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 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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
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
law_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n be_v that_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n or_o definition_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o the_o law_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n and_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v law_n be_v that_o which_o man_n for_o the_o great_a safety_n and_o benefit_n of_o life_n or_o for_o other_o cause_n do_v prescribe_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o example_n that_o all_o body_n when_o they_o hit_v or_o dash_v against_o other_o less_o body_n do_v loose_a so_o much_o of_o their_o own_o motion_n as_o they_o impart_v to_o those_o other_o less_o body_n be_v the_o universal_a law_n of_o all_o body_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n so_o likewise_o when_o a_o man_n remember_v one_o thing_n he_o be_v present_o mindful_a of_o another_o like_o it_o or_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v they_o together_o be_v a_o law_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o human_a nature_n but_o that_o man_n voluntary_o part_v with_o or_o be_v compel_v to_o part_n with_o that_o right_n which_o every_o one_o have_v by_o nature_n and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o a_o certain_a rule_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v absolute_o grant_v that_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v and_o operate_v according_a to_o a_o certain_a and_o determinate_a rule_n yet_o i_o say_v those_o law_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o men._n first_o because_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o nature_n make_v and_o constitute_v a_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o those_o thing_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o be_v from_o nature_n itself_o as_o we_o conceive_v it_o regulate_v by_o human_a nature_n though_o they_o follow_v necessary_o yet_o they_o follow_v from_o human_a power_n wherefore_o the_o sanction_n of_o those_o law_n may_v very_o well_o be_v say_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n because_o it_o so_o depend_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o it_o apprehend_v thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o true_a or_o false_a may_v nevertheless_o be_v clear_o understand_v without_o those_o universal_a law_n but_o not_o without_o the_o law_n of_o necessity_n as_o i_o have_v define_v it_o second_o i_o have_v say_v those_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n because_o we_o ought_v to_o define_v and_o explain_v thing_n by_o their_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o that_o universal_a consideration_n of_o fate_n and_o the_o chain_a together_o of_o cause_n can_v no_o way_n help_v we_o in_o the_o form_n and_o order_v our_o thought_n concern_v particular_a thing_n that_o be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o thing_n be_v order_v and_o tie_v together_o so_o that_o it_o be_v better_a yea_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o life_n to_o consider_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o much_o of_o law_n consider_v absolute_o but_o because_o the_o name_n of_o law_n by_o translation_n be_v apply_v to_o natural_a thing_n and_o common_o by_o law_n nothing_o else_o be_v mean_v but_o a_o command_n which_o man_n may_v or_o may_v not_o perform_v so_o that_o it_o confine_v human_a power_n to_o bound_n and_o limit_n beyond_o which_o it_o may_v go_v and_o yet_o command_v nothing_o which_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v therefore_o law_n more_o particular_o define_v be_v that_o rule_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v which_o man_n for_o some_o end_n prescribe_v to_o themselves_o or_o to_o other_o but_o because_o very_o few_o know_v the_o true_a end_n of_o law_n and_o man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n incapable_a of_o understanding_n it_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n therefore_o lawgiver_n that_o they_o may_v equal_o bind_v all_o have_v wise_o establish_v a_o end_n very_o different_a from_o that_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o law_n namely_o by_o propound_v to_o those_o who_o keep_v the_o law_n that_o which_o they_o most_o love_n and_o by_o threaten_v the_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n with_o that_o which_o they_o most_o fear_v and_o so_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o rule_v the_o multitude_n as_o a_o horse_n be_v govern_v with_o a_o bridle_n so_o that_o law_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n be_v that_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o by_o the_o power_n of_o other_o be_v prescribe_v to_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o who_o obey_v law_n be_v say_v to_o live_v under_o law_n and_o may_v be_v call_v servant_n or_o subject_n he_o that_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a because_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o gallow_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o and_o be_v compel_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v can_v be_v call_v just_a but_o he_o that_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a because_o he_o know_v the_o necessity_n and_o the_o true_a end_n and_o reason_n of_o law_n what_o he_o do_v be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o he_o may_v therefore_o be_v deserve_o call_v a_o just_a man_n which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v st._n paul_n meaning_n when_o he_o say_v they_o that_o live_v under_o the_o law_n can_v not_o be_v justify_v fy_v by_o the_o law_n for_o justice_n as_o it_o be_v common_o define_v be_v a_o constant_a voluntary_a resolution_n of_o render_v to_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v his_o due_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n prov._n chap._n 20._o v._n 15._o say_v it_o be_v joy_n to_o the_o just_a to_o do_v judgement_n but_o the_o wicked_a fear_n see_v then_o law_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o man_n for_o some_o end_n prescribe_v to_o themselves_o or_o to_o other_o the_o law_n may_v therefore_o be_v distinguish_v into_o human_a and_o divine_a by_o man_n law_n we_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o secure_v life_n and_o the_o weal_n public_a but_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v respect_n only_o to_o our_o chief_a good_a that_o be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o call_v this_o law_n divine_a be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o chief_a good_a which_o i_o will_v with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o plainess_n declare_v whereas_o our_o better_a part_n be_v our_o underderstanding_n it_o be_v certain_a if_o we_o seek_v our_o own_o good_a we_o ought_v chief_o to_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o perfect_a our_o intellect_n because_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o consist_v our_o chief_a happiness_n and_o since_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n which_o remove_v all_o doubt_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v or_o be_v know_v without_o god_n and_o because_o we_o may_v doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n while_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o our_o perfection_n and_o chief_a happiness_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god._n moreover_o since_o nothing_o can_v either_o exist_v or_o be_v know_v without_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o essence_n and_o perfection_n do_v imply_v and_o express_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o we_o know_v natural_a thing_n the_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n we_o acquire_v of_o god_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o effect_n by_o its_o cause_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o cause_n so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o know_v natural_a thing_n so_o much_o the_o more_o perfect_o do_v we_o know_v the_o be_v of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o our_o knowledge_n that_o be_v our_o chief_a happiness_n do_v not_o only_o depend_v upon_o but_o whole_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o consequence_n be_v make_v good_a by_o a_o man_n become_a more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o most_o