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
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
for_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o credulity_n be_v account_v faith_n and_o philosophical_a controversy_n be_v maintane_v both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n with_o so_o much_o animosity_n and_o heat_n of_o dispute_n from_o whence_o i_o perceive_v that_o not_o only_o cruel_a hatred_n and_o dissension_n by_o which_o man_n be_v easy_o stir_v up_o to_o sedition_n but_o many_o other_o mischief_n too_o tedious_a to_o be_v here_o mention_v take_v their_o beginning_n i_o resolve_v diligent_o to_o examine_v the_o scripture_n a_o new_a with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o neither_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n positive_o of_o it_o or_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v its_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o demonstrate_v by_o it_o under_o this_o caution_n i_o compose_v a_o method_n of_o interpret_n the_o sacred_a volume_n and_o furnish_v with_o it_o i_o begin_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o prophecy_n be_v why_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o they_o have_v sublime_a thought_n and_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n or_o only_o for_o their_o piety_n these_o thing_n be_v know_v i_o can_v easy_o determine_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o real_a virtue_n and_o to_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o life_n but_o in_o other_o matter_n their_o opinion_n do_v very_o little_o concern_v we_o this_o be_v likewise_o know_v i_o further_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v for_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v god_n choose_v people_n and_o when_o i_o perceive_v it_o be_v only_o because_o god_n choose_v out_o for_o they_o a_o particular_a part_n and_o climate_n of_o the_o world_n where_o they_o may_v live_v convenient_o and_o secure_o i_o thereby_o also_o learn_v that_o the_o law_n reveal_v by_o god_n to_o moses_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o statute_n of_o that_o particular_a government_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o none_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o yea_o that_o the_o very_a jew_n themselves_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o they_o any_o long_o than_o their_o government_n continue_v that_o i_o may_v know_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o scripture_n that_o the_o understanding_n of_o of_o mankind_n be_v deprave_v by_o nature_n i_o inquire_v whether_o the_o catholic_a religion_n or_o the_o divine_a law_n reveal_v to_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v any_o other_o then_o that_o which_o natural_a reason_n teach_v and_o last_o whether_o miracle_n happen_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v more_o certain_o and_o clear_o prove_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n than_o those_o thing_n do_v which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v by_o their_o first_o cause_n but_o when_o i_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o whatever_o the_o scripture_n express_o teach_v disagreable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o human_a understanding_n and_o when_o i_o likewise_o see_v that_o the_o prophet_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v plain_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o they_o adorn_v and_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n with_o such_o a_o style_n and_o such_o reason_n as_o they_o think_v will_v most_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n with_o devotion_n towards_o god_n i_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o scripture_n leave_v reason_n perfect_o free_a and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o philosophy_n but_o that_o each_o stand_v on_o its_o own_o basis_n but_o that_o i_o may_v plain_o demonstrate_v these_o thing_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o show_v which_o way_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v interpreprete_v and_o that_o all_o its_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o itself_o and_o not_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n then_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o spring_n from_o thence_o and_o that_o the_o common_a people_n addict_v to_o superstition_n prize_v the_o relic_n of_o time_n above_o eternity_n do_v rather_o adore_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o after_o this_o i_o show_v the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v any_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n but_o a_o simple_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n by_o practise_v justice_n and_o charity_n i_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v this_o word_n which_o they_o do_v that_o man_n without_o any_o reluctancy_n may_v cordial_o embrace_v it_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v discover_v i_o last_o conclude_v the_o object_n of_o reveal_v knowledge_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o obedience_n and_o so_o distinct_a from_o natural_a knowledge_n as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n as_o its_o foundation_n and_o mean_n that_o it_o have_v nothing_o in_o common_a with_o it_o but_o each_o maintain_v its_o own_o proper_a dominion_n without_o any_o mutual_a disagreement_n and_o that_o neither_o aught_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr or_o a_o handmaid_n to_o the_o other_o moreover_o because_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n be_v very_o different_a one_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o and_o another_o with_o that_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o move_v one_o man_n to_o devotion_n provoke_v another_o to_o laughter_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o principle_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o that_o no_o man_n faith_n be_v to_o be_v justify_v or_o condemn_v but_o only_o by_o his_o work_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v obey_v god_n with_o freedom_n of_o mind_n and_o only_a righteousness_n and_o charity_n be_v in_o esteem_n after_o i_o have_v by_o these_o thing_n show_v the_o liberty_n grant_v by_o god_n reveal_v law_n to_o all_o man_n i_o go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v that_o this_o liberty_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o to_o the_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v take_v away_o without_o great_a detriment_n and_o danger_n both_o to_o peace_n and_o the_o whole_a republic_n to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o begin_v from_o every_o man_n natural_a right_n which_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o every_o man_n desire_n and_o power_n can_v extend_v itself_o and_o no_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v bind_v to_o live_v according_a to_o another_o man_n will_n or_o inclination_n but_o every_o man_n be_v the_o assertor_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n further_o i_o show_v that_o no_o man_n depart_v from_o this_o right_n but_o he_o that_o transfer_v the_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o to_o another_o and_o that_o he_o must_v necessary_o and_o absolute_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o that_o right_n upon_o who_o every_o one_o have_v devolve_v his_o own_o natural_a right_n of_o live_v as_o he_o please_v together_o with_o the_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o and_o from_o hence_o i_o prove_v that_o they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v right_a to_o all_o thing_n within_o their_o power_n and_o that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o protector_n of_o law_n and_o liberty_n all_o other_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o determination_n and_o decree_n but_o because_o no_o body_n can_v so_o far_o deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o as_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o man_n i_o thence_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v total_o deprive_v of_o his_o natural_a right_n but_o that_o subject_n do_v still_o retain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n many_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o they_o without_o very_o great_a danger_n to_o government_n those_o thing_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v their_o right_n either_o by_o tacit_n implication_n or_o by_o express_a agreement_n and_o stipulation_n make_v between_o they_o and_o their_o governor_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v i_o passon_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o i_o full_o enough_o describe_v show_v upon_o what_o reason_n and_o by_o who_o decree_n religion_n first_o begin_v to_o obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n touch_v upon_o some_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o which_o seem_v worthy_a to_o be_v know_v after_o this_o i_o show_v that_o they_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o only_a protector_n and_o interpreter_n of_o the_o civil_a but_o also_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o that_o in_o they_o only_o be_v the_o right_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v
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
those_o that_o live_v in_o his_o day_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v likely_a this_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o he_o set_v forth_o and_o expound_v and_o i_o likewise_o believe_v it_o the_o first_o of_o all_o those_o book_n he_o write_v because_o it_o contain_v the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n which_o the_o people_n extreme_o want_v and_o also_o because_o this_o book_n be_v with_o no_o antecedent_n connexion_n join_v to_o another_o but_o without_o any_o kind_n of_o reference_n begin_v thus_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n and_o after_o he_o finish_v this_o book_n and_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o law_n i_o believe_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o compose_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o first_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n jerusalem_n insert_v this_o book_n of_o deutronomy_n in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o perhaps_o to_o the_o first_o five_o book_n give_v the_o name_n of_o moses_n because_o his_o life_n be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o they_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o call_v the_o six_o book_n by_o the_o name_n of_o joshuah_n the_o seven_o judge_n the_o eight_o ruth_n the_o nine_o and_o perhaps_o the_o ten_o samuel_n the_o eleven_o and_o twelve_o king_n but_o whether_o esdras_n perfect_v they_o as_o he_o desire_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n inquire_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n ix_o whether_o esdras_n perfect_v the_o book_n which_o we_o suppose_v he_o write_v and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v divers_a reading_n how_o much_o the_o inquiry_n make_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n concern_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o book_n therein_o mention_v may_v conduce_v to_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o they_o will_v be_v easy_o guess_v by_o those_o place_n only_o which_o we_o have_v quote_v to_o make_v good_a our_o opinion_n in_o this_o point_n which_o place_n will_v otherwise_o have_v seem_v very_o obscure_a but_o beside_o the_o writer_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n observable_a in_o the_o book_n themselves_o which_o common_a superstition_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o vulgar_a to_o discern_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v that_o esdras_n who_o i_o will_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o foresay_a book_n till_o some_o body_n show_v i_o another_o more_o likely_a to_o pen_v they_o do_v not_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n perfect_v the_o relation_n which_o the_o book_n contain_v but_o do_v only_o collect_v the_o history_n out_o of_o several_a writer_n and_o sometime_o only_o copy_v they_o out_o leave_v they_o to_o posterity_n neither_o examine_v nor_o put_v into_o any_o order_n but_o what_o shall_v hinder_v he_o from_o complete_o finish_v his_o work_n unless_o it_o be_v untimely_a death_n i_o can_v conjecture_v we_o have_v indeed_o no_o ancient_n entire_a jewish_a history_n but_o out_o of_o a_o few_o fragment_n leave_v we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o esdras_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v gather_v his_o story_n from_o several_a writer_n and_o leave_v they_o very_a confuse_a and_o imperfect_a the_o history_n of_o ezekiah_n as_o it_o be_v find_v write_v from_o the_o relation_n of_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o king_n chap._n 18._o v._n 17._o be_v record_v in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o story_n in_o the_o chronicle_n see_v book_n the_o 2_o d._n chap._n 32._o v._n 32._o we_o find_v relate_v almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n very_o few_o except_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o forename_a chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o king_n from_o whence_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v conclude_v but_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a reading_n of_o isaiah_n relation_n unless_o some_o will_v also_o here_o dream_n of_o mystery_n moreover_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o king_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n and_o we_o find_v likewise_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o samuel_n in_o the_o 17_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o chronicle_n but_o the_o word_n in_o divers_a place_n so_o much_o change_v that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o know_v the_o two_o chapter_n be_v take_v out_o of_o two_o different_a copy_n of_o the_o history_n write_v by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n last_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o king_n of_o edom_n which_o we_o have_v gen._n chap._n 36._o from_o v_o 31_o the_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o 1_o st_z chap._n of_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o chron._n begin_v at_o the_o 43_o the_o verse_n now_o though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n take_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v out_o of_o other_o historian_n yet_o he_o have_v they_o not_o out_o of_o the_o twelve_o book_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v write_v by_o esdras_n and_o without_o doubt_n have_v we_o the_o original_a history_n it_o will_v so_o appear_v but_o because_o we_o have_v they_o not_o let_v we_o examine_v the_o history_n as_o they_o now_o be_v observe_v their_o order_n and_o connexion_n their_o various_a repetition_n and_o their_o disagreement_n in_o calculation_n of_o time_n that_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o other_o thing_n consider_v first_o the_o history_n of_o judah_n and_o thamar_n gen._n chap._n 38._o the_o historian_n begin_v his_o narration_n in_o these_o word_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v at_o that_o time_n that_o judah_n go_v down_o from_o his_o brethren_n which_o time_n must_v necessary_o have_v reference_n