rule_n of_o faith_n dr._n stillingfl_fw-mi defence_n of_o a._n b._n laud._n dr._n sherlock_n protestant_n resolution_n of_o faith_n learned_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n against_o those_o popish_a writer_n that_o set_v up_o tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v evident_a at_o first_o sight_n and_o none_o but_o mere_a enthusiast_n ever_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o god_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n by_o write_v imply_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o easy_a there_o be_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o continue_v this_o to_o posterity_n but_o god_n preserve_v the_o write_n themselves_o by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o providence_n and_o then_o man_n may_v as_o well_o learn_v his_o will_n from_o thence_o as_o they_o can_v know_v the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n the_o opinion_n of_o philosopher_n the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o and_o 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the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o popery_n that_o without_o further_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o they_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o v._o proposition_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o attend_v the_o apostle_n in_o every_o thing_n of_o moment_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a and_o even_o their_o private_a judgement_n as_o man_n be_v so_o upright_a and_o void_a of_o all_o self-interest_n and_o corruption_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n to_o consider_v what_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n they_o themselves_o have_v of_o their_o own_o write_n the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o
order_n of_o minister_n and_o church-governor_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispense_v they_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n found_v upon_o a_o divine_a charter_n and_o to_o who_o member_n alone_o belong_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o meritorious_a efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n towards_o the_o procure_a man_n salvation_n these_o doctrine_n i_o say_v they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v to_o be_v true_a because_o as_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v see_v what_o natural_a force_n there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n towards_o their_o produce_v their_o intend_a effect_n and_o when_o they_o have_v deprive_v christ_n of_o his_o title_n of_o saviour_n and_o highpriest_n though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v still_o be_v content_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n yet_o they_o look_v upon_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n and_o which_o man_n do_v well_o to_o believe_v if_o they_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o or_o if_o after_o have_v use_v reasonable_a diligence_n they_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o great_a harm_n do_v since_o he_o come_v only_o to_o reinforce_v the_o principle_n and_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o man_n reason_n will_v sufficient_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o if_o they_o do_v but_o live_v up_o to_o its_o direction_n and_o lead_v good_a moral_a life_n they_o may_v be_v save_v whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v as_o to_o what_o they_o call_v the_o speculative_a point_n of_o religion_n these_o opinion_n every_o body_n be_v sensible_a be_v very_o much_o in_o vogue_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o value_v themselves_o for_o be_v free_a thinker_n and_o reasoner_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o man_n of_o these_o principle_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o book_n of_o no_o great_a value_n and_o which_o the_o world_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o dispute_v it_o have_v occasion_v have_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o the_o book_n have_v do_v good_a and_o so_o from_o vndervalue_v its_o worth_a they_o come_v to_o question_v its_o authority_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o prevail_a of_o these_o loose_a notion_n concern_v a_o church-state_n and_o reveal_v religion_n at_o first_o give_v rise_v or_o at_o least_o have_v since_o give_v continuance_n to_o those_o controversy_n that_o have_v be_v so_o much_o debate_v of_o late_o concern_v the_o integrity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o atheistical_a party_n have_v be_v industrious_a to_o keep_v alive_a this_o dispute_n as_o well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v do_v no_o small_a piece_n of_o service_n to_o their_o cause_n to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n mr._n hobbs_n and_o the_o author_n of_o theologo-politicus_a be_v the_o chief_a of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v engage_v in_o this_o controversy_n though_o indeed_o they_o ought_v to_o pass_v but_o for_o one_o writer_n since_o the_o latter_a have_v take_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o say_v from_o the_o former_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v little_a of_o his_o own_o invention_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o quote_v of_o a_o text_n now_o and_o then_o in_o hebrew_n which_o he_o do_v i_o suppose_v to_o