ep._n ch._n 1._o v._n 4._o ch._n 4._o v._n 7._o 2_o ep._n ch._n 4._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o here_o he_o order_v his_o dear_a disciple_n to_o continue_v firm_a in_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v learn_v and_o which_o he_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o he_o likewise_o end_v his_o first_o epistle_n with_o this_o exhortation_n o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n avoid_v profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n and_o opposition_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v which_o some_o profess_v have_v err_v concern_v the_o faith_n and_o thus_o when_o he_o add_v that_o all_o scripture_n give_v by_o inspiration_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v to_o timothy_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o keep_v close_o as_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o will_v instruct_v he_o sufficient_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n by_o join_v thereunto_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o all_o scripture_n inspire_v by_o god_n as_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n whereas_o if_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o false_a science_n that_o some_o impostor_n then_o boast_v of_o he_o will_v cultivate_v doctrine_n that_o will_v be_v proper_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o raise_v dispute_n instead_o of_o edify_v as_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o tell_v he_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o this_o reason_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o no_o wise_a suppose_n that_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v inspire_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n pretend_v thereby_o only_o to_o intimate_v that_o the_o inspire_v write_n without_o fix_v the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v more_o profitable_a than_o those_o that_o some_o person_n at_o that_o time_n boast_v of_o rivet_n have_v object_v this_o passage_n to_o grotius_n against_o the_o opinion_n of_o that_o incomparable_a critic_n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n let_v we_o see_v how_o grotius_n answer_v he_o etc._n the_o place_n say_v he_o 2_o tim._n chap._n 3._o v._n 16._o have_v another_o signification_n than_o d._n rivet_n think_v for_o st._n paul_n say_v not_o all_o write_v be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o how_o many_o be_v the_o write_n of_o human_a invention_n nor_o do_v he_o mean_v that_o all_o that_o be_v inspire_v be_v divine_o inspire_v that_o will_v be_v trifle_v but_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n all_o scripture_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n as_o st._n peter_n style_v it_o 2_o ep._n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o be_v not_o only_o useful_a in_o its_o own_o time_n to_o show_v god_n prescience_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n but_o be_v moreover_o at_o all_o time_n profitable_a because_o it_o contain_v many_o stand_a rule_n reproof_n of_o vice_n incitement_n to_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n this_o sense_n be_v right_o observe_v by_o the_o syriac_a interpreter_n who_o thus_o render_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v profit_n in_o respect_n of_o doctirne_n etc._n etc._n this_o passage_n then_o of_o st._n paul_n prove_v nothing_o against_o i_o let_v mr._n simon_n say_v what_o he_o please_v he_o seem_v not_o to_o understand_v christian_a religion_n thorough_o enough_o to_o treat_v of_o these_o matter_n these_o sir_n be_v the_o principal_a objetion_n that_o have_v be_v make_v to_o mr._n n._n against_o his_o essay_n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n you_o may_v judge_n whether_o he_o have_v solve_v the_o difficulty_n propose_v or_o no._n for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v not_o judge_n of_o that_o question_n but_o this_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o mr._n simon_n be_v not_o the_o man_n that_o will_v run_v he_o down_o and_o that_o the_o answer_v you_o have_v now_o read_v be_v plausible_a enough_o
of_o particular_a write_n of_o divers_a prophet_n to_o who_o the_o author_n at_o every_o turn_n refer_v the_o reader_n last_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o historian_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o inspire_v by_o the_o contradiction_n that_o be_v find_v in_o several_a circumstance_n of_o their_o history_n the_o evangelist_n agree_v perfect_o among_o themselves_o in_o what_o concern_v the_o main_a of_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o disagree_v a_o clear_a proof_n that_o every_o particular_a be_v not_o inspire_v for_o although_o the_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o differ_v be_v thing_n of_o small_a consequence_n yet_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v dictate_v all_o to_o they_o as_o be_v pretend_v they_o will_v perfect_o agree_v in_o every_o thing_n these_o circumstance_n be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o god_n as_o the_o main_a of_o the_o history_n for_o example_n st._n matthew_n say_v that_o judas_n repent_v that_o he_o have_v deliver_v our_o lord_n to_o the_o jew_n throw_v the_o money_n into_o the_o temple_n that_o go_v away_o he_o hang_v himself_o and_o that_o the_o priest_n have_v gather_v up_o the_o money_n buy_v therewith_o a_o field_n st._n luke_n in_o the_o act_n bring_v in_o peter_n say_v that_o judas_n after_o have_v purchase_v a_o field_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o iniquity_n fall_v headlong_o burst_v asunder_o in_o the_o midst_n insomuch_o that_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o here_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n which_o the_o learned_a in_o vain_a endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o such_o like_a but_o this_o you_o will_v say_v lessen_v very_o much_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o evangelist_n for_o if_o they_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n who_o will_v secure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o every_o thing_n i_o answer_v to_o that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o grotius_n autoritas_fw-la even_o this_v itself_o ought_v to_o free_v these_o writer_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o