a_o treatise_n partly_o theological_a and_o partly_o political_a contain_v some_o few_o discourse_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o philosophize_v that_o be_v make_v use_v of_o natural_a reason_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o piety_n or_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o religion_n itself_o must_v necessary_o follow_v where_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o reason_v be_v take_v away_o john_n epist._n 1_o sy_n chap._n 4_o the_o v_o 13_o the_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n translate_v out_o of_o latin._n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1689._o the_o translator_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o gentleman_n that_o turn_v the_o follow_a treatise_n write_v original_o in_o latin_a into_o english_a do_v it_o at_o spare_a hour_n only_o to_o divert_v and_o please_v himself_o and_o therefore_o care_v not_o who_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o have_v do_v it_o there_o be_v certain_o some_o who_o will_v pass_v very_o severe_a censure_n upon_o this_o treatise_n but_o that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o translator_n who_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v good_a the_o author_n opinion_n be_v only_o oblige_v to_o justify_v that_o the_o version_n have_v true_o and_o faithful_o though_o not_o every_o where_o word_n for_o word_n render_v the_o author_n sense_n and_o mean_v religion_n and_o government_n be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v what_o sort_v of_o man_n be_v like_a to_o decry_v it_o but_o let_v those_o who_o be_v angry_a and_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o answer_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o crape_n gown_n and_o the_o long_a robe_n be_v both_o defy_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v any_o tenet_n in_o the_o whole_a treatise_n half_o so_o dangerous_a or_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o human_a society_n as_o those_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n be_v which_o have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v broach_v by_o time-serving_a churchman_n and_o mercenary_a lawyer_n for_o which_o they_o just_o deserve_v the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o mankind_n nothing_o more_o needs_o be_v say_v to_o any_o reader_n than_o to_o desire_v he_o will_v deliberate_o read_v the_o book_n twice_o over_o before_o he_o condemn_v or_o commend_v it_o when_o that_o be_v do_v whether_o he_o like_v or_o dislike_v the_o treatise_n itself_o or_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o who_o never_o value_v himself_o upon_o other_o people_n opinion_n nor_o do_v ever_o think_v any_o part_n of_o his_o reputation_n depend_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o fool_n or_o knave_n the_o preface_n be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v all_o their_o affair_n by_o sure_a and_o infallible_a council_n or_o can_v mankind_n always_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o prosperity_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o superstition_n but_o because_o man_n many_o time_n fall_v into_o straits_n out_o of_o which_o no_o council_n can_v deliver_v they_o and_o by_o immoderate_o covet_v the_o uncertain_a good_n of_o fortune_n miserable_o fluctuate_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n those_o two_o passion_n easy_o drive_v the_o doubtful_a mind_n of_o man_n hither_o and_o thither_o render_v it_o prone_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n whereas_o otherwise_o it_o be_v over_o confident_a proud_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o of_o this_o though_o few_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o body_n ignorant_a do_v we_o not_o daily_o see_v many_o weak_a man_n during_o prosperity_n so_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o they_o think_v council_n a_o affront_n but_o in_o adversity_n when_o they_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o beg_v every_o body_n advice_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o be_v it_o never_o so_o vain_a foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v upon_o very_o light_a ground_n they_o will_v also_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o present_o again_o fear_v the_o worst_a whatever_o happen_v during_o their_o fear_n which_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o any_o past_a good_a or_o evil_n that_o they_o think_v prognosticate_v good_a or_o bad_a fortune_n and_o though_o they_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n deceive_v count_v it_o a_o lucky_a or_o unlucky_a omen_n whatever_o be_v strange_a and_o unwonted_a beget_v their_o wonder_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prodigy_n say_v it_o portend_v almighty_a god_n anger_n for_o the_o pacification_n whereof_o man_n give_v up_o to_o superstition_n but_o enemy_n to_o true_a religion_n think_v it_o horrible_a impiety_n not_o to_o make_v prayer_n and_o oblation_n and_o to_o that_o end_n fancy_v a_o thousand_o thing_n as_o if_o nature_n itself_o be_v as_o perfect_o distract_v as_o they_o make_v strange_a interpretation_n of_o her_o mean_v this_o then_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n we_o find_v those_o person_n most_o addict_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o superstition_n who_o greedy_o desire_v those_o thing_n with_o be_v uncertain_a and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o can_v help_v themselves_o with_o vow_n and_o womanish_a tear_n implore_v divine_a assistance_n call_v reason_n because_o it_o can_v show_v they_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o the_o vanity_n they_o desire_v blind_a and_o human_a wisdom_n folly_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a believe_v dream_n dotage_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o childish_a folly_n to_o be_v divine_a oracle_n say_v that_o god_n despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o have_v not_o write_v his_o will_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n and_o that_o idiot_n lunatic_n and_o bird_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o instinct_n can_v foretell_v his_o decree_n so_o mad_a have_v fear_n make_v men._n and_o as_o superstition_n have_v its_o original_a from_o fear_n so_o be_v it_o keep_v up_o and_o continue_v by_o it_o of_o which_o truth_n if_o any_o man_n desire_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v any_o particular_a example_n let_v he_o read_v the_o 5_o the_o book_n and_o 4_o the_o decade_n of_o quintus_n curtius_n where_o he_o will_v find_v alexander_n the_o great_a apply_v himself_o to_o diviner_n and_o prophet_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o doubt_v his_o fortune_n at_o the_o straits_n of_o susa_n but_o after_o the_o conquest_n of_o darius_n never_o more_o consult_v they_o till_o terrify_v with_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o bactrian_n and_o with_o the_o scythian_n provoke_v he_o to_o battle_n when_o he_o lie_v wound_v he_o return_v again_o to_o the_o folly_n of_o human_a superstition_n and_o command_v aristander_n to_o who_o he_o give_v much_o credit_n to_o inquire_v by_o sacrifice_n what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o event_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n many_o example_n may_v be_v produce_v all_o which_o will_v clear_o show_v that_o man_n be_v most_o trouble_v with_o superstitious_a fancy_n during_o their_o fear_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v so_o vain_o and_o religious_o revere_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o dotage_n of_o a_o melancholy_a and_o timorous_a mind_n and_o last_o that_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o prediction_n be_v much_o in_o request_n with_o the_o common_a people_n and_o most_o fear_v by_o king_n and_o prince_n when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v in_o any_o great_a distress_n or_o calamity_n but_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o vulgar_o know_v i_o pass_v they_o by_o fear_v then_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o superstition_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v and_o subject_a to_o it_o whatever_o other_o say_v who_o think_v it_o proceed_v from_o a_o certain_a imperfect_a confuse_a knowledge_n man_n have_v of_o a_o deity_n it_o follow_v likewise_o that_o superstition_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v very_o various_a and_o inconstant_a because_o all_o ridiculous_a folly_n of_o the_o mind_n fit_v of_o frenzy_n yea_o superstition_n itself_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o by_o hope_n hatred_n anger_n and_o deceit_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o reason_n but_o passion_n and_o that_o too_o very_o violent_a as_o therefore_o man_n easy_o fall_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o superstition_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v they_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o kind_a because_o the_o common_a people_n be_v all_o time_n alike_o miserable_a be_v never_o long_o quiet_a but_o still_o most_o please_v with_o that_o which_o be_v new_a and_o never_o yet_o deceive_v they_o which_o inconstancy_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o tumult_n and_o cruel_a war_n and_o as_o quintus_fw-la curtius_n in_o his_o 4_o the_o book_n and_o 10_o the_o decad_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v nothing_o so_o absolute_o govern_v the_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
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
sanctify_v they_o for_o myself_o but_o after_o all_o the_o people_n the_o levite_n only_o except_v have_v worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n they_o be_v defile_v and_o reject_v and_o the_o levite_n who_o side_v with_o moses_n as_o appear_v exod._n chap._n 32._o v._n 20_o 27._o be_v choose_v into_o their_o room_n deut._n chap._n 10._o v._n 8._o the_o lord_n separate_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o minister_v he_o and_o to_o bless_v his_o name_n which_o change_n when_o i_o serious_o consider_v it_o make_v i_o think_v of_o those_o word_n in_o tacitus_n hillo_o tempore_fw-la non_fw-la fuisse_fw-la deo_fw-la curae_fw-la securitatem_fw-la illorum_fw-la fuisse_fw-la ultionem_fw-la at_o that_o time_n god_n take_v more_o care_n to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o they_o than_o to_o preserve_v they_o god_n be_v so_o extreme_o incense_v against_o they_o that_o though_o law_n usual_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n honour_n and_o security_n of_o people_n yet_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v the_o jew_n be_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o punish_v and_o be_v revenge_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o their_o law_n be_v not_o law_n that_o be_v the_o people_n safety_n but_o their_o plague_n and_o pnnishment_n consider_v how_o many_o thing_n the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n beside_o the_o money_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o first-born_a consider_v likewise_o that_o the_o levite_n be_v only_o permit_v to_o come_v near_o whatever_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o continual_o mind_v the_o people_n of_o their_o uncleanness_n and_o repudiation_n with_o which_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a the_o levite_n may_v often_o reproach_v they_o for_o among_o so_o many_o thousand_o levite_n no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v some_o troublesome_a pragmatical_a fellow_n who_o provoke_v the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v quit_v with_o the_o levite_n narrow_o watch_v and_o pry_v into_o their_o action_n who_o be_v but_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o fail_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o as_o be_v usual_a be_v charge_v upon_o the_o whole_a function_n and_o at_o last_o especial_o when_o provision_n be_v dear_a in_o all_o probability_n the_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o maintain_v so_o many_o lazy_a idle_a and_o hate_a person_n who_o be_v no_o kin_n at_o all_o to_o they_o no_o wonder_n then_o when_o the_o people_n be_v at_o ease_n and_o public_a miracle_n cease_v if_o they_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n become_v remiss_a and_o the_o covetous_a incense_a mind_n of_o the_o people_n grow_v careless_a and_o neglect_v the_o divine_a worship_n of_o which_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v suspicious_a and_o ashamed_a desire_v a_o new_a it_o be_v likewise_o possible_a that_o the_o prince_n to_o keep_v the_o command_a