love_v and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o therefore_o be_v most_o perfect_a who_o partake_v most_o of_o the_o high_a beatitude_n and_o who_o above_o all_o thing_n love_n and_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o the_o intellectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o all_o being_n hitherto_o than_o our_o chief_a good_a and_o happiness_n still_o return_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o end_n then_o of_o all_o human_a action_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o be_v god_n the_o mean_n which_o this_o end_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 12_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n of_o zachary_n they_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant_n stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v send_v in_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o former_a prophet_n where_o spirit_n must_v signify_v mercy_n in_o this_o sense_n speak_v also_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n chap._n 2._o v._n 5._o loe_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v my_o grace_n and_o mercy_n remain_v among_o you_o fear_v you_o not_o isa._n chap._n 48._o v._n 16._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o spirit_n have_v send_v i_o there_o spirit_n may_v be_v understand_v to_o signify_v the_o will_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o his_o mind_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n for_o the_o prophet_n say_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v when_o he_o first_o come_v to_o declare_v god_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o they_o he_o speak_v not_o in_o secret_a from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v publish_v there_o be_v i_o but_o now_o i_o be_o a_o messenger_n of_o joy_n send_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o proclaim_v your_o restauration_n it_o may_v also_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v take_v for_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n that_o be_v he_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n levit._n chap._n 19_o v._n 17._o come_v to_o admonish_v they_o therefore_o under_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o warn_v as_o moses_n do_v and_o at_o last_o like_o moses_n end_n with_o predict_v their_o restauration_n but_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o first_o exposition_n seem_v the_o best_a to_o return_v to_o what_o be_v first_o intend_v by_o all_o these_o quotation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o follow_v plain_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god._n god_n pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o men._n man_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v some_o particular_a extraordinary_a virtue_n above_o other_o man_n and_o be_v person_n very_o eminent_a for_o their_o constant_a piety_n moreover_o that_o they_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signify_v both_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n yea_o the_o law_n because_o it_o make_v know_v god_n mind_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o it_o the_o decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v may_v likewise_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o though_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n be_v engrave_v on_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o to_o use_v the_o scripture_n phrase_n we_o also_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n it_o be_v very_o little_o esteem_v and_o the_o jew_n who_o value_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o nation_n extreme_o despise_v it_o because_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n last_o the_o prophet_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o man_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o only_o admire_v it_o but_o as_o they_o do_v all_o other_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o it_o we_o may_v then_o without_o any_o scruple_n affirm_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v no_o other_o way_n understand_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n then_o by_o the_o help_n of_o imagination_n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o word_n or_o sign_n and_o these_o either_o real_a or_o imaginary_a for_o see_v we_o find_v in_o scripture_n no_o other_o mean_n beside_o these_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suppose_v or_o fancy_v any_o other_o but_o by_o what_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v do_v i_o confess_v i_o be_o utter_o ignorant_a i_o may_v with_o other_o say_v it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o no_o more_o than_o if_o i_o shall_v by_o some_o unintelligible_a term_n express_v the_o form_n of_o any_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o therefore_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n and_o we_o very_o foolish_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v when_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n power_n but_o we_o have_v now_o no_o need_n of_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v we_o only_o endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o from_o thence_o as_o from_o the_o precept_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n but_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o scripture-doctrine_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v see_v then_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o help_n of_o imagination_n understand_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o perceive_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o natural_a understanding_n for_o from_o word_n and_o sign_n many_o more_o idea_n may_v be_v form_v then_o can_v be_v only_o out_o of_o those_o principle_n and_o notion_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v found_v hence_o it_o be_v evident_a why_o the_o prophet_n perceive_v and_o declare_v all_o thing_n parabolical_o and_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o express_v all_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o a_o corporal_a manner_n because_o that_o do_v better_a suit_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o imagination_n neither_o can_v we_o now_o wonder_v why_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o prophet_n speak_v so_o improper_o and_o obscure_o of_o the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o numb_a chap._n 11._o v._n 17._o i_o will_v come_v down_o and_o talk_v with_o thou_o there_o and_o i_o will_v take_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o put_v it_o on_o they_o likewise_o in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 11._o and_o zedekiah_n the_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n and_o he_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n with_o these_o shall_v thou_o push_v the_o syrian_n till_o thou_o have_v consume_v they_o michah_n see_v god_n sit_v daniel_n see_v he_o like_o a_o old_a man_n clothe_v in_o white_a garment_n ezekiel_n like_o fire_n and_o they_o who_o be_v with_o christ_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n the_o apostle_n like_o cleave_a tongue_n and_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n like_o a_o great_a light_n all_o which_o vision_n agree_v with_o those_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o spirit_n last_o because_o the_o imagination_n be_v wander_v and_o unconstant_a prophecy_n do_v not_o long_o continue_v with_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v it_o frequent_v but_o very_o rare_a and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o have_v it_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v how_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o perceive_v only_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n and_o not_o by_o the_o certain_a principle_n of_o mental_a knowledge_n but_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v this_o particular_a aught_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o scripture_n though_o as_o we_o have_v already_o confess_v we_o have_v no_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o can_v explain_v it_o by_o its_o first_o cause_n however_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v concern_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n wherein_o i_o resolve_v to_o treat_v of_o prophet_n chap._n ii_o of_o prophet_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o perfection_n of_o mind_n above_o other_o man_n but_o only_o with_o strength_n and_o vivacity_n of_o imagination_n which_o scripture-history_n abundant_o testify_v solomon_n excel_v all_o other_o in_o wisdom_n but_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n heman_n darda_fw-it kalcoll_n though_o man_n very_o wise_a yet_o be_v no_o prophet_n when_o plain_a countryman_n who_o have_v no_o learning_n yea_o woman_n as_o hagar_n abraham_n maid_n have_v that_o gift_n which_o be_v agreeable_a both_o to_o
