multitude_n as_o superstition_n whence_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o common_a people_n under_o colour_n of_o religion_n be_v sometime_o easy_o induce_v to_o adore_v their_o king_n and_o at_o other_o time_n to_o curse_v and_o abhor_v they_o as_o the_o common_a plague_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o mischief_n great_a pain_n be_v take_v to_o adorn_v and_o attire_v religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a that_o it_o may_v appear_v very_o grave_a and_o solemn_a and_o all_o person_n pay_v unto_o it_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o respect_n and_o veneration_n this_o have_v so_o lucky_o succeed_v among_o the._n turk_n who_o count_v it_o a_o crime_n so_o much_o as_o to_o dispute_v and_o have_v their_o understanding_n possess_v with_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o their_o mind_n leave_v for_o reason_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v but_o if_o it_o be_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a arcanum_n and_o concern_v of_o monarchical_a government_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o to_o cover_v fear_n by_o which_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o subjection_n under_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v fight_v for_o slavery_n as_o for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n but_o their_o great_a honour_n to_o spend_v their_o blood_n and_o life_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o one_o single_a person_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o mischeivous_o devise_v or_o attempt_v than_o to_o possess_v man_n judgement_n which_o be_v free_a with_o prejudices_fw-la or_o in_o any_o manner_n to_o restrain_v or_o compel_v they_o it_o be_v utter_o repugnant_a to_o common_a liberty_n as_o for_o sedition_n stir_v up_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n they_o arise_v from_o enact_v law_n concern_v thing_n mere_o speculative_a and_o because_o opinion_n be_v many_o time_n condemn_v for_o crime_n and_o the_o maintainer_n and_o follower_n of_o those_o opinion_n seldom_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o public_a safety_n but_o to_o the_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o adversary_n but_o if_o the_o law_n of_o government_n will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o word_n and_o only_o punish_v man_n action_n there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o lawful_a pretence_n for_o such_o sedition_n nor_o can_v controversy_n be_v turn_v into_o quarrel_n see_v therefore_o that_o man_n be_v seldom_o so_o happy_a to_o live_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o every_o one_o be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o judge_v and_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o understanding_n or_o where_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v dear_a and_o sweet_a than_o liberty_n i_o think_v my_o undertake_n will_v be_v neither_o unpleasing_a or_o unprofitable_a if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o liberty_n may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o religion_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o all_o three_o must_v stand_v and_o fall_v together_o and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o intend_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o which_o purpose_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o mark_v out_o the_o chief_a prejudices_fw-la concern_v religion_n i_o mean_v the_o footstep_n of_o ancient_a servitude_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o relate_v to_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n power_n which_o many_o with_o shameless_a boldness_n study_v to_o usurp_v and_o then_o to_o secure_v themselves_o amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n still_o subject_a to_o superstition_n with_o specious_a show_n of_o religion_n that_o all_o may_v again_o run_v into_o bondage_n in_o what_o order_n i_o make_v these_o thing_n manifest_a i_o will_v present_o in_o few_o word_n declare_v but_o first_o i_o will_v mention_v the_o cause_n which_o move_v i_o to_o write_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o man_n who_o boast_v themselves_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o consist_v in_o love_n peace_n moderation_n and_o deal_v upright_o with_o all_o man_n shall_v so_o unjust_o contend_v and_o cruel_o hate_v one_o another_o by_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v better_a know_v then_o by_o the_o forename_a virtue_n there_o be_v now_o scarce_o any_o man_n whatever_o he_o be_v christian_n jew_n turk_n or_o heathen_a that_o can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o habit_n and_o attire_n by_o frequent_v such_o a_o church_n by_o maintain_v such_o a_o opinion_n or_o by_o be_v the_o swear_a disciple_n of_o such_o a_o master_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n man_n life_n and_o conversation_n be_v all_o alike_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a i_o find_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a people_n be_v persuade_v that_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o set_v a_o very_a high_a value_n upon_o the_o service_n dignity_n office_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o honour_v churchman_n with_o all_o possible_a reverence_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o this_o abuse_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n every_o knave_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o propagate_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o sordid_a avarice_n and_o ambition_n so_o that_o the_o temple_n itself_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o theatre_n where_o ecclesiastical_a doctor_n do_v not_o preach_v but_o like_o orator_n harangued_a the_o people_n not_o to_o instruct_v but_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o they_o public_o reproach_v their_o adversary_n and_o vent_v such_o new_a fangle_a doctrine_n as_o they_o think_v will_v best_o please_v the_o multitude_n from_o hence_o necessary_o arise_v those_o great_a contention_n envy_n and_o inveterate_a hatred_n which_o no_o length_n of_o time_n can_v assuage_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a religion_n nothing_o remain_v but_o the_o external_a worship_n wherein_o the_o people_n seem_v rather_o to_o flatter_v than_o adore_v god_n faith_n be_v become_v nothing_o but_o credulity_n and_o prejudice_n such_o as_o turn_v rational_a man_n into_o brute_n by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o such_o as_o seem_v purposely_o invent_v total_o to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o human_a understanding_n piety_n and_o religion_n o_o immortal_a god_n now_o consist_v in_o absurd_a mystery_n and_o they_o that_o contemn_v and_o reject_v human_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o deprave_v they_o forsooth_o which_o be_v strange_o irrational_a must_v pass_v for_o man_n divine_o illuminate_v true_o if_o such_o man_n have_v but_o one_o spark_n of_o divine_a light_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o supercilious_o mad_a but_o will_v learn_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o more_o prudence_n and_o instead_o of_o hate_v as_o they_o now_o do_v will_v love_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o forbear_v to_o prosecute_v they_o with_o so_o much_o enmity_n will_v rather_o since_o they_o pretend_v to_o fear_v their_o salvation_n more_o than_o their_o own_o fortune_n have_v pity_n and_o compassion_n upon_o they_o moreover_o if_o such_o man_n have_v any_o divine_a light_n it_o will_v appear_v in_o their_o doctrine_n i_o confess_v they_o pretend_v they_o can_v never_o enough_o admire_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o i_o can_v perceive_v they_o teach_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o speculation_n of_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n to_o which_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v follower_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o have_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v the_o scripture_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o these_o man_n to_o run_v mad_a with_o the_o greek_n will_v have_v the_o very_a prophet_n also_o to_o dote_v like_o themselves_o which_o clear_o show_v they_o never_o see_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o dream_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o admire_v the_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n so_o much_o the_o more_o they_o seem_v to_o flatter_v and_o soothe_v scripture_n rather_o than_o believe_v it_o of_o which_o likewise_o another_o evidence_n be_v that_o many_o man_n as_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o find_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o principal_a and_o fundamental_a position_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o in_o every_o part_n infallible_o true_a which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v make_v out_o or_o prove_v by_o any_o other_o way_n but_o a_o strict_a examination_n and_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o and_o do_v likewise_o establish_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n which_o need_v no_o human_a gloss_n the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v our_o best_a guide_n when_o i_o serious_o consider_v that_o natural_a reason_n be_v not_o only_o contemn_v but_o also_o by_o many_o condemn_a for_o the_o fountain_n of_o impiety_n and_o human_a invention_n pass_v