to_o some_o other_o time_n of_o which_o he_o have_v immediate_o speak_v before_o but_o to_o that_o time_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n of_o genesis_n it_o can_v have_v no_o relation_n for_o from_o the_o time_n that_o joseph_n be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n until_o jacob_n the_o patriarch_n go_v down_o thither_o with_o all_o his_o family_n there_o pass_v but_o twenty_o two_o year_n for_o joseph_n when_o he_o be_v sell_v by_o his_o brethren_n be_v but_o seventeen_o year_n old_a and_o when_o he_o be_v send_v for_o out_o of_o prison_n by_o pharaoh_n but_o thirty_o to_o which_o if_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o plenty_n and_o two_o of_o famine_n be_v add_v they_o make_v up_o in_o all_o no_o more_o than_o two_o and_o twenty_o in_o which_o space_n of_o time_n no_o man_n can_v conceive_v so_o many_o thing_n shall_v happen_v namely_o that_o judah_n shall_v successive_o have_v three_o son_n of_o which_o the_o elder_a shall_v at_o a_o fit_a age_n marry_v thamar_n and_o he_o die_v the_o second_o brother_n shall_v take_v she_o to_o wife_n who_o also_o die_v and_o that_o sometime_o after_o this_o happen_v judah_n himself_o shall_v ignorant_o lie_v with_o his_o own_o daughter_n in-law_n thamar_n and_o have_v two_o child_n by_o she_o at_o one_o birth_n whereof_o one_o likewise_o shall_v within_o the_o aforesaid_a time_n of_o two_o and_o twenty_o year_n become_v a_o father_n see_v then_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o time_n speak_v of_o in_o genesis_n but_o must_v necessary_o relate_v to_o some_o other_o time_n speak_v of_o in_o some_o other_o book_n esdras_n must_v therefore_o only_a copy_n out_o this_o story_n and_o unexamined_a add_v it_o to_o other_o but_o not_o only_o this_o chapter_n but_o likewise_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o joseph_n and_o jacob_n must_v necessary_o be_v take_v out_o of_o several_a historian_n so_o little_a congruity_n be_v there_o in_o it_o for_o the_o 48_o the_o chap._n of_o gen._n tell_v we_o that_o when_o joseph_n bring_v his_o father_n jacob_n to_o pharaoh_n jacob_n be_v a_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n old_a from_o which_o deduct_v twenty_o two_o which_o he_o pass_v in_o mourn_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o joseph_n and_o seventeen_o which_o be_v ioseph_n age_n when_o he_o be_v sell_v with_o seven_o which_o he_o serve_v for_o rachel_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v fourscour_v and_o four_o year_n old_a when_o he_o marry_v leah_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n dinah_n be_v scarce_o seven_o year_n old_a when_o she_o be_v ravish_a by_o sechem_n and_o simeon_n and_o levi_n not_o full_o eleven_o and_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n when_o they_o assault_v the_o city_n of_o sechem_n and_o put_v all_o the_o people_n of_o it_o to_o the_o sword._n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o particularise_v all_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o pentateuk_n if_o this_o only_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o five_o book_n all_o the_o precept_n and_o historical_a relation_n be_v promiscuous_o set_v down_o without_o any_o order_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o time_n and_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o history_n be_v often_o and_o sometime_o diverse_o repeat_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v
be_v deep_a mystery_n hide_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o from_o thence_o have_v spring_v up_o intolerable_a superstition_n and_o many_o other_o mischievous_a inconvenience_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n i_o can_v not_o possible_o pass_v they_o by_o religion_n need_v not_o be_v attire_v with_o any_o superstitious_a ornament_n but_o rather_o lose_v part_n of_o its_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n when_o it_o be_v adorn_v with_o such_o foppery_n but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o though_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n yet_o nevertheless_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o say_v of_o scripture_n as_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v maim_v or_o corrupt_v i_o on_o the_o other_o side_n fear_v such_o man_n pretend_v too_o much_o sanctity_n and_o convert_v religion_n into_o superstition_n yea_o that_o they_o worship_v picture_n and_o image_n that_o be_v paper_n and_o ink_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o misbecome_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o no_o position_n which_o i_o have_v not_o make_v good_a by_o clear_a reason_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v positive_o aver_v that_o i_o have_v not_o publish_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v impious_a or_o that_o savour_v of_o the_o least_o impiety_n i_o confess_v some_o profane_a person_n to_o who_o religion_n be_v a_o burden_n may_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v and_o without_o any_o reason_n indulge_v their_o sensual_a pleasure_n may_v infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o faulty_a and_o falsify_v and_o consequent_o of_o no_o authority_n to_o such_o man_n nothing_o will_v be_v a_o answer_n for_o according_a to_o the_o common_a say_n that_o which_o be_v never_o so_o well_o and_o true_o speak_v may_v be_v abuse_v by_o a_o ill_a and_o sinister_a interpretation_n they_o that_o be_v lover_n of_o their_o pleasure_n will_v take_v any_o occasion_n to_o do_v it_o and_o they_o who_o in_o time_n past_o have_v those_o original_n the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n the_o more_o obedient_a or_o the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o all_o as_o well_v jew_n as_o gentiles_n be_v alike_o still_o the_o same_o and_o virtue_n in_o all_o age_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o rare_a but_o to_o clear_v all_o scruple_n i_o will_v now_o show_v upon_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n scripture_n or_o any_o other_o mute_a thing_n may_v be_v call_v sacred_a or_o holy_a next_o what_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n and_o last_o that_o as_o it_o contain_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n and_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v corrupt_v by_o these_o particular_n every_o one_o may_v easy_o judge_v that_o i_o speak_v nothing_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o give_v any_o occasion_n for_o man_n to_o be_v wicked_a or_o ungodly_a that_o be_v call_v holy_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o piety_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o thing_n continue_v holy_a so_o long_o as_o man_n make_v a_o religious_a use_n thereof_o when_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v religious_a that_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v sacred_a and_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v use_v to_o impious_a purpose_n than_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o sacred_a become_v unholy_a and_o profane_a for_o example_n the_o very_a place_n call_v by_o jacob_n the_o patriarch_n beth-el_a the_o house_n of_o god_n because_o he_o there_o worship_v god_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v afterward_o call_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o house_n of_o iniquity_n amos_n chap._n 5._o v._n 5._o hoshea_n chap._n 10._o v._n 5._o because_o the_o israelite_n by_o the_o command_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la do_v there_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n another_o example_n will_v plain_o prove_v the_o thing_n word_n have_v a_o certain_a signification_n only_o by_o use_n and_o custom_n and_o if_o they_o be_v according_a to_o that_o use_n so_o dispose_v that_o they_o move_v man_n who_o read_v they_o to_o devotion_n than_o those_o word_n be_v esteem_v sacred_a and_o likewise_o the_o book_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v but_o if_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o use_n of_o those_o word_n be_v lose_v and_o thereby_o the_o word_n become_v insignificant_a and_o the_o book_n wherein_o such_o word_n be_v be_v quite_o neglect_a and_o lay_v aside_o either_o through_o malice_n or_o because_o man_n have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o than_o the_o word_n and_o the_o book_n as_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n so_o have_v they_o no_o sanctity_n in_o they_o last_o if_o those_o word_n come_v to_o be_v otherwise_o construe_v and_o custom_n so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o clean_a contrary_a sense_n and_o signification_n than_o the_o word_n and_o the_o book_n which_o be_v before_o esteem_v sacred_a may_v become_v filthy_a and_o profane_a whence_o it_o follow_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v absolute_o either_o sacred_a or_o profane_a but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n mind_n or_o understanding_n which_o clear_o appear_v by_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v quote_v only_o one_o or_o two_o jeremy_n chap._n 7._o v._n 24._o say_v the_o jew_n do_v false_o call_v solomon_n temple_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o as_o he_o further_o say_v in_o that_o chapter_n the_o name_n of_o god_n can_v remain_v in_o that_o temple_n no_o long_o than_o it_o be_v frequent_v by_o man_n who_o worship_v he_o and_o maintain_v justice_n but_o when_o murderer_n robber_n and_o idolater_n resort_v to_o it_o it_o be_v then_o but_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o declare_v what_o become_v of_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n certain_o it_o be_v either_o lose_v or_o burn_v with_o the_o temple_n though_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v more_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a among_o the_o jew_n the_o scripture_n than_o be_v sacred_a and_o its_o say_n divine_a so_o long_o as_o man_n be_v thereby_o move_v to_o devotion_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v quite_o neglect_v as_o it_o be_v heretofore_o by_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o paper_n and_o ink_n it_o be_v then_o profane_v and_o leave_v liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o perish_v it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v corrupt_v and_o lose_v as_o in_o the_o prophet_n ieremy_n time_n it_o can_v not_o be_v true_o say_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v burn_v which_o jeremy_n himself_o declare_v of_o the_o law_n for_o chap._n 8._o v._n 8._o he_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a in_o these_o word_n how_o do_v you_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o lo_o certain_o in_o vain_a make_v he_o it_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scribe_n be_v in_o vain_a that_o be_v though_o you_o have_v the_o scripture_n yet_o you_o false_o say_v you_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n since_o you_o have_v make_v it_o of_o no_o effect_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o moses_n break_v the_o first_o table_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o in_o anger_n he_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o god_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o break_v it_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o think_v so_o he_o break_v only_o the_o stone_n which_o though_o before_o account_v sacred_a because_o upon_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o covenant_n by_o which_o the_o jew_n bound_v themselves_o to_o obey_v god_n yet_o afterward_o have_v not_o the_o least_o sanctity_n in_o they_o because_o the_o people_n by_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n make_v that_o covenant_n void_a for_o the_o same_o cause_n the_o second_o table_n with_o the_o ark_n wherein_o they_o be_v keep_v may_v likewise_o perish_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o none_o of_o those_o original_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o that_o the_o like_a shall_v befall_v the_o book_n we_o have_v when_o the_o very_a original_a of_o god_n law_n the_o most_o sacred_a of_o all_o thing_n be_v utter_o lose_v let_v man_n then_o forbear_v to_o charge_v i_o with_o impiety_n see_v i_o have_v speak_v nothing_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v any_o way_n profane_v it_o if_o their_o anger_n be_v just_a let_v it_o be_v vent_v against_o the_o people_n of_o old_a who_o wickedness_n profane_v and_o destroy_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n the_o temple_n the_o law_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v sacred_a if_o according_a to_o the_o 2_o d_o epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 3._o v._n 3._o the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n
levite_n deut._n chap._n 21._o v._n 15._o who_o have_v no_o administration_n or_o part_n in_o the_o government_n with_o the_o rest_n but_o all_o their_o honour_n and_o fortune_n depend_v upon_o their_o true_o and_o right_o interpret_n the_o law._n moreover_o all_o the_o people_n be_v command_v once_o in_o every_o seven_o year_n to_o assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n where_o the_o high_a priest_n read_v and_o expound_v to_o they_o the_o law_n and_o likewise_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v oblige_v constant_o with_o great_a care_n to_o read_v over_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n see_v deut._n chap._n 21._o five_o 9_o and_o chap._n 6._o v._n 7._o the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n therefore_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n be_v to_o take_v good_a heed_n that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o know_a prescription_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o law_n if_o they_o expect_v any_o honour_n from_o the_o people_n who_o will_v then_o reverence_v they_o as_o god_n minister_n and_o vicegerent_n otherwise_o they_o must_v expect_v the_o universal_a hatred_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n another_o thing_n which_o very_o much_o bridle_v the_o exorbitant_a power_n and_o lust_n of_o their_o prince_n be_v their_o militia_n be_v form_v out_o of_o their_o own_o people_n none_o from_o twenty_o to_o sixty_o except_v it_o not_o be_v in_o the_o prince_n power_n to_o levy_v or_o keep_v in_o pay_v any_o foreign_a force_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o prince_n can_v possible_o oppress_v their_o subject_n without_o force_n in_o continual_a pay_n and_o prince_n fear_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o arm_a subject_n by_o who_o valour_n labour_n and_o expense_n of_o blood_n the_o glory_n and_o liberty_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v purchase_v and_o secure_v therefore_o alexander_n when_o he_o be_v to_o fight_v a_o second_o battle_n against_o darius_n hear_v parmenio_n give_v advice_n which_o do_v not_o please_v he_o quintus_z curtius_n in_o his_o four_o book_n say_v alexander_n will_v not_o check_v parmenio_n again_o though_o he_o have_v upbraid_v alexander_n more_o bitter_o than_o be_v expedient_a but_o fall_v upon_o polyperchon_n who_o be_v of_o parmenio_n opinion_n nor_o can_v alexander_n oppress_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o macedonian_n which_o he_o most_o fear_v till_o after_o he_o have_v out_o of_o the_o prisoner_n he_o take_v form_v troop_n that_o out-numbred_n his_o own_o people_n that_o be_v do_v he_o do_v what_o he_o please_v be_v before_o restrain_v