veneration_n when_o genesis_n be_v write_v and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o true_a and_o clear_a answer_n because_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o forecited_a text_n of_o exodus_fw-la that_o god_n be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o his_o name_n jehovah_n and_o because_o also_o in_o exod._n chap._n 3._o v._n 13._o moses_n desire_v to_o know_v god_n name_n which_o must_v have_v be_v know_v to_o he_o have_v it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n before_o he_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o faithful_a patriarch_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o gift_n not_o a_o command_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o particular_a that_o god_n require_v from_o man_n by_o his_o prophet_n no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love_n that_o be_v those_o attribute_n which_o man_n in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o live_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n imitate_v which_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n in_o express_a word_n declare_v for_o chap._n 20._o v._n 15_o 16._o speak_v of_o king_n josiah_n he_o say_v do_v not_o thy_o father_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n and_o then_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o he_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o needy_a than_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n nor_o be_v those_o word_n less_o clear_a chap._n 9_o v._n 24._o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o exercise_v love_a kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n we_o have_v a_o further_a proof_n exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6._o where_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v and_o know_v god_n god_n reveal_v no_o other_o attribute_n to_o he_o but_o such_o as_o declare_v his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love._n last_o how_o express_v in_o the_o point_n be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n john_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n because_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v god_n he_o make_v god_n know_v only_o by_o love_n and_o conclude_v that_o he_o know_v god_n and_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o who_o have_v charity_n we_o see_v then_o that_o moses_n jeremy_n and_o john_n comprise_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v in_o that_o only_a wherein_o we_o say_v it_o be_v comprehend_v namely_o in_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v superlative_o just_a and_o merciful_a and_o the_o only_a pattern_n of_o a_o good_a life_n the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o give_v any_o express_a and_o positive_a definition_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v it_o prescribe_v any_o other_o attribute_n to_o be_v imitate_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o but_o those_o we_o have_v name_v nor_o be_v those_o express_o commend_v as_o attribute_n so_o that_o from_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o intellectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o consider_v god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n which_o nature_n no_o man_n can_v by_o any_o certain_a course_n of_o life_n imitate_v or_o take_v for_o his_o pattern_n do_v not_o at_o all_o teach_v a_o man_n how_o to_o live_v well_o neither_o do_v it_o concern_v a_o man_n faith_n or_o reveal_v religion_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v infinite_o mistake_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o offend_v god._n let_v we_o not_o wonder_v then_o that_o god_n apply_v himself_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o preconceive_a opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o faithful_a believer_n have_v different_a opinion_n of_o god_n as_o by_o many_o instance_n we_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n nor_o let_v any_o man_n wonder_n that_o the_o sacred_a volume_n do_v every_o where_o speak_v so_o improper_o of_o god_n ascribe_v to_o he_o hand_n foot_n eye_n ear_n mind_n local_a motion_n yea_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n say_v he_o be_v jealous_a merciful_a etc._n etc._n and_o sometime_o set_v he_o out_o as_o a_o judge_n sit_v in_o heaven_n on_o a_o regal_a throne_n and_o christ_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n all_o which_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o the_o scripture_n intend_v to_o make_v obedient_a but_o not_o learned_a of_o these_o thing_n whatever_o ordinary_a profess_a divine_n have_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n discover_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o will_v have_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o that_o which_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n must_v be_v take_v literal_o if_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n must_v be_v take_v and_o understand_v metaphorical_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v for_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a common_a people_n but_o for_o the_o learned_a and_o especial_o for_o philosopher_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v sin_n pious_o