be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v as_o he_o please_v and_o to_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v chap._n i._o concern_v prophecy_n prophesy_n or_o revelation_n be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n reveal_v to_o man_n by_o god_n and_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n who_o declare_v and_o expound_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o person_n that_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o revelation_n but_o must_v therefore_o only_o by_o mere_a faith_n receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o a_o prophet_n be_v by_o the_o jew_n call_v nabi_n that_o be_v a_o orator_n or_o interpreter_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o exodus_fw-la v._n 1_o sy_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n see_v i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o god_n to_o pharaoh_n and_o aron_n thy_o brother_n shall_v be_v thy_o prophet_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v aron_n by_o interpret_n to_o pharaoh_n what_o thou_o say_v shall_v act_n the_o part_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o thou_o the_o part_n of_o god._n we_o will_v speak_v of_o prophet_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n but_o in_o this_o only_a of_o prophecy_n it_o follow_v from_o the_o definition_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o it_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n may_v be_v call_v prophecy_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a decree_n but_o because_o this_o knowledge_n be_v natural_a to_o all_o mankind_n be_v found_v upon_o principle_n common_a to_o all_o man_n it_o be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o always_o affect_v thing_n rare_a and_o out_o of_o their_o road_n despise_v the_o gift_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o wherever_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n they_o total_o exclude_v natural_a which_o may_v with_o as_o much_o right_a be_v call_v divine_a as_o the_o other_o whatever_o it_o be_v see_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n of_o which_o we_o participate_v and_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n dictate_v it_o unto_o we_o neither_o do_v natural_a knowledge_n differ_v from_o that_o which_o man_n call_v divine_a but_o only_o because_o divine_a knowledge_n exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o natural_a and_o because_o the_o law_n of_o humane_a nature_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n but_o natural_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o certainty_n which_o it_o include_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v namely_o from_o god_n himself_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n give_v place_n to_o prophetical_a knowledge_n unless_o some_o will_v think_v or_o rather_o dream_n that_o the_o prophet_n have_v humane_a body_n but_o not_o humane_a soul_n and_o therefore_o their_o perception_n and_o knowledge_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o we_o but_o though_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v divine_a yet_o they_o that_o possess_v and_o propagate_v it_o can_v be_v call_v prophte_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o teach_v may_v with_o equal_a certainty_n and_o in_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n be_v apprehend_v and_o embrace_v by_o other_o as_o well_o as_o by_o themselves_o and_o that_o too_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o since_o therefore_o our_o mind_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o because_o it_o contain_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o its_o object_n and_o also_o participate_v thereof_o be_v able_a to_o form_n certain_a notion_n which_o explicate_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o use_n of_o life_n we_o may_v with_o reason_n conclude_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v what_o it_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v be_v the_o prime_a cause_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o nature_n dictate_v to_o we_o not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o a_o much_o more_o excellent_a manner_n and_o such_o as_o best_a suit_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o every_o one_o find_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n who_o have_v but_o taste_v what_o certain_a knowledge_n be_v but_o because_o my_o chief_n purpose_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o scripture_n that_o little_o i_o have_v say_v of_o natural_a knowledge_n shall_v suffice_v and_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o other_o cause_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n reveal_v to_o man_n those_o thing_n which_o do_v exceed_v and_o also_o those_o which_o do_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n for_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n god_n may_v by_o other_o way_n communicate_v to_o man_n of_o which_o now_o i_o will_v more_o full_o treat_v but_o whatsoever_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a aught_o to_o be_v fetch_v only_o from_o scripture_n for_o we_o can_v say_v no_o more_o of_o thing_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n then_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n and_o because_o we_o have_v not_o any_o prophet_n that_o i_o know_v in_o these_o our_o day_n all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v diligent_o to_o peruse_v the_o sacred_a volume_n which_o the_o prophet_n have_v leave_v we_o but_o still_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o we_o determine_v nothing_o positive_o of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n nor_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o which_o they_o have_v not_o plain_o speak_v and_o teach_v but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o use_v to_o make_v mention_n of_o mediate_v and_o particular_a cause_n nor_o ever_o regard_v they_o but_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n piety_n and_o devotion_n have_v always_o recourse_n to_o god_n for_o example_n if_o they_o get_v money_n by_o the_o trade_n of_o merchandize_v they_o say_v god_n give_v it_o if_o they_o earnest_o desire_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n they_o say_v god_n dispose_v their_o heart_n to_o it_o if_o they_o serious_o think_v on_o any_o thing_n they_o say_v it_o be_v declare_v to_o they_o by_o god_n so_o that_o every_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v god_n declare_v to_o any_o one_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o prophesy_v and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n but_o that_o only_a which_o the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v or_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o narration_n plain_o appear_v to_o be_v prophecy_n and_o revelation_n if_o then_o we_o run_v through_o all_o the_o sacred_a volume_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o figure_n and_o sign_n or_o else_o by_o both_o together_o and_o that_o the_o word_n and_o sign_n be_v either_o real_a and_o true_a without_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o hear_n and_o see_v prophet_n or_o but_o imaginary_a that_o be_v the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n even_o when_o he_o be_v awake_a be_v so_o dispose_v that_o he_o very_o think_v he_o hear_v word_n or_o see_v and_o behold_v some_o thing_n or_o sign_n god_n in_o a_o true_a and_o real_a voice_n revealed_z those_o law_n to_o moses_n which_o he_o prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 25_o the_o chap._n of_o exod._n v._n 22._o where_o he_o say_v and_o there_o will_v i_o meet_v with_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v commune_v with_o thou_o from_o above_o the_o mercy_n seat_n from_o between_o thou_o two_o cherubim_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o some_o real_a voice_n see_v moses_n wherever_o he_o please_v find_v god_n ready_a to_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o that_o only_o this_o voice_n by_o which_o the_o law_n be_v publish_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a voice_n i_o will_v present_o show_v one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o voice_n by_o which_o god_n call_v samuel_n be_v real_a because_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o sam._n the_o 3_o d._n chap._n and_o last_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n appear_v again_o in_o shiloh_n for_o the_o lord_n reveal_v himself_o to_o samuel_n in_o shiloh_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o appearance_n of_o god_n to_o samuel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o he_o by_o word_n or_o signify_v no_o more_o then_o that_o samuel_n hear_v god_n speak_v but_o because_o we_o be_v force_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o the_o voice_n hear_v by_o samuel_n be_v but_o imaginary_a because_o it_o be_v like_o the_o voice_n of_o ely_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o hear_v and_o therefore_o the_o soon_o
the_o 12_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n of_o zachary_n they_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant_n stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v send_v in_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o former_a prophet_n where_o spirit_n must_v signify_v mercy_n in_o this_o sense_n speak_v also_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n chap._n 2._o v._n 5._o loe_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v my_o grace_n and_o mercy_n remain_v among_o you_o fear_v you_o not_o isa._n chap._n 48._o v._n 16._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o spirit_n have_v send_v i_o there_o spirit_n may_v be_v understand_v to_o signify_v the_o will_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o his_o mind_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n for_o the_o prophet_n say_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v when_o he_o first_o come_v to_o declare_v god_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o they_o he_o speak_v not_o in_o secret_a from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v publish_v there_o be_v i_o but_o now_o i_o be_o a_o messenger_n of_o joy_n send_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o proclaim_v your_o restauration_n it_o may_v also_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v take_v for_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n that_o be_v he_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n levit._n chap._n 19_o v._n 17._o come_v to_o admonish_v they_o therefore_o under_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o warn_v as_o moses_n do_v and_o at_o last_o like_o moses_n end_n with_o predict_v their_o restauration_n but_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o first_o exposition_n seem_v the_o best_a to_o return_v to_o what_o be_v first_o intend_v by_o all_o these_o quotation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o follow_v plain_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god._n god_n pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o men._n man_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v some_o particular_a extraordinary_a virtue_n above_o other_o man_n and_o be_v person_n very_o eminent_a for_o their_o constant_a piety_n moreover_o that_o they_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signify_v both_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n yea_o the_o law_n because_o it_o make_v know_v god_n mind_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o it_o the_o decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v may_v likewise_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o though_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n be_v engrave_v on_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o to_o use_v the_o scripture_n phrase_n we_o also_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n it_o be_v very_o little_o esteem_v and_o the_o jew_n who_o value_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o nation_n extreme_o despise_v it_o because_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n last_o the_o prophet_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o man_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o only_o admire_v it_o but_o as_o they_o do_v all_o other_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o it_o we_o may_v then_o without_o any_o scruple_n affirm_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v no_o other_o way_n understand_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n then_o by_o the_o help_n of_o imagination_n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o word_n or_o sign_n and_o these_o either_o real_a or_o imaginary_a for_o see_v we_o find_v in_o scripture_n no_o other_o mean_n beside_o these_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suppose_v or_o fancy_v any_o other_o