power_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n may_v court_v the_o people_n to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o against_o the_o priest_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o have_v the_o duration_n and_o security_n of_o the_o government_n be_v design_v when_o it_o be_v first_o institute_v thing_n may_v have_v go_v well_o if_o all_o the_o tribe_n have_v have_v equal_a honour_n and_o power_n for_o who_o will_v have_v violate_v the_o sacred_a right_n of_o his_o kindred_n they_o will_v rather_o for_o piety_n and_o religion_n sake_n have_v maintain_v their_o parent_n brother_n and_o kinsman_n see_v from_o they_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o divine_a oracle_n the_o tribe_n will_v have_v be_v tie_v in_o a_o strict_a bond_n of_o amity_n if_o all_o have_v have_v equal_a power_n of_o administer_a in_o the_o temple_n at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v less_o fear_n of_o discord_n if_o the_o election_n of_o the_o levite_n have_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n but_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v god_n be_v very_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o that_o i_o may_v again_o use_v ezekiel_n expression_n he_o pollute_v they_o with_o their_o gift_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o first-born_a that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o this_o appear_v by_o their_o history_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o be_v idle_a in_o the_o wilderness_n many_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n begin_v to_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o tribe_n believe_v that_o moses_n do_v not_o act_v by_o god_n command_n but_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o himself_o please_v because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v a_o perpetual_a settlement_n of_o the_o priesthood_n upon_o his_o own_o brother_n so_o that_o a_o tumult_n be_v raise_v they_o tell_v moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o all_o the_o congregation_n be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o holy_a and_o that_o they_o lift_v themselves_o up_o above_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o reason_n can_v appease_v they_o but_o they_o be_v all_o miraculous_o destroy_v which_o occasion_v a_o universal_a sedition_n among_o all_o the_o people_n who_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o perish_v be_v not_o destroy_v by_o god_n judgement_n but_o by_o some_o trick_n of_o moses_n after_o which_o follow_v a_o great_a plague_n which_o make_v the_o people_n weary_a of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o sedition_n but_o not_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o amity_n or_o affection_n and_o god_n tell_v moses_n deut._n chap._n 33._o v._n 21._o that_o he_o know_v the_o imagination_n the_o people_n go_v about_o even_o before_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o land_n which_o he_o swear_v and_o moses_n a_o little_a after_o verse_n 27._o say_v to_o the_o people_n i_o know_v thy_o rebellion_n and_o thy_o stiff_a neck_n behold_v while_o i_o be_o yet_o alive_a with_o you_o this_o day_n you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o much_o more_o after_o my_o death_n and_o as_o all_o the_o world_n know_v so_o it_o happen_v great_a change_n all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n luxury_n and_o idleness_n make_v they_o grow_v daily_o worse_o and_o worse_o till_o be_v often_o beat_v by_o their_o enemy_n they_o break_v their_o holy_a covenant_n and_o desire_v a_o mortal_a king._n the_o temple_n become_v his_o palace_n and_o the_o tribe_n cast_v off_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o priesthood_n his_o subject_n the_o elect_v of_o a_o king_n be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o new_a sedition_n to_o reign_v precarious_o or_o suffer_v any_o power_n to_o control_v they_o be_v intolerable_a to_o their_o king_n they_o who_o from_o private_a man_n be_v elect_v to_o the_o throne_n be_v content_v with_o the_o dignity_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o when_o their_o son_n come_v by_o right_o of_o succession_n to_o the_o crown_n they_o begin_v by_o degree_n to_o make_v alteration_n that_o the_o supreme_a power_n may_v reside_v only_o in_o they_o which_o power_n they_o have_v not_o so_o long_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o in_o their_o hand_n but_o be_v interpret_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n so_o that_o the_o king_n be_v still_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o have_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o abrogate_v the_o old_a or_o make_v new._n moreover_o the_o levite_n have_v power_n to_o keep_v the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subject_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v profane_a person_n from_o meddle_v with_o sacred_a matter_n last_o because_o all_o the_o power_n of_o their_o king_n depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o one_o who_o be_v account_v a_o prophet_n of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o example_n in_o samuel_n who_o with_o great_a boldness_n and_o liberty_n command_v saul_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v and_o for_o one_o offence_n only_o transfer_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o david_n which_o indeed_o make_v the_o government_n perfect_o precarious_a to_o avoid_v this_o their_o king_n consecrate_v other_o temple_n that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o consult_v the_o levite_n and_o inquire_v after_o other_o to_o prophesy_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o be_v account_v true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o compass_v their_o end_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v still_o ready_a watch_v their_o opportunity_n till_o a_o successor_n come_v and_o then_o the_o prophet_n by_o their_o divine_a power_n do_v sometime_o set_v up_o some_o famous_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o king_n do_v under_o pretence_n of_o vindicate_a religion_n endeavour_v to_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a power_n or_o some_o part_n thereof_o but_o neither_o this_o way_n can_v the_o prophet_n compass_n their_o end_n for_o though_o they_o take_v away_o the_o tyrant_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o tyranny_n still_o remain_v and_o they_o do_v with_o a_o great_a effusion_n of_o the_o subject_n blood_n only_o
common_a the_o psalm_n speak_v of_o the_o cedar_n of_o god_n to_o express_v their_o extraordinary_a height_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 10._o v._n 7._o it_o be_v say_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n fall_v on_o the_o people_n which_o signify_v a_o very_a great_a fear_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n all_o thing_n which_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o who_o natural_a cause_n where_o not_o know_v to_o they_o be_v always_o refer_v and_o attribute_v to_o god._n tempest_n be_v call_v god_n chide_v and_o threaten_n thunder_n and_o lightning_n his_o dart_n and_o arrow_n they_o think_v god_n keep_v the_o wind_n shut_v up_o in_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o they_o call_v his_o treasury_n in_o which_o opinion_n they_o differ_v from_o the_o heathen_a only_o by_o believe_v god_n and_o not_o aeolus_n to_o be_v their_o ruler_n upon_o this_o ground_n miracle_n be_v also_o call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o be_v stupendous_a wonderful_a work_n though_o indeed_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o only_o by_o divine_a power_n act_n and_o subsist_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o psalmist_n call_v the_o miracle_n do_v in_o egypt_n the_o power_n of_o god_n because_o in_o the_o jew_n great_a danger_n they_o open_v a_o way_n to_o their_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n when_o they_o least_o expect_v it_o and_o be_v therefore_o so_o much_o admire_v by_o they_o see_v then_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v strange_a and_o unusual_a be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o tree_n of_o extraordinary_a height_n and_o magnitude_n the_o tree_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o in_o genesis_n man_n very_o valiant_a and_o of_o great_a stature_n though_o impious_a robber_n and_o fornicator_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o ancient_a heathen_a as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o attribute_n to_o god_n every_o thing_n in_o which_o any_o one_o excel_v other_o man_n pharaoh_n when_o he_o hear_v the_o interpretation_n of_o his_o dream_n say_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o god_n be_v in_o joseph_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n say_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n be_v in_o daniel_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a among_o the_o latin_n then_o to_o say_v thing_n very_o curious_o wrought_v be_v do_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n which_o expression_n if_o a_o man_n will_v turn_v into_o hebrew_n he_o must_v say_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god._n by_o these_o place_n i_o have_v quote_v many_o other_o in_o scripture_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v be_v easy_o understand_v and_o explain_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o jehovah_n in_o some_o place_n signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o vehement_a dry_a and_o destroy_a wind_n as_o isa._n chap._n 40._o v._n 7._o the_o grass_n wither_v the_o flower_n fade_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n blow_v upon_o it_o also_o gen._n chap._n one_a v_o 2._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o strong_a wind_n move_v upon_o the_o water_n it_o also_o signify_v a_o great_a mind_n or_o courage_n the_o courage_n of_o gideon_n and_o samson_n be_v style_v in_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o bold_a dare_a mind_n ready_a to_o undertake_v and_o attempt_v any_o thing_n so_o also_o any_o particular_a virtue_n or_o skill_n more_o than_o ordinary_a be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n exod._n chap._n 31._o v._n 3._o and_o i_o have_v fill_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o wisdom_n and_o workmanship_n speak_v of_o bezaleel_n so_o isa._n chap._n 11._o v._n 2._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v rest_v upon_o he_o that_o be_v as_o the_o prophet_n more_o full_o explain_v himself_o the_o virtue_n of_o wisdom_n council_n and_o may_v in_o like_a manner_n saul_n melancholy_n be_v call_v a_o evil_a spirit_n of_o god_n or_o from_o god_n that_o be_v deep_a melancholy_n for_o saul_n servant_n who_o call_v his_o melancholy_n the_o melancholy_n of_o god_n be_v they_o that_o send_v for_o music_n to_o recreate_v he_o which_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v his_o melancholy_n to_o be_v any_o more_o than_o natural_a sometime_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v signify_v the_o life_n of_o man_n job_n chap._n 27._o v._n 3._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o my_o nostril_n allude_v to_o what_o be_v say_v gen._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7._o god_n breathe_v into_o man_n nostril_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n so_o ezek._n chap._n 37._o v._n 14._o say_v prophesy_v to_o the_o dead_a and_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v live_v that_o be_v i_o will_v restore_v life_n to_o you_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n speak_v job_n ch._n 34._o v._n 14._o if_o he_o gather_v unto_o himself_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o breath_n so_o likewise_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o 3_o verse_n of_o the_o 6_o the_o chap._n of_o gen._n my_o spirit_n also_o shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o manfor_n that_o he_o also_o be_v flesh_n that_o be_v man_n hereafter_o shall_v do_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o flesh_n and_o not_o of_o his_o mind_n which_o i_o give_v he_o to_o discern_v good_a from_o evil_a psal._n 51._o v_o 10_o 11._o david_n say_v create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o out_o of_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o because_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o sin_n come_v only_o from_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n do_v incline_v man_n only_o to_o good_a therefore_o the_o psalmist_n implore_v god_n assistance_n against_o his_o carnal_a affection_n and_o pray_v that_o his_o mind_n or_o soul_n which_o god_n give_v