and_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n to_o believe_v those_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o sacred_a volume_n have_v in_o the_o letter_n ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o prophet_n consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o common_a people_n understanding_n aught_o to_o have_v be_v very_o wary_a and_o careful_a what_o phrase_n and_o expression_n they_o use_v and_o shall_v have_v clear_o and_o plain_o which_o be_v no_o where_o do_v declare_v those_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v that_o opinion_n consider_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o without_o respect_n to_o a_o man_n work_n have_v any_o piety_n or_o impiety_n in_o they_o but_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v godly_a or_o ungodly_a in_o his_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o obedience_n or_o those_o that_o encourage_v he_o to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n though_o he_o right_o and_o true_o believe_v be_v stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a his_o faith_n be_v evil_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o yet_o live_v well_o his_o faith_n be_v good_a for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o precept_n but_o a_o divine_a gift_n and_o god_n never_o require_v from_o man_n any_o other_o knowledge_n than_o that_o of_o his_o divine_a love_n and_o justice_n which_o knowledge_n be_v necessary_a only_o to_o obedience_n not_o to_o science_n chap._n fourteen_o what_o be_v faith._n who_o be_v believer_n the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n state_v faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n or_o reason_n to_o understand_v true_o what_o faith_n be_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v not_o only_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o inconstant_a mutable_a vulgar_a people_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n of_o which_o no_o person_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o will_v but_o a_o little_a consider_v and_o observe_v the_o scripture_n he_o that_o will_v take_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v promiscuous_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v that_o universal_a positive_a doctrine_n whereby_o god_n be_v to_o be_v know_v can_v never_o right_o discern_v what_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a people_n opinion_n must_v take_v human_a fiction_n and_o fancy_n for_o heavenly_a instruction_n and_o consequent_o very_o much_o abuse_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n authority_n who_o do_v not_o plain_o see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n we_o have_v so_o many_o sectary_n who_o maintain_v their_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o be_v all_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o confirm_v by_o many_o scripture_n proof_n so_o that_o it_o be_v become_v a_o dutch_a proverb_n geen_n ketter_n sunder_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o sectary_n or_o heretic_n but_o have_v a_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o maintain_v his_o opinion_n the_o sacred_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o all_o write_v by_o one_o person_n nor_o for_o the_o people_n of_o one_o age_n but_o by_o divers_a person_n of_o different_a disposition_n and_o for_o the_o people_n of_o several_a age_n distant_a in_o time_n from_o one_o another_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n by_o some_o computation_n many_o more_o we_o do_v not_o charge_v these_o sectary_n with_o impiety_n for_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o opinion_n as_o heretofore_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o one_o to_o apply_v scripture_n to_o his_o own_o opinion_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o
wrought_v upon_o his_o fancy_n for_o be_v thrice_o call_v samuel_n still_o think_v it_o be_v by_o ely_n the_o voice_n which_o abimelech_n hear_v be_v imaginary_a for_o it_o say_v gen._n chap._n 20._o v._n 6_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n and_o therefore_o abimelech_n not_o wake_v but_o in_o his_o sleep_n the_o time_n when_o the_o fancy_n be_v natural_o most_o apt_a to_o imagine_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a impression_n of_o god_n will_v upon_o his_o imagination_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o jew_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o decalogue_n be_v not_o vocal_o pronounce_v by_o god_n but_o that_o the_o israelite_n only_o hear_v a_o noise_n which_o do_v not_o articulate_o form_v word_n but_o that_o the_o people_n during_o the_o noise_n mental_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o the_o decalogue_n which_o be_v once_o also_o my_o own_o opinion_n because_o i_o find_v the_o word_n of_o the_o decalogue_n in_o exodus_fw-la to_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o the_o decalogue_n in_o deutronomy_n whence_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o follow_v see_v god_n speak_v but_o once_o that_o the_o decalogue_n be_v not_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o contain_v the_o sense_n or_o signification_n of_o his_o will._n but_o unless_o we_o will_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o