raise_v in_o his_o unlearned_a reader_n a_o admiration_n of_o his_o profound_a read_n and_o scholarship_n and_o this_o design_n of_o he_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n take_v effect_n for_o his_o atheistical_a admirer_n be_v general_o ignorant_a enough_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o writer_n of_o sense_n and_o learning_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o these_o profess_v advocate_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n the_o most_o considerable_a writer_n that_o have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o integrity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v mr._n simon_n and_o his_o adversary_n who_o learning_n as_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o disparage_v so_o neither_o will_v i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o secret_a intention_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o dispute_n i_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o as_o to_o their_o design_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o think_v as_o charitable_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v that_o though_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o in_o their_o notion_n as_o to_o other_o matter_n yet_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o speak_v slight_o and_o irreverent_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o ready_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o difficulty_n which_o tend_v to_o weaken_v their_o credit_n and_o do_v not_o take_v half_a so_o much_o pain_n to_o improve_v any_o of_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v for_o they_o as_o they_o do_v to_o urge_v objection_n against_o they_o but_o however_o i_o must_v say_v thus_o much_o in_o behalf_n of_o mr._n simon_n that_o many_o to_o show_v their_o good_a will_n to_o the_o bible_n make_v he_o say_v much_o worse_a thing_n than_o he_o real_o do_v and_o such_o as_o they_o will_v fain_o have_v he_o say_v and_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o they_o can_v vouch_v his_o authority_n for_o they_o be_v industrious_a to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o if_o we_o will_v take_v his_o judgement_n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o tell_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o which_o be_v the_o false_a read_n mr._n dryden_n particular_o in_o his_o religio_fw-la laici_fw-la make_v this_o comment_n upon_o mr._n simon_n be_v critic_n and_o tell_v we_o as_o deliver_v that_o author_n sense_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v let_v in_o gross_a error_n to_o corrupt_v the_o text_n omit_v paragrahs_n and_o with_o vain_a tradition_n stop_v the_o gape_v fence_n now_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o account_n of_o his_o work_n that_o mr._n simon_n have_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v wilful_o and_o design_o corrupt_v the_o original_a by_o add_v to_o and_o take_v away_o from_o it_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a but_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v taking_n a_o great_a liberty_n than_o poetry_n itself_o will_v allow_v to_o make_v a_o man_n speak_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o sense_n and_o mean_v for_o mr._n simon_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o book_n 4._o book_n critic_n upon_o the_o o._n t._n l._n 1._o ch_n 17_o 18_o 19_o l._n 2._o c._n 4._o that_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v usual_o bring_v for_o that_o opinion_n all_o that_o he_o affirm_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n that_o other_o book_n be_v through_o the_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n of_o transcriber_n and_o that_o such_o kind_n of_o fault_n creep_v into_o the_o text_n in_o those_o age_n chief_o that_o do_v not_o mind_v the_o nicety_n of_o criticism_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a way_n to_o reform_v those_o error_n be_v by_o correct_v the_o suspect_v place_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o art_n and_o by_o diligent_a compare_v of_o copy_n as_o critic_n correct_v other_o book_n and_o the_o massoret_n have_v already_o the_o hebrew_n text._n and_o as_o for_o the_o addition_n which_o be_v suppose_v by_o many_o to_o have_v be_v make_v to_o the_o original_a text_n he_o suppose_v they_o insert_v by_o prophet_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a succession_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a record_n how_o true_a this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o mr._n simon_n do_v not_o represent_v these_o addition_n as_o so_o many_o corruption_n of_o the_o text._n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n mr._n d._n have_v misrepresent_v mr._n simon_n be_v text_n aswell_o as_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o put_v such_o a_o gloss_n upon_o it_o as_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o intend_v as_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o his_o word_n but_o i_o shall_v pursue_v this_o matter_n no_o further_o because_o mr._n d._n may_v think_v it_o hard_a measure_n to_o urge_v any_o thing_n say_v in_o his_o religio_fw-la laici_fw-la against_o he_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n when_o he_o have_v alter_v his_o mind_n in_o so_o many_o particular_n since_o the_o write_n of_o that_o poem_n and_o have_v make_v amends_o for_o his_o former_a incredulity_n by_o turn_v advocate_n for_o implicit_a faith_n one_o of_o mr._n simon_n be_v antagonist_n who_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n take_v to_o