he_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v by_o god_n now_o because_o the_o scripture_n describe_v god_n like_o a_o man_n and_o because_o the_o common_a people_n capacity_n be_v weak_a do_v attribute_n to_o god_n a_o mind_n affection_n of_o mind_n and_o likewise_o a_o body_n and_o breath_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v many_o time_n in_o scripture_n take_v for_o the_o will_n the_o mind_n the_o power_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n mouth_n isa._n chap._n 40._o v._n 13._o the_o prophet_n say_v who_o have_v direct_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v who_o have_v dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o will_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o determine_v likewise_o chap._n 63._o v._n 10._o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o it_o do_v as_o it_o be_v explain_v and_o unfold_v god_n mind_n for_o isa._n in_o the_o 11_o the_o v._o of_o the_o 63._o ch._n say_v where_o be_v he_o that_o put_v his_o holy_a spirit_n within_o he_o that_o be_v the_o law_n as_o be_v clear_o collect_v from_o the_o context_n nehemiah_n ch._n 9_o v._n 20._o say_v thou_o give_v also_o thy_o good_a spirit_n to_o instruct_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n ch._n 4._o v._n 6._o moses_n speak_v of_o the_o law_n say_v this_o be_v your_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n so_o david_n psal._n 43._o v_o 11._o say_v thy_o good_a spirit_n lead_v i_o into_o the_o land_n of_o uprightness_n that_o be_v thy_o mind_n reveal_v to_o we_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o right_a way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o signify_v the_o breath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o improper_o attribute_v to_o god_n as_o be_v body_n or_o mind_n psal._n 33._o v_o 6._o and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n it_o signify_v the_o power_n and_o might_n of_o god_n job_n chap._n 33._o v._n 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v i_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o his_o decree_n for_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v poetical_o say_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o heaven_n make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n also_o psal._n 139._o v_o 7._o it_o be_v say_v whether_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n where_o spirit_n signify_v god_n power_n and_o presence_n last_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o affection_n of_o god_n mind_n namely_o his_o benignity_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n michah_n chap._n 2._o v._n 7._o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n straighten_v be_v these_o his_o do_n so_o zachary_n chap._n 4._o v._n 6._o not_o by_o might_n not_o by_o power_n but_o by_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v only_o by_o my_o mercy_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v understand_v
shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v here_o christ_n convince_v the_o pharisee_n from_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o opinion_n who_o say_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n word_n be_v a_o absolute_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v devil_n and_o a_o kingdom_n of_o devil_n so_o also_o when_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n chap._n 18._o v._n 10._o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o in_o heaven_n their_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o these_o word_n christ_n teach_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v proud_a or_o despise_v any_o one_o whatever_o else_o be_v faid_fw-we be_v only_o the_o better_a to_o persuade_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o sign_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o need_v we_o say_v more_o of_o this_o subject_a because_o it_o will_v be_v extreme_o tedious_a to_o quote_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v only_o ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la or_o according_a to_o man_n capacity_n and_o with_o a_o great_a prejudice_n to_o philosophy_n be_v maintain_v to_o be_v divine_a doctrine_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v mention_v these_o few_o general_a one_o the_o curious_a reader_n may_v himself_o examine_v the_o rest_n but_o see_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v concern_v prophet_n and_o prophecy_n do_v direct_o concern_v the_o thing_n i_o aim_v at_o which_o be_v to_o divide_v philosophy_n from_o theology_n yet_o because_o i_o have_v only_o touch_v upon_o the_o question_n general_o i_o will_v now_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n inquire_v whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o common_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o also_o what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n every_o man_n prosperity_n and_o true_a happiness_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o good_a but_o not_o in_o the_o glory_n that_o he_o alone_o and_o no_o other_o person_n enjoy_v that_o good_a for_o whoever_o think_v himself_o the_o more_o happy_a because_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o other_o man_n or_o because_o he_o be_v more_o fortunate_a and_o prosperous_a than_o other_o be_v ignorant_a what_o be_v true_a felicity_n and_o beatitude_n and_o the_o joy_n which_o arise_v from_o such_o a_o conceit_n be_v childish_a and_o savour_n of_o a_o envious_a evil_a mind_n for_o example_n man_n true_a beatitude_n and_o felicity_n consist_v only_o in_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n but_o not_o in_o his_o being_n wise_a than_o other_o man_n or_o that_o other_o man_n want_v true_a knowledge_n for_o that_o add_v not_o at_o all_o to_o his_o wisdom_n which_o be_v his_o true_a happiness_n he_o therefore_o that_o rejoice_v in_o be_v happy_a than_o other_o man_n takes_z pleasure_n in_o their_o misfortune_n and_o be_v a_o envious_a evil_a man_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o never_o know_v true_a wisdom_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a life_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o better_a persuade_v the_o jew_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n say_v deut._n chap._n 10_o v._n 19_o that_o god_n choose_v they_o above_o all_o people_n and_o be_v nigh_a to_o they_o then_o to_o all_o other_o nation_n deut._n chap._n 4._o v._n 7._o that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n and_o law_n more_o righteous_a and_o just_a than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 8_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chap._n and_o last_o that_o god_n make_v himself_o more_o know_v to_o they_o then_o to_o other_o people_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n all_o this_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v true_a blessedness_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o as_o moses_n himself_o testify_v in_o deut._n chap._n 9_o v._n 6_o 7._o for_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o be_v less_o bless_v though_o god_n have_v equal_o call_v all_o man_n to_o salvation_n nor_o have_v god_n be_v less_o gracious_a to_o they_o though_o he_o have_v be_v as_o nigh_o to_o other_o nation_n their_o law_n have_v not_o be_v less_o righteous_a nor_o they_o less_o wise_a though_o the_o same_o have_v be_v prescribe_v to_o all_o other_o people_n and_o the_o miracle_n do_v among_o they_o have_v not_o less_o declare_v god_n power_n though_o the_o like_a have_v be_v wrought_v for_o other_o nation_n nor_o have_v the_o jew_n be_v the_o less_o oblige_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n though_o god_n have_v equal_o give_v to_o all_o other_o man_n the_o same_o gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o they_o god_n say_v to_o solomon_n in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 3._o v._n 12._o that_o none_o after_o he_o shall_v be_v ever_o like_o he_o for_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o manner_n of_o speak_v to_o declare_v the_o excellency_n of_o solomon_n wisdom_n what_o ever_o the_o word_n mean_v yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o increase_v solomon_n happiness_n god_n promise_v never_o to_o make_v any_o man_n so_o wise_a as_o he_o for_o that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o have_v make_v solomon_n wisdom_n great_a neither_o will_v a_o wise_a king_n have_v give_v god_n the_o less_o thanks_o though_o god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v bestow_v as_o much_o wisdom_n upon_o all_o other_o men._n but_o though_o we_o say_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n prescribe_v those_o law_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n to_o the_o jew_n only_o that_o he_o speak_v only_o to_o they_o and_o that_o no_o other_o nation_n ever_o see_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o all_o that_o i_o intend_v be_v that_o moses_n speak_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o make_v use_v of_o such_o argument_n the_o better_a to_o convince_v their_o childish_a understanding_n and_o bind_v they_o the_o fast_o to_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god._n last_o we_o will_v show_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o excel_v other_o nation_n in_o knowledge_n or_o piety_n but_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n or_o that_o i_o may_v with_o scripture_n speak_v to_o their_o capacity_n god_n do_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o jew_n above_o other_o nation_n that_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v more_o sublime_a or_o their_o life_n more_o righteous_a than_o other_o peopl_n but_o for_o another_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o will_v in_o order_n declare_v but_o before_o i_o begin_v i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n explain_v what_o i_o mean_v in_o that_o which_o follow_v by_o god_n dispose_n and_o direction_n what_o by_o god_n external_a and_o internal_a assistance_n what_o by_o god_n calling_n or_o election_n and_o last_o what_o i_o intend_v by_o fortune_n i_o take_v god_n dispose_v or_o direction_n to_o be_v the_o fix_a order_n and_o immutable_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o concatenation_n of_o natural_a thing_n and_o cause_n for_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o determine_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n eternal_a decree_n which_o imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n therefore_o whether_o we_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o ordination_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n we_o say_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n because_o the_o power_n of_o all_o natural_a being_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v order_v and_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o whatever_o man_n who_o be_v a_o part_n of_o nature_n do_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o be_v or_o whatever_o nature_n without_o any_o endeavour_n of_o he_o offer_v he_o for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n operate_n either_o by_o human_a nature_n or_o by_o thing_n without_o it_o so_o that_o whatever_o human_a nature_n can_v perform_v by_o its_o own_o power_n for_o self_n preservation_n that_o may_v be_v true_o call_v god_n internal_a assistance_n and_o that_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o man_n receive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o external_a cause_n may_v be_v just_o term_v god_n external_a help_n which_o full_o explain_v what_o be_v