but_o by_o what_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v do_v i_o confess_v i_o be_o utter_o ignorant_a i_o may_v with_o other_o say_v it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o no_o more_o than_o if_o i_o shall_v by_o some_o unintelligible_a term_n express_v the_o form_n of_o any_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o therefore_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n and_o we_o very_o foolish_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v when_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n power_n but_o we_o have_v now_o no_o need_n of_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v we_o only_o endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o from_o thence_o as_o from_o the_o precept_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n but_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o scripture-doctrine_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v see_v then_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o help_n of_o imagination_n understand_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o perceive_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o natural_a understanding_n for_o from_o word_n and_o sign_n many_o more_o idea_n may_v be_v form_v then_o can_v be_v only_o out_o of_o those_o principle_n and_o notion_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v found_v hence_o it_o be_v evident_a why_o the_o prophet_n perceive_v and_o declare_v all_o thing_n parabolical_o and_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o express_v all_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o a_o corporal_a manner_n because_o that_o do_v better_a suit_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o imagination_n neither_o can_v we_o now_o wonder_v why_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o prophet_n speak_v so_o improper_o and_o obscure_o of_o the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o numb_a chap._n 11._o v._n 17._o i_o will_v come_v down_o and_o talk_v with_o thou_o there_o and_o i_o will_v take_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o put_v it_o on_o they_o likewise_o in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 11._o and_o zedekiah_n the_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n and_o he_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n with_o these_o shall_v thou_o push_v the_o syrian_n till_o thou_o have_v consume_v they_o michah_n see_v god_n sit_v daniel_n see_v he_o like_o a_o old_a man_n clothe_v in_o white_a garment_n ezekiel_n like_o fire_n and_o they_o who_o be_v with_o christ_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n the_o apostle_n like_o cleave_a tongue_n and_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n like_o a_o great_a light_n all_o which_o vision_n agree_v with_o those_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o spirit_n last_o because_o the_o imagination_n be_v wander_v and_o unconstant_a prophecy_n do_v not_o long_o continue_v with_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v it_o frequent_v but_o very_o rare_a and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o have_v it_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v how_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o perceive_v only_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n and_o not_o by_o the_o certain_a principle_n of_o mental_a knowledge_n but_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v this_o particular_a aught_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o scripture_n though_o as_o we_o have_v already_o confess_v we_o have_v no_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o can_v explain_v it_o by_o its_o first_o cause_n however_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v concern_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n wherein_o i_o resolve_v to_o treat_v of_o prophet_n chap._n ii_o of_o prophet_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o perfection_n of_o mind_n above_o other_o man_n but_o only_o with_o strength_n and_o vivacity_n of_o imagination_n which_o scripture-history_n abundant_o testify_v solomon_n excel_v all_o other_o in_o wisdom_n but_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n heman_n darda_fw-it kalcoll_n though_o man_n very_o wise_a yet_o be_v no_o prophet_n when_o plain_a countryman_n who_o have_v no_o learning_n yea_o woman_n as_o hagar_n abraham_n maid_n have_v that_o gift_n which_o be_v agreeable_a both_o to_o
law_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n be_v that_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n or_o definition_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o the_o law_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n and_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v law_n be_v that_o which_o man_n for_o the_o great_a safety_n and_o benefit_n of_o life_n or_o for_o other_o cause_n do_v prescribe_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o example_n that_o all_o body_n when_o they_o hit_v or_o dash_v against_o other_o less_o body_n do_v loose_a so_o much_o of_o their_o own_o motion_n as_o they_o impart_v to_o those_o other_o less_o body_n be_v the_o universal_a law_n of_o all_o body_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n so_o likewise_o when_o a_o man_n remember_v one_o thing_n he_o be_v present_o mindful_a of_o another_o like_o it_o or_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v they_o together_o be_v a_o law_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o human_a nature_n but_o that_o man_n voluntary_o part_v with_o or_o be_v compel_v to_o part_n with_o that_o right_n which_o every_o one_o have_v by_o nature_n and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o a_o certain_a rule_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n and_o though_o it_o be_v absolute_o grant_v that_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v and_o operate_v according_a to_o a_o certain_a and_o determinate_a rule_n yet_o i_o say_v those_o law_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o men._n first_o because_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o nature_n make_v and_o constitute_v a_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o those_o thing_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o be_v from_o nature_n itself_o as_o we_o conceive_v it_o regulate_v by_o human_a nature_n though_o they_o follow_v necessary_o yet_o they_o follow_v from_o human_a power_n wherefore_o the_o sanction_n of_o those_o law_n may_v very_o well_o be_v say_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n because_o it_o so_o depend_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o it_o apprehend_v thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o true_a or_o false_a may_v nevertheless_o be_v clear_o understand_v without_o those_o universal_a law_n but_o not_o without_o the_o law_n of_o necessity_n as_o i_o have_v define_v it_o second_o i_o have_v say_v those_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n because_o we_o ought_v to_o define_v and_o explain_v thing_n by_o their_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o that_o universal_a consideration_n of_o fate_n and_o the_o chain_a together_o of_o cause_n can_v no_o way_n help_v we_o in_o the_o form_n and_o order_v our_o thought_n concern_v particular_a thing_n that_o be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o thing_n be_v order_v and_o tie_v together_o so_o that_o it_o be_v better_a yea_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o life_n to_o consider_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o much_o of_o law_n consider_v absolute_o but_o because_o the_o name_n of_o law_n by_o translation_n be_v apply_v to_o natural_a thing_n and_o common_o by_o law_n nothing_o else_o be_v mean_v but_o a_o command_n which_o man_n may_v or_o may_v not_o perform_v so_o that_o it_o confine_v human_a power_n to_o bound_n and_o limit_n beyond_o which_o it_o may_v go_v and_o yet_o command_v nothing_o which_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v therefore_o law_n more_o particular_o define_v be_v that_o rule_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v which_o man_n for_o some_o end_n prescribe_v to_o themselves_o or_o to_o other_o but_o because_o very_o few_o know_v the_o true_a end_n of_o law_n and_o man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n incapable_a of_o understanding_n it_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n therefore_o lawgiver_n that_o they_o may_v equal_o bind_v all_o have_v wise_o establish_v a_o end_n very_o different_a from_o that_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o law_n namely_o by_o propound_v to_o those_o who_o keep_v the_o law_n that_o which_o they_o most_o love_n and_o by_o threaten_v the_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n with_o that_o which_o they_o most_o fear_v and_o so_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o rule_v the_o multitude_n as_o a_o horse_n be_v govern_v with_o a_o bridle_n so_o that_o law_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n be_v that_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o by_o the_o power_n of_o other_o be_v prescribe_v to_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o who_o obey_v law_n be_v say_v to_o live_v under_o law_n and_o may_v be_v call_v servant_n or_o subject_n he_o that_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a because_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o gallow_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o and_o be_v compel_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v can_v be_v call_v just_a but_o he_o that_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a because_o he_o know_v the_o necessity_n and_o the_o true_a end_n and_o reason_n of_o law_n what_o he_o do_v be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o he_o may_v therefore_o be_v deserve_o call_v a_o just_a man_n which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v st._n paul_n meaning_n when_o he_o say_v they_o that_o live_v under_o the_o law_n can_v not_o be_v justify_v fy_v by_o the_o law_n for_o justice_n as_o it_o be_v common_o define_v be_v a_o constant_a voluntary_a resolution_n of_o render_v to_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v his_o due_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n prov._n chap._n 20._o v._n 15._o say_v it_o be_v joy_n to_o the_o just_a to_o do_v judgement_n but_o the_o wicked_a fear_n see_v then_o law_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o man_n for_o some_o end_n prescribe_v to_o themselves_o or_o to_o other_o the_o law_n may_v therefore_o be_v distinguish_v into_o human_a and_o divine_a by_o man_n law_n we_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o secure_v life_n and_o the_o weal_n public_a but_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v respect_n only_o to_o our_o chief_a good_a that_o be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o call_v this_o law_n divine_a be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o chief_a good_a which_o i_o will_v with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o plainess_n declare_v whereas_o our_o better_a part_n be_v our_o underderstanding_n it_o be_v certain_a if_o we_o seek_v our_o own_o good_a we_o ought_v chief_o to_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o perfect_a our_o intellect_n because_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o consist_v our_o chief_a happiness_n and_o since_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n which_o remove_v all_o doubt_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v or_o be_v know_v without_o god_n and_o because_o we_o may_v doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n while_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o our_o perfection_n and_o chief_a happiness_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god._n moreover_o since_o nothing_o can_v either_o exist_v or_o be_v know_v without_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o essence_n and_o perfection_n do_v imply_v and_o express_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o we_o know_v natural_a thing_n the_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n we_o acquire_v of_o god_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o effect_n by_o its_o cause_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o cause_n so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o know_v natural_a thing_n so_o much_o the_o more_o perfect_o do_v we_o know_v the_o be_v of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o our_o knowledge_n that_o be_v our_o chief_a happiness_n do_v not_o only_o depend_v upon_o but_o whole_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o consequence_n be_v make_v good_a by_o a_o man_n become_a more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o most_o love_v and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o therefore_o be_v most_o perfect_a who_o partake_v most_o of_o the_o high_a beatitude_n and_o who_o above_o all_o thing_n love_n and_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o the_o intellectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o all_o being_n hitherto_o than_o our_o chief_a good_a and_o happiness_n still_o return_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o end_n then_o of_o all_o human_a action_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o be_v god_n the_o mean_n which_o this_o end_n