holy_a spirit_n endow_v the_o apostle_n i_o find_v our_o author_n be_v very_o industrious_a to_o lessen_v the_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o represent_v they_o very_o little_a above_o their_o natural_a faculty_n he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o their_o mind_n consist_v chief_o in_o refresh_v their_o memory_n 70._o memory_n fr._n p._n 254_o 257._o en._n p._n 66._o 70._o and_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o he_o do_v indeed_o say_v 67._o say_v fr._n 255._o en._n p._n 67._o that_o sometime_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v they_o understand_v by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o whilst_o he_o be_v with_o they_o but_o which_o they_o then_o understand_v not_o and_o that_o they_o have_v many_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o divers_a heavenly_a vision_n 62._o vision_n fr._n p._n 252._o eng._n 62._o and_o in_o another_o place_n 70._o place_n fr._n 257._o eng._n p._n 70._o that_o perhaps_o the_o spirit_n open_v their_o mind_n after_o a_o manner_n we_o comprehend_v not_o but_o while_o he_o set_v out_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o best_a light_n and_o with_o the_o great_a force_n he_o can_v he_o pass_v over_o the_o evidence_n for_o it_o very_o slight_o and_o look_n upon_o their_o immemediate_v inspiration_n to_o have_v be_v so_o extraordinary_a and_o to_o have_v happen_v so_o seldom_o that_o he_o do_v not_o stick_v roundly_o to_o declare_v sup_n declare_v ubi_fw-la sup_n that_o their_o infallibility_n consist_v in_o relate_v faithful_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v he_o likewise_o endeavour_v to_o show_v etc._n show_v fr._n p._n 240._o etc._n etc._n eng._n p._n 42_o etc._n etc._n that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n when_o they_o be_v summon_v before_o the_o secular_a power_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o he_o make_v this_o another_o argument_n against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o person_n in_o those_o time_n who_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o inspire_v 74._o inspire_v fr._n p._n 248_o 249._o 259._o eng._n p._n 57_o 74._o that_o they_o confer_v with_o one_o another_o and_o submit_v to_o one_o another_o judgement_n and_o do_v not_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n concern_v any_o matter_n in_o questino_fw-la till_o after_o long_a deliberation_n and_o consultation_n with_o each_o other_o with_o many_o other_o cavil_n of_o less_o weight_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o and_o for_o the_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n how_o far_o we_o may_v allow_v what_o he_o say_v to_o be_v true_a and_o in_o what_o case_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v or_o act_v by_o inspiration_n ii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o except_v those_o case_n the_o apostle_n write_v and_o speak_v by_o the_o particular_a assistance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o improve_n their_o natural_a faculty_n or_o strengthen_v and_o refresh_v their_o memory_n iv_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n when_o they_o be_v summon_v before_o magistrate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o vindicate_v their_o behaviour_n under_o those_o circumstance_n from_o the_o unbecoming_a reflection_n which_o mr._n n._n have_v make_v upon_o it_o v._o i_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_v person_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o objection_n which_o he_o advance_v against_o it_o i._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inquiry_n what_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o act_n or_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n i_o conceive_v we_o may_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v these_o follow_v 1._o where_o they_o treat_v of_o the_o common_a occurrence_n of_o life_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o divine_a truth_n as_o when_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o his_o design_n to_o take_v rome_n 15.24_o rome_n rom._n 15.24_o in_o his_o way_n to_o spain_n and_o to_o call_v at_o 1.16_o at_o 2_o cor._n 1.16_o corinth_n as_o he_o go_v into_o macedonia_n but_o yet_o it_o appear_v he_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o that_o resolution_n 16.7_o resolution_n v._o 1_o cor._n 16.7_o and_o do_v not_o actual_o 17._o actual_o v._o 2_o cor._n 17._o make_v it_o good_a many_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v allege_v 19_o allege_v v._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o r._n joh._n 6.19_o act._n 19_o hitherto_o we_o may_v refer_v slip_v of_o memory_n in_o matter_n of_o no_o consequence_n some_o example_n of_o which_o there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o in_o the_o n._n testament_n 7.16_o testament_n v._o mat._n 27.9_o act._n 7.16_o 2._o such_o thing_n as_o be_v matter_n only_o of_o humane_a prudence_n be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n in_o themselves_o and_o consequent_o not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o matter_n of_o prudence_n i._n e._n where_o god_n have_v give_v man_n not_o fix_v rule_n but_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o determine_v for_o themselves_o according_a as_o their_o