veneration_n when_o genesis_n be_v write_v and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o true_a and_o clear_a answer_n because_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o forecited_a text_n of_o exodus_fw-la that_o god_n be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o his_o name_n jehovah_n and_o because_o also_o in_o exod._n chap._n 3._o v._n 13._o moses_n desire_v to_o know_v god_n name_n which_o must_v have_v be_v know_v to_o he_o have_v it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n before_o he_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o faithful_a patriarch_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o gift_n not_o a_o command_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o particular_a that_o god_n require_v from_o man_n by_o his_o prophet_n no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love_n that_o be_v those_o attribute_n which_o man_n in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o live_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n imitate_v which_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n in_o express_a word_n declare_v for_o chap._n 20._o v._n 15_o 16._o speak_v of_o king_n josiah_n he_o say_v do_v not_o thy_o father_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n and_o then_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o he_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o needy_a than_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n nor_o be_v those_o word_n less_o clear_a chap._n 9_o v._n 24._o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o exercise_v love_a kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n we_o have_v a_o further_a proof_n exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6._o where_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v and_o know_v god_n god_n reveal_v no_o other_o attribute_n to_o he_o but_o such_o as_o declare_v his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love._n last_o how_o express_v in_o the_o point_n be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n john_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n because_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v god_n he_o make_v god_n know_v only_o by_o love_n and_o conclude_v that_o he_o know_v god_n and_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o who_o have_v charity_n we_o see_v then_o that_o moses_n jeremy_n and_o john_n comprise_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v in_o that_o only_a wherein_o we_o say_v it_o be_v comprehend_v namely_o in_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v superlative_o just_a and_o merciful_a and_o the_o only_a pattern_n of_o a_o good_a life_n the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o give_v any_o express_a and_o positive_a definition_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v it_o prescribe_v any_o other_o attribute_n to_o be_v imitate_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o but_o those_o we_o have_v name_v nor_o be_v those_o express_o commend_v 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hand_n foot_n eye_n ear_n mind_n local_a motion_n yea_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n say_v he_o be_v jealous_a merciful_a etc._n etc._n and_o sometime_o set_v he_o out_o as_o a_o judge_n sit_v in_o heaven_n on_o a_o regal_a throne_n and_o christ_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n all_o which_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o the_o scripture_n intend_v to_o make_v obedient_a but_o not_o learned_a of_o these_o thing_n whatever_o ordinary_a profess_a divine_n have_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n discover_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o will_v have_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o that_o which_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n must_v be_v take_v literal_o if_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n must_v be_v take_v and_o understand_v metaphorical_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v for_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a common_a people_n but_o for_o the_o learned_a and_o especial_o for_o philosopher_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v sin_n pious_o and_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n to_o believe_v those_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o sacred_a volume_n have_v in_o the_o letter_n ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o prophet_n consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o common_a people_n understanding_n aught_o to_o have_v be_v very_o wary_a and_o careful_a what_o phrase_n and_o expression_n they_o use_v and_o shall_v have_v clear_o and_o plain_o which_o be_v no_o where_o do_v declare_v those_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v that_o opinion_n consider_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o without_o respect_n to_o a_o man_n work_n have_v any_o piety_n or_o impiety_n in_o they_o but_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v godly_a or_o ungodly_a in_o his_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o obedience_n or_o those_o that_o encourage_v he_o to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n though_o he_o right_o and_o true_o believe_v be_v stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a his_o faith_n be_v evil_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o yet_o live_v well_o his_o faith_n be_v good_a for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o precept_n but_o a_o divine_a gift_n and_o god_n never_o require_v from_o man_n any_o other_o knowledge_n than_o that_o of_o his_o divine_a love_n and_o justice_n which_o knowledge_n be_v necessary_a only_o to_o obedience_n not_o to_o science_n chap._n fourteen_o what_o be_v faith._n who_o be_v believer_n the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n state_v faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n or_o reason_n to_o understand_v true_o what_o faith_n be_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v not_o only_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o inconstant_a mutable_a vulgar_a people_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n of_o which_o no_o person_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o will_v but_o a_o little_a consider_v and_o observe_v the_o scripture_n he_o that_o will_v take_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v promiscuous_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v that_o universal_a positive_a doctrine_n whereby_o god_n be_v to_o be_v know_v can_v never_o right_o discern_v what_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a people_n opinion_n must_v take_v human_a fiction_n and_o fancy_n for_o heavenly_a instruction_n and_o consequent_o very_o much_o abuse_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n authority_n who_o do_v not_o plain_o see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n we_o have_v so_o many_o sectary_n who_o maintain_v their_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o be_v all_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o confirm_v by_o many_o scripture_n proof_n so_o that_o it_o be_v become_v a_o dutch_a proverb_n geen_n ketter_n sunder_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o sectary_n or_o heretic_n but_o have_v a_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o maintain_v his_o opinion_n the_o sacred_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o all_o write_v by_o one_o person_n nor_o for_o the_o people_n of_o one_o age_n but_o by_o divers_a person_n of_o different_a disposition_n and_o for_o the_o people_n of_o several_a age_n distant_a in_o time_n from_o one_o another_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n by_o some_o computation_n many_o more_o we_o do_v not_o charge_v these_o sectary_n with_o impiety_n for_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o opinion_n as_o heretofore_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o one_o to_o apply_v scripture_n to_o his_o own_o opinion_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o
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 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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
multitude_n as_o superstition_n whence_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o common_a people_n under_o colour_n of_o religion_n be_v sometime_o easy_o induce_v to_o adore_v their_o king_n and_o at_o other_o time_n to_o curse_v and_o abhor_v they_o as_o the_o common_a plague_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o mischief_n great_a pain_n be_v take_v to_o adorn_v and_o attire_v religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a that_o it_o may_v appear_v very_o grave_a and_o solemn_a and_o all_o person_n pay_v unto_o it_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o respect_n and_o veneration_n this_o have_v so_o lucky_o succeed_v among_o the._n turk_n who_o count_v it_o a_o crime_n so_o much_o as_o to_o dispute_v and_o have_v their_o understanding_n possess_v with_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o their_o mind_n leave_v for_o reason_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v but_o if_o it_o be_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a arcanum_n and_o concern_v of_o monarchical_a government_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o to_o cover_v fear_n by_o which_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o subjection_n under_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v fight_v for_o slavery_n as_o for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n but_o their_o great_a honour_n to_o spend_v their_o blood_n and_o life_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o one_o single_a person_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o mischeivous_o devise_v or_o attempt_v than_o to_o possess_v man_n judgement_n which_o be_v free_a with_o prejudices_fw-la or_o in_o any_o manner_n to_o restrain_v or_o compel_v they_o it_o be_v utter_o repugnant_a to_o common_a liberty_n as_o for_o sedition_n stir_v up_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n they_o arise_v from_o enact_v law_n concern_v thing_n mere_o speculative_a and_o because_o opinion_n be_v many_o time_n condemn_v for_o crime_n and_o the_o maintainer_n and_o follower_n of_o those_o opinion_n seldom_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o public_a safety_n but_o to_o the_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o adversary_n but_o if_o the_o law_n of_o government_n will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o word_n and_o only_o punish_v man_n action_n there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o lawful_a pretence_n for_o such_o sedition_n nor_o can_v controversy_n be_v turn_v into_o quarrel_n see_v therefore_o that_o man_n be_v seldom_o so_o happy_a to_o live_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o every_o one_o be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o judge_v and_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o understanding_n or_o where_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v dear_a and_o sweet_a than_o liberty_n i_o think_v my_o undertake_n will_v be_v neither_o unpleasing_a or_o unprofitable_a if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o liberty_n may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o religion_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o all_o three_o must_v stand_v and_o fall_v together_o and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o intend_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o which_o purpose_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o mark_v out_o the_o chief_a prejudices_fw-la concern_v religion_n i_o mean_v the_o footstep_n of_o ancient_a servitude_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o relate_v to_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n power_n which_o many_o with_o shameless_a boldness_n study_v to_o usurp_v and_o then_o to_o secure_v themselves_o amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n still_o subject_a to_o superstition_n with_o specious_a show_n of_o religion_n that_o all_o may_v again_o run_v into_o bondage_n in_o what_o order_n i_o make_v these_o thing_n manifest_a i_o will_v present_o in_o few_o word_n declare_v