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
to_o be_v understand_v by_o god_n calling_n or_o election_n for_o since_o no_o man_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o the_o predeterminate_a order_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n eternal_a direction_n and_o decree_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o man_n choose_v for_o himself_o any_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o live_v or_o effect_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o the_o particular_a will_n and_o call_v of_o god_n who_o choose_v he_o before_o other_o so_o to_o live_v and_o so_o to_o act._n last_o by_o fortune_n nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o god_n dispose_v and_o direct_v human_a affair_n by_o external_a and_o unexpected_a cause_n these_o thing_n premise_v we_o return_v to_o our_o first_o purpose_n of_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v for_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n before_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o make_v it_o out_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o manner_n all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v honest_o and_o lawful_o desire_v may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o to_o know_v thing_n by_o their_o first_o and_o immediate_a cause_n second_o to_o master_v our_o passion_n and_o affection_n and_o acquire_v a_o constant_a habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o last_o to_o live_v in_o bodily_a health_n and_o safety_n the_o mean_v direct_o conduce_v to_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o head_n and_o which_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o prime_a and_o efficient_a cause_n be_v contain_v in_o human_a nature_n so_o that_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o be_v within_o our_o power_n or_o chief_o depend_v upon_o the_o law_n only_o of_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o those_o gift_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o any_o one_o nation_n but_o be_v always_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n unless_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o nature_n first_o procreate_v diverse_a kind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o mean_n which_o conduce_v to_o our_o live_n in_o health_n and_o safety_n consist_v chief_o in_o thing_n external_a and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o gift_n and_o good_n of_o fortune_n because_o they_o depend_v upon_o the_o disposition_n of_o outward_a cause_n of_o which_o we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a so_o that_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o fool_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v alike_o happy_a or_o unhappy_a yet_o as_o to_o secure_v live_v and_o to_o avoid_v the_o injury_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n human_a wisdom_n and_o diligence_n may_v contribute_v very_o much_o reason_n and_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o to_o live_v in_o safety_n there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o ready_a and_o certain_a as_o to_o form_v society_n subject_a to_o law_n to_o choose_v a_o convenient_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o habitation_n and_o to_o unite_v every_o individual_a person_n be_v strength_n to_o preserve_v the_o whole_a collective_a body_n but_o to_o the_o form_n and_o preserve_v of_o society_n no_o little_a wisdom_n and_o diligence_n be_v require_v and_o therefore_o that_o society_n shall_v be_v more_o secure_a more_o last_a and_o less_o subject_a to_o fortune_n and_o accident_n which_o be_v found_v and_o order_v by_o prudent_a and_o careful_a man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o society_n which_o be_v form_v and_o govern_v by_o man_n of_o gross_a and_o mean_a understanding_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n depend_v upon_o fortune_n and_o be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n but_o where_o such_o a_o society_n stand_v long_o it_o owe_v its_o duration_n not_o to_o its_o own_o but_o to_o some_o other_o conduct_n and_o if_o it_o overcome_v great_a danger_n and_o the_o affair_n thereof_o prosper_v it_o can_v but_o admire_v and_o adore_v god_n dispose_v and_o order_v thing_n by_o external_a and_o hide_a cause_n when_o he_o do_v not_o act_n by_o human_a nature_n and_o understanding_n see_v whatever_o happen_v to_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n beyond_o their_o expectation_n and_o opinion_n may_v be_v count_v a_o miracle_n nation_n therefore_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o society_n and_o law_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o be_v govern_v so_o that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v not_o choose_v by_o god_n before_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o association_n and_o fortune_n by_o which_o they_o arrive_v to_o that_o government_n which_o last_v so_o many_o year_n it_o manifest_o appear_v by_o scripture_n that_o the_o jew_n excel_v other_o nation_n only_o in_o the_o prosperous_a management_n of_o those_o affair_n which_o concern_v their_o live_n secure_o and_o that_o they_o overcome_v great_a danger_n only_o by_o god_n external_a assistance_n but_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o be_v but_o equal_a to_o other_o nation_n and_o god_n be_v alike_o good_a to_o all_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n have_v very_o vulgar_a notion_n and_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v above_o other_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o knowledge_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o choose_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o good_a life_n for_o in_o that_o they_o be_v but_o like_o other_o nation_n and_o but_o a_o very_a few_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v their_o call_n and_o election_n consist_v in_o the_o temporal_a felicity_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o government_n neither_o can_v we_o perceive_v that_o god_n promise_v any_o more_o to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o their_o successor_n yea_o by_o the_o law_n nothing_o else_o be_v promise_v for_o a_o reward_n to_o obedience_n but_o the_o continual_a prosperity_n of_o their_o government_n and_o some_o other_o benefit_n of_o this_o life_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o government_n temporal_a misery_n and_o destruction_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o society_n and_o government_n as_o have_v be_v already_o and_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v more_o full_o declare_v be_v to_o live_v in_o happiness_n and_o security_n but_o government_n can_v subsist_v without_o law_n which_o every_o man_n must_v obey_v for_o when_o the_o member_n of_o a_o society_n refuse_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n in_o that_o very_a instant_n the_o society_n be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o government_n destroy_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n nothing_o else_o can_v be_v promise_v for_o the_o constant_a observation_n of_o their_o law_n but_o the_o safety_n benefit_n and_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o for_o their_o rebellion_n no_o other_o punishment_n be_v prophesy_v but_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o government_n the_o misery_n which_o will_v thereupon_o ensue_v and_o perhaps_o some_o other_o evil_n which_o might_n peculiar_o happen_v to_o they_o from_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o government_n which_o be_v singular_a and_o different_a from_o other_o but_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o at_o this_o time_n i_o only_o add_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v reveal_v and_o prescribe_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o god_n call_v and_o choose_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a kind_n of_o society_n and_o government_n they_o be_v necessary_o to_o have_v singular_a law_n whether_o god_n prescribe_v peculiar_a law_n to_o other_o nation_n and_o reveal_v himself_o prophetical_o