thereby_o more_o incline_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o we_o blame_v the_o sectary_n for_o not_o allow_v other_o man_n the_o same_o liberty_n they_o themselves_o take_v they_o count_v all_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o opinion_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o persecute_v they_o as_o such_o but_o call_v those_o who_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n god_n elect_n be_v they_o never_o so_o very_a knave_n which_o be_v the_o most_o pernicious_a wicked_a humour_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o make_v it_o clear_v then_o how_o far_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n every_o man_n may_v extend_v his_o liberty_n of_o think_v what_o he_o please_v and_o upon_o who_o we_o be_v to_o look_v as_o believer_n though_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n i_o resolve_v to_o show_v in_o this_o chapter_n what_o faith_n be_v to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o distinguish_v faith_n from_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o whole_a treatise_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o order_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n again_o what_o be_v the_o scripture_n principal_a intention_n for_o that_o will_v show_v we_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o determine_v what_o be_v faith._n we_o have_v tell_v you_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n obedience_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v for_o who_o do_v not_o plain_o see_v the_o discipline_n of_o obedience_n to_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o only_a end_n of_o both_o be_v to_o make_v man_n obey_v god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n i_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o moses_n do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n with_o reason_n but_o to_o bind_v and_o oblige_v they_o by_o a_o covenant_n by_o oath_n and_o benefit_n he_o threaten_v those_o that_o break_v the_o law_n with_o punishment_n and_o encourage_v the_o observer_n of_o it_o with_o reward_n which_o be_v mean_n not_o to_o increase_v knowledge_n but_o only_o to_o procure_v obedience_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v nothing_o but_o plain_a simple_a faith_n namely_o to_o believe_v god_n and_o to_o reverence_n and_o worship_v he_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o obey_v he_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n so_o evident_a or_o of_o heap_v up_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o commend_v obedience_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o in_o both_o testament_n what_o a_o man_n be_v to_o do_v to_o obey_v god_n the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n declare_v namely_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n consist_v in_o love_v our_o neighbour_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o he_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o law_n be_v obedient_a who_o according_a to_o god_n command_n love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o on_o the_o contrary_a who_o hate_v his_o neighbour_n or_o care_v not_o for_o he_o be_v rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a last_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o publish_v not_o only_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a but_o for_o all_o people_n in_o general_n of_o all_o time_n hence_o then_o must_v it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v not_o command_v by_o scripture_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v and_o obey_v this_o commandment_n so_o that_o this_o precept_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o catholic_n faith_n and_o by_o it_o only_o all_o those_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v aught_o to_o be_v define_v and_o determine_v which_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a and_o that_o from_o this_o foundation_n only_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v rational_o deduce_v and_o derive_v let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o the_o many_o dispute_n and_o dissension_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n can_v have_v any_o other_o cause_n than_o those_o i_o mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n which_o force_v i_o here_o to_o show_v from_o this_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o manner_n and_o reason_n of_o state_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n for_o unless_o i_o do_v this_o and_o make_v it_o good_a by_o sure_a and_o certain_a rule_n i_o have_v indeed_o hitherto_o do_v very_o little_a see_v otherwise_o every_o man_n may_v introduce_v what_o he_o please_v under_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o obedience_n especial_o when_o any_o thing_n come_v into_o question_n concern_v the_o divine_a attribute_n to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o make_v the_o thing_n clear_a and_o plain_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o definition_n of_o faith_n which_o according_a to_o the_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v aught_o to_o be_v thus_o define_v i'faith_o be_v to_o have_v such_o thought_n or_o opinion_n of_o god_n as_o make_v a_o man_n obey_v he_o where_o such_o thought_n be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o obedience_n and_o where_o they_o be_v obedience_n necessary_o follow_v such_o opinion_n which_o definition_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_o follow_v from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o need_v no_o explication_n what_o follow_v from_o this_o definition_n i_o will_v brief_o show_v first_o that_o faith_n of_o itself_o without_o obedience_n be_v not_o able_a to_o save_v a_o man_n as_o james_n say_v chap._n 2._o 17._o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o that_o whole_a chapter_n second_o that_o he_o who_o be_v true_o obedient_a must_v necessary_o have_v save_v faith_n for_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v obedience_n there_o as_o i_o have_v say_v must_v be_v faith_n which_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v express_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o say_v 2_o d_o chap._n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n and_o john_n in_o his_o 1_o sy_n epist._n chap._n 4._o v._n 78._o every_o one_o that_o love_v his_o neighbour_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o know_v god_n he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n from_o whence_o it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v judge_v no_o man_n to_o be_v a_o believer_n or_o a_o unbeliever_n but_o by_o his_o work_n that_o be_v if_o his_o work_n be_v good_a though_o in_o his_o opinion_n he_o dissent_v from_o other_o believer_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o if_o his_o work_n be_v evil_a though_o in_o word_n he_o agree_v with_o other_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o infidel_n for_o where_o there_o be_v obedience_n there_o must_v necessary_o be_v faith_n and_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a which_o john_n in_o chap._n 4._o 13._o express_o declare_v hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n which_o spirit_n be_v love_n for_o he_o say_v just_a before_o god_n be_v love_n and_o conclude_v from_o his_o own_o principle_n that_o he_o certain_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_n and_o because_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v god_n he_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o only_o by_o love_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v any_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o love_n by_o partake_v of_o it_o which_o reason_n if_o they_o do_v not_o absolute_o convince_v yet_o they_o sufficient_o explain_v st._n john_n meaning_n what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o 3_o d_o and_o 4_o the_o verse_n of_o his_o 2_o d_o chap._n in_o express_v word_n full_o prove_v what_o we_o maintain_v and_o hereby_o say_v he_o do_v we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o hence_o it_o again_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v antichrist_n who_o persecute_v honest_a and_o just_a man_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o do_v not_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n they_o that_o love_v justice_n and_o charity_n be_v thereby_o only_o know_v to_o be_v believer_n and_o whoever_o persecute_v such_o believer_n be_v antichrist_n last_o it_o follow_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o require_v opinion_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_a but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v pious_a and_o incline_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o obedience_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o â—ruth_n in_o they_o which_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v and_o yet_o be_v