but_o first_o i_o will_v mention_v the_o cause_n which_o move_v i_o to_o write_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o man_n who_o boast_v themselves_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o consist_v in_o love_n peace_n moderation_n and_o deal_v upright_o with_o all_o man_n shall_v so_o unjust_o contend_v and_o cruel_o hate_v one_o another_o by_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v better_a know_v then_o by_o the_o forename_a virtue_n there_o be_v now_o scarce_o any_o man_n whatever_o he_o be_v christian_n jew_n turk_n or_o heathen_a that_o can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o habit_n and_o attire_n by_o frequent_v such_o a_o church_n by_o maintain_v such_o a_o opinion_n or_o by_o be_v the_o swear_a disciple_n of_o such_o a_o master_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n man_n life_n and_o conversation_n be_v all_o alike_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a i_o find_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a people_n be_v persuade_v that_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o set_v a_o very_a high_a value_n upon_o the_o service_n dignity_n office_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o honour_v churchman_n with_o all_o possible_a reverence_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o this_o abuse_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n every_o knave_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o propagate_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o sordid_a avarice_n and_o ambition_n so_o that_o the_o temple_n itself_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o theatre_n where_o ecclesiastical_a doctor_n do_v not_o preach_v but_o like_o orator_n harangued_a the_o people_n not_o to_o instruct_v but_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o they_o public_o reproach_v their_o adversary_n and_o vent_v such_o new_a fangle_a doctrine_n as_o they_o think_v will_v best_o please_v the_o multitude_n from_o hence_o necessary_o arise_v those_o great_a contention_n envy_n and_o inveterate_a hatred_n which_o no_o length_n of_o time_n can_v assuage_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a religion_n nothing_o remain_v but_o the_o external_a worship_n wherein_o the_o people_n seem_v rather_o to_o flatter_v than_o adore_v god_n faith_n be_v become_v nothing_o but_o credulity_n and_o prejudice_n such_o as_o turn_v rational_a man_n into_o brute_n by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o such_o as_o seem_v purposely_o invent_v total_o to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o human_a understanding_n piety_n and_o religion_n o_o immortal_a god_n now_o consist_v in_o absurd_a mystery_n and_o they_o that_o contemn_v and_o reject_v human_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o deprave_v they_o forsooth_o which_o be_v strange_o irrational_a must_v pass_v for_o man_n divine_o illuminate_v true_o if_o such_o man_n have_v but_o one_o spark_n of_o divine_a light_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o supercilious_o mad_a but_o will_v learn_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o more_o prudence_n and_o instead_o of_o hate_v as_o they_o now_o do_v will_v love_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o forbear_v to_o prosecute_v they_o with_o so_o much_o enmity_n will_v rather_o since_o they_o pretend_v to_o fear_v their_o salvation_n more_o than_o their_o own_o fortune_n have_v pity_n and_o compassion_n upon_o they_o moreover_o if_o such_o man_n have_v any_o divine_a light_n it_o will_v appear_v in_o their_o doctrine_n i_o confess_v they_o pretend_v they_o can_v never_o enough_o admire_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o i_o can_v perceive_v they_o teach_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o speculation_n of_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n to_o which_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v follower_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o have_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v the_o scripture_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o these_o man_n to_o run_v mad_a with_o the_o greek_n will_v have_v the_o very_a prophet_n also_o to_o dote_v like_o themselves_o which_o clear_o show_v they_o never_o see_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o dream_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o admire_v the_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n so_o much_o the_o more_o they_o seem_v to_o flatter_v and_o soothe_v scripture_n rather_o than_o believe_v it_o of_o which_o likewise_o another_o evidence_n be_v that_o many_o man_n as_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o find_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o principal_a and_o fundamental_a position_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o in_o every_o part_n infallible_o true_a which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v make_v out_o or_o prove_v by_o any_o other_o way_n but_o a_o strict_a examination_n and_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o and_o do_v likewise_o establish_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n which_o need_v no_o human_a gloss_n the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v our_o best_a guide_n when_o i_o serious_o consider_v that_o natural_a reason_n be_v not_o only_o contemn_v but_o also_o by_o many_o condemn_a for_o the_o fountain_n of_o impiety_n and_o human_a invention_n pass_v
the_o 12_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n of_o zachary_n they_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant_n stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v send_v in_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o former_a prophet_n where_o spirit_n must_v signify_v mercy_n in_o this_o sense_n speak_v also_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n chap._n 2._o v._n 5._o loe_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v my_o grace_n and_o mercy_n remain_v among_o you_o fear_v you_o not_o isa._n chap._n 48._o v._n 16._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o spirit_n have_v send_v i_o there_o spirit_n may_v be_v understand_v to_o signify_v the_o will_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o his_o mind_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n for_o the_o prophet_n say_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v when_o he_o first_o come_v to_o declare_v god_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o they_o he_o speak_v not_o in_o secret_a from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v publish_v there_o be_v i_o but_o now_o i_o be_o a_o messenger_n of_o joy_n send_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o proclaim_v your_o restauration_n it_o may_v also_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v take_v for_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n that_o be_v he_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n levit._n chap._n 19_o v._n 17._o come_v to_o admonish_v they_o therefore_o under_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o warn_v as_o moses_n do_v and_o at_o last_o like_o moses_n end_n with_o predict_v their_o restauration_n but_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o first_o exposition_n seem_v the_o best_a to_o return_v to_o what_o be_v first_o intend_v by_o all_o these_o quotation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o follow_v plain_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god._n god_n pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o men._n man_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v some_o particular_a extraordinary_a virtue_n above_o other_o man_n and_o be_v person_n very_o eminent_a for_o their_o constant_a piety_n moreover_o that_o they_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signify_v both_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n yea_o the_o law_n because_o it_o make_v know_v god_n mind_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o it_o the_o decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v may_v likewise_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o though_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n be_v engrave_v on_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o to_o use_v the_o scripture_n phrase_n we_o also_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n it_o be_v very_o little_o esteem_v and_o the_o jew_n who_o value_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o nation_n extreme_o despise_v it_o because_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n last_o the_o prophet_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o man_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o only_o admire_v it_o but_o as_o they_o do_v all_o other_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o it_o we_o may_v then_o without_o any_o scruple_n affirm_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v no_o other_o way_n understand_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n then_o by_o the_o help_n of_o imagination_n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o word_n or_o sign_n and_o these_o either_o real_a or_o imaginary_a for_o see_v we_o find_v in_o scripture_n no_o other_o mean_n beside_o these_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suppose_v or_o fancy_v any_o other_o but_o by_o what_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v do_v i_o confess_v i_o be_o utter_o ignorant_a i_o may_v with_o other_o say_v it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o no_o more_o than_o if_o i_o shall_v by_o some_o unintelligible_a term_n express_v the_o form_n of_o any_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o therefore_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n and_o we_o very_o foolish_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v when_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n power_n but_o we_o have_v now_o no_o need_n of_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v we_o only_o endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o from_o thence_o as_o from_o the_o precept_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n but_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o scripture-doctrine_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v see_v then_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o help_n of_o imagination_n understand_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o perceive_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o natural_a understanding_n for_o from_o word_n and_o sign_n many_o more_o idea_n may_v be_v form_v then_o can_v be_v only_o out_o of_o those_o principle_n and_o notion_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v found_v hence_o it_o be_v evident_a why_o the_o prophet_n perceive_v and_o declare_v all_o thing_n parabolical_o and_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o express_v all_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o a_o corporal_a manner_n because_o that_o do_v better_a suit_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o imagination_n neither_o can_v we_o now_o wonder_v why_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o prophet_n speak_v so_o improper_o and_o obscure_o of_o the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o numb_a chap._n 11._o v._n 17._o i_o will_v come_v down_o and_o talk_v with_o thou_o there_o and_o i_o will_v take_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o put_v it_o on_o they_o likewise_o in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 11._o and_o zedekiah_n the_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n and_o he_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n with_o these_o shall_v thou_o push_v the_o syrian_n till_o thou_o have_v consume_v they_o michah_n see_v god_n sit_v daniel_n see_v he_o like_o a_o old_a man_n clothe_v in_o white_a garment_n ezekiel_n like_o fire_n and_o they_o who_o be_v with_o christ_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n the_o apostle_n like_o cleave_a tongue_n and_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n like_o a_o great_a light_n all_o which_o vision_n agree_v with_o those_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o spirit_n last_o because_o the_o imagination_n be_v wander_v and_o unconstant_a prophecy_n do_v not_o long_o continue_v with_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v it_o frequent_v but_o very_o rare_a and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o have_v it_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v how_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o perceive_v only_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n and_o not_o by_o the_o certain_a principle_n of_o mental_a knowledge_n but_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v this_o particular_a aught_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o scripture_n though_o as_o we_o have_v already_o confess_v we_o have_v no_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o can_v explain_v it_o by_o its_o first_o cause_n however_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v concern_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n wherein_o i_o resolve_v to_o treat_v of_o prophet_n chap._n ii_o of_o prophet_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o perfection_n of_o mind_n above_o other_o man_n but_o only_o with_o strength_n and_o vivacity_n of_o imagination_n which_o scripture-history_n abundant_o testify_v solomon_n excel_v all_o other_o in_o wisdom_n but_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n heman_n darda_fw-it kalcoll_n though_o man_n very_o wise_a yet_o be_v no_o prophet_n when_o plain_a countryman_n who_o have_v no_o learning_n yea_o woman_n as_o hagar_n abraham_n maid_n have_v that_o gift_n which_o be_v agreeable_a both_o to_o