to_o their_o lawgiver_n under_o those_o attribute_n which_o they_o in_o their_o imagination_n use_v to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n i_o be_o not_o certain_a however_o it_o appear_v by_o scripture_n that_o other_o nation_n have_v government_n and_o particular_a law_n by_o the_o external_a direction_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v which_o i_o will_v only_o quote_v two_o place_n gen._n chap._n 14._o v._n 18_o 19_o 20._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o melchisedech_n be_v king_n of_o salem_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o that_o he_o bless_a abraham_n which_o as_o we_o may_v see_v numb_a chap._n 6._o v._n 23._o be_v the_o priest_n office_n and_o abraham_n the_o belove_a of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o ten_o part_n of_o all_o his_o booty_n which_o plain_o prove_v that_o before_o god_n found_v the_o jewish_a nation_n he_o constitute_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o prescribe_v they_o law_n and_o ceremony_n but_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o prophetical_o i_o can_v affirm_v however_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o abraham_n while_o he_o continue_v there_o live_v religious_o according_a to_o those_o law_n for_o abraham_n receive_v no_o particular_a religious_a rite_n from_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v gen._n chap_n 26._o v_o 5._o that_o abraham_n keep_v the_o commandment_n statute_n and_o law_n of_o god_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v those_o of_o king_n melchisedch_o malachy_n
will_v not_o only_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o who_o can_v possible_o retain_v and_o comprehend_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o history_n and_o so_o many_o circumstance_n and_o part_n of_o doctrine_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o so_o many_o and_o different_a history_n true_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o those_o man_n who_o leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o abound_v with_o so_o much_o wit_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o its_o doctrine_n much_o less_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o have_v be_v understand_v unless_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o isaac_n strive_n about_o the_o dig_v of_o well_n of_o achitophel_n council_n to_o absalon_n and_o the_o civil_a war_n between_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n with_o other_o chronicle_n of_o like_a kind_n or_o that_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n by_o history_n as_o be_v the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o the_o common_a people_n be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o know_v only_o those_o history_n which_o stir_v up_o their_o mind_n to_o devotion_n piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o those_o history_n because_o they_o be_v more_o please_v with_o the_o narration_n and_o the_o unexpected_a event_n of_o thing_n then_o with_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n beside_o the_o read_n of_o history_n they_o need_v pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v their_o weak_a understanding_n but_o not_o to_o digress_v from_o what_o we_o principal_o design_v to_o prove_v we_o conclude_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o history_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a law_n nor_o do_v of_o itself_o make_v man_n happy_a or_o bless_a nor_o be_v history_n profitable_a except_o it_o be_v in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o make_v some_o history_n therefore_o contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n excel_v those_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o common_a and_o scripture_n history_n mutual_o compare_v be_v more_o excellent_a one_o then_o another_o for_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n he_o than_o that_o read_v scripture_n history_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n give_v entire_a credit_n to_o they_o yet_o if_o he_o follow_v not_o their_o doctrine_n and_o amend_v his_o life_n it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o read_v the_o koran_n a_o comedy_n or_o any_o vulgar_a history_n but_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v he_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o scripture_n if_o his_o opinion_n be_v true_a and_o his_o life_n righteous_a he_o be_v true_o bless_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n for_o they_o say_v let_v a_o man_n opinion_n be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n and_o his_o life_n never_o so_o virtuous_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o not_o by_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prophetical_o reveal_v to_o moses_n he_o can_v never_o be_v bless_v and_o happy_a which_o rabbi_n maimonides_n bold_o affirm_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n and_o second_o law_n concern_v king_n he_o that_o receive_v the_o seven_o commandment_n and_o diligent_o perform_v they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pious_a among_o the_o nation_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v if_o he_o receive_v and_o practise_v they_o because_o god_n in_o his_o law_n command_v and_o reveal_v they_o by_o moses_n and_o because_o those_o precept_n be_v also_o give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n but_o if_o he_o practice_v they_o by_o the_o guidance_n and_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n he_o be_v none_o of_o we_o nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v think_v one_o of_o the_o pious_a and_o learned_a of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n give_v to_o noah_n seven_o commandment_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v only_o those_o seven_o but_o that_o god_n give_v many_o more_o commandment_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o much_o happy_a than_o other_o nation_n rabbi_n joseph_n the_o son_n of_o shem_fw-mi tob_z in_o his_o book_n call_v kbod_n elohim_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n likewise_o say_v that_o though_o aristotle_n who_o book_n of_o ethic_n be_v in_o his_o opinion_n the_o best_a that_o ever_o be_v write_v have_v omit_v nothing_o which_o belong_v to_o that_o subject_a and_o he_o himself_o have_v diligent_o practise_v all_o he_o write_v yet_o he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v because_o he_o embrace_v those_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v as_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o not_o as_o divine_v and_o prophetical_a revelation_n but_o these_o conceit_n be_v mere_a foppery_n ground_v neither_o upon_o reason_n or_o scripture_n and_o need_v no_o more_o confutation_n then_o do_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n who_o maintain_v that_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n we_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o salvation_n a_o tenet_n that_o can_v be_v rational_o prove_v by_o man_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o any_o reason_n but_o what_o be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_a and_o if_o they_o boast_v of_o any_o thing_n above_o reason_n it_o be_v mere_a folly_n and_o far_o beneath_o reason_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v so_o that_o of_o this_o we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n against_o who_o say_v paul_n galat._n chap._n 5._o v._n 22._o there_o be_v no_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o reason_n or_o scripture_n they_o be_v certain_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o be_v true_o bless_v chap._n vi_o of_o miracle_n as_o man_n use_v to_o call_v that_o knowledge_n divine_a which_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n so_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o nature_n of_o which_o the_o common_a people_n know_v not_o the_o cause_n that_o they_o call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o the_o vulgar_a believe_v god_n power_n and_o providence_n do_v most_o plain_o appear_v when_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n strange_a and_o unusual_a happen_v in_o nature_n contrary_a to_o the_o customary_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o nature_n especial_o when_o that_o which_o happen_v be_v for_o their_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o they_o think_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n never_o more_o clear_o prove_v then_o when_o nature_n seem_v not_o to_o keep_v