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
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
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
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
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
not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o will_v take_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n for_o miracle_n which_o be_v never_o think_v so_o by_o the_o penman_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o thing_n and_o miracle_n that_o happen_v but_o will_v be_v likewise_o ignorant_a what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v for_o example_n the_o prophet_n zachary_n chap._n 14._o v._n 7._o speak_v of_o a_o future_a war_n say_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v one_o day_n which_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n nor_o day_n nor_o night_n but_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o at_o the_o evening_n time_n it_o shall_v be_v light_n in_o which_o word_n he_o seem_v to_o predict_v a_o great_a miracle_n but_o they_o signify_v no_o more_o then_o that_o a_o doubtful_a battle_n shall_v be_v fight_v whereof_o the_o success_n shall_v be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n but_o towards_o evening_n the_o jew_n shall_v be_v victorious_a in_o the_o like_a phrase_n and_o expression_n the_o prophet_n be_v wont_a to_o foretell_v and_o write_v the_o victory_n and_o overthrow_n of_o the_o nation_n isaiah_n chap._n 13._o v._n 10._o declare_v the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n in_o these_o word_n the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o constellation_n thereof_o shall_v not_o give_v their_o light_n the_o sun_n shall_v be_v darken_v in_o his_o go_v forth_o and_o the_o moon_n shall_v not_o cause_v her_o light_n to_o shine_v which_o no_o body_n believe_v do_v happen_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o empire_n nor_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n add_v v_o 13._o therefore_o will_v i_o shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v remove_v out_o of_o her_o place_n in_o like_a manner_n isaiah_n chap._n 48._o v._n 21._o they_o thirst_v not_o when_o he_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o desert_n he_o cause_v the_o water_n to_o flow_v out_o of_o the_o rock_n for_o they_o he_o cleave_v the_o rock_n also_o and_o the_o water_n gush_v out_o by_o which_o word_n nothing_o more_o be_v mean_v then_o that_o the_o jew_n find_v fountain_n in_o the_o desert_n by_o which_o they_o quench_v their_o thirst_n for_o no_o such_o miracle_n happen_v when_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o cyrus_n they_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n many_o expression_n of_o like_a nature_n occur_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v only_a fashion_n of_o speak_v among_o the_o jewish_a nation_n i_o need_v instance_n in_o no_o more_o but_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o jew_n make_v use_v of_o such_o phrase_n not_o only_o for_o ornament_n to_o their_o language_n but_o also_o to_o express_v their_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o attribute_v all_o thing_n to_o god_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o relate_v nothing_o but_o miracle_n even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n mere_o natural_a we_o be_v therefore_o to_o believe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v god_n harden_v the_o heart_n of_o pharaoh_n nothing_o more_o be_v signify_v then_o that_o pharaoh_n be_v very_o obstinate_a and_o disobedient_a and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v god_n open_v the_o window_n of_o heaven_n nothing_o more_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v then_o that_o there_o fell_a abundance_n of_o rain_n whoever_o then_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v relate_v very_o brief_o imperfect_o and_o without_o circumstance_n shall_v find_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o natural_a reason_n but_o many_o thing_n which_o seem_v very_o obscure_a may_v with_o a_o little_a meditation_n be_v explain_v and_o easy_o understand_v so_o that_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v what_o i_o intend_v but_o before_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o chapter_n i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o intimate_v that_o in_o speak_v of_o miracle_n i_o have_v take_v a_o course_n different_a from_o that_o i_o make_v use_v of_o in_o treat_v of_o prophecy_n for_o i_o declare_v nothing_o positive_o concern_v prophecy_n but_o what_o i_o can_v conclude_v from_o fundamental_a princiciple_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v miracle_n i_o have_v draw_v from_o principle_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o i_o do_v design_o because_o i_o can_v not_o know_v wherein_o prophecy_n consist_v nor_o can_v i_o aver_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a theological_a question_n exceed_v human_a capacity_n but_o what_o i_o can_v derive_v from_o reveal_v principle_n so_o that_o i_o be_v force_v to_o make_v a_o short_a historical_a collection_n of_o prophecy_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o form_v some_o maxim_n which_o may_v instruct_v i_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n but_o because_o that_o which_o we_o inquire_v concern_v miracle_n namely_o whether_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n can_v happen_v which_o be_v either_o contrary_n to_o its_o law_n or_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o