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 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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 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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
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 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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
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
covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n josh._n chap._n 24._o v._n 25_o 26._o but_o because_o we_o have_v no_o book_n extant_a either_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o moses_n or_o joshua_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o book_n perish_v unless_o we_o will_v be_v as_o mad_a as_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v jonatan_n and_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n as_o we_o please_v for_o he_o be_v press_v with_o this_o difficulty_n choose_v rather_o to_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n then_o confess_v his_o ignorance_n for_o those_o word_n in_o the_o 26._o v_o of_o the_o 24._o chap._n of_o josh._n joshua_n write_v these_o word_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n he_o render_v thus_o in_o his_o chaldee_n translation_n and_o joshua_n write_v these_o word_n and_o keep_v they_o with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o meddle_v with_o man_n who_o will_v see_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o list_v be_v not_o this_o deny_v what_o be_v scripture_n and_o forge_v new_a at_o our_o pleasure_n we_o then_o conclude_v that_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o pentateuk_n but_o quite_o another_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o pentateuk_n have_v orderly_o interweave_v with_o his_o work_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o say_v where_o the_o forecited_a place_n in_o deutronomy_n say_v that_o moses_n write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n the_o historian_n add_v that_o he_o deliver_v it_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o command_v they_o at_o certain_a set_v time_n to_o read_v it_o before_o all_o the_o people_n which_o imply_v that_o the_o book_n must_v be_v much_o less_o than_o the_o pentateuk_n see_v at_o one_o meeting_n it_o may_v be_v read_v all_o over_o and_o understand_v by_o the_o people_n nor_o can_v we_o here_o forbear_v to_o observe_v that_o of_o all_o the_o book_n write_v by_o moses_n this_o only_a of_o the_o second_o covenant_n and_o his_o song_n which_o he_o afterward_o write_v for_o all_o the_o people_n to_o learn_v he_o command_v to_o be_v religious_o keep_v because_o the_o first_o covenant_n oblige_v only_o those_o that_o be_v present_a and_o the_o second_o not_o only_o all_o present_a but_o their_o posterity_n also_o deut._n chap._n 29._o v._n 14_o 15._o he_o therefore_o command_v this_o book_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n to_o be_v careful_o and_o religious_o preserve_v to_o future_a age_n and_o also_o his_o song_n because_o future_a age_n be_v chief_o concern_v in_o it_o see_v then_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a that_o moses_n ever_o write_v any_o book_n beside_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o his_o song_n which_o he_o command_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o pentateuk_n can_v not_o be_v write_v by_o he_o i_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n but_o must_v altogether_o against_o reason_n make_v moses_n the_o author_n of_o the_o pentateuk_n but_o some_o body_n may_v perhaps_o here_o ask_v whether_o moses_n beside_o these_o book_n do_v not_o write_v the_o law_n when_o they_o be_v first_o reveal_v to_o he_o that_o be_v whether_o in_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n he_o do_v not_o set_v down_o in_o write_v any_o of_o those_o law_n which_o he_o prescribe_v beside_o those_o few_o contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o i_o shall_v grant_v it_o to_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o moses_n shall_v commit_v to_o write_v those_o law_n which_o he_o communicate_v to_o the_o people_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o they_o be_v publish_v yet_o i_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a upon_o this_o ground_n to_o affirm_v he_o do_v for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v we_o ought_v in_o like_a case_n to_o determine_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v manifest_o prove_v either_o by_o scripture_n itself_o or_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o not_o because_o a_o thing_n seem_v consonant_a to_o reason_n for_o reason_n itself_o do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v positive_a it_o