circumstance_n shall_v direct_v as_o they_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o marry_a person_n where_o one_o party_n be_v a_o vnbeliever_n which_o st._n paul_n consider_v 7.12_o consider_v 1_o cor._n 7.12_o and_o resolve_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o before_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v not_o the_o lord_n take_v his_o measure_n from_o the_o general_a law_n of_o christian_a charity_n for_o as_o to_o this_o case_n i_o look_v upon_o mr._n thorndike'_v 117._o thorndike'_v law_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 117._o opinion_n as_o the_o most_o probable_a which_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n look_v upon_o marriage_n make_v by_o person_n before_o they_o be_v christian_n to_o lay_v no_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o the_o party_n than_o the_o law_n which_o they_o be_v under_o when_o the_o marriage_n be_v contract_v design_v to_o lay_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o if_o two_o person_n who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n marry_v and_o afterward_o one_o of_o they_o turn_v christian_a this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o alter_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o marriage_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v party_n from_o what_o they_o be_v before_o nor_o in_o a_o marriage_n contract_v by_o subject_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n under_o the_o state_n of_o heathenism_n be_v the_o convert_v party_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o embrace_a christianity_n afterward_o oblige_v anew_o by_o the_o strict_a tie_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n concern_v marriage_n but_o only_o by_o those_o which_o the_o roman_a law_n require_v upon_o which_o term_n the_o marriage_n be_v make_v at_o first_o and_o so_o may_v upon_o just_a occasion_n take_v advantage_n of_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o roman_a law_n permit_v of_o be_v divorce_v for_o other_o cause_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v allow_v by_o our_o saviour_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o a_o marriage_n contract_v under_o a_o state_n of_o heathenism_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o because_o heathen_a marriage_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n indissoluble_a as_o christian_a marriage_n be_v but_o the_o party_n have_v reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n to_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o law_n of_o each_o country_n allow_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o marriage-contract_n still_o continue_v the_o same_o after_o the_o conversion_n of_o either_o party_n which_o it_o do_v before_o i.e._n dissoluble_a unless_o the_o believe_a party_n can_v persuade_v the_o unbelieving_a to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o strict_a law_n of_o matrimony_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o christ_n without_o which_o mutual_a consent_n the_o marriage_n continue_v the_o same_o it_o be_v before_o while_o both_o party_n be_v unbeliever_n and_o consequent_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o reach_v this_o case_n be_v applicable_a only_o to_o those_o marriage_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o at_o lest_o which_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o a_o after-act_n and_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o party_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o christian_a law_n in_o this_o particular_a this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 15._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n 7.15_o chapter_n 1_o cor._n 7.15_o if_o the_o vnbeliever_n depart_v a_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v not_o under_o bondage_n in_o such_o case_n the_o most_o natural_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n be_v
even_a term_n with_o the_o jew_n without_o take_v the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o they_o he_o after_o all_o this_o can_v not_o be_v real_o persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o the_o gentile_a convert_v though_o his_o former_a prejudices_fw-la may_v put_v some_o weight_n into_o the_o opposite_a scale_n and_o make_v he_o doubtful_a and_o waver_a which_o may_v make_v his_o fear_n of_o displease_v the_o jewish_a christian_n and_o give_v they_o offence_n work_v more_o powerful_o upon_o he_o and_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o st._n paul_n express_o assign_v his_o fear_v to_o offend_v they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n 12._o circumcision_n gal._n 2_o 12._o as_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o his_o behaviour_n but_o though_o this_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v dissemble_v the_o truth_n yet_o we_o may_v observe_v from_o st._n james_n advice_n to_o st._n paul_n 21.20_o paul_n act._n 21.20_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v who_o be_v very_o 20._o very_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 21_o 20._o numerous_a and_o who_o they_o just_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o elder_a brethren_n have_v a_o precedent_n right_o to_o the_o promise_n before_o the_o gentile_n 15.27_o gentile_n act._n 3.26_o rom._n 15.27_o this_o may_v be_v plead_v for_o a_o excuse_n in_o behalf_n of_o st._n peter_n though_o still_o we_o must_v confess_v