they_o be_v a_o philosophical_a subject_n i_o think_v it_o much_o better_a to_o clear_v the_o question_n by_o make_v use_n of_o principle_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o those_o that_o be_v most_o obvious_a i_o say_v i_o do_v it_o purposely_o because_o i_o can_v also_o prove_v it_o from_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v that_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n in_o general_n be_v constant_a and_o immutable_a ps._n 148._o v._n 6_o he_o also_o establish_v they_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o he_o have_v make_v a_o decree_n which_o shall_v not_o pass_v and_o jerem._n chap._n 31._o v._n 35_o 36._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n who_o give_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o light_n by_o day_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n for_o a_o light_n by_o night_n which_o divide_v the_o sea_n when_o the_o wave_n thereof_o roar_v if_o these_o ordinance_n depart_v from_o before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n than_o the_o seed_n of_o israel_n shall_v cease_v also_o from_o be_v a_o nation_n before_o i_o for_o ever_o the_o philosopher_n in_o his_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o say_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n whereof_o it_o may_v be_v say_v see_v this_o be_v new_a it_o have_v be_v already_o of_o old_a time_n which_o be_v before_o we_o v_o 11._o he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o former_a thing_n neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v with_o those_o that_o come_v after_o by_o which_o word_n he_o mean_v that_o nothing_o happen_v which_o have_v not_o happen_v before_o though_o it_o be_v forget_v in_o the_o 3_o d_o chapter_n v._n 11._o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o its_o time_n and_o v_o 14._o he_o say_v whatever_o god_n do_v it_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o nothing_o can_v be_v put_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n take_v from_o it_o v_o 15._o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v already_o be_v which_o clear_o declare_v that_o nature_n keep_v a_o constant_a fix_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n that_o god_n in_o all_o age_n know_v and_o unknown_a it_o still_o the_o same_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o large_a and_o perfect_a nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o they_o and_o last_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o new_a in_o miracle_n but_o what_o seem_v so_o to_o man_n ignorance_n these_o thing_n be_v express_o declare_v in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o say_v that_o any_o thing_n happen_v in_o nature_n either_o contrary_a to_o its_o law_n or_o not_o proceed_v from_o they_o so_o that_o miracle_n require_v cause_n and_o circumstance_n and_o be_v not_o immediate_o wrought_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o kingly_a and_o absolute_a empire_n which_o the_o vulgar_a attribute_n to_o god_n but_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o decree_n manifest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o seduce_a imposture_n as_o appear_v deut._n chap._n 13._o and_o matth._n chap._n 24._o v._n 24._o from_o whence_o it_o manifest_o follow_v that_o miracle_n be_v thing_n natural_a and_o therefore_o to_o use_v solomon_n expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v new_a or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o have_v as_o near_o a_o alliance_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o natural_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o by_o the_o rule_v i_o have_v lay_v down_o draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o though_o i_o say_v we_o be_v teach_v these_o thing_n by_o scripture_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v they_o to_o we_o as_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o only_o that_o the_o prophet_n receive_v they_o as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n liberty_n to_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o they_o as_o
just_a or_o unjust_a pious_a or_o impious_a and_o then_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o right_o be_v best_a maintain_v and_o the_o government_n most_o safe_a where_o every_o man_n have_v free_a liberty_n to_o think_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n philosophical_a reader_n which_o i_o offer_v to_o thy_o examination_n believe_v they_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o thou_o for_o the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o the_o subject_a as_o well_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n as_o of_o every_o single_a chapter_n to_o which_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v but_o to_o this_o preface_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o dimension_n of_o a_o volume_n the_o chief_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o philosopher_n to_o other_o i_o care_v not_o to_o commend_v this_o treatise_n because_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o hope_n they_o will_v like_v it_o i_o know_v how_o fast_o those_o prejudices_fw-la stick_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v embrace_v under_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v also_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o root_v out_o superstition_n as_o fear_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o common_a people_n who_o constancy_n be_v but_o contumacy_n and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n but_o