may_v be_v the_o senate_n of_o seventy_o elder_n communicate_v to_o the_o people_n moses_n edict_n in_o writing_n which_o be_v afterward_o collect_v by_o he_o that_o write_v the_o pentateuk_n and_o be_v orderly_o insert_v into_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n life_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o examine_v the_o rest_n the_o book_n of_o joshuah_n for_o like_a reason_n can_v not_o be_v write_v by_o joshua_n it_o must_v be_v some_o other_o person_n that_o give_v so_o good_a a_o character_n of_o he_o in_o several_a place_n of_o that_o book_n josh._n chap._n 6._o v._n 27._o the_o lord_n be_v with_o joshua_n and_o his_o fame_n be_v noise_v throughout_o all_o the_o country_n that_o he_o omit_v nothing_o but_o do_v all_o that_o moses_n command_v chap._n 8._o v._n 35._o chap._n 11._o v._n 15._o that_o he_o wax_v old_a call_v all_o the_o people_n together_o and_o at_o last_o die_v moreover_o some_o thing_n be_v relate_v which_o happen_v after_o his_o death_n namely_o that_o the_o people_n continue_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o long_o as_o the_o old_a man_n live_v who_o know_v joshua_n in_o the_o 16._o chap._n v_o 10._o it_o be_v say_v that_o ephraim_n and_o manasseh_n do_v not_o drive_v out_o the_o canaanite_n that_o dwell_v in_o gezur_n but_o the_o canaanite_n dwell_v among_o the_o ephramite_n to_o this_o day_n and_o serve_v under_o tribute_n which_o be_v the_o same_o expression_n we_o find_v in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o judge_n v_o 21._o but_o the_o jebuzites_n dwell_v with_o the_o child_n of_o benjamin_n in_o jerusalem_n unto_o this_o day_n which_o manner_n of_o speak_v imply_v the_o writer_n relate_v what_o be_v long_o ago_o past_a as_o appear_v josh._n chap._n 15._o verse_n the_o last_o the_o jebuzites_n dwell_v with_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n unto_o this_o day_n the_o same_o expression_n be_v likewise_o use_v in_o the_o history_n of_o kaleb_n begin_v at_o the_o 13_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o say_a chapter_n the_o building_n of_o a_o altar_n beyond_o jordan_n by_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o a_o half_a mention_v in_o the_o 22._o josh._n v_o 10._o in_o all_o probability_n happen_v after_o ioshuah_n death_n because_o in_o all_o that_o story_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n say_v of_o he_o but_o the_o people_n only_o deliberate_v to_o make_v war_n send_v ambassador_n receive_v and_o approve_v the_o answer_n which_o be_v return_v last_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o 14_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n that_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n be_v write_v many_o age_n after_o his_o death_n for_o the_o text_n say_v and_o there_o be_v no_o day_n like_o that_o before_o or_o after_o it_o that_o the_o lord_n hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o man_n if_o then_o joshua_n write_v any_o book_n it_o must_v be_v that_o of_o jasher_n mention_v in_o the_o same_o story_n v_o the_o 13_o the_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n i_o believe_v no_o man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n will_v think_v it_o write_v by_o the_o judge_n themselves_o for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o history_n in_o the_o 2_o d._n chap._n clear_o show_v it_o be_v all_o write_v by_o one_o single_a person_n who_o tell_v we_o in_o many_o place_n that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o people_n have_v king_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o samuel_n there_o need_v no_o deliberation_n see_v the_o history_n be_v carry_v on_o so_o far_o beyond_o his_o death_n but_o however_o let_v this_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o book_n must_v be_v write_v many_o age_n after_o he_o for_o the_o hestorian_a in_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 9_o v._n 9_o say_v in_o a_o parenthesis_n before_o time_n in_o israel_n when_o a_o man_n go_v to_o inquire_v of_o god_n thus_o he_o speak_v come_v let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o seer_n for_o he_o that_o be_v now_o call_v a_o prophet_n be_v before_o time_n call_v a_o seer_n the_o two_o book_n of_o the_o king_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o book_n themselves_o be_v collect_v out_o of_o what_o be_v write_v of_o the_o reign_n of_o solomon_n see_v the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o king_n chap._n 11._o v._n 5._o and_o out_o of_o the_o chronicle_n both_o of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n chap._n 14._o v._n 19_o 29._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la how_o he_o war_v and_o how_o he_o reign_v behold_v they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o book_n which_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