by_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o best_a of_o his_o own_o subject_n enjoy_v and_o if_o this_o liberty_n of_o arm_a subject_n in_o other_o government_n be_v a_o bridle_n to_o prince_n who_o ascribe_v to_o themselves_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o victory_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o much_o great_a curb_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o jewish_a tribe_n who_o soldier_n fight_v not_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o prince_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o venture_v no_o battle_n till_o they_o receive_v a_o answer_n from_o god._n what_o be_v more_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v associate_v and_o link_v together_o by_o a_o religious_a covenant_n so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o forsake_v the_o public_a religion_n and_o offer_v to_o violate_v every_o man_n divine_a right_n they_o may_v just_o account_v he_o a_o public_a enemy_n and_o destroy_v he_o three_o another_o thing_n which_o keep_v the_o jewish_a prince_n within_o bound_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o a_o new_a prophet_n for_o if_o any_o man_n of_o a_o unblameable_a life_n and_o conversation_n can_v by_o some_o certain_a sign_n prove_v himself_o a_o prophet_n that_o prophet_n have_v present_o right_a to_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o moses_n himself_o have_v by_o revelation_n and_o not_o as_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v to_o consult_v god_n by_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o without_o doubt_v such_o prophet_n can_v easy_o make_v the_o oppress_a people_n of_o their_o party_n and_o by_o some_o little_a sign_n persuade_v they_o to_o what_o they_o please_v but_o when_o justice_n be_v due_o administer_v the_o prince_n can_v make_v such_o timely_a provision_n that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v so_o far_o submit_v to_o his_o judgement_n as_o to_o be_v strict_o examine_v whether_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v good_a whether_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o mission_n be_v true_a and_o last_o whether_o that_o which_o he_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o religion_n and_o law_n of_o the_o country_n if_o the_o sign_n he_o give_v fail_v or_o if_o his_o doctrine_n be_v new_a he_o may_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v just_o condemn_v or_o else_o approve_v and_o receive_v four_o the_o prince_n can_v not_o claim_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o be_v more_o noble_o descend_v than_o other_o but_o have_v right_o to_o it_o only_o by_o seniority_n of_o age_n and_o merit_n last_o the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o army_n have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o desire_v peace_n as_o war_n for_o the_o militia_n be_v compose_v only_o of_o jewish_a subject_n the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v soldier_n manage_v affair_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n he_o that_o be_v a_o commander_n in_o the_o field_n be_v in_o the_o tribunal_n a_o judge_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o general_n in_o the_o camp_n be_v a_o prince_n in_o the_o city_n therefore_o none_o can_v desire_v war_n for_o war_n sake_n but_o only_o to_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o to_o defend_v their_o subject_n liberty_n perhaps_o the_o prince_n abstain_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a from_o innovation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o attend_v and_o wait_v on_o the_o high_a priest_n which_o he_o may_v think_v beneath_o his_o dignity_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n which_o keep_v the_o prince_n within_o bound_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o keep_v the_o people_n to_o their_o duty_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o government_n will_v make_v this_o clear_a for_o whosoever_o consider_v they_o will_v find_v they_o beget_v so_o much_o affection_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v think_v of_o betray_v or_o desert_v his_o country_n but_o must_v be_v so_o much_o affect_v with_o it_o that_o he_o will_v suffer_v any_o extremity_n rather_o than_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o other_o foreign_a government_n for_o after_o they_o transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n acknowledge_v their_o kingdom_n to_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o believe_v they_o only_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o nation_n god_n enemy_n believe_v their_o mortal_a hatred_n against_o they_o to_o be_v piety_n see_v psal._n 139._o v_o 21_o 22._o they_o can_v abhor_v nothing_o more_o than_o swear_v fidelity_n and_o promise_a obedience_n to_o stranger_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v think_v so_o execrable_a and_o abominable_a as_o betray_v their_o country_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v it_o be_v count_v a_o horrible_a offence_n to_o go_v out_o of_o their_o country_n to_o live_v because_o they_o will_v not_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o they_o be_v strict_o oblige_v any_o where_o but_o in_o their_o own_o land_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o holy_a land_n and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n beside_o esteem_v by_o they_o profane_a and_o unclean_a therefore_o david_n be_v force_v by_o saul_n to_o fly_v his_o country_n complain_v in_o these_o word_n 1_o sam._n chap._n 26._o v._n 19_o if_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o have_v stir_v thou_o up_o against_o i_o curse_a be_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o have_v drive_v i_o out_o this_o day_n from_o abide_v in_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v go_v serve_v other_o gods._n this_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o be_v very_o worthy_a observation_n that_o no_o jewish_a subject_n be_v ever_o condemn_v to_o banishment_n he_o that_o sin_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v but_o his_o punishment_n oughr_fw-mi not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n the_o affection_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v for_o their_o country_n be_v not_o simple_o love_n but_o piety_n which_o with_o their_o hatred_n to_o other_o nation_n be_v so_o augment_v by_o their_o daily_a worship_n that_o it_o become_v natural_a to_o they_o for_o their_o daily_a worship_n be_v not_o only_o different_a from_o but_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o do_v not_o only_o live_v unmixed_a but_o separate_v from_o they_o continual_a reproach_n must_v necessary_o beget_v perpetual_a hatred_n and_o there_o be_v no_o hatred_n so_o great_a and_o last_a as_o that_o which_o be_v ground_v upon_o
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
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 i._o concern_v prophecy_n prophesy_n or_o revelation_n be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n reveal_v to_o man_n by_o god_n and_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n who_o declare_v and_o expound_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o person_n that_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o revelation_n but_o must_v therefore_o only_o by_o mere_a faith_n receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o a_o prophet_n be_v by_o the_o jew_n call_v nabi_n that_o be_v a_o orator_n or_o interpreter_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o exodus_fw-la v._n 1_o sy_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n see_v i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o god_n to_o pharaoh_n and_o aron_n thy_o brother_n shall_v be_v thy_o prophet_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v aron_n by_o interpret_n to_o pharaoh_n what_o thou_o say_v shall_v act_n the_o part_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o thou_o the_o part_n of_o god._n we_o will_v speak_v of_o prophet_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n but_o in_o this_o only_a of_o prophecy_n it_o follow_v from_o the_o definition_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o it_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n may_v be_v call_v prophecy_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a decree_n but_o because_o this_o knowledge_n be_v natural_a to_o all_o mankind_n be_v found_v upon_o principle_n common_a to_o all_o man_n it_o be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o always_o affect_v thing_n rare_a and_o out_o of_o their_o road_n despise_v the_o gift_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o wherever_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n they_o total_o exclude_v natural_a which_o may_v with_o as_o much_o right_a be_v call_v divine_a as_o the_o other_o whatever_o it_o be_v see_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n of_o which_o we_o participate_v and_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n dictate_v it_o unto_o we_o neither_o do_v natural_a knowledge_n differ_v from_o that_o which_o man_n call_v divine_a but_o only_o because_o divine_a knowledge_n exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o natural_a and_o because_o the_o law_n of_o humane_a nature_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n but_o natural_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o certainty_n which_o it_o include_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v namely_o from_o god_n himself_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n give_v place_n to_o prophetical_a knowledge_n unless_o some_o will_v think_v or_o rather_o dream_n that_o the_o prophet_n have_v humane_a body_n but_o not_o humane_a soul_n and_o therefore_o their_o perception_n and_o knowledge_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o we_o but_o though_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v divine_a yet_o they_o that_o possess_v and_o propagate_v it_o can_v be_v call_v prophte_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o teach_v may_v with_o equal_a certainty_n and_o in_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n be_v apprehend_v and_o embrace_v by_o other_o as_o well_o as_o by_o themselves_o and_o that_o too_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o since_o therefore_o our_o mind_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o because_o it_o contain_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o its_o object_n and_o also_o participate_v thereof_o be_v able_a to_o form_n certain_a notion_n which_o explicate_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o use_n of_o life_n we_o may_v with_o reason_n conclude_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v what_o it_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v be_v the_o prime_a cause_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o nature_n dictate_v to_o we_o not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o a_o much_o more_o excellent_a manner_n and_o such_o as_o best_a suit_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o every_o one_o find_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n who_o have_v but_o taste_v what_o certain_a knowledge_n be_v but_o because_o my_o chief_n purpose_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o scripture_n that_o little_o i_o have_v say_v of_o natural_a knowledge_n shall_v suffice_v and_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o other_o cause_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n reveal_v to_o man_n those_o thing_n which_o do_v exceed_v and_o also_o those_o which_o do_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n for_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n god_n may_v by_o other_o way_n communicate_v to_o man_n of_o which_o now_o i_o will_v more_o full_o treat_v but_o whatsoever_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a aught_o to_o be_v fetch_v only_o from_o scripture_n for_o we_o can_v say_v no_o more_o of_o thing_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n then_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n and_o because_o we_o have_v not_o any_o prophet_n that_o i_o know_v in_o these_o our_o day_n all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v diligent_o to_o peruse_v the_o sacred_a volume_n which_o the_o prophet_n have_v leave_v we_o but_o still_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o we_o determine_v nothing_o positive_o of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n nor_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o which_o they_o have_v not_o plain_o speak_v and_o teach_v but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o use_v to_o make_v mention_n of_o mediate_v and_o particular_a cause_n nor_o ever_o regard_v they_o but_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n piety_n and_o devotion_n have_v always_o recourse_n to_o god_n for_o example_n if_o they_o get_v money_n by_o the_o trade_n of_o merchandize_v they_o say_v god_n give_v it_o if_o they_o earnest_o desire_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n they_o say_v god_n dispose_v their_o heart_n to_o it_o if_o they_o serious_o think_v on_o any_o thing_n they_o say_v it_o be_v declare_v to_o they_o by_o god_n so_o that_o every_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v god_n declare_v to_o any_o one_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o prophesy_v and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n but_o that_o only_a which_o the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v or_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o narration_n plain_o appear_v to_o be_v prophecy_n and_o revelation_n if_o then_o we_o run_v through_o all_o the_o sacred_a volume_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o figure_n and_o sign_n or_o else_o by_o both_o together_o and_o that_o the_o word_n and_o sign_n be_v either_o real_a and_o true_a without_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o hear_n and_o see_v prophet_n or_o but_o imaginary_a that_o be_v the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n even_o when_o he_o be_v awake_a be_v so_o dispose_v that_o he_o very_o think_v he_o hear_v word_n or_o see_v and_o behold_v some_o thing_n or_o sign_n god_n in_o a_o true_a and_o real_a voice_n revealed_z those_o law_n to_o moses_n which_o he_o prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 25_o the_o chap._n of_o exod._n v._n 22._o where_o he_o say_v and_o there_o will_v i_o meet_v with_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v commune_v with_o thou_o from_o above_o the_o mercy_n seat_n from_o between_o thou_o two_o cherubim_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o some_o real_a voice_n see_v moses_n wherever_o he_o please_v find_v god_n ready_a to_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o that_o only_o this_o voice_n by_o which_o the_o law_n be_v publish_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a voice_n i_o will_v present_o show_v one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o voice_n by_o which_o god_n call_v samuel_n be_v real_a because_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o sam._n the_o 3_o d._n chap._n and_o last_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n appear_v again_o in_o shiloh_n for_o the_o lord_n reveal_v himself_o to_o samuel_n in_o shiloh_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o appearance_n of_o god_n to_o samuel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o he_o by_o word_n or_o signify_v no_o more_o then_o that_o samuel_n hear_v god_n speak_v but_o because_o we_o be_v force_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o the_o voice_n hear_v by_o samuel_n be_v but_o imaginary_a because_o it_o be_v like_o the_o voice_n of_o ely_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o hear_v and_o therefore_o the_o soon_o