deceit_n for_o those_o who_o testify_v falsehood_n use_v so_o to_o agree_v their_o story_n that_o there_o may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o difference_n but_o if_o because_o of_o any_o small_a disagreement_n although_o it_o can_v not_o be_v reconcile_v whole_a book_n shall_v lose_v their_o credit_n than_o no_o book_n especial_o of_o history_n will_v deserve_v to_o be_v believe_v whereas_o the_o authority_n of_o polybius_n and_o halicarnassensis_n and_o livy_n and_o plutarch_n in_o who_o such_o thing_n be_v find_v as_o to_o the_o main_n stand_v firm_a among_o we_o st._n chrysostom_n also_o in_o his_o first_o homily_n on_o st._n matthew_n very_o plain_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n permit_v the_o apostle_n to_o fall_v into_o these_o little_a contrariety_n that_o we_o may_v see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v to_o feign_v a_o history_n at_o pleasure_n and_o that_o we_o may_v more_o ready_o believe_v they_o in_o the_o main_a of_o the_o history_n when_o a_o man_n have_v see_v most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o those_o he_o can_v hardly_o be_v deceive_v but_o he_o may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v in_o some_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o see_v we_o may_v yet_o add_v a_o five_o proof_n which_o grotius_n afford_v we_o in_o his_o note_n on_o that_o part_n of_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o late_o cite_v it_o be_v that_o the_o evangelist_n in_o set_v down_o a_o certain_a time_n do_v not_o determine_v it_o exact_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o so_o precise_o that_o they_o can_v set_v down_o the_o number_n of_o day_n or_o month_n see_v luke_n i._n 56._o iii_o 23._o john_n ii_o 6._o vi_o 10_o 19_o xix_o 14._o you_o find_v in_o those_o place_n about_o a_o certain_a time_n or_o about_o a_o certain_a number_n which_o show_v evident_o that_o the_o history_n be_v not_o dictate_v immediate_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o know_v exact_o the_o number_n and_o the_o time_n that_o be_v in_o question_n it_o be_v clear_a then_o in_o my_o judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o inspire_a nor_o by_o consequence_n the_o word_n which_o be_v less_o considerable_a than_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o certain_a term_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o a_o certain_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v little_a matter_n what_o word_n we_o make_v use_v of_o provide_v we_o go_v not_o astray_o from_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o who_o read_v the_o original_n be_v in_o no_o better_a way_n of_o be_v save_v than_o those_o that_o can_v read_v only_o the_o translation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o translation_n so_o false_a but_o that_o take_v in_o gross_a it_o express_v clear_o enough_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o all_o christian_n have_v learn_v hebrew_n and_o greek_a which_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o we_o shall_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n almost_o all_o those_o who_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o our_o western_a part_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o that_o providence_n also_o which_o have_v preserve_v we_o these_o holy_a book_n to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n so_o many_o age_n after_o the_o death_n of_o those_o that_o write_v they_o have_v preserve_v inviolable_o nothing_o but_o the_o sense_n it_o have_v suffer_v man_n to_o put_v in_o synonimous_a word_n one_o for_o another_o and_o not_o hinder_v the_o slip_n in_o of_o a_o great_a many_o variety_n little_a considerable_a as_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o remarkable_a as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o order_n there_o be_v in_o st._n matthew_n for_o example_n more_o than_o a_o thousand_o divers_a readins_n in_o less_o than_o eleven_o hundred_o verse_n but_o whereof_o there_o be_v not_o perhaps_o fifty_o that_o can_v make_v any_o change_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o that_o change_v too_o be_v but_o in_o thing_n of_o little_a importance_n to_o piety_n if_o god_n have_v think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o inspire_v into_o the_o sacred_a historian_n the_o term_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v he_o will_v undoubted_o have_v take_v more_o care_n to_o preserve_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o he_o design_v principal_o to_o preserve_v the_o sense_n thus_o then_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o thing_n have_v be_v inspire_v into_o those_o who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o sacred_a history_n although_o in_o the_o main_a that_o history_n be_v very_o true_a in_o the_o principal_a fact_n it_o may_v be_v that_o in_o certain_a circumstance_n little_a considerable_a there_o may_v be_v some_o fault_n as_o appear_v sufficient_o by_o the_o contradictory_n passage_n it_o be_v ture_n that_o some_o have_v strain_v themselves_o to_o reconcile_v those_o passage_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v but_o it_o be_v after_o so_o violent_a and_o constrain_v a_o fashion_n and_o there_o be_v such_o divers_a opinion_n about_o these_o reconciliation_n that_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o thing_n never_o so_o little_a without_o prejudice_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o learned_a trouble_n themselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o that_o they_o will_v do_v much_o better_a to_o confess_v ingenuous_o that_o there_o be_v some_o contradiction_n in_o thing_n of_o small_a importance_n nay_o further_o i_o know_v some_o that_o believe_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o jewish_a history_n without_o distinction_n for_o true_a history_n they_o pertend_v we_o ought_v to_o except_v the_o book_n of_o esther_n and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o assuerus_n of_o who_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n speak_v be_v ochus_n that_o reign_v after_o artaxerxes_n mnemon_n this_o book_n will_v have_v be_v write_v at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o there_o be_v no_o prophet_n in_o israel_n but_o although_o mr._n cappel_n pretend_v that_o achasueros_n be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o conjecture_n be_v not_o unquestionable_a they_o pretend_v also_o that_o this_o history_n have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o history_n make_v at_o pleasure_n i_o shall_v not_o examine_v that_o at_o present_a but_o however_o it_o be_v it_o be_v no_o heresy_n to_o reject_v a_o book_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n as_o neither_o be_v it_o to_o reject_v one_o of_o our_o own_o at_o least_o the_o protestant_n have_v not_o call_v a_o lutheran_n a_o heretic_n for_o have_v say_v that_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n be_v a_o epistola_fw-la epistle_n of_o straw_n no_o more_o than_o they_o have_v many_o of_o the_o learned_a for_o not_o receive_v the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n which_o a_o famous_a critic_n style_v scaliger_n a_o fiction_n of_o some_o ancient_a christian_n misemploy_v his_o