israelite_n do_v hear_v a_o real_a and_o true_a voice_n for_o the_o 4_o the_o vers_n of_o the_o 5_o the_o chap._n of_o deut._n say_v the_o lord_n talk_v with_o you_o face_n to_o face_n in_o the_o mount_n that_o be_v as_o two_o man_n use_v personal_o and_o corporal_o to_o communicate_v their_o conception_n one_o to_o another_o therefore_o it_o seem_v much_o more_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n that_o god_n do_v real_o create_v a_o voice_n by_o which_o he_o reveal_v the_o decalogue_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o word_n of_o the_o two_o decalogue_n vary_v may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o 8_o the_o follow_a chapter_n of_o this_o book_n yet_o that_o neither_o full_o solve_v the_o doubt_n for_o it_o seem_v very_o irrational_a to_o conclude_v that_o any_o thing_n create_v by_o and_o depend_v on_o god_n as_o all_o other_o create_v being_n do_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o express_v or_o expound_v the_o essence_n or_o existence_n of_o god_n personal_o viz._n by_o say_v in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n though_o where_o a_o man_n say_v with_o his_o mouth_n i_o understand_v yet_o no_o body_n think_v it_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o that_o man_n but_o his_o mind_n that_o understand_v but_o because_o the_o mouth_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o man_n that_o say_v it_o and_o the_o person_n also_o to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v know_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o intellect_n he_o easy_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o speak_a person_n by_o a_o comparative_a consideration_n of_o himself_o but_o they_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n but_o his_o mere_a name_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o speak_v that_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o his_o existence_n how_o can_v they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o request_n by_o any_o creature_n say_v i_o be_o thy_o god_n when_o that_o creature_n which_o say_v so_o do_v no_o more_o resemble_v god_n nor_o belong_v to_o his_o nature_n than_o any_o other_o creature_n do_v what_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v frame_v the_o lip_n of_o moses_n yea_o of_o any_o beast_n to_o have_v articulat_o pronounce_v and_o speak_v those_o word_n i_o be_o thy_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v thereby_o have_v understand_v the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n seem_v plain_o to_o declare_v that_o god_n himself_o speak_v and_o for_o that_o end_n descend_v from_o heaven_n down_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n hear_v he_o speak_v but_o also_o the_o noble_n and_o elder_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 24_o the_o c._n of_o ex._n neither_o do_v the_o law_n reveal_v to_o moses_n to_o or_o from_o which_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v or_o take_v away_o and_o be_v the_o establish_v law_n of_o the_o country_n ever_o command_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a and_o to_o have_v no_o shape_n or_o figure_n but_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o shall_v worship_v he_o only_o and_o that_o the_o jew_n may_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o worship_n he_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o fancy_v or_o make_v any_o likeness_n or_o image_n of_o he_o for_o since_o they_o have_v never_o see_v any_o likeness_n of_o god_n they_o can_v make_v no_o image_n which_o will_v resemble_v god_n but_o necessary_o some_o other_o creature_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o so_o bestow_v the_o worship_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o creature_n the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v god_n to_o have_v figure_n and_o that_o moses_n when_o he_o hear_v god_n speak_v happen_v to_o see_v it_o though_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o his_o back_n part_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o hide_a mystery_n of_o which_o we_o will_v hereafter_o speak_v more_o at_o large_a i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o quote_v those_o place_n which_o declare_v the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o decree_n to_o men._n that_o revelation_n may_v happen_v only_o by_o sign_n or_o figure_n be_v plain_a by_o the_o 21_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o chron._n where_o god_n declare_v his_o anger_n to_o david_n by_o a_o angel_n hold_v a_o draw_a sword_n in_o his_o hand_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o balaam_n and_o though_o maimonides_n and_o some_o other_o will_v have_v it_o think_v that_o in_o this_o story_n and_o all_o other_o which_o relate_v the_o appear_v of_o angel_n as_o to_o manoah_n and_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o will_v have_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n the_o apparition_n be_v always_o in_o sleep_n not_o that_o any_o man_n broad_a wake_n be_v able_a to_o see_v a_o angel_n yet_o they_o talk_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o mind_v nothing_o else_o but_o strain_v scripture_n to_o countenance_n aristotle_n and_o their_o own_o idle_a figment_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a