know_v that_o god_n be_v omniscient_a and_o that_o human_a action_n be_v govern_v by_o his_o decree_n for_o though_o god_n tell_v he_o exod._n chap._n 3._o v._n 8._o that_o the_o israelite_n will_v hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n yet_o moses_n doubt_v and_o say_v in_o the_o 1_o st_z verse_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o chapter_n what_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o nor_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o as_o indifferent_a and_o ignorant_a of_o man_n future_a action_n for_o he_o give_v unto_o he_o two_o sign_n and_o say_v exod._n chap._n 4._o v._n 8_o 9_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v thou_o nor_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o first_o sign_n they_o will_v believe_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o latter_a sign_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o latter_a sign_n then_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o the_o river_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n will_v without_o prejudice_n consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o moses_n it_o will_v clear_o appear_v that_o moses_n think_v god_n a_o be_v that_o always_o be_v be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o call_v he_o jehovah_n which_o in_o hebrew_n express_v those_o three_o time_n of_o exist_v but_o of_o his_o nature_n he_o declare_v no_o more_o then_o that_o he_o be_v very_o merciful_a kind_a and_o very_a jealous_a as_o appear_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n he_o believe_v and_o teach_v also_o that_o this_o be_v be_v so_o different_a from_o all_o other_o being_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v express_v by_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o other_o visible_a thing_n that_o he_o be_v invisible_a not_o because_o he_o think_v behold_v he_o be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o human_a frailty_n he_o think_v also_o that_o this_o be_v be_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o own_o power_n single_a and_o but_o one_o he_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v other_o being_n which_o by_o the_o order_n and_o command_n of_o god_n be_v god_n substitute_n and_o vicegerent_n that_o be_v being_n to_o who_o god_n give_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v nation_n to_o provide_v for_o and_o take_v care_n of_o they_o but_o moses_n declare_v the_o be_v which_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o worship_n to_o be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n the_o god_n of_o all_o god_n therefore_o moses_n in_o his_o song_n exod._n chap._n 15._o v._n 11._o say_v who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n among_o the_o god_n and_o jethro_n exod._n chap._n 18._o v._n 11._o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a than_o all_o god_n that_o be_v i_o must_v acknowledge_v with_o moses_n that_o jehovah_n be_v great_a than_o all_o god_n and_o of_o singular_a power_n but_o whether_o moses_n believe_v that_o the_o being_n which_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n be_v create_v by_o god_n may_v be_v doubt_v since_o he_o say_v nothing_o that_o we_o know_v of_o their_o creation_n or_o original_a another_o of_o moses_n doctrine_n be_v that_o this_o be_v out_o of_o a_o chaos_n gen._n chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 2._o bring_v this_o visible_a world_n into_o form_n and_o order_n furnish_v nature_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v deut._n chap._n 10._o v._n 14_o 15._o and_o by_o that_o absolute_a power_n choose_v the_o jewish_a nation_n for_o himself_o and_o appoint_v a_o particular_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o their_o habitation_n deut._n chap._n 4._o v._n 19_o and_o chap._n 32._o v._n 8._o but_o other_o nation_n and_o country_n he_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n of_o other_o god_n substitute_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jerusalem_n 2_o d._n book_n of_o chron._n chap._n 32._o v._n 19_o and_o other_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o country_n which_o god_n choose_v for_o they_o require_v a_o particular_a and_o different_a worship_n of_o god_n from_o that_o of_o other_o country_n nor_o will_v they_o suffer_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n or_o any_o worship_n proper_a to_o other_o country_n to_o be_v exercise_v among_o they_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o people_n who_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n bring_v into_o the_o country_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v devour_v by_o lion_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o land_n 2_o d._n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 17._o v._n 24_o 25._o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o aben_n ezra_n that_o jacob_n upon_o this_o ground_n when_o he_o be_v about_o return_v into_o his_o own_o country_n command_v his_o son_n to_o put_v away_o the_o god_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o they_o be_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o a_o new_a way_n of_o worship_n gen._n chap._n 35._o v._n 23._o david_n tell_v saul_n because_o he_o be_v by_o persecution_n compel_v to_o forsake_v his_o country_n that_o he_o be_v drive_v out_o from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o send_v to_o serve_v other_o god_n 1_o sy_n book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 26._o v._n 19_o last_o moses_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v his_o habitation_n in_o the_o heaven_n deut._n chap._n 33._o v._n 26_o which_o be_v a_o frequent_a opinion_n among_o the_o heathen_a now_o if_o we_o careful_o observe_v the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o fit_v and_o suit_v to_o those_o conception_n and_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o god_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n nature_n be_v gracious_a merciful_a long-suffer_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n and_o these_o attribute_n be_v god_n reveal_v to_o he_o exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6_o 7._o where_o it_o be_v declare_v why_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o also_o exod._n chap._n 20._o v._n 4_o 5._o in_o exod._n chap._n 33._o v._n 18._o we_o read_v that_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v god_n but_o because_o moses_n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v have_v form_v in_o his_o imagination_n no_o likeness_n or_o figure_n of_o god_n and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v god_n be_v not_o reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n but_o according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n therefore_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o under_o no_o image_n or_o similitude_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o imagination_n of_o moses_n but_o other_o prophet_n isaiah_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n testify_v that_o they_o see_v god._n moses_n be_v answer_v by_o god_n in_o the_o 20_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 33._o chap._n of_o exod._n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n and_o because_o moses_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v visible_a that_o be_v it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v so_o else_o he_o have_v never_o make_v such_o a_o request_n therefore_o god_n also_o answer_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v my_o face_n and_o live_v give_v a_o reason_n suitable_a to_o moses_n opinion_n for_o god_n do_v not_o say_v that_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v in_o itself_o invisible_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v see_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v see_v because_o of_o human_a weakness_n and_o frailty_n after_o the_o israelite_n have_v worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n that_o god_n may_v reveal_v to_o moses_n the_o israelite_n shall_v become_v like_o other_o nation_n god_n tell_v he_o exod._n chap._n 33._o v._n 2_o 3._o that_o he_o will_v send_v a_o angel_n that_o be_v a_o be_v who_o instead_o of_o the_o supreme_a be_v shall_v take_v care_n of_o the_o israelite_n but_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o from_o this_o moses_n be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v thenceforth_o not_o to_o be_v belove_v by_o god_n any_o more_o than_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o angel_n or_o other_o being_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 16_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n last_o because_o moses_n believe_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o be_v god_n reveal_v as_o descend_v from_o heaven_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o moses_n that_o he_o may_v speak_v with_o god_n ascend_v the_o mount_n which_o he_o need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v have_v he_o think_v god_n to_o be_v in_o all_o place_n the_o israelite_n know_v very_o little_a of_o god_n though_o he_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o as_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v by_o their_o bestow_n on_o a_o calf_n the_o honour_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o by_o say_v to_o that_o calf_n these_o be_v thy_o god_n
shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v here_o christ_n convince_v the_o pharisee_n from_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o opinion_n who_o say_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n word_n be_v a_o absolute_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v devil_n and_o a_o kingdom_n of_o devil_n so_o also_o when_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n chap._n 18._o v._n 10._o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o in_o heaven_n their_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o these_o word_n christ_n teach_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v proud_a or_o despise_v any_o one_o whatever_o else_o be_v faid_fw-we be_v only_o the_o better_a to_o persuade_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o sign_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o need_v we_o say_v more_o of_o this_o subject_a because_o it_o will_v be_v extreme_o tedious_a to_o quote_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v only_o ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la or_o according_a to_o man_n capacity_n and_o with_o a_o great_a prejudice_n to_o philosophy_n be_v maintain_v to_o be_v divine_a doctrine_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v mention_v these_o few_o general_a one_o the_o curious_a reader_n may_v himself_o examine_v the_o rest_n but_o see_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v concern_v prophet_n and_o prophecy_n do_v direct_o concern_v the_o thing_n i_o aim_v at_o which_o be_v to_o divide_v philosophy_n from_o theology_n yet_o because_o i_o have_v only_o touch_v upon_o the_o question_n general_o i_o will_v now_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n inquire_v whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o common_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o also_o what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n every_o man_n prosperity_n and_o true_a happiness_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o good_a but_o not_o in_o the_o glory_n that_o he_o alone_o and_o no_o other_o person_n enjoy_v that_o good_a for_o whoever_o think_v himself_o the_o more_o happy_a because_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o other_o man_n or_o because_o he_o be_v more_o fortunate_a and_o prosperous_a than_o other_o be_v ignorant_a what_o be_v true_a felicity_n and_o beatitude_n and_o the_o joy_n which_o arise_v from_o such_o a_o conceit_n be_v childish_a and_o savour_n of_o a_o envious_a evil_a mind_n for_o example_n man_n true_a beatitude_n and_o felicity_n consist_v only_o in_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n but_o not_o in_o his_o being_n wise_a than_o other_o man_n or_o that_o other_o man_n want_v true_a knowledge_n for_o that_o add_v not_o at_o all_o to_o his_o wisdom_n which_o be_v his_o true_a happiness_n he_o therefore_o that_o rejoice_v in_o be_v happy_a than_o other_o man_n takes_z pleasure_n in_o their_o misfortune_n and_o be_v a_o envious_a evil_a man_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o never_o know_v true_a wisdom_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a life_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o better_a persuade_v the_o jew_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n say_v deut._n chap._n 10_o v._n 19_o that_o god_n choose_v they_o above_o all_o people_n and_o be_v nigh_a to_o they_o then_o to_o all_o other_o nation_n deut._n chap._n 4._o v._n 7._o that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n and_o law_n more_o righteous_a and_o just_a than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 8_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chap._n and_o last_o that_o god_n make_v himself_o more_o know_v to_o they_o then_o to_o other_o people_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n all_o this_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v true_a blessedness_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o as_o moses_n himself_o testify_v in_o deut._n chap._n 9_o v._n 6_o 7._o for_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o be_v less_o bless_v though_o god_n have_v equal_o call_v all_o man_n to_o salvation_n nor_o have_v god_n be_v less_o gracious_a to_o they_o though_o he_o have_v be_v as_o nigh_o to_o other_o nation_n their_o law_n have_v not_o be_v less_o righteous_a nor_o they_o less_o wise_a though_o the_o same_o have_v be_v prescribe_v to_o all_o other_o people_n and_o the_o miracle_n do_v among_o they_o have_v not_o less_o declare_v god_n power_n though_o the_o like_a have_v be_v wrought_v for_o other_o nation_n nor_o have_v the_o jew_n be_v the_o less_o oblige_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n though_o god_n have_v equal_o give_v to_o all_o other_o man_n the_o same_o gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o they_o god_n say_v to_o solomon_n in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 3._o v._n 12._o that_o none_o after_o he_o shall_v be_v ever_o like_o he_o for_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o manner_n of_o speak_v to_o declare_v the_o excellency_n of_o solomon_n wisdom_n what_o ever_o the_o word_n mean_v yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o increase_v solomon_n happiness_n god_n promise_v never_o to_o make_v any_o man_n so_o wise_a as_o he_o for_o that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o have_v make_v solomon_n wisdom_n great_a neither_o will_v a_o wise_a king_n have_v give_v god_n the_o less_o thanks_o though_o god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v bestow_v as_o much_o wisdom_n upon_o all_o other_o men._n but_o though_o we_o say_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n