piety_n they_o say_v that_o the_o controversy_n about_o they_o be_v not_o considerable_a now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o believe_v expression_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o human_a when_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v truth_n what_o danger_n can_v there_o be_v in_o believe_v that_o any_o truth_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a be_v express_v in_o term_n not_o divine_o inspire_v the_o same_o reason_n that_o make_v we_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o the_o one_o persuade_v we_o also_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o save_v by_o the_o word_n but_o by_o the_o thing_n the_o other_o thing_n observable_a be_v that_o we_o receive_v among_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n write_n who_o author_n be_v not_o well_o know_v which_o we_o can_v not_o do_v if_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a in_o receive_v a_o book_n as_o canonical_a to_o be_v assure_v that_o every_o word_n be_v inspire_v since_o to_o be_v assure_v thereof_o we_o seek_v to_o have_v evident_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v a_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n for_o example_n it_o be_v not_o know_v who_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o apostle_n or_o some_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o the_o word_n of_o that_o epistle_n be_v inspire_v or_o not_o but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v receive_v because_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o because_o it_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o perfect_o conformable_a to_o their_o doctrine_n thus_o it_o be_v general_o think_v of_o little_a importance_n whether_o the_o word_n be_v divine_o inspire_v or_o no_o provide_v the_o thing_n they_o express_v be_v true_a so_o that_o one_o may_v say_v that_o in_o truth_n divine_n be_v general_o very_o favourable_a to_o the_o opinion_n i_o maintain_v although_o themselves_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o insist_v much_o in_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v not_o always_o dictate_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o very_a word_n that_o they_o use_v since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o do_v not_o always_o dictate_v to_o they_o the_o thing_n not_o that_o i_o make_v any_o doubt_n but_o he_o have_v often_o reveal_v to_o they_o the_o thing_n and_o even_o inspire_v they_o with_o the_o very_a word_n as_o in_o the_o prophecy_n where_o there_o be_v need_v to_o remember_v divers_a name_n and_o when_o they_o speak_v strange_a language_n though_o it_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v suppose_v that_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n god_n dispose_v at_o once_o the_o brain_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o can_v without_o trouble_n join_v certain_a sound_n to_o certain_a idea_n just_a as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v be_v use_v to_o it_o from_o their_o infancy_n and_o that_o afterward_o he_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o new_a language_n according_a as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o thus_o those_o that_o learned_a by_o inspiration_n the_o language_n of_o the_o mede_n for_o example_n have_v their_o brain_n dispose_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o will_v have_v have_v if_o they_o have_v learn_v that_o language_n from_o their_o infancy_n and_o can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o easy_o as_o their_o mother-tongue_n at_o least_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o some_o who_o have_v receive_v this_o miraculous_a gift_n do_v sometime_o abuse_v it_o which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o never_o have_v speak_v those_o language_n but_o by_o present_a immediate_a inspiration_n see_v 1_o cor._n fourteen_o but_o without_o determine_v that_o point_n i_o believe_v with_o erasmus_n that_o the_o apostle_n learn_v not_o the_o greek_a they_o use_v by_o inspiration_n because_o if_o it_o be_v so_o they_o will_v have_v speak_v it_o like_o the_o native_a grecian_n whereas_o they_o mix_v with_o it_o a_o world_n of_o hebraism_n as_o the_o french_a that_o speak_v latin_a do_v gallicism_n see_v erasmus_n upon_o act_n x._o not_o that_o i_o believe_v neither_o that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o greek_a language_n by_o the_o commerce_n they_o have_v with_o the_o greek_n during_o the_o function_n of_o their_o charge_n as_o erasmus_n think_v probable_a it_o be_v more_o likely_a they_o have_v learn_v it_o from_o their_o infancy_n for_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o cilicia_n where_o they_o speak_v nothing_o but_o greek_a undoubted_o have_v learn_v it_o young_a but_o he_o corrupt_v it_o afterward_o by_o his_o long_a dwell_n in_o judaea_n where_o beside_o the_o greek_a they_o speak_v a_o break_a chaldee_n who_o dialect_n mix_v with_o the_o greek_a render_v it_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a such_o as_o be_v the_o style_n of_o that_o apostle_n the_o other_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o judaea_n have_v learn_v it_o also_o from_o their_o infancy_n as_o it_o be_v common_o there_o speak_v that_o be_v to_o say_v extreme_o corrupt_v by_o the_o ancient_a language_n of_o the_o country_n which_o be_v still_o speak_v there_o as_o appear_v by_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o