its_o constant_a course_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o those_o man_n deny_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o endeavour_n to_o explain_v and_o understand_v what_o they_o call_v miracle_n by_o their_o natural_a cause_n they_o indeed_o think_v that_o while_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o wont_a course_n god_n do_v nothing_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o god_n act_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a cause_n be_v idle_a and_o at_o a_o stand_n so_o that_o they_o imagine_v two_o numerical_a distinct_a power_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n appoint_v and_o direct_v or_o as_o most_o man_n now_o believe_v create_v by_o god_n but_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o either_o or_o what_o they_o understand_v by_o god_n and_o nature_n they_o know_v not_o but_o fancy_n god_n power_n to_o be_v like_o that_o of_o a_o great_a king._n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n nothing_o but_o blind_a force_n and_o violence_n the_o common_a people_n therefore_o call_v the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n miracle_n or_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o devotion_n partly_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o contradict_v those_o that_o love_v the_o study_n of_o natural_a science_n they_o affect_v be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n desire_v to_o hear_v of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o know_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o least_o know_v they_o most_o admire_v by_o take_v away_o natural_a cause_n and_o by_o imagine_v thing_n out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n they_o think_v god_n be_v most_o adore_v when_o all_o thing_n be_v immediate_o refer_v to_o his_o power_n and_o will_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v the_o power_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n so_o wonderful_a as_o when_o according_a to_o their_o fancy_n it_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o opinion_n be_v first_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o
convince_v the_o heathen_a that_o then_o worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n the_o earth_n water_n air_n etc._n etc._n tell_v they_o their_o god_n be_v weak_a inconstant_a mutable_a and_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n who_o miracle_n they_o proclaim_v and_o by_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v create_v chief_o for_o their_o good_a and_o benefit_n with_o which_o opinion_n man_n be_v so_o please_v that_o ever_o since_o they_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o fain_a miracle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v better_o belove_v by_o god_n than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n be_v chief_o for_o their_o sake_n how_o arrogant_a be_v the_o foolish_a vulgar_a who_o conceive_v nothing_o right_o of_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o confound_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o think_v nature_n so_o narrow_a that_o they_o believe_v man_n to_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n thereof_o have_v thus_o discover_v the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o common_a people_n concern_v god_n and_o nature_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o order_n and_o show_v first_o that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n who_o order_n and_o course_n be_v eternal_a constant_a and_o immutable_a explain_v also_o what_o be_v a_o miracle_n second_o that_o we_o can_v know_v the_o essence_n existence_n nor_o consequent_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o miracle_n but_o they_o more_o manifest_o appear_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a order_n of_o nature_n three_o i_o will_v prove_v by_o some_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o by_o the_o decree_n purpose_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o its_o eternal_a law_n last_o i_o will_v show_v how_o scripture_n miracle_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o what_o we_o be_v principal_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n all_o which_o particular_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o present_a chapter_n and_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o design_n of_o this_o whole_a treatise_n the_o first_o particular_a be_v prove_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o 4_o the_o chapter_n concern_v the_o divine_a law_n namely_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v and_o decree_v imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o distinguish_v from_o his_o will_n and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o we_o say_v god_n will_v and_o god_n know_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o the_o same_o necessity_n derive_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v by_o the_o same_o necessity_n must_v god_n will_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v but_o since_o nothing_o be_v necessary_o true_a but_o what_o be_v so_o by_o the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o necessity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n whatever_o therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o nature_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o its_o universal_a law_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o if_o any_o one_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o likewise_o must_v grant_v that_o god_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o absurdity_n as_o therefore_o nothing_o happen_v in_o nature_n contrary_a to_o its_o universal_a law_n so_o neither_o do_v any_o thing_n happen_v which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o and_o follow_v from_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v do_v be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n that_o be_v according_a to_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o law_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n be_v not_o know_v to_o we_o yet_o nature_n always_o observe_v they_o and_o consequent_o keep_v her_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n no_o rational_a man_n can_v believe_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v limit_v and_o its_o law_n confine_v to_o some_o particular_a operation_n and_o effect_n and_o not_o fit_v universal_o to_o all_o for_o since_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n infinite_a and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o general_a that_o they_o extend_v themselves_o to_o all_o thing_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n otherwise_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o god_n create_v nature_n so_o weak_a and_o impotent_a and_o its_o law_n and_o rule_n so_o defective_a that_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v nature_n he_o must_v upon_o every_o new_a occasion_n assist_v and_o succour_v it_o that_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o according_a to_o his_o will_n which_o be_v very_o irrational_a for_o any_o man_n to_o suppose_v if_o than_o nothing_o happen_v in_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o its_o rule_n and_o law_n that_o its_o law_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o that_o nature_n keep_v a_o fix_a immutable_a and_o regular_a course_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o whatever_o man_n call_v a_o miracle_n be_v only_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o work_n or_o thing_n do_v of_o which_o we_o can_v discover_v the_o natural_a cause_n by_o a_o example_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o ordinary_o happen_v like_o it_o at_o least_o the_o person_n can_v who_o relate_v or_o record_v the_o miracle_n i_o may_v call_v that_o a_o miracle_n who_o cause_n can_v be_v make_v out_o from_o any_o natural_a principle_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o because_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o know_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ancient_n count_v that_o a_o miracle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o explain_v as_o the_o common_a people_n use_v to_o do_v natural_a thing_n namely_o by_o recur_v to_o their_o memory_n for_o bring_v to_o mind_n some_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v for_o the_o common_a people_n think_v they_o very_o well_o understand_v a_o thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v it_o by_o this_o rule_n and_o no_o