rule_n of_o faith_n dr._n stillingfl_fw-mi defence_n of_o a._n b._n laud._n dr._n sherlock_n protestant_n resolution_n of_o faith_n learned_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n against_o those_o popish_a writer_n that_o set_v up_o tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v evident_a at_o first_o sight_n and_o none_o but_o mere_a enthusiast_n ever_o make_v any_o pretence_n to_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o god_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n by_o write_v imply_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o easy_a there_o be_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o continue_v this_o to_o posterity_n but_o god_n preserve_v the_o write_n themselves_o by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o providence_n and_o then_o man_n may_v as_o well_o learn_v his_o will_n from_o thence_o as_o they_o can_v know_v the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n the_o opinion_n of_o philosopher_n the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o country_n from_o the_o write_n which_o record_v each_o of_o these_o particular_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n can_v order_v a_o book_n to_o be_v write_v in_o as_o intelligible_a a_o manner_n as_o man_n can_v indite_v it_o when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o but_o it_o will_v further_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n by_o appoint_v a_o write_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n if_o we_o consider_v iii_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o mean_n former_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n with_o god_n be_v no_o variableness_n and_o what_o he_o once_o approve_v of_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o lay_v aside_o but_o upon_o some_o great_a reason_n moses_n write_v his_o law_n in_o a_o book_n by_o god_n direction_n 34.27_o direction_n exod._n 34.27_o the_o prophet_n appeal_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n 8.20_o testimony_n be_v 8.20_o as_o the_o only_a safe_a guide_n and_o by_o which_o man_n must_v judge_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n or_o not_o our_o saviour_n bid_v the_o jew_n 5.39_o jew_n joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o they_o be_v persuade_v and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v contain_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o in_o all_o his_o contest_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o desire_v no_o other_o voucher_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o method_n to_o instruct_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o he_o do_v the_o jewish_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n conform_v the_o external_n part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o custom_n receive_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v be_v resolve_v to_o give_v no_o offence_n by_o studious_o affect_v novelty_n the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v take_v from_o jewish_a rite_n the_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v frame_v after_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o jewish_a hierarchy_n the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o all_o man_n to_o do_v be_v willing_a to_o retain_v the_o custom_n they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o wherever_o the_o nature_n of_o christiany_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v take_v care_n before_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n to_o provide_v some_o certain_a mean_n of_o instruction_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o jewish_a which_o may_v supply_v their_o place_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o faithful_a in_o their_o office_n as_o moses_n be_v who_o deliver_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o priest_n before_o his_o decease_n 26._o decease_n deut._n 31_o 9_o 26._o and_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o christian_n themselves_o will_v expect_v to_o be_v provide_v with_o as_o good_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o know_v their_o duty_n as_o the_o jew_n enjoy_v or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v that_o they_o come_v behind_o they_o in_o the_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a conjecture_n but_o the_o real_a sense_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o account_n which_o the_o ancient_a writer_n give_v we_o of_o the_o occasion_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o s._n mark_n be_v writing_n their_o gospel_n eusebius_n tell_v we_o 24._o we_o h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 24._o that_o st._n matthew_n write_v his_o gospel_n particular_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o have_v preach_v because_o go_v into_o other_o part_n he_o will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n by_o write_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v 15._o say_v ap_fw-mi eus_n h._n e._n l._n 2._o c._n 15._o that_o st._n mark_n write_v his_o gospel_n at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o a_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o desire_v he_o to_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v which_o st._n peter_n come_v to_o understand_v approve_a and_o confirm_v this_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o these_o and_o the_o other_o apostolical_a write_n come_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o particular_a command_n from_o god_n to_o make_v they_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v they_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n why_o these_o write_n shall_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n among_o christian_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o last_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v some_o stand_v and_o settle_a rule_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v all_o sufficient_a inducement_n to_o christian_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a write_n as_o ordain_a by_o god_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v iu._n that_o god_n have_v actual_o make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o way_n for_o the_o convey_n down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v but_o the_o write_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n it_o be_v a_o very_a weak_a argument_n to_o infer_v that_o thing_n must_v be_v so_o because_o we_o think_v it_o convenient_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n almighty_a and_o tell_v he_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v ask_v our_o advice_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n or_o whatever_o other_o guide_n man_n have_v set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o so_o plausible_a and_o be_v as_o real_a demonstration_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o experience_n that_o tradition_n be_v not_o infallible_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n all_o these_o pretence_n to_o demonstration_n signify_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n may_v demonstrate_v his_o heart_n out_o before_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v experience_n and_o that_o neither_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a nor_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n diffusive_a neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n joint_o or_o separately_z be_v infallible_a guide_n to_o christian_n or_o equivalent_a to_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v make_v out_o with_o such_o admirable_a clearness_n and_o unanswerable_a strength_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o learned_a defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n against_o popery_n that_o without_o further_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v refer_v to_o they_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o v._o proposition_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o attend_v the_o apostle_n in_o every_o thing_n of_o moment_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a and_o even_o their_o private_a judgement_n as_o man_n be_v so_o upright_a and_o void_a of_o all_o self-interest_n and_o corruption_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n to_o consider_v what_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n they_o themselves_o have_v of_o their_o own_o write_n the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o