god_n reveal_v to_o joseph_n his_o future_a dominion_n by_o image_n that_o be_v not_o real_a and_o external_a but_o internal_a and_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n by_o sign_n and_o word_n god_n reveal_v to_o josua_n that_o he_o will_v fight_v for_o the_o israelite_n by_o show_v to_o he_o a_o angel_n with_o a_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n as_o captain_z of_o the_o host_n and_o by_o word_n also_o which_o josua_n hear_v from_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v represent_v to_o isaiah_n by_o figure_n chap._n 6._o that_o god_n providence_n will_v desert_v the_o people_n by_o imagine_v the_o most_o holy_a god_n on_o a_o very_a high_a throne_n and_o the_o israelite_n pollute_v and_o plunge_v in_o the_o filth_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o god_n by_o which_o sign_n he_o understand_v the_o present_a miserable_a state_n of_o the_o people_n but_o their_o future_a calamity_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o word_n speak_v as_o it_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o of_o this_o kind_n i_o can_v bring_v many_o example_n out_o of_o sacred_a writ_n be_v they_o not_o so_o general_o know_v to_o all_o but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o clear_o prove_v by_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o the_o 12_o the_o chap._n numb_a v_o 6_o 7._o if_o there_o be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v myself_o know_v to_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n that_o be_v by_o sign_n and_o hieroglyphic_n but_o as_o for_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v vision_n without_o sign_n and_o will_v make_v myself_o know_v to_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n that_o be_v not_o in_o a_o true_a real_a voice_n and_o word_n but_o to_o my_o servant_n moses_n not_o so_o with_o he_o will_v i_o speak_v mouth_n to_o mouth_n even_o apparent_o and_o not_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v he_o behold_v that_o be_v behold_v i_o as_o a_o friend_n and_o companion_n speak_v to_o i_o without_o fear_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 33._o chap._n of_o exod._n v._n 11._o therefore_o without_o doubt_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o hear_v a_o true_a and_o real_a voice_n which_o yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o 34._o chap._n of_o deu._n v._n 10._o and_o there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o in_o israel_n like_v unto_o moses_n who_o the_o lord_n know_v face_n to_o face_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v by_o voice_n only_o for_o moses_n himself_o as_o the_o 33._o chap._n of_o exod._n plain_o declare_v do_v never_o
after_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o evil_n that_o be_v to_o seek_v after_o good_a for_o good_a be_v sake_n and_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o evil_n for_o he_o that_o doth-good_a as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o know_v and_o love_v what_o be_v good_a do_v it_o with_o a_o free_a and_o constant_a mind_n but_o he_o that_o be_v compel_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a be_v force_v by_o punishment_n act_n like_o a_o slave_n and_o life_n under_o the_o command_n of_o another_o and_o therefore_o that_o one_o thing_n which_o god_n command_v adam_n comprehend_v all_o the_o divine_a natural_a law_n and_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n now_o will_v it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n from_o this_o very_a principle_n to_o unfold_v the_o whole_a history_n or_o parable_n of_o the_o first_o man_n but_o i_o pass_v it_o by_o because_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a whether_o my_o explication_n will_v agree_v with_o the_o writer_n meaning_n and_o because_o many_o will_v have_v the_o history_n to_o be_v no_o parable_n but_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a narration_n it_o will_v therefore_o be_v better_a to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n those_o especial_o of_o which_o he_o be_v author_n who_o in_o strength_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n exceed_v the_o wise_a of_o his_o age_n and_o who_o saying_n the_o people_n count_v as_o sacred_a as_o they_o do_v those_o of_o the_o prophet_n i_o mean_v solomon_n who_o prophecy_n and_o piety_n be_v not_o so_o much_o commend_v in_o scripture_n as_o his_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n he_o in_o his_o proverb_n call_v human_a understanding_n the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o place_v misfortune_n only_o in_o folly_n for_o he_o say_v chap._n 16._o v._n 22._o understanding_n be_v a_o wellspring_n of_o life_n to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o but_o the_o punishment_n of_o fool_n be_v their_o folly_n where_o we_o be_v to_o note_v that_o by_o the_o word_n life_n in_o the_o hebrew_n be_v signify_v happy_a life_n as_o appear_v deut._n chap._n 30._o v._n 10._o i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n and_o he_o therefore_o derive_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n from_o knowledge_n and_o punishment_n from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o which_o express_o agree_v with_o what_o we_o observe_v in_o the_o four_o place_n