other_o man_n in_o old_a and_o late_a time_n have_v judge_v of_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o many_o thing_n be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n for_o miracle_n who_o cause_n may_v have_v be_v make_v manifest_a from_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o we_o have_v hint_v in_o our_o 2_o d_o chapter_n where_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n and_o its_o go_v backward_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n on_o the_o dyal_n of_o ahaz_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n more_o at_o large_a when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o miracle_n i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v the_o second_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o can_v by_o miracle_n understand_v the_o essence_n existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o be_v more_o clear_o apprehend_v by_o we_o in_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n which_o i_o thus_o prove_v if_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o know_v to_o we_o it_o must_v then_o be_v make_v out_o and_o conclude_v from_o notion_n who_o verity_n be_v so_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o power_n by_o which_o those_o notion_n may_v be_v change_v at_o least_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v so_o to_o we_o at_o that_o time_n when_o from_o they_o we_o conclude_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o will_v have_v that_o existence_n to_o be_v indubitable_a for_o if_o we_o can_v think_v those_o notion_n mutable_a by_o any_o power_n whatever_o it_o be_v then_o may_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o notion_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o conclusion_n namely_o god_n existence_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o see_v we_o can_v know_v what_o be_v congruous_a or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o which_o we_o prove_v to_o be_v congruous_a or_o contrary_a to_o those_o prime_a notion_n if_o we_o can_v conceive_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o
always_o particular_o express_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o they_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o 14_o the_o chap._n of_o exod._n v._n 27._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o only_o upon_o the_o stretch_n out_o of_o moses_n hand_n the_o sea_n return_v again_o to_o its_o full_a strength_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o wind_n yet_o in_o the_o 15_o chap._n of_o exod._n call_v moses_n song_n v._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v thou_o do_v blow_v with_o thy_o wind_n that_o be_v a_o strong_a wind_n and_o the_o sea_n cover_v they_o so_o that_o this_o circumstance_n be_v omit_v in_o the_o story_n to_o make_v the_o miracle_n appear_v the_o great_a but_o some_o will_v urge_v that_o we_o find_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o can_v in_o appearance_n be_v explain_v by_o natural_a cause_n as_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o earth_n barrenness_n and_o man_n prayer_n the_o cause_n of_o its_o fertility_n that_o faith_n may_v give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n record_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o give_v answer_n in_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o next_o immediate_a cause_n but_o only_o relate_v thing_n in_o that_o order_n and_o express_v they_o in_o such_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o stir_v man_n up_o especial_o the_o multitude_n to_o devotion_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n speak_v many_o time_n very_o improper_o of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n it_o treat_v of_o not_o so_o much_o to_o convince_v our_o reason_n as_o to_o affect_v and_o possess_v our_o mind_n and_o our_o imagination_n if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v relate_v the_o destruction_n of_o any_o empire_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o historian_n and_o politician_n use_v to_o do_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o common_a people_n but_o when_o the_o overthrow_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v poetical_o describe_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n own_o hand_n how_o strange_o be_v man_n move_v with_o it_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o earth_n be_v barren_a or_o that_o blind_a man_n be_v restore_v to_o sight_n by_o faith_n it_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o do_v those_o other_o say_n that_o god_n be_v angry_a or_o grieve_v with_o our_o sin_n that_o he_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v or_o intend_v and_o that_o god_n by_o see_v a_o sign_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o promise_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v speak_v poetical_o or_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o writer_n so_o that_o we_o absolute_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o have_v happen_v do_v happen_v as_o all_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v any_o thing_n record_v which_o by_o plain_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o impossible_a to_o follow_v from_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v insert_v by_o sacrilegious_a man_n for_o whatever_o be_v against_o nature_n be_v against_o reason_n and_o whatever_o be_v against_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o absurd_a nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o only_o to_o say_v somewhat_o of_o interpret_n miracle_n or_o rather_o to_o recollect_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o illustrate_v it_o by_o some_o example_n which_o be_v the_o four_o particular_a i_o promise_v to_o treat_v of_o that_o no_o body_n by_o mistake_v a_o miracle_n may_v think_v there_o be_v something_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o man_n relate_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o naked_o and_o true_o but_o that_o to_o their_o relation_n they_o add_v somewhat_o of_o their_o own_o conceit_n yea_o when_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n unless_o they_o beware_v of_o their_o own_o preconceive_a opinion_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o prepossess_v that_o they_o will_v never_o right_o understand_v what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v especial_o if_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o spectator_n or_o relator_n and_o it_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n that_o the_o thing_n shall_v happen_v in_o that_o very_a manner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n in_o their_o history_n and_o chronicle_n rather_o vent_v their_o own_o opinion_n then_o make_v faithful_a relation_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v by_o two_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n shall_v be_v so_o diverse_o represent_v that_o it_o shall_v seem_v two_o different_a case_n so_o that_o oft_o time_n it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a by_o the_o very_a history_n to_o discover_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o historian_n to_o evidence_n this_o i_o may_v cite_v many_o philosopher_n who_o have_v write_a history_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o chronologeis_n but_o i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o only_a one_o mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n when_o the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v carry_v about_o the_o earth_n by_o a_o dyurnal_a motion_n and_o that_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o move_v at_o all_o they_o fit_v the_o miracle_n which_o happen_v when_o they_o fight_v against_o the_o five_o king_n according_a to_o this_o their_o preconceived_a opinion_n and_o do_v not_o say_v simple_o that_o the_o day_n be_v long_o than_o ordinary_a but_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n stand_v still_o or_o cease_v from_o motion_n which_o at_o that_o time_n serve_v as_o a_o very_a good_a argument_n to_o convince_v the_o heathen_a who_o worship_v the_o sun_n that_o their_o god_n the_o sun_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o deity_n who_o can_v at_o his_o pleasure_n make_v he_o change_v his_o course_n and_o therefore_o partly_o out_o of_o religion_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v they_o apprehend_v and_o relate_v the_o thing_n much_o otherwise_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o explain_v miracle_n and_o to_o understand_v