prescribe_v those_o law_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n to_o the_o jew_n only_o that_o he_o speak_v only_o to_o they_o and_o that_o no_o other_o nation_n ever_o see_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o all_o that_o i_o intend_v be_v that_o moses_n speak_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o make_v use_v of_o such_o argument_n the_o better_a to_o convince_v their_o childish_a understanding_n and_o bind_v they_o the_o fast_o to_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god._n last_o we_o will_v show_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o excel_v other_o nation_n in_o knowledge_n or_o piety_n but_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n or_o that_o i_o may_v with_o scripture_n speak_v to_o their_o capacity_n god_n do_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o jew_n above_o other_o nation_n that_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v more_o sublime_a or_o their_o life_n more_o righteous_a than_o other_o peopl_n but_o for_o another_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o will_v in_o order_n declare_v but_o before_o i_o begin_v i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n explain_v what_o i_o mean_v in_o that_o which_o follow_v by_o god_n dispose_n and_o direction_n what_o by_o god_n external_a and_o internal_a assistance_n what_o by_o god_n calling_n or_o election_n and_o last_o what_o i_o intend_v by_o fortune_n i_o take_v god_n dispose_v or_o direction_n to_o be_v the_o fix_a order_n and_o immutable_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o concatenation_n of_o natural_a thing_n and_o cause_n for_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o determine_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n eternal_a decree_n which_o imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n therefore_o whether_o we_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o ordination_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n we_o say_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n because_o the_o power_n of_o all_o natural_a being_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v order_v and_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o whatever_o man_n who_o be_v a_o part_n of_o nature_n do_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o be_v or_o whatever_o nature_n without_o any_o endeavour_n of_o he_o offer_v he_o for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n operate_n either_o by_o human_a nature_n or_o by_o thing_n without_o it_o so_o that_o whatever_o human_a nature_n can_v perform_v by_o its_o own_o power_n for_o self_n preservation_n that_o may_v be_v true_o call_v god_n internal_a assistance_n and_o that_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o man_n receive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o external_a cause_n may_v be_v just_o term_v god_n external_a help_n which_o full_o explain_v what_o be_v
be_v most_o likely_a to_o incline_v he_o most_o religious_o and_o hearty_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o of_o this_o mind_n be_v josephus_n for_o he_o conclude_v his_o second_o book_n of_o antiquity_n with_o these_o word_n neither_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o marvel_n at_o this_o so_o wonderful_a discourse_n that_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n a_o passage_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o save_v so_o many_o person_n in_o time_n past_a and_o they_o rude_a and_o simple_a whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o that_o it_o chance_v of_o itself_o since_o not_o long_a time_n ago_o god_n so_o think_v it_o good_a the_o sea_n of_o pamphilia_n divide_v itself_o to_o give_v way_n to_o alexander_n king_n of_o macedon_n soldier_n have_v no_o other_o passage_n to_o destroy_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o persian_n and_o this_o all_o acknowledge_v who_o have_v write_v the_o act_n of_o alexander_n and_o therefore_o of_o these_o thing_n let_v every_o one_o think_v as_o he_o please_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n most_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v mankind_n the_o way_n to_o true_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o this_o opinion_n have_v so_o little_a influence_n upon_o man_n life_n that_o the_o common_a people_n take_v no_o care_n to_o regulate_v they_o according_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o every_o man_n believe_v himself_o divine_o inspire_v will_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n compel_v all_o other_o to_o be_v of_o his_o opinion_n we_o often_o see_v those_o who_o we_o call_v divine_n very_o solicitous_a to_o father_n their_o own_o fancy_n upon_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o make_v no_o scruple_n with_o great_a boldness_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o fear_v mistake_v the_o holy_a spirit_n meaning_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n as_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o error_n and_o by_o lose_v their_o authority_n to_o fall_v into_o contempt_n but_o if_o man_n do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o profess_v concern_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v lead_v other_o kind_n of_o life_n there_o will_v not_o be_v half_a so_o much_o contention_n and_o hatred_n in_o the_o world_n as_o now_o there_o be_v nor_o will_v man_n with_o so_o much_o blind_a zeal_n and_o boldness_n venture_v upon_o expound_v scripture_n and_o introduce_v so_o many_o novelty_n into_o religion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a will_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o maintain_v any_o thing_n for_o scripture_n doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o man_n who_o have_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o adulterate_a scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n will_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o impious_a sacrilege_n but_o ambition_n and_o wickedness_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v that_o religion_n do_v now_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o in_o defend_v man_n own_o fantastical_a opinion_n charity_n be_v now_o no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o discord_n and_o implacable_a hatred_n pass_v under_o the_o mask_n of_o godly_a zeal_n to_o these_o evil_n superstition_n have_v join_v itself_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v reason_n and_o nature_n and_o to_o admire_v and_o reverence_v that_o only_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o both_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n to_o be_v think_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o scripture_n shall_v study_v so_o to_o expound_v it_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v contradictory_n both_o to_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o dream_v of_o profound_a mystery_n hide_v in_o it_o which_o mystery_n that_o be_v their_o own_o absurdity_n they_o labour_v and_o weary_v themselves_o to_o find_v out_o and_o neglect_v thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o use_n ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o 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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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possible_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v whether_o this_o saying_n god_n be_v fire_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n beside_o the_o literal_a that_o be_v whether_o the_o word_n fire_v signify_v any_o other_o thing_n beside_o natural_a fire_n and_o if_o in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o signify_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o this_o say_n of_o moses_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v interpret_v though_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o those_o other_o say_n of_o moses_n though_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v conformable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o this_o but_o if_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o language_n will_v not_o suffer_v this_o to_o be_v do_v than_o those_o several_a say_n be_v irreconcilable_a and_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n of_o they_o but_o now_o because_o the_o word_n fire_n be_v also_o take_v for_o anger_n and_o jealousy_n job._n chap._n 31._o v._n 12._o these_o saying_n of_o moses_n be_v easy_o reconcileable_a and_o we_o may_v lawful_o conclude_v that_o these_o two_o sentence_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a signify_v both_o the_o same_o thing_n moreover_o because_o moses_n plain_o say_v god_n be_v jealous_a and_o do_v no_o where_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o moses_n do_v think_v or_o at_o least_o teach_v other_o man_n to_o think_v god_n be_v jealous_a though_o we_o believe_v the_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o wrest_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n because_o all_o our_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v derive_v only_o from_o themselves_o three_o this_o history_n of_o scripture_n aught_o to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n remain_v with_o we_o as_o may_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_n of_o the_o author_n of_o every_o book_n who_o the_o person_n be_v upon_o what_o occasion_n he_o write_v in_o what_o time_n to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o language_n and_o last_o it_o ought_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o fortune_n of_o every_o book_n how_o it_o be_v first_o receive_v into_o who_o hand_n it_o fall_v how_o many_o various_a reading_n it_o have_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o sacred_a and_o canonical_a and_o last_o how_o all_o the_o several_a book_n come_v together_o into_o one_o volume_n i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n this_o history_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o contain_v to_o know_v what_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o what_o only_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n it_o be_v very_o expedient_a to_o know_v the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_v of_o the_o author_n beside_o we_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o man_n word_n when_o we_o know_v his_o genius_n disposition_n and_o ingenuity_n moreover_o that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v doctrine_n who_o morality_n and_o obligation_n be_v perpetual_a with_o those_o that_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o of_o use_n only_o to_o some_o particular_a people_n it_o behove_v we_o to_o know_v upon_o what_o occasion_n at_o what_o time_n to_o what_o nation_n in_o what_o age_n all_o these_o instruction_n be_v write_v last_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v know_v beside_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o book_n whether_o the_o book_n have_v be_v adulterate_v or_o at_o least_o whether_o any_o error_n have_v creep_v into_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v correct_v by_o learned_a and_o faithful_a man_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o we_o may_v not_o with_o blind_a zeal_n receive_v every_o thing_n obtrude_v upon_o we_o but_o believe_v that_o only_o which_o be_v certain_a plain_a and_o past_o all_o doubt_n after_o we_o have_v such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v firm_o resolve_v to_o conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o do_v not_o natural_o follow_v or_o may_v be_v clear_o draw_v from_o this_o history_n than_o it_o will_v be_v time_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o to_o do_v the_o like_a method_n and_o order_n be_v require_v that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o interpret_n nature_n by_o its_o own_o history_n for_o as_o in_o search_v out_o natural_a thing_n we_o first_o endeavour_v to_o inquire_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o motion_n and_o
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
fit_v and_o proportion_v to_o man_n understanding_n and_o capacity_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v i_o to_o be_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o it_o have_v proceed_v from_o man_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o method_n chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentateuk_n 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 the_o writer_n of_o all_o these_o book_n be_v diverse_a person_n or_o but_o one_o and_o who_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o have_v show_v they_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o true_a history_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o history_n though_o very_o necessary_a the_o ancient_n neglect_v to_o compose_v or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o write_v or_o leave_v any_o by_o tradition_n it_o perish_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n and_o consequent_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o fundamental_o and_o principle_n of_o scripture-knowledge_n be_v lose_v which_o loss_n however_o have_v be_v more_o tolerable_a if_o man_n of_o succeed_a age_n have_v keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o true_a bound_n and_o have_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o their_o successor_n those_o few_o principle_n which_o they_o receive_v or_o find_v out_o and_o have_v not_o out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n forge_v new_a whereby_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o imperfect_a but_o remain_v full_a of_o error_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o scripture_n knowledge_n be_v not_o only_o so_o few_o that_o a_o perfect_a history_n can_v be_v build_v on_o they_o but_o they_o be_v also_o very_o faulty_a and_o defective_a to_o rectify_v this_o and_o remove_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la in_o divinity_n be_v my_o purpose_n but_o i_o fear_v i_o go_v about_o it_o too_o late_a for_o thing_n be_v now_o almost_o come_v to_o that_o height_n man_n in_o this_o point_n will_v endure_v no_o correction_n but_o obstinate_o defend_v whatever_o they_o have_v embrace_v under_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n reason_n prevail_v with_o very_a few_o so_o universal_o have_v these_o prejudices_fw-la spread_v themselves_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n i_o will_v nevertheless_o endeavour_v and_o try_v what_o i_o can_v do_v because_o the_o business_n be_v not_o absolute_o desperate_a that_o i_o may_v in_o order_n show_v what_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o penman_n of_o those_o book_n that_o be_v account_v sacred_a and_o first_o concern_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n common_o call_v the_o pentateuk_n man_n have_v general_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n himself_o and_o the_o pharisee_n so_o stiff_o defend_v this_o opinion_n that_o they_o count_v he_o a_o heretic_n that_o think_v otherwise_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n aben_n ezra_n a_o person_n of_o a_o ingenuous_a disposition_n and_o no_o mean_a learning_n be_v the_o first_o i_o read_v of_o who_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o mistake_n dare_v not_o plain_o declare_v his_o thought_n but_o only_o hint_v his_o opinion_n in_o obscure_a word_n which_o i_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o