man_n fidelity_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o his_o faith_n towards_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o know_v only_o by_o his_o work_n namely_o by_o charity_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o best_a commonwealth_n will_v give_v every_o man_n the_o same_o liberty_n of_o reason_v that_o they_o do_v of_o believe_v i_o confess_v by_o such_o a_o liberty_n some_o inconvenience_n may_v sometime_o happen_v but_o what_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n can_v prevent_v all_o inconvenience_n he_o that_o by_o law_n think_v to_o prevent_v all_o will_v soon_o provoke_v then_o amend_v vicious_a men._n inconvenience_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v prevent_v or_o avoid_v must_v be_v tolerate_v we_o must_v bear_v with_o they_o though_o we_o suffer_v by_o they_o of_o how_o many_o mischief_n be_v luxury_n drunkenness_n envy_n and_o covetousness_n the_o cause_n yet_o these_o be_v tolerate_v because_o though_o they_o be_v vice_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o law_n to_o restrain_v they_o how_o much_o more_o than_o aught_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v allow_v which_o be_v true_o a_o virtue_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v suppress_v no_o inconvenience_n can_v arise_v from_o it_o which_o may_v not_o as_o i_o will_v prove_v be_v avoid_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n beside_o this_o liberty_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o art_n and_o science_n in_o which_o the_o great_a proficiency_n be_v make_v by_o those_o man_n who_o have_v their_o judgement_n free_a from_o preoccupation_n but_o suppose_v man_n mouth_n may_v be_v stop_v and_o so_o awe_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o utter_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o impossible_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o think_v what_o they_o please_v and_o when_o man_n think_v ill_a of_o magistrate_n there_o breach_n of_o faith_n soon_o follow_v and_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o abominable_a flattery_n perfidy_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o ingenious_a arts._n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o talk_v the_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o keep_v they_o silent_a the_o more_o many_o time_n will_v they_o talk_v perhaps_o covetous_a man_n flatterer_n and_o mean-spirited_n people_n who_o place_n their_o chief_a felicity_n in_o fill_v their_o bag_n and_o their_o belly_n may_v hold_v their_o peace_n but_o virtuous_a honest_a man_n who_o have_v have_v liberal_a education_n can_v be_v silent_a such_o be_v man_n nature_n that_o nothing_o be_v a_o great_a vexation_n to_o they_o than_o to_o see_v those_o opinion_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a condemn_v and_o themselves_o account_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a for_o do_v that_o which_o they_o think_v be_v their_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o make_v they_o detest_v the_o law_n and_o count_v any_o seditious_a attempt_n against_o the_o magistrate_n lawful_a and_o just_a in_o law_n against_o opinion_n wicked_a man_n be_v seldom_o concern_v such_o law_n be_v common_o make_v not_o to_o restrain_v bad_a but_o to_o provoke_v good_a man_n and_o can_v be_v defend_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o danger_n to_o the_o government_n such_o law_n be_v likewise_o useless_a for_o man_n can_v obey_v law_n which_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n they_o firm_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o think_v those_o opinion_n false_a take_v the_o law_n that_o condemn_v they_o to_o be_v be_v their_o privilege_n wherein_o they_o so_o triumph_v that_o afterward_o the_o magistrate_n if_o he_o will_v be_v not_o able_a to_o repeal_v they_o last_o the_o make_n of_o such_o law_n have_v often_o cause_v great_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o man_n do_v not_o hope_v with_o the_o general_a applause_n of_o the_o people_n to_o insult_v over_o their_o adversary_n and_o get_v preferment_n by_o procure_v the_o magistrate_n to_o favour_n and_o the_o law_n to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n learned_a doctor_n will_v quick_o leave_v their_o fierce_a dispute_n and_o bitter_a contention_n reason_n and_o daily_a example_n tell_v we_o that_o law_n which_o command_v what_o every_o man_n must_v believe_v and_o forbid_v speak_v or_o write_v against_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n be_v common_o institute_v to_o gratify_v or_o give_v way_n to_o the_o passion_n of_o those_o who_o rather_o than_o endure_v a_o baffle_v from_o ingenious_a man_n will_v with_o their_o stern_a and_o morose_a authority_n turn_v the_o people_n zeal_n into_o fury_n and_o hound_n they_o on_o upon_o who_o they_o please_v but_o will_v it_o not_o be_v much_o better_a to_o suppress_v the_o anger_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o multitude_n rather_o than_o make_v law_n against_o man_n that_o love_v virtue_n and_o learning_n and_o bring_v the_o commonwealth_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o honest_a harmless_a man_n can_v live_v in_o it_o what_o can_v be_v more_o mischievous_a to_o a_o commonwealth_n than_o to_o send_v honest_a man_n like_o rogue_n into_o banishment_n only_o because_o they_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n and_o can_v dissemble_v can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o pernicious_a than_o to_o treat_v person_n of_o a_o free_a ingenuous_a disposition_n like_o enemy_n and_o for_o no_o crime_n or_o wickedness_n put_v they_o to_o death_n make_v the_o scaffold_n which_o fright_v none_o but_o villain_n a_o public_a theatre_n whereon_o innocent_a person_n give_v such_o example_n of_o courage_n and_o patience_n as_o turn_v to_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n majesty_n they_o that_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v honest_a never_o fear_v punishment_n as_o the_o wicked_a do_v neither_o will_v they_o by_o base_a whine_a submission_n and_o recantation_n endeavour_v to_o avoid_v it_o their_o innocent_a mind_n be_v not_o trouble_v with_o gild_n or_o repentance_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o shameful_a but_o glorious_a to_o die_v for_o liberty_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n to_o who_o can_v their_o death_n be_v a_o terror_n the_o base_a ignorant_a multitude_n know_v not_o why_o they_o suffer_v honest_a man_n be_v their_o friend_n and_o none_o but_o seditious_a person_n their_o enemy_n and_o all_o but_o base_a sycophant_n and_o flatterer_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v their_o example_n that_o faith_n and_o honesty_n than_o may_v be_v in_o great_a esteem_n than_o flattery_n and_o dissimulation_n that_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v keep_v their_o power_n and_o not_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o seditious_a person_n liberty_n of_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v allow_v and_o man_n be_v so_o to_o be_v govern_v that_o though_o they_o be_v of_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n they_o may_v however_o live_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o amity_n without_o doubt_v this_o way_n of_o govern_v be_v best_o and_o subject_a to_o least_o inconvenience_n see_v it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nature_n for_o in_o democratical_a government_n which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n all_o covenant_n to_o act_n but_o