apostle_n think_v of_o their_o own_o write_n and_o what_o authority_n they_o challenge_v as_o due_a to_o they_o irenaeus_n one_o of_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o age_n sufficient_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o own_o time_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o heretic_n against_o who_o he_o write_v pretend_v that_o their_o opinion_n come_v original_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o whatever_o the_o apostle_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o their_o write_n yet_o they_o teach_v those_o very_a thing_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n which_o these_o heretic_n since_o maintain_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o irenaeus_n do_v not_o only_o confute_v their_o pretence_n by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v clear_a and_o undoubted_a tradition_n for_o the_o catholic_n faith_n which_o in_o those_o early_a time_n can_v easy_o be_v trace_v up_o to_o the_o very_a apostle_n 3._o apostle_n iren._n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o but_o likewise_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o set_v up_o oral_a tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o apostle_n ibid._n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o because_o the_o very_a same_o gospel_n which_o they_o at_o first_o preach_v they_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o write_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o testimony_n we_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o the_o very_a art_n which_o those_o heretic_n use_v either_o to_o undermine_n or_o evade_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolical_a write_n plain_o show_v their_o authority_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o sacred_a and_o decisive_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o same_o age_n do_v full_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o learned_a mr._n dodwell_n have_v observe_v 41._o observe_v dissert_n in_o irenaeum_n l._n n._n 40_o 41._o that_o st._n paul_n epistle_n be_v general_o know_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n soon_o of_o any_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n write_n and_o according_o beside_o the_o testimony_n which_o st._n peter_n give_v they_o which_o we_o have_v already_o mention_v we_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o ignatius_n the_o early_a writer_n of_o the_o second_o age_n be_v very_o industrious_a in_o imitate_v st._n paul_n style_n and_o use_v his_o expression_n as_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n his_o reader_n shall_v take_v notice_n that_o he_o have_v study_v his_o epistle_n the_o authority_n indeed_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v be_v call_v in_o question_n because_o the_o author_n be_v not_o have_v set_v his_o name_n to_o it_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v s._n paul_n or_o not_o but_o as_o this_o epistle_n must_v be_v of_o apostolical_a authority_n be_v old_a than_o clemens_n romanus_n who_o plain_o allude_v to_o it_o in_o two_o place_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 36._o corinthian_n n._n 17_o &_o 36._o so_o the_o style_n the_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o work_n discover_v it_o to_o be_v s._n paul_n but_o s._n peter_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o dispute_n for_o the_o say_n which_o he_o quote_v in_o his_o second_o epistle_n as_o s._n paul_n be_v certain_o take_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 10.37_o hebrew_n 2_o pet._n 3.15_o compare_v with_o hebr._n 10.37_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o s._n peter_n be_v quote_v by_o s._n polycarp_n who_o write_v just_a after_o ignatius_n death_n about_o the_o same_o time_n certain_a pious_a man_n travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n on_o purpose_n to_o communicate_v the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o eusebius_n inform_v we_o 37._o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 37._o which_o he_o to_o be_v sure_o understand_v of_o the_o four_o gospel_n now_o extant_a which_o only_o be_v reckon_v authentic_a in_o his_o time_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v esteem_v so_o in_o the_o middle_a of_o the_o second_o age_n because_o justin_n martyr_n quote_v they_o general_o whenever_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o in_o irenaeus_n time_n their_o authority_n be_v settle_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n for_o he_o say_v positive_o 11._o positive_o iren._n l._n 3._o c._n 11._o that_o there_o be_v four_o gospel_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o and_o indeed_o the_o authenticalness_n of_o four_o gospel_n seem_v to_o be_v owe_v to_o st._n john_n himself_o who_o make_v they_o into_o one_o complete_a code_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o 12._o before_o p._n 11._o 12._o the_o same_o iraeneus_n give_v a_o large_a testimony_n to_o the_o revelation_n and_o often_o quote_v the_o first_o epistle_n of_o s._n john_n 8._o john_n ap_fw-mi euseb_n h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 18._o &_o l._n 5._o c._n 8._o i_o think_v it_o not_o improper_a to_o give_v this_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o early_a christian_a writer_n to_o the_o most_o considerable_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o show_v how_o good_a a_o foundation_n there_o be_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n canon_n and_o how_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o mr._n hobb_n insinuation_n to_o the_o contrary_a who_o tell_v we_o 33._o we_o leviathan_n part_n 3._o c._n 33._o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o receive_v nor_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o by_o the_o church_n till_o the_o council_n of_o laodicca_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o year_n 364._o recommend_v they_o to_o christian_n as_o if_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o acknowledge_v such_o particular_a book_n for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o they_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o as_o he_o speak_v and_o enumerate_v by_o a_o council_n which_o have_v as_o little_a truth_n in_o it_o as_o what_o he_o say_v just_a afterward_o that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o council_n all_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o ecclesiastic_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o downright_a and_o wilful_a falsity_n in_o he_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o ignorance_n as_o a_o grosser_n can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n which_o he_o have_v describe_v i_o find_v man_n general_o agree_v in_o believe_v mr._n hobbs_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n and_o several_a other_o ill_a book_n and_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o have_v a_o great_a deference_n for_o their_o authority_n though_o the_o parliament_n which_o according_a to_o he_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o declare_v what_o book_n or_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v than_o a_o council_n have_v not_o yet_o give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o his_o write_n or_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v true_a if_o this_o argument_n of_o his_o be_v good_a but_o to_o return_v i_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v collect_v all_o that_o can_v be_v allege_v to_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o new-testament-canon_n nor_o will_v i_o go_v far_o upon_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v already_o undertake_v by_o that_o learned_a person_n who_o will_v short_o publish_v a_o elaborate_v collection_n of_o all_o the_o various_a readins_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n from_o who_o the_o world_n may_v expect_v full_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n however_o i_o can_v but_o just_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n as_o our_o author_n intimate_v 85._o intimate_v fr._n p._n 266._o eng._n p._n 85._o that_o some_o book_n be_v receive_v into_o it_o who_o author_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o argue_v of_o who_o inspiration_n we_o can_v be_v certain_a he_o instance_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n but_o there_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o s._n paul_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o epistle_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o and_o as_o to_o the_o whole_a new-testament_n canon_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o design_n of_o those_o that_o compile_v it_o only_o to_o gather_v together_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o such_o as_o write_v by_o their_o direction_n as_o the_o ancient_n tell_v we_o s._n mark_n do_v by_o s._n peter_n 15._o peter_n clem._n alex._n ap_fw-mi eus_n h.e._n l._n 2._o c._n 15._o &_o s._n luke_n by_o s._n paul_n 20._o paul_n iren_n ap_fw-mi eund_n l._n 5._o c._n 8._o grot._n in_o luc._n 21.34_o &_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25._o compare_v with_o luk._n 22.19_o 20._o so_o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o some_o book_n be_v doubt_v of_o be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o clear_o appear_v whether_o they_o be_v write_v by_o apostle_n or_o not_o and_o assoon_o as_o that_o point_n be_v clear_v