the_o same_o erasmus_n have_v well_o observe_v in_o the_o place_n already_o cite_v didicerunt_fw-la when_o i_o excuse_v the_o apostle_n say_v he_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o eckius_fw-la who_o learn_v their_o greek_z not_o out_o of_o demosthenes_n his_o oration_n but_o out_o of_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o common_a people_n i_o deny_v not_o their_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v not_o learn_v greek_a by_o common_a converse_n assure_o they_o learn_v the_o syriac_a by_o common_a converse_n why_o may_v they_o not_o in_o like_a manner_n learn_v the_o greek_a for_o by_o mean_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o the_o roman_a empire_n egypt_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o syria_n and_o all_o the_o lesser_a asia_n nay_o almost_o all_o the_o east_n as_o jerom_n say_v speak_v greek_a and_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v they_o to_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v former_o learn_v the_o greek_a language_n than_o be_v speak_v in_o judaea_n together_o with_o the_o ancient_a language_n which_o the_o jew_n bring_v from_o babylon_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o chaldean_a but_o corrupt_v in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o the_o french_a and_o flemish_a be_v speak_v together_o now_o adays_o in_o flanders_n and_o as_o the_o french_a they_o now_o speak_v in_o flanders_n be_v full_a of_o the_o flemish_a dialect_n and_o of_o term_n unknown_a in_o france_n so_o the_o greek_a of_o judaea_n be_v heretofore_o full_a of_o chaldaism_n and_o of_o barbarous_a way_n of_o speak_v which_o undoubted_o grate_v the_o grecian_n ear_n the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o tell_v we_o in_o several_a place_n that_o hebrew_n or_o chaldean_a be_v speak_v in_o judaea_n tell_v we_o also_o that_o they_o use_v another_o language_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o greek_a st._n luke_n observe_v act_n xxii_o that_o st._n paul_n harangue_v the_o jew_n begin_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o hebrew_n and_o that_o when_o they_o understand_v he_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n they_o hearken_v to_o he_o with_o the_o great_a silence_n which_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o may_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n in_o another_o language_n for_o otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o ground_n to_o observe_v that_o they_o listen_v more_o attentive_o when_o they_o perceive_v he_o speak_v hebrew_a see_v that_o in_o speak_v any_o other_o language_n but_o hebrew_n they_o can_v not_o have_v understand_v he_o it_o appear_v then_o that_o greek_a be_v speak_v in_o judaea_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a pilate_n speak_v greek_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o that_o our_o lord_n answer_v he_o in_o the_o same_o the_o people_n only_o prefer_v the_o language_n of_o the_o country_n before_o the_o greek_a which_o be_v not_o so_o ancient_a and_o which_o they_o have_v not_o learn_v but_o by_o force_n because_o of_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n that_o tyrannize_v over_o they_o and_o so_o they_o speak_v it_o not_o exact_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v jew_n that_o speak_v greek_a very_o pure_o but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bear_v in_o country_n where_o only_a greek_a be_v speak_v as_o philo_n or_o they_o have_v acquire_v a_o habit_n of_o speak_v good_a greek_a by_o read_v or_o study_v as_o josephus_n so_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v walloon_n that_o speak_v french_a very_o well_o although_o the_o generality_n of_o that_o people_n speak_v it_o extreme_o ill_a because_o
all_o the_o explication_n which_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v give_v of_o those_o place_n whereby_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o those_o explication_n that_o clear_v the_o difficulty_n but_o to_o do_v this_o will_v require_v a_o book_n for_o every_o place_n for_o there_o be_v so_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n upon_o these_o passage_n that_o there_o may_v be_v reckon_v up_o ten_o or_o twelve_o interpretation_n of_o one_o single_a place_n one_o learned_a man_n have_v make_v a_o volume_n in_o quarto_n judae_fw-la of_o a_o hundred_o and_o ninety_o two_o page_n upon_o that_o single_a place_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o judas_n but_o if_o the_o most_o of_o these_o interpretation_n be_v consider_v without_o prepossession_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o much_o strain_v word_n be_v never_o want_v and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o silence_v a_o man_n of_o a_o indifferent_a capacity_n who_o undertake_v to_o defend_v a_o opinion_n that_o can_v be_v demonstrative_o disprove_v let_v i_o therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o examine_v some_o of_o those_o place_n that_o have_v give_v the_o learned_a the_o most_o trouble_n and_o then_o let_v he_o ask_v himself_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o those_o reconcilement_n that_o he_o find_v in_o the_o commentator_n if_o the_o question_v concern_v other_o author_n than_o those_o of_o the_o bible_n assure_o he_o will_v reject_v they_o and_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v some_o contrariety_n in_o small_a thing_n than_o to_o render_v the_o whole_a history_n doubtful_a by_o persist_v obstinate_o in_o defence_n of_o thing_n of_o no_o consequence_n if_o this_o be_v do_v in_o what_o concern_v the_o death_n of_o judas_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o a_o example_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o opinion_n will_v appear_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o of_o salmasius_n in_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o bartholin_n concern_v the_o cross._n 618._o it_o be_v manifest_a say_v he_o that_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o evangelist_n not_o to_o take_v much_o heed_n of_o minute_n circumstance_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o to_o the_o principal_a history_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o otherwise_o that_o wherein_o matthew_n and_o luke_n differ_v concern_v the_o death_n of_o judas_n can_v