explain_v and_o give_v you_o their_o naked_a meaning_n aben_n ezra_n word_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o deutronomy_n be_v these_o beyond_o jordan_n now_o thou_o may_v understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o twelve_o and_o moses_n also_o write_v the_o law_n and_o the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v it_o be_v see_v behold_v his_o bedstead_n be_v a_o bedstead_n of_o iron_n then_o shall_v thou_o know_v the_o truth_n by_o these_o few_o word_n he_o show_v and_o plain_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o moses_n but_o some_o other_o person_n that_o live_v long_o after_o he_o who_o write_v the_o pentateuk_n and_o that_o moses_n write_v some_o other_o book_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v his_o first_o observation_n be_v that_o the_o preface_n of_o deutronomy_n which_o begin_v thus_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o speak_v unto_o all_o israel_n beyond_o jordan_n can_v not_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n who_o never_o pass_v jordan_n his_o second_o observation_n be_v that_o the_o book_n which_o moses_n write_v be_v fair_o copy_v out_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o altar_n as_o appear_v deut._n chap._n 27._o v._n 5_o 8._o josh._n chap._n 8._o v._n 31_o 32._o which_o altar_n the_o rabbin_n declare_v be_v make_v only_o of_o twelve_o stone_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o book_n which_o moses_n write_v be_v a_o volume_n much_o less_o than_o the_o pentateuk_n and_o this_o i_o think_v aben_n ezra_n mean_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o twelve_o unless_o perhaps_o he_o understand_v those_o twelve_o curse_n which_o be_v in_o the_o forementioned_a 27_o the_o chapter_n of_o deutronomy_n which_o he_o may_v believe_v be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o beside_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o repeat_v those_o curse_n that_o they_o may_v by_o oath_n bind_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v the_o write_a law_n or_o else_o perhaps_o he_o mean_v the_o last_o chapter_n of_o deutronomy_n that_o speak_v of_o moses_n death_n which_o chapter_n consist_v only_o of_o twelve_o verse_n but_o these_o and_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v only_o by_o guess_n need_v not_o a_o more_o curious_a examination_n the_o three_o observation_n be_v that_o it_o be_v say_v deut._n chap._n 31._o v._n 9_o moses_n write_v this_o law_n and_o deliver_v it_o etc._n etc._n which_o can_v not_o be_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o some_o other_o person_n declare_v what_o moses_n do_v and_o what_o he_o write_v his_o four_o observation_n be_v that_o place_n gen._n chap._n 12._o v._n 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v speak_v of_o abraham_n pass_v through_o canaan_n that_o the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n which_o word_n must_v be_v write_v after_o moses_n death_n when_o the_o canaanite_n be_v drive_v out_o and_o do_v not_o possess_v the_o land_n and_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o aben_n ezra_n comment_v upon_o this_o place_n in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n it_o seem_v that_o canaan_n nephew_n to_o noah_n take_v that_o land_n from_o some_o other_o who_o possess_v it_o if_o not_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o thing_n whosoever_o understand_v it_o let_v he_o be_v silent_a that_o be_v if_o canaan_n invade_v those_o country_n than_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n must_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n past_o when_o the_o land_n be_v inhabit_v by_o another_o nation_n but_o if_o canaan_n be_v the_o first_o who_o live_v in_o that_o country_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n of_o gen._n he_o be_v then_o the_o word_n must_v imply_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o canaanite_n be_v not_o in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o moses_n can_v not_o be_v the_o writer_n of_o it_o because_o in_o his_o time_n the_o canaanite_n be_v still_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o country_n and_o this_o be_v that_o mystery_n he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v public_a his_o five_o observation_n be_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o 22_o the_o chap._n gen._n v._n 14_o where_o speak_a of_o mount_n moriah_n the_o text_n say_v it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v it_o be_v see_v now_o it_o be_v not_o call_v the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n till_o after_o it_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o this_o choice_n of_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n who_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o place_n choose_v by_o god_n but_o only_o foretell_v that_o god_n will_v in_o time_n to_o come_v choose_v a_o place_n which_o shall_v bear_v god_n name_n his_o six_o observation_n be_v what_o be_v say_v deut._n chap._n 3._o speak_v of_o og_n king_n of_o basan_n these_o word_n be_v interpose_v v_o 11_o the_o for_o only_a og_n king_n of_o basan_n remain_v of_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o giant_n behold_v his_o bedstead_n be_v a_o bedstead_n of_o iron_n be_v it_o not_o in_o rabbah_n of_o the_o child_n of_o ammon_n nine_o cubit_n be_v the_o length_n thereof_o which_o parenthesis_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n live_v long_o after_o moses_n for_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v argue_v that_o the_o person_n relate_v what_o pass_v long_o ago_o and_o to_o obtain_v credit_n show_v some_o ancient_a relic_n without_o question_v this_o bedstead_n be_v first_o
we_o have_v name_v be_v write_v long_o after_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n happen_v which_o they_o relate_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o subject_n of_o these_o book_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v that_o they_o be_v all_o write_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o historian_n who_o design_v to_o write_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o first_o original_a to_o the_o first_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o book_n be_v by_o connexion_n so_o link_v together_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o the_o single_a narration_n of_o one_o historian_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v do_v with_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n he_o begin_v the_o next_o book_n with_o these_o word_n now_o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o joshuah_n and_o end_v the_o story_n of_o joshuah_n with_o his_o death_n he_o do_v with_o the_o very_a same_o transition_n and_o conjunction_n begin_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n in_o these_o word_n now_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshuah_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n ask_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o this_o book_n of_o judge_n as_o a_o appendix_n he_o join_v the_o book_n of_o ruth_n in_o these_o word_n now_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o judge_n rule_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n to_o which_o book_n of_o ruth_n he_o do_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n join_v the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n that_o end_v with_o his_o wont_a transition_n he_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o book_n and_o to_o this_o the_o history_n of_o david_n not_o be_v full_o endded_a he_o join_v the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n then_o go_v on_o with_o david_n history_n add_v with_o his_o usual_a connexion_n the_o second_o book_n the_o context_n and_o order_n of_o the_o history_n likewise_o declare_v the_o historian_n to_o be_v but_o one_o person_n who_o propound_v to_o himself_o one_o certain_a end_n 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of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v but_o also_o many_o thing_n be_v insert_v for_o the_o better_a explication_n thereof_o i_o conjecture_v the_o book_n of_o deutronomy_n to_o be_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v set_v forth_o and_o expound_v by_o esdras_n which_o they_o then_o read_v and_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v put_v in_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n more_o clear_o to_o explain_v it_o we_o give_v you_o several_a instance_n when_o i_o unfold_v aben-ezras_a meaning_n there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o appear_v deut._n chap._n 2._o v._n 12._o the_o horites_n also_o dwell_v in_o seir_n before_o time_n but_o the_o child_n of_o esau_n succeed_v they_o when_o they_o have_v destroy_v they_o from_o before_o they_o and_o dwell_v in_o their_o stead_n as_o israel_n do_v unto_o the_o land_n of_o his_o possession_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o they_o this_o explain_v the_o 3_o d._n and_o 4_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n namely_o that_o mount_n seir_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o esau_n be_v not_o find_v by_o they_o uninhabited_a but_o that_o they_o invade_v the_o horites_n who_o first_o dwell_v there_o and_o have_v subdue_v destroy_v they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v the_o canaanite_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n likewise_o in_o the_o 10_o the_o chapter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o 6_o 7_o 8_o and_o 9_o verse_n be_v interpose_v by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n with_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n for_o the_o 8_o the_o verse_n which_o begin_v in_o these_o word_n at_o that_o time_n the_o lord_n separate_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n must_v necessary_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o 5_o the_o verse_n which_o speak_v of_o moses_n come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n and_o put_v the_o table_n into_o the_o ark_n and_o not_o to_o the_o death_n of_o aron_n mention_v in_o the_o 6_o the_o verse_n of_o which_o esdras_n speak_v here_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o moses_n in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n which_o the_o people_n worship_v say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n v_o 20._o that_o he_o pray_v for_o aron_n the_o historian_n go_v on_o and_o declare_v that_o god_n at_o that_o time_n of_o which_o moses_n speak_v choose_v for_o himself_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n that_o he_o may_v show_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o election_n and_o also_o why_o the_o levite_n have_v no_o part_n or_o inheritance_n with_o their_o brethren_n this_o do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n he_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o the_o history_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o moses_n in_o the_o three_o person_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o can_v now_o be_v know_v which_o he_o add_v or_o express_v in_o other_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o his_o time_n without_o doubt_n have_v we_o the_o very_a book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n write_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o commandment_n very_o much_o differ_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o in_o order_n matter_n and_o sense_n compare_v the_o decalogue_n of_o this_o book_n with_o that_o in_o exodus_fw-la where_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o vary_v from_o that_o for_o the_o four_o commandment_n in_o deutronomy_n be_v not_o only_o command_v in_o another_o form_n but_o be_v enlarge_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o likewise_o differ_v much_o from_o that_o in_o exodus_fw-la so_o that_o this_o as_o in_o other_o place_n be_v do_v by_o esdras_n because_o he_o explain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o
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
collect_v from_o divers_a writer_n and_o be_v never_o examine_v or_o put_v into_o any_o order_n there_o be_v no_o less_o disagreement_n in_o computation_n of_o time_n between_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n for_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o king_n chap._n 1_o sy_n v._n 17._o it_o be_v say_v jehoram_n the_o son_n of_o ahab_n king_n of_o israel_n begin_v to_o reign_v in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o jehoram_n the_o son_n of_o jehosaphat_n king_n of_o judah_n but_o in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n see_v the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o king_n chap._n 8._o v._n 16._o it_o be_v say_v that_o jehoram_n the_o son_n of_o jehosaphat_n king_n of_o judah_n begin_v to_o reign_v in_o the_o five_o year_n of_o jehoram_n the_o son_n of_o ahab_n king_n of_o israel_n he_o that_o will_v compare_v the_o history_n of_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n with_o those_o in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n shall_v find_v many_o of_o the_o like_a difference_n which_o i_o will_v not_o here_o particular_o mention_v nor_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o shift_n some_o author_n have_v use_v to_o reconcile_v they_o the_o rabbin_n perfect_o dote_v and_o some_o commentator_n that_o i_o have_v read_v impose_v upon_o we_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o invention_n plain_o corrupt_v the_o very_a language_n itself_o for_o example_n in_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n c._n 22._o v._n 2._o it_o be_v say_v ahaziah_n waâ—_n forty_o and_o two_o year_n old_a when_o he_o begin_v to_o reign_v some_o will_v have_v these_o year_n to_o commence_v not_o from_o ahaziah_n nativity_n but_o from_o the_o reign_n of_o omri_n if_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n i_o may_v in_o plain_a term_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v sense_n commentator_n be_v full_a of_o the_o like_a conceit_n wherein_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n a_o man_n may_v pofitive_o aver_v that_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n do_v not_o understand_v their_o own_o language_n but_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o order_n in_o history_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n or_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o expound_v scripture_n but_o every_o man_n may_v fancy_n and_o forge_n what_o he_o please_v if_o any_o think_v i_o speak_v too_o general_o and_o without_o ground_n i_o entreat_v that_o man_n to_o show_v i_o any_o such_o certain_a order_n in_o these_o history_n as_o chronologer_n may_v without_o any_o gross_a mistake_n follow_v and_o that_o while_o he_o be_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v and_o reconcile_v the_o history_n he_o will_v so_o strict_o observe_v the_o pharse_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v the_o dispose_n and_o contexture_n of_o the_o narration_n that_o another_o according_a to_o his_o explication_n may_v in_o write_v imitate_v they_o which_o if_o he_o can_v do_v i_o will_v throw_v away_o my_o pen_n and_o take_v he_o for_o a_o oracle_n i_o have_v be_v endeavour_v but_o can_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o often_o and_o long_o meditate_v and_o though_o from_o my_o childhood_n i_o have_v be_v season_v with_o the_o common_a and_o general_a opinion_n concern_v scripture_n yet_o i_o can_v