holy_a spirit_n endow_v the_o apostle_n i_o find_v our_o author_n be_v very_o industrious_a to_o lessen_v the_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o represent_v they_o very_o little_a above_o their_o natural_a faculty_n he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o their_o mind_n consist_v chief_o in_o refresh_v their_o memory_n 70._o memory_n fr._n p._n 254_o 257._o en._n p._n 66._o 70._o and_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o he_o do_v indeed_o say_v 67._o say_v fr._n 255._o en._n p._n 67._o that_o sometime_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v they_o understand_v by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o whilst_o he_o be_v with_o they_o but_o which_o they_o then_o understand_v not_o and_o that_o they_o have_v many_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o divers_a heavenly_a vision_n 62._o vision_n fr._n p._n 252._o eng._n 62._o and_o in_o another_o place_n 70._o place_n fr._n 257._o eng._n p._n 70._o that_o perhaps_o the_o spirit_n open_v their_o mind_n after_o a_o manner_n we_o comprehend_v not_o but_o while_o he_o set_v out_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o best_a light_n and_o with_o the_o great_a force_n he_o can_v he_o pass_v over_o the_o evidence_n for_o it_o very_o slight_o and_o look_n upon_o their_o immemediate_v inspiration_n to_o have_v be_v so_o extraordinary_a and_o to_o have_v happen_v so_o seldom_o that_o he_o do_v not_o stick_v roundly_o to_o declare_v sup_n declare_v ubi_fw-la sup_n that_o their_o infallibility_n consist_v in_o relate_v faithful_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v he_o likewise_o endeavour_v to_o show_v etc._n show_v fr._n p._n 240._o etc._n etc._n eng._n p._n 42_o etc._n etc._n that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n when_o they_o be_v summon_v before_o the_o secular_a power_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o he_o make_v this_o another_o argument_n against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o person_n in_o those_o time_n who_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o inspire_v 74._o inspire_v fr._n p._n 248_o 249._o 259._o eng._n p._n 57_o 74._o that_o they_o confer_v with_o one_o another_o and_o submit_v to_o one_o another_o judgement_n and_o do_v not_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n concern_v any_o matter_n in_o questino_fw-la till_o after_o long_a deliberation_n and_o consultation_n with_o each_o other_o with_o many_o other_o cavil_n of_o less_o weight_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o and_o for_o the_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n how_o far_o we_o may_v allow_v what_o he_o say_v to_o be_v true_a and_o in_o what_o case_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v or_o act_v by_o inspiration_n ii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o except_v those_o case_n the_o apostle_n write_v and_o speak_v by_o the_o particular_a assistance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o improve_n their_o natural_a faculty_n or_o strengthen_v and_o refresh_v their_o memory_n iv_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n when_o they_o be_v summon_v before_o magistrate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o vindicate_v their_o behaviour_n under_o those_o circumstance_n from_o the_o unbecoming_a reflection_n which_o mr._n n._n have_v make_v upon_o it_o v._o i_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_v person_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o objection_n which_o he_o advance_v against_o it_o i._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inquiry_n what_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o act_n or_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n i_o conceive_v we_o may_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v these_o follow_v 1._o where_o they_o treat_v of_o the_o common_a occurrence_n of_o life_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o divine_a truth_n as_o when_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o his_o design_n to_o take_v rome_n 15.24_o rome_n rom._n 15.24_o in_o his_o way_n to_o spain_n and_o to_o call_v at_o 1.16_o at_o 2_o cor._n 1.16_o corinth_n as_o he_o go_v into_o macedonia_n but_o yet_o it_o appear_v he_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o that_o resolution_n 16.7_o resolution_n v._o 1_o cor._n 16.7_o and_o do_v not_o actual_o 17._o actual_o v._o 2_o cor._n 17._o make_v it_o good_a many_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v allege_v 19_o allege_v v._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o r._n joh._n 6.19_o act._n 19_o hitherto_o we_o may_v refer_v slip_v of_o memory_n in_o matter_n of_o no_o consequence_n some_o example_n of_o which_o there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o in_o the_o n._n testament_n 7.16_o testament_n v._o mat._n 27.9_o act._n 7.16_o 2._o such_o thing_n as_o be_v matter_n only_o of_o humane_a prudence_n be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n in_o themselves_o and_o consequent_o not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o matter_n of_o prudence_n i._n e._n where_o god_n have_v give_v man_n not_o fix_v rule_n but_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o determine_v for_o themselves_o according_a as_o their_o circumstance_n shall_v direct_v as_o they_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o marry_a person_n where_o one_o party_n be_v a_o vnbeliever_n which_o st._n paul_n consider_v 7.12_o consider_v 1_o cor._n 7.12_o and_o resolve_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o before_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v not_o the_o lord_n take_v his_o measure_n from_o the_o general_a law_n of_o christian_a charity_n for_o as_o to_o this_o case_n i_o look_v upon_o mr._n thorndike'_v 117._o thorndike'_v law_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 117._o opinion_n as_o the_o most_o probable_a which_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n look_v upon_o marriage_n make_v by_o person_n before_o they_o be_v christian_n to_o lay_v no_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o the_o party_n than_o the_o law_n which_o they_o be_v under_o when_o the_o marriage_n be_v contract_v design_v to_o lay_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o if_o two_o person_n who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n marry_v and_o afterward_o one_o of_o they_o turn_v christian_a this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o alter_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o marriage_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v party_n from_o what_o they_o be_v before_o nor_o in_o a_o marriage_n contract_v by_o subject_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n under_o the_o state_n of_o heathenism_n be_v the_o convert_v party_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o embrace_a christianity_n afterward_o oblige_v anew_o by_o the_o strict_a tie_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n concern_v marriage_n but_o only_o by_o those_o which_o the_o roman_a law_n require_v upon_o which_o term_n the_o marriage_n be_v make_v at_o first_o and_o so_o may_v upon_o just_a occasion_n take_v advantage_n of_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o roman_a law_n permit_v of_o be_v divorce_v for_o other_o cause_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v allow_v by_o our_o saviour_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o a_o marriage_n contract_v under_o a_o state_n of_o heathenism_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o because_o