Selected quad for the lemma: doctrine_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
doctrine_n faith_n scripture_n tradition_n 5,785 5 9.3380 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49895 Five letters concerning the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures translated out of French.; Défense des Sentimens de quelques théologiens de Hollande sur l'Histoire critique du Vieux Testament contre la réponse du prieur de Bolleville. English. Selections Le Clerc, Jean, 1657-1736.; Locke, John, 1632-1704.; Le Clerc, Jean, 1657-1736. Sentimens de quelques théologiens de Hollande sur l'Histoire critique du Vieux Testament, composée par le P. Richard Simon. English. Selections. 1690 (1690) Wing L815; ESTC R22740 97,734 266

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

hundred_o other_o that_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o from_o their_o inclination_n to_o libertinism_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o those_o be_v offend_v at_o if_o indeed_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o general_o approve_v we_o shall_v quick_o be_v oblige_v not_o only_o to_o keep_v silence_n but_o also_o to_o suppress_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v both_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n how_o holy_a soever_o which_o some_o sect_n of_o christian_n have_v not_o pervert_v and_o misuse_v nay_o the_o same_o be_v yet_o do_v daily_o all_o the_o difficulty_n than_o lie_v in_o know_v whether_o the_o treat_v concern_v this_o question_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n will_v occasion_v more_o good_a or_o hurt_n in_o itself_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a even_o by_o the_o concession_n of_o those_o that_o argue_v against_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o man_n mind_n that_o can_v render_v it_o dangerous_a thus_o than_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o this_o disquisition_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o event_n which_o therefore_o these_o gentleman_n ought_v to_o suffer_v we_o to_o expect_v before_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v do_v ill_o in_o publish_v this_o write_n of_o mr._n n._n we_o must_v add_v to_o this_o that_o mr._n n._n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o have_v speak_v as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n we_o see_v many_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o his_o dissertation_n and_o beside_o the_o place_n which_o he_o have_v cite_v out_o of_o some_o book_n of_o grotius_n there_o be_v other_o infinite_o more_o strong_a and_o more_o express_a in_o those_o against_o rivet_n now_o after_o have_v thus_o answer_v those_o that_o will_v have_v have_v this_o write_v suppress_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o also_o who_o complain_v that_o the_o author_n have_v not_o express_v his_o opinion_n with_o sufficient_a clearness_n i_o have_v therefore_o desire_v mr._n n._n to_o explain_v it_o to_o i_o himself_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o few_o word_n and_o more_o distinct_o in_o order_n to_o remove_v those_o injurious_a suspicion_n that_o may_v have_v rise_v from_o any_o obscurity_n in_o his_o write_n concern_v his_o faith_n and_o his_o piety_n and_o these_o be_v the_o head_n to_o which_o he_o have_v reduce_v his_o opinion_n and_o wherein_o he_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n say_v he_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o prophet_n either_o of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n have_v say_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o as_o by_o his_o order_n which_o god_n have_v not_o effectual_o order_v he_o to_o say_v nor_o have_v undertake_v to_o foretell_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v not_o indeed_o true_o reveal_v to_o he_o and_o that_o this_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o without_o great_a impiety_n i_o have_v say_v it_o express_o in_o many_o place_n of_o my_o treatise_n in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o a_o importance_n relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o slight_a circumstance_n wherein_o some_o of_o the_o historian_n be_v mistake_v yet_o we_o ought_v nevertheless_o to_o look_v upon_o that_o history_n in_o general_a as_o the_o true_a and_o most_o holy_a history_n that_o ever_o be_v publish_v among_o men._n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o those_o who_o write_v it_o be_v very_o well_o inform_v of_o all_o they_o relate_v and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intention_n to_o deceive_v we_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v fall_v into_o any_o considerable_a error_n as_o neither_o can_v we_o do_v in_o believe_v what_o they_o have_v say_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o equivocation_n by_o a_o matter_n of_o importance_n i_o mean_v all_o the_o commandment_n that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n assure_v we_o be_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o god_n all_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o the_o principal_a event_n in_o that_o history_n and_o general_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v ground_v in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o believe_v with_o all_o christian_n that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o jew_n and_o