concern_v the_o divine_a natural_a law_n but_o that_o this_o fountain_n of_o life_n the_o understanding_n prescribe_v law_n to_o the_o wise_a be_v prove_v by_o prov._n chap._n 13._o v._n 14._o the_o law_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v a_o fountain_n of_o life_n that_o be_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o forecited_n text_n the_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n moreover_o chap._n 3._o v._n 13._o it_o be_v say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o uuderstanding_n and_o wisdom_n make_v a_o man_n happy_a and_o give_v he_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o mind_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n tbat_n find_v wisdom_n and_o the_o man_n that_o get_v understanding_n and_o v_o 16_o 17._o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n which_o wisdom_n point_v out_o be_v peace_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o solomon_n then_o only_o wise_a man_n live_v quiet_o and_o happy_o not_o as_o the_o wicked_a who_o mind_n be_v disturb_v and_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o contrary_a passion_n and_o affection_n so_o that_o as_o isaiah_n say_v chap._n 47._o v._n 20_o 21._o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a last_o in_o the_o proverb_n that_o which_o clear_o confirm_v this_o opinion_n be_v what_o he_o say_v chap._n 2._o v._n 3._o if_o thou_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_a up_o thy_o voice_n for_o understanding_n than_o v_o 5._o thou_o shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god._n or_o rather_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o hebrew_n word_n jadah_n signify_v both_o for_o verse_n the_o 6_o the_o which_o observe_v well_o the_o lord_n give_v wisdom_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n come_v knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n which_o word_n clear_o declare_v first_o that_o only_a understanding_n and_o wisdom_n teach_v we_o to_o fear_n god_n prudent_o i_z e_z to_o serve_v he_o true_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o right_o next_o that_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n flow_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o be_v give_v by_o god_n that_o be_v our_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n depend_v upon_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v only_o perfect_v by_o the_o idea_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n solomon_n go_v on_o and_o in_o the_o 9_o the_o verse_n show_v that_o in_o and_o from_o this_o knowledge_n be_v continue_v and_o derive_v the_o science_n of_o true_a morality_n and_o policy_n then_o shall_v thou_o understand_v righteousness_n judgement_n and_o equity_n yea_o every_o good_a thing_n and_o verse_n the_o 10_o the_o when_o wisdom_n shall_v enter_v into_o thy_o heart_n and_o knowledge_n be_v pleasant_a to_o thy_o soul_n verse_n the_o 11_o the_o discretion_n shall_v preserve_v thou_o understanding_n shall_v keep_v thou_o all_o which_o expression_n plain_o agree_v with_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o teach_v we_o morality_n and_o true_a virtue_n after_o we_o have_v gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n and_o taste_v the_o excellency_n of_o understanding_n the_o happiness_n and_o tranquillity_n therefore_o of_o a_o man_n that_o improve_v his_o natural_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n do_v not_o in_o solomon_n opinion_n chief_o depend_v upon_o fortune_n that_o be_v god_n external_a assistance_n but_o upon_o his_o own_o internal_a virtue_n and_o faculty_n that_o be_v god_n internal_a aid_n because_o by_o watch_v work_a and_o well_o consider_v he_o preserve_v himself_o last_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul._n rom._n chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 20._o be_v very_o worthy_a of_o our_o notice_n where_o according_a to_o tremelius_n version_n of_o the_o siriack_a text_n he_o say_v the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o external_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n by_o which_o word_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o all_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n may_v understand_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a divinity_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o know_v and_o conjecture_v what_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v and_o pursue_v and_o what_o they_o be_v to_o avoid_v and_o so_o conclude_v that_o all_o be_v without_o excuse_n and_o can_v pretend_v ignorance_n which_o they_o may_v very_o well_o if_o he_o speak_v of_o supernatural_a knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o bodily_a passion_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n therefore_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o 24_o the_o verse_n and_o say_v god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o uncleanness_n through_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n describe_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o vice_n of_o ignorance_n which_o vice_n he_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o ignorance_n agree_v with_o that_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n mention_v chap._n 16._o v._n 22._o the_o punishment_n of_o fool_n