by_o their_o relation_n how_o thing_n do_v true_o and_o real_o happen_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o first_o report_v the_o miracle_n or_o leave_v they_o in_o write_v and_o to_o distinguish_v their_o opinion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o by_o their_o sense_n else_o we_o may_v confound_v their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n with_o the_o miracle_n itself_o it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o know_v their_o opinion_n that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o real_o happen_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o imaginary_a and_o but_o prophetical_a revelation_n for_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v relate_v and_o believe_v as_o thing_n real_a which_o be_v but_o representation_n and_o mere_a imagination_n as_o that_o god_n the_o first_o and_o high_a of_o all_o being_n descend_v from_o heaven_n exod._n chap._n 19_o v._n 18._o deut._n chap._n 5._o v._n 23._o upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o that_o the_o mountain_n smoke_v because_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o fire_n we_o be_v likewise_o tell_v of_o eliahs_n go_v to_o heaven_n in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n with_o horse_n of_o fire_n all_o which_o be_v but_o representation_n suit_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o they_o who_o deliver_v to_o we_o those_o thing_n for_o reality_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o mere_a representation_n whoever_o be_v but_o little_o wise_a than_o the_o multitude_n know_v that_o god_n have_v neither_o right_a or_o left_a hand_n that_o he_o neither_o rest_v nor_o move_v that_o he_o be_v comprehensive_o in_o no_o place_n but_o be_v infinite_a and_o in_o he_o be_v contain_v all_o perfection_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v know_v to_o man_n who_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o perception_n of_o a_o pure_a understanding_n and_o not_o as_o their_o fancy_n be_v affect_v by_o their_o outward_a sense_n as_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v corporeal_a and_o imagine_v he_o exercise_v kingly_a dominion_n fancy_v his_o throne_n to_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o the_o star_n at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o and_o the_o like_a opinion_n many_o case_n in_o scripture_n be_v accommodate_v but_o yet_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v real_a by_o wise_a men._n true_o to_o understand_v how_o miracle_n happen_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o phrase_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n for_o he_o that_o be_v
we_o have_v name_v be_v write_v long_o after_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n happen_v which_o they_o relate_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o subject_n of_o these_o book_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v that_o they_o be_v all_o write_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o historian_n who_o design_v to_o write_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o first_o original_a to_o the_o first_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o book_n be_v by_o connexion_n so_o link_v together_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o the_o single_a narration_n of_o one_o historian_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v do_v with_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n he_o begin_v the_o next_o book_n with_o these_o word_n now_o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o joshuah_n and_o end_v the_o story_n of_o joshuah_n with_o his_o death_n he_o do_v with_o the_o very_a same_o transition_n and_o conjunction_n begin_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n in_o these_o word_n now_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshuah_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n ask_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o this_o book_n of_o judge_n as_o a_o appendix_n he_o join_v the_o book_n of_o ruth_n in_o these_o word_n now_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o judge_n rule_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n to_o which_o book_n of_o ruth_n he_o do_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n join_v the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n that_o end_v with_o his_o wont_a transition_n he_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o book_n and_o to_o this_o the_o history_n of_o david_n not_o be_v full_o endded_a he_o join_v the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n then_o go_v on_o with_o david_n history_n add_v with_o his_o usual_a connexion_n the_o second_o book_n the_o context_n and_o order_n of_o the_o history_n likewise_o declare_v the_o historian_n to_o be_v but_o one_o person_n who_o propound_v to_o himself_o one_o certain_a end_n for_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o original_a of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n then_o in_o order_n show_v upon_o what_o occasion_n and_o at_o what_o time_n moses_n prescribe_v law_n and_o prophesy_v many_o thing_n to_o they_o afterward_o he_o relate_v how_o they_o invade_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n according_a to_o moses_n prediction_n deut._n chap._n 7._o and_o when_o they_o have_v possess_v it_o how_o they_o will_v forsake_v god_n law_n deut._n chap._n 31._o v._n 16._o and_o what_o evil_n shall_v thereupon_o follow_v verse_n 17._o next_o he_o declare_v how_o they_o will_v choose_v king_n deut._n chap._n 17._o v._n 14._o who_o affair_n shall_v succeed_v well_o or_o ill_o according_a to_o the_o care_n they_o take_v in_o observe_v the_o law_n deut._n chap._n 28._o v._n 36_o 68_o and_o last_o conclude_v with_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o government_n as_o moses_n foretell_v of_o thing_n which_o serve_v little_a to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n he_o say_v nothing_o or_o else_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o other_o author_n so_o that_o all_o these_o book_n conspire_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n namely_o the_o publish_v the_o prophecy_n and_o edict_n of_o moses_n and_o make_v they_o good_a by_o what_o after_o happen_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o all_o the_o book_n the_o connexion_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v write_v many_o age_n after_o the_o thing_n do_v be_v argument_n enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o they_o be_v all_o write_v by_o one_o historian_n but_o who_o he_o be_v i_o can_v evident_o prove_v i_o have_v some_o reason_n and_o those_o of_o some_o weight_n to_o think_v it_o be_v esdras_n see_v the_o historian_n who_o we_o now_o know_v to_o be_v one_o person_n carry_v on_o the_o history_n as_o far_o as_o iehoiachim_n deliverance_n out_o of_o prison_n and_o moreover_o add_v that_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o king_n table_n all_o his_o life_n which_o must_v be_v either_o the_o table_n of_o king_n jehoiachim_n or_o of_o the_o son_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n for_o the_o sense_n be_v very_o dubious_a it_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v any_o one_o before_o esdras_n the_o scripture_n say_v of_o esdras_n without_o mention_v any_o other_o person_n ezra_n chap._n 7._o v._n 10._o that_o he_o have_v prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v it_o and_o verse_n 6_o the_o that_o he_o be_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o i_o can_v conjecture_v any_o body_n but_o esdras_n shall_v write_v those_o book_n in_o the_o testimony_n give_v of_o he_o we_o find_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o likewise_o explain_v it_o nehem._n chap._n 8._o v._n 8._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n now_o because_o in_o the_o book_n of_o deutronomy_n not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v but_o also_o many_o thing_n be_v insert_v for_o the_o better_a explication_n thereof_o i_o conjecture_v the_o book_n of_o deutronomy_n to_o be_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v set_v forth_o and_o expound_v by_o esdras_n which_o they_o then_o read_v and_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v put_v in_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n more_o clear_o to_o explain_v it_o we_o give_v you_o several_a instance_n when_o i_o unfold_v aben-ezras_a meaning_n there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o appear_v deut._n chap._n 2._o v._n 12._o the_o horites_n also_o dwell_v