not_o possible_o avoid_v confess_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v mention_v but_o i_o will_v no_o long_o detain_v the_o reader_n concern_v this_o particular_a nor_o will_v i_o further_o provoke_v he_o to_o undertake_v that_o which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o feasible_a i_o only_o make_v the_o proposal_n the_o better_a to_o explain_v my_o own_o meaning_n and_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o fate_n or_o fortune_n of_o the_o book_n for_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o careful_o keep_v by_o posterity_n as_o that_o no_o fault_n have_v creep_v into_o they_o the_o ancient_a scribe_n have_v take_v notice_n of_o many_o dubious_a reading_n and_o many_o maim_a text_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o all_o but_o whether_o the_o fault_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o those_o book_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o give_v the_o reader_n much_o trouble_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v i_o believe_v they_o be_v not_o considerable_a to_o those_o that_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o any_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n and_o i_o can_v positive_o affirm_v that_o i_o never_o observe_v any_o error_n or_o variety_n of_o readins_n concern_v mere_a precept_n or_o instruction_n which_o can_v render_v they_o doubtful_a or_o obscure_a but_o many_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o fault_n at_o all_o in_o any_o thing_n throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o peremptory_o maintain_v that_o god_n by_o a_o singular_a and_o special_a providence_n have_v keep_v the_o bible_n free_a from_o all_o corruption_n or_o adulteration_n and_o that_o the_o various_a readins_n of_o it_o comprehend_v profound_a mystery_n and_o will_v have_v great_a secret_n lie_v hide_v even_o in_o asterism_n space_n point_n and_o accent_n but_o whether_o this_o opinion_n proceed_v from_o folly_n and_o the_o dotage_n of_o devotion_n or_o from_o their_o arrogance_n and_o malice_n allow_v none_o but_o themselves_o to_o know_v god_n secret_n i_o can_v tell_v of_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o never_o read_v any_o thing_n which_o come_v from_o such_o man_n that_o seem_v mysterious_a but_o rather_o savor_v of_o schoool-boy_n conceit_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o trifle_a cabalist_n who_o freak_n and_o folly_n a_o man_n can_v choose_v but_o admire_v that_o fault_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o scripture_n no_o ingenuous_a person_n can_v deny_v who_o read_v that_o text_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v concern_v saul_n in_o the_o 13_o the_o chap._n v._n 1_o sy_n of_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o samuel_n and_o also_o that_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o verse_n of_o the_o 6_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o sam._n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o david_n arise_v and_o go_v with_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v with_o he_o from_o judah_n to_o bring_v from_o thence_o the_o ark_n of_o god._n who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n to_o which_o they_o go_v to_o fetch_v the_o ark_n be_v lest_o our_o viz._n kiriathjearim_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n deny_v but_o that_o the_o text_n in_o the_o 37_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 13_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o sam_n be_v defective_a but_o absalon_n flee_v and_o go_v to_o talmai_n the_o son_n of_o ammihud_o and_o mourn_v for_o his_o son_n every_o day_n it_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o david_n mourn_v for_o his_o son_n every_o day_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n the_o word_n david_n be_v put_v in_o but_o be_v not_o in_o the_o latin._n there_o be_v other_o such_o fault_n which_o do_v not_o at_o present_a occur_v to_o my_o memory_n that_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v every_o where_o in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v dubious_a reading_n no_o man_n will_v doubt_v who_o consider_v that_o many_o of_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o great_a likeness_n which_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n have_v one_o to_o another_o namely_o from_o the_o similitude_n which_o be_v between_o the_o letter_n kaf_n and_o bet_n the_o letter_n jod_n and_o van_n the_o letter_n dalet_n and_o res_fw-la for_o example_n in_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 5._o v._n 24._o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o latin_a translation_n in_o co_fw-la tempore_fw-la quo_fw-la audies_fw-la the_o margin_n have_v it_o cum_fw-la audies_fw-la and_o judge_n chap._n 21._o v._n 22._o the_o latin_a text_n be_v &_o quando_fw-la earum_fw-la patres_fw-la vel_fw-la fratres_fw-la in_o multitudine_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la saepe_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la venerint_fw-la into_o the_o margin_n be_v put_v ad_fw-la litigandum_fw-la many_o different_a reading_n likewise_o come_v from_o the_o use_n of_o those_o letter_n who_o sound_n or_o pronunciation_n be_v in_o read_v scarce_o perceive_v and_o one_o be_v sometime_o take_v for_o another_o for_o example_n levit._fw-la chap._n 25._o v._n 29._o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o text_n that_o if_o a_o house_n be_v sell_v which_o be_v in_o a_o city_n that_o have_v a_o wall_n the_o margin_n say_v that_o have_v not_o a_o wall._n but_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a yet_o we_o will_v make_v answer_n to_o some_o argument_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o marginal_a note_n be_v by_o those_o that_o copy_v out_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n purposely_o place_v there_o to_o signify_v some_o great_a mystery_n they_o ground_n their_o first_o argument_n which_o i_o think_v very_o slight_a upon_o the_o common_a use_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n
for_o say_v they_o if_o these_o marginal_a note_n be_v use_v purposely_o to_o show_v various_a reading_n and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v decide_v why_o then_o have_v custom_n prevail_v still_o to_o retain_v the_o marginal_a sense_n as_o always_o the_o best_a and_o that_o it_o be_v fit_v the_o most_o genuine_a and_o approve_a sense_n shall_v be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o margin_n their_o second_o argument_n which_o carry_v some_o countenance_n be_v this_o error_n and_o mistake_n in_o book_n say_v they_o be_v not_o purposely_o put_v in_o but_o happen_v by_o chance_n now_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o all_o the_o first_o five_o book_n the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nagnad_n which_o signify_v in_o latin_a puella_fw-la and_o in_o english_a a_o girl_n or_o young_a maid_n shall_v contrary_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o grammar_n be_v write_v in_o all_o place_n but_o one_o as_o a_o defective_a word_n without_o the_o letter_n he_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o margin_n be_v write_v always_o right_o do_v this_o happen_v by_o mistake_n and_o be_v the_o writer_n always_o so_o much_o in_o haste_n that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o this_o word_n he_o constant_o leave_v out_o that_o letter_n this_o defect_n may_v without_o any_o scruple_n have_v be_v easy_o mend_v and_o supply_v if_o than_o these_o various_a readins_n do_v not_o happen_v by_o chance_n and_o yet_o those_o evident_a error_n be_v leave_v uncorrected_a the_o first_o writer_n must_v design_o do_v it_o thereby_o to_o signify_v somewhat_o but_o these_o argument_n be_v easy_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v urge_v concern_v use_n and_o custom_n be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v mind_v i_o know_v not_o how_o far_o superstition_n may_v prevail_v but_o sometime_o both_o readins_n or_o sense_n may_v seem_v equal_o good_a and_o tolerable_a and_o therefore_o that_o neither_o may_v be_v neglect_v or_o undervalue_v they_o will_v have_v one_o write_v and_o the_o other_o read_v they_o be_v afraid_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n to_o pass_v any_o positive_a determination_n lest_o they_o may_v through_o uncertainty_n mistake_v and_o take_v the_o wrong_n read_n for_o the_o true_a and_o therefore_o resolve_v not_o to_o prefer_v one_o before_o the_o other_o which_o they_o must_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v command_v that_o one_o only_o shall_v be_v write_v and_o read_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o marginal_a note_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o text_n be_v because_o some_o thing_n though_o they_o be_v right_o write_v yet_o they_o will_v have_v they_o read_v as_o they_o be_v note_v in_o the_o margin_n and_o therefore_o they_o appoint_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v general_o read_v according_a to_o the_o marginal_a note_n old_a obsolete_a word_n out_o of_o use_n which_o the_o good_a manner_n of_o the_o present_a time_n will_v not_o permit_v to_o be_v public_o read_v cause_v the_o scribe_n to_o put_v thing_n into_o the_o margin_n which_o they_o will_v have_v public_o read_v marginal_a note_n not_o be_v always_o dubious_a readins_n but_o contain_v sometime_o word_n and_o expression_n not_o in_o use_n the_o ancient_a scribe_n be_v man_n free_a from_o evil_n mean_v express_v thing_n in_o plain_a downright_a word_n without_o courtly_a epithet_n but_o after_o naughtiness_n and_o luxury_n begin_v to_o reign_v those_o word_n which_o the_o ancient_n think_v have_v no_o immodesty_n in_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v account_v obscene_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o change_v the_o text_n and_o scripture_n itself_o but_o for_o decency_n sake_n they_o ordain_v that_o those_o word_n which_o signify_v coition_n and_o the_o excrement_n shall_v be_v public_o read_v to_o the_o people_n with_o great_a modesty_n as_o they_o be_v note_v in_o the_o margin_n last_o whatever_o the_o reason_n be_v why_o they_o read_v and_o interpret_v the_o text_n according_a to_o the_o marginal_a note_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o because_o those_o marginal_a reading_n be_v always_o the_o true_a interpretation_n for_o the_o rabbin_n do_v not_o only_o differ_v in_o the_o talmud_n from_o the_o masorite_n and_o have_v other_o readins_n which_o they_o approve_v but_o some_o note_n be_v find_v in_o the_o margin_n which_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o language_n will_v not_o allow_v for_o example_n in_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 14._o v._n 22._o the_o text_n say_v in_o that_o the_o king_n have_v fulfil_v the_o request_n of_o his_o servant_n which_o the_o latin_a translation_n render_v quia_fw-la effecit_fw-la rex_fw-la secundum_fw-la sententiam_fw-la servi_fw-la svi_fw-la which_o construction_n be_v very_o regular_a and_o agree_v with_o that_o in_o the_o 16_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o the_o read_n in_o the_o margin_n which_o be_v servi_fw-la tui_fw-la of_o thy_o servant_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o person_n of_o the_o verb._n so_o also_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 16_o the_o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n the_o write_a text_n in_o the_o latin_a translation_n be_v ut_fw-la cum_fw-la consultat_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la consultatur_fw-la verbum_fw-la dei._n but_o in_o the_o margin_n be_v add_v the_o pronoun_n quis_fw-la for_o the_o nomnative_a case_n to_o the_o verb_n which_o be_v not_o learned_o do_v for_o the_o common_a custom_n of_o that_o language_n be_v to_o use_v verb_n impersonal_o for_o the_o three_o person_n singular_a of_o verb_n active_a as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o grammarian_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o meet_v with_o many_o marginal_a note_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o write_a read_v of_o the_o text._n now_o for_o the_o pharisee_n second_o argument_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v namely_o that_o the_o scribe_n beside_o dubious_a readins_n note_v obsolete_a word_n for_o without_o doubt_n as_o in_o other_o language_n so_o in_o the_o hebrew_n late_a time_n antiquate_v and_o make_v useless_a many_o word_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n by_o late_a writer_n who_o as_o we_o have_v say_v note_v they_o in_o the_o margin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v read_v before_o the_o people_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o signification_n that_o be_v then_o in_o use_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o word_n naghar_n be_v every_o where_o find_v note_v in_o the_o margin_n because_o ancient_o it_o be_v of_o the_o common_a gender_n and_o signify_v the_o same_o that_o do_v the_o word_n juvenis_fw-la among_o the_o latin_n so_o also_o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v call_v jerusalem_n and_o not_o jerusalaim_v i_o think_v the_o same_o of_o the_o pronoun_n ipse_fw-la and_o ipsa_fw-la he_o and_o she_o because_o the_o late_a writer_n have_v change_v vaughan_n into_o jod_n which_o change_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v frequent_a when_o they_o will_v signify_v the_o feminine_a gender_n but_o the_o ancients_n never_o use_v to_o distinguish_v the_o feminine_a from_o the_o masculine_a gender_n of_o this_o pronoun_n but_o only_o by_o the_o vowel_n moreover_o the_o anomaly_n or_o irregularity_n of_o verb_n in_o former_a and_o late_a time_n be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o last_o the_o ancient_n make_v use_v of_o paragogical_n that_o be_v additional_a letter_n as_o a_o elegancy_n particular_a to_o their_o time_n all_o which_o i_o can_v prove_v by_o many_o example_n with_o which_o i_o will_v not_o at_o this_o time_n trouble_v the_o reader_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o i_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o answer_v because_o i_o have_v find_v they_o in_o very_o ancient_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n though_o late_a writer_n will_v not_o follow_v those_o copy_n which_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n that_o in_o other_o language_n almost_o lose_v obsolete_a word_n be_v still_o understand_v but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v still_o object_v and_o since_o i_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o note_n be_v not_o doubtful_a reading_n will_v ask_v i_o first_o why_o of_o one_o place_n there_o be_v never_o find_v more_o than_o two_o reading_n why_o not_o sometime_o three_o or_o more_o second_o see_v there_o be_v something_n in_o the_o write_a text_n so_o manifest_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o grammar_n which_o yet_o be_v right_o note_v in_o the_o margin_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o writer_n can_v make_v any_o doubt_n which_o be_v the_o true_a read_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o there_o be_v more_o readins_n than_o we_o find_v note_v in_o our_o copy_n for_o in_o the_o talmud_n there_o be_v many_o note_v which_o be_v neglect_v by_o the_o masorite_n and_o in_o many_o place_n so_o much_o mislike_v by_o they_o that_o the_o superstitious_a corrector_n of_o the_o bombergian_a bibles_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v in_o his_o preface_n that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reconcile_v