always_o rash_o praise_v or_o dispraise_v the_o vulgar_a therefore_o and_o all_o of_o like_a affection_n with_o they_o i_o do_v not_o invite_v to_o read_v these_o thing_n i_o have_v rather_o they_o shall_v contemn_v the_o book_n then_o be_v troublesome_a by_o make_v perverse_a construction_n of_o it_o as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n not_o profit_v themselves_o but_o hinder_v other_o who_o will_v reason_v more_o like_a philosopher_n do_v they_o not_o think_v reason_n aught_o to_o be_v but_o a_o handmaid_n to_o divinity_n to_o man_n of_o that_o opinion_n i_o think_v this_o work_n extreme_o useful_a but_o because_o many_o have_v neither_o mind_n or_o leisure_n to_o read_v these_o thing_n i_o be_o force_v here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o treatise_n to_o declare_v i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o willing_o submit_v to_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o my_o country_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v think_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n or_o public_a peace_n of_o it_o i_o willing_o unsay_v and_o recant_v it_o i_o know_v myself_o a_o man_n subject_a to_o mistake_v but_o i_o have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n i_o can_v not_o to_o err_v and_o particular_o that_o whatever_o i_o write_v may_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o country_n and_o agreeable_a to_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n chap._n i._n of_o prophesy_v chap._n ii_o of_o prophet_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o divine_a law._n chap._n v._n the_o reason_n why_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v of_o the_o belief_n of_o scripture-history_n why_o and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v necessary_a chap._n vi_o of_o miracle_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentatenk_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o several_a person_n or_o by_o one_o only_o and_o by_o who_o chap._n ix_o whether_o hesdras_n do_v perfect_o finish_v those_o book_n and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v but_o diverse_a reading_n chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o forementioned_a chap._n xi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n and_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a hand_n write_v or_o text_n of_o scripture_n why_o scripture_n be_v call_v holy_a and_o why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a chap._n xiii_o what_o be_v faith_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n chap._n fourteen_o divinity_z no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n upon_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n chap._n xv._n how_o commonwealth_n come_v to_o be_v found_v of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n chap._n xvi_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o part_n with_o all_o his_o particular_a right_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v while_o moses_n live_v and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o last_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n perish_v and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n chap._n xvii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xviii_o that_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o public_a religious_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god._n chap._n xix_o that_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v as_o he_o please_v and_o to_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentateuk_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o several_a person_n or_o by_o one_o only_o and_o by_o who_o chap._n ix_o whether_o hesdras_n do_v perfect_o finish_v those_o book_n and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v but_o diverse_a reading_n chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o forementioned_a chap._n xi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n and_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a hand_n write_v or_o text_n of_o scripture_n why_o scripture_n be_v call_v holy_a and_o why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a chap._n xiii_o show_v that_o scripture_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a intend_v nothing_o but_o man_n obedience_n neither_o do_v it_o teach_v or_o declare_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o a_o man_n may_v in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o life_n in_o some_o degree_n imitate_v chap._n fourteen_o what_o be_v faith_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n chap._n xv._n divinity_z no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n upon_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n chap._n xvi_o how_o commonwealth_n come_v to_o be_v found_v of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n chap._n xvii_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o part_n with_o all_o his_o particular_a right_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v while_o moses_n live_v and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o last_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n perish_v and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xix_o that_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o public_a religious_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god._n chap._n xx._n that_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o