in_o seir_n before_o time_n but_o the_o child_n of_o esau_n succeed_v they_o when_o they_o have_v destroy_v they_o from_o before_o they_o and_o dwell_v in_o their_o stead_n as_o israel_n do_v unto_o the_o land_n of_o his_o possession_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o they_o this_o explain_v the_o 3_o d._n and_o 4_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n namely_o that_o mount_n seir_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o esau_n be_v not_o find_v by_o they_o uninhabited_a but_o that_o they_o invade_v the_o horites_n who_o first_o dwell_v there_o and_o have_v subdue_v destroy_v they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v the_o canaanite_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n likewise_o in_o the_o 10_o the_o chapter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o 6_o 7_o 8_o and_o 9_o verse_n be_v interpose_v by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n with_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n for_o the_o 8_o the_o verse_n which_o begin_v in_o these_o word_n at_o that_o time_n the_o lord_n separate_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n must_v necessary_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o 5_o the_o verse_n which_o speak_v of_o moses_n come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n and_o put_v the_o table_n into_o the_o ark_n and_o not_o to_o the_o death_n of_o aron_n mention_v in_o the_o 6_o the_o verse_n of_o which_o esdras_n speak_v here_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o moses_n in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n which_o the_o people_n worship_v say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n v_o 20._o that_o he_o pray_v for_o aron_n the_o historian_n go_v on_o and_o declare_v that_o god_n at_o that_o time_n of_o which_o moses_n speak_v choose_v for_o himself_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n that_o he_o may_v show_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o election_n and_o also_o why_o the_o levite_n have_v no_o part_n or_o inheritance_n with_o their_o brethren_n this_o do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n he_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o the_o history_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o moses_n in_o the_o three_o person_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o can_v now_o be_v know_v which_o he_o add_v or_o express_v in_o other_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o his_o time_n without_o doubt_n have_v we_o the_o very_a book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n write_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o commandment_n very_o much_o differ_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o in_o order_n matter_n and_o sense_n compare_v the_o decalogue_n of_o this_o book_n with_o that_o in_o exodus_fw-la where_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o vary_v from_o that_o for_o the_o four_o commandment_n in_o deutronomy_n be_v not_o only_o command_v in_o another_o form_n but_o be_v enlarge_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o likewise_o differ_v much_o from_o that_o in_o exodus_fw-la so_o that_o this_o as_o in_o other_o place_n be_v do_v by_o esdras_n because_o he_o explain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o
veneration_n when_o genesis_n be_v write_v and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o true_a and_o clear_a answer_n because_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o forecited_a text_n of_o exodus_fw-la that_o god_n be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o his_o name_n jehovah_n and_o because_o also_o in_o exod._n chap._n 3._o v._n 13._o moses_n desire_v to_o know_v god_n name_n which_o must_v have_v be_v know_v to_o he_o have_v it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n before_o he_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o faithful_a patriarch_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o gift_n not_o a_o command_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o particular_a that_o god_n require_v from_o man_n by_o his_o prophet_n no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love_n that_o be_v those_o attribute_n which_o man_n in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o live_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n imitate_v which_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n in_o express_a word_n declare_v for_o chap._n 20._o v._n 15_o 16._o speak_v of_o king_n josiah_n he_o say_v do_v not_o thy_o father_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n and_o then_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o he_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o needy_a than_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n nor_o be_v those_o word_n less_o clear_a chap._n 9_o v._n 24._o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o exercise_v love_a kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n we_o have_v a_o further_a proof_n exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6._o where_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v and_o know_v god_n god_n reveal_v no_o other_o attribute_n to_o he_o but_o such_o as_o declare_v his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love._n last_o how_o express_v in_o the_o point_n be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n john_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n because_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v god_n he_o make_v god_n know_v only_o by_o love_n and_o conclude_v that_o he_o know_v god_n and_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o who_o have_v charity_n we_o see_v then_o that_o moses_n jeremy_n and_o john_n comprise_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v in_o that_o only_a wherein_o we_o say_v it_o be_v comprehend_v namely_o in_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v superlative_o just_a and_o merciful_a and_o the_o only_a pattern_n of_o a_o good_a life_n the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o give_v any_o express_a and_o positive_a definition_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v it_o prescribe_v any_o other_o attribute_n to_o be_v imitate_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o but_o those_o we_o have_v name_v nor_o be_v those_o express_o commend_v as_o attribute_n so_o that_o from_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o intellectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o consider_v god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n which_o nature_n no_o man_n can_v by_o any_o certain_a course_n of_o life_n imitate_v or_o take_v for_o his_o pattern_n do_v not_o at_o all_o teach_v a_o man_n how_o to_o live_v well_o neither_o do_v it_o concern_v a_o man_n faith_n or_o reveal_v religion_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v infinite_o mistake_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o offend_v god._n let_v we_o not_o wonder_v then_o that_o god_n apply_v himself_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o preconceive_a opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o faithful_a believer_n have_v different_a opinion_n of_o god_n as_o by_o many_o instance_n we_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n nor_o let_v any_o man_n wonder_n that_o the_o sacred_a volume_n do_v every_o where_o speak_v so_o improper_o of_o god_n ascribe_v to_o he_o hand_n foot_n eye_n ear_n mind_n local_a motion_n yea_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n say_v he_o be_v jealous_a merciful_a etc._n etc._n and_o sometime_o set_v he_o out_o as_o a_o judge_n sit_v in_o heaven_n on_o a_o regal_a throne_n and_o christ_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n all_o which_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o the_o scripture_n intend_v to_o make_v obedient_a but_o not_o learned_a of_o these_o thing_n whatever_o ordinary_a profess_a divine_n have_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n discover_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o will_v have_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o that_o which_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n must_v be_v take_v literal_o if_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n must_v be_v take_v and_o understand_v metaphorical_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v for_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a common_a people_n but_o for_o the_o learned_a and_o 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