in_o a_o book_n or_o a_o few_o unsense_v character_n and_o yet_o at_o this_o rate_n do_v the_o papist_n frequent_o talk_v it_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o word_n proper_o take_v to_o be_v significative_a for_o this_o end_n be_v they_o invent_v and_o appoint_v and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v they_o their_o form_n brute_n animal_n though_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v to_o utter_v many_o word_n yet_o because_o they_o understand_v not_o true_o &_o real_o any_o thing_n they_o say_v therefore_o they_o can_v be_v say_v be_v say_v proper_o to_o speak_v to_o affirm_v that_o by_o the_o scripture_n we_o can_v mean_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o but_o only_o a_o book_n of_o such_o and_o such_o unsense_v character_n be_v to_o degrade_v god_n below_o a_o man_n and_o to_o treat_v a_o writing_n indict_v by_o he_o more_o opprobrious_o than_o we_o will_v allow_v our_o own_o scribe_n to_o be_v deal_v withal_o do_v we_o not_o judge_n and_o account_v other_o book_n to_o be_v interpreter_n of_o their_o 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to_o prefigure_v other_o thing_n do_v according_o carry_v a_o key_n along_o with_o they_o by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v unlock_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o of_o one_o sense_n of_o a_o text_n there_o maybe_o two_o part_n namely_o when_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v immediate_o signify_v do_v denote_v or_o at_o least_o lead_v we_o to_o something_o more_o sublime_a though_o even_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v but_o one_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o the_o literal_a the_o mystical_a being_n not_o so_o much_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o occasion_v by_o and_o build_v upon_o the_o thing_n signify_v or_o if_o you_o will_v there_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o habitude_n between_o the_o literal_a
that_o we_o need_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n to_o convince_v we_o who_o they_o be_v but_o they_o carry_v a_o demonstrative_a assurance_n of_o their_o author_n in_o themselves_o the_o like_a evidence_n may_v be_v just_o expect_v to_o attend_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v to_o accompany_v his_o work_n and_o indeed_o god_n end_v in_o revelation_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o his_o end_n in_o creation_n and_o the_o world_n be_v more_o liable_a to_o be_v impose_v on_o in_o that_o matter_n than_o in_o this_o it_o be_v but_o rational_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v leave_v at_o least_o as_o conspicuous_a and_o glorious_a impression_n and_o character_n of_o himself_o upon_o his_o word_n as_o upon_o the_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n and_o if_o man_n in_o the_o write_n of_o book_n do_v not_o only_o leave_v on_o they_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v know_v they_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o rational_a creature_n but_o withal_o 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the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o character_n impress_v on_o it_o respect_v the_o form_n of_o it_o or_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o thing_n be_v deliver_v and_o treat_v and_o here_o the_o majestic_a authority_n that_o it_o dictate_v to_o mankind_n in_o be_v huge_o remarkable_a in_o no_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o be_v there_o that_o sovereignty_n of_o command_v usurp_v that_o the_o scripture_n assume_v it_o alone_o treat_v with_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o supremacy_n majesty_n and_o authority_n become_v he_o in_o who_o name_n it_o pretend_v to_o speak_v whatever_o else_o have_v lay_v claym_v to_o the_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o mankind_n do_v by_o its_o sneak_v creep_a flatter_a way_n of_o address_n evident_o betray_v the_o meanness_n of_o its_o original_a 2_o dly_z the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o breath_n of_o god_n with_o what_o brevity_n without_o darkness_n with_o what_o simplicity_n without_o corruption_n with_o what_o gravity_n without_o affectation_n with_o what_o eloquence_n without_o meretricious_a ornament_n with_o what_o plainness_n without_o flatness_n or_o sordidness_n with_o what_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n without_o unsuitableness_n to_o the_o subject_a matter_n be_v the_o scripture_n write_v when_o the_o holy_a inspirer_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n stoop_v most_o to_o our_o capacity_n he_o even_o then_o retain_v a_o prerogative_n in_o his_o style_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o mere_o humane_a write_n there_o be_v that_o succinctness_n prespicuity_n plenitude_n and_o majesty_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture-law_n that_o sweetness_n and_o spirituality_n in_o promise_n that_o austerity_n in_o commination_n that_o wonderful_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d force_n and_o emotion_n in_o expostulation_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d meet_v accommodation_n of_o word_n unto_o thing_n through_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o no_o humane_a write_n can_v equal_v if_o there_o be_v at_o any_o time_n obscurity_n in_o the_o scripture-stile_n it_o be_v either_o from_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o matter_n declare_v which_o no_o word_n though_o never_o so_o easy_a in_o themselves_o can_v help_v we_o to_o adequate_a notion_n of_o or_o it_o be_v from_o some_o reference_n to_o ancient_a custom_n and_o story_n which_o make_v the_o expression_n easy_a to_o the_o age_n and_o person_n first_o concern_v in_o they_o though_o they_o may_v be_v dark_a to_o we_o through_o our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v both_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o and_o the_o key_n to_o they_o or_o else_o it_o be_v because_o they_o regard_v futurity_n which_o it_o be_v neither_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o the_o interest_n of_o primitive_a believer_n to_o have_v have_v plain_o foretell_v and_o as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o will_v give_v convince_v light_n about_o they_o so_o