will_v treat_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n it_o may_v by_o way_n of_o objection_n be_v further_o demand_v how_o i_o can_v maintain_v that_o supreme_a power_n still_o retain_v their_o natural_a right_n of_o do_v what_o they_o will_v when_o supreme_a power_n as_o well_o as_o subject_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o solve_v this_o difficulty_n which_o do_v not_o rise_v so_o much_o from_o the_o state_n as_o from_o the_o right_n of_o nature_n i_o say_v that_o the_o same_o consideration_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n oblige_v he_o likewise_o to_o god_n reveal_v law_n namely_o because_o it_o be_v better_a and_o safe_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v but_o however_o if_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v still_o but_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o live_v by_o any_o other_o man_n direction_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o mortal_a man_n to_o be_v his_o judge_n or_o upon_o any_o religious_a account_n his_o superior_a and_o this_o be_v the_o right_n and_o power_n which_o i_o say_v the_o supreme_a power_n still_o retain_v supreme_a power_n may_v consult_v man_n but_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o acknowledge_v any_o man_n their_o judge_n nor_o any_o man_n but_o themselves_o the_o assertor_n or_o protector_n of_o religion_n a_o prophet_n only_o except_v who_o confirm_v his_o express_a mission_n from_o god_n by_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o then_o neither_o do_v supreme_a power_n acknowledge_v man_n but_o god_n to_o be_v their_o judge_n but_o if_o the_o supreme_a power_n will_v not_o obey_v god_n in_o his_o reveal_v law_n it_o be_v at_o their_o own_o peril_n no_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n can_v resist_v they_o for_o civil_a right_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n and_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o natural_a right_n depend_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o respect_v religion_n as_o it_o intend_v and_o design_n the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n only_o but_o be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o universal_a nature_n that_o be_v the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o this_o be_v what_o other_o mean_v who_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o express_v themselves_o when_o they_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v sin_v against_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o not_o against_o his_o eternal_a decree_n by_o which_o he_o predestinate_v and_o ordain_v all_o thing_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o when_o the_o supreme_a power_n command_v any_o thing_n against_o religion_n and_o the_o obedience_n which_o we_o by_o express_a covenant_n have_v promise_v to_o god_n whether_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n i_o answer_v very_o brief_o resolve_v to_o speak_v more_o full_o of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n that_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n when_o we_o have_v a_o certain_a and_o undubitable_a revelation_n but_o because_o man_n be_v usual_o very_o much_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o disposition_n have_v great_a contest_v about_o their_o own_o fancy_n as_o we_o find_v by_o woeful_a experience_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o supreme_a power_n in_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n think_v concern_v his_o religion_n the_o civil_a right_n and_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n will_v depend_v upon_o every_o particular_a man_n different_a judgement_n and_o affection_n for_o no_o man_n will_v be_v bind_v by_o any_o public_a law_n which_o he_o think_v contrary_a to_o his_o faith_n or_o superstition_n and_o under_o this_o pretence_n every_o one_o will_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v for_o his_o reason_n therefore_o supreme_a power_n to_o who_o by_o divine_a and_o natural_a right_n it_o belong_v to_o preserve_v and_o protect_v the_o law_n of_o government_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o judge_v determine_a and_o establish_v religion_n and_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o their_o faith_n and_o allegiance_n which_o god_n have_v command_v shall_v be_v keep_v to_o obey_v all_o the_o command_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o concern_v religion_n but_o if_o they_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v heathen_a and_o infidel_n we_o must_v either_o make_v no_o agreement_n with_o they_o or_o suffer_v all_o extremity_n if_o we_o do_v covenant_n with_o they_o and_o transfer_v our_o right_n and_o power_n upon_o they_o see_v we_o thereby_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o defend_v religion_n and_o ourselves_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o keep_v faith_n with_o they_o and_o may_v be_v compel_v to_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v where_o god_n by_o undoubted_a revelation_n have_v declare_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o tyrant_n or_o except_v the_o person_n by_o name_n have_v promise_v his_o particular_a aid_n and_o assistance_n against_o he_o we_o read_v that_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v in_o babylon_n there_o be_v only_o three_o young_a man_n who_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n particular_a assistance_n that_o will_v not_o obey_v nabuchadnezzar_n all_o the_o rest_n but_o daniel_n who_o the_o king_n himself_o adore_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o law_n to_o obey_v he_o perhaps_o believe_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o