as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2.14_o we_o gal._n 2.14_o that_o he_o do_v not_o walk_v upright_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o neither_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o nor_o any_o in_o their_o behalf_n ever_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v exempt_a from_o sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o find_v they_o free_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o 5.17_o other_o act._n 14_o 15._o jam._n 5.17_o and_o that_o they_o have_v this_o treasure_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n 4.7_o vessel_n 2_o cor._n 4.7_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o make_v with_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o since_o as_o our_o author_n true_o say_v 75._o say_v fr._n p._n 260._o eng._n p._n 75._o he_o alone_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n who_o be_v incapable_a of_o sin_v i_o do_v free_o grant_v that_o we_o be_v no_o further_o assure_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o error_n than_o we_o find_v they_o free_a from_o sin_n which_o natural_o lead_v man_n into_o it_o i_o own_o likewise_o that_o this_o instance_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o the_o perpetual_a inspiration_n or_o infallibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o we_o mean_v any_o more_o by_o it_o than_o a_o habitual_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n for_o i_o can_v think_v s._n peter_n be_v under_o the_o immediate_a conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o behaviour_n but_o i_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n may_v have_v such_o a_o assistance_n as_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n without_o be_v always_o under_o the_o immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o must_v make_v they_o impeccable_a as_o as_o well_o as_o infallible_a and_o even_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o admire_v god_n providence_n and_o care_n over_o his_o church_n for_o so_o order_v it_o that_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o place_n to_o interpose_v and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o this_o ill_a conduct_n that_o may_v else_o have_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n that_o will_v not_o easy_o have_v be_v make_v up_o and_o humane_o speak_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o st._n peter_n who_o have_v such_o a_o preeminence_n in_o the_o church_n will_v have_v yield_v to_o a_o less_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n from_o whence_o too_o may_v further_o appear_v of_o what_o use_n it_o be_v even_o for_o inspire_a person_n to_o consult_v with_o each_o other_o and_o act_n by_o common_a advice_n which_o point_v i_o have_v explain_v and_o prove_v at_o large_a above_o 88_o above_o p._n 88_o 5._o the_o next_o exception_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o mr._n n._n tell_v we_o 74._o we_o fr._n p._n 258_o 259._o eng._n p._n 72_o 73_o 74._o that_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v which_o he_o make_v all_o one_o with_o the_o two_o former_a be_v a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o god_n sometime_o infuse_v into_o those_o on_o who_o he_o bestow_v it_o whereby_o they_o become_v fit_a to_o instruct_v and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o say_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o be_v two_o 1._o because_o this_o gift_n may_v be_v improve_v by_o study_n and_o read_n as_o he_o prove_v from_o 1._o tim._n 4.13_o 14._o 2._o because_o the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o order_v they_o to_o exercise_v their_o gift_n by_o turn_n to_o prevent_v that_o confusion_n which_o the_o disorderly_a use_n of_o their_o gift_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n 14._o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o now_o he_o think_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v inspire_a they_o with_o what_o to_o say_v he_o will_v likewise_o have_v give_v they_o direction_n as_o to_o the_o time_n and_o place_n now_o methinks_v he_o that_o can_v confound_v the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o prophecy_n which_o any_o man_n that_o consult_v the_o place_n where_o st._n paul_n reckon_v up_o the_o several_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n 9_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 8_o 9_o will_v see_v be_v distinct_a and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n prophecy_n which_o be_v take_v in_o several_a sense_n in_o scripture_n i_o say_v he_o that_o confound_v thing_n that_o any_o one_o who_o have_v study_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v needs_o know_v to_o be_v very_o different_a need_v not_o have_v be_v so_o nice_a as_o to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n infuse_v into_o those_o upon_o who_o god_n bestow_v it_o whereby_o they_o become_v fit_a to_o instruct_v and_o a_o inspire_v they_o with_o what_o to_o say_v for_o certain_o this_o disposition_n infuse_v into_o the_o mind_n if_o it_o mean_v any_o thing_n must_v mean_v god_n give_v man_n a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o inspire_v they_o with_o what_o to_o say_v since_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o word_n be_v only_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o thought_n unless_o our_o author_n suppose_v that_o when_o god_n inspire_v a_o man_n with_o what_o