benefit_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o shall_v receive_v from_o heaven_n the_o law_n which_o he_o establish_v be_v not_o very_o severe_a as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v how_o many_o circumstance_n be_v require_v to_o the_o condemn_v of_o any_o offender_n that_o the_o people_n who_o can_v not_o govern_v themselves_o may_v absolute_o depend_v upon_o the_o verbal_a command_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n he_o do_v not_o permit_v they_o be_v accustom_v to_o bondage_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o whatever_o they_o do_v be_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n no_o man_n can_v at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n plough_v sow_n or_o reap_v no_o man_n can_v eat_v what_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v he_o clothe_v himself_o shave_v his_o head_n and_o beard_n or_o make_v merry_a but_o according_a to_o certain_a rule_n set_v down_o in_o the_o law_n nor_o be_v this_o all_o for_o they_o be_v to_o have_v upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o door_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o their_o forehead_n certain_a sign_n which_o be_v to_o put_v they_o in_o continual_a mind_n of_o their_o obedience_n the_o end_n and_o design_n then_o of_o ceremony_n be_v that_o the_o people_n may_v do_v nothing_o by_o their_o own_o will_n and_o determination_n but_o only_o by_o the_o command_n of_o another_o and_o by_o continual_a action_n and_o meditation_n confess_v they_o be_v not_o master_n of_o themselves_o but_o whole_o subject_v to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o ceremony_n conduce_v nothing_o to_o true_a felicity_n and_o that_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v only_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consequent_o have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o more_o than_o bodily_a convenience_n as_o for_o christian_a ceremony_n namely_o baptism_n the_o lord_n supper_n holiday_n public_a form_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o common_a to_o christianity_n if_o they_o be_v ever_o institute_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n which_o do_v not_o clear_o appear_v they_o be_v only_o appoint_v as_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o not_o as_o thing_n that_o contain_v any_o sanctity_n in_o themselves_o or_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o be_v ordain_v not_o in_o reference_n to_o government_n but_o only_o in_o respect_n to_o mutual_a society_n he_o that_o live_v alone_o or_o he_o that_o live_v under_o a_o government_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v forbid_v be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ceremony_n and_o yet_o may_v live_v happy_o a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o japan_n where_o the_o hollander_n by_o the_o command_n of_o their_o east-india_n company_n abstain_v from_o all_o outward_a worship_n and_o that_o their_o so_o do_v be_v justifiable_a i_o think_v be_v not_o difficult_a to_o prove_v from_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n namely_o why_o believe_v the_o history_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v necessary_a and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o by_o natural_a reason_n i_o thus_o proceed_v whoever_o will_v persuade_v or_o dissuade_v man_n to_o or_o from_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o or_o by_o itself_o know_v must_v deduce_v that_o thing_n from_o principle_n general_o grant_v and_o allow_v and_o must_v convince_v those_o man_n either_o by_o reason_n or_o experience_n that_o be_v by_o thing_n which_o man_n by_o their_o sense_n know_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o nature_n or_o else_o by_o maxim_n which_o the_o understanding_n can_v neither_o doubt_v or_o deny_v but_o unless_o experience_n be_v such_o as_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v though_o it_o may_v convince_v a_o man_n yet_o it_o can_v equal_o affect_v the_o understanding_n and_o disperse_v the_o cloud_n thereof_o as_o will_v that_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o intellectual_a principle_n that_o be_v orderly_o deduce_v from_o notion_n certain_a and_o intelligible_a especial_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a and_o fall_v not_o under_o sense_n but_o because_o to_o prove_v thing_n only_o by_o intellectual_a proposition_n require_v a_o long_a chain_n of_o notion_n much_o circumspection_n sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o great_a temper_n all_o which_o be_v seldom_o find_v together_o therefore_o man_n have_v rather_o be_v teach_v by_o experience_n then_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o link_a together_o all_o their_o perception_n deduce_v from_o a_o few_o maxim_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v teach_v a_o whole_a nation_n i_o need_v not_o say_v all_o mankind_n any_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o will_v be_v clear_o understand_v in_o all_o thing_n by_o all_o man_n he_o must_v confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o experience_n and_o must_v accommodate_v his_o reason_n and_o the_o definition_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v not_o think_v of_o give_v such_o definition_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a for_o tie_v his_o reason_n together_o because_o he_o will_v then_o write_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a and_o will_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o a_o very_a few_o see_v then_o the_o scripture_n be_v reveal_v first_o for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n and_o afterward_o of_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o confirm_v only_o by_o experience_n to_o make_v my_o meaning_n yet_o more_o clear_a i_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n teach_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v only_o speculative_a be_v chief_o these_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o a_o be_v which_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n govern_v and_o sustain_v all_o thing_n who_o take_v great_a care_n of_o mankind_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o that_o live_v honest_o and_o religious_o but_o for_o those_o that_o live_v wicked_o he_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o good_a and_o afflict_v they_o with_o grievous_a punishment_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n the_o scripture_n confirm_v only_o by_o experience_n namely_o by_o the_o history_n which_o it_o recite_v nor_o do_v it_o plain_o define_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o fit_v all_o its_o reason_n and_o expression_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o though_o experience_n can_v give_v a_o man_n no_o true_a and_o plain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n nor_o teach_v a_o man_n what_o god_n be_v in_o what_o manner_n he_o order_n and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n or_o how_o he_o take_v care_n of_o mankind_n yet_o it_o give_v man_n so_o much_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n piety_n and_o obedience_n so_o that_o now_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a to_o what_o person_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n the_o belief_n of_o scripture_n history_n be_v necessary_a that_o be_v to_o the_o common_a people_n by_o who_o thing_n can_v be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v and_o whoever_o deny_v these_o history_n because_o he_o neither_o believe_v the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v impious_a but_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o history_n and_o yet_o by_o natural_a reason_n conclude_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n if_o he_o live_v a_o virtuous_a life_n that_o man_n be_v blessed_v yea_o more_o bless_a then_o the_o vulgar_a because_o beside_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o opinion_n he_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a understanding_n last_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o scripture_n history_n and_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n if_o he_o be_v not_o impious_a and_o obstinate_a yet_o he_o may_v well_o be_v account_v a_o beast_n rather_o than_o a_o man_n and_o to_o have_v no_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o we_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n history_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a people_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v all_o the_o history_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n but_o only_o the_o chief_n and_o those_o that_o give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o before_o mention_v doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o if_o all_o the_o history_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o prove_v its_o doctrine_n and_o no_o conclusion_n can_v be_v make_v but_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o the_o history_n together_o contain_v in_o it_o than_o the_o demonstration_n and_o proof_n of_o its_o doctrine_n
be_v most_o likely_a to_o incline_v he_o most_o religious_o and_o hearty_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o of_o this_o mind_n be_v josephus_n for_o he_o conclude_v his_o second_o book_n of_o antiquity_n with_o these_o word_n neither_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o marvel_n at_o this_o so_o wonderful_a discourse_n that_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n a_o passage_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o save_v so_o many_o person_n in_o time_n past_a and_o they_o rude_a and_o simple_a whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o that_o it_o chance_v of_o itself_o since_o not_o long_a time_n ago_o god_n so_o think_v it_o good_a the_o sea_n of_o pamphilia_n divide_v itself_o to_o give_v way_n to_o alexander_n king_n of_o macedon_n soldier_n have_v no_o other_o passage_n to_o destroy_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o persian_n and_o this_o all_o acknowledge_v who_o have_v write_v the_o act_n of_o alexander_n and_o therefore_o of_o these_o thing_n let_v every_o one_o think_v as_o he_o please_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n most_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v mankind_n the_o way_n to_o true_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o this_o opinion_n have_v so_o little_a influence_n upon_o man_n life_n that_o the_o common_a people_n take_v no_o care_n to_o regulate_v they_o according_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o every_o man_n believe_v himself_o divine_o inspire_v will_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n compel_v all_o other_o to_o be_v of_o his_o opinion_n we_o often_o see_v those_o who_o we_o call_v divine_n very_o solicitous_a to_o father_n their_o own_o fancy_n upon_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o make_v no_o scruple_n with_o great_a boldness_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o fear_v mistake_v the_o holy_a spirit_n meaning_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n as_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o error_n and_o by_o lose_v their_o authority_n to_o fall_v into_o contempt_n but_o if_o man_n do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o profess_v concern_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v lead_v other_o kind_n of_o life_n there_o will_v not_o be_v half_a so_o much_o contention_n and_o hatred_n in_o the_o world_n as_o now_o there_o be_v nor_o will_v man_n with_o so_o much_o blind_a zeal_n and_o boldness_n venture_v upon_o expound_v scripture_n and_o introduce_v so_o many_o novelty_n into_o religion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a will_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o maintain_v any_o thing_n for_o scripture_n doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o man_n who_o have_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o adulterate_a scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n will_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o impious_a sacrilege_n but_o ambition_n and_o wickedness_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v that_o religion_n do_v now_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o in_o defend_v man_n own_o fantastical_a opinion_n charity_n be_v now_o no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o discord_n and_o implacable_a