reason_n and_o experience_n for_o they_o who_o most_o excellent_a in_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n be_v less_o apt_a to_o understand_v thing_n clear_o and_o they_o that_o have_v excellent_a understanding_n have_v their_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n not_o so_o strong_a but_o better_o keep_v within_o compass_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o the_o intellect_n those_o man_n therefore_o who_o endeavour_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o find_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v extreme_o mistake_v which_o i_o purpose_v to_o show_v at_o large_a because_o the_o time_n philosophy_n and_o the_o matter_n itself_o require_v it_o i_o will_v not_o at_o all_o value_n what_o superstition_n babble_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o hate_v nothing_o more_o than_o such_o man_n as_o live_v good_a life_n and_o be_v lover_n of_o true_a solid_a knowledge_n with_o shame_n be_v it_o speak_v it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o they_o who_o free_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o particular_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o only_o know_v he_o by_o create_a being_n of_o who_o cause_n they_o be_v ignorant_a be_v present_o brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o prove_v the_o point_n i_o will_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o prophet_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o imagination_n and_o temperament_n of_o body_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v so_o that_o they_o never_o become_v the_o more_o learned_a by_o prophecy_n which_o i_o will_v present_o more_o full_o make_v out_o but_o i_o must_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o prophet_n certainty_n because_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o chapter_n and_o because_o it_o contribute_v somewhat_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o design_n to_o demonstrate_v because_o simple_a imagination_n do_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v certainty_n as_o every_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n do_v there_o must_v necessary_o some_o other_o thing_n accompany_v imagination_n to_o make_v we_o sure_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o imagine_v and_o that_o be_v reason_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o prophesy_v of_o itself_o do_v not_o include_v certainty_n because_o it_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o what_o god_n reveal_v by_o the_o revelation_n itself_o but_o by_o some_o sign_n as_o appear_v by_o abraham_n gen._n chap._n 15._o v._n 8._o and_o he_o say_v lord_n god_n whereby_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v inherit_v it_o ask_n a_o sign_n after_o he_o hear_v the_o promise_n without_o doubt_n he_o believe_v god_n and_o do_v not_o ask_v the_o sign_n that_o he_o may_v believe_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o promise_n come_v from_o god._n the_o same_o thing_n more_o plain_o appear_v by_o gideon_n judge_n chap._n 6._o v._n 17_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o have_v find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n then_o show_v i_o a_o sign_n that_o thou_o talk_v with_o i_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n let_v this_o be_v a_o sign_n unto_o thou_o ezechiah_o who_o well_o know_v that_o isaiah_n be_v a_o prophet_n ask_v a_o sign_n of_o he_o when_o he_o foretell_v his_o recovery_n which_o show_v that_o the_o prophet_n have_v always_o some_o sign_n by_o which_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o prophetical_o imagine_v and_o therefore_o moses_n deut._n chap._n 18._o v._n 22._o bid_v the_o people_n ask_v a_o sign_n of_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o prophesy_v which_o sign_n be_v to_o be_v foretell_v some_o future_a event_n prophesy_v therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a give_v place_n to_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o need_v no_o sign_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v certainty_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o mathematical_a but_o only_o moral_a which_o also_o appear_v by_o scripture_n deut._n chap._n 13._o moses_n warn_v the_o people_n that_o if_o any_o prophet_n shall_v teach_v they_o to_o worship_n any_o other_o god_n though_o he_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o moses_n go_v on_o and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n prove_v the_o people_n whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n christ_n in_o like_a manner_n warn_v his_o disciple_n tell_v they_o math._n chap._n 24._o v._n 24._o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n ezechiel_n chap._n 14._o v._n 9_o plain_o declare_v that_o god_n sometime_o deceive_v man_n with_o false_a revelation_n and_o if_o the_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n which_o michaiah_n also_o testify_v of_o the_o prophet_n of_o ahab_n 1_o st_z book_n of_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 21._o 22_o 23._o and_o though_o this_o show_v prophesy_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n somewhat_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o it_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o certainty_n in_o it_o for_o god_n never_o deceive_v the_o godly_a and_o elect_a but_o according_a to_o that_o say_n in_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 24._o v._n 13._o as_o say_v the_o proverb_n of_o the_o ancient_n wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o wicked_a but_o my_o hand_n shall_v not_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o as_o it_o likewise_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o abigal_n and_o her_o discourse_n god_n use_v pious_a person_n as_o instrument_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o wicked_a man_n for_o executioner_n of_o his_o wrath_n this_o likewise_o be_v make_v evident_a by_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n michaiah_n for_o though_o god_n have_v decree_v ahab_n shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o prophet_n he_o make_v use_v of_o false_a prophet_n but_o to_o a_o good_a prophet_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v to_o happen_v and_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o prophet_n from_o foretell_v the_o truth_n but_o still_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v but_o moral_a because_o no_o man_n can_v justify_v himself_o before_o god_n nor_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n the_o anger_n of_o god_n lead_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n who_o piety_n the_o scripture_n sufficient_o declare_v all_o prophetical_a certainty_n be_v found_v upon_o three_o particular_n first_o the_o prophet_n do_v as_o strong_o and_o with_o as_o much_o vivacity_n imagine_v the_o thing_n reveal_v as_o man_n waking_z use_v to_o do_v the_o thing_n they_o see_v second_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o sign_n and_o three_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v continual_o incline_v to_o virtue_n and_o justice_n though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o always_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o sign_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o prophet_n still_o have_v a_o sign_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v many_o time_n leave_v out_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n and_o relate_v thing_n as_o suppose_a to_o be_v know_v moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophesy_v nothing_o new_a but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o sign_n for_o example_n the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n need_v no_o sign_n because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o hananiahs_n prophecy_n who_o against_o all_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o sudden_a restauration_n of_o the_o city_n there_o be_v necessity_n of_o a_o sign_n till_o the_o come_n to_o pass_v of_o what_o he_o predict_v shall_v make_v it_o good_a jerem._n chap._n 28._o v._n 9_o 10._o see_v then_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n which_o depend_v upon_o sign_n be_v not_o mathematical_a that_o be_v such_o as_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o thing_n apprehend_v or_o see_v but_o only_o moral_a and_o that_o sign_n be_v give_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v the_o prophet_n himself_o it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o sign_n be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o the_o sign_n which_o make_v one_o prophet_n confident_a and_o certain_a of_o his_o prophecy_n can_v not_o assure_v another_o as_o the_o sign_n be_v different_a and_o various_a so_o also_o revelation_n itself_o do_v vary_v in_o every_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o imagination_n the_o temper_n of_o his_o constitution_n or_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o he_o be_v prepossess_v for_o example_n if_o a_o prophet_n be_v cheerful_a and_o merry_a to_o he_o be_v reveal_v victory_n and_o peace_n which_o cause_n mirth_n and_o gladness_n such_o thing_n use_v
