and_o clear_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n what_o kind_n of_o history_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o ought_v to_o contain_v come_v now_o to_o be_v declare_v first_o it_o ought_v to_o contain_v the_o nature_n and_o propriety_n of_o that_o language_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v and_o which_o the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v that_o so_o all_o the_o sense_n which_o every_o speech_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o speak_v will_v bear_v and_o admit_v may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o because_o the_o penman_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v jew_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o new_a for_o though_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v publish_v in_o other_o language_n yet_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hebrewism_n second_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o book_n aught_o to_o be_v collect_v and_o reduce_v to_o head_n that_o so_o all_o that_o concern_v one_o and_o the_o same_o subject_a may_v be_v easy_o find_v and_o all_o those_o which_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o obscure_a or_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o aught_o to_o be_v note_v i_o call_v those_o speech_n clear_a or_o obscure_a who_o sense_n be_v easy_o or_o difficult_o make_v out_o by_o the_o context_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o speech_n easy_o or_o difficult_o perceive_v by_o reason_n for_o only_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o not_o the_o verity_n be_v our_o business_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v special_a heed_n that_o in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o suffer_v our_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o be_v prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n and_o likewise_o that_o we_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o language_n or_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o scripture_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v perfect_o understand_v take_v this_o example_n for_o illustration_n these_o say_n of_o moses_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a how_o plain_a and_o clear_a be_v they_o so_o long_o as_o we_o regard_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o truth_n how_o dark_a and_o obscure_a yea_o though_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n yet_o unless_o it_o contradict_v any_o fundamental_a principle_n derive_v from_o scripture_n their_o literal_a sense_n be_v still_o to_o be_v retain_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o these_o say_n in_o their_o literal_a construction_n shall_v be_v find_v repugnant_a to_o principle_n deduce_v from_o scripture_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o not_o litteraly_a understand_v to_o know_v then_o whether_o moses_n do_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v fire_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o because_o the_o opinion_n be_v either_o contrary_a or_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o it_o must_v be_v gather_v from_o some_o other_o of_o moses_n own_o say_n for_o example_n because_o moses_n in_o very_a many_o place_n have_v plain_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o like_o any_o visible_a thing_n either_o in_o heaven_n earth_n or_o the_o water_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o this_o say_n god_n be_v fire_n or_o else_o all_o his_o other_o say_n be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o because_o we_o ought_v as_o seldom_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v whether_o this_o saying_n god_n be_v fire_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n beside_o the_o literal_a that_o be_v whether_o the_o word_n fire_v signify_v any_o other_o thing_n beside_o natural_a fire_n and_o if_o in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o signify_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o this_o say_n of_o moses_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v interpret_v though_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o those_o other_o say_n of_o moses_n though_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v conformable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o this_o but_o if_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o language_n will_v not_o suffer_v this_o to_o be_v do_v than_o those_o several_a say_n be_v irreconcilable_a and_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n of_o they_o but_o now_o because_o the_o word_n fire_n be_v also_o take_v for_o anger_n and_o jealousy_n job._n chap._n 31._o v._n 12._o these_o saying_n of_o moses_n be_v easy_o reconcileable_a and_o we_o may_v lawful_o conclude_v that_o these_o two_o sentence_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a signify_v both_o the_o same_o thing_n moreover_o because_o moses_n plain_o say_v god_n be_v jealous_a and_o do_v no_o where_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o moses_n do_v think_v or_o at_o least_o teach_v other_o man_n to_o think_v god_n be_v jealous_a though_o we_o believe_v the_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o wrest_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n because_o all_o our_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v derive_v only_o from_o themselves_o three_o this_o history_n of_o scripture_n aught_o to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n remain_v with_o we_o as_o may_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_n of_o the_o author_n of_o every_o book_n who_o the_o person_n be_v upon_o what_o occasion_n he_o write_v in_o what_o time_n to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o language_n and_o last_o it_o ought_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o fortune_n of_o every_o book_n how_o it_o be_v first_o receive_v into_o who_o hand_n it_o fall_v how_o many_o various_a reading_n it_o have_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o sacred_a and_o canonical_a and_o last_o how_o all_o the_o several_a book_n come_v together_o into_o one_o volume_n i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n this_o history_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o contain_v to_o know_v what_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o what_o only_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n it_o be_v very_o expedient_a to_o know_v the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_v of_o the_o author_n beside_o we_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o man_n word_n when_o we_o know_v his_o genius_n disposition_n and_o ingenuity_n moreover_o that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v doctrine_n who_o morality_n and_o obligation_n be_v perpetual_a with_o those_o that_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o of_o use_n only_o to_o some_o particular_a people_n it_o behove_v we_o to_o know_v upon_o what_o occasion_n at_o what_o time_n to_o what_o nation_n in_o what_o age_n all_o these_o instruction_n be_v write_v last_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v know_v beside_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o book_n whether_o the_o book_n have_v be_v adulterate_v or_o at_o least_o whether_o any_o error_n have_v creep_v into_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v correct_v by_o learned_a and_o faithful_a man_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o we_o may_v not_o with_o blind_a zeal_n receive_v every_o thing_n obtrude_v upon_o we_o but_o believe_v that_o only_o which_o be_v certain_a plain_a and_o past_o all_o doubt_n after_o we_o have_v such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v firm_o resolve_v to_o conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o do_v not_o natural_o follow_v or_o may_v be_v clear_o draw_v from_o this_o history_n than_o it_o will_v be_v time_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o to_o do_v the_o like_a method_n and_o order_n be_v require_v that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o interpret_n nature_n by_o its_o own_o history_n for_o as_o in_o search_v out_o natural_a thing_n we_o first_o endeavour_v to_o inquire_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o motion_n and_o
just_a or_o unjust_a pious_a or_o impious_a and_o then_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o right_o be_v best_a maintain_v and_o the_o government_n most_o safe_a where_o every_o man_n have_v free_a liberty_n to_o think_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n philosophical_a reader_n which_o i_o offer_v to_o thy_o examination_n believe_v they_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o thou_o for_o the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o the_o subject_a as_o well_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n as_o of_o every_o single_a chapter_n to_o which_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v but_o to_o this_o preface_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o dimension_n of_o a_o volume_n the_o chief_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o philosopher_n to_o other_o i_o care_v not_o to_o commend_v this_o treatise_n because_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o hope_n they_o will_v like_v it_o i_o know_v how_o fast_o those_o prejudices_fw-la stick_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v embrace_v under_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v also_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o root_v out_o superstition_n as_o fear_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o common_a people_n who_o constancy_n be_v but_o contumacy_n and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n but_o always_o rash_o praise_v or_o dispraise_v the_o vulgar_a therefore_o and_o all_o of_o like_a affection_n with_o they_o i_o do_v not_o invite_v to_o read_v these_o thing_n i_o have_v rather_o they_o shall_v contemn_v the_o book_n then_o be_v troublesome_a by_o make_v perverse_a construction_n of_o it_o as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n not_o profit_v themselves_o but_o hinder_v other_o who_o will_v reason_v more_o like_a philosopher_n do_v they_o not_o think_v reason_n aught_o to_o be_v but_o a_o handmaid_n to_o divinity_n to_o man_n of_o that_o opinion_n i_o think_v this_o work_n extreme_o useful_a but_o because_o many_o have_v neither_o mind_n or_o leisure_n to_o read_v these_o thing_n i_o be_o force_v here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o treatise_n to_o declare_v i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o willing_o submit_v to_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o my_o country_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v think_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n or_o public_a peace_n of_o it_o i_o willing_o unsay_v and_o recant_v it_o i_o know_v myself_o a_o man_n subject_a to_o mistake_v but_o i_o have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n i_o can_v not_o to_o err_v and_o particular_o that_o whatever_o i_o write_v may_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o country_n and_o agreeable_a to_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n chap._n i._n of_o prophesy_v chap._n ii_o of_o prophet_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o divine_a law._n chap._n v._n the_o reason_n why_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v of_o the_o belief_n of_o scripture-history_n why_o and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v necessary_a chap._n vi_o of_o miracle_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentatenk_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o several_a person_n or_o by_o one_o only_o and_o by_o who_o chap._n ix_o whether_o hesdras_n do_v perfect_o finish_v those_o book_n and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v but_o diverse_a reading_n chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o forementioned_a chap._n xi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n and_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a hand_n write_v or_o text_n of_o scripture_n why_o scripture_n be_v call_v holy_a and_o why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a chap._n xiii_o what_o be_v faith_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n chap._n fourteen_o divinity_z no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n upon_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n chap._n xv._n how_o commonwealth_n come_v to_o be_v found_v of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n chap._n xvi_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o part_n with_o all_o his_o particular_a right_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v while_o moses_n live_v and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o last_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n perish_v and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n chap._n xvii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xviii_o that_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o public_a religious_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god._n chap._n xix_o that_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v as_o he_o please_v and_o to_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentateuk_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o several_a person_n or_o by_o one_o only_o and_o by_o who_o chap._n ix_o whether_o hesdras_n do_v perfect_o finish_v those_o book_n and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v but_o diverse_a reading_n chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o forementioned_a chap._n xi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n and_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a hand_n write_v or_o text_n of_o scripture_n why_o scripture_n be_v call_v holy_a and_o why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a chap._n xiii_o show_v that_o scripture_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a intend_v nothing_o but_o man_n obedience_n neither_o do_v it_o teach_v or_o declare_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o a_o man_n may_v in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o life_n in_o some_o degree_n imitate_v chap._n fourteen_o what_o be_v faith_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n chap._n xv._n divinity_z no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n upon_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n chap._n xvi_o how_o commonwealth_n come_v to_o be_v found_v of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n chap._n xvii_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o part_n with_o all_o his_o particular_a right_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v while_o moses_n live_v and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o last_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n perish_v and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xix_o that_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o public_a religious_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god._n chap._n xx._n that_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o