christian_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v real_o and_o true_o divine_a doctrine_n although_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o learn_v they_o from_o heaven_n i_o be_o as_o much_o persuade_v as_o any_o man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o reason_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o dogmatical_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n where_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n instruct_v we_o concern_v the_o promise_n or_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o can_v lead_v we_o into_o error_n or_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a or_o contrary_a to_o piety_n i_o believe_v in_o the_o four_o place_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v absolute_o infallible_a as_o well_o as_o free_v from_o all_o sin_n because_o of_o the_o godhead_n that_o be_v always_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o which_o perpetual_o inspire_v he_o insomuch_o that_o all_o that_o he_o teach_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v pronounce_v it_o i_o have_v explain_v this_o clear_o in_o my_o write_n in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v often_o dictate_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o the_o apostle_n the_o very_a word_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v of_o this_o i_o have_v also_o give_v some_o example_n in_o these_o thing_n i_o agree_v with_o all_o christian_a divine_n and_o i_o believe_v further_o as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o these_o five_o head_n of_o our_o belief_n may_v be_v undeniable_o prove_v against_o libertine_n and_o atheist_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o who_o god_n have_v bear_v testimony_n by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v more_o clear_o demonstrable_a to_o have_v be_v real_o do_v than_o any_o fact_n whatsoever_o of_o all_o ancient_a history_n for_o example_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o positive_a testimony_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v real_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n more_o clear_o than_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o roman_a emperor_n call_v trajan_n if_o any_o one_o conceive_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o evidence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o fact_n or_o that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v without_o any_o thing_n further_a that_o they_o be_v not_o deceiver_n i_o confess_v i_o understand_v not_o what_o further_a proof_n can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o thing_n unless_o god_n shall_v raise_v in_o our_o day_n a_o prophet_n that_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o miracle_n over_o again_o before_o our_o eye_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o who_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v they_o inward_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o who_o imagine_v that_o this_o inward_a testimony_n be_v a_o more_o convince_a proof_n than_o all_o those_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o but_o as_o there_o be_v not_o many_o that_o have_v this_o belief_n and_o as_o those_o that_o have_v it_o can_v make_v use_n of_o that_o pretend_a inward_a testimony_n to_o convince_v another_o who_o do_v not_o himself_o feel_v it_o we_o may_v without_o trouble_v ourselves_o further_o with_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o enjoy_v that_o chimerical_a satisfaction_n which_o their_o mere_a imagination_n afford_v they_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v thus_o settle_v i_o will_v now_o show_v you_o wherein_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o divine_n be_v deceive_v and_o in_o what_o i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o opinion_n they_o affirm_v that_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n history_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v immediate_o inspire_v both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n that_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o jew_n catalogue_n ought_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o inspire_a book_n that_o when_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v so_o inspire_v that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v not_o even_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o consequence_n at_o all_o and_o that_o they_o know_v at_o the_o very_a first_o without_o any_o exercise_n either_o of_o reason_n or_o memory_n what_o they_o
agree_v about_o the_o gospel_n and_o st._n paul_n epistle_n nor_o from_o prove_v clear_o that_o they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v i_o know_v not_o why_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o some_o of_o those_o of_o the_o new_a and_o why_o ill_a consequence_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o their_o opinion_n who_o doubt_v of_o some_o of_o the_o former_a when_o none_o be_v draw_v from_o they_o that_o reject_v the_o latter_a the_o canon_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o much_o great_a importance_n with_o we_o than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a it_o be_v a_o mistake_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v all_o or_o reject_v all_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v all_o it_o be_v less_o true_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o