hatred_n pass_v under_o the_o mask_n of_o godly_a zeal_n to_o these_o evil_n superstition_n have_v join_v itself_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v reason_n and_o nature_n and_o to_o admire_v and_o reverence_v that_o only_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o both_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n to_o be_v think_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o scripture_n shall_v study_v so_o to_o expound_v it_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v contradictory_n both_o to_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o dream_v of_o profound_a mystery_n hide_v in_o it_o which_o mystery_n that_o be_v their_o own_o absurdity_n they_o labour_v and_o weary_v themselves_o to_o find_v out_o and_o neglect_v thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o use_n ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o the_o dotage_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o with_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n endeavour_v to_o defend_v their_o own_o idle_a conceit_n whatever_o be_v the_o result_n of_o man_n understanding_n that_o man_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v by_o clear_a and_o pure_a reason_n but_o all_o opinion_n derive_v from_o their_o passion_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v defend_v by_o they_o to_o avoid_v these_o trouble_n and_o to_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o theological_a prejudices_fw-la that_o we_o may_v not_o rash_o receive_v the_o foolish_a invention_n of_o man_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n i_o will_v now_o treat_v of_o a_o right_a method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n of_o which_o method_n whoever_o be_v ignorant_a he_o can_v never_o certain_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n either_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o say_v in_o few_o word_n that_o the_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o method_n of_o interpret_n nature_n for_o as_o the_o method_n of_o explain_v nature_n chief_o consist_v in_o frame_v a_o history_n thereof_o from_o whence_o as_o from_o undeniable_a concession_n shall_v follow_v the_o definition_n of_o natural_a thing_n so_o likewise_o to_o expound_v scripture_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o compose_v a_o true_a history_n thereof_o that_o thence_o as_o from_o sure_a principle_n we_o may_v by_o rational_a consequence_n collect_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o who_o be_v author_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o every_o one_o who_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o principle_n or_o concession_n in_o expound_v scripture_n or_o in_o reason_v of_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v but_o such_o as_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o or_o the_o history_n of_o it_o may_v proceed_v without_o danger_n of_o err_v and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v and_o reason_n as_o secure_o of_o thing_n which_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v by_o natural_a light_n now_o that_o it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o method_n of_o explain_v nature_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n very_o often_o treat_v of_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n because_o revelation_n make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n history_n which_o principaly_n contain_v miracle_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n narration_n of_o thing_n not_o common_a or_o usual_a in_o nature_n suit_v and_o fit_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o historian_n that_o write_v they_o revelation_n also_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n wherefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o almost_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n aught_o to_o be_v derive_v only_o from_o scripture_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v from_o nature_n as_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n though_o they_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o common_a and_o general_a notion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o those_o notion_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v those_o doctrine_n nothing_o but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o make_v out_o that_o and_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n we_o must_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o moral_a doctrine_n which_o it_o teach_v because_o in_o that_o truth_n only_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n appear_v for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n consist_v in_o their_o be_v just_a and_o virtuous_a which_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v they_o ought_v likewise_o appear_v to_o we_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o miracle_n can_v prove_v the_o divine_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v wrought_v by_o false_a prophet_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n appear_v then_o in_o its_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v true_a and_o real_a virtue_n and_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v only_o by_o scripture_n itself_o if_o not_o we_o can_v not_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o prejudice_n believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o think_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o definition_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o it_o treat_v so_o neither_o do_v nature_n and_o therefore_o as_o from_o several_a action_n of_o nature_n we_o make_v definition_n of_o natural_a thing_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o several_a narration_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v conclusion_n to_o be_v draw_v the_o general_a rule_n than_o of_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v that_o we_o conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v doctrine_n which_o do_v not_o manifest_o
of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n let_v man_n cease_v to_o adore_v the_o letter_n and_o not_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o holiness_n and_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v proper_o mean_v by_o debar_v jehovah_n the_o word_n of_o god._n debar_v signify_v word_n speech_n decree_n thing_n now_o upon_o what_o ground_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n or_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o that_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v there_o say_v or_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o miracle_n it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o make_v the_o thing_n very_o clear_a i_o need_v only_o declare_v that_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v predicate_v of_o any_o subject_n which_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o it_o proper_o signify_v that_o divine_a law_n of_o which_o we_o treat_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n namely_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n mention_v in_o isaiah_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o where_o the_o prophet_n declare_v that_o the_o right_a way_n of_o live_v consist_v in_o charity_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o pure_a heart_n which_o he_o call_v the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v also_o take_v metaphorical_o for_o the_o order_n or_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o fate_n because_o it_o follow_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n particular_o for_o whatever_o the_o prophet_n foresee_v in_o this_o course_n of_o nature_n because_o the_o prophet_n understand_v future_a event_n not_o by_o natural_a cause_n but_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god._n moreover_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o which_o any_o prophet_n command_v or_o declare_v because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o by_o natural_a light_n but_o by_o the_o singular_a virtue_n and_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o more_o especial_o because_o the_o prophet_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n apprehend_v god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o lawgiver_n for_o these_o three_o reason_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o because_o it_o teach_v we_o true_a religion_n whereof_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n be_v the_o author_n second_o because_o it_o make_v prophecy_n to_o be_v god_n decree_n and_o last_o because_o the_o author_n of_o those_o prophecy_n teach_v for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v by_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o a_o faculty_n and_o gift_n peculiar_a only_o to_o they_o and_o introduce_v god_n speak_v as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o now_o though_o the_o scripture_n contain_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v mere_o historical_a and_o may_v be_v unnderstood_v by_o natural_a knowledge_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o other_o particular_n i_o have_v last_o mention_v so_o that_o now_o we_o plain_o see_v why_o god_n be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o not_o because_o it_o contain_v and_o have_v communicate_v to_o we_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v also_o learn_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n because_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o prophet_n preach_v religion_n as_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o force_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o moses_n time_n but_o after_o christ_n come_n because_o the_o apostle_n preach_v religion_n upon_o christ_n account_n as_o a_o law_n universal_a to_o all_o mankind_n not_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n differ_v in_o doctrine_n or_o that_o the_o book_n of_o either_o testament_n be_v the_o deed_n and_o indenture_n of_o the_o write_a covenant_n nor_o last_o because_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v universal_a be_v new_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o know_v it_o not_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o if_o then_o we_o have_v not_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v god_n word_n as_o it_o proper_o signify_v true_a religion_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v any_o part_n thereof_o be_v want_v though_o we_o lack_v many_o of_o those_o other_o excellent_a write_n namely_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v so_o religious_o keep_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o the_o original_a wherein_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o write_v with_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o war_n and_o record_n of_o time_n from_o whence_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v transcribe_v and_o collect_v and_o this_o be_v make_v good_a by_o many_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n be_v not_o write_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o age_n but_o by_o chance_n for_o some_o particular_a people_n and_o that_o as_o the_o time_n and_o their_o particular_a disposition_n require_v which_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v call_v to_o warn_v and_o reprove_v the_o ungodly_a of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o also_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n second_o because_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v one_o thing_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o thing_n be_v another_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o prophet_n which_o distinction_n likewise_o hold_v in_o history_n and_o miracle_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n but_o in_o understand_a place_n which_o treat_v of_o true_a religion_n and_o real_a virtue_n no_o such_o distinction_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v three_o because_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o many_o other_o and_o be_v approve_v and_o join_v together_o by_o a_o council_n of_o the_o pharisee_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o certain_a council_n when_o several_a other_o book_n by_o many_o account_v sacred_a be_v reject_v as_o spurious_a these_o council_n both_o of_o pharisee_n and_o christian_n be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o be_v no_o prophet_n but_o only_o learn_v doctor_n yet_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v that_o in_o this_o choice_n they_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o rule_n so_o that_o before_o they_o give_v their_o approbation_n to_o the_o book_n they_o ought_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n four_o because_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v as_o prophet_n but_o only_o as_o teacher_n and_o choose_v that_o way_n of_o instruct_v which_o every_o one_o judge_v most_o easy_a for_o his_o disciple_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v as_o we_o have_v conclude_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o say_a chapter_n that_o their_o write_n contain_v many_o thing_n whereof_o in_o respect_n to_o religion_n we_o have_v no_o absolute_a need_n five_o and_o last_o because_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v four_o who_o we_o call_v evangelist_n but_o who_o believe_v it_o be_v god_n express_a will_n that_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v four_o time_n tell_v and_o deliver_v to_o man_n in_o write_v though_o thing_n may_v be_v contain_v in_o one_o which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o and_o that_o one_o help_n to_o understand_v another_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o four_o declare_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o they_o to_o write_v purposely_o that_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v for_o every_o one_o preach_v his_o own_o gospel_n in_o several_a place_n and_o every_o one_o write_v what_o he_o preach_v plain_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o faithful_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o not_o for_o any_o explanation_n to_o the_o rest_n if_o by_o mutual_o compare_v they_o together_o they_o be_v sometimes_o more_o easy_o and_o better_a understand_v that_o happen_v by_o chance_n and_o only_o in_o very_o few_o place_n of_o which_o though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a the_o history_n notwithstanding_o will_v be_v very_o perspicuous_a and_o