which_o the_o pharisee_n affirm_v they_o have_v or_o such_o as_o have_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o can_v err_v in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o that_o the_o roman_a catholic_o boast_v of_o their_o pope_n but_o see_v we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o priest_n or_o pope_n we_o can_v build_v upon_o either_o because_o the_o primitive_a christian_n deny_v the_o one_o and_o the_o most_o ancient_a sect_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o other_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o series_n and_o succession_n of_o year_n which_o the_o pharisee_n receive_v from_o their_o rabbi_n by_o which_o they_o carry_v their_o tradition_n as_o high_a as_o moses_n himself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o false_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o another_o place_n such_o a_o tradition_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o suspect_v and_o though_o in_o our_o method_n we_o be_v force_v to_o suppose_v some_o kind_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a namely_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o need_v not_o much_o doubt_n this_o though_o we_o very_o well_o may_v the_o other_o for_o it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n or_o use_v to_o any_o man_n to_o change_v the_o signification_n of_o any_o word_n though_o it_o often_o may_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o speech_n it_o be_v also_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v do_v for_o he_o that_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o change_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o word_n must_v necessary_o construe_v all_o those_o author_n who_o have_v write_v in_o that_o tongue_n and_o use_v that_o word_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o every_o author_n or_o else_o must_v falsify_v they_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n the_o ignorant_a multitude_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a man_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o a_o language_n but_o the_o learned_a only_o preserve_v the_o sense_n of_o speech_n and_o book_n and_o consequent_o though_o learned_a man_n may_v change_v or_o corrupt_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o scarce_a book_n yet_o they_o can_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n beside_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o alter_v the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n to_o which_o he_o be_v accustom_v he_o can_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n do_v it_o either_o in_o speak_v or_o write_v for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n i_o be_o persuade_v it_o never_o yet_o come_v into_o any_o man_n head_n to_o corrupt_v a_o language_n though_o many_o have_v pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o writer_n either_o by_o change_v or_o misinterpret_v his_o say_n if_o our_o method_n which_o lay_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o true_a then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v we_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v well_o despair_v of_o it_o what_o difficulty_n there_o be_v of_o arrive_v by_o this_o method_n to_o the_o true_a mean_v and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sacred_a volume_n or_o what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o it_o i_o will_v now_o declare_v the_o chief_a difficulty_n in_o this_o method_n be_v that_o be_v require_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n but_o how_o be_v that_o to_o be_v have_v the_o ancient_a and_o most_o skilful_a master_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v leave_v little_a to_o posterity_n of_o the_o element_n and_o learning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v from_o they_o neither_o dictionary_n grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v lose_v all_o its_o ornament_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v no_o wonder_n have_v suffer_v so_o many_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n and_o retain_v nothing_o but_o a_o few_o fragment_n of_o their_o language_n and_o of_o a_o few_o book_n for_o all_o the_o name_n of_o fruit_n bird_n fish_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n be_v lose_v so_o that_o the_o signification_n of_o many_o name_n and_o word_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v unknown_a or_o very_a disputable_a see_v then_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o likewise_o a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v because_o all_o the_o form_n of_o speech_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v forget_v and_o lose_v we_o can_v as_o we_o will_v find_v out_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o sentence_n in_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o the_o customary_a use_n of_o the_o language_n it_o comprehend_v and_o there_o be_v many_o say_n in_o scripture_n though_o express_v in_o know_a word_n who_o sense_n nevertheless_o be_v obscure_a and_o inscrutable_a and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o perfect_a history_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n so_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o language_n be_v such_o and_o so_o many_o ambiguity_n spring_v from_o it_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o frame_v such_o a_o method_n as_o shall_v direct_v a_o man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n for_o beside_o the_o cause_n of_o doubt_n common_a to_o all_o other_o language_n there_o be_v some_o other_o in_o this_o from_o whence_o proceed_v many_o uncertainty_n which_o cause_v here_o to_o specify_v i_o think_v worth_a a_o man_n pain_n first_o obscurity_n and_o ambiguity_n in_o scripture_n be_v cause_v sometime_o by_o use_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o organ_n one_o for_o another_o the_o jew_n divide_v all_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o alphabet_n into_o five_o class_n or_o form_n because_o there_o be_v five_o particular_a part_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o mouth_n use_v in_o pronunciation_n the_o lip_n the_o tongue_n the_o tooth_n the_o palate_n and_o the_o throat_n for_o example_n alpha_n ghet_n hgain_n he_o be_v call_v guttural_a letter_n and_o be_v without_o any_o difference_n know_v to_o we_o take_v one_o for_o another_o el_n which_o signify_v to_o be_v often_o take_v for_o hgal_n which_o signify_v upon_o and_o so_o interchangeble_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o speech_n be_v render_v doubtful_a or_o be_v like_o word_n which_o have_v no_o signification_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o ambiguity_n be_v the_o divers_a and_o manifold_a signification_n of_o conjunction_n and_o adverb_n for_o example_n vaughan_n promiscuous_o serve_v to_o join_v and_o disjoin_v signify_v and_n but_o because_o indeed_o otherwise_o then_o ki_n have_v seven_o or_o eight_o signification_n because_o although_o if_o when_o even_o as_o that_o burning_z and_o so_o almost_o all_o particle_n the_o three_o cause_n of_o many_o ambiguity_n be_v because_o verb_n in_o the_o indicative_a mood_n want_v the_o present_a the_o preterimperfect_a the_o preterpluperfect_a and_o the_o future_a tense_n and_o other_o much_o use_v in_o other_o language_n in_o the_o imperative_a and_o infinitive_n mood_n they_o want_v all_o the_o tense_n except_o the_o present_a and_o in_o the_o subjunctive_a have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o though_o all_o these_o defect_n of_o mood_n and_o tense_n may_v with_o great_a elegancy_n be_v supply_v by_o rule_n and_o principle_n deduce_v from_o the_o language_n yet_o they_o have_v be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n who_o promiscuous_o use_v the_o present_a and_o preterperfect_a tense_n for_o the_o future_a and_o sometime_o the_o indicative_a mood_n for_o the_o imperative_a and_o subjunctive_a which_o cause_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o their_o write_n beside_o these_o three_o great_a cause_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n there_o remain_v two_o other_o very_a observable_a and_o both_o of_o very_o great_a moment_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n make_v no_o use_n those_o letter_n we_o call_v vowel_n the_o second_o that_o they_o never_o use_v in_o their_o write_n to_o distinguish_v their_o word_n or_o express_v their_o quantity_n by_o any_o mark_n or_o sign_n and_o though_o both_o vowel_n and_o mark_n use_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o point_n and_o accent_n yet_o we_o can_v trust_v to_o they_o see_v they_o be_v invent_v and_o bring_v into_o use_n by_o modern_a man_n who_o authority_n be_v of_o no_o great_a value_n the_o ancient_n write_v without_o point_n that_o be_v without_o vowel_n or_o accent_n as_o appear_v by_o many_o testimony_n but_o some_o of_o late_a time_n bring_v in_o both_o to_o interpret_v the_o bible_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a so_o that_o the_o point_n and_o accent_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v only_a exposition_n of_o man_n of_o the_o present_a age_n who_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reverence_n and_o believe_v above_o other_o expositor_n they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o
they_o he_o say_v here_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o answer_v more_o than_o we_o do_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o talmudist_n to_o contradict_v the_o masorite_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o of_o one_o place_n there_o be_v never_o more_o than_o two_o reading_n yet_o i_o easy_o grant_v yea_o i_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v find_v more_o than_o two_o readins_n of_o one_o place_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o that_o from_o whence_o the_o variety_n of_o readins_n proceed_v can_v not_o occasion_n more_o than_o two_o for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o difference_n of_o readins_n arise_v from_o the_o similitude_n which_o be_v between_o some_o letter_n and_o still_o the_o doubt_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o which_o of_o two_o letter_n be_v to_o be_v write_v whether_o bet_n or_o kaf_n jod_n or_o vaughan_n dalet_n or_o res._n of_o which_o there_o be_v frequent_a use_n and_o therefore_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o sense_n be_v tolerable_a with_o either_o beside_o it_o be_v doubtful_a sometime_o whether_o a_o syllable_n be_v long_o or_o short_a who_o quantity_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o those_o letter_n who_o pronunciation_n be_v scarce_o to_o be_v perceive_v and_o last_o all_o marginal_a note_n be_v not_o dubious_a readins_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v many_o of_o they_o be_v put_v in_o for_o decency_n and_o modesty_n sake_n and_o sometime_o to_o explain_v obsolete_a and_o antiquate_a word_n the_o second_o reason_n why_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o more_o than_o two_o readins_n can_v be_v find_v of_o one_o place_n be_v because_o i_o believe_v the_o ancient_a scribe_n meet_v with_o very_a few_o original_n perhaps_o not_o above_o two_o or_o three_o in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o scribe_n chap._n 6_o the_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v but_o of_o three_o which_o they_o pretend_v be_v find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n and_o boast_v that_o the_o note_n be_v put_v in_o by_o he_o however_o it_o be_v though_o they_o have_v three_o original_a copy_n we_o may_v with_o reason_n imagine_v that_o two_o of_o they_o may_v still_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o place_n together_o but_o every_o body_n may_v just_o wonder_v that_o only_o in_o three_o copy_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v three_o divers_a readins_n of_o one_o place_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o esdras_n there_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a a_o scarcity_n of_o copy_n can_v be_v no_o great_a wonder_n to_o any_o man_n who_o will_v but_o read_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o maccabee_n or_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o twelve_v book_n of_o iosephus_n antiquity_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n that_o after_o so_o great_a and_o continual_a a_o persecution_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o story_n to_o keep_v those_o few_o they_o have_v we_o see_v then_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o no_o where_o meet_v with_o more_o than_o two_o dubious_a readins_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o to_o conclude_v that_o because_o there_o be_v no_o where_o more_o than_o two_o therefore_o the_o bible_n in_o those_o note_a place_n be_v not_o write_v right_o purposely_o to_o signify_v some_o mystery_n the_o second_o objection_n which_o say_v some_o thing_n be_v so_o manifest_o false_a write_v that_o no_o body_n can_v deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o error_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v correct_v rather_o in_o the_o text_n then_o note_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n nor_o be_o i_o oblige_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o do_v not_o do_v it_o perhaps_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o leave_v the_o bible_n to_o posterity_n just_a as_o they_o find_v it_o in_o the_o few_o original_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o think_v fit_a to_o note_v the_o disagreement_n between_o the_o original_a copy_n rather_o as_o divers_a then_o dubious_a readins_n nor_o have_v i_o call_v they_o dubious_a upon_o any_o other_o account_n but_o because_o i_o can_v tell_v which_o of_o the_o