to_o thing_n relate_v to_o honesty_n and_o good_a manner_n we_o ought_v to_o think_v otherwise_o i_o will_v more_o exact_o and_o full_o prove_v because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o from_o thence_o will_v conclude_v that_o prophesy_v never_o leave_v the_o prophet_n more_o learned_a but_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n in_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o many_o man_n have_v very_o unadvised_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o prophet_n know_v all_o thing_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o human_a understanding_n and_o though_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o know_v some_o thing_n yet_o they_o be_v rather_o willing_a to_o confess_v they_o do_v not_o understand_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n then_o yield_v the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o endeavour_v so_o to_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o will_v have_v it_o say_v that_o which_o it_o do_v not_o mean._n if_o either_o of_o these_o be_v lawful_a then_o farewell_o to_o all_o scripture_n for_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o it_o shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o those_o that_o be_v obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a or_o else_o shall_v be_v interpret_v as_o we_o please_v for_o example_n nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o josuah_n and_o perhaps_o he_o that_o write_v the_o book_n of_o josuah_n do_v belive_o that_o the_o sun_n move_v about_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o earth_n have_v no_o motion_n and_o that_o the_o sun_n for_o some_o time_n stand_v still_o yet_o many_o because_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o mutation_n in_o the_o heaven_n so_o expound_v that_o place_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v to_o imply_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o other_o who_o think_v themselves_o better_a philosopher_n because_o they_o believe_v the_o eatrh_n move_v and_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o or_o at_o least_o move_v not_o about_o the_o earth_n do_v with_o might_n and_o main_a endeavour_v to_o wrest_v the_o proof_n of_o their_o opinion_n out_o of_o the_o same_o scripture_n against_o its_o plain_a word_n indeed_o at_o these_o man_n i_o much_o wonder_v be_v any_o man_n oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o josuah_n a_o soldier_n be_v perfect_o skilled_a in_o astronomy_n and_o that_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o or_o that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n can_v not_o remain_v long_o above_o the_o horizon_n then_o ordinary_a unless_o josuah_n understand_v the_o cause_n thereof_o both_o seem_v to_o i_o ridiculous_a and_o i_o have_v rather_o plain_o say_v that_o josuah_n do_v not_o know_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o continue_a light_n and_o that_o all_o the_o army_n with_o he_o do_v think_v that_o the_o sun_n have_v adivurual_a motion_n about_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v stand_v still_o that_o particular_a day_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o its_o long_a shine_v but_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o hail_n which_o the_o 11_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n of_o josuah_n say_v be_v then_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n may_v cause_v a_o great_a refraction_n of_o light_n then_o ordinary_a or_o some_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o our_o business_n here_o to_o inquire_v in_o like_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o isaiah_n a_o sign_n be_v give_v by_o the_o shadow_n be_v go_v back_o upon_o the_o dyal_n of_o ahaz_n because_o his_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o sun_n move_v and_o not_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o parhelij_fw-la perhaps_o he_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v without_o any_o scruple_n maintain_v for_o the_o sign_n may_v real_o happen_v and_o be_v foretell_v to_o the_o king_n though_o the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o solomon_n building_n that_o if_o all_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n they_o be_v reveal_v according_a to_o solomon_n capacity_n and_o opinion_n for_o see_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v that_o solomon_n be_v a_o exact_a mathematician_n we_o may_v lawful_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o proportion_n the_o diameter_n of_o a_o circle_n ought_v to_o bear_v to_o the_o peripheria_fw-la or_o circumference_n but_o think_v with_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o workman_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o three_o to_o one_o but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o text_n in_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o king_n chap._n 7._o v._n 23._o true_o i_o know_v not_o what_o we_o can_v understand_v from_o scripture_n since_o there_o the_o building_n be_v simple_o and_o historical_o relate_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o suppose_v the_o scripture_n mean_v otherwise_o but_o for_o some_o reason_n to_o we_o unknown_a will_v write_v in_o that_o manner_n what_o can_v follow_v but_o a_o total_a overthrow_n of_o all_o scripture_n and_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a or_o wicked_a which_o malice_n can_v invent_v that_o may_v not_o under_o scripture_n authority_n be_v countenance_v and_o commit_v but_o what_o we_o maintain_v savour_v not_o of_o impiety_n for_o solomon_n isaiah_n joshua_n etc._n etc._n though_o prophet_n be_v man_n subject_a to_o human_a infirmity_n the_o drown_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o a_o deluge_n be_v reveal_v to_o noah_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n for_o he_o think_v no_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v inhabit_v but_o palestine_n and_o the_o prophet_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o piety_n may_v be_v yea_o be_v ignorant_a not_o only_o of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o also_o of_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o they_o discover_v very_o little_a of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o have_v mean_a and_o vulgar_a opinion_n of_o god_n to_o which_o their_o revelation_n be_v accommodate_v as_o by_o many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v prove_v so_o that_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o commend_v for_o the_o excellency_n and_o sublimity_n of_o their_o knowledge_n as_o for_o their_o piety_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n adam_n be_v the_o first_o man_n to_o who_o god_n reveal_v himself_o yet_o he_o know_v not_o that_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o omniscient_a for_o he_o hide_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v his_o sin_n to_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v before_o a_o man_n therefore_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o according_a to_o his_o opinion_n and_o capacity_n that_o be_v as_o one_o who_o be_v not_o every_o where_o and_o as_o one_o ignorant_a of_o adam_n sin_n for_o adam_n hear_v or_o seem_v to_o hear_v god_n walk_v in_o the_o garden_n call_v and_o ask_v adam_n where_o be_v thou_o ask_v likewise_o because_o adam_n be_v ashamed_a whether_o he_o have_v eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n adam_n therefore_o know_v no_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v reveal_v to_o cain_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n that_o be_v as_o one_o ignorant_a of_o human_a action_n nor_o do_v he_o need_v any_o high_a knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin._n to_o laban_n god_n reveal_v himself_o as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n because_o laban_n believe_v that_o every_o nation_n have_v a_o peculiar_a god_n as_o appear_v gen._n chap._n 31._o v._n 29._o where_o he_o say_v to_o jacob_n the_o god_n of_o your_o father_n speak_v to_o i_o yesternight_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n vbiquity_n and_o prescience_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v the_o sentence_n against_o sodom_n he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o execute_v it_o till_o he_o know_v whether_o all_o deserve_v the_o punishment_n gen._n chap._n 18_o the_o v_o 24._o peradventure_o there_o may_v be_v find_v fifty_o righteous_a within_o the_o city_n nor_o be_v god_n otherwise_o reveal_v to_o he_o for_o in_o abraham_n imagination_n god_n say_v verse_n 21_o the_o i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o cry_n of_o it_o which_o be_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v god_n testimony_n of_o abraham_n in_o gen._n chap._n 12._o v._n 19_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o abraham_n obedience_n and_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n but_o say_v nothing_o of_o any_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n or_o conception_n that_o he_o have_v of_o god._n moses_n do_v not_o perfect_o
to_o be_v understand_v by_o god_n calling_n or_o election_n for_o since_o no_o man_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o the_o predeterminate_a order_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n eternal_a direction_n and_o decree_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o man_n choose_v for_o himself_o any_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o live_v or_o effect_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o the_o particular_a will_n and_o call_v of_o god_n who_o choose_v he_o before_o other_o so_o to_o live_v and_o so_o to_o act._n last_o by_o fortune_n nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o god_n dispose_v and_o direct_v human_a affair_n by_o external_a and_o unexpected_a cause_n these_o thing_n premise_v we_o return_v to_o our_o first_o purpose_n of_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v for_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n before_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o make_v it_o out_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o manner_n all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v honest_o and_o lawful_o desire_v may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o to_o know_v thing_n by_o their_o first_o and_o immediate_a cause_n second_o to_o master_v our_o passion_n and_o affection_n and_o acquire_v a_o constant_a habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o last_o to_o live_v in_o bodily_a health_n and_o safety_n the_o mean_v direct_o conduce_v to_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o head_n and_o which_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o prime_a and_o efficient_a cause_n be_v contain_v in_o human_a nature_n so_o that_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o be_v within_o our_o power_n or_o chief_o depend_v upon_o the_o law_n only_o of_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o those_o gift_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o any_o one_o nation_n but_o be_v always_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n unless_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o nature_n first_o procreate_v diverse_a kind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o mean_n which_o conduce_v to_o our_o live_n in_o health_n and_o safety_n consist_v chief_o in_o thing_n external_a and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o gift_n and_o good_n of_o fortune_n because_o they_o depend_v upon_o the_o disposition_n of_o outward_a cause_n of_o which_o we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a so_o that_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o fool_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v alike_o happy_a or_o unhappy_a yet_o as_o to_o secure_v live_v and_o to_o avoid_v the_o injury_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n human_a wisdom_n and_o diligence_n may_v contribute_v very_o much_o reason_n and_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o to_o live_v in_o safety_n there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o ready_a and_o certain_a as_o to_o form_v society_n subject_a to_o law_n to_o choose_v a_o convenient_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o habitation_n and_o to_o unite_v every_o individual_a person_n be_v strength_n to_o preserve_v the_o whole_a collective_a body_n but_o to_o the_o form_n and_o preserve_v of_o society_n no_o little_a wisdom_n and_o diligence_n be_v require_v and_o therefore_o that_o society_n shall_v be_v more_o secure_a more_o last_a and_o less_o subject_a to_o fortune_n and_o accident_n which_o be_v found_v and_o order_v by_o prudent_a and_o careful_a man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o society_n which_o be_v form_v and_o govern_v by_o man_n of_o gross_a and_o mean_a understanding_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n depend_v upon_o fortune_n and_o be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n but_o where_o such_o a_o society_n stand_v long_o it_o owe_v its_o duration_n not_o to_o its_o own_o but_o to_o some_o other_o conduct_n and_o if_o it_o overcome_v great_a danger_n and_o the_o affair_n thereof_o prosper_v it_o can_v but_o admire_v and_o adore_v god_n dispose_v and_o order_v thing_n by_o external_a and_o hide_a cause_n when_o he_o do_v not_o act_n by_o human_a nature_n and_o understanding_n see_v whatever_o happen_v to_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n beyond_o their_o expectation_n and_o opinion_n may_v be_v count_v a_o miracle_n nation_n therefore_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o society_n and_o law_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o be_v govern_v so_o that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v not_o choose_v by_o god_n before_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o association_n and_o fortune_n by_o which_o