heathen_a marriage_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n indissoluble_a as_o christian_a marriage_n be_v but_o the_o party_n have_v reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n to_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o law_n of_o each_o country_n allow_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o marriage-contract_n still_o continue_v the_o same_o after_o the_o conversion_n of_o either_o party_n which_o it_o do_v before_o i.e._n dissoluble_a unless_o the_o believe_a party_n can_v persuade_v the_o unbelieving_a to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o strict_a law_n of_o matrimony_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o christ_n without_o which_o mutual_a consent_n the_o marriage_n continue_v the_o same_o it_o be_v before_o while_o both_o party_n be_v unbeliever_n and_o consequent_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o reach_v this_o case_n be_v applicable_a only_o to_o those_o marriage_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o at_o lest_o which_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o a_o after-act_n and_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o party_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o christian_a law_n in_o this_o particular_a this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 15._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n 7.15_o chapter_n 1_o cor._n 7.15_o if_o the_o vnbeliever_n depart_v a_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v not_o under_o bondage_n in_o such_o case_n the_o most_o natural_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n be_v
the_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n agree_v in_o come_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o its_o be_v god_n will_n than_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o one_o apostle_n only_o just_o as_o we_o be_v more_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v often_o repeat_v by_o different_a writer_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o of_o those_o which_o be_v only_o mention_v by_o one_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o several_a writer_n add_v weight_n to_o the_o matter_n itself_o and_o the_o compare_v they_o together_o prevent_v our_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v it_o whereas_o what_o be_v but_o once_o mention_v be_v more_o liable_a to_o ambiguity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o more_o easy_o mistake_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o inspire_a person_n shall_v consult_v each_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o their_o inspiration_n 2._o the_o second_o objection_n be_v 58._o be_v fr_n p._n 249._o eng_n p_o 58._o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n have_v not_o teach_v they_o all_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o render_v they_o at_o first_o dash_v infallibe_n so_o that_o st._n peter_n need_v a_o vision_n to_o learn_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o scruple_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o body_n that_o ever_o yet_o maintain_v that_o the_o spirit_n once_o for_o all_o instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v certain_a several_a thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o degree_n and_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o author_n himself_o own_v as_o much_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o 62._o we_o fr._n p._n 252._o eng._n p._n 62._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v many_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o divers_a heavenly_a vision_n and_o as_o for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o a_o visible_a manner_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o chief_a design_n of_o that_o be_v public_o to_o authorize_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o initiate_v they_o into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v then_o found_v and_o to_o do_v this_o by_o more_o solemn_a token_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n among_o the_o first_o professor_n than_o any_o other_o institution_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o according_a to_o what_o the_o baptist_n foretell_v 3.11_o foretell_v matth._n 3.11_o and_o our_o saviour_n promise_v 1.5_o promise_v act._n 1.5_o that_o john_n indeed_o baptize_v or_o admit_v proselyte_n with_o the_o bare_a ceremony_n of_o water_n which_o have_v be_v a_o rite_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o jew_n long_o before_o upon_o such_o occasion_n but_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v baptise_a or_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n 3._o the_o three_o objection_n be_v that_o 57_o that_o fr._n p._n 248._o eng._n p._n 57_o when_o the_o dispute_n arise_v whether_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o though_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n barnabas_n be_v against_o this_o yet_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o judaize_v christian_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o infallible_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o urge_v 58._o urge_v fr._n p._n 249._o eng._n p._n 58._o the_o believer_n that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n contend_v with_o st._n peter_n for_o go_v to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o converse_v with_o they_o 3._o they_o act._n 11_o 2_o 3._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o instance_n of_o st._n peter_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o convert_v of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o at_o first_o they_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v any_o of_o they_o lay_v aside_o and_o a_o door_n open_v to_o let_v in_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o take_v away_o that_o discrimination_n which_o the_o law_n make_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n 7.6_o world_n exod._n 19.5_o 6._o deut._n 7.6_o and_o since_o this_o action_n of_o st._n peter_n touch_v they_o so_o near_o in_o their_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n or_o at_o least_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o teacher_n and_o hold_v as_o sacred_a as_o the_o law_n itself_o 18.28_o itself_o matt._n 15.2_o mat._n 7.3_o joh._n 18.28_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v about_o it_o till_o they_o examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o st._n peter_n act_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o apostle_n never_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o their_o infallibility_n as_o to_o require_v their_o disciple_n to_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n as_o mr._n n._n himself_o 112._o himself_o fr._n p._n 283._o eng._n p._n 112._o observe_v or_o without_o demand_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v all_o this_o objection_n contend_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o infallible_a because_o some_o new_a convert_v 19_o convert_v see_v mr._n dodwel_n of_o schism_n ch_n 19_o sect_n 18_o 19_o do_v not_o think_v so_o who_o it_o be_v plain_a do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o entire_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v argue_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o infallible_a which_o yet_o mr._n n._n himself_o look_v upon_o 109._o upon_o fr._n p._n 257_o 260_o 281._o eng._n p._n 70_o 75_o 109._o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n because_o his_o disciple_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v sometime_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v 16.22_o say_v matth._n 16.22_o and_o demand_v of_o he_o a_o reason_n 15.15_o reason_n matth_n 15.15_o of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o his_o that_o look_v like_o paradox_n to_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v hold_v much_o strong_a in_o the_o case_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n 15._o barnabas_n act_n 15._o for_o the_o admit_v the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n without_o circumcision_n must_v needs_o be_v think_v a_o great_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o those_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a a_o authority_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o twelve_o who_o commission_n be_v so_o solemn_o seal_v and_o ratify_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o they_o who_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o