two_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v last_o the_o scribe_n beside_o these_o dubious_a reading_n by_o leave_v a_o void_a space_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o paragraph_n have_v note_v many_o defective_a place_n the_o precise_a number_n of_o which_o space_n the_o masorite_n have_v observe_v to_o be_v twenty_o eight_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v likewise_o some_o mystery_n in_o that_o number_n the_o pharisee_n be_v very_o religious_a observer_n of_o this_o space_n there_o be_v a_o example_n of_o one_o of_o they_o gen._n chap._n 4._o v._n 8._o in_o the_o latin_a translation_n it_o be_v thus_o write_v &_o dixit_fw-la cain_n habeli_n fratti_fw-la svo_fw-la &_o contigit_fw-la dum_fw-la erant_fw-la in_o campo_n ut_fw-la cain_n so_o that_o where_o we_o expect_v to_o hear_v what_o it_o be_v cain_n say_v to_o his_o brother_n there_o be_v only_o a_o void_a space_n of_o which_o space_n the_o scribe_n have_v leave_v twenty_o eight_o in_o many_o of_o which_o nothing_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v want_v if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o void_a space_n leave_v chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o like_a manner_n examine_v of_o the_o two_o book_n of_o chronicle_n there_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v say_v worth_n a_o man_n know_v nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v certain_a more_o than_o that_o they_o be_v write_v long_o after_o esdras_n and_o perhaps_o after_o judas_n maccabeus_n rebuilt_a the_o temple_n for_o in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o chron._n the_o historian_n tell_v we_o what_o family_n in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n first_o inhabit_v jerusalem_n and_o in_o the_o 17_o the_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n speak_v of_o the_o porter_n whereof_o two_o be_v likewise_o name_v in_o the_o 19_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 11_o the_o chapter_n of_o nehemiah_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v after_o the_o city_n be_v rebuilt_a concern_v the_o writer_n the_o authority_n doctrine_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o book_n i_o can_v say_v nothing_o but_o i_o very_o much_o wonder_n they_o shall_v be_v esteem_v sacred_a and_o canonical_a by_o those_o man_n who_o think_v the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n tobit_n and_o other_o apocryphal_a it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o magnify_v their_o authority_n see_v they_o be_v general_o receive_v for_o canonical_a as_o they_o be_v i_o leave_v they_o the_o psalm_n be_v collect_v and_o divide_v into_o five_o book_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n for_o the_o 88_o the_o psalm_n be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o philo_n judaeus_fw-la publish_v when_o king_n jehoiachim_n be_v keep_v a_o prisoner_n at_o babylon_n and_o the_o 89_o the_o psalm_n when_o he_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n i_o believe_v philo_n will_v not_o have_v say_v it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o his_o time_n or_o have_v he_o not_o hear_v it_o from_o very_o credible_a person_n i_o believe_v the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n be_v collect_v much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n josiah_n because_o it_o be_v say_v prov._n chap._n 25._o v._n 1._o these_o be_v the_o pooverb_n of_o solomon_n which_o the_o man_n of_o hezekiah_n king_n of_o judah_n copy_v out_o but_o i_o can_v here_o forbear_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a boldness_n of_o the_o rabbin_n who_o will_v have_v exclude_v this_o book_n and_o that_o of_o ecclesiastes_n out_o of_o the_o sacred_a canon_n which_o have_v be_v certain_o do_v have_v they_o not_o meet_v with_o some_o place_n which_o commend_v moses_n law_n it_o be_v pity_n such_o thing_n so_o sacred_a and_o excellent_a shall_v lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o such_o man_n we_o thank_v they_o for_o communicate_v they_o to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a doubt_n whether_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o posterity_n which_o i_o will_v not_o here_o strict_o examine_v but_o proceed_v to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v serious_o consider_v they_o i_o plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v collect_v out_o of_o other_o book_n they_o be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v deliver_v nor_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o neither_o be_v all_o record_v but_o such_o as_o here_o and_o there_o can_v be_v find_v out_o so_o that_o these_o book_n be_v but_o mere_a fragment_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n begin_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o time_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o book_n of_o isaiah_n himself_o testify_v in_o the_o 1_o st_z chap._n and_o 1_o
some_o be_v more_o and_o other_o less_o in_o nehemiah_n than_o they_o be_v in_o ezra_n and_o amount_v in_o all_o to_o thirty_o one_o thousand_o eighty_o nine_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o error_n as_o well_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n as_o of_o nehemiah_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a number_n commentator_n rack_v their_o wit_n and_o invention_n to_o reconcile_v these_o apparent_a contradiction_n and_o while_o they_o adore_v the_o very_a word_n and_o letter_n of_o scripture_n do_v nothing_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v but_o expose_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o contempt_n as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v or_o put_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o they_o into_o any_o order_n yea_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o make_v that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_a obscure_a for_o if_o every_o man_n shall_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o explain_v scripture_n as_o they_o do_v we_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o part_n thereof_o i_o be_o persuade_v those_o commentator_n themselves_o though_o they_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n excuse_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n will_v count_v any_o other_o man_n a_o ridiculous_a historian_n who_o shall_v write_v as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o if_o they_o think_v he_o a_o blasphemer_n who_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v in_o some_o place_n faulty_a what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o those_o man_n who_o bely_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o expose_v the_o holy_a penman_n thereof_o as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v and_o deny_v the_o plain_a and_o clear_a sense_n of_o scripture_n what_o in_o it_o can_v be_v plain_o than_o that_o esdras_n and_o his_o fellow_n priest_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o take_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o all_o that_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n see_v the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v set_v down_o who_o can_v not_o derive_v their_o pedigree_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o can_v and_o what_o be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o nehemiah_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n and_o 5_o the_o verse_n of_o that_o book_n only_o copy_v out_o the_o register_n which_o esdras_n have_v make_v who_o ever_o make_v any_o other_o exposition_n thereof_o deny_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o scripture_n itself_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a piety_n to_o pretend_v to_o rectify_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o another_o when_o plain_a place_n be_v darken_v by_o obscure_a and_o those_o that_o be_v right_a and_o true_a correct_v and_o corrupt_v by_o those_o that_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a but_o god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v call_v they_o blasphemer_n who_o have_v no_o malicious_a intention_n because_o there_o be_v no_o man_n free_a from_o error_n beside_o the_o error_n which_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a number_n both_o of_o esdras_n and_o nehemiah_n genealogy_n there_o be_v divers_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o family_n more_o in_o the_o very_a pedigree_n in_o the_o history_n and_o i_o fear_v likewise_o in_o the_o very_a prophecy_n themselves_o for_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n in_o the_o 22_o the_o chap._n against_o jehoiachim_n which_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v bury_v with_o the_o burial_n of_o a_o ass_n draw_v and_o cast_v forth_o beyond_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o at_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o history_n of_o he_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n of_o king_n no_o nor_o with_o what_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o jeremy_n especial_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o jeremy_n shall_v tell_v king_n zedechiah_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o peace_n jerem._n chap._n 34._o v._n 5._o who_o be_v take_v captive_a and_o after_o he_o have_v see_v his_o child_n slay_v before_o his_o face_n have_v his_o own_o eye_n put_v out_o if_o prophecy_n may_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o event_n the_o name_n of_o those_o two_o king_n seem_v to_o be_v mistake_v one_o for_o the_o other_o but_o that_o be_v too_o paridoxical_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o i_o have_v rather_o leave_v the_o point_n under_o a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v determine_v see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o it_o it_o must_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o historian_n and_o not_o in_o the_o original_a copy_n from_o whence_o he_o write_v of_o any_o other_o error_n i_o will_v take_v no_o particular_a notice_n see_v i_o can_v without_o trouble_v the_o reader_n because_o they_o have_v be_v already_o note_v by_o other_o rabbi_n solomon_n find_v the_o manifest_a contradiction_n which_o be_v in_o the_o erroneous_a genealogy_n do_v in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o 8_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o chronicle_n break_v out_o into_o these_o word_n esdras_n who_o he_o suppose_v to_o have_v write_v the_o chronicle_n call_v the_o son_n of_o benjamin_n by_o wrong_a name_n and_o derive_v his_o pedigree_n otherwise_o than_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o describe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n otherwise_o than_o joshua_n do_v because_o he_o meet_v with_o different_a original_n and_o a_o little_a after_o say_v the_o genealogy_n of_o gibeon_n and_o other_o be_v twice_o and_o diverse_o repeat_v because_o esdras_n find_v different_a register_n of_o each_o genealogy_n and_o in_o copy_v they_o out_o follow_v those_o whereof_o the_o great_a number_n do_v agree_v but_o when_o the_o number_n of_o differ_v genealogy_n be_v equal_a he_o write_v after_o the_o original_a of_o both_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o rabbi_n solomon_n own_o confession_n these_o book_n be_v copy_v from_o uncertain_a and_o imperfect_a original_n the_o commentator_n themselves_o many_o time_n do_v nothing_o more_o than_o show_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o person_n of_o any_o sound_a judgement_n can_v think_v that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n do_v write_v purposely_o to_o contradict_v themselves_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v i_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v the_o scripture_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v every_o where_o faulty_a but_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o i_o hereby_o vindicate_v the_o scripture_n and_o provide_v against_o the_o adulterate_n and_o corrupt_v thereof_o in_o those_o place_n which_o be_v clear_a and_o true_a it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o some_o place_n be_v faulty_a therefore_o all_o must_v be_v so_o because_o every_o book_n be_v in_o some_o place_n false_a it_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v no_o where_o true_a especial_o when_o the_o style_n of_o it_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n perfect_o know_v so_o much_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v that_o before_o the_o time_n of_o judas_n macchâ—bâ—us_n no_o book_n be_v esteem_v canonical_a but_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v from_o the_o pharisee_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n who_o likewise_o institute_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n these_o book_n be_v select_v from_o many_o other_o and_o only_o by_o their_o decree_n receive_v into_o the_o canon_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v demonstrate_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v bind_v to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o every_o particular_a book_n the_o prove_v any_o one_o to_o be_v divine_a be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o all_o unless_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o council_n of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o err_v which_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v good_a the_o reason_n which_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o none_o but_o the_o pharisee_n choose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o make_v they_o sacred_a by_o canon_n be_v because_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n declare_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o the_o zadduce_n utter_o deny_v moreover_o in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o sabbath_n chap._n 2._o fol._n 30._o parag_n the_o 2_o d_o rabbi_n jehuda_n say_v the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n endeavour_v to_o suppress_v the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n because_o many_o expression_n in_o it_o be_v contrary_a which_o observe_v to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o suppress_v be_v because_o it_o begin_v and_o end_v according_a to_o the_o law_n a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v they_o will_v also_o have_v conceal_v the_o book_n of_o proverb_n and_o last_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o treatise_n fol._n 13_o the_o these_o be_v his_o word_n true_o i_o name_v the_o man_n for_o kindness_n sake_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o