always_o particular_o express_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o they_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o 14_o the_o chap._n of_o exod._n v._n 27._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o only_o upon_o the_o stretch_n out_o of_o moses_n hand_n the_o sea_n return_v again_o to_o its_o full_a strength_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o wind_n yet_o in_o the_o 15_o chap._n of_o exod._n call_v moses_n song_n v._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v thou_o do_v blow_v with_o thy_o wind_n that_o be_v a_o strong_a wind_n and_o the_o sea_n cover_v they_o so_o that_o this_o circumstance_n be_v omit_v in_o the_o story_n to_o make_v the_o miracle_n appear_v the_o great_a but_o some_o will_v urge_v that_o we_o find_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o can_v in_o appearance_n be_v explain_v by_o natural_a cause_n as_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o earth_n barrenness_n and_o man_n prayer_n the_o cause_n of_o its_o fertility_n that_o faith_n may_v give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n record_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o give_v answer_n in_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o next_o immediate_a cause_n but_o only_o relate_v thing_n in_o that_o order_n and_o express_v they_o in_o such_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o stir_v man_n up_o especial_o the_o multitude_n to_o devotion_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n speak_v many_o time_n very_o improper_o of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n it_o treat_v of_o not_o so_o much_o to_o convince_v our_o reason_n as_o to_o affect_v and_o possess_v our_o mind_n and_o our_o imagination_n if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v relate_v the_o destruction_n of_o any_o empire_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o historian_n and_o politician_n use_v to_o do_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o common_a people_n but_o when_o the_o overthrow_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v poetical_o describe_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n own_o hand_n how_o strange_o be_v man_n move_v with_o it_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o earth_n be_v barren_a or_o that_o blind_a man_n be_v restore_v to_o sight_n by_o faith_n it_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o do_v those_o other_o say_n that_o god_n be_v angry_a or_o grieve_v with_o our_o sin_n that_o he_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v or_o intend_v and_o that_o god_n by_o see_v a_o sign_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o promise_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v speak_v poetical_o or_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o writer_n so_o that_o we_o absolute_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o have_v happen_v do_v happen_v as_o all_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v any_o thing_n record_v which_o by_o plain_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o impossible_a to_o follow_v from_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v insert_v by_o sacrilegious_a man_n for_o whatever_o be_v against_o nature_n be_v against_o reason_n and_o whatever_o be_v against_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o absurd_a nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o only_o to_o say_v somewhat_o of_o interpret_n miracle_n or_o rather_o to_o recollect_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o illustrate_v it_o by_o some_o example_n which_o be_v the_o four_o particular_a i_o promise_v to_o treat_v of_o that_o no_o body_n by_o mistake_v a_o miracle_n may_v think_v there_o be_v something_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o man_n relate_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o naked_o and_o true_o but_o that_o to_o their_o relation_n they_o add_v somewhat_o of_o their_o own_o conceit_n yea_o when_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n unless_o they_o beware_v of_o their_o own_o preconceive_a opinion_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o prepossess_v that_o they_o will_v never_o right_o understand_v what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v especial_o if_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o spectator_n or_o relator_n and_o it_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n that_o the_o thing_n shall_v happen_v in_o that_o very_a manner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n in_o their_o history_n and_o chronicle_n rather_o vent_v their_o own_o opinion_n then_o make_v faithful_a relation_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v by_o two_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n shall_v be_v so_o diverse_o represent_v that_o it_o shall_v seem_v two_o different_a case_n so_o that_o oft_o time_n it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a by_o the_o very_a history_n to_o discover_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o historian_n to_o evidence_n this_o i_o may_v cite_v many_o philosopher_n who_o have_v write_a history_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o chronologeis_n but_o i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o only_a one_o mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n when_o the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v carry_v about_o the_o earth_n by_o a_o dyurnal_a motion_n and_o that_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o move_v at_o all_o they_o fit_v the_o miracle_n which_o happen_v when_o they_o fight_v against_o the_o five_o king_n according_a to_o this_o their_o preconceived_a opinion_n and_o do_v not_o say_v simple_o that_o the_o day_n be_v long_o than_o ordinary_a but_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n stand_v still_o or_o cease_v from_o motion_n which_o at_o that_o time_n serve_v as_o a_o very_a good_a argument_n to_o convince_v the_o heathen_a who_o worship_v the_o sun_n that_o their_o god_n the_o sun_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o deity_n who_o can_v at_o his_o pleasure_n make_v he_o change_v his_o course_n and_o therefore_o partly_o out_o of_o religion_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v they_o apprehend_v and_o relate_v the_o thing_n much_o otherwise_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o explain_v miracle_n and_o to_o understand_v by_o their_o relation_n how_o thing_n do_v true_o and_o real_o happen_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o first_o report_v the_o miracle_n or_o leave_v they_o in_o write_v and_o to_o distinguish_v their_o opinion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o by_o their_o sense_n else_o we_o may_v confound_v their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n with_o the_o miracle_n itself_o it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o know_v their_o opinion_n that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o real_o happen_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o imaginary_a and_o but_o prophetical_a revelation_n for_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v relate_v and_o believe_v as_o thing_n real_a which_o be_v but_o representation_n and_o mere_a imagination_n as_o that_o god_n the_o first_o and_o high_a of_o all_o being_n descend_v from_o heaven_n exod._n chap._n 19_o v._n 18._o deut._n chap._n 5._o v._n 23._o upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o that_o the_o mountain_n smoke_v because_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o fire_n we_o be_v likewise_o tell_v of_o eliahs_n go_v to_o heaven_n in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n with_o horse_n of_o fire_n all_o which_o be_v but_o representation_n suit_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o they_o who_o deliver_v to_o we_o those_o thing_n for_o reality_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o mere_a representation_n whoever_o be_v but_o little_o wise_a than_o the_o multitude_n know_v that_o god_n have_v neither_o right_a or_o left_a hand_n that_o he_o neither_o rest_v nor_o move_v that_o he_o be_v comprehensive_o in_o no_o place_n but_o be_v infinite_a and_o in_o he_o be_v contain_v all_o perfection_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v know_v to_o man_n who_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o perception_n of_o a_o pure_a understanding_n and_o not_o as_o their_o fancy_n be_v affect_v by_o their_o outward_a sense_n as_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v corporeal_a and_o imagine_v he_o exercise_v kingly_a dominion_n fancy_v his_o throne_n to_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o the_o star_n at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o and_o the_o like_a opinion_n many_o case_n in_o scripture_n be_v accommodate_v but_o yet_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v real_a by_o wise_a men._n true_o to_o understand_v how_o miracle_n happen_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o phrase_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n for_o he_o that_o be_v
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
which_o the_o pharisee_n affirm_v they_o have_v or_o such_o as_o have_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o can_v err_v in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o that_o the_o roman_a catholic_o boast_v of_o their_o pope_n but_o see_v we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o priest_n or_o pope_n we_o can_v build_v upon_o either_o because_o the_o primitive_a christian_n deny_v the_o one_o and_o the_o most_o ancient_a sect_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o other_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o series_n and_o succession_n of_o year_n which_o the_o pharisee_n receive_v from_o their_o rabbi_n by_o which_o they_o carry_v their_o tradition_n as_o high_a as_o moses_n himself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o false_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o another_o place_n such_o a_o tradition_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o suspect_v and_o though_o in_o our_o method_n we_o be_v force_v to_o suppose_v some_o kind_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a namely_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o need_v not_o much_o doubt_n this_o though_o we_o very_o well_o may_v the_o other_o for_o it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n or_o use_v to_o any_o man_n to_o change_v the_o signification_n of_o any_o word_n though_o it_o often_o may_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o speech_n it_o be_v also_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v do_v for_o he_o that_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o change_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o word_n must_v necessary_o construe_v all_o those_o author_n who_o have_v write_v in_o that_o tongue_n and_o use_v that_o word_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o every_o author_n or_o else_o must_v falsify_v they_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n the_o ignorant_a multitude_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a man_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o a_o language_n but_o the_o learned_a only_o preserve_v the_o sense_n of_o speech_n and_o book_n and_o consequent_o though_o learned_a man_n may_v change_v or_o corrupt_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o scarce_a book_n yet_o they_o can_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n beside_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o alter_v the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n to_o which_o he_o be_v accustom_v he_o can_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n do_v it_o either_o in_o speak_v or_o write_v for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n i_o be_o persuade_v it_o never_o yet_o come_v into_o any_o man_n head_n to_o corrupt_v a_o language_n though_o many_o have_v pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o writer_n either_o by_o change_v or_o misinterpret_v his_o say_n if_o our_o method_n which_o lay_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o true_a then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v we_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v well_o despair_v of_o it_o what_o difficulty_n there_o be_v of_o arrive_v by_o this_o method_n to_o the_o true_a mean_v and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sacred_a volume_n or_o what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o it_o i_o will_v now_o declare_v the_o chief_a difficulty_n in_o this_o method_n be_v that_o be_v require_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n but_o how_o be_v that_o to_o be_v have_v the_o ancient_a and_o most_o skilful_a master_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v leave_v little_a to_o posterity_n of_o the_o element_n and_o learning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v from_o they_o neither_o dictionary_n grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v lose_v all_o its_o ornament_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v no_o wonder_n have_v suffer_v so_o many_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n and_o retain_v nothing_o but_o a_o few_o fragment_n of_o their_o language_n and_o of_o a_o few_o book_n for_o all_o the_o name_n of_o fruit_n bird_n fish_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n be_v lose_v so_o that_o the_o signification_n of_o many_o name_n and_o word_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v unknown_a or_o very_a disputable_a see_v then_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o likewise_o a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v because_o