a_o treatise_n partly_o theological_a and_o partly_o political_a contain_v some_o few_o discourse_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o philosophize_v that_o be_v make_v use_v of_o natural_a reason_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o piety_n or_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o religion_n itself_o must_v necessary_o follow_v where_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o reason_v be_v take_v away_o john_n epist._n 1_o sy_n chap._n 4_o the_o v_o 13_o the_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n translate_v out_o of_o latin._n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1689._o the_o translator_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o gentleman_n that_o turn_v the_o follow_a treatise_n write_v original_o in_o latin_a into_o english_a do_v it_o at_o spare_a hour_n only_o to_o divert_v and_o please_v himself_o and_o therefore_o care_v not_o who_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o have_v do_v it_o there_o be_v certain_o some_o who_o will_v pass_v very_o severe_a censure_n upon_o this_o treatise_n but_o that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o translator_n who_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v good_a the_o author_n opinion_n be_v only_o oblige_v to_o justify_v that_o the_o version_n have_v true_o and_o faithful_o though_o not_o every_o where_o word_n for_o word_n render_v the_o author_n sense_n and_o mean_v religion_n and_o government_n be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v what_o sort_v of_o man_n be_v like_a to_o decry_v it_o but_o let_v those_o who_o be_v angry_a and_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o answer_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o crape_n gown_n and_o the_o long_a robe_n be_v both_o defy_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v any_o tenet_n in_o the_o whole_a treatise_n half_o so_o dangerous_a or_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o human_a society_n as_o those_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n be_v which_o have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v broach_v by_o time-serving_a churchman_n and_o mercenary_a lawyer_n for_o which_o they_o just_o deserve_v the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o mankind_n nothing_o more_o needs_o be_v say_v to_o any_o reader_n than_o to_o desire_v he_o will_v deliberate_o read_v the_o book_n twice_o over_o before_o he_o condemn_v or_o commend_v it_o when_o that_o be_v do_v whether_o he_o like_v or_o dislike_v the_o treatise_n itself_o or_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o who_o never_o value_v himself_o upon_o other_o people_n opinion_n nor_o do_v ever_o think_v any_o part_n of_o his_o reputation_n depend_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o fool_n or_o knave_n the_o preface_n be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v all_o their_o affair_n by_o sure_a and_o infallible_a council_n or_o can_v mankind_n always_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o prosperity_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o superstition_n but_o because_o man_n many_o time_n fall_v into_o straits_n out_o of_o which_o no_o council_n can_v deliver_v they_o and_o by_o immoderate_o covet_v the_o uncertain_a good_n of_o fortune_n miserable_o fluctuate_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n those_o two_o passion_n easy_o drive_v the_o doubtful_a mind_n of_o man_n hither_o and_o thither_o render_v it_o prone_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n whereas_o otherwise_o it_o be_v over_o confident_a proud_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o of_o this_o though_o few_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o body_n ignorant_a do_v we_o not_o daily_o see_v many_o weak_a man_n during_o prosperity_n so_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o they_o think_v council_n a_o affront_n but_o in_o adversity_n when_o they_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o beg_v every_o body_n advice_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o be_v it_o never_o so_o vain_a foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v upon_o very_o light_a ground_n they_o will_v also_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o present_o again_o fear_v the_o worst_a whatever_o happen_v during_o their_o fear_n which_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o any_o past_a good_a or_o evil_n that_o they_o think_v prognosticate_v good_a or_o bad_a fortune_n and_o though_o they_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n deceive_v count_v it_o a_o lucky_a or_o unlucky_a omen_n whatever_o be_v strange_a and_o unwonted_a beget_v their_o wonder_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prodigy_n