of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n let_v man_n cease_v to_o adore_v the_o letter_n and_o not_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o holiness_n and_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v proper_o mean_v by_o debar_v jehovah_n the_o word_n of_o god._n debar_v signify_v word_n speech_n decree_n thing_n now_o upon_o what_o ground_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n or_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o that_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v there_o say_v or_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o miracle_n it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o make_v the_o thing_n very_o clear_a i_o need_v only_o declare_v that_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v predicate_v of_o any_o subject_n which_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o it_o proper_o signify_v that_o divine_a law_n of_o which_o we_o treat_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n namely_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n mention_v in_o isaiah_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o where_o the_o prophet_n declare_v that_o the_o right_a way_n of_o live_v consist_v in_o charity_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o pure_a heart_n which_o he_o call_v the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v also_o take_v metaphorical_o for_o the_o order_n or_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o fate_n because_o it_o follow_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n particular_o for_o whatever_o the_o prophet_n foresee_v in_o this_o course_n of_o nature_n because_o the_o prophet_n understand_v future_a event_n not_o by_o natural_a cause_n but_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god._n moreover_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o which_o any_o prophet_n command_v or_o declare_v because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o by_o natural_a light_n but_o by_o the_o singular_a virtue_n and_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o more_o especial_o because_o the_o prophet_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n apprehend_v god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o lawgiver_n for_o these_o three_o reason_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o because_o it_o teach_v we_o true_a religion_n whereof_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n be_v the_o author_n second_o because_o it_o make_v prophecy_n to_o be_v god_n decree_n and_o last_o because_o the_o author_n of_o those_o prophecy_n teach_v for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v by_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o a_o faculty_n and_o gift_n peculiar_a only_o to_o they_o and_o introduce_v god_n speak_v as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o now_o though_o the_o scripture_n contain_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v mere_o historical_a and_o may_v be_v unnderstood_v by_o natural_a knowledge_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o other_o particular_n i_o have_v last_o mention_v so_o that_o now_o we_o plain_o see_v why_o god_n be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o not_o because_o it_o contain_v and_o have_v communicate_v to_o we_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v also_o learn_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n because_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o prophet_n preach_v religion_n as_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o force_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o moses_n time_n but_o after_o christ_n come_n because_o the_o apostle_n preach_v religion_n upon_o christ_n account_n as_o a_o law_n universal_a to_o all_o mankind_n not_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n differ_v in_o doctrine_n or_o that_o the_o book_n of_o either_o testament_n be_v the_o deed_n and_o indenture_n of_o the_o write_a covenant_n nor_o last_o because_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v universal_a be_v new_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o know_v it_o not_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o if_o then_o we_o have_v not_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v god_n word_n as_o it_o proper_o signify_v true_a religion_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v any_o part_n thereof_o be_v want_v though_o we_o lack_v many_o of_o those_o other_o excellent_a write_n namely_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v so_o religious_o keep_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o the_o original_a wherein_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o write_v with_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o war_n and_o record_n of_o time_n from_o whence_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v transcribe_v and_o collect_v and_o this_o be_v make_v good_a by_o many_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n be_v not_o write_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o age_n but_o by_o chance_n for_o some_o particular_a people_n and_o that_o as_o the_o time_n and_o their_o particular_a disposition_n require_v which_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v call_v to_o warn_v and_o reprove_v the_o ungodly_a of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o also_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n second_o because_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v one_o thing_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o thing_n be_v another_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o prophet_n which_o distinction_n likewise_o hold_v in_o history_n and_o miracle_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n but_o in_o understand_a place_n which_o treat_v of_o true_a religion_n and_o real_a virtue_n no_o such_o distinction_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v three_o because_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o many_o other_o and_o be_v approve_v and_o join_v together_o by_o a_o council_n of_o the_o pharisee_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o certain_a council_n when_o several_a other_o book_n by_o many_o account_v sacred_a be_v reject_v as_o spurious_a these_o council_n both_o of_o pharisee_n and_o christian_n be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o be_v no_o prophet_n but_o only_o learn_v doctor_n yet_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v that_o in_o this_o choice_n they_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o rule_n so_o that_o before_o they_o give_v their_o approbation_n to_o the_o book_n they_o ought_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n four_o because_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v as_o prophet_n but_o only_o as_o teacher_n and_o choose_v that_o way_n of_o instruct_v which_o every_o one_o judge_v most_o easy_a for_o his_o disciple_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v as_o we_o have_v conclude_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o say_a chapter_n that_o their_o write_n contain_v many_o thing_n whereof_o in_o respect_n to_o religion_n we_o have_v no_o absolute_a need_n five_o and_o last_o because_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v four_o who_o we_o call_v evangelist_n but_o who_o believe_v it_o be_v god_n express_a will_n that_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v four_o time_n tell_v and_o deliver_v to_o man_n in_o write_v though_o thing_n may_v be_v contain_v in_o one_o which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o and_o that_o one_o help_n to_o understand_v another_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o four_o declare_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o they_o to_o write_v purposely_o that_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v for_o every_o one_o preach_v his_o own_o gospel_n in_o several_a place_n and_o every_o one_o write_v what_o he_o preach_v plain_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o faithful_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o not_o for_o any_o explanation_n to_o the_o rest_n if_o by_o mutual_o compare_v they_o together_o they_o be_v sometimes_o more_o easy_o and_o better_a understand_v that_o happen_v by_o chance_n and_o only_o in_o very_o few_o place_n of_o which_o though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a the_o history_n notwithstanding_o will_v be_v very_o perspicuous_a and_o
to_o take_v up_o the_o fancy_n of_o such_o man_n to_o a_o man_n sad_a and_o melancholy_a be_v reveal_v war_n plague_n and_o evil_n to_o come_v if_o a_o prophet_n be_v kind_a merciful_a chollerique_a or_o severe_a according_o be_v his_o revelation_n the_o fancy_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v also_o sometime_o the_o cause_n that_o revelation_n differ_v in_o style_n for_o if_o the_o prophet_n be_v of_o a_o elegant_a and_o exalt_a fancy_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o in_o a_o eloquent_a lofty_a style_n if_o the_o prophet_n fancy_n be_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a so_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n his_o revelation_n when_o revelation_n be_v make_v to_o a_o country_n rustic_a the_o sign_n represent_v be_v ox_n cow_n etc._n etc._n to_o a_o soldier_n captain_n and_o army_n to_o a_o courtier_n palace_n and_o regal_a throne_n last_o prophesy_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o the_o prophet_n be_v affect_v math._n chap._n 11._o to_o the_o magi_n addict_v to_o astrology_n the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n be_v reveal_v by_o a_o star_n appear_v in_o the_o east_n to_o the_o dreamer_n or_o prophet_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v reveal_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o inspect_v the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n that_o king_n also_o understand_v it_o from_o oracle_n and_o the_o shoot_v of_o arrow_n into_o the_o air._n to_o prophet_n who_o believe_v man_n have_v free_a will_n and_o act_v according_a to_o their_o will_n and_o choice_n god_n reveal_v himself_o as_o indifferent_a and_o ignorant_a of_o man_n future_a action_n all_o which_o particular_n we_o will_v single_o prove_v by_o place_n of_o scripture_n first_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o king_n chap._n 3._o v._n 15._o that_o elisha_n before_o he_o prophesy_v to_o jehoram_n desire_v a_o minstrel_n to_o play_n before_o he_o and_o that_o till_o he_o be_v please_v with_o the_o music_n of_o the_o instrument_n he_o can_v not_o because_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o king_n foretell_v what_o shall_v happen_v they_o who_o be_v angry_a with_o any_o person_n be_v apt_a and_o incline_v to_o imagine_v evil_a rather_o then_o good_a but_o they_o be_v mistake_v who_o say_v god_n be_v never_o reveal_v to_o angry_a and_o melancholy_a person_n for_o to_o moses_n who_o be_v incense_v against_o pharaoh_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o musical_a instrument_n god_n reveal_v that_o miserable_a plague_n of_o the_o death_n of_o their_o first_o bear_v exod._n chap._n 11._o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o angry_a cain_n to_o angry_a and_o impatient_a ezechiel_n be_v reveal_v the_o misery_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n ezek._n chap._n 3._o v._n 14._o jeremy_n sad_a and_o weary_a of_o his_o life_n prophesy_v the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o josiah_n will_v not_o consult_v he_o but_o send_v to_o a_o woman_n hilkiah_n the_o prophetess_n to_o who_o mild_a disposition_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v reveal_v 2_o d_o book_n of_o the_o chron._n chap._n 24._o v._n 22._o michiah_o never_o prophesy_v any_o good_a to_o ahab_n as_o do_v some_o other_o prophet_n in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o the_o king_n chap._n 20._o v._n 13._o but_o all_o his_o life_n time_n prophesy_v evil_a as_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o the_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 8._o and_o more_o plain_o in_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n of_o chron._n chap._n 18._o v._n 7._o the_o prophet_n therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o different_a temperament_n of_o their_o body_n incline_v to_o some_o revelation_n more_o than_o to_o other_o the_o style_n also_o of_o prophecy_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o eloquence_n of_o every_o prophet_n the_o prophecy_n of_o ezekiel_n and_o amos_n be_v write_v in_o a_o low_a and_o less_o elegant_a style_n than_o those_o of_o isaiah_n and_o nahum_n and_o if_o any_o who_o understand_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n desire_v to_o inquire_v narrow_o into_o these_o thing_n let_v they_o compare_v some_o chapter_n one_o with_o another_o of_o diverse_a prophet_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a and_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o style_n compare_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o courtier_n isaiah_n from_o the_o 11_o the_o vers_n to_o the_o 20_o the_o with_o the_o 5_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o herdsman_n amos_n from_o the_o 21_o the_o to_o the_o 24_o the_o verse_n compare_v the_o order_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n which_o he_o write_v chap._n the_o 49_o the_o at_o edom_n with_o the_o order_n and_o reason_n of_o obadiah_n compare_v the_o 40_o the_o chap._n of_o isai._n v._n 19_o 20._o and_o his_o 44_o the_o chap._n from_o verse_n the_o 8_o the_o with_o the_o 8_o the_o chap._n 6_o the_o verse_n and_o the_o 13_o the_o chap._n 2_o d._n verse_n of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a style_n of_o speak_v but_o according_a to_o the_o learning_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v either_o elegant_a concise_a sharp_a rude_a prolix_a or_o obscure_a prophetical_a representation_n and_o hierogliphic_n be_v various_a though_o they_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n leave_v the_o temple_n be_v otherwise_o represent_v to_o isaiah_n than_o it_o be_v to_o ezekiel_n the_o rabbin_n will_v have_v both_o representation_n to_o be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o ezekiel_n be_v a_o country_n man_n extraordinary_o admire_v his_o own_o and_o therefore_o describe_v it_o