they_o upon_o divine_a testimony_n but_o it_o ought_v further_o to_o inquire_v what_o inducement_n and_o media_n there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v also_o know_v and_o demonstrate_v and_o as_o this_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o reason_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v foundation_n in_o natural_a light_n so_o especial_o in_o and_o about_o such_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o be_v necessary_o pre-supposed_n to_o faith_n of_o which_o kind_n be_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n build_v upon_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o part_n of_o it_o know_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o bible_n and_o according_o among_o such_o as_o own_o that_o book_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o need_v no_o other_o bottom_n to_o erect_v our_o faith_n upon_o nor_o any_o other_o measure_n to_o regulate_v our_o debate_n and_o to_o determine_v our_o controversy_n by_o yet_o when_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v contend_v about_o it_o be_v neither_o a_o just_a nor_o a_o rational_a way_n of_o procedure_n bare_o to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v divine_a but_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v so_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o koran_n to_o proceed_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o mahometan_a no_o more_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o a_o mussulman_n shall_v believe_v what_o we_o call_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v god_n word_n upon_o the_o naked_a testimony_n of_o a_o christian._n as_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o shall_v betray_v religion_n to_o every_o infidel_n by_o pretend_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o a_o book_n who_o sacred_a authority_n we_o can_v justify_v so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o drudgery_n in_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n for_o beside_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o by_o such_o a_o method_n unavoidable_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o every_o enthusiast_n but_o with_o all_o minister_n a_o just_a plea_n to_o such_o as_o dislike_v religion_n because_o of_o its_o unfriendliness_n to_o their_o lust_n for_o the_o renounce_n of_o it_o now_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v must_v precede_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v bring_v not_o only_o to_o such_o as_o own_o their_o truth_n but_o even_o to_o infidel_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o naked_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n nature_n and_o quality_n that_o they_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o author_n and_o thus_o we_o arrive_v by_o the_o scripture_n at_o a_o assurance_n of_o god_n existence_n as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o cause_n by_o its_o effect_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n mere_a testification_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o presuppose_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o do_v without_o the_o least_o guilt_n of_o vain_a credulity_n because_o upon_o the_o high_a reason_n implicit_o believe_v it_o in_o discourse_v the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o demonstrate_v the_o forementioned_a article_n together_o with_o those_o other_o doctrine_n that_o have_v their_o foundation_n not_o only_o in_o revelation_n but_o also_o in_o natural_a light_n and_o such_o common_a principle_n which_o all_o man_n assent_v to_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o wonderful_a brevity_n and_o rather_o point_n at_o argument_n than_o pursue_v they_o and_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v there_o no_o supernatural_a revelation_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v enough_o both_o within_o we_o and_o without_o we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n hence_o though_o god_n have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n to_o convince_v infidel_n and_o misbeliever_n yet_o he_o never_o wrought_v any_o to_o convince_v atheist_n nor_o do_v the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o be_v evident_o manifest_a both_o by_o sensible_a and_o rational_a demonstration_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v on_o the_o cartesian_a argument_n draw_v from_o a_o innate_a and_o engraft_v idea_n of_o god_n for_o upon_o a_o most_o serious_a perusal_n of_o what_o be_v allege_v by_o cartes_n himself_o claubergius_n de_fw-fr bruin_n doctor_n more_o and_o other_o in_o vindication_n of_o it_o together_o with_o what_o be_v produce_v by_o gassendus_fw-la ezekius_fw-la vogelsangius_fw-la derkennis_fw-la doctor_n parker_n and_o other_o against_o it_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o little_o better_a than_o a_o sophism_n and_o to_o maintain_v a_o article_n of_o such_o import_n by_o a_o medium_fw-la either_o weak_a or_o fallacious_a be_v to_o betray_v the_o first_o fundamental_a of_o religion_n i_o know_v no_o idea_n formal_o innate_a what_o we_o common_o call_v so_o be_v the_o result_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v not_o otherwise_o inbred_a then_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o a_o natural_a sagacity_n that_o upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o rational_a power_n she_o be_v infallible_o lead_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o this_o be_v first_o effect_v by_o she_o look_v inward_o upon_o herself_o and_o she_o own_o act_n and_o we_o be_v with_o facility_n and_o by_o a_o short_a way_n of_o argumentation_n conduct_v thence_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n for_o 1_o st_z we_o perceive_v that_o the_o faculty_n resident_a in_o we_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o not_o self-existent_a nor_o indebt_v to_o itself_o for_o those_o it_o have_v otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v clothe_v itself_o with_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n it_o can_v imagine_v and_o by_o consequence_n find_v its_o own_o exility_n and_o imperfection_n it_o natural_o and_o with_o ease_n arrive_v at_o a_o persuasion_n of_o derive_v its_o original_a from_o some_o first_o supreme_a and_o free_a agent_n who_o have_v make_v it_o what_o it_o be_v and_o this_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n two_o d_o we_o perceive_v that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o faculty_n that_o apprehend_v judge_v reason_v