say_v it_o portend_v almighty_a god_n anger_n for_o the_o pacification_n whereof_o man_n give_v up_o to_o superstition_n but_o enemy_n to_o true_a religion_n think_v it_o horrible_a impiety_n not_o to_o make_v prayer_n and_o oblation_n and_o to_o that_o end_n fancy_v a_o thousand_o thing_n as_o if_o nature_n itself_o be_v as_o perfect_o distract_v as_o they_o make_v strange_a interpretation_n of_o her_o mean_v this_o then_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n we_o find_v those_o person_n most_o addict_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o superstition_n who_o greedy_o desire_v those_o thing_n with_o be_v uncertain_a and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o can_v help_v themselves_o with_o vow_n and_o womanish_a tear_n implore_v divine_a assistance_n call_v reason_n because_o it_o can_v show_v they_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o the_o vanity_n they_o desire_v blind_a and_o human_a wisdom_n folly_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a believe_v dream_n dotage_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o childish_a folly_n to_o be_v divine_a oracle_n say_v that_o god_n despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o have_v not_o write_v his_o will_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n and_o that_o idiot_n lunatic_n and_o bird_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o instinct_n can_v foretell_v his_o decree_n so_o mad_a have_v fear_n make_v men._n and_o as_o superstition_n have_v its_o original_a from_o fear_n so_o be_v it_o keep_v up_o and_o continue_v by_o it_o of_o which_o truth_n if_o any_o man_n desire_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v any_o particular_a example_n let_v he_o read_v the_o 5_o the_o book_n and_o 4_o the_o decade_n of_o quintus_n curtius_n where_o he_o will_v find_v alexander_n the_o great_a apply_v himself_o to_o diviner_n and_o prophet_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o doubt_v his_o fortune_n at_o the_o straits_n of_o susa_n but_o after_o the_o conquest_n of_o darius_n never_o more_o consult_v they_o till_o terrify_v with_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o bactrian_n and_o with_o the_o scythian_n provoke_v he_o to_o battle_n when_o he_o lie_v wound_v he_o return_v again_o to_o the_o folly_n of_o human_a superstition_n and_o command_v aristander_n to_o who_o he_o give_v much_o credit_n to_o inquire_v by_o sacrifice_n what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o event_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n many_o example_n may_v be_v produce_v all_o which_o will_v clear_o show_v that_o man_n be_v most_o trouble_v with_o superstitious_a fancy_n during_o their_o fear_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v so_o vain_o and_o religious_o revere_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o dotage_n of_o a_o melancholy_a and_o timorous_a mind_n and_o last_o that_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o prediction_n be_v much_o in_o request_n with_o the_o common_a people_n and_o most_o fear_v by_o king_n and_o prince_n when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v in_o any_o great_a distress_n or_o calamity_n but_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o vulgar_o know_v i_o pass_v they_o by_o fear_v then_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o superstition_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v and_o subject_a to_o it_o whatever_o other_o say_v who_o think_v it_o proceed_v from_o a_o certain_a imperfect_a confuse_a knowledge_n man_n have_v of_o a_o deity_n it_o follow_v likewise_o that_o superstition_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v very_o various_a and_o inconstant_a because_o all_o ridiculous_a folly_n of_o the_o mind_n fit_v of_o frenzy_n yea_o superstition_n itself_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o by_o hope_n hatred_n anger_n and_o deceit_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o reason_n but_o passion_n and_o that_o too_o very_o violent_a as_o therefore_o man_n easy_o fall_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o superstition_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v they_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o kind_a because_o the_o common_a people_n be_v all_o time_n alike_o miserable_a be_v never_o long_o quiet_a but_o still_o most_o please_v with_o that_o which_o be_v new_a and_o never_o yet_o deceive_v they_o which_o inconstancy_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o tumult_n and_o cruel_a war_n and_o as_o quintus_fw-la curtius_n in_o his_o 4_o the_o book_n and_o 10_o the_o decad_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v nothing_o so_o absolute_o govern_v the_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