be_v their_o folly_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n paul_n say_v evil_a doer_n be_v inexcusable_a for_o as_o every_o man_n sow_v so_o shall_v he_o reap_v evil_a unless_o wisdom_n prevent_v necessary_o bring_v forth_o evil_a the_o scripture_n therefore_o express_o commend_v natural_a knowledge_n and_o the_o divine_a natural_a law_n so_o that_o i_o have_v do_v with_o what_o i_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n chap._n v._o the_o reason_n why_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v to_o what_o end_n and_o tow_n hom_n the_o belief_n of_o scripture-history_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o make_v man_n happy_a and_o teach_v the_o right_a way_n of_o live_v be_v universal_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o we_o have_v so_o derive_v it_o from_o human_a nature_n that_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o as_o it_o be_v engrave_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o because_o ceremony_n those_o at_o lest_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v only_o institute_v for_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o fit_v to_o their_o government_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o their_o public_a assembly_n though_o not_o by_o every_o individual_a person_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a law_n nor_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o make_v man_n happy_a or_o
always_o particular_o express_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o they_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o 14_o the_o chap._n of_o exod._n v._n 27._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o only_o upon_o the_o stretch_n out_o of_o moses_n hand_n the_o sea_n return_v again_o to_o its_o full_a strength_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o wind_n yet_o in_o the_o 15_o chap._n of_o exod._n call_v moses_n song_n v._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v thou_o do_v blow_v with_o thy_o wind_n that_o be_v a_o strong_a wind_n and_o the_o sea_n cover_v they_o so_o that_o this_o circumstance_n be_v omit_v in_o the_o story_n to_o make_v the_o miracle_n appear_v the_o great_a but_o some_o will_v urge_v that_o we_o find_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o can_v in_o appearance_n be_v explain_v by_o natural_a cause_n as_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o earth_n barrenness_n and_o man_n prayer_n the_o cause_n of_o its_o fertility_n that_o faith_n may_v give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n record_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o give_v answer_n in_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o next_o immediate_a cause_n but_o only_o relate_v thing_n in_o that_o order_n and_o express_v they_o in_o such_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o stir_v man_n up_o especial_o the_o multitude_n to_o devotion_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n speak_v many_o time_n very_o improper_o of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n it_o treat_v of_o not_o so_o much_o to_o convince_v our_o reason_n as_o to_o affect_v and_o possess_v our_o mind_n and_o our_o imagination_n if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v relate_v the_o destruction_n of_o any_o empire_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o historian_n and_o politician_n use_v to_o do_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o common_a people_n but_o when_o the_o overthrow_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v poetical_o describe_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n own_o hand_n how_o strange_o be_v man_n move_v with_o it_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o earth_n be_v barren_a or_o that_o blind_a man_n be_v restore_v to_o sight_n by_o faith_n it_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o do_v those_o other_o say_n that_o god_n be_v angry_a or_o grieve_v with_o our_o sin_n that_o he_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v or_o intend_v and_o that_o god_n by_o see_v a_o sign_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o promise_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v speak_v poetical_o or_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o writer_n so_o that_o we_o absolute_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o have_v happen_v do_v happen_v as_o all_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v any_o thing_n record_v which_o by_o plain_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o impossible_a to_o follow_v from_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v insert_v by_o sacrilegious_a man_n for_o whatever_o be_v against_o nature_n be_v against_o reason_n and_o whatever_o be_v against_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o absurd_a nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o only_o to_o say_v somewhat_o of_o interpret_n miracle_n or_o rather_o to_o recollect_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o illustrate_v it_o by_o some_o example_n which_o be_v the_o four_o particular_a i_o promise_v to_o treat_v of_o that_o no_o body_n by_o mistake_v a_o miracle_n may_v think_v there_o be_v something_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o man_n