but_o what_o it_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o perform_v those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v some_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v give_v we_o this_o faculty_n and_o understand_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o know_v which_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o 3_o dly_a our_o nature_n be_v such_o that_o assoon_o as_o we_o come_v to_o have_v the_o use_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v some_o thing_n good_a and_o other_o thing_n evil._n there_o be_v a_o unalterable_a congruity_n betwixt_o some_o act_n and_o our_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o a_o unchangeable_a incongruity_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o now_o this_o plain_o sway_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n for_o all_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n relate_v to_o a_o law_n under_o the_o sanction_n of_o which_o we_o be_v and_o all_o law_n suppose_v a_o superior_a who_o have_v right_o to_o command_v we_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o universal_a independent_a supreme_a but_o god_n 4_o lie_n we_o find_v ourselves_o possess_v of_o a_o faculty_n necessary_o reflect_v on_o its_o own_o act_n and_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o itself_o in_o all_o it_o do_v which_o be_v a_o further_a conviction_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n for_o it_o imply_v a_o supreme_a judge_n to_o who_o we_o be_v accountable_a 5_o lie_n we_o find_v that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o faculty_n of_o vast_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v satisfy_v our_o crave_n and_o by_o consequence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o supreme_a good_a adequate_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o long_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n this_o be_v his_o mean_v who_o say_v of_o the_o heathen_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o nod_v after_o a_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la it_o be_v to_o put_v a_o slur_n upon_o nature_n to_o suppose_v that_o she_o have_v put_v those_o propension_n and_o inclination_n into_o we_o only_o to_o delude_v and_o abuse_v we_o 6_o lie_n we_o find_v the_o
do_v not_o alter_v their_o opinion_n as_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n than_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o regulation_n of_o mankind_n in_o religious_a concernment_n so_o it_o be_v also_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o consign_v to_o writing_n and_o that_o by_o person_n immediate_o inspire_v there_o be_v no_o other_o medium_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o it_o will_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o fallibility_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o way_n beside_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o such_o record_n by_o which_o we_o can_v rational_o justify_v our_o reception_n of_o they_o or_o attain_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d security_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o record_v i_o have_v discourse_v the_o two_o forego_v particular_n in_o way_n of_o surplusage_n the_o theme_n i_o be_o upon_o not_o require_v they_o for_o if_o we_o can_v but_o demonstrate_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o god_n have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o it_o be_v consign_v to_o write_v in_o the_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n our_o obligation_n to_o receive_v that_o book_n be_v indispensable_a and_o our_o concern_v in_o it_o be_v infinite_o momentous_a though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o conduct_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o needful_a and_o much_o more_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v yet_o pursue_v the_o thread_n i_o have_v begin_v and_o take_v it_o for_o prove_v both_o that_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v register_v some_o where_o or_o other_o in_o writing_n i_o advance_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a namely_o that_o no_o write_a record_n beside_o the_o bible_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o divine_a inspiration_n or_o that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o person_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v and_o move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v no_o book_n can_v rival_n the_o scripture_n in_o this_o pretence_n first_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ethnic_a legislator_n poet_n and_o philosopher_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o put_v in_o a_o demurrer_n to_o the_o bible_n in_o this_o matter_n many_o of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o the_o ethnic_a religion_n be_v lose_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o reprieve_n and_o those_o which_o remain_v whether_o relate_v to_o their_o mythick_n politic_a or_o natural_a theology_n contain_v matter_n so_o extravagant_a and_o absurd_a and_o be_v stuff_v with_o dogm_n so_o repugnant_a both_o to_o natural_a light_n and_o one_o another_o that_o he_o must_v have_v forfeit_v his_o reason_n who_o can_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o god_n the_o whole_a heathen_a religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o abuse_n of_o that_o natural_a inclination_n which_o all_o man_n have_v to_o worship_v a_o god_n who_o because_o they_o neither_o know_v nor_o how_o he_o will_v be_v serve_v they_o guess_v at_o both_o in_o the_o dark_a mankind_n be_v furnish_v with_o faculty_n instruct_v they_o both_o in_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v fall_v to_o exercise_v their_o rational_a power_n not_o only_o in_o inquiry_n after_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v but_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v be_v serve_v and_o whereas_o have_v they_o attend_v to_o reason_n they_o may_v by_o short_a ratiocination_n have_v learn_v a_o great_a deal_n as_o to_o both_o in_o the_o negative_a namely_o what_o he_o be_v not_o and_o what_o service_n will_v not_o please_v he_o and_o have_v they_o improve_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o seed_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o they_o they_o may_v have_v arrive_v at_o something_o not_o inconsiderable_a as_o to_o the_o