by_o god_n decree_n they_o be_v deliver_v into_o that_o king_n hand_n and_o that_o by_o god_n appointment_n he_o be_v to_o be_v king_n and_o keep_v the_o supreme_a power_n eleazar_n on_o the_o contrary_a however_o it_o go_v with_o his_o country_n give_v a_o example_n of_o his_o constancy_n to_o his_o follower_n and_o will_v rather_o endure_v all_o extremity_n than_o suffer_v their_o right_n and_o power_n to_o be_v transfer_v upon_o the_o greek_n and_o try_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o avoid_v be_v compel_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o daily_a experience_n the_o supreme_a power_n that_o profess_v christian_a religion_n for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o government_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o enter_v into_o league_n and_o covenant_n with_o turk_n and_o infidel_n and_o command_v their_o subject_n who_o live_v among_o they_o not_o to_o use_v any_o great_a liberty_n in_o religion_n or_o any_o other_o affair_n than_o the_o article_n of_o such_o league_n or_o the_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v allow_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o contract_n which_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o the_o hollander_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o japan_n chap._n xvii_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a or_o possible_a to_o transfer_v all_o thing_n upon_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n what_o it_o be_v during_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o its_o excellency_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n and_o why_o it_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n though_o much_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n and_o transfer_v on_o they_o every_o man_n natural_a right_n may_v upon_o serious_a consideration_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o practice_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v many_o thing_n will_v remain_v in_o theory_n only_o and_o be_v find_v absolute_o impracticable_a for_o no_o man_n can_v so_o far_o transfer_v his_o power_n and_o consequent_o his_o right_n upon_o another_o as_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o man_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o supreme_a power_n that_o can_v do_v all_o that_o it_o will_v it_o be_v vain_a for_o supreme_a power_n to_o command_v a_o subject_a to_o hate_v his_o friend_n and_o love_n his_o enemy_n or_o to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v provoke_v with_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n or_o not_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o fear_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o daily_a experience_n for_o man_n never_o so_o depart_v from_o their_o right_n or_o so_o transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o other_o but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o fear_v even_o by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o have_v transfer_v it_o for_o government_n be_v many_o time_n as_o much_o in_o danger_n of_o subject_n deprive_v of_o their_o right_n as_o it_o be_v of_o foreign_a enemy_n and_o if_o man_n can_v be_v so_o far_o divest_v of_o their_o natural_a right_n as_o afterward_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o those_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n then_o indeed_o all_o sort_n of_o tyranny_n and_o
their_o king_n can_v not_o personal_o officiate_v as_o a_o priest_n in_o the_o temple_n because_o all_o man_n that_o can_v not_o derive_v their_o pedigree_n from_o aaron_n be_v count_v profane_a and_o unclean_a which_o be_v now_o no_o obstacle_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n for_o in_o these_o day_n the_o priesthood_n not_o be_v entail_v upon_o any_o particular_a family_n but_o require_v only_o some_o particular_a qualification_n king_n or_o supreme_a magistrate_n can_v be_v bar_v from_o meddle_v with_o matter_n belong_v to_o religion_n upon_o any_o account_n of_o profaneness_n but_o all_o be_v in_o their_o power_n and_o no_o body_n but_o by_o their_o authority_n or_o allowance_n have_v any_o right_a to_o officiate_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o power_n of_o choose_v minister_n of_o settle_v the_o church_n of_o state_v and_o determine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o prescribe_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n judge_v of_o man_n piety_n and_o manner_n the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v and_o receive_v again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a be_v all_o in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o true_a but_o likewise_o very_o necessary_a not_o only_o for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o all_o man_n know_v how_o much_o the_o people_n esteem_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o function_n be_v account_v sacred_a they_o have_v a_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o their_o mind_n he_o than_o that_o endeavour_n to_o deprive_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n of_o this_o power_n go_v about_o to_o share_v and_o divide_v or_o else_o usurp_v the_o government_n from_o whence_o must_v necessary_o arise_v such_o contention_n and_o discord_n as_o be_v heretofore_o between_o the_o king_n and_o jewish_a high_a priest_n which_o can_v never_o be_v appease_v if_o this_o power_n be_v take_v away_o from_o supreme_a magistrate_n how_o can_v they_o determine_v of_o peace_n or_o war_n or_o of_o any_o other_o business_n if_o