with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n but_o unless_o the_o rabbin_n be_v assure_v by_o faithful_a tradition_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v they_o for_o isaiah_n see_v seraphim_n with_o six_o wing_n and_o ezekiel_n beast_n with_o four_o isaiah_n see_v god_n clothe_v and_o sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n ezekiel_n see_v he_o like_o fire_n both_o of_o they_o without_o doubt_n see_v god_n as_o each_o be_v wont_a to_o imagine_v representation_n also_o vary_a not_o only_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o form_n but_o in_o their_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n for_o the_o representation_n make_v to_o zachary_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o prophet_n himself_o without_o explication_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n and_o those_o of_o daniel_n though_o explain_v be_v not_o understand_v by_o he_o which_o happen_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v for_o it_o concern_v human_a affair_n which_o exceed_v not_o the_o bound_n of_o human_a capacity_n but_o only_a as_o they_o be_v future_a but_o because_o daniel_n be_v not_o so_o well_o able_a to_o prophesy_v wake_v as_o in_o his_o sleep_n which_o appear_v by_o his_o be_v so_o terrify_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o he_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o stand_v and_o therefore_o through_o weakness_n of_o imagination_n and_o want_n of_o strength_n thing_n be_v so_o obscure_o represent_v to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v they_o though_o they_o be_v expound_v and_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o wonder_n which_o daniel_n hear_v be_v only_o imaginary_a and_o therefore_o be_v at_o that_o time_n so_o much_o trouble_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v by_o word_n which_o he_o so_o confuse_o and_o obscure_o imagine_v but_o they_o that_o say_v god_n will_v not_o clear_o reveal_v the_o matter_n to_o daniel_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v read_v the_o word_n of_o the_o angel_n who_o say_v express_o dan._n chap._n 10._o v._n 14._o now_o be_o i_o come_v to_o make_v thou_o understand_v what_o shall_v befall_v thy_o people_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n etc._n etc._n those_o thing_n therefore_o remain_v obscure_a because_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o man_n find_v who_o so_o much_o excel_v in_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o imagination_n as_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a revelation_n make_v to_o he_o last_o the_o prophet_n to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o eliah_n persuade_v elisha_n that_o he_o be_v only_o to_o be_v translate_v to_o some_o other_o place_n where_o he_o may_v be_v find_v by_o they_o which_o evident_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v god_n revelation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v large_a upon_o these_o particular_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o manifest_a in_o scripture_n then_o that_o god_n do_v bestow_v upon_o some_o prophet_n a_o much_o great_a portion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n than_o he_o do_v upon_o other_o but_o that_o prophecy_n and_o representation_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o prophet_n maintain_v and_o that_o prophet_n be_v prejudice_v with_o different_a yea_o contrary_a opinion_n i_o mean_v concern_v thing_n mere_o speculative_a but_o as_o
know_v that_o god_n be_v omniscient_a and_o that_o human_a action_n be_v govern_v by_o his_o decree_n for_o though_o god_n tell_v he_o exod._n chap._n 3._o v._n 8._o that_o the_o israelite_n will_v hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n yet_o moses_n doubt_v and_o say_v in_o the_o 1_o st_z verse_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o chapter_n what_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o nor_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o as_o indifferent_a and_o ignorant_a of_o man_n future_a action_n for_o he_o give_v unto_o he_o two_o sign_n and_o say_v exod._n chap._n 4._o v._n 8_o 9_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v thou_o nor_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o first_o sign_n they_o will_v believe_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o latter_a sign_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o latter_a sign_n then_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o the_o river_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n will_v without_o prejudice_n consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o moses_n it_o will_v clear_o appear_v that_o moses_n think_v god_n a_o be_v that_o always_o be_v be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o call_v he_o jehovah_n which_o in_o hebrew_n express_v those_o three_o time_n of_o exist_v but_o of_o his_o nature_n he_o declare_v no_o more_o then_o that_o he_o be_v very_o merciful_a kind_a and_o very_a jealous_a as_o appear_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n he_o believe_v and_o teach_v also_o that_o this_o be_v be_v so_o different_a from_o all_o other_o being_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v express_v by_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o other_o visible_a thing_n that_o he_o be_v invisible_a not_o because_o he_o think_v behold_v he_o be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o human_a frailty_n he_o think_v also_o that_o this_o be_v be_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o own_o power_n single_a and_o but_o one_o he_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v other_o being_n which_o by_o the_o order_n and_o command_n of_o god_n be_v god_n substitute_n and_o vicegerent_n that_o be_v being_n to_o who_o god_n give_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v nation_n to_o provide_v for_o and_o take_v care_n of_o they_o but_o moses_n declare_v the_o be_v which_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o worship_n to_o be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n the_o god_n of_o all_o god_n therefore_o moses_n in_o his_o song_n exod._n chap._n 15._o v._n 11._o say_v who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n among_o the_o god_n and_o jethro_n exod._n chap._n 18._o v._n 11._o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a than_o all_o god_n that_o be_v i_o must_v acknowledge_v with_o moses_n that_o jehovah_n be_v great_a than_o all_o god_n and_o of_o singular_a power_n but_o whether_o moses_n believe_v that_o the_o being_n which_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n be_v create_v by_o god_n may_v be_v doubt_v since_o he_o say_v nothing_o that_o we_o know_v of_o their_o creation_n or_o original_a another_o of_o moses_n doctrine_n be_v that_o this_o be_v out_o of_o a_o chaos_n gen._n chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 2._o bring_v this_o visible_a world_n into_o form_n and_o order_n furnish_v nature_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v deut._n chap._n 10._o v._n 14_o 15._o and_o by_o that_o absolute_a power_n choose_v the_o jewish_a nation_n for_o himself_o and_o appoint_v a_o particular_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o their_o habitation_n deut._n chap._n 4._o v._n 19_o and_o chap._n 32._o v._n 8._o but_o other_o nation_n and_o country_n he_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n of_o other_o god_n substitute_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jerusalem_n 2_o d._n book_n of_o chron._n chap._n 32._o v._n 19_o and_o other_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o country_n which_o god_n choose_v for_o they_o require_v a_o particular_a and_o different_a worship_n of_o god_n from_o that_o of_o other_o country_n nor_o will_v they_o suffer_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n or_o any_o worship_n proper_a to_o other_o country_n to_o be_v exercise_v among_o they_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o people_n who_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n bring_v into_o the_o country_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v devour_v by_o lion_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o land_n 2_o d._n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 17._o v._n 24_o 25._o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o aben_n ezra_n that_o jacob_n upon_o this_o ground_n when_o he_o be_v about_o return_v into_o his_o own_o country_n command_v his_o son_n to_o put_v away_o the_o god_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o they_o be_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o a_o new_a way_n of_o worship_n gen._n chap._n 35._o v._n 23._o david_n tell_v saul_n because_o he_o be_v by_o persecution_n compel_v to_o forsake_v his_o country_n that_o he_o be_v drive_v out_o from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o send_v to_o serve_v other_o god_n 1_o sy_n book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 26._o v._n 19_o last_o moses_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v his_o habitation_n in_o the_o heaven_n deut._n chap._n 33._o v._n 26_o which_o be_v a_o frequent_a opinion_n among_o the_o heathen_a now_o if_o we_o careful_o observe_v the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o fit_v and_o suit_v to_o those_o conception_n and_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o god_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n nature_n be_v gracious_a merciful_a long-suffer_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n and_o these_o attribute_n be_v god_n reveal_v to_o he_o exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6_o 7._o where_o it_o be_v declare_v why_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o also_o exod._n chap._n 20._o v._n 4_o 5._o in_o exod._n chap._n 33._o v._n 18._o we_o read_v that_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v god_n but_o because_o moses_n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v have_v form_v in_o his_o imagination_n no_o likeness_n or_o figure_n of_o god_n and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v god_n be_v not_o reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n but_o according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n therefore_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o under_o no_o image_n or_o similitude_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o imagination_n of_o moses_n but_o other_o prophet_n isaiah_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n testify_v that_o they_o see_v god._n moses_n be_v answer_v by_o god_n in_o the_o 20_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 33._o chap._n of_o exod._n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n and_o because_o moses_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v visible_a that_o be_v it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v so_o else_o he_o have_v never_o make_v such_o a_o request_n therefore_o god_n also_o answer_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v my_o face_n and_o live_v give_v a_o reason_n suitable_a to_o moses_n opinion_n for_o god_n do_v not_o say_v that_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v in_o itself_o invisible_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v see_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v see_v because_o of_o human_a weakness_n and_o frailty_n after_o the_o israelite_n have_v worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n that_o god_n may_v reveal_v to_o moses_n the_o israelite_n shall_v become_v like_o other_o nation_n god_n tell_v he_o exod._n chap._n 33._o v._n 2_o 3._o that_o he_o will_v send_v a_o angel_n that_o be_v a_o be_v who_o instead_o of_o the_o supreme_a be_v shall_v take_v care_n of_o the_o israelite_n but_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o from_o this_o moses_n be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v thenceforth_o not_o to_o be_v belove_v by_o god_n any_o more_o than_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o angel_n or_o other_o being_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 16_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n last_o because_o moses_n believe_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o be_v god_n reveal_v as_o descend_v from_o heaven_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o moses_n that_o he_o may_v speak_v with_o god_n ascend_v the_o mount_n which_o he_o need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v have_v he_o think_v god_n to_o be_v in_o all_o place_n the_o israelite_n know_v very_o little_a of_o god_n though_o he_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o as_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v by_o their_o bestow_n on_o a_o calf_n the_o honour_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o by_o say_v to_o that_o calf_n these_o be_v thy_o god_n
shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v here_o christ_n convince_v the_o pharisee_n from_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o opinion_n who_o say_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n word_n be_v a_o absolute_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v devil_n and_o a_o kingdom_n of_o devil_n so_o also_o when_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n chap._n 18._o v._n 10._o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o in_o heaven_n their_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o these_o word_n christ_n teach_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v proud_a or_o despise_v any_o one_o whatever_o else_o be_v faid_fw-we be_v only_o the_o better_a to_o persuade_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o sign_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o need_v we_o say_v more_o of_o this_o subject_a because_o it_o will_v be_v extreme_o tedious_a to_o quote_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v only_o ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la or_o according_a to_o man_n capacity_n and_o with_o a_o great_a prejudice_n to_o philosophy_n be_v maintain_v to_o be_v divine_a doctrine_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v mention_v these_o few_o general_a one_o the_o curious_a reader_n may_v himself_o examine_v the_o rest_n but_o see_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v concern_v prophet_n and_o prophecy_n do_v direct_o concern_v the_o thing_n i_o aim_v at_o which_o be_v to_o divide_v philosophy_n from_o theology_n yet_o because_o i_o have_v only_o touch_v upon_o the_o question_n general_o i_o will_v now_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n inquire_v whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o common_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o also_o what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n every_o man_n prosperity_n and_o true_a happiness_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o good_a but_o not_o in_o the_o glory_n that_o he_o alone_o and_o no_o other_o person_n enjoy_v that_o good_a for_o whoever_o think_v himself_o the_o more_o happy_a because_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o other_o man_n or_o because_o he_o be_v more_o fortunate_a and_o prosperous_a than_o other_o be_v ignorant_a what_o be_v true_a felicity_n and_o beatitude_n and_o the_o joy_n which_o arise_v from_o such_o a_o conceit_n be_v childish_a and_o savour_n of_o a_o envious_a evil_a mind_n for_o example_n man_n true_a beatitude_n and_o felicity_n consist_v only_o in_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n but_o not_o in_o his_o being_n wise_a than_o other_o man_n or_o that_o other_o man_n want_v true_a knowledge_n for_o that_o add_v not_o at_o all_o to_o his_o wisdom_n which_o be_v his_o true_a happiness_n he_o therefore_o that_o rejoice_v in_o be_v happy_a than_o other_o man_n takes_z pleasure_n in_o their_o misfortune_n and_o be_v a_o envious_a evil_a man_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o never_o know_v true_a wisdom_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a life_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o better_a persuade_v the_o jew_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n say_v deut._n chap._n 10_o v._n 19_o that_o god_n choose_v they_o above_o all_o people_n and_o be_v nigh_a to_o they_o then_o to_o all_o other_o nation_n deut._n chap._n 4._o v._n 7._o that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n and_o law_n more_o righteous_a and_o just_a than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 8_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chap._n and_o last_o that_o god_n make_v himself_o more_o know_v to_o they_o then_o to_o other_o people_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n all_o this_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v true_a blessedness_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o as_o moses_n himself_o testify_v in_o deut._n chap._n 9_o v._n 6_o 7._o for_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o be_v less_o bless_v though_o god_n have_v equal_o call_v all_o man_n to_o salvation_n nor_o have_v god_n be_v less_o gracious_a to_o they_o though_o he_o have_v be_v as_o nigh_o to_o other_o nation_n their_o law_n have_v not_o be_v less_o righteous_a nor_o they_o less_o wise_a though_o the_o same_o have_v be_v prescribe_v to_o all_o other_o people_n and_o the_o miracle_n do_v among_o they_o have_v not_o less_o declare_v god_n power_n though_o the_o like_a have_v be_v wrought_v for_o other_o nation_n nor_o have_v the_o jew_n be_v the_o less_o oblige_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n though_o god_n have_v equal_o give_v to_o all_o other_o man_n the_o same_o gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o they_o god_n say_v to_o solomon_n in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 3._o v._n 12._o that_o none_o after_o he_o shall_v be_v ever_o like_o he_o for_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o manner_n of_o speak_v to_o declare_v the_o excellency_n of_o solomon_n wisdom_n what_o ever_o the_o word_n mean_v yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o increase_v solomon_n happiness_n god_n promise_v never_o to_o make_v any_o man_n so_o wise_a as_o he_o for_o that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o have_v make_v solomon_n wisdom_n great_a neither_o will_v a_o wise_a king_n have_v give_v god_n the_o less_o thanks_o though_o god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v bestow_v as_o much_o wisdom_n upon_o all_o other_o men._n but_o though_o we_o say_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n prescribe_v those_o law_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n to_o the_o jew_n only_o that_o he_o speak_v only_o to_o they_o and_o that_o no_o other_o nation_n ever_o see_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o all_o that_o i_o intend_v be_v that_o moses_n speak_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o make_v use_v of_o such_o argument_n the_o better_a to_o convince_v their_o childish_a understanding_n and_o bind_v they_o the_o fast_o to_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god._n last_o we_o will_v show_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o excel_v other_o nation_n in_o knowledge_n or_o piety_n but_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n or_o that_o i_o may_v with_o scripture_n speak_v to_o their_o capacity_n god_n do_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o jew_n above_o other_o nation_n that_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v more_o sublime_a or_o their_o life_n more_o righteous_a than_o other_o peopl_n but_o for_o another_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o will_v in_o order_n declare_v but_o before_o i_o begin_v i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n explain_v what_o i_o mean_v in_o that_o which_o follow_v by_o god_n dispose_n and_o direction_n what_o by_o god_n external_a and_o internal_a assistance_n what_o by_o god_n calling_n or_o election_n and_o last_o what_o i_o intend_v by_o fortune_n i_o take_v god_n dispose_v or_o direction_n to_o be_v the_o fix_a order_n and_o immutable_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o concatenation_n of_o natural_a thing_n and_o cause_n for_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o determine_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n eternal_a decree_n which_o imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n therefore_o whether_o we_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o ordination_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n we_o say_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n because_o the_o power_n of_o all_o natural_a being_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v order_v and_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o whatever_o man_n who_o be_v a_o part_n of_o nature_n do_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o be_v or_o whatever_o nature_n without_o any_o endeavour_n of_o he_o offer_v he_o for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n operate_n either_o by_o human_a nature_n or_o by_o thing_n without_o it_o so_o that_o whatever_o human_a nature_n can_v perform_v by_o its_o own_o power_n for_o self_n preservation_n that_o may_v be_v true_o call_v god_n internal_a assistance_n and_o that_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o man_n receive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o external_a cause_n may_v be_v just_o term_v god_n external_a help_n which_o full_o explain_v what_o be_v
will_v not_o only_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o who_o can_v possible_o retain_v and_o comprehend_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o history_n and_o so_o many_o circumstance_n and_o part_n of_o doctrine_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o so_o many_o and_o different_a history_n true_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o those_o man_n who_o leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o abound_v with_o so_o much_o wit_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o its_o doctrine_n much_o less_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o have_v be_v understand_v unless_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o isaac_n strive_n about_o the_o dig_v of_o well_n of_o achitophel_n council_n to_o absalon_n and_o the_o civil_a war_n between_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n with_o other_o chronicle_n of_o like_a kind_n or_o that_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n by_o history_n as_o be_v the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o the_o common_a people_n be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o know_v only_o those_o history_n which_o stir_v up_o their_o mind_n to_o devotion_n piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o those_o history_n because_o they_o be_v more_o please_v with_o the_o narration_n and_o the_o unexpected_a event_n of_o thing_n then_o with_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n beside_o the_o read_n of_o history_n they_o need_v pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v their_o weak_a understanding_n but_o not_o to_o digress_v from_o what_o we_o principal_o design_v to_o prove_v we_o conclude_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o history_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a law_n nor_o do_v of_o itself_o make_v man_n happy_a or_o bless_a nor_o be_v history_n profitable_a except_o it_o be_v in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o make_v some_o history_n therefore_o contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n excel_v those_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o common_a and_o scripture_n history_n mutual_o compare_v be_v more_o excellent_a one_o then_o another_o for_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n he_o than_o that_o read_v scripture_n history_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n give_v entire_a credit_n to_o they_o yet_o if_o he_o follow_v not_o their_o doctrine_n and_o amend_v his_o life_n it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o read_v the_o koran_n a_o comedy_n or_o any_o vulgar_a history_n but_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v he_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o scripture_n if_o his_o opinion_n be_v true_a and_o his_o life_n righteous_a he_o be_v true_o bless_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n for_o they_o say_v let_v a_o man_n opinion_n be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n and_o his_o life_n never_o so_o virtuous_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o not_o by_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prophetical_o reveal_v to_o moses_n he_o can_v never_o be_v bless_v and_o happy_a which_o rabbi_n maimonides_n bold_o affirm_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n and_o second_o law_n concern_v king_n he_o that_o receive_v the_o seven_o commandment_n and_o diligent_o perform_v they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pious_a among_o the_o nation_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v if_o he_o receive_v and_o practise_v they_o because_o god_n in_o his_o law_n command_v and_o reveal_v they_o by_o moses_n and_o because_o those_o precept_n be_v also_o give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n but_o if_o he_o practice_v they_o by_o the_o guidance_n and_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n he_o be_v none_o of_o we_o nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v think_v one_o of_o the_o pious_a and_o learned_a of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n give_v to_o noah_n seven_o commandment_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v only_o those_o seven_o but_o that_o god_n give_v many_o more_o commandment_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o much_o happy_a than_o other_o nation_n rabbi_n joseph_n the_o son_n of_o shem_fw-mi tob_z in_o his_o book_n call_v kbod_n elohim_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n likewise_o say_v that_o though_o aristotle_n who_o book_n of_o ethic_n be_v in_o his_o opinion_n the_o best_a that_o ever_o be_v write_v have_v omit_v nothing_o which_o belong_v to_o that_o subject_a and_o he_o himself_o have_v diligent_o practise_v all_o he_o write_v yet_o he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v because_o he_o embrace_v those_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v as_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o not_o as_o divine_v and_o prophetical_a revelation_n but_o these_o conceit_n be_v mere_a foppery_n ground_v neither_o upon_o reason_n or_o scripture_n and_o need_v no_o more_o confutation_n then_o do_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n who_o maintain_v that_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n we_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o salvation_n a_o tenet_n that_o can_v be_v rational_o prove_v by_o man_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o any_o reason_n but_o what_o be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_a and_o if_o they_o boast_v of_o any_o thing_n above_o reason_n it_o be_v mere_a folly_n and_o far_o beneath_o reason_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v so_o that_o of_o this_o we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n against_o who_o say_v paul_n galat._n chap._n 5._o v._n 22._o there_o be_v no_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o reason_n or_o scripture_n they_o be_v certain_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o be_v true_o bless_v chap._n vi_o of_o miracle_n as_o man_n use_v to_o call_v that_o knowledge_n divine_a which_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n so_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o nature_n of_o which_o the_o common_a people_n know_v not_o the_o cause_n that_o they_o call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o the_o vulgar_a believe_v god_n power_n and_o providence_n do_v most_o plain_o appear_v when_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n strange_a and_o unusual_a happen_v in_o nature_n contrary_a to_o the_o customary_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o nature_n especial_o when_o that_o which_o happen_v be_v for_o their_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o they_o think_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n never_o more_o clear_o prove_v then_o when_o nature_n seem_v not_o to_o keep_v its_o constant_a course_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o those_o man_n deny_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o endeavour_n to_o explain_v and_o understand_v what_o they_o call_v miracle_n by_o their_o natural_a cause_n they_o indeed_o think_v that_o while_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o wont_a course_n god_n do_v nothing_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o god_n act_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a cause_n be_v idle_a and_o at_o a_o stand_n so_o that_o they_o imagine_v two_o numerical_a distinct_a power_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n appoint_v and_o direct_v or_o as_o most_o man_n now_o believe_v create_v by_o god_n but_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o either_o or_o what_o they_o understand_v by_o god_n and_o nature_n they_o know_v not_o but_o fancy_n god_n power_n to_o be_v like_o that_o of_o a_o great_a king._n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n nothing_o but_o blind_a force_n and_o violence_n the_o common_a people_n therefore_o call_v the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n miracle_n or_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o devotion_n partly_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o contradict_v those_o that_o love_v the_o study_n of_o natural_a science_n they_o affect_v be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n desire_v to_o hear_v of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o know_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o least_o know_v they_o most_o admire_v by_o take_v away_o natural_a cause_n and_o by_o imagine_v thing_n out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n they_o think_v god_n be_v most_o adore_v when_o all_o thing_n be_v immediate_o refer_v to_o his_o power_n and_o will_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v the_o power_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n so_o wonderful_a as_o when_o according_a to_o their_o fancy_n it_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o opinion_n be_v first_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o