not_o to_o reason_n and_o judge_v by_o common_a consent_n my_o meaning_n be_v because_o all_o man_n can_v think_v the_o same_o thing_n they_o have_v agree_v to_o make_v that_o a_o bind_a law_n which_o have_v most_o voice_n reserve_v still_o a_o power_n of_o repeal_n that_o law_n when_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v least_o liberty_n allow_v of_o judge_v there_o man_n be_v far_a from_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o the_o government_n be_v full_a of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o from_o this_o liberty_n can_v arise_v no_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v not_o with_o ease_n avoid_v and_o keep_v man_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n from_o hurt_v one_o another_o i_o need_v not_o go_v far_o for_o example_n the_o city_n of_o amsterdam_n have_v to_o the_o wonder_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o its_o own_o great_a advantage_n taste_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o liberty_n for_o in_o that_o flourish_a commonwealth_n and_o famous_a city_n man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n live_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o when_o they_o will_v trust_v any_o man_n with_o good_n or_o money_n they_o only_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v rich_a or_o poor_a or_o whether_o in_o his_o deal_v he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o his_o word_n or_o a_o cheat_a knave_n they_o never_o inquire_v of_o what_o religion_n or_o sect_n he_o be_v neither_o be_v that_o regard_v in_o any_o court_n of_o justice_n there_o be_v no_o sect_n so_o odious_a but_o have_v the_o public_a magistrate_n protection_n if_o they_o do_v no_o man_n wrong_v live_v honest_o and_o give_v every_o one_o his_o due_a how_o great_a a_o schism_n be_v there_o occasion_v not_o long_o since_o by_o a_o controversy_n in_o religion_n between_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o contra-remonstrants_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o many_o example_n that_o law_n make_v to_o take_v away_o dispute_v concern_v religion_n do_v much_o more_o provoke_v than_o pacify_v people_n and_o make_v some_o take_v the_o great_a liberty_n schism_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o study_n of_o truth_n that_o fountain_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n but_o from_o a_o imperious_a humour_n of_o prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o damn_v other_o man_n write_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o waspish_a multitude_n against_o they_o than_o those_o that_o write_v to_o learned_a man_n and_o call_v nothing_o but_o reason_n to_o their_o aid_n so_o that_o they_o be_v true_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n who_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n will_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n judgement_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppress_v we_o have_v now_o show_v first_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o take_v away_o man_n liberty_n of_o speak_v what_o they_o think_v second_o that_o this_o liberty_n may_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n be_v grant_v to_o every_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n may_v use_v this_o liberty_n provide_v he_o design_v no_o innovation_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o act_v nothing_o against_o the_o know_a establish_a law_n thereof_o three_o that_o this_o liberty_n which_o every_o man_n may_v enjoy_v if_o he_o do_v not_o break_v the_o public_a peace_n can_v cause_v no_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v not_o easy_o be_v restrain_v or_o remedy_v four_o that_o all_o man_n may_v make_v use_n of_o this_o liberty_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o impiety_n five_o that_o all_o law_n make_v concern_v opinion_n and_o matter_n mere_o speculative_a be_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a six_o and_o last_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o this_o liberty_n may_v not_o only_o be_v allow_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o public_a peace_n piety_n and_o to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o these_o for_o where_o there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o take_v away_o this_o liberty_n and_o man_n be_v arraign_v only_o for_o opinion_n without_o examine_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o evil_a intention_n there_o honest_a man_n be_v make_v example_n and_o suffer_v a_o martyrdom_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o terrify_v but_o irritate_v and_o move_v the_o people_n to_o pity_n and_o revenge_n learn_v and_o art_n decay_v faith_n be_v corrupt_v flatterer_n and_o perfidious_a person_n be_v countenance_v adversary_n triumph_v in_o have_v their_o will_n and_o prevail_v on_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o embrace_v their_o doctrine_n which_o at_o last_o incline_v they_o not_o only_o to_o undervalue_v but_o usurp_v their_o authority_n boast_v they_o be_v god_n elect_n that_o their_o power_n be_v from_o god_n but_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n only_o from_o man_n and_o consequent_o the_o magistrate_n power_n subordinate_a to_o they_o which_o absolute_o destroy_v the_o very_a be_v of_o all_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o 18_o the_o chapter_n a_o commonwealth_n great_a safety_n be_v to_o place_n religion_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o make_v thing_n sacred_a as_o much_o subject_n to_o supreme_a power_n as_o thing_n civil_a and_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o nothing_o but_o man_n action_n suffer_v every_o man_n to_o think_v what_o he_o will_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v i_o have_v now_o in_o this_o treatise_n do_v what_o i_o design_v and_o i_o do_v again_o sincere_o profess_v that_o i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o free_o submit_v to_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o my_o country_n if_o they_o think_v any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n or_o public_a safety_n thereof_o i_o recant_v it_o i_o know_v myself_o a_o man_n subject_n to_o error_n but_o my_o chief_a care_n have_v be_v to_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o reason_n to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o country_n and_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n finis_fw-la
to_o thing_n relate_v to_o honesty_n and_o good_a manner_n we_o ought_v to_o think_v otherwise_o i_o will_v more_o exact_o and_o full_o prove_v because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o from_o thence_o will_v conclude_v that_o prophesy_v never_o leave_v the_o prophet_n more_o learned_a but_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n in_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o many_o man_n have_v very_o unadvised_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o prophet_n know_v all_o thing_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o human_a understanding_n and_o though_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o know_v some_o thing_n yet_o they_o be_v rather_o willing_a to_o confess_v they_o do_v not_o understand_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n then_o yield_v the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o endeavour_v so_o to_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o will_v have_v it_o say_v that_o which_o it_o do_v not_o mean._n if_o either_o of_o these_o be_v lawful_a then_o farewell_o to_o all_o scripture_n for_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o it_o shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o those_o that_o be_v obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a or_o else_o shall_v be_v interpret_v as_o we_o please_v for_o example_n nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o josuah_n and_o perhaps_o he_o that_o write_v the_o book_n of_o josuah_n do_v belive_o that_o the_o sun_n move_v about_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o earth_n have_v no_o motion_n and_o that_o the_o sun_n for_o some_o time_n stand_v still_o yet_o many_o because_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o mutation_n in_o the_o heaven_n so_o expound_v that_o place_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v to_o imply_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o other_o who_o think_v themselves_o better_a philosopher_n because_o they_o believe_v the_o eatrh_n move_v and_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o or_o at_o least_o move_v not_o about_o the_o earth_n do_v with_o might_n and_o main_a endeavour_v to_o wrest_v the_o