to_o say_v he_o only_o put_v so_o many_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n without_o convey_v any_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o his_o mind_n but_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o examine_v his_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o see_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o assert_v that_o god_n very_o often_o increase_v or_o withhold_v his_o extraordinary_a gift_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o possessor_n for_o since_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a gift_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v both_o design_v to_o assist_v our_o natural_a faculty_n not_o to_o supersede_n they_o and_o to_o encourage_v our_o industry_n not_o to_o slacken_v it_o i_o can_v see_v why_o that_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o i._n e._n do_v not_o improve_v and_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o what_o he_o have_v shall_v be_v take_v way_n 13.12_o way_n matth._n 13.12_o may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o ordinary_a and_o why_o man_n may_v not_o hope_v god_n will_v bestow_v these_o gift_n upon_o they_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o industry_n and_o may_v not_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v he_o shall_v withdraw_v they_o if_o they_o take_v advantage_n from_o thence_o to_o be_v negligent_a and_o thus_o much_o seem_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o that_o advice_n of_o st._n paul_n 5.19_o paul_n 1_o thess_n 5.19_o not_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n viz._n that_o god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o take_v away_o these_o gift_n when_o he_o see_v they_o abuse_v or_o man_n sin_n may_v render_v they_o unworthy_a to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o story_n of_o the_o ethiopian_a
not_o to_o be_v express_v in_o too_o plain_a word_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o be_v some_o plain_a prophecy_n in_o scripture_n but_o as_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v something_o of_o obscurity_n so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o they_o as_o some_o pretend_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a that_o most_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v obscure_a or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o answer_v the_o design_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v nor_o be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophetical_a write_n be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o prophet_n only_o as_o man_n that_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o great_a improvement_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o knowledge_n the_o excellency_n of_o their_o precept_n the_o integrity_n of_o their_o life_n their_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o constant_a adhere_n to_o their_o principle_n they_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o great_a philosopher_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o enlighten_v from_o above_o and_o the_o messenger_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n they_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o various_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n they_o unravel_v the_o intricate_a turn_n and_o wind_n of_o that_o dark_a labyrinth_n they_o display_v the_o scene_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o give_v we_o a_o prospect_n of_o another_o to_o come_v the_o signal_n accomplishment_n of_o their_o prediction_n already_o fulfil_v confirm_v our_o belief_n in_o providence_n and_o incourage_v we_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prophet_n for_o the_o future_a they_o do_v not_o open_v the_o scene_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n or_o with_o a_o design_n to_o encourage_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n but_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n interest_n himself_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v guide_v by_o his_o unerring_a hand_n and_o that_o the_o change_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o blind_a chance_n or_o surly_a fate_n but_o the_o result_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o rage_n and_o fierceness_n the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o man_n turn_v to_o god_n praise_n and_o be_v instrumental_a in_o bring_v about_o his_o great_a purpose_n and_o design_n thus_o the_o holy_a prophet_n teach_v we_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o he_o and_o yet_o withal_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n whether_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a thus_o their_o doctrine_n promote_v god_n honour_n without_o supersede_a man_n diligence_n and_o endeavour_n and_o instruct_v we_o to_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n when_o we_o do_v well_o and_o not_o to_o charge_v he_o foolish_o when_o we_o do_v amiss_o and_o as_o to_o their_o way_n of_o write_v which_o include_v a_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a sense_n under_o a_o literal_a and_o obvious_a one_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o method_n of_o instruction_n which_o the_o great_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n practise_v in_o those_o early_a age_n it_o be_v what_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v accustom_a to_o