we_o have_v name_v be_v write_v long_o after_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n happen_v which_o they_o relate_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o subject_n of_o these_o book_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v that_o they_o be_v all_o write_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o historian_n who_o design_v to_o write_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o first_o original_a to_o the_o first_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o book_n be_v by_o connexion_n so_o link_v together_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o the_o single_a narration_n of_o one_o historian_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v do_v with_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n he_o begin_v the_o next_o book_n with_o these_o word_n now_o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o joshuah_n and_o end_v the_o story_n of_o joshuah_n with_o his_o death_n he_o do_v with_o the_o very_a same_o transition_n and_o conjunction_n begin_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n in_o these_o word_n now_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshuah_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n ask_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o this_o book_n of_o judge_n as_o a_o appendix_n he_o join_v the_o book_n of_o ruth_n in_o these_o word_n now_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o judge_n rule_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n to_o which_o book_n of_o ruth_n he_o do_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n join_v the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n that_o end_v with_o his_o wont_a transition_n he_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o book_n and_o to_o this_o the_o history_n of_o david_n not_o be_v full_o endded_a he_o join_v the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n then_o go_v on_o with_o david_n history_n add_v with_o his_o usual_a connexion_n the_o second_o book_n the_o context_n and_o order_n of_o the_o history_n likewise_o declare_v the_o historian_n to_o be_v but_o one_o person_n who_o propound_v to_o himself_o one_o certain_a end_n for_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o original_a of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n then_o in_o order_n show_v upon_o what_o occasion_n and_o at_o what_o time_n moses_n prescribe_v law_n and_o prophesy_v many_o thing_n to_o they_o afterward_o he_o relate_v how_o they_o invade_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n according_a to_o moses_n prediction_n deut._n chap._n 7._o and_o when_o they_o have_v possess_v it_o how_o they_o will_v forsake_v god_n law_n deut._n chap._n 31._o v._n 16._o and_o what_o evil_n shall_v thereupon_o follow_v verse_n 17._o next_o he_o declare_v how_o they_o will_v choose_v king_n deut._n chap._n 17._o v._n 14._o who_o affair_n shall_v succeed_v well_o or_o ill_o according_a to_o the_o care_n they_o take_v in_o observe_v the_o law_n deut._n chap._n 28._o v._n 36_o 68_o and_o last_o conclude_v with_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o government_n as_o moses_n foretell_v of_o thing_n which_o serve_v little_a to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n he_o say_v nothing_o or_o else_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o other_o author_n so_o that_o all_o these_o book_n conspire_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n namely_o the_o publish_v the_o prophecy_n and_o edict_n of_o moses_n and_o make_v they_o good_a by_o what_o after_o happen_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o all_o the_o book_n the_o connexion_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v write_v many_o age_n after_o the_o thing_n do_v be_v argument_n enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o they_o be_v all_o write_v by_o one_o historian_n but_o who_o he_o be_v i_o can_v evident_o prove_v i_o have_v some_o reason_n and_o those_o of_o some_o weight_n to_o think_v it_o be_v esdras_n see_v the_o historian_n who_o we_o now_o know_v to_o be_v one_o person_n carry_v on_o the_o history_n as_o far_o as_o iehoiachim_n deliverance_n out_o of_o prison_n and_o moreover_o add_v that_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o king_n table_n all_o his_o life_n which_o must_v be_v either_o the_o table_n of_o king_n jehoiachim_n or_o of_o the_o son_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n for_o the_o sense_n be_v very_o dubious_a it_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v any_o one_o before_o esdras_n the_o scripture_n say_v of_o esdras_n without_o mention_v any_o other_o person_n ezra_n chap._n 7._o v._n 10._o that_o he_o have_v prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v it_o and_o verse_n 6_o the_o that_o he_o be_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o i_o can_v conjecture_v any_o body_n but_o esdras_n shall_v write_v those_o book_n in_o the_o testimony_n give_v of_o he_o we_o find_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o likewise_o explain_v it_o nehem._n chap._n 8._o v._n 8._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n now_o because_o in_o the_o book_n of_o deutronomy_n not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v but_o also_o many_o thing_n be_v insert_v for_o the_o better_a explication_n thereof_o i_o conjecture_v the_o book_n of_o deutronomy_n to_o be_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v set_v forth_o and_o expound_v by_o esdras_n which_o they_o then_o read_v and_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v put_v in_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n more_o clear_o to_o explain_v it_o we_o give_v you_o several_a instance_n when_o i_o unfold_v aben-ezras_a meaning_n there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o appear_v deut._n chap._n 2._o v._n 12._o the_o horites_n also_o dwell_v in_o seir_n before_o time_n but_o the_o child_n of_o esau_n succeed_v they_o when_o they_o have_v destroy_v they_o from_o before_o they_o and_o dwell_v in_o their_o stead_n as_o israel_n do_v unto_o the_o land_n of_o his_o possession_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o they_o this_o explain_v the_o 3_o d._n and_o 4_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n namely_o that_o mount_n seir_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o esau_n be_v not_o find_v by_o they_o uninhabited_a but_o that_o they_o invade_v the_o horites_n who_o first_o dwell_v there_o and_o have_v subdue_v destroy_v they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v the_o canaanite_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n likewise_o in_o the_o 10_o the_o chapter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o 6_o 7_o 8_o and_o 9_o verse_n be_v interpose_v by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n with_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n for_o the_o 8_o the_o verse_n which_o begin_v in_o these_o word_n at_o that_o time_n the_o lord_n separate_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n must_v necessary_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o 5_o the_o verse_n which_o speak_v of_o moses_n come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n and_o put_v the_o table_n into_o the_o ark_n and_o not_o to_o the_o death_n of_o aron_n mention_v in_o the_o 6_o the_o verse_n of_o which_o esdras_n speak_v here_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o moses_n in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n which_o the_o people_n worship_v say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n v_o 20._o that_o he_o pray_v for_o aron_n the_o historian_n go_v on_o and_o declare_v that_o god_n at_o that_o time_n of_o which_o moses_n speak_v choose_v for_o himself_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n that_o he_o may_v show_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o election_n and_o also_o why_o the_o levite_n have_v no_o part_n or_o inheritance_n with_o their_o brethren_n this_o do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n he_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o the_o history_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o moses_n in_o the_o three_o person_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o can_v now_o be_v know_v which_o he_o add_v or_o express_v in_o other_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o his_o time_n without_o doubt_n have_v we_o the_o very_a book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n write_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o commandment_n very_o much_o differ_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o in_o order_n matter_n and_o sense_n compare_v the_o decalogue_n of_o this_o book_n with_o that_o in_o exodus_fw-la where_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o vary_v from_o that_o for_o the_o four_o commandment_n in_o deutronomy_n be_v not_o only_o command_v in_o another_o form_n but_o be_v enlarge_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o likewise_o differ_v much_o from_o that_o in_o exodus_fw-la so_o that_o this_o as_o in_o other_o place_n be_v do_v by_o esdras_n because_o he_o explain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o
the_o language_n word_n or_o style_v wherein_o they_o be_v express_v and_o that_o all_o book_n which_o declare_v and_o teach_v what_o be_v excellent_o good_a in_o what_o tongue_n or_o by_o what_o nation_n soever_o write_v be_v equal_o sacred_a let_v this_o at_o least_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o chapter_n which_o be_v write_v in_o chaldee_n be_v no_o less_o sacred_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n to_o this_o book_n of_o daniel_n the_o first_o book_n of_o ezra_n be_v so_o annex_v that_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v both_o write_v by_o one_o person_n who_o relate_v what_o successive_o pass_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o first_o captivity_n and_o to_o this_o book_n of_o esdras_n without_o doubt_n be_v join_v the_o book_n of_o hester_n for_o the_o conjunction_n wherewith_o the_o book_n begin_v can_v relate_v to_o no_o other_o book_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v the_o same_o book_n which_o mordecai_n write_v for_o he_o that_o write_v the_o book_n of_o hester_n say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n v._n 20._o that_o mordecai_n write_v letter_n and_o declare_v what_o be_v their_o content_n moreover_o the_o 31_o the_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n tell_v we_o that_o queen_n hester_n confirm_v by_o a_o decree_n all_o thing_n concern_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_n or_o lot_n and_o in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n manner_n of_o speak_v in_o a_o book_n which_o every_o one_o at_o that_o time_n know_v which_o book_n with_o other_o aben_n ezra_n say_v be_v lose_v what_o else_o concern_v mordecai_n the_o historian_n in_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n v._n 2._o say_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o media_n and_o persia_n and_o therefore_o without_o question_n this_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o person_n who_o write_v the_o affair_n of_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n call_v the_o second_o book_n of_o ezra_n so_o that_o we_o conclude_v these_o four_o book_n namely_o daniel_n ezra_n hester_n and_o nehemiah_n to_o be_v write_v by_o one_o historian_n but_o who_o he_o be_v i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o guess_v but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whoever_o he_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v and_o from_o whence_o he_o copy_v they_o out_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o governor_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o do_v their_o king_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o keep_v scribe_n or_o historiographer_n who_o write_v annal_n and_o record_v what_o past_a which_o annal_n or_o chronology_n be_v every_o where_o cite_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n but_o those_o of_o the_o prince_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v quote_v first_o in_o nehemiah_n chap._n 12._o v._n 23._o and_o also_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o macchabee_n chap._n 16._o v._n 24._o and_o no_o question_n this_o book_n of_o annal_n be_v that_o book_n mention_v in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n of_o hester_n in_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o queen_n hester_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v mordecai_n be_v write_v which_o book_n we_o agree_v with_o aben_n ezra_n be_v lose_v and_o out_o of_o this_o book_n of_o annal_n all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o four_o book_n we_o have_v last_o mention_v be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v