all_o the_o form_n of_o speech_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v forget_v and_o lose_v we_o can_v as_o we_o will_v find_v out_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o sentence_n in_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o the_o customary_a use_n of_o the_o language_n it_o comprehend_v and_o there_o be_v many_o say_n in_o scripture_n though_o express_v in_o know_a word_n who_o sense_n nevertheless_o be_v obscure_a and_o inscrutable_a and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o perfect_a history_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n so_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o language_n be_v such_o and_o so_o many_o ambiguity_n spring_v from_o it_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o frame_v such_o a_o method_n as_o shall_v direct_v a_o man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n for_o beside_o the_o cause_n of_o doubt_n common_a to_o all_o other_o language_n there_o be_v some_o other_o in_o this_o from_o whence_o proceed_v many_o uncertainty_n which_o cause_v here_o to_o specify_v i_o think_v worth_a a_o man_n pain_n first_o obscurity_n and_o ambiguity_n in_o scripture_n be_v cause_v sometime_o by_o use_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o organ_n one_o for_o another_o the_o jew_n divide_v all_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o alphabet_n into_o five_o class_n or_o form_n because_o there_o be_v five_o particular_a part_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o mouth_n use_v in_o pronunciation_n the_o lip_n the_o tongue_n the_o tooth_n the_o palate_n and_o the_o throat_n for_o example_n alpha_n ghet_n hgain_n he_o be_v call_v guttural_a letter_n and_o be_v without_o any_o difference_n know_v to_o we_o take_v one_o for_o another_o el_n which_o signify_v to_o be_v often_o take_v for_o hgal_n which_o signify_v upon_o and_o so_o interchangeble_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o speech_n be_v render_v doubtful_a or_o be_v like_o word_n which_o have_v no_o signification_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o ambiguity_n be_v the_o divers_a and_o manifold_a signification_n of_o conjunction_n and_o adverb_n for_o example_n vaughan_n promiscuous_o serve_v to_o join_v and_o disjoin_v signify_v and_n but_o because_o indeed_o otherwise_o then_o ki_n have_v seven_o or_o eight_o signification_n because_o although_o if_o when_o even_o as_o that_o burning_z and_o so_o almost_o all_o particle_n the_o three_o cause_n of_o many_o ambiguity_n be_v because_o verb_n in_o the_o indicative_a mood_n want_v the_o present_a the_o preterimperfect_a the_o preterpluperfect_a and_o the_o future_a tense_n and_o other_o much_o use_v in_o other_o language_n in_o the_o imperative_a and_o infinitive_n mood_n they_o want_v all_o the_o tense_n except_o the_o present_a and_o in_o the_o subjunctive_a have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o though_o all_o these_o defect_n of_o mood_n and_o tense_n may_v with_o great_a elegancy_n be_v supply_v by_o rule_n and_o principle_n deduce_v from_o the_o language_n yet_o they_o have_v be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n who_o promiscuous_o use_v the_o present_a and_o preterperfect_a tense_n for_o the_o future_a and_o sometime_o the_o indicative_a mood_n for_o the_o imperative_a and_o subjunctive_a which_o cause_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o their_o write_n beside_o these_o three_o great_a cause_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n there_o remain_v two_o other_o very_a observable_a and_o both_o of_o very_o great_a moment_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n make_v no_o use_n those_o letter_n we_o call_v vowel_n the_o second_o that_o they_o never_o use_v in_o their_o write_n to_o distinguish_v their_o word_n or_o express_v their_o quantity_n by_o any_o mark_n or_o sign_n and_o though_o both_o vowel_n and_o mark_n use_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o point_n and_o accent_n yet_o we_o can_v trust_v to_o they_o see_v they_o be_v invent_v and_o bring_v into_o use_n by_o modern_a man_n who_o authority_n be_v of_o no_o great_a value_n the_o ancient_n write_v without_o point_n that_o be_v without_o vowel_n or_o accent_n as_o appear_v by_o many_o testimony_n but_o some_o of_o late_a time_n bring_v in_o both_o to_o interpret_v the_o bible_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a so_o that_o the_o point_n and_o accent_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v only_a exposition_n of_o man_n of_o the_o present_a age_n who_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reverence_n and_o believe_v above_o other_o expositor_n they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o
some_o be_v more_o and_o other_o less_o in_o nehemiah_n than_o they_o be_v in_o ezra_n and_o amount_v in_o all_o to_o thirty_o one_o thousand_o eighty_o nine_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o error_n as_o well_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n as_o of_o nehemiah_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a number_n commentator_n rack_v their_o wit_n and_o invention_n to_o reconcile_v these_o apparent_a contradiction_n and_o while_o they_o adore_v the_o very_a word_n and_o letter_n of_o scripture_n do_v nothing_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v but_o expose_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o contempt_n as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v or_o put_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o they_o into_o any_o order_n yea_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o make_v that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_a obscure_a for_o if_o every_o man_n shall_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o explain_v scripture_n as_o they_o do_v we_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o part_n thereof_o i_o be_o persuade_v those_o commentator_n themselves_o though_o they_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n excuse_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n will_v count_v any_o other_o man_n a_o ridiculous_a historian_n who_o shall_v write_v as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o if_o they_o think_v he_o a_o blasphemer_n who_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v in_o some_o place_n faulty_a what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o those_o man_n who_o bely_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o expose_v the_o holy_a penman_n thereof_o as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v and_o deny_v the_o plain_a and_o clear_a sense_n of_o scripture_n what_o in_o it_o can_v be_v plain_o than_o that_o esdras_n and_o his_o fellow_n priest_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o take_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o all_o that_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n see_v the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v set_v down_o who_o can_v not_o derive_v their_o pedigree_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o can_v and_o what_o be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o nehemiah_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n and_o 5_o the_o verse_n of_o that_o book_n only_o copy_v out_o the_o register_n which_o esdras_n have_v make_v who_o ever_o make_v any_o other_o exposition_n thereof_o deny_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o scripture_n itself_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a piety_n to_o pretend_v to_o rectify_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o another_o when_o plain_a place_n be_v darken_v by_o obscure_a and_o those_o that_o be_v right_a and_o true_a correct_v and_o corrupt_v by_o those_o that_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a but_o god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v call_v they_o blasphemer_n who_o have_v no_o malicious_a intention_n because_o there_o be_v no_o man_n free_a from_o error_n beside_o the_o error_n which_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a number_n both_o of_o esdras_n and_o nehemiah_n genealogy_n there_o be_v divers_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o family_n more_o in_o the_o very_a pedigree_n in_o the_o history_n and_o i_o fear_v likewise_o in_o the_o very_a prophecy_n themselves_o for_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n in_o the_o 22_o the_o chap._n against_o jehoiachim_n which_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v bury_v with_o the_o burial_n of_o a_o ass_n draw_v and_o cast_v forth_o beyond_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o at_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o history_n of_o he_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n of_o king_n no_o nor_o with_o what_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o jeremy_n especial_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o jeremy_n shall_v tell_v king_n zedechiah_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o peace_n jerem._n chap._n 34._o v._n 5._o who_o be_v take_v captive_a and_o after_o he_o have_v see_v his_o child_n slay_v before_o his_o face_n have_v his_o own_o eye_n put_v out_o if_o prophecy_n may_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o event_n the_o name_n of_o those_o two_o king_n seem_v to_o be_v mistake_v one_o for_o the_o other_o but_o that_o be_v too_o paridoxical_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o i_o have_v rather_o leave_v the_o point_n under_o a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v determine_v see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o it_o it_o must_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o historian_n and_o not_o in_o the_o original_a copy_n from_o whence_o he_o write_v of_o any_o other_o error_n i_o will_v take_v no_o particular_a notice_n see_v i_o can_v without_o trouble_v the_o reader_n because_o they_o have_v be_v already_o note_v by_o other_o rabbi_n solomon_n find_v the_o manifest_a contradiction_n which_o be_v in_o the_o erroneous_a genealogy_n do_v in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o 8_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o chronicle_n break_v out_o into_o these_o word_n esdras_n who_o he_o suppose_v to_o have_v write_v the_o chronicle_n call_v the_o son_n of_o benjamin_n by_o wrong_a name_n and_o derive_v his_o pedigree_n otherwise_o than_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o describe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n otherwise_o than_o joshua_n do_v because_o he_o meet_v with_o different_a original_n and_o a_o little_a after_o say_v the_o genealogy_n of_o gibeon_n and_o other_o be_v twice_o and_o diverse_o repeat_v because_o esdras_n find_v different_a register_n of_o each_o genealogy_n and_o in_o copy_v they_o out_o follow_v those_o whereof_o the_o great_a number_n do_v agree_v but_o when_o the_o number_n of_o differ_v genealogy_n be_v equal_a he_o write_v after_o the_o original_a of_o both_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o rabbi_n solomon_n own_o confession_n these_o book_n be_v copy_v from_o uncertain_a and_o imperfect_a original_n the_o commentator_n themselves_o many_o time_n do_v nothing_o more_o than_o show_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o person_n of_o any_o sound_a judgement_n can_v think_v that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n do_v write_v purposely_o to_o contradict_v themselves_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v i_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v the_o scripture_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v every_o where_o faulty_a but_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o i_o hereby_o vindicate_v the_o scripture_n and_o provide_v against_o the_o adulterate_n and_o corrupt_v thereof_o in_o those_o place_n which_o be_v clear_a and_o true_a it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o some_o place_n be_v faulty_a therefore_o all_o must_v be_v so_o because_o every_o book_n be_v in_o some_o place_n false_a it_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v no_o where_o true_a especial_o when_o the_o style_n of_o it_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n perfect_o know_v so_o much_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v that_o before_o the_o time_n of_o judas_n macchâ—bâ—us_n no_o book_n be_v esteem_v canonical_a but_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v from_o the_o pharisee_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n who_o likewise_o institute_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n these_o book_n be_v select_v from_o many_o other_o and_o only_o by_o their_o decree_n receive_v into_o the_o canon_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v demonstrate_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v bind_v to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o every_o particular_a book_n the_o prove_v any_o one_o to_o be_v divine_a be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o all_o unless_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o council_n of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o err_v which_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v good_a the_o reason_n which_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o none_o but_o the_o pharisee_n choose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o make_v they_o sacred_a by_o canon_n be_v because_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n declare_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o the_o zadduce_n utter_o deny_v moreover_o in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o sabbath_n chap._n 2._o fol._n 30._o parag_n the_o 2_o d_o rabbi_n jehuda_n say_v the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n endeavour_v to_o suppress_v the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n because_o many_o expression_n in_o it_o be_v contrary_a which_o observe_v to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o suppress_v be_v because_o it_o begin_v and_o end_v according_a to_o the_o law_n a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v they_o will_v also_o have_v conceal_v the_o book_n of_o proverb_n and_o last_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o treatise_n fol._n 13_o the_o these_o be_v his_o word_n true_o i_o name_v the_o man_n for_o kindness_n sake_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o