be_v reconcile_v objection_n 8._o whereas_o it_o be_v doubt_v 40._o whether_o it_o be_v well_o do_v to_o admit_v the_o history_n of_o esther_n in_o the_o hebrew_n canon_n because_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n in_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v pure_a invention_n ought_v not_o those_o circumstance_n to_o have_v be_v cite_v and_o suppose_v they_o be_v such_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v with_o mr._n simon_n pag._n 129._o of_o his_o answer_n that_o the_o book_n may_v be_v a_o parable_n and_o not_o the_o less_o canonical_a for_o that_o answer_n i_o may_v save_v myself_o the_o labour_n of_o answer_v this_o objection_n because_o i_o have_v affirm_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o say_v that_o i_o will_v not_o examine_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o esther_n to_o be_v a_o feign_a history_n neither_o will_v i_o make_v myself_o at_o present_a a_o party_n in_o the_o dispute_n but_o since_o it_o be_v desire_v i_o will_v bare_o recite_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o some_o reject_v this_o book_n in_o the_o first_o place_n mordecai_n and_o esther_n who_o the_o author_n represent_v as_o pious_a person_n and_o particula_o favour_v by_o heaven_n agree_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n forbid_v by_o the_o law_n it_o be_v where_o mordecai_n counsel_v esther_n to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v ahasuerus_n which_o she_o consent_v to_o though_o moses_n have_v express_o forbid_v they_o to_o make_v alliance_n with_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o second_o place_n all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o story_n be_v very_o observable_a esther_n please_v the_o king_n who_o proclaim_v her_o queen_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n but_o do_v not_o oblige_v she_o to_o tell_v he_o from_o what_o extraction_n she_o be_v spring_v mordecai_n discover_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o ahasuerus_n and_o advertise_n he_o of_o it_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o queen_n without_o receive_v nevertheless_o any_o recompense_n only_o the_o conspirator_n be_v hang_v and_o the_o whole_a matter_n record_v haman_n grow_v in_o great_a favour_n at_o court_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o world_n bow_v and_o reverence_v he_o mordecai_n think_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o haman_n can_v bear_v his_o neglect_n and_o have_v learn_v that_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n resolve_v to_o make_v the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n perish_v for_o his_o sake_n he_o offer_v king_n ahasuerus_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n if_o he_o will_v consent_v to_o that_o nation_n be_v destruction_n the_o king_n present_o consent_v without_o take_v the_o money_n and_o give_v haman_n his_o ring_n who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o in_o seal_v the_o letter_n wherein_o it_o be_v order_v to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o all_o the_o jew_n not_o spare_v woman_n nor_o little_a child_n messenger_n be_v dispatch_v to_o carry_v thesis_n letter_n all_o over_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o edict_n be_v publish_v at_o shushan_n esther_n who_o have_v not_o yet_o tell_v what_o extraction_n she_o be_v of_o be_v inform_v that_o mordecai_n be_v at_o the_o king_n gate_n all_o in_o sackcloth_n she_o send_v he_o raiment_n which_o he_o refuse_v and_o expect_v a_o second_o message_n before_o he_o tell_v what_o make_v he_o so_o sad_a esther_n have_v learn_v the_o matter_n be_v afraid_a to_o appear_v before_o the_o king_n because_o it_o be_v fobidden_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n unless_o the_o king_n by_o reach_v out_o his_o sceptre_n of_o gold_n dispense_v with_o it_o but_o be_v blame_v by_o mordecai_n she_o resolve_v to_o run_v the_o hazerd_n after_o a_o fast_a of_o three_o day_n observe_v by_o herself_o her_o lady_n of_o honour_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o shushan_n esther_n appear_v before_o the_o king_n he_o see_v she_o and_o reach_v out_o his_o sceptre_n of_o gold_n that_o she_o may_v come_v near_o he_o she_o invite_v the_o king_n and_o haman_n to_o a_o banquet_n in_o her_o apartment_n they_o go_v and_o the_o king_n at_o the_o banquet_n ask_v the_o queen_n what_o she_o will_v have_v he_o grant_v she_o she_o invite_v ahasuerus_n and_o haman_n again_o the_o next_o day_n haman_n puff_v up_o with_o his_o good_a fortune_n boast_v of_o his_o happiness_n to_o his_o wife_n and_o all_o his_o friend_n but_o complain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n extreme_o of_o mordecai_n the_o jew_n for_o not_o do_v he_o reverence_n his_o wife_n advise_v he_o to_o cause_v a_o gibbet_n to_o be_v make_v fifty_o foot_n high_a and_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o king_n on_o the_o morrow_n that_o mordecai_n may_v be_v hang_v thereon_o haman_n go_v to_o bed_n thereupon_o secure_v that_o the_o next_o day_n he_o shall_v be_v revenge_v of_o the_o insolence_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o king_n who_o can_v not_o sleep_v that_o night_n cause_v the_o record_n of_o state_n to_o be_v read_v to_o he_o where_o he_o find_v the_o good_a office_n that_o jew_n have_v do_v he_o for_o which_o on_o inquiry_n he_o be_v tell_v that_o no_o reward_n have_v be_v give_v he_o haman_n come_v to_o court_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o king_n that_o mordecai_n may_v be_v hang_v but_o he_o be_v no_o soon_o in_o the_o presence_n than_o the_o king_n call_v to_o he_o and_o ask_v he_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o the_o man_n who_o the_o king_n will_v extreme_o honour_v haman_n who_o fancy_v it_o be_v himself_o that_o the_o king_n be_v mind_v so_o to_o honour_n answer_v in_o a_o way_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v immediate_o the_o king_n command_v he_o what_o a_o thunderbolt_n for_o a_o ambitious_a and_o revengeful_a person_n to_o go_v do_v it_o to_o mordecai_n the_o jew_n he_o retire_v home_o in_o confusion_n to_o bewail_v his_o misfortune_n with_o his_o friend_n who_o tell_v he_o plain_o that_o the_o jew_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o present_o the_o king_n chamberlain_n come_v to_o call_v he_o to_o the_o banquet_n in_o the_o queen_n apartment_n at_o the_o banquet_n esther_n tell_v the_o king_n there_o be_v a_o design_n to_o destroy_v she_o and_o her_o people_n the_o king_n in_o a_o passion_n ask_v who_o it_o be_v design_v it_o and_o be_v tell_v it_o be_v haman_n he_o go_v out_o in_o wrath_n into_o the_o garden_n haman_n on_o the_o other_o side_n stay_v with_o the_o queen_n and_o throws_z himself_o upon_o her_o bed_n endeavour_v to_o pacify_v her_o wrath._n the_o king_n return_v while_o he_o be_v in_o that_o rosture_n