they_o arrive_v to_o that_o government_n which_o last_v so_o many_o year_n it_o manifest_o appear_v by_o scripture_n that_o the_o jew_n excel_v other_o nation_n only_o in_o the_o prosperous_a management_n of_o those_o affair_n which_o concern_v their_o live_n secure_o and_o that_o they_o overcome_v great_a danger_n only_o by_o god_n external_a assistance_n but_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o be_v but_o equal_a to_o other_o nation_n and_o god_n be_v alike_o good_a to_o all_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n have_v very_o vulgar_a notion_n and_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v above_o other_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o knowledge_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o choose_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o good_a life_n for_o in_o that_o they_o be_v but_o like_o other_o nation_n and_o but_o a_o very_a few_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v their_o call_n and_o election_n consist_v in_o the_o temporal_a felicity_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o government_n neither_o can_v we_o perceive_v that_o god_n promise_v any_o more_o to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o their_o successor_n yea_o by_o the_o law_n nothing_o else_o be_v promise_v for_o a_o reward_n to_o obedience_n but_o the_o continual_a prosperity_n of_o their_o government_n and_o some_o other_o benefit_n of_o this_o life_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o government_n temporal_a misery_n and_o destruction_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o society_n and_o government_n as_o have_v be_v already_o and_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v more_o full_o declare_v be_v to_o live_v in_o happiness_n and_o security_n but_o government_n can_v subsist_v without_o law_n which_o every_o man_n must_v obey_v for_o when_o the_o member_n of_o a_o society_n refuse_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n in_o that_o very_a instant_n the_o society_n be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o government_n destroy_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n nothing_o else_o can_v be_v promise_v for_o the_o constant_a observation_n of_o their_o law_n but_o the_o safety_n benefit_n and_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o for_o their_o rebellion_n no_o other_o punishment_n be_v prophesy_v but_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o government_n the_o misery_n which_o will_v thereupon_o ensue_v and_o perhaps_o some_o other_o evil_n which_o might_n peculiar_o happen_v to_o they_o from_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o government_n which_o be_v singular_a and_o different_a from_o other_o but_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o at_o this_o time_n i_o only_o add_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v reveal_v and_o prescribe_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o god_n call_v and_o choose_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a kind_n of_o society_n and_o government_n they_o be_v necessary_o to_o have_v singular_a law_n whether_o god_n prescribe_v peculiar_a law_n to_o other_o nation_n and_o reveal_v himself_o prophetical_o to_o their_o lawgiver_n under_o those_o attribute_n which_o they_o in_o their_o imagination_n use_v to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n i_o be_o not_o certain_a however_o it_o appear_v by_o scripture_n that_o other_o nation_n have_v government_n and_o particular_a law_n by_o the_o external_a direction_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v which_o i_o will_v only_o quote_v two_o place_n gen._n chap._n 14._o v._n 18_o 19_o 20._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o melchisedech_n be_v king_n of_o salem_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o that_o he_o bless_a abraham_n which_o as_o we_o may_v see_v numb_a chap._n 6._o v._n 23._o be_v the_o priest_n office_n and_o abraham_n the_o belove_a of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o ten_o part_n of_o all_o his_o booty_n which_o plain_o prove_v that_o before_o god_n found_v the_o jewish_a nation_n he_o constitute_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o prescribe_v they_o law_n and_o ceremony_n but_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o prophetical_o i_o can_v affirm_v however_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o abraham_n while_o he_o continue_v there_o live_v religious_o according_a to_o those_o law_n for_o abraham_n receive_v no_o particular_a religious_a rite_n from_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v gen._n chap_n 26._o v_o 5._o that_o abraham_n keep_v the_o commandment_n statute_n and_o law_n of_o god_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v those_o of_o king_n melchisedch_o malachy_n
law_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n be_v that_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n or_o definition_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o the_o law_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n and_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v law_n be_v that_o which_o man_n for_o the_o great_a safety_n and_o benefit_n of_o life_n or_o for_o other_o cause_n do_v prescribe_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o example_n that_o all_o body_n when_o they_o hit_v or_o dash_v against_o other_o less_o body_n do_v loose_a so_o much_o of_o their_o own_o motion_n as_o they_o impart_v to_o those_o other_o less_o body_n be_v the_o universal_a law_n of_o all_o body_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n so_o likewise_o when_o a_o man_n remember_v one_o thing_n he_o be_v present_o mindful_a of_o another_o like_o it_o or_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v they_o together_o be_v a_o law_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o human_a nature_n but_o that_o man_n voluntary_o part_v with_o or_o be_v compel_v to_o part_n with_o that_o right_n which_o every_o one_o have_v by_o nature_n and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o a_o certain_a rule_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v absolute_o grant_v that_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v and_o operate_v according_a to_o a_o certain_a and_o determinate_a rule_n yet_o i_o say_v those_o law_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o men._n first_o because_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o nature_n make_v and_o constitute_v a_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o those_o thing_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o be_v from_o nature_n itself_o as_o we_o conceive_v it_o regulate_v by_o human_a nature_n though_o they_o follow_v necessary_o yet_o they_o follow_v from_o human_a power_n wherefore_o the_o sanction_n of_o those_o law_n may_v very_o well_o be_v say_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n because_o it_o so_o depend_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o it_o apprehend_v thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o true_a or_o false_a may_v nevertheless_o be_v clear_o understand_v without_o those_o universal_a law_n but_o not_o without_o the_o law_n of_o necessity_n as_o i_o have_v define_v it_o second_o i_o have_v say_v those_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n because_o we_o ought_v to_o define_v and_o explain_v thing_n by_o their_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o that_o universal_a consideration_n of_o fate_n and_o the_o chain_a together_o of_o cause_n can_v no_o way_n help_v we_o in_o the_o form_n and_o order_v our_o thought_n concern_v particular_a thing_n that_o be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o thing_n be_v order_v and_o tie_v together_o so_o that_o it_o be_v better_a yea_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o life_n to_o consider_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o much_o of_o law_n consider_v absolute_o but_o because_o the_o name_n of_o law_n by_o translation_n be_v apply_v to_o natural_a thing_n and_o common_o by_o law_n nothing_o else_o be_v mean_v but_o a_o command_n which_o man_n may_v or_o may_v not_o perform_v so_o that_o it_o confine_v human_a power_n to_o bound_n and_o limit_n beyond_o which_o it_o may_v go_v and_o yet_o command_v nothing_o which_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v therefore_o law_n more_o particular_o define_v be_v that_o rule_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v which_o man_n for_o some_o end_n prescribe_v to_o themselves_o or_o to_o other_o but_o because_o very_o few_o know_v the_o true_a end_n of_o law_n and_o man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n incapable_a of_o understanding_n it_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n therefore_o lawgiver_n that_o they_o may_v equal_o bind_v all_o have_v wise_o establish_v a_o end_n very_o different_a from_o that_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o law_n namely_o by_o propound_v to_o those_o who_o keep_v the_o law_n that_o which_o they_o most_o love_n and_o by_o threaten_v the_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n with_o that_o which_o they_o most_o fear_v and_o so_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o rule_v the_o multitude_n as_o a_o horse_n be_v govern_v with_o a_o bridle_n so_o that_o law_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n be_v that_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o by_o the_o power_n of_o other_o be_v prescribe_v to_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o who_o obey_v law_n be_v say_v to_o live_v under_o law_n and_o may_v be_v call_v servant_n or_o subject_n he_o that_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a because_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o gallow_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o and_o be_v compel_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v can_v be_v call_v just_a but_o he_o that_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a because_o he_o know_v the_o necessity_n and_o the_o true_a end_n and_o reason_n of_o law_n what_o he_o do_v be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o he_o may_v therefore_o be_v deserve_o call_v a_o just_a man_n which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v st._n paul_n meaning_n when_o he_o say_v they_o that_o live_v under_o the_o law_n can_v not_o be_v justify_v fy_v by_o the_o law_n for_o justice_n as_o it_o be_v common_o define_v be_v a_o constant_a voluntary_a resolution_n of_o render_v to_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v his_o due_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n prov._n chap._n 20._o v._n 15._o say_v it_o be_v joy_n to_o the_o just_a to_o do_v judgement_n but_o the_o wicked_a fear_n see_v then_o law_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o man_n for_o some_o end_n prescribe_v to_o themselves_o or_o to_o other_o the_o law_n may_v therefore_o be_v distinguish_v into_o human_a and_o divine_a by_o man_n law_n we_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o secure_v life_n and_o the_o weal_n public_a but_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v respect_n only_o to_o our_o chief_a good_a that_o be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o call_v this_o law_n divine_a be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o chief_a good_a which_o i_o will_v with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o plainess_n declare_v whereas_o our_o better_a part_n be_v our_o underderstanding_n it_o be_v certain_a if_o we_o seek_v our_o own_o good_a we_o ought_v chief_o to_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o perfect_a our_o intellect_n because_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o consist_v our_o chief_a happiness_n and_o since_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n which_o remove_v all_o doubt_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v or_o be_v know_v without_o god_n and_o because_o we_o may_v doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n while_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o our_o perfection_n and_o chief_a happiness_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god._n moreover_o since_o nothing_o can_v either_o exist_v or_o be_v know_v without_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o essence_n and_o perfection_n do_v imply_v and_o express_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o we_o know_v natural_a thing_n the_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n we_o acquire_v of_o god_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o effect_n by_o its_o cause_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o cause_n so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o know_v natural_a thing_n so_o much_o the_o more_o perfect_o do_v we_o know_v the_o be_v of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o our_o knowledge_n that_o be_v our_o chief_a happiness_n do_v not_o only_o depend_v upon_o but_o whole_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o consequence_n be_v make_v good_a by_o a_o man_n become_a more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o most_o love_v and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o therefore_o be_v most_o perfect_a who_o partake_v most_o of_o the_o high_a beatitude_n and_o who_o above_o all_o thing_n love_n and_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o the_o intellectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o all_o being_n hitherto_o than_o our_o chief_a good_a and_o happiness_n still_o return_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o end_n then_o of_o all_o human_a action_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o be_v god_n the_o mean_n which_o this_o end_n