they_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n lie_v hold_v of_o this_o objection_n against_o their_o authority_n as_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o take_v advantage_n of_o any_o exception_n to_o a_o authority_n that_o be_v against_o they_o and_o according_o we_o find_v in_o after_o time_n when_o the_o judaize_v christian_n find_v st._n paul_n zealous_a in_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_a convert_v and_o teach_v man_n every_o where_o to_o apostatise_v from_o moses_n as_o they_o term_v it_o 21.21_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 21.21_o that_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o lessen_v his_o authority_n and_o represent_v he_o as_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o great_a stress_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o his_o doctrine_n which_o force_v he_o to_o vindicate_v himself_o and_o his_o apostleship_n at_o large_a galat._n 1._o and_o 2._o chapter_n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v 60._o be_v fr._n p._n 250._o eng._n p._n 60._o st._n peter_n dissimulation_n at_o antioch_n for_o which_o st._n paul_n reprove_v he_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o 2.11_o we_o gal._n 2.11_o and_o here_o i_o agree_v with_o our_o author_n that_o st._n peter_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n and_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n for_o he_o that_o have_v be_v warn_v by_o a_o vision_n 10.28_o vision_n act._n 10.28_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o call_v any_o man_n common_a or_o unclean_a and_o but_o just_a before_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o make_v the_o decree_n at_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n 7._o jerusalem_n act._n 15_o 7._o whereby_o the_o gentile_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o
it_o be_v of_o no_o long_a stand_n since_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n for_o josephus_n often_o call_v daniel_n a_o prophet_n 12._o prophet_n antiq._n l._n 10._o c._n 12._o nay_o one_o of_o the_o great_a genev_n great_a ib._n p._n 353._o g._n ed._n genev_n prophet_n and_o agreeable_o to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n our_o saviour_n give_v he_o the_o same_o title_n 24.15_o title_n matth._n 24.15_o but_o further_a the_o same_o josephus_n g._n josephus_n l._n 1._o c._n app._n p._n 1036._o g._n make_v use_v of_o another_o division_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n viz._n into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o prophetical_a under_o which_o he_o comprehend_v the_o historical_a because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n as_o he_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n suppose_v and_o the_o poetical_a book_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v or_o those_o which_o contain_v hymn_n to_o god_n and_o precept_n of_o good_a life_n which_o division_n agree_v much_o better_a with_o that_o mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n 24.44_o saviour_n luke_n 24.44_o viz._n into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n than_o the_o other_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v since_o that_o time_n invent_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v show_v that_o mr._n n._n by_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o receive_v book_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n nay_o and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n too_o what_o reason_n he_o have_v for_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o but_o at_o present_a let_v we_o examine_v what_o authority_n he_o have_v to_o oppose_v to_o such_o a_o powerful_a one_o as_o all_o these_o join_v together_o amount_v to_o and_o i_o can_v find_v no_o body_n that_o stand_v by_o he_o in_o this_o opinion_n but_o grotius_n and_o he_o he_o call_v in_o to_o his_o assistance_n at_o every_o turn_v but_o though_o i_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o grotius_n judgement_n yet_o i_o think_v if_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n to_o counterpoise_v that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o will_v be_v find_v too_o light_n that_o great_a man_n extraordinary_a learning_n and_o merit_n and_o particular_o his_o have_v so_o well_o deserve_v of_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n and_o give_v such_o light_n into_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o design_n make_v i_o willing_a to_o pass_v over_o his_o failure_n and_o not_o be_v severe_a upon_o his_o memory_n for_o those_o false_a gloss_n and_o some_o of_o they_o deserve_v a_o hard_a name_n which_o he_o have_v make_v upon_o other_o book_n of_o it_o only_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o this_o opinion_n of_o he_o concern_v the_o old_a testament_n canon_n be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o main_a design_n of_o his_o votum_fw-la pro_fw-la pace_n and_o those_o other_o treatise_n where_o he_o have_v assert_v it_o for_o the_o great_a design_n of_o those_o project_n for_o peace_n be_v to_o magnify_v antiquity_n tradition_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o show_v that_o catholic_n unity_n be_v never_o to_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o submit_v all_o controversy_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o these_o three_o as_o so_o many_o arbitrator_n or_o umpire_n between_o the_o different_a party_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antiquity_n and_o tradition_n he_o reject_v those_o book_n which_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n that_o the_o universal_a church_n uninterrupted_a tradition_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n can_v give_v they_o ii_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o exception_n which_o our_o author_n make_v against_o particular_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n he_o except_v against_o be_v either_o historical_a or_o those_o they_o common_o call_v poetical_a as_o to_o the_o historical_a write_n i_o agree_v with_o he_o thus_o far_o that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n be_v not_o usual_o inspire_a with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o they_o relate_v nor_o with_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o express_v the_o thing_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n 37._o chapter_n p._n 37._o of_o this_o treatise_n that_o a_o book_n may_v be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a mean_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n inspire_a the_o evangelist_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o they_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o or_o may_v easy_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o be_v so_o so_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o groundless_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n reveal_v those_o particular_n to_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n history_n which_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o by_o consult_v the_o record_n and_o ancient_a monument_n in_o which_o these_o matter_n be_v relate_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n and_o design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o mr._n n._n himself_o grant_v 28._o grant_v fr._n p._n 231._o en._n p._n 28._o that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v mere_o to_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n but_o to_o be_v a_o stand_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n to_o after_o age_n to_o show_v we_o the_o care_n that_o god_n always_o take_v of_o good_a people_n and_o the_o punishment_n he_o inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a to_o give_v we_o example_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o last_o to_o inform_v we_o of_o several_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n as_o contain_v many_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o set_v aside_o the_o squabble_n between_o f._n simon_n and_o his_o adversary_n about_o the_o scribe_n and_o keeper_n of_o the_o public_a register_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o prophet_n usual_o write_v the_o history_n of_o their_o king_n and_o those_o book_n which_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n and_o be_v annal_n from_o whence_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n be_v take_v for_o we_o find_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o hezekiah_n incorporate_v into_o isaiah_n prophecy_n 