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
find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o david_n who_o conquer_a this_o city_n as_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o 30_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 12_o chap._n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o not_o only_o here_o but_o a_o little_a after_o the_o historian_n to_o moses_n word_n add_v these_o in_o the_o 14_o the_o verse_n jair_v the_o son_n of_o manasseh_n take_v all_o the_o country_n of_o argob_n unto_o the_o coast_n of_o jeshuri_n and_o maachathi_o and_o call_v they_o after_o his_o own_o name_n bashan_n have_v jair_a unto_o this_o day_n these_o word_n i_o say_v be_v add_v by_o the_o historian_n to_o explain_v moses_n word_n in_o the_o 13_o the_o verse_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o gilead_n and_o all_o bashan_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o og_n give_v i_o unto_o the_o half_a tribe_n of_o manasseh_n all_o the_o region_n of_o argob_n with_o all_o bashan_n which_o be_v call_v the_o land_n of_o the_o giant_n and_o therefore_o the_o historian_n be_v force_v to_o explain_v what_o those_o place_n be_v which_o be_v ancient_o so_o call_v and_o also_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o in_o his_o time_n they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jair_n who_o be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o not_o of_o manasseh_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 2_o d_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o the_o chron._n v._n 21_o 22._o we_o have_v now_o explain_v aben_n ezra_n meaning_n and_o also_o those_o place_n in_o the_o pentateuk_n quote_v by_o he_o to_o make_v good_a his_o opinion_n but_o indeed_o he_o have_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o nor_o of_o the_o principal_a place_n for_o there_o be_v more_o of_o great_a moment_n which_o i_o will_v now_o mention_v first_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o moses_n in_o the_o three_o person_n but_o also_o testify_v many_o thing_n of_o he_o namely_o god_n speak_v with_o moses_n god_n speak_v with_o he_o face_n to_o face_n moses_n be_v the_o meek_a of_o all_o man_n numb_a chap._n 12._o v._n 3._o now_o the_o man_n moses_n be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o man_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n moses_n be_v wroth_a with_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o host_n numb_a chap._n 31._o v._n 14._o moses_n the_o man_n of_o god_n deut._n chap._n 33._o v._n 1._o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n die_v deut._n chap._n 34._o v._n 5._o and_o there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o in_o israel_n like_v unto_o moses_n v_o 10._o but_o in_o deutronomy_n where_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n write_v and_o declare_v to_o the_o people_n be_v set_v down_o moses_n speak_v and_o tell_v they_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o person_n deut._n chap._n 2._o v._n 1_o 17._o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n but_o then_o again_o after_o the_o historian_n have_v repeat_v moses_n word_n he_o go_v on_o and_o again_o speak_v in_o the_o three_o person_n declare_v how_o moses_n deliver_v to_o the_o people_n in_o write_v that_o law_n which_o he_o have_v publish_v last_o the_o historian_n relate_v how_o moses_n warn_v and_o admonish_v the_o people_n and_o end_v his_o life_n all_o which_o namely_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v the_o testimony_n and_o character_n give_v of_o moses_n with_o the_o context_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o book_n be_v not_o write_v by_o moses_n but_o by_o some_o other_o person_n second_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o history_n do_v not_o only_o relate_v how_o moses_n die_v be_v bury_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n mourn_v thirty_o day_n for_o he_o but_o make_v likewise_o a_o comparison_n between_o he_o and_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n that_o live_v after_o he_o sai_z he_o excel_v they_o all_o deut._n chap._n 24._o v._n 10._o and_o there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o in_o israel_n like_v unto_o moses_n who_o the_o lord_n know_v face_n to_o face_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n that_o moses_n can_v not_o give_v of_o himself_o so_o can_v no_o other_o man_n who_o immediate_o follow_v he_o but_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v one_o who_o live_v many_o age_n after_o he_o because_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n past_a say_v there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o and_o of_o his_o burial_n he_o say_v no_o man_n know_v of_o his_o sepulchre_n unto_o this_o day_n