be_v deep_a mystery_n hide_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o from_o thence_o have_v spring_v up_o intolerable_a superstition_n and_o many_o other_o mischievous_a inconvenience_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n i_o can_v not_o possible_o pass_v they_o by_o religion_n need_v not_o be_v attire_v with_o any_o superstitious_a ornament_n but_o rather_o lose_v part_n of_o its_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n when_o it_o be_v adorn_v with_o such_o foppery_n but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o though_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n yet_o nevertheless_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o say_v of_o scripture_n as_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v maim_v or_o corrupt_v i_o on_o the_o other_o side_n fear_v such_o man_n pretend_v too_o much_o sanctity_n and_o convert_v religion_n into_o superstition_n yea_o that_o they_o worship_v picture_n and_o image_n that_o be_v paper_n and_o ink_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o misbecome_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o no_o position_n which_o i_o have_v not_o make_v good_a by_o clear_a reason_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v positive_o aver_v that_o i_o have_v not_o publish_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v impious_a or_o that_o savour_v of_o the_o least_o impiety_n i_o confess_v some_o profane_a person_n to_o who_o religion_n be_v a_o burden_n may_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v and_o without_o any_o reason_n indulge_v their_o sensual_a pleasure_n may_v infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o faulty_a and_o falsify_v and_o consequent_o of_o no_o authority_n to_o such_o man_n nothing_o will_v be_v a_o answer_n for_o according_a to_o the_o common_a say_n that_o which_o be_v never_o so_o well_o and_o true_o speak_v may_v be_v abuse_v by_o a_o ill_a and_o sinister_a interpretation_n they_o that_o be_v lover_n of_o their_o pleasure_n will_v take_v any_o occasion_n to_o do_v it_o and_o they_o who_o in_o time_n past_o have_v those_o original_n the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n the_o more_o obedient_a or_o the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o all_o as_o well_v jew_n as_o gentiles_n be_v alike_o still_o the_o same_o and_o virtue_n in_o all_o age_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o rare_a but_o to_o clear_v all_o scruple_n i_o will_v now_o show_v upon_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n scripture_n or_o any_o other_o mute_a thing_n may_v be_v call_v sacred_a or_o holy_a next_o what_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n and_o last_o that_o as_o it_o contain_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n and_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v corrupt_v by_o these_o particular_n every_o one_o may_v easy_o judge_v that_o i_o speak_v nothing_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o give_v any_o occasion_n for_o man_n to_o be_v wicked_a or_o ungodly_a that_o be_v call_v holy_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o piety_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o thing_n continue_v holy_a so_o long_o as_o man_n make_v a_o religious_a use_n thereof_o when_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v religious_a that_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v sacred_a and_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v use_v to_o impious_a purpose_n than_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o sacred_a become_v unholy_a and_o profane_a for_o example_n the_o very_a place_n call_v by_o jacob_n the_o patriarch_n beth-el_a the_o house_n of_o god_n because_o he_o there_o worship_v god_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v afterward_o call_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o house_n of_o iniquity_n amos_n chap._n 5._o v._n 5._o hoshea_n chap._n 10._o v._n 5._o because_o the_o israelite_n by_o the_o command_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la do_v there_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n another_o example_n will_v plain_o prove_v the_o thing_n word_n have_v a_o certain_a signification_n only_o by_o use_n and_o custom_n and_o if_o they_o be_v according_a to_o that_o use_n so_o dispose_v that_o they_o move_v man_n who_o read_v they_o to_o devotion_n than_o those_o word_n be_v esteem_v sacred_a and_o likewise_o the_o book_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v but_o if_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o use_n of_o those_o word_n be_v lose_v and_o thereby_o the_o word_n become_v insignificant_a and_o the_o book_n wherein_o such_o word_n be_v be_v quite_o neglect_a and_o lay_v aside_o either_o through_o malice_n or_o because_o man_n have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o than_o the_o word_n and_o the_o book_n as_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n so_o have_v they_o no_o sanctity_n in_o they_o last_o if_o those_o word_n come_v to_o be_v otherwise_o construe_v and_o custom_n so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o clean_a contrary_a sense_n and_o signification_n than_o the_o word_n and_o the_o book_n which_o be_v before_o esteem_v sacred_a may_v become_v filthy_a and_o profane_a whence_o it_o follow_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v absolute_o either_o sacred_a or_o profane_a but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n mind_n or_o understanding_n which_o clear_o appear_v by_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v quote_v only_o one_o or_o two_o jeremy_n chap._n 7._o v._n 24._o say_v the_o jew_n do_v false_o call_v solomon_n temple_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o as_o he_o further_o say_v in_o that_o chapter_n the_o name_n of_o god_n can_v remain_v in_o that_o temple_n no_o long_o than_o it_o be_v frequent_v by_o man_n who_o worship_v he_o and_o maintain_v justice_n but_o when_o murderer_n robber_n and_o idolater_n resort_v to_o it_o it_o be_v then_o but_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o declare_v what_o become_v of_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n certain_o it_o be_v either_o lose_v or_o burn_v with_o the_o temple_n though_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v more_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a among_o the_o jew_n the_o scripture_n than_o be_v sacred_a and_o its_o say_n divine_a so_o long_o as_o man_n be_v thereby_o move_v to_o devotion_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v quite_o neglect_v as_o it_o be_v heretofore_o by_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o paper_n and_o ink_n it_o be_v then_o profane_v and_o leave_v liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o perish_v it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v corrupt_v and_o lose_v as_o in_o the_o prophet_n ieremy_n time_n it_o can_v not_o be_v true_o say_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v burn_v which_o jeremy_n himself_o declare_v of_o the_o law_n for_o chap._n 8._o v._n 8._o he_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a in_o these_o word_n how_o do_v you_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o lo_o certain_o in_o vain_a make_v he_o it_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scribe_n be_v in_o vain_a that_o be_v though_o you_o have_v the_o scripture_n yet_o you_o false_o say_v you_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n since_o you_o have_v make_v it_o of_o no_o effect_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o moses_n break_v the_o first_o table_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o in_o anger_n he_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o god_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o break_v it_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o think_v so_o he_o break_v only_o the_o stone_n which_o though_o before_o account_v sacred_a because_o upon_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o covenant_n by_o which_o the_o jew_n bound_v themselves_o to_o obey_v god_n yet_o afterward_o have_v not_o the_o least_o sanctity_n in_o they_o because_o the_o people_n by_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n make_v that_o covenant_n void_a for_o the_o same_o cause_n the_o second_o table_n with_o the_o ark_n wherein_o they_o be_v keep_v may_v likewise_o perish_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o none_o of_o those_o original_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o that_o the_o like_a shall_v befall_v the_o book_n we_o have_v when_o the_o very_a original_a of_o god_n law_n the_o most_o sacred_a of_o all_o thing_n be_v utter_o lose_v let_v man_n then_o forbear_v to_o charge_v i_o with_o impiety_n see_v i_o have_v speak_v nothing_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v any_o way_n profane_v it_o if_o their_o anger_n be_v just_a let_v it_o be_v vent_v against_o the_o people_n of_o old_a who_o wickedness_n profane_v and_o destroy_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n the_o temple_n the_o law_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v sacred_a if_o according_a to_o the_o 2_o d_o epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 3._o v._n 3._o the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n
ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v false_a otherwise_o he_o will_v necessary_o be_v disobedient_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o justice_n and_o study_n to_o obey_v god_n reverence_v that_o as_o divine_a which_o he_o know_v be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n man_n may_v err_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v condemn_v stubbornness_n not_o ignorance_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o very_a definition_n i_o have_v give_v of_o faith_n every_o part_n thereof_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o general_a foundation_n before_o mention_v and_o from_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o faith_n do_v not_o require_v from_o man_n opinion_n absolute_o true_a in_o themselves_o but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n and_o to_o confirm_v a_o man_n in_o love_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n by_o which_o love_n to_o use_v st._n john_n expression_n every_o man_n be_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o see_v then_o every_o man_n faith_n in_o respect_n of_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o see_v man_n disposition_n be_v so_o various_a that_o none_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o be_v so_o diverse_o sway_v by_o opinion_n that_o what_o move_v this_o man_n to_o devotion_n beget_v in_o another_o laughter_n and_o contempt_n it_o fâ—llows_v that_o to_o universal_a faith_n only_o those_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a concern_v which_o among_o honest_a man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o one_o man_n may_v account_v they_o religious_a and_o another_o irreligious_a be_v to_o be_v judge_v only_o by_o work_n to_o catholic_n faith_n then_o those_o doctrine_n only_o belong_v which_o beget_v in_o a_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o which_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v obey_v he_o in_o other_o thing_n every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n he_o that_o of_o himself_o may_v to_o establish_v himself_o in_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n think_v what_o to_o he_o seem_v best_o which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n now_o i_o will_v not_o fear_v to_o name_v those_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a faith_n or_o those_o fundamental_o of_o scripture_n that_o by_o what_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o these_o two_o last_o chapter_n tend_v all_o to_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v that_o love_v justice_n and_o charity_n to_o who_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v be_v obedient_a and_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o love_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n and_o from_o hence_o these_o several_a position_n clear_o and_o easy_o follow_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v who_o be_v most_o just_a and_o merciful_a by_o who_o example_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o regulate_v his_o life_n he_o that_o know_v not_o or_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v can_v obey_v he_o or_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v his_o judge_n second_o that_o this_o god_n be_v one_o which_o opinion_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n adore_v admire_v and_o love_n god_n for_o devotion_n admiration_n and_o love_n be_v cause_v by_o that_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o one_o above_o all_o other_o three_o that_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a or_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o he_o for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o he_o or_o if_o man_n do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o see_v all_o thing_n we_o may_v doubt_v of_o his_o equity_n and_o justice_n whereby_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n four_o that_o he_o have_v supreme_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o by_o compulsion_n but_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o no_o body_n five_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o consist_v only_o in_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n six_o that_o only_o they_o who_o obey_v god_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n will_v be_v save_v and_o other_o who_o live_v slave_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v condemn_v if_o man_n do_v not_o firm_o believe_v this_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v rather_o obey_v god_n than_o his_o own_o desire_n and_o pleasure_n seven_o and_o last_o god_n pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n all_o will_v despair_v of_o salvation_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v god_n merciful_a but_o he_o who_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n through_o grace_n and_o mercy_n whereby_o he_o order_v all_o thing_n pardon_v man_n offence_n and_o be_v thereby_o more_o flame_v with_o love_n towards_o god_n he_o know_v christ_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o every_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n may_v obey_v god_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n which_o we_o have_v already_o explain_v if_o you_o take_v away_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n or_o doctrine_n there_o can_v be_v no_o obedience_n but_o what_o god_n or_o what_o this_o exemplar_n of_o live_v well_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v fire_n a_o spirit_n light_n cogitation_n etc._n etc._n it_o concern_v not_o our_o faith_n neither_o in_o what_o notion_n or_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o example_n for_o we_o to_o live_v by_o whether_o it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v a_o just_a and_o merciful_a mind_n or_o because_o all_o thing_n subsist_v and_o act_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o we_o by_o and_o through_o he_o understand_v what_o be_v just_a and_o good_a it_o matter_n not_o what_o every_o man_n think_v or_o conclude_v of_o these_o thing_n neither_o be_v faith_n concern_v whether_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n omnipresent_v or_o whether_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o freedom_n or_o necessity_n of_o his_o nature_n whether_o he_o prescribe_v law_n as_o a_o prince_n or_o teach_v eternal_a verity_n whether_o man_n obey_v god_n as_o free_a agent_n because_o they_o have_v freedom_n of_o will_n or_o because_o they_o be_v necessitate_v by_o god_n decree_n whether_o the_o reward_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_n be_v natural_a or_o supernatural_a faith_n be_v not_o concern_v how_o a_o man_n understand_v these_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o he_o make_v no_o conclusion_n whereby_o he_o may_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v or_o lessen_v his_o obedience_n to_o god_n of_o these_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n a_o man_n may_v make_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o make_v he_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n cheerful_o without_o any_o reluctancy_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v faith_n be_v heretofore_o reveal_v and_o write_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o people_n of_o that_o time_n so_o that_o now_o also_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o apply_v his_o faith_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v make_v he_o without_o the_o least_o doubt_v or_o reluctancy_n believe_v for_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v faith_n rather_o require_v piety_n than_o verity_n and_o as_o faith_n can_v be_v pious_a and_o save_a without_o obedience_n so_o nothing_o but_o obedience_n make_v a_o man_n a_o faithful_a believer_n his_o faith_n be_v not_o best_o who_o can_v give_v the_o best_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o he_o that_o have_v do_v the_o most_o and_o great_a work_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n a_o doctrine_n which_o must_v in_o all_o man_n judgement_n be_v very_o wholesome_a and_o necessary_a in_o all_o commonwealth_n for_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o much_o wickedness_n and_o many_o trouble_n before_o i_o go_v further_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o objection_n may_v be_v easy_o answer_v which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o israelite_n from_o mount_n sinai_n for_o though_o that_o voice_n which_o the_o israelite_n hear_v can_v not_o give_v that_o people_n any_o philosophical_a or_o mathematical_a certainty_n of_o god_n existence_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o admire_v god_n under_o that_o knowledge_n they_o before_o have_v of_o he_o and_o incite_v they_o to_o obedience_n towards_o he_o which_o be_v all_o that_o god_n purpose_v and_o design_v in_o that_o spectacle_n it_o be_v not_o god_n intention_n
difference_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v pious_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o their_o hatred_n shall_v decrease_v for_o all_o other_o nation_n do_v as_o mortal_o hate_v they_o let_v reason_n and_o experience_n judge_v then_o whether_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a devotion_n towards_o their_o country_n absolute_a power_n over_o all_o nation_n against_o who_o their_o hatred_n be_v not_o only_o count_v lawful_a but_o pious_a singularity_n of_o religious_a rite_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v be_v not_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n with_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o country_n for_o while_o jerusalem_n stand_v they_o will_v never_o endure_v any_o other_o government_n therefore_o be_v it_o call_v the_o rebellious_a city_n ezra_n chap._n 4._o v._n 12_o 15._o the_o second_o government_n which_o be_v scarce_o a_o shadow_n of_o the_o first_o after_o the_o priest_n have_v usurp_v the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n destroy_v by_o the_o roman_n as_o tacitus_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o history_n vespasian_n say_v he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a war_n by_o the_o take_n of_o the_o city_n jerusalem_n a_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n because_o of_o the_o people_n disposition_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o superstition_n and_o because_o the_o besiege_a have_v courage_n and_o strength_n enough_o to_o suffer_v all_o extremity_n beside_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o only_a opinion_n make_v dear_a and_o valuable_a there_o be_v another_o thing_n in_o this_o government_n which_o be_v a_o fingular_a and_o solid_a argument_n to_o continue_v the_o people_n in_o their_o obedience_n and_o take_v from_o they_o all_o thought_n of_o desert_v their_o country_n and_o that_o be_v profit_n which_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o life_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n in_o this_o particular_a their_o advantage_n be_v very_o considerable_a for_o subject_n have_v no_o where_o great_a right_n to_o any_o thing_n they_o possess_v the_o jewish_a subject_n have_v a_o equal_a portion_n of_o land_n and_o field_n with_o the_o prince_n and_o every_o one_o be_v a_o eternal_a lord_n of_o his_o part_n for_o if_o any_o man_n force_v by_o poverty_n sell_v his_o land_n when_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n come_v it_o be_v to_o be_v entire_o restore_v there_o be_v likewise_o other_o institution_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o that_o a_o fix_a estate_n can_v never_o be_v perpetual_o alienate_v where_o can_v poverty_n be_v more_o tolerable_a than_o in_o a_o country_n where_o every_o man_n be_v mutual_a charity_n be_v that_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n whereby_o he_o hope_v to_o purchase_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n who_o be_v his_o king_n so_o that_o the_o jew_n can_v never_o live_v well_o in_o any_o country_n but_o their_o own_o and_o out_o of_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o injury_n and_o reproach_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o own_o country_n from_o civil_a war_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o contention_n their_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o equal_a but_o only_o to_o god_n himself_o contribute_v very_o much_o so_o likewise_o do_v their_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v not_o a_o little_a increase_v by_o the_o general_a hatred_n all_o other_o nation_n have_v against_o they_o another_o thing_n which_o beyond_o all_o that_o i_o have_v mention_v much_o contribute_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v that_o strict_a discipline_n of_o obedience_n under_o which_o they_o be_v educate_v for_o they_o be_v to_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o positive_a prescription_n of_o law_n they_o can_v not_o when_o they_o please_v but_o only_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o in_o certain_a year_n plough_v and_o that_o but_o with_o one_o sort_n of_o cattle_n they_o have_v likewise_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o sow_v and_o reap_v and_o indeed_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o ceremony_n their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n be_v but_o a_o continual_a practice_n of_o obedience_n so_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o it_o it_o seem_v rather_o liberty_n than_o servitude_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o desire_v not_o what_o be_v forbid_v but_o that_o which_o be_v command_v at_o certain_a time_n of_o the_o year_n they_o be_v to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o mirth_n pleasure_n and_o ease_n not_o to_o indulge_v their_o own_o appetite_n but_o to_o serve_v god_n the_o more_o cheerful_o thrice_o in_o a_o year_n they_o be_v god_n guest_n see_v deut._n chap._n 16._o v._n 16._o every_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o week_n they_o be_v to_o cease_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o labour_n and_o take_v their_o rest_n at_o other_o set_a time_n rejoice_v honest_a recreation_n and_o feast_v be_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o command_v which_o above_o all_o thing_n prevail_v upon_o man_n mind_n