reject_v all_o but_o there_o be_v a_o mean_a betwixt_o these_o two_o extreme_n objection_n 16._o but_o what_o will_v be_v say_v to_o these_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o vulgar_a translation_n according_a to_o the_o greek_a and_o also_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a vulgar_a omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la &_o utilis_fw-la whereas_o mr._n n._n read_v they_o omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la utilis_fw-la est_fw-la the_o verb_n est_fw-la be_v not_o in_o the_o greek_a but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v et_fw-la be_v before_o utilis_fw-la if_o this_o verb_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v because_o it_o be_v often_o want_v in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o syriac_a and_o consequent_o in_o the_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o manner_n omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la est_fw-la &_o utilis_fw-la answer_n mr._n simon_n be_v decree_n be_v not_o without_o appeal_n we_o maintain_v against_o he_o that_o this_o passage_n may_v very_o well_o be_v thus_o translate_v all_o scripture_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v be_v also_o profitable_a for_o instruction_n for_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n so_o the_o vulgar_a translate_v it_o which_o mr._n simon_n improper_o correct_v and_o which_o the_o gentleman_n of_o port-royal_a have_v judicious_o follow_v st._n paul_n design_n favour_v this_o version_n he_o tell_v timothy_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o which_o he_o add_v that_o all_o scripture_n give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n these_o word_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o explanation_n of_o those_o forego_n where_o st._n paul_n set_v down_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v instruct_v to_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o tacit_n opposition_n here_o between_o holy_a writ_n and_o certain_a profane_a study_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o go_v back_o a_o little_o high_a to_o find_v the_o thread_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n and_o observe_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o say_n that_o all_o writ_n divine_o inspire_v be_v profitable_a etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n describe_v in_o the_o 4._o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n a_o sort_n of_o wicked_a people_n who_o in_o the_o 5_o the_o verse_n he_o order_v timothy_n to_o avoid_v the_o character_n he_o mark_v they_o by_o suit_n very_o well_o to_o the_o gnostic_n but_o it_o matter_n not_o of_o who_o he_o speak_v it_o suffice_v that_o we_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v person_n who_o boast_v of_o teach_v their_o hearer_n many_o thing_n witness_v those_o 7._o woman_n they_o have_v seduce_v which_o be_v always_o learning_n and_o never_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 9_o but_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v their_o seducement_n shall_v not_o long_o continue_v 11._o he_o represent_v to_o timothy_n that_o he_o have_v full_o know_v his_o doctrine_n his_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o the_o persecution_n he_o have_v suffer_v in_o order_n to_o strengthen_v he_o by_o his_o example_n 13._o he_o declare_v that_o the_o good_a shall_v always_o be_v persecute_v and_o that_o there_o shall_v still_o be_v seducer_n and_o person_n seduce_v fol._n but_o thou_o continue_v he_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o know_v from_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n he_o oppose_v plain_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o study_n of_o fabulous_a doctrine_n which_o some_o impostor_n then_o teach_v and_o whereof_o he_o complain_v in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o two_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n 1_o ep._n ch._n 1._o v._n 4._o ch._n 4._o v._n 7._o 2_o ep._n ch._n 4._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o here_o he_o order_v his_o dear_a disciple_n to_o continue_v firm_a in_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v learn_v and_o which_o he_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o he_o likewise_o end_v his_o first_o epistle_n with_o this_o exhortation_n o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n avoid_v profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n and_o opposition_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v which_o some_o profess_v have_v err_v concern_v the_o faith_n and_o thus_o when_o he_o add_v that_o all_o scripture_n give_v by_o inspiration_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v to_o timothy_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o keep_v close_o as_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o will_v instruct_v he_o sufficient_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n by_o join_v thereunto_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o all_o scripture_n inspire_v by_o god_n as_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n whereas_o if_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o false_a science_n that_o some_o impostor_n then_o boast_v of_o he_o will_v cultivate_v doctrine_n that_o will_v be_v proper_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o raise_v dispute_n instead_o