affirmative_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o yet_o partly_o through_o a_o stretch_v their_o line_n beyond_o its_o measure_n partly_o through_o supiness_n and_o carelessness_n in_o their_o deduction_n they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o prevaricate_v in_o the_o whole_a they_o undertake_v and_o whereas_o they_o may_v have_v be_v assist_v in_o their_o theologick_n speculation_n by_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o ancient_a tradition_n which_o be_v the_o objective_n help_v leave_v they_o they_o do_v as_o to_o both_o shameful_o corrupt_v themselves_o for_o instead_o of_o be_v conduct_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n by_o his_o work_n these_o they_o deify_v serve_v the_o creature_n which_o shall_v have_v guide_v they_o to_o the_o creator_n and_o hence_o spring_v sabaism_n and_o all_o the_o oriental_a idolatry_n and_o for_o ancient_a tradition_n these_o they_o woeful_o disguise_v and_o adulterate_v by_o innumerable_a fable_n and_o thence_o arise_v their_o mythick_n theology_n but_o still_o find_v themselves_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o be_v also_o possess_v with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v they_o in_o religious_a concernment_n they_o become_v expose_v to_o a_o twofold_a further_o inconvenience_n first_o cunning_a man_n by_o pretend_v either_o to_o inspiration_n or_o converse_n with_o some_o deity_n obtrude_v upon_o they_o what_o they_o please_v and_o here_o statesman_n do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n play_v their_o part_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o much_o of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o stratagem_n of_o ruler_n and_o little_a art_n of_o government_n second_o satan_n take_v a_o occasion_n hence_o of_o abuse_v mankind_n by_o oracle_n either_o immediate_o utter_v or_o by_o man_n who_o he_o act_v and_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o devil_n organ_n utter_v what_o he_o inspire_v they_o with_o nor_o do_v i_o mean_v this_o only_a with_o reference_n to_o their_o oracular_a priest_n and_o pythian_a virgin_n but_o i_o include_v both_o their_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n the_o poet_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a author_n of_o the_o ethnic_a divinity_n and_o be_v general_o judge_v inspire_v plato_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o they_o in_o his_o dialogue_n style_v jon._n it_o be_v likely_a enough_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v inspire_v but_o by_o who_o their_o write_n abundant_o discover_v menon_n nor_o be_v their_o philosopher_n who_o plato_n also_o affirm_v to_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v by_o any_o better_a spirit_n many_o of_o they_o of_o one_o sect_n as_o well_o as_o another_o be_v rank_a magician_n in_o brief_a the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o god_n their_o stuff_v their_o worship_n with_o adultery_n and_o impure_a mixture_n their_o appease_n their_o deity_n by_o humane_a victim_n not_o to_o mention_v a_o thousand_o thing_n else_o that_o may_v be_v muster_v against_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v so_o many_o demonstration_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v divine_a who_o can_v suppose_v that_o to_o be_v sacred_a which_o be_v impure_a or_o conceive_v that_o which_o over-throws_a humanity_n shall_v have_v proceed_v from_o god_n there_o be_v little_a hope_n of_o find_v any_o thing_n there_o for_o our_o conduct_n in_o religion_n where_o we_o be_v so_o much_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o find_v the_o measure_n of_o moral_a virtue_n the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_a whether_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n be_v then_o void_a of_o all_o just_a pretence_n of_o admission_n for_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a record_n reason_n will_v with_o the_o like_a demonstrative_a evidence_n convince_v we_o that_o this_o claim_n be_v undue_o also_o ascribe_v to_o the_o alcoran_n it_o be_v true_a mahomet_n pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n most_n think_v that_o he_o counterfeit_v in_o his_o pretence_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n he_o do_v so_o but_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o immediate_a interposure_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o case_n so_o that_o he_o be_v deceive_v himself_o ere_o he_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v other_o i_o be_o not_o so_o well_o assure_v the_o epileptical_a distemper_n to_o which_o he_o be_v subject_a have_v in_o other_o be_v attend_v with_o diabolical_a insinuation_n the_o age_n in_o which_o he_o live_v be_v enthusiastical_o incline_v and_o the_o grosseness_n of_o the_o arabian_a wit_n together_o with_o the_o subserviency_n of_o ethnic_a idolatry_n which_o remain_v up_o and_o down_o among_o they_o may_v encourage_v satan_n to_o make_v a_o attempt_n that_o way_n among_o that_o people_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o or_o whether_o the_o whole_a be_v single_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o himself_o and_o one_o or_o two_o impostor_n more_o that_o assist_v he_o be_v
one_o of_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v allege_v by_o which_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n both_o of_o the_o bible_n in_o general_n and_o of_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a book_n in_o it_o so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o book_n receive_v into_o the_o canon_n where_o any_o of_o these_o be_v want_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v narrative_n of_o thing_n do_v among_o man_n and_o most_o of_o those_o be_v bear_v witness_v to_o in_o such_o other_o book_n as_o have_v all_o the_o foregoing_a character_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o testify_v to_o yet_o we_o have_v all_o desirable_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o though_o all_o the_o precede_a signature_n do_v not_o occur_v in_o they_o yet_o some_o one_o or_o more_o by_o which_o they_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o god_n do_v and_o in_o none_o of_o they_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v produce_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v easy_a by_o the_o precede_a mark_n to_o discharge_v from_o all_o interest_n in_o divine_a inspiration_n a_o vast_a number_n of_o book_n