according_a to_o his_o will_n to_o who_o he_o have_v part_v with_o that_o liberty_n and_o from_o he_o only_o must_v expect_v protection_n injury_n or_o wrong_n be_v when_o a_o citizen_n or_o subject_n be_v compel_v to_o suffer_v loss_n or_o damage_n from_o another_o contrary_a to_o civil_a right_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o wrong_n or_o injury_n any_o where_o but_o in_o a_o civil_a state_n nor_o can_v any_o wrong_n be_v do_v to_o subject_n by_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o may_v lawful_o do_v whatever_o it_o please_v and_o therefore_o have_v place_n only_o among_o private_a person_n who_o by_o law_n be_v oblige_v not_o to_o offend_v one_o another_o justice_n be_v a_o constant_a resolution_n of_o give_v to_o every_o one_o that_o which_o by_o the_o law_n right_o interpret_v belong_v to_o he_o justice_n and_o injustice_n be_v sometime_o call_v equity_n and_o iniquity_n because_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o end_v suit_n and_o difference_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o person_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_n and_o equal_o to_o defend_v every_o man_n right_a neither_o envy_v the_o rich_a nor_o despise_v the_o poor_a confederate_n be_v man_n of_o two_o city_n or_o society_n who_o to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o war_n or_o for_o any_o other_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n mutual_o covenant_n not_o to_o offend_v or_o hurt_v one_o another_o but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v one_o another_o both_o preserve_v their_o own_o power_n and_o dominion_n this_o league_n or_o contract_n will_v so_o long_o continue_v firm_a and_o bind_a as_o the_o consideration_n of_o danger_n or_o profit_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v continue_v because_o no_o person_n covenant_n or_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v his_o contract_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o some_o good_a or_o fear_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o contract_n take_v away_o that_o basis_n experience_n tell_v we_o they_o all_o fall_n to_o the_o ground_n for_o though_o divers_a empire_n and_o government_n do_v mutual_o covenant_n not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o hurt_v of_o one_o another_o yet_o it_o be_v always_o the_o endeavour_n of_o both_o to_o hinder_v one_o another_o from_o grow_v too_o powerful_a neither_o do_v they_o believe_v one_o another_o promise_n unless_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o agreement_n be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o both_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o wrong_n in_o the_o case_n for_o who_o but_o a_o fool_n ignorant_a of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n will_v give_v credit_n to_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o have_v supreme_a power_n have_v right_a to_o do_v what_o he_o will_v and_o who_o be_v oblige_v by_o no_o other_o law_n but_o the_o public_a safety_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o people_n under_o his_o government_n we_o likewise_o observe_v that_o religion_n and_o piety_n signify_v very_o little_a for_o who_o ever_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n can_v without_o consequent_a mischief_n keep_v his_o promise_n which_o prove_v prejudicial_a and_o destructive_a to_o his_o people_n and_o government_n or_o that_o he_o can_v perform_v they_o without_o break_v faith_n with_o his_o subject_n by_o which_o faith_n he_o be_v principal_o oblige_v and_o which_o usual_o with_o oath_n he_o solemn_o and_o religious_o promise_v to_o keep_v a_o enemy_n be_v one_o that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o neither_o as_o a_o confederate_a or_o subject_a will_v own_o its_o power_n or_o government_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o hatred_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o its_o right_a and_o power_n which_o make_v a_o man_n a_o enemy_n for_o the_o power_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n over_o he_o who_o will_v by_o no_o kind_n of_o contract_n own_o its_o power_n be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o have_v over_o he_o who_o do_v it_o harm_n because_o it_o have_v right_a to_o compel_v he_o one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o confederate_a with_o it_o last_o treason_n in_o subject_n or_o citizen_n be_v only_o where_o they_o have_v by_o express_v or_o imply_v contract_n transfer_v all_o their_o right_n to_o the_o city_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o subject_a be_v count_v guilty_a of_o treason_n who_o endeavour_v to_o usurp_v the_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o himself_o or_o transfer_v it_o upon_o another_o i_o say_v he_o that_o but_o endeavour_v it_o for_o if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v till_o after_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o fact_n the_o punishment_n will_v many_o time_n come_v too_o late_o therefore_o i_o say_v positive_o he_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n go_v about_o to_o usurp_v or_o take_v away_o the_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n make_v no_o difference_n whether_o the_o commonwealth_n shall_v be_v a_o gainer_n or_o loser_n by_o it_o upon_o what_o account_n soever_o he_o attempt_v or_o do_v it_o yet_o he_o have_v commit_v treason_n and_o be_v just_o condemn_v which_o every_o one_o also_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v just_a in_o war_n for_o if_o a_o soldier_n keep_v not_o his_o station_n but_o without_o his_o general_n be_v knowledge_n or_o command_n assault_v the_o enemy_n though_o he_o beat_v he_o and_o do_v it_o very_o advise_o yet_o do_v it_o of_o his_o own_o head_n he_o deserve_v death_n have_v violate_v his_o own_o oath_n and_o his_o geneneral_n authority_n now_o though_o subject_n do_v not_o see_v that_o their_o case_n and_o a_o soldier_n be_v alike_o yet_o in_o truth_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o sor_n see_v the_o commonwealth_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v defend_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o counsel_n only_o of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o all_o have_v absolute_o covenant_v that_o this_o right_n shall_v reside_v only_o in_o the_o supreme_a power_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v at_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o supreme_a council_n make_v any_o public_a attempt_n which_o will_v certain_o prove_v very_o advantageous_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n yet_o have_v violate_v the_o right_a of_o the_o supreme_a power_n he_o be_v lawful_o and_o deserve_o condemn_v now_o to_o clear_v all_o scruple_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v whether_o maintain_v that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o natutural_a state_n have_v natural_a right_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v not_o flat_o contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n see_v every_o man_n whether_o he_o have_v or_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v equal_o oblige_v by_o god_n command_n to_o love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v without_o be_v very_o injurious_a do_v any_o harm_n to_o another_o and_o live_v according_a to_o our_o own_o lusts._n this_o objection_n be_v easy_o answer_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o state_n and_o nature_n itself_o be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o religion_n for_o by_o nature_n no_o man_n know_v that_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o obey_v god_n nor_o can_v he_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n but_o whoever_o know_v it_o must_v know_v it_o only_o by_o revelation_n confirm_v with_o sign_n and_o therefore_o before_o revelation_n no_o body_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o which_o every_o man_n must_v be_v necessary_o ignorant_a the_o state_n of_o nature_n then_o and_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o consider_v apart_o and_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v by_o paul_n authority_n the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v without_o religion_n without_o law_n without_o sin_n or_o wrong_v do_v nor_o do_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o before_o and_o without_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o ignorance_n only_o but_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o that_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o which_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v for_o if_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o if_o god_n law_n be_v by_o nature_n a_o law_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n and_o oblige_v they_o by_o oath_n and_o contract_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v absolute_o grant_v that_o god_n law_n take_v place_n from_o the_o time_n that_o man_n by_o a_o express_a covenant_n with_o god_n promise_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n by_o which_o covenant_n and_o promise_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v depart_v from_o their_o natural_a freedom_n and_o transfer_v their_o natural_a right_n upon_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v be_v do_v in_o a_o civil_a state._n but_o of_o this_o i_o
a_o treatise_n partly_o theological_a and_o partly_o political_a contain_v some_o few_o discourse_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o philosophize_v that_o be_v make_v use_v of_o natural_a reason_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o piety_n or_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o religion_n itself_o must_v necessary_o follow_v where_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o reason_v be_v take_v away_o john_n epist._n 1_o sy_n chap._n 4_o the_o v_o 13_o the_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n translate_v out_o of_o latin._n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1689._o the_o translator_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o gentleman_n that_o turn_v the_o follow_a treatise_n write_v original_o in_o latin_a into_o english_a do_v it_o at_o spare_a hour_n only_o to_o divert_v and_o please_v himself_o and_o therefore_o care_v not_o who_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o have_v do_v it_o there_o be_v certain_o some_o who_o will_v pass_v very_o severe_a censure_n upon_o this_o treatise_n but_o that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o translator_n who_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v good_a the_o author_n opinion_n be_v only_o oblige_v to_o justify_v that_o the_o version_n have_v true_o and_o faithful_o though_o not_o every_o where_o word_n for_o word_n render_v the_o author_n sense_n and_o mean_v religion_n and_o government_n be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v what_o sort_v of_o man_n be_v like_a to_o decry_v it_o but_o let_v those_o who_o be_v angry_a and_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o answer_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o crape_n gown_n and_o the_o long_a robe_n be_v both_o defy_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v any_o tenet_n in_o the_o whole_a treatise_n half_o so_o dangerous_a or_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o