the_o language_n word_n or_o style_v wherein_o they_o be_v express_v and_o that_o all_o book_n which_o declare_v and_o teach_v what_o be_v excellent_o good_a in_o what_o tongue_n or_o by_o what_o nation_n soever_o write_v be_v equal_o sacred_a let_v this_o at_o least_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o chapter_n which_o be_v write_v in_o chaldee_n be_v no_o less_o sacred_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n to_o this_o book_n of_o daniel_n the_o first_o book_n of_o ezra_n be_v so_o annex_v that_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v both_o write_v by_o one_o person_n who_o relate_v what_o successive_o pass_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o first_o captivity_n and_o to_o this_o book_n of_o esdras_n without_o doubt_n be_v join_v the_o book_n of_o hester_n for_o the_o conjunction_n wherewith_o the_o book_n begin_v can_v relate_v to_o no_o other_o book_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v the_o same_o book_n which_o mordecai_n write_v for_o he_o that_o write_v the_o book_n of_o hester_n say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n v._n 20._o that_o mordecai_n write_v letter_n and_o declare_v what_o be_v their_o content_n moreover_o the_o 31_o the_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n tell_v we_o that_o queen_n hester_n confirm_v by_o a_o decree_n all_o thing_n concern_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_n or_o lot_n and_o in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n manner_n of_o speak_v in_o a_o book_n which_o every_o one_o at_o that_o time_n know_v which_o book_n with_o other_o aben_n ezra_n say_v be_v lose_v what_o else_o concern_v mordecai_n the_o historian_n in_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n v._n 2._o say_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o media_n and_o persia_n and_o therefore_o without_o question_n this_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o person_n who_o write_v the_o affair_n of_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n call_v the_o second_o book_n of_o ezra_n so_o that_o we_o conclude_v these_o four_o book_n namely_o daniel_n ezra_n hester_n and_o nehemiah_n to_o be_v write_v by_o one_o historian_n but_o who_o he_o be_v i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o guess_v but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whoever_o he_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v and_o from_o whence_o he_o copy_v they_o out_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o governor_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o do_v their_o king_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o keep_v scribe_n or_o historiographer_n who_o write_v annal_n and_o record_v what_o past_a which_o annal_n or_o chronology_n be_v every_o where_o cite_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n but_o those_o of_o the_o prince_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v quote_v first_o in_o nehemiah_n chap._n 12._o v._n 23._o and_o also_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o macchabee_n chap._n 16._o v._n 24._o and_o no_o question_n this_o book_n of_o annal_n be_v that_o book_n mention_v in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n of_o hester_n in_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o queen_n hester_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v mordecai_n be_v write_v which_o book_n we_o agree_v with_o aben_n ezra_n be_v lose_v and_o out_o of_o this_o book_n of_o annal_n all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o four_o book_n we_o have_v last_o mention_v be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v and_o copy_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n quote_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o four_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o of_o public_a authority_n that_o these_o four_o book_n be_v not_o write_v either_o by_o ezra_n or_o nehemiah_n appear_v by_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o and_o 10_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 12_o the_o chap._n of_o nehem._n where_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o highpriest_n jesuah_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o jaduah_n the_o six_o highpriest_n who_o go_v to_o meet_v alexander_n the_o great_a when_o he_o have_v almost_o conquer_v the_o kingdom_n of_o persia_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n and_o 8_o the_o chap._n of_o iosephus_n antiquity_n or_o as_o philo_n judaeus_fw-la say_v in_o libro_fw-la temporum_fw-la the_o six_o and_o last_o highpriest_n under_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n which_o be_v likewise_o plain_o declare_v in_o the_o 22_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a 12_o the_o chap._n of_o nehem._n where_o the_o historian_n say_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o day_n of_o eliashib_n joiada_n johanan_n and_o jaduah_n be_v record_v priest_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n the_o persian_a that_o be_v in_o the_o annal_n of_o that_o government_n and_o sure_a no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o hezra_n or_o nehemiah_n be_v so_o long_o live_v to_o survive_v fourteen_o persian_a king_n for_o cyrus_n the_o first_o king_n of_o persia_n be_v he_o that_o give_v the_o jew_n liberty_n to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n and_o from_o he_o to_o darius_n the_o fourteen_o and_o last_o king_n of_o the_o persian_n be_v reckon_v 230_o year_n therefore_o without_o all_o doubt_n these_o four_o book_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v write_v long_o after_o judas_n maccabeus_n restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o also_o because_o at_o that_o time_n be_v spurious_a counterfeit_n book_n of_o daniel_n hesdras_n and_o hester_n publish_v by_o some_o malicious_a person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o zadduce_n for_o the_o pharisee_n will_v never_o own_v they_o and_o though_o in_o the_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o 4_o the_o of_o esdras_n there_o be_v some_o fabulous_a story_n which_o we_o also_o find_v in_o the_o talmud_n yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v father_v on_o the_o pharisee_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o sense_n but_o believe_v those_o tale_n be_v add_v by_o some_o trifle_a fellow_n perhaps_o to_o render_v the_o pharisaical_a tradition_n ridiculous_a or_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o that_o time_n believe_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n be_v fulfil_v thereby_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o and_o great_a calamity_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o despair_n but_o though_o these_o book_n be_v of_o no_o great_a antiquity_n yet_o many_o fault_n i_o suppose_v through_o haste_n in_o those_o who_o copy_v they_o out_o have_v creep_v into_o they_o for_o in_o these_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n be_v many_o marginal_a note_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o also_o some_o place_n for_o which_o no_o excuse_n can_v be_v make_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o marginal_a readins_n of_o these_o book_n be_v as_o the_o pharisee_n will_v have_v it_o as_o ancient_a as_o the_o writer_n themselves_o than_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o scribe_n if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o put_v these_o note_n into_o the_o margin_n because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v the_o annal_n from_o whence_o they_o copy_v out_o the_o book_n perfect_o write_v and_o though_o some_o fault_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a yet_o the_o scribe_n will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o alter_v or_o mend_v the_o write_n of_o their_o ancestor_n of_o this_o particular_a i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o i_o now_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v those_o error_n whereof_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v in_o the_o margin_n i_o can_v tell_v how_o many_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o chap_n of_o ezra_n for_o in_o the_o 64_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n together_o of_o those_o that_o go_v up_o out_o of_o captivity_n to_o jerusalem_n be_v forty_o two_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o and_o yet_o if_o the_o particular_a number_n throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v exact_o sum_v up_o and_o add_v together_o they_o make_v the_o total_a to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o twenty_o nine_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o total_a or_o particular_a number_n now_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a the_o total_a number_n be_v not_o mistake_v but_o set_v down_o right_a because_o every_o one_o may_v keep_v that_o in_o memory_n though_o he_o can_v not_o remember_v the_o particular_a number_n have_v there_o be_v any_o error_n or_o mistake_n in_o the_o total_a every_o body_n will_v have_v know_v it_o and_o it_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o mend_v which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o nehemiah_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o they_o that_o come_v up_o from_o the_o captivity_n be_v the_o very_a same_o mention_v in_o the_o 2_o d_o chap_n of_o ezra_n but_o the_o particular_a number_n very_o much_o differ_v for_o
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
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
of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n let_v man_n cease_v to_o adore_v the_o letter_n and_o not_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o holiness_n and_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v proper_o mean_v by_o debar_v jehovah_n the_o word_n of_o god._n debar_v signify_v word_n speech_n decree_n thing_n now_o upon_o what_o ground_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n or_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o that_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v there_o say_v or_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o miracle_n it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o make_v the_o thing_n very_o clear_a i_o need_v only_o declare_v that_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v predicate_v of_o any_o subject_n which_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o it_o proper_o signify_v that_o divine_a law_n of_o which_o we_o treat_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n namely_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n mention_v in_o isaiah_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o where_o the_o prophet_n declare_v that_o the_o right_a way_n of_o live_v consist_v in_o charity_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o pure_a heart_n which_o he_o call_v the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v also_o take_v metaphorical_o for_o the_o order_n or_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o fate_n because_o it_o follow_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n particular_o for_o whatever_o the_o prophet_n foresee_v in_o this_o course_n of_o nature_n because_o the_o prophet_n understand_v future_a event_n not_o by_o natural_a cause_n but_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god._n moreover_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o which_o any_o prophet_n command_v or_o declare_v because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o by_o natural_a light_n but_o by_o the_o singular_a virtue_n and_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o more_o especial_o because_o the_o prophet_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n apprehend_v god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o lawgiver_n for_o these_o three_o reason_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o because_o it_o teach_v we_o true_a religion_n whereof_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n be_v the_o author_n second_o because_o it_o make_v prophecy_n to_o be_v god_n decree_n and_o last_o because_o the_o author_n of_o those_o prophecy_n teach_v for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v by_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o a_o faculty_n and_o gift_n peculiar_a only_o to_o they_o and_o introduce_v god_n speak_v as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o now_o though_o the_o scripture_n contain_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v mere_o historical_a and_o may_v be_v unnderstood_v by_o natural_a knowledge_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o other_o particular_n i_o have_v last_o mention_v so_o that_o now_o we_o plain_o see_v why_o god_n be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o not_o because_o it_o contain_v and_o have_v communicate_v to_o we_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v also_o learn_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n because_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o prophet_n preach_v religion_n as_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o force_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o moses_n time_n but_o after_o christ_n come_n because_o the_o apostle_n preach_v religion_n upon_o christ_n account_n as_o a_o law_n universal_a to_o all_o mankind_n not_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n differ_v in_o doctrine_n or_o that_o the_o book_n of_o either_o testament_n be_v the_o deed_n and_o indenture_n of_o the_o write_a covenant_n nor_o last_o because_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v universal_a be_v new_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o know_v it_o not_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o if_o then_o we_o have_v not_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v god_n word_n as_o it_o proper_o signify_v true_a religion_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v any_o part_n thereof_o be_v want_v though_o we_o lack_v many_o of_o those_o other_o excellent_a write_n namely_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v so_o religious_o keep_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o the_o original_a wherein_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o write_v with_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o war_n and_o record_n of_o time_n from_o whence_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v transcribe_v and_o collect_v and_o this_o be_v make_v good_a by_o many_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n be_v not_o write_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o age_n but_o by_o chance_n for_o some_o particular_a people_n and_o that_o as_o the_o time_n and_o their_o particular_a disposition_n require_v which_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v call_v to_o warn_v and_o reprove_v the_o ungodly_a of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o also_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n second_o because_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v one_o thing_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o thing_n be_v another_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o prophet_n which_o distinction_n likewise_o hold_v in_o history_n and_o miracle_n as_o we_o have_v 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