of_o edify_v as_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o tell_v he_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o this_o reason_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o no_o wise_a suppose_n that_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v inspire_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n pretend_v thereby_o only_o to_o intimate_v that_o the_o inspire_v write_n without_o fix_v the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v more_o profitable_a than_o those_o that_o some_o person_n at_o that_o time_n boast_v of_o rivet_n have_v object_v this_o passage_n to_o grotius_n against_o the_o opinion_n of_o that_o incomparable_a critic_n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n let_v we_o see_v how_o grotius_n answer_v he_o etc._n the_o place_n say_v he_o 2_o tim._n chap._n 3._o v._n 16._o have_v another_o signification_n than_o d._n rivet_n think_v for_o st._n paul_n say_v not_o all_o write_v be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o how_o many_o be_v the_o write_n of_o human_a invention_n nor_o do_v he_o mean_v that_o all_o that_o be_v inspire_v be_v divine_o inspire_v that_o will_v be_v trifle_v but_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n all_o scripture_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n as_o st._n peter_n style_v it_o 2_o ep._n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o be_v not_o only_o useful_a in_o its_o own_o time_n to_o show_v god_n prescience_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n but_o be_v moreover_o at_o all_o time_n profitable_a because_o it_o contain_v many_o stand_a rule_n reproof_n of_o vice_n incitement_n to_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n this_o sense_n be_v right_o observe_v by_o the_o syriac_a interpreter_n who_o thus_o render_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v profit_n in_o respect_n of_o doctirne_n etc._n etc._n this_o passage_n then_o of_o st._n paul_n prove_v nothing_o against_o i_o let_v mr._n simon_n say_v what_o he_o please_v he_o seem_v not_o to_o understand_v christian_a religion_n thorough_o enough_o to_o treat_v of_o these_o matter_n these_o sir_n be_v the_o principal_a objetion_n that_o have_v be_v make_v to_o mr._n n._n against_o his_o essay_n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n you_o may_v judge_n whether_o he_o have_v solve_v the_o difficulty_n propose_v or_o no._n for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v not_o judge_n of_o that_o question_n but_o this_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o mr._n simon_n be_v not_o the_o man_n that_o will_v run_v he_o down_o and_o that_o the_o answer_v you_o have_v now_o read_v be_v plausible_a enough_o
advertisement_n by_o the_o translator_n to_o the_o reader_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o these_o five_o letter_n it_o seem_v necessary_a in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o explain_v the_o occasion_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o they_o be_v not_o in_o french_a one_o distinct_a volume_n as_o they_o be_v here_o make_v in_o english_a but_o a_o part_n of_o two_o large_a volume_n write_v in_o a_o epistolary_n form_n the_o first_o entitle_v simon_n the_o thought_n or_o reflection_n of_o some_o divine_n in_o holland_n upon_o father_n simon_n be_v critical_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o second_o bolleville_n a_o defence_n of_o those_o thought_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o prior_n of_o bolleville_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v also_o the_o same_o mr._n simon_n disguise_v under_o a_o borrow_a name_n the_o general_a design_n that_o mr._n simon_n drive_v at_o in_o the_o critical_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o new_a which_o be_v now_o both_o of_o they_o publish_v in_o english_a be_v to_o represent_v the_o many_o difficulty_n that_o be_v among_o the_o learned_a concern_v the_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o to_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o receive_v the_o roman_a doctrine_n of_o oral_a tradition_n this_o design_n raise_v he_o many_o antagonist_n among_o the_o protestant_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o have_v oppose_v he_o in_o their_o write_n each_o according_a to_o his_o different_a genius_n or_o principles_n the_o book_n first_o above_o mention_v be_v one_o of_o the_o early_a of_o that_o kind_n and_o it_o be_v anonymous_n author_n appear_v second_o to_o none_o either_o in_o critical_a learning_n or_o solid_a judgement_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o my_o purpose_n in_o this_o place_n to_o insist_v upon_o his_o particular_a difference_n with_o mr._n simon_n in_o point_n of_o criticism_n this_o only_a in_o general_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o sufficient_o overthrow_v the_o pretend_a necessity_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n ingenuous_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v among_o the_o learned_a about_o the_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o thereupon_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o his_o reader_n in_o suspense_n about_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n but_o propound_v a_o middle_a way_n which_o he_o conceive_v proper_a to_o settle_v in_o man_n mind_n a_o just_a esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o a_o solid_a foundation_n