they_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v other_o man_n opinion_n by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n that_o power_n be_v supreme_a and_o there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a which_o have_v the_o right_a of_o declare_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v piety_n what_o impiety_n and_o what_o in_o religion_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a all_o age_n have_v be_v sensible_a how_o many_o mischief_n such_o a_o power_n in_o any_o but_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v produce_v i_o will_v give_v you_o but_o one_o example_n as_o soon_o as_o such_o a_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o degree_n he_o become_v superior_a to_o all_o king_n and_o at_o last_o ascend_v to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n of_o earthly_a dominion_n that_o whatever_o king_n or_o emperor_n have_v since_o do_v to_o lessen_v it_o have_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o they_o have_v rather_o much_o increase_v it_o and_o that_o which_o no_o monarch_n ever_o effect_v by_o fire_n and_o sword_n churchman_n have_v be_v able_a to_o do_v only_o with_o their_o pen_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o the_o pope_n power_n and_o a_o convince_a argument_n to_o persuade_v supreme_a power_n to_o keep_v that_o authority_n he_o pretend_v to_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o observation_n i_o have_v make_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o reside_v of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o declare_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o though_o fill_v with_o divine_a power_n and_o virtue_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v but_o private_a man_n the_o great_a liberty_n they_o take_v in_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o upbraid_v the_o people_n do_v rather_o provoke_v than_o amend_v they_o who_o notwithstanding_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o reproof_n and_o chastisement_n of_o their_o prince_n beside_o king_n themselves_o because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o judge_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o religion_n many_o time_n forsake_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o most_o of_o their_o people_n with_o they_o which_o have_v likewise_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n often_o happen_v in_o christian_a government_n but_o here_o perhaps_o some_o will_v ask_v if_o supreme_a power_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v wicked_a who_o shall_v then_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o vindicate_v and_o maintain_v religion_n and_o piety_n and_o who_o shall_v then_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o it_o i_o ask_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o if_o priest_n and_o ecclesiastic_n grow_v wicked_a and_o impious_a must_v they_o continue_v interpreter_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n word_n if_o they_o that_o have_v supreme_a power_n shall_v do_v whatever_o they_o please_v whether_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o religion_n all_o thing_n without_o doubt_n both_o sacred_a and_o civil_a be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n but_o in_o much_o worse_o when_o private_a man_n shall_v seditious_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a right_n of_o define_v and_o defend_v all_o ching_n which_o concern_v or_o in_o any_o wise_a pertain_v to_o religion_n the_o deny_v of_o this_o power_n to_o supreme_a magistrate_n must_v necessary_o cause_v very_o ill_a consequence_n for_o they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n as_o do_v the_o jewish_a king_n who_o have_v not_o this_o power_n absolute_o grow_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a and_o from_o that_o which_o be_v but_o uncertain_a and_o contingent_a will_v follow_v most_o certain_a mischief_n and_o ruin_n to_o the_o government_n if_o then_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o just_a right_n of_o supreme_a power_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o government_n or_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o regulate_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o that_o such_o only_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n word_n who_o be_v authorise_a by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n which_o they_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n think_v most_o likely_a to_o procure_v the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n i_o have_v now_o no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o declare_v the_o cause_n why_o in_o christian_a government_n there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o dispute_v about_o this_o power_n when_o in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n it_o never_o that_o i_o know_v come_v into_o controversy_n it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o wonder_n that_o a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a shall_v still_o be_v a_o question_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o continual_a cavil_v and_o that_o supreme_a magistrate_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v this_o power_n without_o contention_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o prejudice_n to_o religion_n if_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o i_o will_v confess_v all_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v mere_a theoretical_a speculative_a notion_n of_o no_o use_n but_o any_o person_n that_o