will_v not_o only_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o who_o can_v possible_o retain_v and_o comprehend_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o history_n and_o so_o many_o circumstance_n and_o part_n of_o doctrine_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o so_o many_o and_o different_a history_n true_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o those_o man_n who_o leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o abound_v with_o so_o much_o wit_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o its_o doctrine_n much_o less_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o have_v be_v understand_v unless_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o isaac_n strive_n about_o the_o dig_v of_o well_n of_o achitophel_n council_n to_o absalon_n and_o the_o civil_a war_n between_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n with_o other_o chronicle_n of_o like_a kind_n or_o that_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n by_o history_n as_o be_v the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o the_o common_a people_n be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o know_v only_o those_o history_n which_o stir_v up_o their_o mind_n to_o devotion_n piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o those_o history_n because_o they_o be_v more_o please_v with_o the_o narration_n and_o the_o unexpected_a event_n of_o thing_n then_o with_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n beside_o the_o read_n of_o history_n they_o need_v pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v their_o weak_a understanding_n but_o not_o to_o digress_v from_o what_o we_o principal_o design_v to_o prove_v we_o conclude_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o history_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a law_n nor_o do_v of_o itself_o make_v man_n happy_a or_o bless_a nor_o be_v history_n profitable_a except_o it_o be_v in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o make_v some_o history_n therefore_o contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n excel_v those_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o common_a and_o scripture_n history_n mutual_o compare_v be_v more_o excellent_a one_o then_o another_o for_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n he_o than_o that_o read_v scripture_n history_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n give_v entire_a credit_n to_o they_o yet_o if_o he_o follow_v not_o their_o doctrine_n and_o amend_v his_o life_n it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o read_v the_o koran_n a_o comedy_n or_o any_o vulgar_a history_n but_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v he_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o scripture_n if_o his_o opinion_n be_v true_a and_o his_o life_n righteous_a he_o be_v true_o bless_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n for_o they_o say_v let_v a_o man_n opinion_n be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n and_o his_o life_n never_o so_o virtuous_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o not_o by_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prophetical_o reveal_v to_o moses_n he_o can_v never_o be_v bless_v and_o happy_a which_o rabbi_n maimonides_n bold_o affirm_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n and_o second_o law_n concern_v king_n he_o that_o receive_v the_o seven_o commandment_n and_o diligent_o perform_v they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pious_a among_o the_o nation_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v if_o he_o receive_v and_o practise_v they_o because_o god_n in_o his_o law_n command_v and_o reveal_v they_o by_o moses_n and_o because_o those_o precept_n be_v also_o give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n but_o if_o he_o practice_v they_o by_o the_o guidance_n and_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n he_o be_v none_o of_o we_o nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v think_v one_o of_o the_o pious_a and_o learned_a of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n give_v to_o noah_n seven_o commandment_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v only_o those_o seven_o but_o that_o god_n give_v many_o more_o commandment_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o much_o happy_a than_o other_o nation_n rabbi_n joseph_n the_o son_n of_o shem_fw-mi tob_z in_o his_o book_n call_v kbod_n elohim_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n likewise_o say_v that_o though_o aristotle_n who_o book_n of_o ethic_n be_v in_o his_o opinion_n the_o best_a that_o ever_o be_v write_v have_v omit_v nothing_o which_o belong_v to_o that_o subject_a and_o he_o himself_o have_v diligent_o practise_v all_o he_o write_v yet_o he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v because_o he_o embrace_v those_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v as_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o not_o as_o divine_v and_o prophetical_a revelation_n but_o these_o conceit_n be_v mere_a foppery_n ground_v neither_o upon_o reason_n or_o scripture_n and_o need_v no_o more_o confutation_n then_o do_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n who_o maintain_v that_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n we_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o salvation_n a_o tenet_n that_o can_v be_v rational_o prove_v by_o man_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o any_o reason_n but_o what_o be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_a and_o if_o they_o boast_v of_o any_o thing_n above_o reason_n it_o be_v mere_a folly_n and_o far_o beneath_o reason_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v so_o that_o of_o this_o we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n against_o who_o say_v paul_n galat._n chap._n 5._o v._n 22._o there_o be_v no_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o reason_n or_o scripture_n they_o be_v certain_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o be_v true_o bless_v chap._n vi_o of_o miracle_n as_o man_n use_v to_o call_v that_o knowledge_n divine_a which_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n so_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o nature_n of_o which_o the_o common_a people_n know_v not_o the_o cause_n that_o they_o call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o the_o vulgar_a believe_v god_n power_n and_o providence_n do_v most_o plain_o appear_v when_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n strange_a and_o unusual_a happen_v in_o nature_n contrary_a to_o the_o customary_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o nature_n especial_o when_o that_o which_o happen_v be_v for_o their_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o they_o think_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n never_o more_o clear_o prove_v then_o when_o nature_n seem_v not_o to_o keep_v its_o constant_a course_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o those_o man_n deny_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o endeavour_n to_o explain_v and_o understand_v what_o they_o call_v miracle_n by_o their_o natural_a cause_n they_o indeed_o think_v that_o while_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o wont_a course_n god_n do_v nothing_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o god_n act_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a cause_n be_v idle_a and_o at_o a_o stand_n so_o that_o they_o imagine_v two_o numerical_a distinct_a power_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n appoint_v and_o direct_v or_o as_o most_o man_n now_o believe_v create_v by_o god_n but_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o either_o or_o what_o they_o understand_v by_o god_n and_o nature_n they_o know_v not_o but_o fancy_n god_n power_n to_o be_v like_o that_o of_o a_o great_a king._n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n nothing_o but_o blind_a force_n and_o violence_n the_o common_a people_n therefore_o call_v the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n miracle_n or_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o devotion_n partly_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o contradict_v those_o that_o love_v the_o study_n of_o natural_a science_n they_o affect_v be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n desire_v to_o hear_v of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o know_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o least_o know_v they_o most_o admire_v by_o take_v away_o natural_a cause_n and_o by_o imagine_v thing_n out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n they_o think_v god_n be_v most_o adore_v when_o all_o thing_n be_v immediate_o refer_v to_o his_o power_n and_o will_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v the_o power_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n so_o wonderful_a as_o when_o according_a to_o their_o fancy_n it_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o opinion_n be_v first_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o