proof_n of_o their_o opinion_n out_o of_o the_o same_o scripture_n against_o its_o plain_a word_n indeed_o at_o these_o man_n i_o much_o wonder_v be_v any_o man_n oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o josuah_n a_o soldier_n be_v perfect_o skilled_a in_o astronomy_n and_o that_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o or_o that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n can_v not_o remain_v long_o above_o the_o horizon_n then_o ordinary_a unless_o josuah_n understand_v the_o cause_n thereof_o both_o seem_v to_o i_o ridiculous_a and_o i_o have_v rather_o plain_o say_v that_o josuah_n do_v not_o know_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o continue_a light_n and_o that_o all_o the_o army_n with_o he_o do_v think_v that_o the_o sun_n have_v adivurual_a motion_n about_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v stand_v still_o that_o particular_a day_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o its_o long_a shine_v but_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o hail_n which_o the_o 11_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n of_o josuah_n say_v be_v then_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n may_v cause_v a_o great_a refraction_n of_o light_n then_o ordinary_a or_o some_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o our_o business_n here_o to_o inquire_v in_o like_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o isaiah_n a_o sign_n be_v give_v by_o the_o shadow_n be_v go_v back_o upon_o the_o dyal_n of_o ahaz_n because_o his_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o sun_n move_v and_o not_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o parhelij_fw-la perhaps_o he_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v without_o any_o scruple_n maintain_v for_o the_o sign_n may_v real_o happen_v and_o be_v foretell_v to_o the_o king_n though_o the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o solomon_n building_n that_o if_o all_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n they_o be_v reveal_v according_a to_o solomon_n capacity_n and_o opinion_n for_o see_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v that_o solomon_n be_v a_o exact_a mathematician_n we_o may_v lawful_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o proportion_n the_o diameter_n of_o a_o circle_n ought_v to_o bear_v to_o the_o peripheria_fw-la or_o circumference_n but_o think_v with_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o workman_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o three_o to_o one_o but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o text_n in_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o king_n chap._n 7._o v._n 23._o true_o i_o know_v not_o what_o we_o can_v understand_v from_o scripture_n since_o there_o the_o building_n be_v simple_o and_o historical_o relate_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o suppose_v the_o scripture_n mean_v otherwise_o but_o for_o some_o reason_n to_o we_o unknown_a will_v write_v in_o that_o manner_n what_o can_v follow_v but_o a_o total_a overthrow_n of_o all_o scripture_n and_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a or_o wicked_a which_o malice_n can_v invent_v that_o may_v not_o under_o scripture_n authority_n be_v countenance_v and_o commit_v but_o what_o we_o maintain_v savour_v not_o of_o impiety_n for_o solomon_n isaiah_n joshua_n etc._n etc._n though_o prophet_n be_v man_n subject_a to_o human_a infirmity_n the_o drown_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o a_o deluge_n be_v reveal_v to_o noah_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n for_o he_o think_v no_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v inhabit_v but_o palestine_n and_o the_o prophet_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o piety_n may_v be_v yea_o be_v ignorant_a not_o only_o of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o also_o of_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o they_o discover_v very_o little_a of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o have_v mean_a and_o vulgar_a opinion_n of_o god_n to_o which_o their_o revelation_n be_v accommodate_v as_o by_o many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v prove_v so_o that_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o commend_v for_o the_o excellency_n and_o sublimity_n of_o their_o knowledge_n as_o for_o their_o piety_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n adam_n be_v the_o first_o man_n to_o who_o god_n reveal_v himself_o yet_o he_o know_v not_o that_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o omniscient_a for_o he_o hide_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v his_o sin_n to_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v before_o a_o man_n therefore_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o according_a to_o his_o opinion_n and_o capacity_n that_o be_v as_o one_o who_o be_v not_o every_o where_o and_o as_o one_o ignorant_a of_o adam_n sin_n for_o adam_n hear_v or_o seem_v to_o hear_v god_n walk_v in_o the_o garden_n call_v and_o ask_v adam_n where_o be_v thou_o ask_v likewise_o because_o adam_n be_v ashamed_a whether_o he_o have_v eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n adam_n therefore_o know_v no_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v reveal_v to_o cain_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n that_o be_v as_o one_o ignorant_a of_o human_a action_n nor_o do_v he_o need_v any_o high_a knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin._n to_o laban_n god_n reveal_v himself_o as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n because_o laban_n believe_v that_o every_o nation_n have_v a_o peculiar_a god_n as_o appear_v gen._n chap._n 31._o v._n 29._o where_o he_o say_v to_o jacob_n the_o god_n of_o your_o father_n speak_v to_o i_o yesternight_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n vbiquity_n and_o prescience_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v the_o sentence_n against_o sodom_n he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o execute_v it_o till_o he_o know_v whether_o all_o deserve_v the_o punishment_n gen._n chap._n 18_o the_o v_o 24._o peradventure_o there_o may_v be_v find_v fifty_o righteous_a within_o the_o city_n nor_o be_v god_n otherwise_o reveal_v to_o he_o for_o in_o abraham_n imagination_n god_n say_v verse_n 21_o the_o i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o cry_n of_o it_o which_o be_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v god_n testimony_n of_o abraham_n in_o gen._n chap._n 12._o v._n 19_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o abraham_n obedience_n and_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n but_o say_v nothing_o of_o any_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n or_o conception_n that_o he_o have_v of_o god._n moses_n do_v not_o perfect_o
other_o power_n whatever_o contrary_a to_o nature_n that_o must_v also_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o first_o notion_n and_o so_o be_v reject_v as_o absurd_a and_o against_o reason_n or_o else_o we_o must_v doubt_v of_o our_o prime_a notion_n and_o consequent_o of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o miracle_n therefore_o in_o what_o manner_n soever_o we_o apprehend_v they_o as_o they_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v work_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v god_n existence_n they_o rather_o bring_v it_o into_o question_n for_o without_o miracle_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o namely_o by_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n observe_v the_o certain_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n but_o grant_v that_o to_o be_v a_o miracle_n which_o can_v be_v explain_v and_o make_v know_v by_o natural_a cause_n we_o ought_v then_o either_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o have_v natural_a cause_n but_o such_o as_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o human_a understanding_n or_o that_o it_o have_v no_o immediate_a cause_n but_o god_n or_o his_o will_n but_o if_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o natural_a cause_n be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n we_o must_v necessary_o at_o last_o come_v to_o this_o that_o whether_o a_o miracle_n have_v natural_a cause_n or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o work_n which_o can_v be_v manifest_v by_o a_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o work_n which_o exceed_v hnman_n capacity_n and_o from_o a_o work_n that_o exceed_v human_a understanding_n we_o can_v understand_v and_o collect_v nothing_o for_o whatever_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v