the_o scheme_n or_o system_n of_o this_o middle_a way_n he_o say_v he_o receive_v from_o his_o friend_n mr._n n._n and_o therefore_o he_o give_v it_o not_o in_o his_o own_o but_o in_o his_o friend_n word_n it_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o eleven_o and_o twelve_o letter_n of_o his_o foresay_a book_n and_o because_o that_o be_v a_o distinct_a subject_n of_o itself_o and_o of_o more_o consequence_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n than_o those_o nice_a dispute_n of_o criticism_n with_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v in_o follow_v mr._n simon_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o volume_n i_o have_v therefore_o think_v fit_a to_o translate_v those_o two_o letter_n into_o english_a they_o be_v the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o five_o and_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o publish_n of_o that_o volume_n of_o letter_n produce_v a_o answer_n from_o mr._n simon_n or_o the_o prior_n of_o bolleville_n as_o he_o call_v himself_o and_o further_o give_v opportunity_n to_o the_o author_n to_o learn_v from_o several_a hand_n whatsoever_o be_v object_v most_o material_o by_o other_o against_o the_o forementioned_a scheme_n which_o he_o have_v publish_v in_o his_o friend_n word_n this_o afford_v he_o occasion_n in_o reply_v to_o the_o prior_n of_o bolleville_n to_o insert_v a_o further_a explanation_n and_o defence_n of_o that_o scheme_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o author_n as_o also_o to_o justify_v himself_o for_o have_v publish_v it_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o remove_v the_o great_a popular_a objection_n arise_v from_o a_o jealousy_n lest_o that_o system_n of_o mr._n n_n shall_v prejudice_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o say_v it_o prompt_v he_o to_o answer_v that_o objection_n by_o give_v a_o solid_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o interess_v it_o in_o this_o controversy_n this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o nine_o ten_o and_o eleven_o letter_n of_o his_o second_o book_n entitle_v a_o defence_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o be_v the_o three_o last_o of_o these_o follow_v five_o i_o have_v translate_v they_o all_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v at_o once_o have_v a_o full_a view_n both_o of_o mr._n n_n opinion_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o forementioned_a system_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o of_o the_o answer_n he_o give_v to_o those_o objection_n and_o of_o the_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o all_o in_o settle_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o basis_n not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o learned_a be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v insuperable_a this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o premonish_v the_o reader_n upon_o this_o subject_a only_o if_o in_o the_o perusal_n of_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o letter_n any_o one_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o condemn_v i_o for_o publish_v thing_n of_o this_o nice_a concernment_n in_o our_o language_n i_o entreat_v he_o to_o suspend_v his_o censare_n till_o he_o have_v read_v the_o rest_n and_o as_o he_o go_v along_o to_o apply_v unto_o i_o the_o author_n apology_n our_o case_n be_v the_o same_o and_o i_o think_v he_o have_v say_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a upon_o it_o in_o a_o word_n we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o so_o much_o light_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o now_o as_o at_o all_o time_n unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o such_o sacred_a truth_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o to_o build_v they_o upon_o unsound_a principle_n or_o defend_v they_o by_o sophistical_a argument_n but_o it_o be_v also_o vain_a to_o attempt_v it_o because_o impossible_a to_o execute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o implicit_a faith_n have_v lose_v its_o vogue_n every_o man_n will_v judge_n for_o himself_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v himself_o so_o near_o as_o these_o do_v and_o nothing_o be_v now_o admit_v for_o truth_n that_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o solid_a reason_n let_v not_o therefore_o any_o simple-hearted_n pious_a person_n be_v scandalize_v at_o these_o disquisition_n they_o be_v not_o calculate_v for_o their_o use_n but_o they_o be_v absolute_o needful_a for_o many_o other_o who_o be_v more_o curious_a and_o less_o religious_a and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n useful_a to_o the_o propagation_n and_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o such_o be_v the_o strong_a hope_n and_o hearty_a desire_n of_o the_o translator_n the_o first_o letter_n you_o be_v desirous_a sir_n that_o i_o shall_v inform_v you_o more_o particular_o about_o the_o thought_n of_o mr._n n._n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o you_o ask_v i_o if_o our_o friend_n do_v not_o suspect_v he_o to_o be_v taint_v with_o deism_n he_o that_o give_v i_o the_o essay_n which_o i_o send_v you_o tell_v i_o nothing_o of_o his_o other_o opinion_n nor_o of_o his_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o for_o his_o thought_n concern_v that_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o the_o