will_v but_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v the_o beginning_n of_o christian_a religion_n may_v easy_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o that_o first_o teach_v christian_n religion_n be_v not_o king_n but_o private_a person_n who_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o those_o in_o supreme_a power_n who_o subject_n they_o be_v preach_v in_o private_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o institute_v form_n of_o worship_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v or_o account_v give_v to_o the_o government_n and_o likewise_o regulate_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n though_o christian_a religion_n after_o many_o year_n begin_v to_o be_v profess_v in_o commonwealth_n by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n yet_o the_o ecclesiastic_n who_o instruct_v emperor_n and_o king_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v without_o any_o difficulty_n still_o acknowledge_v teacher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o god_n word_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o god_n minister_n but_o that_o christian_a king_n and_o prince_n may_v not_o afterward_o assume_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o themselves_o churchman_n very_o wary_o provide_v against_o it_o by_o forbid_v the_o chief_a minister_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o church_n to_o marry_v by_o multiply_v the_o doctrine_n and_o tenet_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o prodigious_a number_n and_o by_o so_o confound_v they_o with_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o chief_a interpreter_n and_o judge_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n as_o
well_o as_o a_o divine_a and_o to_o busy_v himself_o in_o unprofitable_a speculation_n fit_a only_a to_o take_v up_o private_a man_n time_n who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n for_o their_o church_n begin_v with_o their_o government_n and_o moses_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n teach_v the_o people_n religion_n settle_v their_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o choose_v their_o priest_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v kingly_a authority_n so_o much_o esteem_v by_o the_o people_n and_o put_v the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n for_o though_o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n no_o man_n govern_v so_o absolute_o as_o he_o do_v yet_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o determine_v all_o thing_n concern_v religion_n as_o well_o as_o other_o affair_n still_o remain_v as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v in_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o religion_n and_o piety_n be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o go_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n than_o they_o be_v to_o the_o chief_a judge_n deut._n chap._n 17._o v._n 9_o 11_o 12_o thou_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n and_o to_o the_o chief_a judge_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n to_o inquire_v and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o priest_n or_o unto_o the_o judge_n that_o man_n shall_v die_v though_o the_o king_n have_v not_o power_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n yet_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v appoint_v and_o order_v to_o do_v what_o the_o king_n think_v fit_a for_o as_o it_o appear_v in_o 1_o chron._n chap._n 28._o v._n 11_o 12._o king_n david_n order_v how_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v build_v according_a to_o a_o model_n he_o prescribe_v and_o as_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o 23_o d_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n david_n out_o of_o all_o the_o levite_n choose_v twenty_o four_o thousand_o to_o set_v forward_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n six_o thousand_o to_o be_v officer_n and_o judge_n four_o thousand_o to_o be_v porter_n and_o four_o thousand_o to_o praise_v the_o lord_n upon_o musical_a instrument_n he_o likewise_o divide_v the_o levite_n into_o company_n and_o set_v ruler_n over_o they_o which_o company_n be_v to_o serve_v and_o wait_v in_o their_o turn_n for_o other_o particular_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o 28_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o chron._n v._n 13._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o king_n solomon_n command_v offering_n to_o be_v make_v according_a as_o moses_n institute_v and_o ver_fw-la 14._o it_o be_v say_v that_o solomon_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o david_n his_o father_n appoint_v the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o their_o service_n and_o charge_n and_o ver_fw-la 15._o the_o historian_n say_v they_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n give_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n concern_v any_o matter_n or_o concern_v the_o treasure_n by_o all_o which_o &_o by_o other_o history_n of_o their_o king_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o service_n that_o concern_v it_o depend_v only_o upon_o their_o king_n command_n and_o though_o their_o king_n have_v not_o as_o moses_n have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v the_o highpriest_n or_o of_o consult_v god_n without_o he_o or_o of_o condemn_v the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v in_o their_o reign_n the_o prophet_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v a_o new_a king_n and_o to_o pardon_v