and_o believe_v haman_n be_v about_o to_o force_v the_o queen_n haman_n be_v seize_v upon_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o the_o gibbet_n be_v find_v ready_o sit_v for_o mordecai_n haman_n by_o the_o king_n order_n be_v hang_v upon_o it_o mordecai_n succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o haman_n and_o by_o esther_n mean_n obtain_v another_o edict_n whereby_o the_o jew_n be_v permit_v to_o take_v arm_n and_o defend_v themselves_o against_o those_o that_o shall_v fall_v upon_o they_o the_o day_n mention_v in_o the_o edict_n be_v come_v the_o jew_n kill_v all_o those_o that_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v they_o they_o slay_v five_o hundred_o in_o shushan_n and_o the_o like_a leave_n be_v give_v they_o the_o next_o day_n they_o kill_v three_o hundred_o more_o beside_o haman_n ten_o son_n who_o be_v hang_v by_o the_o king_n order_n now_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o circumstance_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o if_o unity_n of_o time_n and_o place_n have_v be_v observe_v in_o this_o story_n there_o will_v have_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o have_v make_v it_o a_o good_a tragicomedy_n for_o my_o part_n i_o determine_v nothing_o upon_o the_o point_n but_o this_o i_o can_v say_v that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n mr._n simon_n have_v not_o read_v of_o a_o long_a time_n this_o book_n when_o he_o write_v the_o 129th_o page_n of_o his_o answer_n where_o he_o say_v that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n judith_n and_o tobit_n be_v not_o true_a history_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v leave_v out_o of_o the_o catalogue_n of_o canonical_a book_n and_o that_o he_o have_v observe_v in_o his_o critical_a history_n after_o st._n jerom_n that_o the_o parabolical_a style_n have_v always_o be_v in_o esteem_n among_o the_o eastern_a people_n and_o that_o a_o book_n whether_o it_o contain_v a_o true_a history_n or_o a_o plain_a parable_n or_o a_o history_n mix_v with_o parable_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o less_o true_a or_o less_o canonical_a if_o the_o history_n contain_v in_o these_o book_n be_v not_o true_a they_o be_v certain_o not_o parable_n but_o romance_n the_o bare_a read_v they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o those_o who_o write_v they_o publish_v they_o not_o for_o book_n of_o morality_n but_o only_o as_o surprise_v and_o wonderful_a story_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o judith_n and_o tobit_n it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o original_a which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n give_v to_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n that_o he_o compose_v that_o book_n with_o design_n to_o make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o true_a history_n see_v the_o ixth_o chap._n v_o 27._o to_o the_o end_n the_o original_a of_o a_o feast_n use_v not_o to_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o parable_n and_o such_o a_o history_n as_o that_o of_o esther_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v mix_v with_o parable_n mr._n simon_n say_v well_o that_o there_o be_v parable_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o well_o circumstantiate_v that_o one_o will_v take_v they_o for_o true_a history_n but_o we_o must_v not_o have_v read_v either_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n or_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v any_o resemblance_n betwixt_o the_o history_n of_o that_o book_n and_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o parable_n most_o like_a to_o a_o history_n be_v that_o of_o dives_n and_o lazarus_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o like_o the_o history_n of_o esther_n see_v joseph_n antiq._n lib._n 11._o cap._n 6._o objection_n 9_o the_o prudence_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o 46._o as_o if_o the_o use_n they_o make_v thereof_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o inspiration_n attribute_v to_o they_o but_o these_o thing_n may_v well_o agree_v together_o as_o mr._n simon_n observe_v answer_n if_o mr._n simon_n understand_v what_o he_o will_v say_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o reconcile_a human_a prudence_n with_o inspiration_n he_o believe_v undoubted_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o i_o do_v concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o agree_v that_o the_o term_n be_v not_o inspire_v the_o question_n be_v only_o about_o the_o thing_n the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o thing_n consist_v either_o in_o present_v to_o the_o mind_n general_a principle_n from_o whence_o they_o that_o be_v inspire_v according_a as_o they_o have_v occasion_n afterward_o draw_v consequence_n or_o in_o furnish_v it_o with_o argument_n ready_a frame_v if_o god_n furnish_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o argument_n ready_a frame_v they_o make_v no_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o declare_v what_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v inspire_v they_o with_o as_o the_o prophet_n be_v only_o to_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o god_n have_v say_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o body_n call_v proper_o inspiration_n but_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n present_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n only_o general_a principle_n of_o which_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n they_o make_v necessary_a and_o fit_a application_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n they_o be_v in_o that_o case_n no_o more_o inspire_v than_o those_o who_o have_v careful_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v the_o idea_n thereof_o so_o present_a in_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o