sacred_a penman_n receive_v from_o god_n it_o be_v conceive_v that_o from_o thence_o he_o can_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v a_o deist_n it_o be_v presume_v on_o the_o contrary_a without_o enter_v into_o the_o examination_n of_o what_o he_o say_v that_o he_o believe_v by_o this_o method_n he_o better_a answer_v the_o objection_n which_o the_o deist_n and_o atheist_n have_v use_v to_o make_v against_o the_o style_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o this_o essay_n that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v of_o their_o opinion_n we_o ought_v not_o always_o to_o measure_v or_o judge_v of_o the_o extent_n of_o any_o man_n thought_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o explain_n or_o defend_v they_o as_o if_o all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o defend_v well_o their_o religion_n be_v man_n of_o ill_a design_n that_o only_o seem_o defend_v in_o order_n to_o destroy_v it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o impious_a vannini_fw-la design_v to_o show_v there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o make_v as_o if_o he_o will_v prove_v there_o be_v one_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o all_o other_o do_v the_o same_o who_o defend_v or_o oppose_v weak_o any_o opinion_n otherwise_o we_o must_v believe_v many_o writer_n both_o catholic_n
of_o particular_a write_n of_o divers_a prophet_n to_o who_o the_o author_n at_o every_o turn_n refer_v the_o reader_n last_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o historian_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o inspire_v by_o the_o contradiction_n that_o be_v find_v in_o several_a circumstance_n of_o their_o history_n the_o evangelist_n agree_v perfect_o among_o themselves_o in_o what_o concern_v the_o main_a of_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o disagree_v a_o clear_a proof_n that_o every_o particular_a be_v not_o inspire_v for_o although_o the_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o differ_v be_v thing_n of_o small_a consequence_n yet_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v dictate_v all_o to_o they_o as_o be_v pretend_v they_o will_v perfect_o agree_v in_o every_o thing_n these_o circumstance_n be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o god_n as_o the_o main_a of_o the_o history_n for_o example_n st._n matthew_n say_v that_o judas_n repent_v that_o he_o have_v deliver_v our_o lord_n to_o the_o jew_n throw_v the_o money_n into_o the_o temple_n that_o go_v away_o he_o hang_v himself_o and_o that_o the_o priest_n have_v gather_v up_o the_o money_n buy_v therewith_o a_o field_n st._n luke_n in_o the_o act_n bring_v in_o peter_n say_v that_o judas_n after_o have_v purchase_v a_o field_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o iniquity_n fall_v headlong_o burst_v asunder_o in_o the_o midst_n insomuch_o that_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o here_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n which_o the_o learned_a in_o vain_a endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o such_o like_a but_o this_o you_o will_v say_v lessen_v very_o much_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o evangelist_n for_o if_o they_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n who_o will_v secure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o every_o thing_n i_o answer_v to_o that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o grotius_n autoritas_fw-la even_o this_v itself_o ought_v to_o free_v these_o writer_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o deceit_n for_o those_o who_o testify_v falsehood_n use_v so_o to_o agree_v their_o story_n that_o there_o may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o difference_n but_o if_o because_o of_o any_o small_a disagreement_n although_o it_o can_v not_o be_v reconcile_v whole_a book_n shall_v lose_v their_o credit_n than_o no_o book_n especial_o of_o history_n will_v deserve_v to_o be_v believe_v whereas_o the_o authority_n of_o polybius_n and_o halicarnassensis_n and_o livy_n and_o plutarch_n in_o who_o such_o thing_n be_v find_v as_o to_o the_o main_n stand_v firm_a among_o we_o st._n chrysostom_n also_o in_o his_o first_o homily_n on_o st._n matthew_n very_o plain_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n permit_v the_o apostle_n to_o fall_v into_o these_o little_a contrariety_n that_o we_o may_v see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v to_o feign_v a_o history_n at_o pleasure_n and_o that_o we_o may_v more_o ready_o believe_v they_o in_o the_o main_a of_o the_o history_n when_o a_o man_n have_v see_v most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o those_o he_o can_v hardly_o be_v deceive_v but_o he_o may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v in_o some_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o see_v we_o may_v yet_o add_v a_o five_o proof_n which_o grotius_n afford_v we_o in_o his_o note_n on_o that_o part_n of_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o late_o cite_v it_o be_v that_o the_o evangelist_n in_o set_v down_o a_o certain_a time_n do_v not_o determine_v it_o exact_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o so_o precise_o that_o they_o can_v set_v down_o the_o number_n of_o day_n or_o month_n see_v luke_n i._n 56._o iii_o 23._o john_n ii_o 6._o vi_o 10_o 19_o xix_o 14._o you_o find_v in_o those_o place_n about_o a_o certain_a