we_o do_v it_o by_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o some_o other_o and_o that_o which_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v by_o itself_o aught_o to_o be_v perfect_o know_v to_o we_o therefore_o by_o a_o miracle_n or_o any_o work_n exceed_v human_a capacity_n we_o can_v conceive_v god_n essence_n or_o existence_n nor_o can_v we_o absolute_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v ordain_v and_o establish_v by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o nature_n ncessary_o flow_v from_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o eternal_a decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v conclude_v that_o we_o so_o much_o the_o better_a know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n by_o how_o much_o the_o better_o we_o understand_v and_o know_v natural_a thing_n how_o they_o depend_v in_o their_o first_o cause_n and_o how_o they_o operate_v according_a to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o understanding_n with_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v those_o work_n to_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v than_o those_o of_o which_o we_o be_v total_o ignorant_a though_o they_o strange_o effect_v our_o imagination_n and_o cause_v our_o wonder_n because_o only_o those_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o know_v render_v our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o sublime_a and_o more_o evident_o declare_v the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n so_o that_o those_o man_n do_v but_o trifle_n who_o when_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o thing_n run_v present_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o ridiculous_o betray_v their_o own_o ignorance_n moreover_o whatever_o we_o conclude_v from_o miracle_n yet_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n can_v in_o any_o manner_n be_v conclude_v from_o they_o for_o since_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o limit_a work_n and_o express_v only_o a_o certain_a and_o limit_a power_n we_o can_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n conclude_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o cause_n who_o power_n be_v infinite_a but_o only_o of_o a_o cause_n who_o power_n at_o most_o be_v great_a than_o that_o effect_n i_o say_v at_o most_o because_o from_o many_o concure_a cause_n there_o may_v follow_v a_o effect_n who_o virtue_n and_o power_n may_v be_v less_o than_o all_o the_o cause_n together_o and_o yet_o much_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o cause_n take_v single_a but_o because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v extend_v themselves_o to_o thing_n infinite_a be_v conceive_v by_o we_o under_o a_o kind_n of_o eternity_n and_o nature_n by_o they_o proceed_v in_o a_o certain_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n so_o far_o do_v those_o law_n in_o some_o measure_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o eternity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o neither_o god_n be_v or_o providence_n can_v be_v know_v by_o miracle_n but_o may_v much_o better_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a course_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v now_o of_o a_o miracle_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o work_n that_o be_v above_o human_a capacity_n or_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o work_n that_o interrupt_v or_o pervert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n or_o be_v repugnant_a tc_n its_o law_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v we_o any_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v away_o that_o which_o we_o natural_o have_v and_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o difference_n between_o a_o thing_n do_v contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o be_v do_v above_o nature_n that_o be_v as_o some_o explain_v themselves_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o effect_v and_o produce_v by_o nature_n for_o see_v a_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v out_o of_o nature_n but_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v above_o nature_n yet_o it_o must_v necessary_o interrupt_v nature_n order_n which_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v fix_v and_o immutable_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v do_v in_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o order_n which_o god_n to_o all_o eternity_n by_o universal_a law_n establish_v in_o nature_n and_o consequent_o be_v against_o nature_n and_o its_o law_n the_o believe_v it_o must_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o doubt_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o atheism_n so_o that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v so_o prove_v the_o second_o particular_a that_o we_o may_v again_o conclude_v a_o miracle_n whether_o contrary_a to_o nature_n or_o above_o it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a absurdity_n and_o that_o by_o a_o miracle_n nothing_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o scripture_n but_o a_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v indeed_o above_o human_a understanding_n or_o at_o least_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a i_o resolve_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o we_o can_v know_v god_n by_o miracle_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o literal_o say_v so_o but_o we_o may_v conclude_v it_o from_o the_o 13._o chap._n of_o deut._n where_o moses_n command_v the_o people_n to_o put_v any_o prophet_n to_o death_n who_o go_v about_o to_o seduce_v they_o and_o though_o the_o sign_n and_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o an_z yet_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o miracle_n may_v be_v do_v by_o false_a prophet_n and_o unless_o man_n be_v fortify_v with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v induce_v by_o miracle_n to_o worship_v false_a god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a moses_n add_v because_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v he_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n the_o israelite_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o miracle_n have_v no_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o appear_v by_o experience_n for_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o moses_n they_o call_v upon_o aron_n to_o make_v they_o visible_a god_n who_o to_o their_o eternal_a shame_n make_v they_o after_o so_o many_o miracle_n do_v a_o calf_n to_o represent_v god._n asaph_n who_o have_v hear_v of_o so_o many_o miracle_n yet_o doubt_v of_o god_n providence_n and_o have_v he_o not_o at_o last_o understand_v what_o be_v true_a happiness_n he_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n psalm_n 73._o solomon_n also_o in_o who_o time_n the_o jew_n be_v in_o their_o high_a prosperity_n believe_v that_o all_o thing_n happen_v by_o chance_n eccles._n chap._n 3._o v._n 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o chap._n 9_o v._n 2_o 3._o the_o
which_o the_o pharisee_n affirm_v they_o have_v or_o such_o as_o have_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o can_v err_v in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o that_o the_o roman_a catholic_o boast_v of_o their_o pope_n but_o see_v we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o priest_n or_o pope_n we_o can_v build_v upon_o either_o because_o the_o primitive_a christian_n deny_v the_o one_o and_o the_o most_o ancient_a sect_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o other_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o series_n and_o succession_n of_o year_n which_o the_o pharisee_n receive_v from_o their_o rabbi_n by_o which_o they_o carry_v their_o tradition_n as_o high_a as_o moses_n himself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o false_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o another_o place_n such_o a_o tradition_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o suspect_v and_o though_o in_o our_o method_n we_o be_v force_v to_o suppose_v some_o kind_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a namely_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o need_v not_o much_o doubt_n this_o though_o we_o very_o well_o may_v the_o other_o for_o it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n or_o use_v to_o any_o man_n to_o change_v the_o signification_n of_o any_o word_n though_o it_o often_o may_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o speech_n it_o be_v also_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v do_v for_o he_o that_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o