39_o prophecy_n be_v c._n 36_o 37_o 38_o 39_o which_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o that_o king_n reign_n be_v record_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n and_o indeed_o so_o much_o be_v express_o assert_v 2_o chron._n 32.32_o so_o the_o act_n of_o david_n be_v record_v by_o samuel_n the_o seer_n by_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o by_o gad_n the_o seer_n 29.29_o seer_n 1_o chr._n 29.29_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n and_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n 9.29_o seer_n 2_o chr._n 9.29_o the_o history_n of_o rehoboam_n reign_n be_v write_v by_o shemaiah_n the_o prophet_n and_o by_o iddo_n the_o seer_n in_o his_o genealogy_n 12.15_o genealogy_n 2_o chr._n 12.15_o the_o last_o of_o these_o record_v likewise_o the_o act_n of_o abijah_n rehoboam_n son_n 13.22_o son_n chap._n 13.22_o jehu_n the_o son_n of_o hanani_n who_o be_v a_o prophet_n 19.2_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 16.1_o 2_o chron._n 19.2_o write_v the_o history_n of_o jehoshaphat_n 20.34_o jehoshaphat_n 2_o chr._n 20.34_o the_o act_n of_o vzziah_n be_v record_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 26.22_o isaiah_n ch._n 26.22_o and_o those_o of_o manasses_n among_o the_o say_n of_o the_o seer_n 33.19_o seer_n ch._n 33.19_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o think_v we_o may_v most_o probable_o interpret_v those_o word_n of_o josephus_n genev._n josephus_n joseph_n c._n appion_n l._n 1._o p._n 1036._o ed._n genev._n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o quote_v of_o late_a upon_o this_o subject_a where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v write_v only_o by_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o they_o look_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o as_o authentic_a which_o be_v write_v after_o artaxerxe_n time_n because_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a succession_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n nor_o be_v huetius_n objection_n 161._o objection_n demon._n evangel_n p._n 161._o against_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n of_o any_o weight_n who_o affirm_v that_o josephus_n contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o just_a before_o viz._n that_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o care_n of_o write_v the_o public_a
reason_n to_o believe_v that_o either_o job_n or_o his_o friend_n speak_v every_o thing_n which_o they_o say_v by_o inspiration_n as_o to_o the_o latter_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a for_o god_n himself_o say_v that_o they_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o he_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a 42.8_o right_a job_n 42.8_o and_o even_o job_n himself_o though_o he_o maintain_v the_o right_a side_n in_o the_o controversy_n yet_o now_o and_o then_o be_v guilty_a of_o too_o vehement_a expostulation_n 10.2_o expostulation_n c._n 7.11_o etc._n etc._n 10.2_o with_o god_n almighty_a he_o stand_v too_o much_o upon_o his_o own_o justification_n 6._o justification_n c._n 9_o 17.-10.7.-16.17.-13.23_a see_v c._n 33.9_o 10_o 11_o 34.5_o 6._o and_o vindication_n of_o his_o innocency_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o censure_v the_o method_n of_o providence_n too_o free_o 19.7.-23.13_a free_o c._n 9.22_o 23_o 19.7.-23.13_a for_o which_o fault_n we_o find_v afterward_o he_o earnest_o beg_v god_n pardon_n and_o etc._n and_o c._n 42.3_o etc._n etc._n repent_v of_o they_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n i_o willing_o acknowledge_v what_o the_o jew_n themselves_o allow_v paraphrase_n allow_v see_v bp._n patrick_n appendix_n to_o his_o paraphrase_n though_o they_o be_v very_o jealous_a of_o give_v this_o honour_n to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n that_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v prophet_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o grant_v this_o for_o we_o find_v eliphaz_n himself_o profess_v that_o he_o have_v a_o night-vision_n 4.13_o night-vision_n job_n 4.13_o which_o be_v not_o altogether_o 16._o altogether_o see_v c._n 33.15_o 16._o unusual_a in_o those_o day_n but_o job_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o that_o famous_a passage_n of_o he_o 27_o he_o job_n 19.25_o 26_o 27_o i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v etc._n etc._n which_o st._n jerom_n locum_fw-la jerom_n in_o locum_fw-la just_o call_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o also_o because_o god_n speak_v 31.8_o speak_v job_n 31.8_o to_o he_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o see_v a_o shekinah_n 42.5_o shekinah_n c._n 42.5_o or_o visible_a appearance_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n but_o allow_v all_o this_o i_o see_v no_o proof_n that_o the_o discourse_n set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o therefore_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o book_n itself_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o consist_v in_o this_o viz._n as_o it_o be_v a_o historical_a account_n of_o job_n behaviour_n before_o and_o under_o his_o affliction_n and_o of_o his_o happy_a issue_n out_o of_o they_o all_o together_o with_o his_o reflection_n and_o the_o discourse_n he_o have_v with_o his_o friend_n upon_o that_o occasion_n write_v by_o god_n direction_n for_o the_o use_v of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o a_o vindication_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o permit_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v afflict_a and_o since_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o book_n the_o author_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v and_o consequent_o we_o can_v argue_v that_o it_o be_v inspire_v from_o the_o character_n of_o its_o author_n the_o evidence_n for_o its_o be_v inspire_a or_o write_v by_o god_n direction_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n as_o that_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o this_o book_n particular_o recommend_v by_o st._n james_n 5.11_o james_n james_n 5.11_o to_o the_o use_v of_o christian_n especial_o since_o the_o design_n of_o it_o do_v exact_o answer_v the_o character_n which_o st._n paul_n 15.4_o paul_n rom._n 15.4_o give_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_n in_o general_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v may_v suffice_v in_o answer_n to_o mr._n n_n objection_n against_o the_o book_n of_o job_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o beside_o the_o powerful_a comfort_n this_o book_n afford_v to_o the_o afflict_a and_o the_o submission_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o yield_v to_o god_n will_n and_o to_o adore_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o his_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o obvious_a design_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v likewise_o of_o excellent_a use_n upon_o another_o account_n viz._n as_o it_o give_v we_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o natural_a religion_n 31._o religion_n see_v c._n 31._o when_o it_o be_v in_o its_o prime_n and_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o those_o early_a age_n before_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v lose_v or_o the_o world_n quite_o overrun_v with_o idolatry_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o our_o author_n allege_v against_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n his_o opinion_n concern_v these_o in_o general_n be_v 27._o be_v fr._n p._n 230._o eng._n p._n 27._o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o inspiration_n but_o only_o of_o piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o compose_v they_o and_o he_o further_o say_v that_o any_o devout_a man_n may_v easy_o nowadays_o praise_v god_n in_o that_o manner_n but_o all_o the_o pious_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o never_o look_v upon_o their_o own_o composure_n as_o equal_a to_o the_o psalm_n whereas_o if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v assist_v only_o with_o a_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n i_o can_v not_o see_v why_o the_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o as_o well_o qualify_v to_o make_v hymn_n to_o god_n as_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o pious_a and_o devout_a man_n but_o say_v mr._n n._n 104._o n._n ubi_fw-la sup_n &_o fr._n p._n 277._o eng._n p._n 104._o david_n never_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n who_o