what_o they_o always_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o style_n of_o scripture_n and_o do_v so_o still_o though_o it_o make_v against_o they_o it_o tend_v to_o discover_v the_o chain_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o dependence_n which_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o occurrence_n of_o one_o age_n have_v upon_o those_o of_o another_o which_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v in_o most_o case_n leave_v we_o certain_a mark_n to_o know_v where_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o mystery_n and_o a_o key_n to_o unlock_v their_o true_a mean_v and_o where_o such_o a_o indication_n be_v want_v we_o have_v the_o apostle_n to_o direct_v we_o who_o have_v give_v abundant_a evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a credential_n that_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o publisher_n of_o his_o will._n chap._n iu._n wherein_o some_o difficulty_n be_v resolve_v relate_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o or_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v iii_o i_o proceed_v to_o discourse_v concern_v the_o three_o general_n head_n i_o propose_v at_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o last_o chapter_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v to_o resolve_v some_o difficulty_n concern_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o or_o their_o prophecy_n and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o prophetical_a write_n most_o of_o which_o have_v be_v full_o answer_v by_o several_a excellent_a writer_n of_o late_a prophecy_n late_a bp_o stillingfleet_n orig._n sac._n letter_n to_o a_o deist_n huetii_n demonst_a evangel_n m._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n dr._n spencer_n vanity_n of_o vulgar_a prophecy_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o ancient_n i_o intend_v only_o in_o this_o chapter_n to_o consider_v two_o difficulty_n one_o relate_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o the_o other_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v which_o have_v not_o yet_o that_o i_o know_v of_o be_v thorough_o explain_v by_o any_o writer_n the_o first_o be_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prophetical_a write_n the_o other_o concern_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n whereby_o true_a prophet_n be_v distinguish_v from_o false_a the_o latter_a of_o these_o inquiry_n be_v embarass_v with_o great_a difficulty_n for_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o very_o little_a light_n in_o this_o matter_n insomuch_o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o contest_v between_o the_o true_a and_o false_a prophet_n relate_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o many_o caution_n give_v against_o harken_v to_o false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o little_o say_v concern_v the_o mark_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o true_a one_o i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a difficulty_n viz._n the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prophecy_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o premise_v that_o obscurity_n be_v not_o inseparable_a from_o prophecy_n for_o there_o be_v some_o very_a plain_a prophecy_n in_o scripture_n as_o the_o foretell_v the_o 70._o year_n captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o cyrus_n after_o that_o time_n be_v expire_v shall_v restore_v they_o to_o their_o land_n and_o rebuild_v jerusalem_n 44.28_o jerusalem_n jer._n 25.11_o 12_o 29.10_o be_v 44.28_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o monarchy_n in_o daniel_n 8._o daniel_n dan._n 2._o c._n 7._o c._n 8._o and_o those_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o foretell_v his_o come_v while_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v stand_v and_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n 1.-4.1_a commonwealth_n dan._n 9.25_o etc._n etc._n hagg._n 2._o 6_o 9_o malac._n 3_o 1.-4.1_a but_o notwithstanding_o some_o few_o exception_n general_o speak_v there_o be_v something_o of_o obscurity_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o prophecy_n now_o beside_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o prophetical_a style_n which_o be_v full_a of_o metaphor_n and_o of_o lofty_a expression_n such_o as_o natural_o flow_v from_o a_o heat_n of_o fancy_n where_o great_a and_o surprise_v idea_n have_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v other_o reason_n to_o be_v assign_v for_o this_o obscurity_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v fulfil_v 1._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o design_n of_o prophecy_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n that_o prophecy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o design_v by_o god_n to_o give_v man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n beforehand_o as_o to_o confirm_v man_n faith_n after_o they_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o convince_v they_o that_o this_o be_v god_n work_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o god_n do_v reveal_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o his_o prophet_n both_o to_o do_v they_o a_o particular_a honour_n 18.17_o honour_n gen._n 18.17_o by_o make_v they_o privy_a to_o his_o secret_a counsel_n and_o design_n and_o likewise_o to_o prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o blessing_n foretell_v of_o