change_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o word_n must_v necessary_o construe_v all_o those_o author_n who_o have_v write_v in_o that_o tongue_n and_o use_v that_o word_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o every_o author_n or_o else_o must_v falsify_v they_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n the_o ignorant_a multitude_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a man_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o a_o language_n but_o the_o learned_a only_o preserve_v the_o sense_n of_o speech_n and_o book_n and_o consequent_o though_o learned_a man_n may_v change_v or_o corrupt_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o scarce_a book_n yet_o they_o can_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n beside_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o alter_v the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n to_o which_o he_o be_v accustom_v he_o can_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n do_v it_o either_o in_o speak_v or_o write_v for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n i_o be_o persuade_v it_o never_o yet_o come_v into_o any_o man_n head_n to_o corrupt_v a_o language_n though_o many_o have_v pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o writer_n either_o by_o change_v or_o misinterpret_v his_o say_n if_o our_o method_n which_o lay_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o true_a then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v we_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v well_o despair_v of_o it_o what_o difficulty_n there_o be_v of_o arrive_v by_o this_o method_n to_o the_o true_a mean_v and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sacred_a volume_n or_o what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o it_o i_o will_v now_o declare_v the_o chief_a difficulty_n in_o this_o method_n be_v that_o be_v require_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n but_o how_o be_v that_o to_o be_v have_v the_o ancient_a and_o most_o skilful_a master_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v leave_v little_a to_o posterity_n of_o the_o element_n and_o learning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v from_o they_o neither_o dictionary_n grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v lose_v all_o its_o ornament_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v no_o wonder_n have_v suffer_v so_o many_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n and_o retain_v nothing_o but_o a_o few_o fragment_n of_o their_o language_n and_o of_o a_o few_o book_n for_o all_o the_o name_n of_o fruit_n bird_n fish_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n be_v lose_v so_o that_o the_o signification_n of_o many_o name_n and_o word_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v unknown_a or_o very_a disputable_a see_v then_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o likewise_o a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v because_o all_o the_o form_n of_o speech_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v forget_v and_o lose_v we_o can_v as_o we_o will_v find_v out_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o sentence_n in_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o the_o customary_a use_n of_o the_o language_n it_o comprehend_v and_o there_o be_v many_o say_n in_o scripture_n though_o express_v in_o know_a word_n who_o sense_n nevertheless_o be_v obscure_a and_o inscrutable_a and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o perfect_a history_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n so_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o language_n be_v such_o and_o so_o many_o ambiguity_n spring_v from_o it_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o frame_v such_o a_o method_n as_o shall_v direct_v a_o man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n for_o beside_o the_o cause_n of_o doubt_n common_a to_o all_o other_o language_n there_o be_v some_o other_o in_o this_o from_o whence_o proceed_v many_o uncertainty_n which_o cause_v here_o to_o specify_v i_o think_v worth_a a_o man_n pain_n first_o obscurity_n and_o ambiguity_n in_o scripture_n be_v cause_v sometime_o by_o use_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o organ_n one_o for_o another_o the_o jew_n divide_v all_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o alphabet_n into_o five_o class_n or_o form_n because_o there_o be_v five_o particular_a part_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o mouth_n use_v in_o pronunciation_n the_o lip_n the_o tongue_n the_o tooth_n the_o palate_n and_o the_o throat_n for_o example_n alpha_n ghet_n hgain_n he_o be_v call_v guttural_a letter_n and_o be_v without_o any_o difference_n know_v to_o we_o take_v one_o for_o another_o el_n which_o signify_v to_o be_v often_o take_v for_o hgal_n which_o signify_v upon_o and_o so_o interchangeble_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o speech_n be_v render_v doubtful_a or_o be_v like_o word_n which_o have_v no_o signification_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o ambiguity_n be_v the_o divers_a and_o manifold_a signification_n of_o conjunction_n and_o adverb_n for_o example_n vaughan_n promiscuous_o serve_v to_o join_v and_o disjoin_v signify_v and_n but_o because_o indeed_o otherwise_o then_o ki_n have_v seven_o or_o eight_o signification_n because_o although_o if_o when_o even_o as_o that_o burning_z and_o so_o almost_o all_o particle_n the_o three_o cause_n of_o many_o ambiguity_n be_v because_o verb_n in_o the_o indicative_a mood_n want_v the_o present_a the_o preterimperfect_a the_o preterpluperfect_a and_o the_o future_a tense_n and_o other_o much_o use_v in_o other_o language_n in_o the_o imperative_a and_o infinitive_n mood_n they_o want_v all_o the_o tense_n except_o the_o present_a and_o in_o the_o subjunctive_a have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o though_o all_o these_o defect_n of_o mood_n and_o tense_n may_v with_o great_a elegancy_n be_v supply_v by_o rule_n and_o principle_n deduce_v from_o the_o language_n yet_o they_o have_v be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n who_o promiscuous_o use_v the_o present_a and_o preterperfect_a tense_n for_o the_o future_a and_o sometime_o the_o indicative_a mood_n for_o the_o imperative_a and_o subjunctive_a which_o cause_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o their_o write_n beside_o these_o three_o great_a cause_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n there_o remain_v two_o other_o very_a observable_a and_o both_o of_o very_o great_a moment_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n make_v no_o use_n those_o letter_n we_o call_v vowel_n the_o second_o that_o they_o never_o use_v in_o their_o write_n to_o distinguish_v their_o word_n or_o express_v their_o quantity_n by_o any_o mark_n or_o sign_n and_o though_o both_o vowel_n and_o mark_n use_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o point_n and_o accent_n yet_o we_o can_v trust_v to_o they_o see_v they_o be_v invent_v and_o bring_v into_o use_n by_o modern_a man_n who_o authority_n be_v of_o no_o great_a value_n the_o ancient_n write_v without_o point_n that_o be_v without_o vowel_n or_o accent_n as_o appear_v by_o many_o testimony_n but_o some_o of_o late_a time_n bring_v in_o both_o to_o interpret_v the_o bible_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a so_o that_o the_o point_n and_o accent_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v only_a exposition_n of_o man_n of_o the_o present_a age_n who_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reverence_n and_o believe_v above_o other_o expositor_n they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o
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