three_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_a that_o the_o history_n call_v some_o place_n by_o name_n which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o moses_n time_n but_o by_o other_o give_v they_o long_o after_o gen._n chap._n 14._o v._n 14._o it_o be_v say_v abraham_n pursue_v his_o enemy_n unto_o dan_n which_o name_n be_v never_o give_v to_o that_o city_n till_o long_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n as_o appear_v by_o judg._n chap._n 18._o v._n 29._o and_o they_o call_v the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n dan_fw-mi after_o the_o name_n of_o dan_n their_o father_n who_o be_v bear_v unto_o israel_n how_o be_v it_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n be_v laish_n at_o the_o first_o five_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o history_n be_v continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n than_o moses_n live_v for_o exod._n chap._n 16._o v._n 35._o it_o be_v say_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v eat_v manna_n forty_o year_n until_o they_o come_v to_o the_o border_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n namely_o till_o the_o time_n mention_v josh._n chap._n 5._o v._n 12._o in_o the_o book_n of_o gen._n 36._o v._n 31._o these_o be_v the_o king_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o land_n of_o edom_n before_o there_o reign_v any_o king_n over_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o historian_n without_o doubt_n there_o declare_v what_o king_n the_o edomite_n have_v before_o david_n conquer_a they_o and_o set_v governor_n over_o they_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 6._o v._n 11_o 14._o by_o all_o this_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o day_n that_o the_o pentateuk_n be_v not_o write_v by_o moses_n but_o by_o some_o other_o who_o live_v many_o age_n after_o he_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o book_n which_o moses_n write_v and_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o pentateuk_n first_o it_o appear_v exod._n chap._n 17._o v._n 14._o god_n command_v moses_n to_o write_v the_o war_n against_o amalek_n but_o in_o what_o book_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v numb_a chap._n 21._o v._n 10._o there_o be_v a_o book_n mention_v call_v the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n wherein_o without_o question_n moses_n give_v a_o full_a relation_n of_o the_o war_n against_o amalek_n and_o also_o of_o all_o those_o encamp_n or_o pitch_v their_o tent_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o pentateuk_n say_v numb_a chap._n 33._o v._n 2._o be_v describe_v by_o moses_n it_o likewise_o appear_v exod._n 24._o v_o 4_o 7._o that_o moses_n write_v another_o book_n call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o read_v to_o the_o people_n when_o they_o first_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o book_n or_o epistle_n contain_v very_o few_o thing_n the_o law_n only_o or_o command_v of_o god_n recite_v in_o exod._n from_o the_o 22_o verse_n of_o the_o 20._o chap._n to_o chap._n 24._o which_o no_o body_n will_v deny_v who_o without_o partiality_n and_o with_o any_o sound_a judgement_n read_v that_o chapter_n it_o be_v there_o declare_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o moses_n understand_v the_o people_n readiness_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n he_o write_v the_o oracle_n and_o law_n of_o god_n in_o a_o book_n and_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n certain_a ceremony_n be_v perform_v he_o read_v to_o all_o the_o congregation_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v read_v and_o understand_v by_o all_o the_o people_n they_o with_o a_o general_a consent_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o all_o that_o god_n command_v so_o that_o consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o make_v the_o covenant_n the_o book_n can_v contain_v no_o more_o than_o the_o few_o thing_n i_o have_v mention_v last_o it_o appear_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o forty_o year_n after_o their_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n explain_v all_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v as_o may_v be_v see_v deut._n chap._n 1._o v._n 5._o and_o again_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o deut._n chap._n 29._o v._n 14._o and_o then_o write_v a_o book_n which_o contain_v those_o law_n so_o explain_v and_o the_o new_a covenant_n chap._n 31._o v._n 9_o which_o be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o which_o joshua_n make_v a_o addition_n by_o register_n that_o agreement_n whereby_o the_o people_n in_o his_o time_n oblige_v themselves_o and_o enter_v a_o three_o time_n into_o