relate_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o naked_o and_o true_o but_o that_o to_o their_o relation_n they_o add_v somewhat_o of_o their_o own_o conceit_n yea_o when_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n unless_o they_o beware_v of_o their_o own_o preconceive_a opinion_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o prepossess_v that_o they_o will_v never_o right_o understand_v what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v especial_o if_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o spectator_n or_o relator_n and_o it_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n that_o the_o thing_n shall_v happen_v in_o that_o very_a manner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n in_o their_o history_n and_o chronicle_n rather_o vent_v their_o own_o opinion_n then_o make_v faithful_a relation_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v by_o two_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n shall_v be_v so_o diverse_o represent_v that_o it_o shall_v seem_v two_o different_a case_n so_o that_o oft_o time_n it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a by_o the_o very_a history_n to_o discover_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o historian_n to_o evidence_n this_o i_o may_v cite_v many_o philosopher_n who_o have_v write_a history_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o chronologeis_n but_o i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o only_a one_o mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n when_o the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v carry_v about_o the_o earth_n by_o a_o dyurnal_a motion_n and_o that_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o move_v at_o all_o they_o fit_v the_o miracle_n which_o happen_v when_o they_o fight_v against_o the_o five_o king_n according_a to_o this_o their_o preconceived_a opinion_n and_o do_v not_o say_v simple_o that_o the_o day_n be_v long_o than_o ordinary_a but_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n stand_v still_o or_o cease_v from_o motion_n which_o at_o that_o time_n serve_v as_o a_o very_a good_a argument_n to_o convince_v the_o heathen_a who_o worship_v the_o sun_n that_o their_o god_n the_o sun_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o deity_n who_o can_v at_o his_o pleasure_n make_v he_o change_v his_o course_n and_o therefore_o partly_o out_o of_o religion_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v they_o apprehend_v and_o relate_v the_o thing_n much_o otherwise_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o explain_v miracle_n and_o to_o understand_v by_o their_o relation_n how_o thing_n do_v true_o and_o real_o happen_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o first_o report_v the_o miracle_n or_o leave_v they_o in_o write_v and_o to_o distinguish_v their_o opinion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o by_o their_o sense_n else_o we_o may_v confound_v their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n with_o the_o miracle_n itself_o it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o know_v their_o opinion_n that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o real_o happen_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o imaginary_a and_o but_o prophetical_a revelation_n for_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v relate_v and_o believe_v as_o thing_n real_a which_o be_v but_o representation_n and_o mere_a imagination_n as_o that_o god_n the_o first_o and_o high_a of_o all_o being_n descend_v from_o heaven_n exod._n chap._n 19_o v._n 18._o deut._n chap._n 5._o v._n 23._o upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o that_o the_o mountain_n smoke_v because_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o fire_n we_o be_v likewise_o tell_v of_o eliahs_n go_v to_o heaven_n in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n with_o horse_n of_o fire_n all_o which_o be_v but_o representation_n suit_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o they_o who_o deliver_v to_o we_o those_o thing_n for_o reality_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o mere_a representation_n whoever_o be_v but_o little_o wise_a than_o the_o multitude_n know_v that_o god_n have_v neither_o right_a or_o left_a hand_n that_o he_o neither_o rest_v nor_o move_v that_o he_o be_v comprehensive_o in_o no_o place_n but_o be_v infinite_a and_o in_o he_o be_v contain_v all_o perfection_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v know_v to_o man_n who_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o perception_n of_o a_o pure_a understanding_n and_o not_o as_o their_o fancy_n be_v affect_v by_o their_o outward_a sense_n as_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v corporeal_a and_o imagine_v he_o exercise_v kingly_a dominion_n fancy_v his_o throne_n to_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o the_o star_n at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o and_o the_o like_a opinion_n many_o case_n in_o scripture_n be_v accommodate_v but_o yet_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v real_a by_o wise_a men._n true_o to_o understand_v how_o miracle_n happen_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o phrase_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n for_o he_o that_o be_v