that_o pretend_v to_o a_o share_n in_o it_o by_o such_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o sibylline_a write_n the_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n to_o abgarus_n the_o gospel_n of_o nicodemus_n james_n and_o andrew_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o revelation_n of_o paul_n his_o epistle_n to_o seneca_n and_o the_o laodicean_n the_o missal_n of_o matthew_n mark_n peter_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o those_o book_n which_o be_v common_o style_v apocryphal_a §_o 7._o beside_o the_o character_n impress_v on_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o it_o be_v plain_o evidence_v there_o be_v many_o external_n motive_n by_o which_o the_o same_o may_v be_v further_o demonstrate_v and_o here_o may_v be_v plead_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o penman_n their_o candour_n sincerity_n inability_n of_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o such_o a_o contrivance_n that_o they_o have_v no_o base_a nor_o secular_a end_n that_o they_o be_v impartial_a in_o lay_v open_a their_o fail_n and_o that_o they_o always_o father_n the_o whole_a upon_o god_n 2_o the_o antiquity_n of_o scripture_n record_v at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o they_o to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v consonant_a and_o upon_o which_o they_o superstruct_v 3_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o bible_n through_o so_o many_o age_n when_o so_o many_o of_o wit_n power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n have_v set_v themselves_o against_o it_o 4_o it_o be_v spread_v success_n and_o entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o propagation_n without_o force_n of_o arm_n or_o aft_n of_o eloquence_n 5_o the_o effect_n it_o have_v wrought_v in_o great_a sudden_a &_o last_a change_n that_o it_o have_v produce_v in_o man_n principled_a in_o their_o judgement_n prepossess_v with_o education_n and_o prejudice_v by_o lust_n against_o it_o 6_o the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v god_n seal_v to_o authorise_v the_o person_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v wrought_v and_o doctrine_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v for_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n transcendent_a to_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o natural_a agent_n it_o be_v either_o the_o alter_n and_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o produce_v some_o effect_n above_o its_o law_n and_o power_n a_o miracle_n be_v a_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o nature_n either_o without_o interposure_n of_o a_o second_o cause_n or_o above_o its_o ability_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o production_n of_o something_o out_o of_o nothing_o either_o as_o to_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o production_n now_o such_o work_n be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o almighty_a power_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a title_n of_o god_n to_o do_v wonder_n and_o he_o only_o can_v do_v wonderful_a thing_n be_v there_o not_o some_o thing_n impossible_a to_o natural_a agent_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o a_o real_a miracle_n and_o be_v there_o not_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o only_o think_v to_o be_v impossibles_fw-fr in_o nature_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v delude_v by_o a_o appear_a one_o effect_n exceed_v the_o line_n of_o ordinary_a operation_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o a_o combination_n of_o material_a agent_n and_o satan_n may_v wonderful_o ape_n a_o miracle_n by_o the_o impression_n he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v upon_o matter_n but_o every_o true_a miracle_n be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o power_n that_o be_v infinite_a as_o god_n alone_o can_v work_v miracle_n so_o he_o never_o exert_v his_o power_n in_o the_o production_n of_o any_o but_o in_o order_n to_o humane_a instruction_n the_o devil_n love_v to_o be_v act_v his_o power_n to_o fill_v man_n with_o amazement_n and_o to_o make_v they_o wonder_n but_o god_n reserve_v his_o power_n to_o seal_v some_o portant_fw-la truth_n to_o relieve_v man_n in_o some_o urgent_a straight_a or_o to_o affright_v they_o from_o some_o destructive_a practice_n miraculous_a work_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a attestation_n that_o god_n can_v give_v either_o to_o person_n or_o thing_n and_o be_v usual_o his_o seal_n to_o some_o great_a truth_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n &_o can_v be_v see_v to_o give_v testimony_n yea_o shall_v he_o assume_v a_o shape_n and_o in_o that_o declare_v himself_o there_o will_v be_v still_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o lyableness_n to_o exception_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o god_n can_v give_v to_o person_n doctrine_n or_o cause_n be_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o some_o such_o work_n as_o be_v only_o possible_a for_o a_o almighty_a power_n to_o produce_v hence_o those_o ancient_a impostor_n that_o usurp_v the_o title_n of_o prophet_n either_o among_o the_o jew_n christian_n or_o heathen_n pretend_v to_o miracle_n and_o sign_n know_v that_o without_o that_o counterfeit_a seal_n their_o doctrine_n will_v never_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o people_n and_o the_o better_a to_o ape_n a_o miracle_n the_o great_a part_n of_o pretender_n to_o enthusiasm_n be_v in_o all_o age_n magician_n true_a miracle_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n immediate_a power_n the_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v not_o admit_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotency_n to_o confirm_v a_o falsehood_n for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o induce_v man_n into_o error_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o therefore_o while_o i_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v true_a and_o good_a i_o will_v never_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v lend_v his_o power_n to_o impostor_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v mankind_n yea_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o divine_a truth_n and_o justice_n so_o to_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o his_o wisdom_n in_o that_o he_o shall_v hereby_o not_o only_o weaken_v