human_a society_n as_o those_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n be_v which_o have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v broach_v by_o time-serving_a churchman_n and_o mercenary_a lawyer_n for_o which_o they_o just_o deserve_v the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o mankind_n nothing_o more_o needs_o be_v say_v to_o any_o reader_n than_o to_o desire_v he_o will_v deliberate_o read_v the_o book_n twice_o over_o before_o he_o condemn_v or_o commend_v it_o when_o that_o be_v do_v whether_o he_o like_v or_o dislike_v the_o treatise_n itself_o or_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o who_o never_o value_v himself_o upon_o other_o people_n opinion_n nor_o do_v ever_o think_v any_o part_n of_o his_o reputation_n depend_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o fool_n or_o knave_n the_o preface_n be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v all_o their_o affair_n by_o sure_a and_o infallible_a council_n or_o can_v mankind_n always_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o prosperity_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o superstition_n but_o because_o man_n many_o time_n fall_v into_o straits_n out_o of_o which_o no_o council_n can_v deliver_v they_o and_o by_o immoderate_o covet_v the_o uncertain_a good_n of_o fortune_n miserable_o fluctuate_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n those_o two_o passion_n easy_o drive_v the_o doubtful_a mind_n of_o man_n hither_o and_o thither_o render_v it_o prone_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n whereas_o otherwise_o it_o be_v over_o confident_a proud_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o of_o this_o though_o few_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o body_n ignorant_a do_v we_o not_o daily_o see_v many_o weak_a man_n during_o prosperity_n so_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o they_o think_v council_n a_o affront_n but_o in_o adversity_n when_o they_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o beg_v every_o body_n advice_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o be_v it_o never_o so_o vain_a foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v upon_o very_o light_a ground_n they_o will_v also_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o present_o again_o fear_v the_o worst_a whatever_o happen_v during_o their_o fear_n which_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o any_o past_a good_a or_o evil_n that_o they_o think_v prognosticate_v good_a or_o bad_a fortune_n and_o though_o they_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n deceive_v count_v it_o a_o lucky_a or_o unlucky_a omen_n whatever_o be_v strange_a and_o unwonted_a beget_v their_o wonder_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prodigy_n say_v it_o portend_v almighty_a god_n anger_n for_o the_o pacification_n whereof_o man_n give_v up_o to_o superstition_n but_o enemy_n to_o true_a religion_n think_v it_o horrible_a impiety_n not_o to_o make_v prayer_n and_o oblation_n and_o to_o that_o end_n fancy_v a_o thousand_o thing_n as_o if_o nature_n itself_o be_v as_o perfect_o distract_v as_o they_o make_v strange_a interpretation_n of_o her_o mean_v this_o then_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n we_o find_v those_o person_n most_o addict_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o superstition_n who_o greedy_o desire_v those_o thing_n with_o be_v uncertain_a and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o can_v help_v themselves_o with_o vow_n and_o womanish_a tear_n implore_v divine_a assistance_n call_v reason_n because_o it_o can_v show_v they_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o the_o vanity_n they_o desire_v blind_a and_o human_a wisdom_n folly_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a believe_v dream_n dotage_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o childish_a folly_n to_o be_v divine_a oracle_n say_v that_o god_n despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o have_v not_o write_v his_o will_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n and_o that_o idiot_n lunatic_n and_o bird_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o instinct_n can_v foretell_v his_o decree_n so_o mad_a have_v fear_n make_v men._n and_o as_o superstition_n have_v its_o original_a from_o fear_n so_o be_v it_o keep_v up_o and_o continue_v by_o it_o of_o which_o truth_n if_o any_o man_n desire_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v any_o particular_a example_n let_v he_o read_v the_o 5_o the_o book_n and_o 4_o the_o decade_n of_o quintus_n curtius_n where_o he_o will_v find_v alexander_n the_o great_a apply_v himself_o to_o diviner_n and_o prophet_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o doubt_v his_o fortune_n at_o the_o straits_n of_o susa_n but_o after_o the_o conquest_n of_o darius_n never_o more_o consult_v they_o till_o terrify_v with_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o bactrian_n and_o with_o the_o scythian_n provoke_v he_o to_o battle_n when_o he_o lie_v wound_v he_o return_v again_o to_o the_o folly_n of_o human_a superstition_n and_o command_v aristander_n to_o who_o he_o give_v much_o credit_n to_o inquire_v by_o sacrifice_n what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o event_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n many_o example_n may_v be_v produce_v all_o which_o will_v clear_o show_v that_o man_n be_v most_o trouble_v with_o superstitious_a fancy_n during_o their_o fear_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v so_o vain_o and_o religious_o revere_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o dotage_n of_o a_o melancholy_a and_o timorous_a mind_n and_o last_o that_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o prediction_n be_v much_o in_o request_n with_o the_o common_a people_n and_o most_o fear_v by_o king_n and_o prince_n when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v in_o any_o great_a distress_n or_o calamity_n but_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o vulgar_o know_v i_o pass_v they_o by_o fear_v then_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o superstition_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v and_o subject_a to_o it_o whatever_o other_o say_v who_o think_v it_o proceed_v from_o a_o certain_a imperfect_a confuse_a knowledge_n man_n have_v of_o a_o deity_n it_o follow_v likewise_o that_o superstition_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v very_o various_a and_o inconstant_a because_o all_o ridiculous_a folly_n of_o the_o mind_n fit_v of_o frenzy_n yea_o superstition_n itself_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o by_o hope_n hatred_n anger_n and_o deceit_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o reason_n but_o passion_n and_o that_o too_o very_o violent_a as_o therefore_o man_n easy_o fall_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o superstition_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v they_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o kind_a because_o the_o common_a people_n be_v all_o time_n alike_o miserable_a be_v never_o long_o quiet_a but_o still_o most_o please_v with_o that_o which_o be_v new_a and_o never_o yet_o deceive_v they_o which_o inconstancy_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o tumult_n and_o cruel_a war_n and_o as_o quintus_fw-la curtius_n in_o his_o 4_o the_o book_n and_o 10_o the_o decad_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v nothing_o so_o absolute_o govern_v the_o
to_o thing_n relate_v to_o honesty_n and_o good_a manner_n we_o ought_v to_o think_v otherwise_o i_o will_v more_o exact_o and_o full_o prove_v because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o from_o thence_o will_v conclude_v that_o prophesy_v never_o leave_v the_o prophet_n more_o learned_a but_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n in_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o many_o man_n have_v very_o unadvised_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o prophet_n know_v all_o thing_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o human_a understanding_n and_o though_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o know_v some_o thing_n yet_o they_o be_v rather_o willing_a to_o confess_v they_o do_v not_o understand_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n then_o yield_v the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o endeavour_v so_o to_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o will_v have_v it_o say_v that_o which_o it_o do_v not_o mean._n if_o either_o of_o these_o be_v lawful_a then_o farewell_o to_o all_o scripture_n for_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o it_o shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o those_o that_o be_v obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a or_o else_o shall_v be_v interpret_v as_o we_o please_v for_o example_n nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o josuah_n and_o perhaps_o he_o that_o write_v the_o book_n of_o josuah_n do_v belive_o that_o the_o sun_n move_v about_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o earth_n have_v no_o motion_n and_o that_o the_o sun_n for_o some_o time_n stand_v still_o yet_o many_o because_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o mutation_n in_o the_o heaven_n so_o expound_v that_o place_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v to_o imply_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o other_o who_o think_v themselves_o better_a philosopher_n because_o they_o believe_v the_o eatrh_n move_v and_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o or_o at_o least_o move_v not_o about_o the_o earth_n do_v with_o might_n and_o main_a endeavour_v to_o wrest_v the_o proof_n of_o their_o opinion_n out_o of_o the_o same_o scripture_n against_o its_o plain_a word_n indeed_o at_o these_o man_n i_o much_o wonder_v be_v any_o man_n oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o josuah_n a_o soldier_n be_v perfect_o skilled_a in_o astronomy_n and_o that_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o or_o that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n can_v not_o remain_v long_o above_o the_o horizon_n then_o ordinary_a unless_o josuah_n understand_v the_o cause_n thereof_o both_o seem_v to_o i_o ridiculous_a and_o i_o have_v rather_o plain_o say_v that_o josuah_n do_v not_o know_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o continue_a light_n and_o that_o all_o the_o army_n with_o he_o do_v think_v that_o the_o sun_n have_v adivurual_a motion_n about_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v stand_v still_o that_o particular_a day_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o its_o long_a shine_v but_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o hail_n which_o the_o 11_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n of_o josuah_n say_v be_v then_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n may_v cause_v a_o great_a refraction_n of_o light_n then_o ordinary_a or_o some_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o our_o business_n here_o to_o inquire_v in_o like_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o isaiah_n a_o sign_n be_v give_v by_o the_o shadow_n be_v go_v back_o upon_o the_o dyal_n of_o ahaz_n because_o his_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o sun_n move_v and_o not_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o parhelij_fw-la perhaps_o he_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v without_o any_o scruple_n maintain_v for_o the_o sign_n may_v real_o happen_v and_o be_v foretell_v to_o the_o king_n though_o the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o solomon_n building_n that_o if_o all_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n they_o be_v reveal_v according_a to_o solomon_n capacity_n and_o opinion_n for_o see_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v that_o solomon_n be_v a_o exact_a mathematician_n we_o may_v lawful_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o proportion_n the_o diameter_n of_o a_o circle_n ought_v to_o bear_v to_o the_o peripheria_fw-la or_o circumference_n but_o think_v with_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o workman_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o three_o to_o one_o but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o text_n in_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o king_n chap._n 7._o v._n 23._o true_o i_o know_v not_o what_o we_o can_v understand_v from_o scripture_n since_o there_o the_o building_n be_v simple_o and_o historical_o relate_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o suppose_v the_o scripture_n mean_v otherwise_o but_o for_o some_o reason_n to_o we_o unknown_a will_v write_v in_o that_o manner_n what_o can_v follow_v but_o a_o total_a overthrow_n of_o all_o scripture_n and_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a or_o wicked_a which_o