especial_o that_o joy_n which_o arise_v from_o devotion_n that_o be_v from_o love_n and_o admiration_n together_o their_o worship_n prescribe_v on_o festival_n day_n be_v short_a and_o various_a keep_v they_o from_o loathe_v and_o weariness_n to_o all_o this_o add_v the_o high_a reverence_n and_o veneration_n they_o have_v for_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v still_o preserve_v by_o the_o particular_a worship_n they_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o it_o and_o by_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o observe_v and_o do_v before_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o enter_v into_o it_o so_o that_o even_o now_o we_o can_v without_o great_a horror_n read_v that_o abominable_a wicked_a act_n of_o manasseh_n who_o cause_v a_o idol_n to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n nor_o be_v the_o reverence_n much_o less_o which_o the_o people_n have_v for_o the_o law_n which_o be_v religious_o keep_v in_o the_o sanctuary_n so_o that_o no_o rumour_n or_o discontent_n among_o the_o people_n be_v here_o to_o be_v fear_v for_o no_o body_n can_v meddle_v or_o pass_v any_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o every_o man_n without_o consult_v reason_n be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o god_n by_o his_o answer_n in_o the_o temple_n or_o by_o the_o law_n already_o give_v command_v they_o it_o now_o then_o appear_v under_o what_o manner_n of_o government_n the_o jew_n live_v of_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v give_v a_o very_a clear_a though_o but_o brief_a account_n it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o inquire_v why_o the_o jew_n do_v so_o often_o forsake_v the_o law_n why_o they_o be_v so_o often_o conquer_v and_o why_o at_o last_o their_o government_n be_v total_o destroy_v perhaps_o some_o will_v tell_v i_o their_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a humour_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o be_v but_o a_o childish_a and_o frivolous_a answer_n why_o be_v this_o nation_n more_o rebellious_a than_o any_o other_o be_v it_o their_o nature_n nature_n do_v not_o make_v nation_n but_o only_o individual_a person_n who_o be_v distinguish_v and_o divide_v into_o nation_n by_o diversity_n of_o language_n law_n and_o custom_n from_o law_n and_o custom_n every_o nation_n acquire_v a_o particular_a disposition_n a_o particular_a condition_n and_o peculiar_a prejudices_fw-la and_o opinion_n if_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v more_o stiff-necked_a and_o rebellious_a than_o any_o other_o nation_n it_o must_v be_v because_o they_o have_v bad_a law_n and_o evil_a custom_n and_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o if_o god_n have_v decree_v their_o government_n shall_v have_v have_v a_o long_a continuance_n he_o will_v have_v give_v they_o other_o law_n and_o statute_n and_o another_o administration_n of_o government_n therefore_o what_o can_v we_o say_v more_o than_o that_o god_n be_v offend_v and_o angry_a with_o they_o not_o only_o as_o jeremy_n say_v from_o the_o build_n of_o their_o city_n jerem._n chap._n 32._o v._n 31._o but_o from_o the_o very_a time_n he_o give_v they_o their_o law_n which_o ezekiel_n testify_v chap._n 20._o v._n 25._o say_v i_o give_v they_o statute_n which_o be_v not_o good_a and_o judgement_n whereby_o they_o shall_v not_o live_v and_o i_o pollute_v they_o in_o their_o own_o gift_n in_o that_o they_o cause_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n all_o that_o open_v the_o womb_n that_o be_v the_o first-born_a that_o i_o may_v make_v they_o desolate_a to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o these_o word_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o god_n first_o intention_n be_v to_o commit_v the_o administration_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n to_o the_o first-born_a not_o to_o the_o levite_n as_o appear_v numb_a chap._n 8._o v._n 17._o where_o god_n say_v all_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v i_o i_o
purchase_v another_o new_a tyrant_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o discord_n and_o intestine_a war_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o violate_v god_n law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o which_o can_v never_o end_v but_o with_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o have_v now_o see_v how_o religion_n begin_v in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n and_o how_o the_o government_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a if_o the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n will_v have_v permit_v it_o to_o continue_v but_o because_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o it_o perish_v i_o have_v here_o speak_v only_o of_o their_o first_o government_n the_o second_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o their_o first_o see_v they_o be_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o persian_n after_o they_o obtain_v their_o liberty_n of_o cyrus_n the_o high_a priest_n become_v their_o prince_n by_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n the_o priest_n have_v as_o great_a a_o mind_n to_o the_o crown_n as_o to_o the_o mitre_n of_o this_o second_o government_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o whether_o their_o first_o government_n as_o it_o be_v conceive_v durable_a or_o religious_a be_v a_o pattern_n that_o may_v be_v follow_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v particular_o observe_v that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o divine_a right_n or_o religion_n have_v its_o beginning_n and_o rise_v from_o a_o covenant_n or_o contract_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o right_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o precept_n of_o religion_n to_o show_v any_o kindness_n towards_o any_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o only_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o commonwealth_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v from_o the_o government_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n though_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o example_n that_o can_v now_o be_v follow_v nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v by_o a_o express_a contract_n or_o covenant_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o transfer_v their_o power_n but_o also_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o the_o power_n be_v transfer_v aught_o to_o be_v know_v but_o god_n have_v reveal_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v write_v with_o ink_n nor_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o shall_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o government_n under_o which_o the_o jew_n live_v may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o who_o live_v alone_o without_o any_o foreign_a trade_n or_o commerce_n who_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o own_o territory_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a fit_a for_o people_n that_o live_v by_o trade_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v to_o very_a few_o people_n that_o the_o jewish_a government_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o advantage_n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n that_o can_v be_v follow_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n very_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n and_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n because_o my_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v express_o of_o government_n i_o will_v pass_v many_o thing_n by_o and_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o that_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v majesty_n elective_a that_o be_v to_o choose_v the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o government_n for_o after_o the_o jew_n transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o deliver_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o govern_v to_o moses_n who_o thereby_o have_v in_o god_n name_n the_o sole_a authority_n of_o make_v and_o abrogate_a law_n of_o choose_v sacred_a minister_n and_o likewise_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o teach_v judge_a and_o punish_v and_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o judge_v the_o people_n nor_o to_o excommunicate_v any_o person_n for_o none_o can_v do_v that_o but_o the_o judge_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v joshua_n chap._n 6._o v._n 26._o where_o joshua_n adjure_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rebuild_v jericho_n judge_n chap._n 21._o v._n 18._o where_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n appoint_v what_o woman_n the_o benjamite_n shall_v marry_v to_o propagate_v their_o tribe_n and_o 1_o sam._n chap._n 14._o v._n 24._o where_o saul_n command_v the_o people_n not_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n till_o evening_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o history_n and_o success_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v other_o thing_n very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o different_a sect_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o till_o after_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o second_o government_n usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n to_o make_v their_o authority_n last_v they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n which_o the_o prince_n have_v and_o at_o last_o will_v be_v call_v king_n the_o reason_n be_v apparent_a for_o in_o the_o first_o government_n nothing_o be_v make_v law_n by_o the_o high_a priest_n because_o he_o have_v no_o power_n of_o decree_a any_o thing_n his_o business_n be_v only_o to_o return_v those_o answer_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o council_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n so_o that_o at_o that_o time_n their_o high_a priest_n can_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v new_a decree_n but_o only_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v their_o know_a duty_n for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n against_o the_o prince_n but_o by_o keep_v the_o law_n free_a from_o violation_n and_o corruption_n but_o after_o the_o priest_n get_v power_n of_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o of_o priest_n become_v prince_n than_o every_o one_o as_o well_o in_o religion_n as_o other_o affair_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n determine_v by_o the_o pontifical_a authority_n daily_o make_v decree_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v as_o sacred_a as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o religion_n degenerate_v into_o horrible_a superstition_n the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o priest_n after_o the_o restauration_n attempt_v to_o get_v the_o supreme_a power_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o gain_v the_o people_n so_o soothe_v and_o flatter_v they_o that_o they_o approve_v of_o all_o they_o do_v be_v it_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o make_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n suitable_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o practice_n which_o malachy_n in_o express_a word_n testify_v reprove_v the_o priest_n of_o his_o own_o time_n in_o this_o manner_n mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o so_o go_v on_o in_o reproach_v they_o with_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o they_o please_v with_o their_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o take_v no_o heed_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n way_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v never_o so_o cautious_a and_o wary_a yet_o they_o be_v narrow_o observe_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o priest_n boldness_n declare_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n but_o those_o that_o be_v write_v and_o that_o all_o decree_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n which_o the_o deceive_a pharisee_n choose_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n be_v not_o at_o all_o obligatory_a nor_o to_o be_v obey_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o high_a priest_n flatter_v the_o people_n the_o corruption_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o multiplication_n of_o law_n become_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o those_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n which_o can_v never_o be_v end_v for_o when_o man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o superstition_n begin_v to_o quarrel_n and_o
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