but_o whole_o take_v off_o all_o the_o evidence_n that_o himself_o can_v give_v to_o truth_n by_o miraculous_a operation_n for_o if_o god_n can_v exert_v his_o power_n in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n in_o one_o case_n what_o security_n can_v we_o have_v that_o he_o may_v not_o do_v so_o in_o another_o to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v never_o work_v a_o miracle_n for_o our_o trial_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o false_a doctrine_n till_o he_o have_v unquestionable_o confirm_v his_o own_o truth_n before_o and_o that_o the_o have_v a_o establish_a rule_n to_o examine_v after_o doctrine_n by_o be_v enough_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o error_n though_o it_o shall_v come_v back_v with_o the_o attestation_n of_o miraculous_a work_n i_o affirm_v that_o this_o plea_n be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o and_o that_o there_o be_v objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n which_o it_o do_v not_o resolve_v for_o first_o as_o primitive_a revelation_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v confirmation_n from_o its_o consonancy_n to_o any_o revelation_n former_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v itself_o the_o first_o so_o after_o revelation_n that_o be_v either_o real_o or_o according_a to_o the_o best_a judgement_n that_o we_o can_v make_v new_a be_v as_o little_a tryable_a by_o their_o congruency_n to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o if_o we_o allow_v miracle_n to_o be_v a_o authentic_a attestation_n in_o such_o case_n i_o see_v not_o how_o we_o can_v admit_v they_o to_o be_v fallacious_a in_o any_o second_o the_o ancient_a portion_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o mosaic_a write_n now_o antecedent_o to_o the_o give_v forth_o of_o these_o as_o the_o standard_n of_o after_o doctrine_n idolatry_n superstition_n and_o error_n have_v great_o overspread_v the_o world_n i_o will_v therefore_o ask_v if_o god_n
sense_n and_o the_o mystical_a that_o they_o do_v both_o together_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a complete_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o proposition_n which_o admit_v a_o literal_a and_o a_o mystical_a sense_n though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o explicite_fw-la enunciation_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o implicit_o and_o if_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o literal_a sense_n and_o the_o mystical_a they_o may_v for_o i_o nor_o will_v i_o quarrel_v with_o they_o but_o to_o assign_v a_o plurality_n of_o coordinate_a or_o ambiguous_a sense_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o text_n i._n be_v the_o height_n of_o madness_n invent_v only_o to_o reproach_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o expound_v of_o it_o mare_n and_o be_v indeed_o repugnant_a not_o only_o to_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o disparate_a sense_n we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o any_o one_o proposition_n now_o when_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o asseâ—t_v its_o be_v intelligible_a we_o always_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a actual_o to_o understand_v it_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o itself_o and_o our_o disposedness_n to_o understand_v it_o right_n be_v thing_n vast_o distant_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v in_o itself_o facile_a and_o plain_a though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o remain_v dark_a and_o obscure_a to_o those_o who_o have_v shut_v their_o eye_n or_o that_o have_v their_o understanding_n defile_v tinctured_a and_o darken_v by_o fuliginous_a vapour_n the_o bible_n be_v only_o plain_a to_o such_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o without_o prepossession_n prejudice_n and_o forestall_a judgement_n &_o be_v withal_o humble_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o though_o the_o ethereal_a region_n be_v replenish_v with_o ray_n of_o light_n emit_v from_o the_o great_a luminary_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a that_o man_n have_v eye_n and_o that_o they_o open_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o discover_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o if_o our_o understanding_n either_o from_o that_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o they_o be_v envelop_v and_o muffle_v with_o through_o the_o fall_n or_o from_o malignant_a habit_n occasion_v either_o by_o unhappy_a education_n or_o sensual_a lust_n do_v not_o discern_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o impeachment_n of_o its_o perspicuity_n but_o a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o weakness_n corruption_n and_o folly_n beside_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o its_o easiness_n to_o be_v understand_v we_o always_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o scripture_n text_n relate_v to_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n &_o manner_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o such_o of_o who_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a the_o doctrine_n they_o refer_v to_o have_v no_o indispensable_a connexion_n with_o salvation_n the_o whole_a will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o to_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o such_o ambiguity_n or_o obscurity_n as_o shall_v hinder_v it_o from_o be_v understand_v though_o god_n in_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n have_v in_o many_o thing_n who_o simple_a ignorance_n do_v not_o interpose_v with_o salvation_n leave_v many_o hard_a and_o difficult_a text_n partly_o to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n partly_o to_o employ_v our_o mind_n unto_o diligence_n partly_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o implore_v divine_a instruction_n and_o to_o make_v we_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o illumination_n and_o partly_o to_o exercise_v our_o soul_n unto_o reverence_n but_o in_o fundamental_a truth_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o for_o the_o end_n give_v measure_n and_o fix_v bound_n unto_o mean_n it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yea_o nor_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v that_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o upon_o no_o less_o peril_n than_o the_o hazard_n