other_o power_n whatever_o contrary_a to_o nature_n that_o must_v also_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o first_o notion_n and_o so_o be_v reject_v as_o absurd_a and_o against_o reason_n or_o else_o we_o must_v doubt_v of_o our_o prime_a notion_n and_o consequent_o of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o miracle_n therefore_o in_o what_o manner_n soever_o we_o apprehend_v they_o as_o they_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v work_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v god_n existence_n they_o rather_o bring_v it_o into_o question_n for_o without_o miracle_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o namely_o by_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n observe_v the_o certain_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n but_o grant_v that_o to_o be_v a_o miracle_n which_o can_v be_v explain_v and_o make_v know_v by_o natural_a cause_n we_o ought_v then_o either_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o have_v natural_a cause_n but_o such_o as_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o human_a understanding_n or_o that_o it_o have_v no_o immediate_a cause_n but_o god_n or_o his_o will_n but_o if_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o natural_a cause_n be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n we_o must_v necessary_o at_o last_o come_v to_o this_o that_o whether_o a_o miracle_n have_v natural_a cause_n or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o work_n which_o can_v be_v manifest_v by_o a_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o work_n which_o exceed_v hnman_n capacity_n and_o from_o a_o work_n that_o exceed_v human_a understanding_n we_o can_v understand_v and_o collect_v nothing_o for_o whatever_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v we_o do_v it_o by_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o some_o other_o and_o that_o which_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v by_o itself_o aught_o to_o be_v perfect_o know_v to_o we_o therefore_o by_o a_o miracle_n or_o any_o work_n exceed_v human_a capacity_n we_o can_v conceive_v god_n essence_n or_o existence_n nor_o can_v we_o absolute_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v ordain_v and_o establish_v by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o nature_n ncessary_o flow_v from_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o eternal_a decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v conclude_v that_o we_o so_o much_o the_o better_a know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n by_o how_o much_o the_o better_o we_o understand_v and_o know_v natural_a thing_n how_o they_o depend_v in_o their_o first_o cause_n and_o how_o they_o operate_v according_a to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o understanding_n with_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v those_o work_n to_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v than_o those_o of_o which_o we_o be_v total_o ignorant_a though_o they_o strange_o effect_v our_o imagination_n and_o cause_v our_o wonder_n because_o only_o those_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o know_v render_v our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o sublime_a and_o more_o evident_o declare_v the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n so_o that_o those_o man_n do_v but_o trifle_n who_o when_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o thing_n run_v present_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o ridiculous_o betray_v their_o own_o ignorance_n moreover_o whatever_o we_o conclude_v from_o miracle_n yet_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n can_v in_o any_o manner_n be_v conclude_v from_o they_o for_o since_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o limit_a work_n and_o express_v only_o a_o certain_a and_o limit_a power_n we_o can_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n conclude_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o cause_n who_o power_n be_v infinite_a but_o only_o of_o a_o cause_n who_o power_n at_o most_o be_v great_a than_o that_o effect_n i_o say_v at_o most_o because_o from_o many_o concure_a cause_n there_o may_v follow_v a_o effect_n who_o virtue_n and_o power_n may_v be_v less_o than_o all_o the_o cause_n together_o and_o yet_o much_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o cause_n take_v single_a but_o because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v extend_v themselves_o to_o thing_n infinite_a be_v conceive_v by_o we_o under_o a_o kind_n of_o eternity_n and_o nature_n by_o they_o proceed_v in_o a_o certain_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n so_o far_o do_v those_o law_n in_o some_o measure_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o eternity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o neither_o god_n be_v or_o providence_n can_v be_v know_v by_o miracle_n but_o may_v much_o better_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a course_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v now_o of_o a_o miracle_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o work_n that_o be_v above_o human_a capacity_n or_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o work_n that_o interrupt_v or_o pervert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n or_o be_v repugnant_a tc_n its_o law_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v we_o any_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v away_o that_o which_o we_o natural_o have_v and_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o difference_n between_o a_o thing_n do_v contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o be_v do_v above_o nature_n that_o be_v as_o some_o explain_v themselves_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o effect_v and_o produce_v by_o nature_n for_o see_v a_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v out_o of_o nature_n but_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v above_o nature_n yet_o it_o must_v necessary_o interrupt_v nature_n order_n which_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v fix_v and_o immutable_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v do_v in_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o order_n which_o god_n to_o all_o eternity_n by_o universal_a law_n establish_v in_o nature_n and_o consequent_o be_v against_o nature_n and_o its_o law_n the_o believe_v it_o must_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o doubt_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o atheism_n so_o that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v so_o prove_v the_o second_o particular_a that_o we_o may_v again_o conclude_v a_o miracle_n whether_o contrary_a to_o nature_n or_o above_o it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a absurdity_n and_o that_o by_o a_o miracle_n nothing_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o scripture_n but_o a_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v indeed_o above_o human_a understanding_n or_o at_o least_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a i_o resolve_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o we_o can_v know_v god_n by_o miracle_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o literal_o say_v so_o but_o we_o may_v conclude_v it_o from_o the_o 13._o chap._n of_o deut._n where_o moses_n command_v the_o people_n to_o put_v any_o prophet_n to_o death_n who_o go_v about_o to_o seduce_v they_o and_o though_o the_o sign_n and_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o an_z yet_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o miracle_n may_v be_v do_v by_o false_a prophet_n and_o unless_o man_n be_v fortify_v with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v induce_v by_o miracle_n to_o worship_v false_a god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a moses_n add_v because_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v he_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n the_o israelite_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o miracle_n have_v no_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o appear_v by_o experience_n for_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o moses_n they_o call_v upon_o aron_n to_o make_v they_o visible_a god_n who_o to_o their_o eternal_a shame_n make_v they_o after_o so_o many_o miracle_n do_v a_o calf_n to_o represent_v god._n asaph_n who_o have_v hear_v of_o so_o many_o miracle_n yet_o doubt_v of_o god_n providence_n and_o have_v he_o not_o at_o last_o understand_v what_o be_v true_a happiness_n he_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n psalm_n 73._o solomon_n also_o in_o who_o time_n the_o jew_n be_v in_o their_o high_a prosperity_n believe_v that_o all_o thing_n happen_v by_o chance_n eccles._n chap._n 3._o v._n 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o chap._n 9_o v._n 2_o 3._o the_o
which_o the_o pharisee_n affirm_v they_o have_v or_o such_o as_o have_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o can_v err_v in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o that_o the_o roman_a catholic_o boast_v of_o their_o pope_n but_o see_v we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o priest_n or_o pope_n we_o can_v build_v upon_o either_o because_o the_o primitive_a christian_n deny_v the_o one_o and_o the_o most_o ancient_a sect_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o other_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o series_n and_o succession_n of_o year_n which_o the_o pharisee_n receive_v from_o their_o rabbi_n by_o which_o they_o carry_v their_o tradition_n as_o high_a as_o moses_n himself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o false_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o another_o place_n such_o a_o tradition_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o suspect_v and_o though_o in_o our_o method_n we_o be_v force_v to_o suppose_v some_o kind_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a namely_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o need_v not_o much_o doubt_n this_o though_o we_o very_o well_o may_v the_o other_o for_o it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n or_o use_v to_o any_o man_n to_o change_v the_o signification_n of_o any_o word_n though_o it_o often_o may_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o speech_n it_o be_v also_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v do_v for_o he_o that_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o change_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o word_n must_v necessary_o construe_v all_o those_o author_n who_o have_v write_v in_o that_o tongue_n and_o use_v that_o word_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o every_o author_n or_o else_o must_v falsify_v they_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n the_o ignorant_a multitude_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a man_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o a_o language_n but_o the_o learned_a only_o preserve_v the_o sense_n of_o speech_n and_o book_n and_o consequent_o though_o learned_a man_n may_v change_v or_o corrupt_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o scarce_a book_n yet_o they_o can_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n beside_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o alter_v the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n to_o which_o he_o be_v accustom_v he_o can_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n do_v it_o either_o in_o speak_v or_o write_v for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n i_o be_o persuade_v it_o never_o yet_o come_v into_o any_o man_n head_n to_o corrupt_v a_o language_n though_o many_o have_v pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o writer_n either_o by_o change_v or_o misinterpret_v his_o say_n if_o our_o method_n which_o lay_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o true_a then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v we_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v well_o despair_v of_o it_o what_o difficulty_n there_o be_v of_o arrive_v by_o this_o method_n to_o the_o true_a mean_v and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sacred_a volume_n or_o what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o it_o i_o will_v now_o declare_v the_o chief_a difficulty_n in_o this_o method_n be_v that_o be_v require_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n but_o how_o be_v that_o to_o be_v have_v the_o ancient_a and_o most_o skilful_a master_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v leave_v little_a to_o posterity_n of_o the_o element_n and_o learning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v from_o they_o neither_o dictionary_n grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v lose_v all_o its_o ornament_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v no_o wonder_n have_v suffer_v so_o many_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n and_o retain_v nothing_o but_o a_o few_o fragment_n of_o their_o language_n and_o of_o a_o few_o book_n for_o all_o the_o name_n of_o fruit_n bird_n fish_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n be_v lose_v so_o that_o the_o signification_n of_o many_o name_n and_o word_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v unknown_a or_o very_a disputable_a see_v then_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o likewise_o a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v because_o all_o the_o form_n of_o speech_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v forget_v and_o lose_v we_o can_v as_o we_o will_v find_v out_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o sentence_n in_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o the_o customary_a use_n of_o the_o language_n it_o comprehend_v and_o there_o be_v many_o say_n in_o scripture_n though_o express_v in_o know_a word_n who_o sense_n nevertheless_o be_v obscure_a and_o inscrutable_a and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o