confuse_o gather_v and_o lay_v together_o that_o they_o may_v afterward_o be_v examine_v and_o put_v into_o order_n and_o not_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o first_o five_o book_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o history_n contain_v in_o the_o other_o seven_o be_v also_o collect_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n who_o do_v not_o plain_o see_v that_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o chapter_n of_o judge_n from_o the_o six_o verse_n a_o new_a historian_n bring_v in_o who_o have_v write_v the_o act_n of_o joshua_n and_o his_o very_a word_n use_v for_o after_o our_o historian_n in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o joshua_n have_v speak_v of_o his_o death_n and_o burial_n and_o promise_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n to_o declare_v what_o happen_v after_o ioshua_n death_n if_o he_o intend_v regular_o to_o prosecute_v his_o own_o history_n why_o do_v he_o again_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o chapter_n of_o judge_n tell_v we_o what_o joshua_n do_v and_o speak_v again_o of_o his_o death_n and_o burial_n as_o he_o have_v before_o the_o 17_o and_o 18_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o sam._n be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v out_o of_o another_o historian_n who_o make_v the_o cause_n of_o david_n frequent_v saul_n court_n to_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o that_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o 16._o chap._n of_o the_o same_o book_n for_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o david_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o saul_n servant_n be_v call_v to_o court_n as_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o say_v 16_o the_o chap._n but_o that_o his_o father_n send_v he_o to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n in_o saul_n camp_n david_n by_o his_o victory_n over_o goliath_n become_v know_v to_o saul_n and_o afterward_o live_v in_o his_o court._n i_o suspect_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o the_o 26_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o sam._n and_o that_o the_o history_n of_o that_o chapter_n and_o what_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o 24_o the_o chap._n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o but_o take_v out_o of_o several_a writer_n but_o of_o this_o enough_o i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v the_o computation_n of_o time_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 6_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o king_n that_o solomon_n four_o hundred_o and_o fourscore_o year_n after_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o four_o year_n of_o his_o own_o reign_n begin_v to_o build_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o from_o the_o history_n themselves_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v a_o much_o long_a time_n till_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v year_n for_o first_o moses_n govern_v the_o people_n in_o the_o desert_n 40_o joshua_n who_o live_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o josephus_n and_o other_o govern_v not_o above_o 26_o kusan_n risgataim_v keep_v the_o people_n in_o bondage_n 08_o othonyel_n the_o son_n of_o kenaz_n judged_n 40_o eglon_n the_o king_n of_o moab_n keep_v the_o people_n in_o bondage_n 18_o ehud_n and_o samger_n judged_n 80_o jachin_n king_n of_o canaan_n keep_v the_o people_n under_o 20_o the_o people_n afterward_o have_v rest_n 40_o be_v again_o in_o subjection_n to_o midian_a 07_o be_v again_o at_o liberty_n under_o gideon_n 40_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o abimelech_n 03_o tola_n the_o son_n of_o puah_n judged_n 23_o jair_n judged_n 22_o the_o people_n be_v again_o in_o bondage_n to_o the_o philistine_n and_o ammonite_n 18_o jephtah_n judged_n 06_o absan_n the_o bethlemite_n judged_n 07_o elon_n the_o zebulonite_n 10_o abdon_n the_o pirathonite_n 08_o the_o people_n again_o in_o bondage_n to_o the_o philistine_n 40_o samson_n judged_n 20_o ely_n judged_n 40_o the_o people_n in_o bondage_n again_o to_o the_o philistine_n till_o deliver_v by_o samuel_n 20_o david_n reign_v 40_o solomon_n before_o he_o begin_v to_o build_v reign_v 04_o all_o these_o year_n add_v together_o make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o 580._o to_o which_o number_n be_v to_o be_v add_v the_o year_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n flourish_v after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n until_o it_o be_v subdue_v by_o kusan_n risgataim_v which_o i_o believe_v be_v many_o for_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o people_n who_o have_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o joshua_n time_n shall_v present_o after_o his_o death_n perish_v altogether_o