speak_v by_o god_n authority_n use_v to_o do_v now_o though_o it_o be_v false_a that_o david_n never_o use_v this_o expression_n for_o in_o several_a place_n he_o use_v those_o very_a word_n or_o such_o as_o be_v equivalent_a 2.7.110.1_o equivalent_a 1_o sam._n 23.2_o psal_n 2.7.110.1_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o service_n it_o will_v do_v mr._n n._n unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o praising_n god_n by_o inspiration_n be_v the_o same_o as_o deliver_v a_o message_n from_o he_o and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o his_o name_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a occasion_n to_o usher_v in_o what_o be_v say_v with_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n 7._o lord_n see_v mr._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n c._n 7._o sure_a mr._n n._n think_v that_o because_o we_o grant_v prophecy_n to_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o inspiration_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v real_o no_o other_o sort_n but_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o of_o another_o mind_n when_o he_o say_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o diversity_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n 12.29_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 12.29_o and_o if_o the_o foot_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o hand_n i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n 15._o body_n ib._n v._n 15._o and_o we_o may_v easy_o apply_v the_o apostle_n reason_v to_o our_o present_a case_n on_o this_o manner_n if_o mr._n n._n shall_v say_v because_o compose_v of_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n be_v not_o prophesy_v nor_o bring_v a_o message_n from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o inspiration_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o inspiration_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o holy_a writer_n look_v upon_o praising_n god_n by_o spiritual_a song_n when_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o gift_a person_n as_o a_o real_a and_o distinct_a sort_n of_o inspiration_n and_o therefore_o call_v it_o prophesy_v 1.67_o prophesy_v 1_o sam._n 10.5_o 1_o chr._n 25.1_o 1_o cor._n 11.5_o exod._n 15.20_o see_v mr._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n ch_n 7._o and_o 8_o and_o dr._n hammond_n up_o on_o st._n luke_n 1.67_o as_o that_o word_n be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o inspiration_n in_o general_n and_o methinks_v without_o descant_v so_o nicely_n upon_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o weigh_v god_n gift_n in_o a_o balance_n to_o try_v it_o they_o can_v be_v find_v want_v as_o our_o author_n do_v this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v man_n that_o god_n design_v the_o book_n of_o psalm_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o the_o psalm_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o
the_o public_a worship_n both_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n ever_o since_o they_o be_v make_v 6.31_o make_v see_v 1_o chr._n 6.31_o they_o be_v always_o use_v at_o the_o time_n of_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n 18._o worship_n 1_o chr._n 16.40_o 41._o ecclus._n 50.16_o 17_o 18._o ezra_n restore_v this_o service_n assoon_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v lay_v 3.11_o lay_v ezr._n 3.11_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o 14.26_o we_o matt._n 26.30_o mark_v 14.26_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n sing_v a_o hymn_n after_o the_o paschal_n supper_n which_o learned_a man_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o collection_n of_o psalm_n which_o the_o jew_n use_v upon_o that_o solemnity_n st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o colossian_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o they_o and_o especial_o recommend_v the_o psalm_n to_o their_o use_n 3.16_o use_n coloss_n 3.16_o the_o vision_n in_o the_o revelation_n where_o saint_n and_o angel_n be_v represent_v worship_v and_o praise_v god_n do_v certain_o in_o many_o thing_n allude_v to_o the_o custom_n 19_o custom_n see_v rev._n 4._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o c._n 5_o 8_o 8.1.-11_a 19_o which_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n use_v in_o their_o public_a service_n which_o two_o church_n then_o differ_v very_o little_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o external_n worship_n and_o in_o these_o we_o find_v the_o heavenly_a devotion_n consist_v altogether_o of_o hymn_n and_o song_n of_o praise_n 9.-14.3.-15.3_a praise_n rev._n 5_o 9.-14.3.-15.3_a which_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o sing_v of_o psalm_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n in_o that_o early_a age_n 4._o age_n v._o cl._n dodwel_n c._n grot._n c._n 4._o as_o it_o have_v former_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a i_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o that_o inspire_a age_n they_o use_v several_a hymn_n of_o their_o own_o compose_v 30._o compose_v 1_o cor._n 14.26_o euseb_n h.e._n l._n 5._o c._n 28._o &_o l._n 7._o c._n 30._o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o ancient_a writer_n psalm_n writer_n see_v dr._n hamm._n preface_n to_o his_o paraphr_n upon_o the_o psalm_n that_o david_n psalm_n still_o be_v most_o in_o use_n and_o in_o high_a esteem_n and_o this_o be_v one_o argument_n of_o it_o viz._n because_o all_o the_o hymn_n compose_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v be_v lose_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n except_o very_o few_o which_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o so_o probable_o as_o to_o the_o difuse_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o more_o frequent_a and_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o christian_a church_n will_v have_v be_v behold_v to_o the_o jewish_a temple_n for_o their_o form_n of_o worship_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o more_o noble_a a_o subject_a for_o praise_n and_o hymn_n the_o christian_n have_v by_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n design_v the_o book_n of_o psalm_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v both_o a_o pattern_n and_o treasure_n of_o devotion_n at_o once_o to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o warm_a our_o affection_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o praise_n god_n with_o the_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o understanding_n also_o and_o if_o what_o i_o have_v say_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v god_n intent_n in_o stir_v up_o holy_a man_n to_o make_v these_o excellent_a piece_n of_o devotion_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n deserve_v a_o place_n among_o the_o inspire_a writer_n without_o nicely_n determine_v how_o great_a a_o share_n the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v in_o make_v these_o composure_n and_o how_o much_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o author_n own_o study_n and_o meditation_n since_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a in_o any_o case_n to_o define_v the_o manner_n how_o god_n grace_n do_v cooperate_v with_o man_n endeavour_n and_o the_o spirit_n like_o the_o wind_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n compare_v it_o 3.8_o it_o john_n 3.8_o do_v sufficient_o discover_v itself_o by_o its_o effect_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_o intelligible_a by_o we_o who_o be_v ignorant_a how_o our_o own_o soul_n act_n within_o we_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n outward_a object_n make_v a_o impression_n upon_o it_o but_o say_v mr._n n._n 23._o n._n fr._n p._n 228._o en._n p._n 23._o the_o imprecation_n which_o be_v find_v in_o many_o of_o the_o psalm_n can_v proceed_v from_o the_o good_a and_o merciful_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o author_n of_o those_o psalm_n can_v not_o be_v inspire_a this_o be_v the_o only_a considerable_a objection_n against_o the_o psalm_n to_o take_v off_o all_o prejudice_n against_o the_o use_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o book_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o distinct_a answer_n to_o it_o in_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o many_o of_o those_o expression_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o sight_n to_o import_v wish_v mischief_n and_o destruction_n to_o other_o do_v real_o wish_v no_o more_o harm_n to_o they_o than_o