of_o salvation_n he_o have_v require_v the_o indispensable_a knowledge_n of_o as_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n need_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o truth_n be_v self-evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o import_n of_o term_n so_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n carry_v a_o evidence_n in_o the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o their_o revelation_n that_o every_o one_o who_o read_v the_o bible_n without_o prejudice_n and_o a_o perverse_a mind_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v there_o propose_v nor_o be_v it_o any_o argument_n that_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o such_o article_n be_v reveal_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v because_o some_o out_o of_o prejudice_n or_o perverseness_n have_v wrest_v they_o to_o a_o corrupt_a sense_n see_v god_n do_v not_o indite_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o froward_a and_o captious_a but_o for_o such_o who_o will_v read_v it_o with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o as_o aristotle_n say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o self_n evident_a principle_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o such_o who_o have_v find_v and_o undepraved_a understanding_n topic._n 6._o cap._n 4._o so_o it_o be_v no_o impeachment_n of_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n that_o man_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n defile_v and_o darken_v by_o lust_n infect_v with_o evil_a opinion_n and_o fill_v with_o prejudices_fw-la do_v not_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n while_o all_o truth_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o while_o we_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v whatsoever_o be_v so_o a_o enumeration_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a and_o possible_o not_o safe_a now_o as_o all_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v so_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v so_o so_o be_v understand_v they_o be_v as_o well_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n by_o which_o dark_a and_o obscure_a text_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o the_o key_n to_o the_o open_n of_o they_o as_o curve_v line_n be_v best_a discern_v when_o apply_v to_o straight_o so_o be_v heterodox_n sense_n impose_v on_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n best_o perceive_v when_o examine_v by_o their_o habitude_n to_o necessary_a and_o plain_a truth_n whatsoever_o bear_v not_o a_o symmetry_n with_o the_o foundation_n can_v be_v no_o superstruction_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o notion_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o direct_o or_o consequential_o interfere'_v with_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n though_o never_o so_o many_o text_n be_v press_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o we_o maybe_o sure_a both_o of_o its_o falsity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o wrest_a and_o mistake_v but_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o plain_a in_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o no_o one_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o itself_o unintelligible_a dialogue_n for_o as_o dr._n more_o say_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o holy_a writ_n be_v in_o it_o elf_n unintelligible_a be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o pronounce_v it_o nonsense_n or_o to_o aver_v that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n or_o passage_n of_o it_o be_v never_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o man_n be_v to_o insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o play_v with_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o even_o fool_n with_o they_o mons._n wolzogen_n therefore_o in_o his_o late_a book_n de_fw-fr interpret_v scripturarum_fw-la have_v not_o only_o in_o this_o matter_n shameful_o betray_v the_o protestant_a cause_n but_o reflect_v reproach_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v something_n say_v he_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v 174._o not_o through_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o through_o the_o sublimity_n &_o majesty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o but_o through_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v reveal_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o
reflection_n upon_o those_o portion_n of_o holy_a writ_n which_o god_n have_v honour_v he_o to_o be_v the_o amanuensis_fw-la of_o but_o this_o i_o do_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o in_o the_o author_n of_o the_o foresay_a sermon_n see_v it_o be_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n 22._o which_o he_o there_o so_o severed_o censure_v but_o to_o return_v though_o the_o reverence_n which_o mr._n sherlock_n pay_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v possible_o consistent_a with_o &_o reconcileable_a to_o his_o burlesque_fw-la manner_n of_o treat_v they_o yet_o one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o admiration_n which_o he_o have_v for_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n above_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n 240._o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o less_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o pen_n and_o give_v forth_o the_o epistle_n than_o the_o evangelist_n be_v in_o 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so_o must_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lift_v up_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o i_o dare_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o sober_a and_o judicious_a person_n whether_o the_o very_a scripture-expression_n in_o their_o proper_a sense_n be_v not_o make_v to_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o this_o gentleman_n derision_n have_v mr._n sherlock_n only_o raillied_a upon_o some_o thing_n in_o t._n w_n discourse_n concern_v the_o resemblance_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n and_o preserve_v the_o dignity_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o type_n itself_o without_o reflection_n upon_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o comparison_n he_o shall_v have_v easy_o escape_v my_o censure_n but_o have_v include_v the_o sentence_n i_o have_v rehearse_v in_o