never_o fail_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o last_o supposition_n reason_n indeed_o be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o now_o it_o appear_v that_o mr._n simon_n be_v not_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o i_o though_o he_o know_v it_o not_o for_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o god_n may_v have_v present_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n either_o by_o supernatural_a or_o natural_a way_n the_o general_a idea_n of_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n to_o defend_v themselves_o at_o their_o trial_n i_o only_o deny_v that_o god_n always_o inspire_v they_o with_o all_o the_o argument_n they_o make_v use_v of_o on_o those_o occasion_n mr._n simon_n add_v that_o to_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n produce_v in_o our_o heart_n dictate_v to_o the_o apostle_n what_o they_o shall_v say_v be_v to_o destroy_v entire_o the_o inward_a grace_n which_o god_n do_v spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o which_o he_o yet_o daily_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o what_o do_v he_o mean_v by_o this_o inward_a grace_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o faithful_a be_v it_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o the_o faithful_a have_v nothing_o else_o in_o common_a with_o the_o apostle_n now_o if_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n that_o speak_v in_o you_o have_v receive_v as_o mr._n simon_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v only_o the_o inward_a grace_n which_o god_n spread_v abroad_o daily_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o faithful_a now_o a_o day_n objection_n 10._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v 48._o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v many_o thing_n at_o their_o trial_n which_o may_v have_v be_v speak_v without_o inspiration_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v with_o those_o thing_n this_o way_n of_o argue_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o prophet_n who_o nevertheless_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v true_o inspire_v mr._n simon_n resp._n 131._o answer_n mr._n simon_n who_o see_v nothing_o in_o book_n but_o what_o his_o passion_n show_v he_o may_v have_v take_v notice_n that_o i_o say_v that_o the_o prophet_n teach_v we_o they_o be_v inspire_v when_o they_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v two_o way_n to_o know_v if_o a_o thing_n be_v inspire_v the_o first_o consist_v in_o observe_v if_o those_o who_o say_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n maintain_v that_o they_o have_v it_o from_o god_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n whereof_o they_o give_v undeniable_a proof_n as_o do_v the_o prophet_n the_o second_o be_v when_o the_o thing_n itself_o declare_v show_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o the_o first_o way_n fail_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o second_o and_o where_o they_o both_o fail_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o inspiration_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o appear_v in_o many_o discourse_n of_o the_o
i_o have_v first_o observe_v that_o several_a great_a man_n and_o who_o have_v pass_v for_o good_a christian_n have_v hold_v this_o opinion_n without_o lose_v the_o reputation_n they_o have_v of_o piety_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o worth_n and_o honour_n among_o the_o protestant_n who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o erasmus_n and_o grotius_n be_v libertine_n and_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o defend_v open_o this_o same_o opinion_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o divine_n who_o esteem_v none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o i_o will_v repeat_v some_o reremarkable_a word_n of_o a_o divine_a famous_a among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n and_o even_o among_o those_o on_o this_o side_n the_o water_n it_o be_v mr._n richard_n baxter_n who_o speak_v thus_o in_o a_o english_a book_n translate_v not_o long_o since_o into_o dutch_a and_o entitle_v the_o saint_n everlasting_a rest._n 22._o 210._o though_o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n yet_o he_o who_o believe_v but_o some_o one_o book_n that_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n may_v be_v save_v much_o more_o they_o that_o have_v doubt_v but_o of_o some_o particular_a book_n 23._o they_o that_o take_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v but_o the_o write_n of_o godly_a honest_a man_n and_o so_o to_o be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o make_v know_v christ_n have_v a_o gradual_a precedency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a man_n and_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o those_o strong_a ground_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o doctrine_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o write_n it_o be_v pure_o infallible_a and_o divine_a may_v yet_o have_v a_o divine_a and_o save_a faith_n 24._o much_o more_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o whole_a write_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n where_o it_o handle_v the_o substance_n but_o doubt_v whether_o god_n infallible_o guide_v they_o in_o every_o circumstance_n and_o in_o the_o next_o page_n 32._o the_o circumstantial_o be_v many_o of_o they_o divine_a yet_o so_o as_o they_o have_v in_o they_o something_o (null)_o as_o the_o bring_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v cloak_n and_o the_o parchment_n and_o as_o it_o seem_v his_o counsel_n about_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n 33._o much_o more_o be_v there_o something_o human_a in_o the_o method_n and_o phrase_n which_o be_v not_o so_o immediate_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n 34._o yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o sinful_o (null)_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o false_a in_o all_o 35._o but_o all_o innocent_a imperfection_n here_o be_v in_o the_o method_n and_o phrase_n which_o of_o we_o deny_v we_o must_v renounce_v most_o of_o our_o logic_n and_o rhetoric_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_o say_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o our_o