perfect_a history_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n so_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o language_n be_v such_o and_o so_o many_o ambiguity_n spring_v from_o it_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o frame_v such_o a_o method_n as_o shall_v direct_v a_o man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n for_o beside_o the_o cause_n of_o doubt_n common_a to_o all_o other_o language_n there_o be_v some_o other_o in_o this_o from_o whence_o proceed_v many_o uncertainty_n which_o cause_v here_o to_o specify_v i_o think_v worth_a a_o man_n pain_n first_o obscurity_n and_o ambiguity_n in_o scripture_n be_v cause_v sometime_o by_o use_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o organ_n one_o for_o another_o the_o jew_n divide_v all_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o alphabet_n into_o five_o class_n or_o form_n because_o there_o be_v five_o particular_a part_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o mouth_n use_v in_o pronunciation_n the_o lip_n the_o tongue_n the_o tooth_n the_o palate_n and_o the_o throat_n for_o example_n alpha_n ghet_n hgain_n he_o be_v call_v guttural_a letter_n and_o be_v without_o any_o difference_n know_v to_o we_o take_v one_o for_o another_o el_n which_o signify_v to_o be_v often_o take_v for_o hgal_n which_o signify_v upon_o and_o so_o interchangeble_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o speech_n be_v render_v doubtful_a or_o be_v like_o word_n which_o have_v no_o signification_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o ambiguity_n be_v the_o divers_a and_o manifold_a signification_n of_o conjunction_n and_o adverb_n for_o example_n vaughan_n promiscuous_o serve_v to_o join_v and_o disjoin_v signify_v and_n but_o because_o indeed_o otherwise_o then_o ki_n have_v seven_o or_o eight_o signification_n because_o although_o if_o when_o even_o as_o that_o burning_z and_o so_o almost_o all_o particle_n the_o three_o cause_n of_o many_o ambiguity_n be_v because_o verb_n in_o the_o indicative_a mood_n want_v the_o present_a the_o preterimperfect_a the_o preterpluperfect_a and_o the_o future_a tense_n and_o other_o much_o use_v in_o other_o language_n in_o the_o imperative_a and_o infinitive_n mood_n they_o want_v all_o the_o tense_n except_o the_o present_a and_o in_o the_o subjunctive_a have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o though_o all_o these_o defect_n of_o mood_n and_o tense_n may_v with_o great_a elegancy_n be_v supply_v by_o rule_n and_o principle_n deduce_v from_o the_o language_n yet_o they_o have_v be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n who_o promiscuous_o use_v the_o present_a and_o preterperfect_a tense_n for_o the_o future_a and_o sometime_o the_o indicative_a mood_n for_o the_o imperative_a and_o subjunctive_a which_o cause_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o their_o write_n beside_o these_o three_o great_a cause_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n there_o remain_v two_o other_o very_a observable_a and_o both_o of_o very_o great_a moment_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n make_v no_o use_n those_o letter_n we_o call_v vowel_n the_o second_o that_o they_o never_o use_v in_o their_o write_n to_o distinguish_v their_o word_n or_o express_v their_o quantity_n by_o any_o mark_n or_o sign_n and_o though_o both_o vowel_n and_o mark_n use_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o point_n and_o accent_n yet_o we_o can_v trust_v to_o they_o see_v they_o be_v invent_v and_o bring_v into_o use_n by_o modern_a man_n who_o authority_n be_v of_o no_o great_a value_n the_o ancient_n write_v without_o point_n that_o be_v without_o vowel_n or_o accent_n as_o appear_v by_o many_o testimony_n but_o some_o of_o late_a time_n bring_v in_o both_o to_o interpret_v the_o bible_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a so_o that_o the_o point_n and_o accent_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v only_a exposition_n of_o man_n of_o the_o present_a age_n who_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reverence_n and_o believe_v above_o other_o expositor_n they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o
for_o we_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n for_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v by_o natural_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o without_o some_o other_o light_n moreover_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o mind_v demonstration_n will_v entertain_v no_o scripture_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o philosopher_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o suppose_v philosopher_n can_v err_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o true_o will_v be_v a_o new_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o priesthood_n which_o the_o vulgar_a will_v rather_o scorn_v then_o reverence_n and_o though_o our_o method_n require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v no_o time_n to_o study_v nothing_o can_v upon_o that_o score_n be_v object_v for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o it_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n though_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v which_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v to_o make_v themselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o prophet_n meaning_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o method_n that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v necessary_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n that_o know_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o maimonides_n can_v never_o show_v i_o a_o common_a people_n that_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o knowledge_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o these_o day_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v not_o know_v may_v be_v easy_o understand_v in_o any_o language_n because_o they_o be_v so_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o for_o this_o knowledge_n the_o vulgar_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n in_o other_o thing_n they_o follow_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o to_o return_v to_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o maimonides_n opinion_n first_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v in_o all_o thing_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a philosopher_n because_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o their_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o second_o chapter_n to_o be_v false_a next_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v any_o thing_n nor_o do_v it_o prove_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v by_o definition_n and_o primary_n cause_n wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v neither_o appear_v or_o be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v likewise_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o present_a chapter_n for_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o example_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v derive_v thence_o even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n unknown_a to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n last_o maimonides_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o according_a to_o our_o preconceive_a opinion_n to_o expound_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o deny_v or_o change_v the_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o be_v it_o never_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a which_o liberty_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o what_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o this_o and_o other_o chapter_n and_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o boldness_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o this_o liberty_n what_o advantage_n will_v he_o get_v by_o it_o none_o at_o all_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v by_o this_o way_n make_v out_o nor_o by_o this_o rule_n expound_v or_o interpret_v they_o when_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o follow_v our_o method_n we_o may_v explain_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n perceptible_a their_o sense_n be_v easy_o draw_v from_o the_o context_n and_o as_o maimonides_n method_n be_v unprofitable_a so_o it_o take_v from_o the_o common_a people_n all_o certainty_n which_o they_o and_o all_o that_o follow_v any_o other_o method_n can_v by_o diligent_a read_n have_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o reject_v it_o as_o dangerous_a useless_a and_o absurd_a as_o for_o the_o forementioned_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o and_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n authority_n i_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n deny_v it_o but_o because_o it_o want_v clear_a proof_n for_o have_v they_o as_o much_o scripture_n to_o show_v for_o it_o as_o heretofore_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n have_v for_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o little_a concern_v that_o some_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o that_o the_o high-priest_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v sometime_o as_o bad_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o command_n of_o scripture_n have_v still_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 17_o chap._n of_o deut._n v._n 11_o 12._o chap._n 33._o v._n 10._o and_o mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o but_o because_o the_o pope_n can_v show_v we_o no_o such_o testimony_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o and_o think_v that_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a high-priest_n the_o catholic_a religion_n also_o want_v a_o high_a priest_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o public_a law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o need_v a_o public_a authority_n to_o maintain_v they_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n the_o public_a law_n as_o he_o please_v no_o commonwealth_n can_v stand_v but_o present_o dissolve_v and_o public_a law_n become_v private_a but_o in_o religion_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a for_o see_v religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o external_a action_n as_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v of_o no_o public_a power_n or_o authority_n for_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o infuse_v by_o the_o command_n of_o law_n or_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v compel_v by_o force_n or_o by_o law_n to_o be_v make_v holy_a nothing_o but_o good_a brotherly_a council_n education_n and_o a_o man_n own_o free_a judgement_n can_v do_v that_o see_v then_o every_o man_n have_v right_a to_o think_v of_o religion_n as_o he_o please_v and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v any_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o right_n it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o judge_v of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o expound_v and_o interpret_v it_o to_o himself_o for_o as_o the_o chief_n power_n of_o interpret_n law_n and_o judge_v of_o public_a matter_n reside_v in_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o be_v public_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o explain_v and_o judge_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o every_o particular_a person_n because_o it_o be_v every_o private_a man_n right_a the_o authority_n then_o of_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n to_o interpret_v law_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v the_o pope_n authority_n to_o interpret_v religion_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n i._o the_o best_a for_o see_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o interpret_n it_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o not_o any_o supernatural_a light_n or_o external_a authority_n this_o method_n ought_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a that_o none_o but_o acute_a philosopher_n can_v make_v use_n of_o or_o compose_v it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v
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
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