the_o same_o indictment_n with_o other_o wherein_z may_v be_v t.w._n have_v prevaricate_v i_o must_v renew_v my_o charge_n namely_o that_o some_o of_o their_o loud_a clamour_n against_o the_o nonconformist_n for_o similitude_n and_o metaphor_n fall_v with_o the_o same_o weight_n upon_o expression_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o his_o wisdom_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v i_o shall_v add_v one_o passage_n more_o relate_v to_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n for_o which_o among_o other_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v in_o way_n of_o irony_n to_o stile_n t.w._n very_o happy_a in_o expound_v type_n the_o equivalent_a whereof_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o hundred_o dull_a author_n he_o know_v who_o i_o mean_v be_v a_o epithet_n late_o bestow_v upon_o a_o certain_a set_v of_o writer_n by_o one_o of_o his_o friend_n i_o have_v read_v in_o a_o person_n who_o though_o he_o do_v not_o may_v be_v universal_o like_a for_o his_o divinity_n yet_o he_o bear_v he_o more_o respect_n than_o to_o laugh_v at_o he_o for_o a_o fool._n the_o passage_n in_o t._n w._n be_v this_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v make_v like_o a_o serpent_n but_o be_v no_o real_a serpent_n so_o christ_n be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n but_o be_v no_o sinner_n the_o equavalent_a of_o it_o be_v this_o haec_fw-la imago_fw-la &_o effigy_n serpentis_fw-la erat_fw-la similis_fw-la serpenti_fw-la ita_fw-la christus_fw-la qui_fw-la purus_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la veneno_fw-la peccati_fw-la fuit_fw-la in_o cruse_n pependit_fw-la speciem_fw-la referem_fw-la hominis_fw-la peccatoris_fw-la vel_fw-la ut_fw-la paulus_n loquor_fw-la in_fw-la similitudine_fw-la carnis_fw-la peccati_fw-la rom._n 8.3_o i_o need_v not_o english_a this_o and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o tell_v he_o where_o he_o may_v meet_v with_o it_o viz._n in_o a_o certain_a gentleman_n call_v wolzogenius_n comment_v upon_o joh._n 3.14_o so_o that_o at_o least_o here_o be_v one_o more_o as_o happy_a in_o expound_v type_n as_o t._n w._n be_v and_o as_o i_o see_v not_o how_o mr._n vincents_n advice_n to_o young_a woman_n to_o choose_v christ_n for_o their_o husband_n be_v either_o a_o piece_n of_o fantastical_a wit_n as_o our_o author_n be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o or_o come_v to_o be_v spoil_v by_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n spouse_n 144._o see_v his_o relation_n of_o a_o husband_n to_o the_o church_n do_v no_o way_n hinder_v his_o be_v so_o to_o every_o member_n of_o it_o it_o afford_v i_o another_o instance_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n intolerable_a sauciness_n towards_o the_o scripture_n rather_o than_o he_o shall_v fail_v in_o expose_v those_o who_o he_o think_v he_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v displease_v with_o for_o not_o to_o mention_v what_o occur_v in_o the_o canticle_n justify_v the_o utmost_a of_o what_o mr._n vincent_n say_v in_o this_o matter_n even_o the_o apostle_n paul_n not_o only_o speak_v of_o his_o have_v espouse_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o one_o husband_n that_o he_o may_v present_v they_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.2_o but_o he_o speak_v of_o every_o particular_a believer_n among_o the_o roman_n as_o be_v marry_v to_o christ._n wherefore_o my_o brethren_n you_o also_o be_v become_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n by_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v marry_v to_o another_o even_o to_o he_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n rom._n 7.4_o to_o all_o which_o not_o only_o the_o passage_n of_o our_o author_n 244._o that_o every_o christian_a be_v not_o christ_n spouse_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a but_o his_o supposition_n that_o christ_n in_o case_n particular_a believer_n be_v espouse_v to_o he_o must_v be_v a_o polygamist_n argue_v he_o as_o well_o a_o ignorant_a as_o a_o confident_a man_n and_o impose_v the_o same_o brand_n upon_o the_o inspire_a writer_n that_o he_o will_v expose_v the_o nonconformist_n under_o the_o infamy_n of_o he_o that_o will_v see_v more_o of_o mr._n sherlock_n burlesque_a the_o scripture_n and_o how_o he_o have_v in_o a_o profane_a &_o sacrilegious_a manner_n abuse_v the_o very_a word_n of_o it_o to_o make_v his_o reader_n sport_n and_o to_o render_v his_o adversary_n ridiculous_a let_v he_o consult_v among_o other_o place_n p._n 62_o 63_o 65_o 66_o 69_o 70._o of_o his_o book_n for_o i_o can_v allow_v myself_o to_o transcribe_v what_o either_o may_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o the_o taint_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o or_o the_o offend_a the_o conscience_n of_o other_o a_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v reply_v upon_o our_o late_a writer_n for_o their_o upbraid_v the_o nonconformist_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o turn_v the_o plain_a scripture_n into_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n or_o as_o mr._n sherlock_n express_v it_o of_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o allegory_n be_v this_o that_o the_o guilt_n in_o this_o matter_n lodge_v principal_o with_o themselves_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o instead_o of_o be_v always_o upon_o the_o defensive_a we_o shall_v sometime_o carry_v the_o war_n into_o their_o quarter_n not_o that_o i_o design_v this_o as_o a_o justification_n of_o any_o among_o we_o who_o may_v be_v guilty_a in_o this_o particular_a but_o mere_o to_o show_v that_o this_o way_n of_o assault_v we_o be_v none_o of_o the_o wise_a consider_v how_o open_a they_o lie_v themselves_o to_o recrimination_n of_o this_o kind_n they_o be_v indeed_o most_o criminal_a herein_o who_o put_v the_o imputation_n further_a from_o they_o though_o they_o ought_v to_o look_v well_o to_o themselves_o who_o undertake_v to_o accuse_v other_o i_o will_v say_v quis_fw-la tulerit_fw-la gracchâ—s_fw-la but_o that_o i_o expect_v to_o be_v tell_v that_o i_o have_v classical_o express_v myself_o as_o a_o acquaintance_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n jybed_n a_o learned_a person_n mere_o for_o say_v that_o he_o neither_o desire_v nor_o design_v serram_fw-la reciprocare_fw-la in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o instead_o of_o produce_v particular_a