time_n or_o about_o a_o certain_a number_n which_o show_v evident_o that_o the_o history_n be_v not_o dictate_v immediate_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o know_v exact_o the_o number_n and_o the_o time_n that_o be_v in_o question_n it_o be_v clear_a then_o in_o my_o judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o inspire_a nor_o by_o consequence_n the_o word_n which_o be_v less_o considerable_a than_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o certain_a term_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o a_o certain_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v little_a matter_n what_o word_n we_o make_v use_v of_o provide_v we_o go_v not_o astray_o from_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o who_o read_v the_o original_n be_v in_o no_o better_a way_n of_o be_v save_v than_o those_o that_o can_v read_v only_o the_o translation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o translation_n so_o false_a but_o that_o take_v in_o gross_a it_o express_v clear_o enough_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o all_o christian_n have_v learn_v hebrew_n and_o greek_a which_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o we_o shall_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n almost_o all_o those_o who_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o our_o western_a part_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o that_o providence_n also_o which_o have_v preserve_v we_o these_o holy_a book_n to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n so_o many_o age_n after_o the_o death_n of_o those_o that_o write_v they_o have_v preserve_v inviolable_o nothing_o but_o the_o sense_n it_o have_v suffer_v man_n to_o put_v in_o synonimous_a word_n one_o for_o another_o and_o not_o hinder_v the_o slip_n in_o of_o a_o great_a many_o variety_n little_a considerable_a as_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o remarkable_a as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o order_n there_o be_v in_o st._n matthew_n for_o example_n more_o than_o a_o thousand_o divers_a readins_n in_o less_o than_o eleven_o hundred_o verse_n but_o whereof_o there_o be_v not_o perhaps_o fifty_o that_o can_v make_v any_o change_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o that_o change_v too_o be_v but_o in_o thing_n of_o little_a importance_n to_o piety_n if_o god_n have_v think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o inspire_v into_o the_o sacred_a historian_n the_o term_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v he_o will_v undoubted_o have_v take_v more_o care_n to_o preserve_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o he_o design_v principal_o to_o preserve_v the_o sense_n thus_o then_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o thing_n have_v be_v inspire_v into_o those_o who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o sacred_a history_n although_o in_o the_o main_a that_o history_n be_v very_o true_a in_o the_o principal_a fact_n it_o may_v be_v that_o in_o certain_a circumstance_n little_a considerable_a there_o may_v be_v some_o fault_n as_o appear_v sufficient_o by_o the_o contradictory_n passage_n it_o be_v ture_n that_o some_o have_v strain_v themselves_o to_o reconcile_v those_o passage_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v but_o it_o be_v after_o so_o violent_a and_o constrain_v a_o fashion_n and_o there_o be_v such_o divers_a opinion_n about_o these_o reconciliation_n that_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o thing_n never_o so_o little_a without_o prejudice_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o learned_a trouble_n themselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o that_o they_o will_v do_v much_o better_a to_o confess_v ingenuous_o that_o there_o be_v some_o contradiction_n in_o thing_n of_o small_a importance_n nay_o further_o i_o know_v some_o that_o believe_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o jewish_a history_n without_o distinction_n for_o true_a history_n they_o pertend_v we_o ought_v to_o except_v the_o book_n of_o esther_n and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o assuerus_n of_o who_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n speak_v be_v ochus_n that_o reign_v after_o artaxerxes_n mnemon_n this_o book_n will_v have_v be_v write_v at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o there_o be_v no_o prophet_n in_o israel_n but_o although_o mr._n cappel_n pretend_v that_o achasueros_n be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o conjecture_n be_v not_o unquestionable_a they_o pretend_v also_o that_o this_o history_n have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o history_n make_v at_o pleasure_n i_o shall_v not_o examine_v that_o at_o present_a but_o however_o it_o be_v it_o be_v no_o heresy_n to_o reject_v a_o book_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n as_o neither_o be_v it_o to_o reject_v one_o of_o our_o own_o at_o least_o the_o protestant_n have_v not_o call_v a_o lutheran_n a_o heretic_n for_o have_v say_v that_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n be_v a_o epistola_fw-la epistle_n of_o straw_n no_o more_o than_o they_o have_v many_o of_o the_o learned_a for_o not_o receive_v the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n which_o a_o famous_a critic_n style_v scaliger_n a_o fiction_n of_o some_o ancient_a christian_n misemploy_v his_o