neither_o that_o they_o who_o succeed_v they_o shall_v at_o once_o bid_v farewell_n to_o all_o their_o law_n and_o from_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o virtue_n fall_v in_o a_o instant_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n neither_o that_o kusan_n risgataim_v conquer_a they_o at_o a_o blow_n but_o see_v all_o these_o thing_n require_v almost_o a_o age_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o 2_o d._n 7_o the_o 9_o the_o and_o 10_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n do_v comprise_v the_o history_n of_o many_o year_n which_o it_o have_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n we_o be_v moreover_o to_o add_v the_o year_n which_o samuel_n judged_n who_o number_n we_o find_v not_o in_o scripture_n and_o the_o year_n also_o of_o saul_n reign_n which_o be_v leave_v out_o in_o the_o former_a computation_n because_o by_o his_o history_n it_o be_v not_o evident_a how_o many_o he_o reign_v indeed_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 1_o sy_n verse_n of_o the_o 13_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o sam._n that_o saul_n reign_v two_o year_n but_o that_o text_n be_v maim_v and_o we_o may_v from_o the_o history_n itself_o conclude_v his_o reign_n be_v long_o that_o the_o text_n be_v defective_a no_o man_n who_o have_v but_o the_o least_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n can_v doubt_v for_o it_o begin_v thus_o in_o the_o latin_a translation_n annum_fw-la natus_fw-la erat_fw-la saul_n cum_fw-la regnavit_fw-la &_o duos_fw-la annos_fw-la regnavit_fw-la supra_fw-la israelem_fw-la which_o in_o our_o english_a bible_n be_v thus_o render_v saul_n reign_v one_o year_n and_o when_o he_o have_v reign_v two_o year_n etc._n etc._n but_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o number_n of_o year_n of_o saul_n age_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o reign_v be_v omit_v and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v more_o than_o two_o year_n any_o man_n may_v gather_v from_o the_o history_n itself_o for_o in_o the_o 27_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o same_o book_n verse_n the_o 7_o the_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o time_n david_n dwell_v in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o philistine_n be_v a_o full_a year_n and_o four_o month_n so_o that_o by_o this_o calculation_n all_o thing_n else_o which_o pass_v in_o saul_n reign_v must_v happen_v in_o the_o space_n of_o eight_o month_n which_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v josephus_n in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o 6_o the_o book_n of_o antiquity_n have_v thus_o correct_v the_o text._n saul_n while_n samuel_n live_v reign_v eighteen_o year_n and_o after_o samuel_n death_n two_o but_o the_o story_n in_o the_o 13_o the_o chap._n do_v in_o no_o wise_n agree_v with_o what_o go_v before_o for_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n v._n 13._o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o philistine_n be_v so_o subdue_v by_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o come_v no_o more_o into_o the_o coast_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o the_o philistine_n all_v the_o day_n of_o samuel_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o foresay_a 13_o the_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o samuel_n life_n time_n the_o philistine_n invade_v the_o israelite_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o so_o great_a misery_n and_o poverty_n that_o they_o want_v not_o only_a arm_n to_o defend_v themselves_o but_o also_o smith_n to_o make_v so_o much_o as_o a_o sword_n or_o a_o spear_n that_o man_n must_v take_v pain_n enough_o who_o make_v it_o his_o business_n so_o to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v write_v and_o put_v in_o order_n by_o one_o historian_n but_o i_o return_v to_o what_o i_o propose_v the_o year_n of_o saul_n reign_v aught_o to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o forego_n computation_n now_o how_o many_o be_v the_o year_n of_o the_o israelite_n anarchy_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o mention_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o space_n of_o time_n be_v not_o certain_a wherein_o those_o thing_n happen_v which_o be_v relate_v from_o the_o 17_o the_o chapter_n of_o judge_n to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o book_n so_o that_o no_o exact_a calculation_n can_v be_v make_v from_o the_o history_n themselves_o neither_o do_v they_o agree_v in_o any_o but_o differ_v very_o much_o so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v they_o be_v
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 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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