friend_n those_o who_o have_v a_o value_n for_o mr._n baxter_n must_v forgo_v their_o esteem_n of_o he_o or_o else_o not_o condemn_v so_o light_o those_o who_o in_o his_o judgement_n may_v have_v a_o save_a faith_n together_o with_o some_o opinion_n different_a from_o those_o common_o receive_v it_o may_v likewise_o be_v observe_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v prove_v it_o without_o suppose_v the_o particular_a inspiration_n of_o the_o historian_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o be_v as_o grotius_n who_o book_n have_v be_v alike_o esteem_v by_o all_o party_n which_o show_v that_o our_o belief_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o this_o supposition_n and_o that_o consequent_o one_o may_v be_v a_o good_a christian_n without_o admit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v better_a to_o represent_v this_o by_o a_o example_n which_o will_v give_v you_o a_o more_o lively_a impression_n of_o what_o i_o aim_v at_o i_o will_v therefore_o now_o endeavour_n in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v you_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o method_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o strong_a and_o very_o proper_a to_o convince_v a_o libertine_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o once_o mention_v any_o thing_n of_o particular_a inspiration_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v thereby_o to_o condemn_v all_o other_o method_n that_o may_v be_v use_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n but_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o this_o be_v the_o simple_a of_o all_o and_o subject_a to_o the_o few_o difficulty_n you_o will_v allow_v i_o sir_n this_o small_a digression_n which_o may_v perhaps_o not_o be_v unuseful_a in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v every_o where_o so_o many_o that_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a objection_n the_o libertine_n make_v we_o be_v that_o our_o judgement_n be_v prepossessed_a which_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v undeceive_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o they_o and_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o raise_v those_o difficulty_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o will_v vanish_v if_o they_o examine_v they_o without_o passion_n it_o be_v not_o just_a that_o either_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v take_v for_o grant_v our_o prepossession_n as_o principle_n demonstrate_v or_o which_o need_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v let_v we_o then_o act_n on_o both_o side_n as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o espouse_v any_o party_n and_o let_v we_o urge_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o principle_n which_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v it_o be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a character_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v whether_o a_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v or_o no_o and_o by_o which_o we_o may_v distinguish_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o history_n if_o we_o do_v not_o agree_v in_o that_o we_o be_v pyrrhoniens_fw-la or_o to_o give_v it_o a_o better_a name_n altogether_o senseless_a for_o none_o but_o a_o madman_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o history_n in_o the_o world_n but_o far_a we_o must_v also_o agree_v in_o another_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v better_a conceive_v than_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v and_o which_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o proper_a disposition_n of_o mind_n he_o can_v hardly_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v they_o for_o example_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v tell_v we_o here_o that_o the_o inquisition_n of_o spain_n and_o italy_n have_v approve_v the_o work_n of_o calvin_n and_o allow_v the_o people_n to_o read_v they_o in_o spanish_a and_o italian_a although_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v a_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v obstinate_a in_o maintain_v it_o until_o we_o have_v give_v he_o evident_a proof_n thereof_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o there_o be_v false_a witness_n ready_a to_o swear_v that_o one_o of_o our_o friend_n who_o virtue_n have_v be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o for_o divers_a year_n and_o who_o but_o just_a then_o be_v go_v out_o of_o our_o company_n go_v then_o immediate_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o assassinate_v a_o person_n unknown_a to_o he_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o make_v a_o anatomical_a dissection_n of_o his_o body_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o although_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o prove_v judicial_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v a_o thousand_o example_n of_o such_o like_a truth_n which_o we_o apprehend_v better_a than_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o be_v suppose_v if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o occur_v at_o the_o very_a first_o a_o difficulty_n in_o discern_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o religion_n for_o christian_n have_v great_a controversy_n among_o themselves_o about_o their_o belief_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o go_v about_o to_o examine_v all_o these_o controversy_n let_v we_o therefore_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n thereupon_o and_o see_v first_o wherein_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v they_o all_o agree_v for_o example_n that_o most_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o write_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o who_o write_v they_o more_o than_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o the_o history_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n therein_o contain_v this_o obedience_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o general_a head_n a_o render_v to_o god_n the_o service_n due_a to_o he_o a_o trust_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o a_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o what_o concern_v both_o ourselves_o and_o our_o neighbour_n but_o this_o suppose_v a_o belief_n of_o