malice_n can_v invent_v that_o may_v not_o under_o scripture_n authority_n be_v countenance_v and_o commit_v but_o what_o we_o maintain_v savour_v not_o of_o impiety_n for_o solomon_n isaiah_n joshua_n etc._n etc._n though_o prophet_n be_v man_n subject_a to_o human_a infirmity_n the_o drown_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o a_o deluge_n be_v reveal_v to_o noah_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n for_o he_o think_v no_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v inhabit_v but_o palestine_n and_o the_o prophet_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o piety_n may_v be_v yea_o be_v ignorant_a not_o only_o of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o also_o of_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o they_o discover_v very_o little_a of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o have_v mean_a and_o vulgar_a opinion_n of_o god_n to_o which_o their_o revelation_n be_v accommodate_v as_o by_o many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v prove_v so_o that_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o commend_v for_o the_o excellency_n and_o sublimity_n of_o their_o knowledge_n as_o for_o their_o piety_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n adam_n be_v the_o first_o man_n to_o who_o god_n reveal_v himself_o yet_o he_o know_v not_o that_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o omniscient_a for_o he_o hide_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v his_o sin_n to_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v before_o a_o man_n therefore_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o according_a to_o his_o opinion_n and_o capacity_n that_o be_v as_o one_o who_o be_v not_o every_o where_o and_o as_o one_o ignorant_a of_o adam_n sin_n for_o adam_n hear_v or_o seem_v to_o hear_v god_n walk_v in_o the_o garden_n call_v and_o ask_v adam_n where_o be_v thou_o ask_v likewise_o because_o adam_n be_v ashamed_a whether_o he_o have_v eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n adam_n therefore_o know_v no_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v reveal_v to_o cain_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n that_o be_v as_o one_o ignorant_a of_o human_a action_n nor_o do_v he_o need_v any_o high_a knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin._n to_o laban_n god_n reveal_v himself_o as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n because_o laban_n believe_v that_o every_o nation_n have_v a_o peculiar_a god_n as_o appear_v gen._n chap._n 31._o v._n 29._o where_o he_o say_v to_o jacob_n the_o god_n of_o your_o father_n speak_v to_o i_o yesternight_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n vbiquity_n and_o prescience_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v the_o sentence_n against_o sodom_n he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o execute_v it_o till_o he_o know_v whether_o all_o deserve_v the_o punishment_n gen._n chap._n 18_o the_o v_o 24._o peradventure_o there_o may_v be_v find_v fifty_o righteous_a within_o the_o city_n nor_o be_v god_n otherwise_o reveal_v to_o he_o for_o in_o abraham_n imagination_n god_n say_v verse_n 21_o the_o i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o cry_n of_o it_o which_o be_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v god_n testimony_n of_o abraham_n in_o gen._n chap._n 12._o v._n 19_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o abraham_n obedience_n and_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n but_o say_v nothing_o of_o any_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n or_o conception_n that_o he_o have_v of_o god._n moses_n do_v not_o perfect_o
chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 10_o 11._o god_n there_o reprove_v the_o jew_n say_v who_o be_v there_o even_o among_o you_o that_o will_v have_v shut_v the_o door_n for_o nought_o meaning_n of_o the_o temple_n neither_o do_v you_o kindle_v fire_n on_o my_o altar_n for_o nought_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n neither_o will_v i_o accept_v a_o offer_n at_o your_o hand_n for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o word_n sufficient_o testify_v unless_o we_o wrest_v their_o sense_n that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o more_o belove_v of_o god_n than_o other_o nation_n that_o god_n be_v make_v know_v more_o to_o other_o nation_n by_o miracle_n than_o he_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o then_o without_o miracle_n recover_v again_o in_o part_n their_o government_n and_o that_o other_o nation_n have_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n wherewith_o god_n be_v well_o please_v but_o these_o thing_n i_o pass_v by_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n to_o have_v show_v that_o the_o election_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o temporal_a well_o fare_v of_o their_o body_n their_o liberty_n government_n or_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v erect_v consequent_o their_o law_n as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o establishment_n of_o that_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o last_o the_o manner_n how_o those_o law_n be_v reveal_v but_o as_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n life_n consist_v they_o be_v but_o equal_a to_o other_o nation_n see_v then_o the_o scripture_n deut._n chap._n 4._o v._n 7._o say_v that_o no_o nation_n have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o jew_n that_o must_v be_v understand_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o of_o that_o time_n only_o in_o which_o so_o many_o miracle_n happen_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v true_a happiness_n god_n as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v be_v equal_o gracious_a to_o all_o man_n which_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n for_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal._n 145._o v_o 18._o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n also_o in_o the_o same_o psal._n v._n 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n psal._n 33._o v_o 15._o he_o fashion_v man_n heart_n alike_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o expression_n be_v that_o god_n give_v to_o all_o mankind_n the_o same_o intellect_n for_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o heart_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o understanding_n it_o appear_v job_n chap._n 28._o v._n 28._o that_o the_o law_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o all_o mankind_n be_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n depart_v from_o evil_n and_o to_o do_v well_o and_o therefore_o job_n though_o a_o gentile_a be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o excel_v in_o religion_n and_o piety_n last_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n of_o jonah_n v_o 21._o that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o all_o man_n gracious_a merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6._o so_o that_o jonah_n say_v he_o flee_v to_o tarshish_n because_o he_o know_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a will_v pardon_v the_o ninevite_n who_o be_v gentiles_n we_o then_o conclude_v see_v god_n be_v equal_o good_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o society_n and_o government_n that_o every_o particular_a jew_n consider_v as_o a_o person_n out_o of_o that_o common-weath_a and_o government_n have_v no_o gift_n of_o god_n above_o other_o man_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o a_o jew_n and_o a_o gentile_a if_o god_n be_v equal_o good_a and_o gracious_a to_o all_o man_n and_o that_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o their_o country_n as_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o way_n to_o good_a and_o virtuous_a live_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o nation_n have_v their_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o profane_a as_o well_o as_o by_o sacred_a history_n though_o in_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o do_v not_o plain_o appear_v that_o other_o nation_n have_v so_o many_o prophet_n as_o the_o jew_n or_o that_o any_o gentile_a prophet_n be_v express_o send_v by_o god_n to_o other_o nation_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o thence_o because_o the_o jew_n only_o take_v care_n to_o write_v the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o affair_n and_o not_o of_o other_o nation_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v that_o gentile_n and_o man_n uncircumcised_a as_o noah_n enoch_n abimeleck_n and_o balaam_n do_v prophesy_v and_o that_o also_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n be_v not_o only_o send_v by_o god_n to_o their_o own_o people_n but_o likewise_o to_o other_o nation_n ezekiel_n prophesy_v to_o all_o the_o nation_n know_v in_o his_o time_n and_o obadiah_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o none_o but_o the_o edomite_n jonah_n be_v a_o prophet_n chief_o to_o the_o ninevite_n isaiah_n do_v not_o only_o lament_v and_o foretell_v the_o calamity_n and_o prophesy_v the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o of_o other_o nation_n for_o he_o say_v chap._n 16._o v._n 9_o therefore_o will_v i_o bewail_v with_o the_o weep_n of_o jazer_n in_o chap._n 19_o he_o first_o foretell_v the_o calamity_n and_o afterward_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 25._o verse_n he_o tell_v they_o god_n will_v send_v they_o a_o saviour_n and_o will_v deliver_v they_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v worship_v god_n by_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o last_o he_o call_v egypt_n the_o bless_a people_n of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v very_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n last_o jeremy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v in_o express_a term_n call_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o nation_n jerem._n chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 5._o before_o thou_o come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n i_o sanctify_v thou_o and_o ordain_v thou_o a_o prophet_n to_o the_o nation_n he_o prophetical_o be_v wail_v and_o foretell_v the_o restauration_n of_o other_o nation_n he_o say_v chap._n 48._o v._n 31._o therefore_o will_v i_o howl_v for_o moab_n i_o will_v cry_v out_o for_o all_o moab_n and_o v_o 36._o therefore_o my_o heart_n shall_v sound_v for_o moab_n like_o pipe_n and_o afterward_o foretell_v the_o restauration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o amonite_n and_o elamites_n without_o question_v other_o nation_n have_v their_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n though_o the_o scripture_n mention_n only_a balaam_n to_o who_o be_v reveal_v what_o shall_v befall_v other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o balaam_n never_o prophesy_v till_o he_o be_v send_v for_o by_o balaack_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n that_o he_o be_v famous_a for_o prophesy_v and_o other_o divine_a endowment_n for_o balaack_n say_v to_o he_o numb_a chap._n 22._o v._n 6._o i_o know_v he_o who_o thou_o bless_v be_v bless_v and_o he_o who_o thou_o curse_v be_v curse_v so_o that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o virtue_n which_o god_n gen._n chap._n 12._o v._n 3._o bestow_v upon_o abraham_n balaam_n also_o answer_v balaack_n messenger_n as_o one_o accustom_v to_o prophesy_v for_o he_o bid_v they_o stay_v all_o night_n till_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o when_o he_o prophesy_v that_o be_v make_v know_v what_o be_v true_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n he_o use_v to_o say_v these_o word_n he_o have_v say_v who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the._n knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a sall_n into_o a_o trance_n but_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a last_o after_o he_o have_v by_o god_n command_v bless_v the_o israelite_n he_o begin_v as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o prophesy_v of_o other_o nation_n foretell_v what_o shall_v