any_o that_o have_v take_v away_o a_o king_n life_n yet_o i_o say_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v no_o power_n to_o call_v any_o king_n to_o a_o account_n for_o break_v the_o law_n or_o in_o any_o judicial_a manner_n and_o form_n to_o proceed_v against_o or_o condemn_v he_o and_o therefore_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n who_o by_o particular_a revelation_n can_v pardon_v the_o kill_n of_o a_o king_n king_n in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n must_v have_v have_v absolute_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n both_o sacred_a and_o civil_a as_o supreme_a power_n have_v in_o these_o our_o day_n who_o have_v no_o prophet_n nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v any_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n and_o this_o power_n though_o our_o king_n marry_v they_o absolute_o have_v and_o may_v keep_v if_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v multiply_v or_o mingle_v and_o confound_v with_o art_n and_o science_n chap._n xx._n in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v what_o he_o will_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v be_v it_o as_o easy_a to_o command_v man_n mind_n as_o it_o be_v their_o tongue_n all_o supreme_a power_n will_v reign_v secure_o and_o no_o government_n will_v be_v violent_a or_o tyrannical_a for_o then_o every_o man_n will_v live_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o those_o in_o supreme_a power_n and_o will_v think_v every_o thing_n true_a or_o false_a good_a or_o evil_n just_a or_o unjust_a according_a to_o their_o determination_n and_o decree_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a as_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 17_o the_o chapter_n that_o any_o man_n mind_n or_o thought_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o man_n power_n because_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o be_v compel_v to_o transfer_v his_o natural_a right_n of_o reason_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n upon_o any_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o government_n be_v count_v tyrannical_a which_o will_v reign_v over_o man_n mind_n and_o supreme_a power_n do_v their_o subject_n wrong_v and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o just_a right_n when_o they_o command_v they_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o their_o prescription_n whatever_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o positive_o appoint_v what_o opinion_n and_o notion_n man_n in_o their_o devotion_n shall_v have_v of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n whole_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o power_n and_o from_o which_o no_o man_n though_o he_o will_v can_v part_v i_o confess_v a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v so_o many_o way_n prepossess_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o direct_o and_o absolute_o in_o another_o man_n power_n yet_o it_o may_v have_v such_o a_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o to_o be_v think_v very_o much_o at_o his_o dispose_n but_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o art_n can_v do_v man_n will_v abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o there_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v as_o many_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o palate_n though_o moses_n not_o by_o craft_n but_o by_o divine_a power_n have_v so_o prepossess_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o say_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o escape_v ill_a report_n and_o sinister_a interpretation_n much_o less_o than_o can_v other_o monarch_n be_v the_o thing_n possible_a it_o may_v rather_o be_v do_v in_o monarchical_a than_o in_o democratical_a government_n which_o be_v manage_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o reason_n i_o think_v be_v obvious_a though_o supreme_a power_n have_v right_a to_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v interpreter_n both_o of_o law_n and_o religion_n yet_o they_o can_v never_o keep_v man_n from_o judge_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o reason_n and_o capacity_n nor_o from_o be_v this_o or_o that_o way_n affect_v they_o may_v indeed_o account_v all_o man_n enemy_n who_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o think_v as_o they_o do_v but_o we_o do_v not_o here_o dispute_v of_o their_o power_n but_o of_o what_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o profitable_a i_o grant_v that_o supreme_a power_n may_v reign_v tyrannical_o and_o put_v subject_n to_o death_n for_o very_o slight_a cause_n if_o they_o please_v but_o all_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o this_o can_v be_v do_v with_o reason_n or_o prudence_n because_o it_o will_v prove_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v deny_v that_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v absolute_a power_n and_o consequent_o have_v not_o absolute_a right_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o because_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v determine_v by_o their_o power_n if_o then_o no_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o liberty_n of_o judge_v and_o think_v what_o he_o will_v but_o every_o man_n by_o the_o sovereign_n right_o of_o nature_n be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o thought_n supreme_a power_n in_o any_o commonwealth_n can_v never_o hope_v for_o success_n in_o prescribe_v to_o man_n of_o different_a
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