that_o they_o may_v be_v disappoint_v in_o their_o enterprise_n and_o undertake_n for_o example_n that_o expression_n 70.2_o expression_n psal_n 70.2_o let_v they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ashamed_a or_o blush_v and_o shame_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v synonymous_n with_o the_o former_a and_o render_v by_o the_o lxx_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n all_o which_o word_n signify_v shame_n confound_v that_o seek_v after_o my_o soul_n mean_v no_o more_o but_o this_o let_v they_o be_v fill_v with_o that_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n which_o follow_v a_o disappointment_n now_o since_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o oppose_v the_o design_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o to_o use_v all_o honest_a mean_n to_o prevent_v their_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v it_o can_v be_v no_o harm_n to_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v unsuccessful_a in_o their_o attempt_n against_o we_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v all_o those_o imprecation_n in_o the_o 35th_o psalm_n to_o be_v understand_v 2._o second_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o all_o those_o expression_n which_o be_v common_o translate_v by_o way_n of_o imprecation_n may_v be_v as_o fit_o render_v by_o way_n of_o prediction_n and_o we_o may_v read_v they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a instead_o of_o let_v they_o be_v ashamed_a nay_o this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o imperative_a but_o in_o the_o future_a and_o if_o we_o take_v these_o expression_n in_o this_o sense_n than_o they_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o a_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o wicked_a man_n if_o they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o thus_o to_o denounce_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o sinner_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o uncharitableness_n that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o charity_n we_o can_v show_v to_o they_o and_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o awaken_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v except_o they_o repent_v and_o if_o this_o interpretation_n be_v true_a as_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o it_o may_v than_o all_o mr._n n_n objection_n supr_fw-la objection_n ub._n supr_fw-la against_o the_o 109th_o psalm_n vanish_v immediate_o for_o according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n it_o only_o contain_v a_o prediction_n of_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o person_n whoever_o he_o be_v under_o who_o judas_n be_v represent_v and_o the_o denunciation_n of_o the_o psalmist_n against_o his_o family_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o no_o other_o exception_n than_o that_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n against_o babylon_n 13.16_o babylon_n isaiah_n 13.16_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v dash_v in_o piece_n before_o their_o eye_n their_o house_n shall_v be_v spoil_v and_o their_o wife_n ravish_v and_o st._n peter_n himself_o seem_v to_o have_v understand_v this_o psalm_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o 1.16_o we_o act_n 1.16_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o psalm_n speak_v before_o or_o prophesy_v 〈◊〉_d prophesy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o mouth_n of_o david_n concern_v judas_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a way_n of_o speech_n among_o
gospel_n show_n that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o the_o general_n use_v of_o the_o church_n to_o record_v the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o all_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o though_o it_o be_v some_o particular_a emergency_n that_o may_v induce_v the_o evangelist_n to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n which_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o providential_a motion_n yet_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o not_o only_o answer_v that_o particular_a end_n which_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o their_o be_v write_v but_o be_v of_o general_n use_v and_o fit_v to_o all_o age_n and_o time_n we_o have_v already_o mention_v the_o occasion_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n be_v writing_n their_o gospel_n st._n luke_n give_v a_o 1.1_o a_o luk._n 1.1_o account_n of_o his_o undertake_n himself_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v that_o since_o many_o have_v write_v a_o history_n of_o our_o savior_n life_n and_o action_n who_o want_v some_o advantage_n of_o know_v the_o particular_n which_o he_o have_v he_o himself_o be_v exact_o inform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n and_o party_n concern_v set_v about_o a_o more_o accurate_a account_n of_o these_o matter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o every_o christian_a who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v it_o seem_v from_o hence_o that_o commit_a thing_n to_o write_v be_v in_o st._n luke_n judgement_n the_o most_o certain_a mean_n of_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o other_o as_o for_o st._n john_n it_o be_v plain_a by_o compare_v his_o gospel_n with_o the_o other_o three_o that_o he_o have_v see_v the_o rest_n and_o approve_v they_o 24_o they_o v._o eus_n h._n e._n l._n 3._o c._n 24_o and_o therefore_o supply_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a which_o the_o former_a evangelist_n have_v omit_v that_o so_o all_o of_o they_o together_o may_v be_v a_o complete_a account_n of_o all_o that_o jesus_n do_v and_o teach_v and_o he_o 〈◊〉_d himself_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o design_n in_o write_v his_o gospel_n be_v 20.31_o be_v joh._n 20.31_o that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n and_o that_o believe_v they_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o many_o of_o st._n paul_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o particular_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o be_v occasion_v by_o some_o dispute_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o time_n which_o may_v be_v think_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o general_n use_v of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v admirable_o illustrate_v by_o they_o and_o many_o of_o the_o more_o mysterious_a part_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n more_o full_o treat_v of_o in_o they_o than_o by_o christ_n himself_o because_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v 16.12_o bear_v joh._n 16.12_o while_o he_o be_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o teach_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o full_a instruction_n in_o such_o matter_n i_o say_v if_o we_o lie_v these_o thing_n together_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o necessary_a to_o add_v the_o apostolical_a epistle_n to_o the_o gospel_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v much_o to_o seek_v for_o a_o authentic_a explication_n of_o several_a important_a point_n of_o christianity_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v discourse_v more_o large_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n to_o return_v to_o s._n paul_n epistle_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v how_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v make_v st._n paul_n style_n and_o way_n of_o write_v to_o be_v admirable_o serviceable_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o if_o we_o examine_v it_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o criticism_n be_v far_o from_o be_v regular_a and_o exact_a but_o his_o free_a use_n of_o digression_n and_o those_o long_a one_o too_o sometime_o open_v he_o a_o way_n into_o a_o large_a subject_n and_o of_o more_o general_n use_v and_o do_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o that_o one_o particular_a point_n which_o it_o be_v his_o main_a design_n to_o treat_v of_o and_o when_o we_o find_v he_o take_v occasion_n from_o every_o hint_n to_o explain_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o its_o precept_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o sign_n that_o his_o holy_a soul_n be_v full_a of_o this_o noble_a subject_n but_o be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n influence_v his_o pen_n and_o make_v he_o enlarge_v himself_o upon_o 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