and_o copy_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n quote_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o four_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o of_o public_a authority_n that_o these_o four_o book_n be_v not_o write_v either_o by_o ezra_n or_o nehemiah_n appear_v by_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o and_o 10_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 12_o the_o chap._n of_o nehem._n where_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o highpriest_n jesuah_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o jaduah_n the_o six_o highpriest_n who_o go_v to_o meet_v alexander_n the_o great_a when_o he_o have_v almost_o conquer_v the_o kingdom_n of_o persia_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n and_o 8_o the_o chap._n of_o iosephus_n antiquity_n or_o as_o philo_n judaeus_fw-la say_v in_o libro_fw-la temporum_fw-la the_o six_o and_o last_o highpriest_n under_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n which_o be_v likewise_o plain_o declare_v in_o the_o 22_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a 12_o the_o chap._n of_o nehem._n where_o the_o historian_n say_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o day_n of_o eliashib_n joiada_n johanan_n and_o jaduah_n be_v record_v priest_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n the_o persian_a that_o be_v in_o the_o annal_n of_o that_o government_n and_o sure_a no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o hezra_n or_o nehemiah_n be_v so_o long_o live_v to_o survive_v fourteen_o persian_a king_n for_o cyrus_n the_o first_o king_n of_o persia_n be_v he_o that_o give_v the_o jew_n liberty_n to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n and_o from_o he_o to_o darius_n the_o fourteen_o and_o last_o king_n of_o the_o persian_n be_v reckon_v 230_o year_n therefore_o without_o all_o doubt_n these_o four_o book_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v write_v long_o after_o judas_n maccabeus_n restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o also_o because_o at_o that_o time_n be_v spurious_a counterfeit_n book_n of_o daniel_n hesdras_n and_o hester_n publish_v by_o some_o malicious_a person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o zadduce_n for_o the_o pharisee_n will_v never_o own_v they_o and_o though_o in_o the_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o 4_o the_o of_o esdras_n there_o be_v some_o fabulous_a story_n which_o we_o also_o find_v in_o the_o talmud_n yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v father_v on_o the_o pharisee_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o sense_n but_o believe_v those_o tale_n be_v add_v by_o some_o trifle_a fellow_n perhaps_o to_o render_v the_o pharisaical_a tradition_n ridiculous_a or_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o that_o time_n believe_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n be_v fulfil_v thereby_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o and_o great_a calamity_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o despair_n but_o though_o these_o book_n be_v of_o no_o great_a antiquity_n yet_o many_o fault_n i_o suppose_v through_o haste_n in_o those_o who_o copy_v they_o out_o have_v creep_v into_o they_o for_o in_o these_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n be_v many_o marginal_a note_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o also_o some_o place_n for_o which_o no_o excuse_n can_v be_v make_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o marginal_a readins_n of_o these_o book_n be_v as_o the_o pharisee_n will_v have_v it_o as_o ancient_a as_o the_o writer_n themselves_o than_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o scribe_n if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o put_v these_o note_n into_o the_o margin_n because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v the_o annal_n from_o whence_o they_o copy_v out_o the_o book_n perfect_o write_v and_o though_o some_o fault_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a yet_o the_o scribe_n will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o alter_v or_o mend_v the_o write_n of_o their_o ancestor_n of_o this_o particular_a i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o i_o now_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v those_o error_n whereof_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v in_o the_o margin_n i_o can_v tell_v how_o many_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o chap_n of_o ezra_n for_o in_o the_o 64_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n together_o of_o those_o that_o go_v up_o out_o of_o captivity_n to_o jerusalem_n be_v forty_o two_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o and_o yet_o if_o the_o particular_a number_n throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v exact_o sum_v up_o and_o add_v together_o they_o make_v the_o total_a to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o twenty_o nine_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o total_a or_o particular_a number_n now_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a the_o total_a number_n be_v not_o mistake_v but_o set_v down_o right_a because_o every_o one_o may_v keep_v that_o in_o memory_n though_o he_o can_v not_o remember_v the_o particular_a number_n have_v there_o be_v any_o error_n or_o mistake_n in_o the_o total_a every_o body_n will_v have_v know_v it_o and_o it_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o mend_v which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o nehemiah_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o they_o that_o come_v up_o from_o the_o captivity_n be_v the_o very_a same_o mention_v in_o the_o 2_o d_o chap_n of_o ezra_n but_o the_o particular_a number_n very_o much_o differ_v for_o
neguniah_n the_o son_n of_o hiskiah_n the_o book_n of_o ezechiel_n have_v be_v abscond_v because_o there_o be_v expression_n in_o it_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n hold_v a_o council_n to_o determine_v what_o book_n shall_v be_v receive_v for_o sacred_a and_o what_o shall_v be_v reject_v so_o that_o whoever_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o must_v search_v into_o the_o council_n and_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n every_o book_n be_v receive_v i_o shall_v now_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o i_o hear_v it_o have_v be_v already_o do_v by_o man_n learn_v in_o the_o science_n and_o skilful_a in_o tongue_n i_o be_o not_o grecian_a good_a enough_o to_o undertake_v it_o beside_o we_o want_v original_a copy_n of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o engage_v myself_o in_o the_o business_n but_o only_o observe_v some_o thing_n which_o make_v to_o my_o main_a purpose_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o work_n of_o my_o next_o chapter_n chap._n xi_o inquire_v whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o teacher_n and_o show_v what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n whoever_o read_v the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n but_o because_o the_o prophet_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n do_v but_o seldom_o and_o not_o always_o speak_v by_o revelation_n it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o apostle_n like_o moses_n jeremy_n and_o other_o do_v by_o express_a command_n and_o revelation_n write_v their_o epislle_n as_o prophet_n or_o else_o only_o as_o private_a man_n and_o teacher_n especial_o because_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o v._n 6._o paul_n in_o express_a term_n declare_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o speak_v the_o one_o by_o revelation_n the_o other_o by_o knowledge_n i_o say_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n do_v prophesy_v or_o instruct_v their_o style_n if_o we_o mark_v it_o be_v very_o far_o different_a from_o that_o use_v in_o prophecy_n it_o be_v always_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o declare_v that_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n still_o begin_v with_o expression_n like_o these_o so_o faith_n the_o lord_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n say_v the_o word_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o do_v use_v not_o only_o in_o their_o public_a speech_n but_o also_o in_o their_o letter_n or_o write_n which_o contain_v revelation_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n to_o king_n jehoram_n 2_o d_o book_n of_o chron._n chap_n 21._o five_o 12._o and_o there_o come_v a_o write_n to_o he_o from_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n but_o in_o the_o apostle_n write_n we_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o expression_n but_o the_o clean_a contrary_n 1_o st_z epist_n corinth_n chap._n 7._o v._n 40._o paul_n say_v he_o speak_v after_o his_o own_o judgement_n yea_o in_o many_o place_n we_o find_v expression_n which_o argue_v a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a mind_n as_o in_o the_o epist._n to_o the_o rom._n chap._n 3._o v._n 28._o therefore_o we_o conclude_v and_o rom._n chap._n 8_o v._n 18._o for_o i_o reckon_v and_o many_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n beside_o these_o there_o be_v other_o manner_n of_o speak_v which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o savour_n of_o prophetical_a authority_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n corinth_n chap._n 7._o v._n 6._o but_o i_o speak_v this_o by_o permission_n not_o of_o commandment_n and_o in_o the_o 25._o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chap._n i_o give_v my_o judgement_n as_o a_o man_n who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n speak_v as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v or_o have_v not_o a_o command_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o what_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o command_n from_o god_n by_o revelation_n but_o only_o that_o he_o preach_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n the_o lord_n teach_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o mount._n moreover_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o much_o different_a from_o the_o prophet_n way_n of_o instruct_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o find_v reason_v insomuch_o that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o dispute_v than_o prophecy_n prophecy_n contain_v nothing_o but_o positive_a opinion_n and_o decree_n therefore_o god_n be_v always_o introduce_v not_o argue_v with_o reason_n but_o peremptory_o command_v by_o the_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n prophetieal_v authority_n allow_v of_o no_o rational_a dispute_v for_o whoever_o will_v by_o reason_v confirm_v his_o opinion_n do_v in_o so_o do_v submit_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrary_a judgement_n of_o another_o as_o do_v paul_n reason_v in_o his_o 1_o sy_n epist_n to_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 10._o v._n 15._o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v and_o last_o because_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o reason_n and_o natural_a knowledge_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n though_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n seem_v to_o be_v conclude_v and_o confirm_v by_o inference_n and_o illation_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o they_o can_v be_v take_v for_o peremptory_a and_o decisive_a argument_n for_o example_n when_o moses_n say_v to_o the_o israelite_n deut._n chap._n 21._o v._n 27._o behold_v while_o i_o be_o yet_o alive_a with_o you_o this_o day_n you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o much_o more_o after_o my_o death_n we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o will_v certain_o after_o moses_n death_n depart_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o the_o argument_n have_v be_v false_a as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n persevere_v constant_o in_o it_o during_o the_o life_n of_o joshua_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o afterward_o also_o in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n these_o word_n therefore_o of_o moses_n be_v but_o a_o moral_a manner_n of_o speak_v which_o he_o rhetorical_o use_v the_o more_o strong_o to_o imagine_v and_o foretell_v that_o people_n future_a defection_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o moses_n to_o make_v his_o prediction_n true_a speak_v these_o word_n of_o himself_o and_o not_o by_o revelation_n as_o a_o prophet_n be_v because_o in_o the_o 21_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n god_n reveal_v to_o moses_n in_o other_o word_n what_o the_o people_n will_v do_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o reason_v to_o make_v moses_n sure_a of_o this_o prediction_n and_o decree_n but_o it_o be_v only_o necessary_a to_o give_v he_o a_o lively_a representation_n thereof_o in_o his_o imagination_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n which_o can_v be_v do_v no_o better_a way_n than_o by_o imagine_v that_o the_o people_n present_a rebellious_a humour_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o try_v will_v be_v the_o very_a same_o for_o the_o future_a so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v moses_n argument_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o petanteuch_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o repository_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v take_v only_o for_o manner_n of_o speak_v whereby_o he_o do_v more_o lively_o imagine_v and_o more_o effectual_o express_v god_n decree_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o prophet_n may_v reason_v and_o argue_v by_o revelation_n but_o that_o which_o i_o maintain_v be_v that_o the_o prophet_n by_o how_o much_o more_o rational_a the_o argument_n be_v which_o they_o use_v so_o much_o more_o natural_a do_v their_o knowledge_n appear_v which_o they_o have_v of_o thing_n reveal_v and_o that_o the_o prophet_n knowledge_n be_v supernatural_a chief_o appear_v in_o their_o speak_n dogmatical_o imperious_o and_o sententious_o so_o that_o moses_n the_o chief_a prophet_n never_o make_v use_n of_o any_o logical_a argument_n and_o i_o therefore_o conclude_v paul_n long_a deduction_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o find_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v never_o write_v by_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o argue_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v