sanctify_v they_o for_o myself_o but_o after_o all_o the_o people_n the_o levite_n only_o except_v have_v worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n they_o be_v defile_v and_o reject_v and_o the_o levite_n who_o side_v with_o moses_n as_o appear_v exod._n chap._n 32._o v._n 20_o 27._o be_v choose_v into_o their_o room_n deut._n chap._n 10._o v._n 8._o the_o lord_n separate_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o minister_v he_o and_o to_o bless_v his_o name_n which_o change_n when_o i_o serious_o consider_v it_o make_v i_o think_v of_o those_o word_n in_o tacitus_n hillo_o tempore_fw-la non_fw-la fuisse_fw-la deo_fw-la curae_fw-la securitatem_fw-la illorum_fw-la fuisse_fw-la ultionem_fw-la at_o that_o time_n god_n take_v more_o care_n to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o they_o than_o to_o preserve_v they_o god_n be_v so_o extreme_o incense_v against_o they_o that_o though_o law_n usual_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n honour_n and_o security_n of_o people_n yet_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v the_o jew_n be_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o punish_v and_o be_v revenge_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o their_o law_n be_v not_o law_n that_o be_v the_o people_n safety_n but_o their_o plague_n and_o pnnishment_n consider_v how_o many_o thing_n the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n beside_o the_o money_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o first-born_a consider_v likewise_o that_o the_o levite_n be_v only_o permit_v to_o come_v near_o whatever_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o continual_o mind_v the_o people_n of_o their_o uncleanness_n and_o repudiation_n with_o which_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a the_o levite_n may_v often_o reproach_v they_o for_o among_o so_o many_o thousand_o levite_n no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v some_o troublesome_a pragmatical_a fellow_n who_o provoke_v the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v quit_v with_o the_o levite_n narrow_o watch_v and_o pry_v into_o their_o action_n who_o be_v but_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o fail_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o as_o be_v usual_a be_v charge_v upon_o the_o whole_a function_n and_o at_o last_o especial_o when_o provision_n be_v dear_a in_o all_o probability_n the_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o maintain_v so_o many_o lazy_a idle_a and_o hate_a person_n who_o be_v no_o kin_n at_o all_o to_o they_o no_o wonder_n then_o when_o the_o people_n be_v at_o ease_n and_o public_a miracle_n cease_v if_o they_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n become_v remiss_a and_o the_o covetous_a incense_a mind_n of_o the_o people_n grow_v careless_a and_o neglect_v the_o divine_a worship_n of_o which_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v suspicious_a and_o ashamed_a desire_v a_o new_a it_o be_v likewise_o possible_a that_o the_o prince_n to_o keep_v the_o command_a power_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n may_v court_v the_o people_n to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o against_o the_o priest_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o have_v the_o duration_n and_o security_n of_o the_o government_n be_v design_v when_o it_o be_v first_o institute_v thing_n may_v have_v go_v well_o if_o all_o the_o tribe_n have_v have_v equal_a honour_n and_o power_n for_o who_o will_v have_v violate_v the_o sacred_a right_n of_o his_o kindred_n they_o will_v rather_o for_o piety_n and_o religion_n sake_n have_v maintain_v their_o parent_n brother_n and_o kinsman_n see_v from_o they_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o divine_a oracle_n the_o tribe_n will_v have_v be_v tie_v in_o a_o strict_a bond_n of_o amity_n if_o all_o have_v have_v equal_a power_n of_o administer_a in_o the_o temple_n at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v less_o fear_n of_o discord_n if_o the_o election_n of_o the_o levite_n have_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n but_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v god_n be_v very_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o that_o i_o may_v again_o use_v ezekiel_n expression_n he_o pollute_v they_o with_o their_o gift_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o first-born_a that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o this_o appear_v by_o their_o history_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o be_v idle_a in_o the_o wilderness_n many_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n begin_v to_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o tribe_n believe_v that_o moses_n do_v not_o act_v by_o god_n command_n but_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o himself_o please_v because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v a_o perpetual_a settlement_n of_o the_o priesthood_n upon_o his_o own_o brother_n so_o that_o a_o tumult_n be_v raise_v they_o tell_v moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o all_o the_o congregation_n be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o holy_a and_o that_o they_o lift_v themselves_o up_o above_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o reason_n can_v appease_v they_o but_o they_o be_v all_o miraculous_o destroy_v which_o occasion_v a_o universal_a sedition_n among_o all_o the_o people_n who_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o perish_v be_v not_o destroy_v by_o god_n judgement_n but_o by_o some_o trick_n of_o moses_n after_o which_o follow_v a_o great_a plague_n which_o make_v the_o people_n weary_a of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o sedition_n but_o not_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o amity_n or_o affection_n and_o god_n tell_v moses_n deut._n chap._n 33._o v._n 21._o that_o he_o know_v the_o imagination_n the_o people_n go_v about_o even_o before_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o land_n which_o he_o swear_v and_o moses_n a_o little_a after_o verse_n 27._o say_v to_o the_o people_n i_o know_v thy_o rebellion_n and_o thy_o stiff_a neck_n behold_v while_o i_o be_o yet_o alive_a with_o you_o this_o day_n you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o much_o more_o after_o my_o death_n and_o as_o all_o the_o world_n know_v so_o it_o happen_v great_a change_n all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n luxury_n and_o idleness_n make_v they_o grow_v daily_o worse_o and_o worse_o till_o be_v often_o beat_v by_o their_o enemy_n they_o break_v their_o holy_a covenant_n and_o desire_v a_o mortal_a king._n the_o temple_n become_v his_o palace_n and_o the_o tribe_n cast_v off_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o priesthood_n his_o subject_n the_o elect_v of_o a_o king_n be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o new_a sedition_n to_o reign_v precarious_o or_o suffer_v any_o power_n to_o control_v they_o be_v intolerable_a to_o their_o king_n they_o who_o from_o private_a man_n be_v elect_v to_o the_o throne_n be_v content_v with_o the_o dignity_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o when_o their_o son_n come_v by_o right_o of_o succession_n to_o the_o crown_n they_o begin_v by_o degree_n to_o make_v alteration_n that_o the_o supreme_a power_n may_v reside_v only_o in_o they_o which_o power_n they_o have_v not_o so_o long_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o in_o their_o hand_n but_o be_v interpret_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n so_o that_o the_o king_n be_v still_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o have_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o abrogate_v the_o old_a or_o make_v new._n moreover_o the_o levite_n have_v power_n to_o keep_v the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subject_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v profane_a person_n from_o meddle_v with_o sacred_a matter_n last_o because_o all_o the_o power_n of_o their_o king_n depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o one_o who_o be_v account_v a_o prophet_n of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o example_n in_o samuel_n who_o with_o great_a boldness_n and_o liberty_n command_v saul_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v and_o for_o one_o offence_n only_o transfer_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o david_n which_o indeed_o make_v the_o government_n perfect_o precarious_a to_o avoid_v this_o their_o king_n consecrate_v other_o temple_n that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o consult_v the_o levite_n and_o inquire_v after_o other_o to_o prophesy_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o be_v account_v true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o compass_v their_o end_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v still_o ready_a watch_v their_o opportunity_n till_o a_o successor_n come_v and_o then_o the_o prophet_n by_o their_o divine_a power_n do_v sometime_o set_v up_o some_o famous_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o king_n do_v under_o pretence_n of_o vindicate_a religion_n endeavour_v to_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a power_n or_o some_o part_n thereof_o but_o neither_o this_o way_n can_v the_o prophet_n compass_n their_o end_n for_o though_o they_o take_v away_o the_o tyrant_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o tyranny_n still_o remain_v and_o they_o do_v with_o a_o great_a effusion_n of_o the_o subject_n blood_n only_o