require_v may_v be_v call_v the_o command_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n exist_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o respect_v this_o end_n may_v be_v call_v the_o divine_a law_n but_o what_o those_o mean_n be_v and_o what_o that_o manner_n of_o live_v be_v which_o this_o end_n require_v how_o the_o best_a goverment_n and_o man_n in_o live_v one_o with_o another_o shall_v pursue_v this_o end_n be_v a_o subject_a for_o moral_a philosophy_n to_o handle_v my_o present_a business_n be_v only_o to_o speak_v in_o general_a of_o the_o law_n divine_a if_o then_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v man_n chief_a felicity_n and_o beatitude_n and_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o man_n action_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o only_o keep_v god_n law_n who_o care_n be_v to_o love_n god_n not_o for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n or_o for_o the_o love_n of_o any_o other_o thing_n as_o pleasure_n wealth_n fame_n etc._n etc._n but_o only_o because_o he_o know_v god_n or_o because_o he_o know_v that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a good_a the_n sum_v then_o and_o chief_n precept_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o love_n god_n as_o our_o chief_a good_a not_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v for_o fear_v of_o some_o evil_a or_o punishment_n nor_o for_o the_o love_n of_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o take_v delight_n but_o though_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o god_n be_v our_o chief_a good_a and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n to_o which_o all_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v yet_o the_o carnal_a man_n can_v understand_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o seem_v vanity_n to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v too_o low_a and_o narrow_a a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o because_o also_o in_o this_o chief_a good_a which_o consist_v only_o in_o speculation_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o mind_n he_o find_v nothing_o that_o he_o can_v handle_v eat_v or_o wherewith_o to_o gratify_v the_o flesh_n with_o which_o he_o be_v most_o please_v but_o they_o that_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o excellent_a than_o reason_n and_o a_o clear_a understanding_n will_v esteem_v they_o the_o most_o solid_a of_o all_o pleasure_n we_o have_v now_o show_v in_o what_o chief_o the_o divine_a law_n consist_v and_o what_o be_v human_a law_n namely_o all_o those_o which_o be_v direct_v to_o another_o end_n unless_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o divine_a revelation_n for_o under_o this_o consideration_n thing_n also_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n though_o it_o be_v not_o universal_a but_o accommodate_v to_o the_o disposition_n and_o preservation_n of_o one_o particular_a people_n may_v be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a law_n see_v we_o believe_v it_o give_v by_o prophetical_a revelation_n so_o that_o now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o natural_a divine_a law_n as_o we_o have_v explain_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n since_o we_o have_v derive_v it_o from_o human_a nature_n in_o general_n second_o that_o it_o do_v not_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o history_n whatever_o they_o be_v since_o this_o divine_a natural_a law_n be_v understand_v only_o in_o consideration_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o conceive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o man_n as_o in_o adam_n and_o as_o well_o in_o a_o man_n who_o live_v a_o solitary_a as_o in_o one_o that_o lead_v a_o social_a life_n nor_o can_v the_o belief_n of_o history_n though_o true_a give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consequent_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o common_a notion_n in_o themselves_o certain_a and_o know_v so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o history_n be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o our_o chief_a good_a but_o though_o the_o belief_n of_o history_n can_v give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o grant_v read_v of_o they_o to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o respect_n of_o civil_a life_n for_o the_o more_o we_o know_v and_o observe_v man_n manner_n and_o condition_n of_o which_o their_o action_n be_v the_o best_a evidence_n with_o the_o great_a caution_n may_v we_o live_v among_o they_o and_o the_o better_a may_v we_o suit_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o their_o disposition_n so_o far_o as_o be_v reasonable_a three_o this_o natural_a divine_a law_n require_v no_o ceremony_n that_o be_v action_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o be_v only_o good_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o institution_n or_o because_o they_o represent_v some_o good_a necessary_a to_o our_o well_o be_v or_o rather_o action_n whereof_o our_o understanding_n do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n for_o natural_a light_n require_v nothing_o but_o what_o that_o light_n can_v attain_v to_o and_o only_o that_o which_o it_o discover_v to_o we_o can_v be_v our_o good_a and_o the_o way_n to_o our_o happiness_n those_o which_o be_v good_a only_o by_o precept_n and_o institution_n or_o because_o they_o be_v representative_n of_o some_o good_a they_o can_v perfect_v our_o understanding_n they_o be_v but_o mere_a shadow_n and_o and_o can_v be_v reckon_v among_o those_o action_n which_o be_v the_o offspring_n and_o fruit_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o sound_a judgement_n which_o to_o prove_v more_o at_o large_a be_v not_o here_o necessary_a four_o the_o high_a reward_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o law_n itself_o namely_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o love_v he_o free_o and_o continual_o with_o the_o whole_a heart_n and_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o love_n the_o bondage_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o inconstant_a fluctuate_a mind_n these_o thing_n thus_o consider_v we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v first_o whether_o by_o natural_a light_n we_o can_v conceive_v and_o know_v god_n as_o a_o lawgiver_n and_o prince_n prescribe_v law_n to_o man_n second_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o this_o natural_a light_n and_o law_n three_o to_o what_o end_n ceremony_n be_v institute_v four_o of_o what_o concern_v it_o be_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o two_o first_o particular_n we_o will_v treat_v in_o this_o and_o of_o the_o two_o last_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n what_o we_o be_v to_o conclude_v concern_v the_o first_o particular_a may_v be_v easy_o deduce_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n will_n which_o be_v distinguish_v from_o god_n knowledge_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o reason_n that_o be_v the_o will_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v in_o themselves_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n nor_o be_v they_o distinguish_v but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o thought_n we_o form_v of_o god_n knowledge_n for_o example_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n contain_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o a_o eternal_a truth_n than_o we_o say_v god_n have_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o triangle_n or_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n but_o when_o afterward_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v so_o contain_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n but_o in_o respect_n only_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yea_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o essence_n and_o property_n of_o a_o triangle_n as_o they_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v eternal_a verity_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o triangle_n then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v call_v god_n knowledge_n we_o call_v god_n will_v and_o decree_n therefore_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n we_o say_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n know_v or_o that_o god_n will_v and_o decree_v that_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n shall_v be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a angle_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n affirmation_n and_o negation_n must_v always_o imply_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o verity_n if_o then_o for_o example_n god_n say_v to_o adam_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v he_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a it_o will_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o adam_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o eat_v of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o adam_n shall_v eat_v of_o it_o if_o that_o divine_a decree_n do_v imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n but_o because_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
other_o power_n whatever_o contrary_a to_o nature_n that_o must_v also_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o first_o notion_n and_o so_o be_v reject_v as_o absurd_a and_o against_o reason_n or_o else_o we_o must_v doubt_v of_o our_o prime_a notion_n and_o consequent_o of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o miracle_n therefore_o in_o what_o manner_n soever_o we_o apprehend_v they_o as_o they_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v work_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v god_n existence_n they_o rather_o bring_v it_o into_o question_n for_o without_o miracle_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o namely_o by_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n observe_v the_o certain_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n but_o grant_v that_o to_o be_v a_o miracle_n which_o can_v be_v explain_v and_o make_v know_v by_o natural_a cause_n we_o ought_v then_o either_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o have_v natural_a cause_n but_o such_o as_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o human_a understanding_n or_o that_o it_o have_v no_o immediate_a cause_n but_o god_n or_o his_o will_n but_o if_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o natural_a cause_n be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n we_o must_v necessary_o at_o last_o come_v to_o this_o that_o whether_o a_o miracle_n have_v natural_a cause_n or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o work_n which_o can_v be_v manifest_v by_o a_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o work_n which_o exceed_v hnman_n capacity_n and_o from_o a_o work_n that_o exceed_v human_a understanding_n we_o can_v understand_v and_o collect_v nothing_o for_o whatever_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v we_o do_v it_o by_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o some_o other_o and_o that_o which_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v by_o itself_o aught_o to_o be_v perfect_o know_v to_o we_o therefore_o by_o a_o miracle_n or_o any_o work_n exceed_v human_a capacity_n we_o can_v conceive_v god_n essence_n or_o existence_n nor_o can_v we_o absolute_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v ordain_v and_o establish_v by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o nature_n ncessary_o flow_v from_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o eternal_a decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v conclude_v that_o we_o so_o much_o the_o better_a know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n by_o how_o much_o the_o better_o we_o understand_v and_o know_v natural_a thing_n how_o they_o depend_v in_o their_o first_o cause_n and_o how_o they_o operate_v according_a to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o understanding_n with_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v those_o work_n to_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v than_o those_o of_o which_o we_o be_v total_o ignorant_a though_o they_o strange_o effect_v our_o imagination_n and_o cause_v our_o wonder_n because_o only_o those_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o know_v render_v our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o sublime_a and_o more_o evident_o declare_v the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n so_o that_o those_o man_n do_v but_o trifle_n who_o when_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o thing_n run_v present_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o ridiculous_o betray_v their_o own_o ignorance_n moreover_o whatever_o we_o conclude_v from_o miracle_n yet_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n can_v in_o any_o manner_n be_v conclude_v from_o they_o for_o since_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o limit_a work_n and_o express_v only_o a_o certain_a and_o limit_a power_n we_o can_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n conclude_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o cause_n who_o power_n be_v infinite_a but_o only_o of_o a_o cause_n who_o power_n at_o most_o be_v great_a than_o that_o effect_n i_o say_v at_o most_o because_o from_o many_o concure_a cause_n there_o may_v follow_v a_o effect_n who_o virtue_n and_o power_n may_v be_v less_o than_o all_o the_o cause_n together_o and_o yet_o much_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o cause_n take_v single_a but_o because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v extend_v themselves_o to_o thing_n infinite_a be_v conceive_v by_o we_o under_o a_o kind_n of_o eternity_n and_o nature_n by_o they_o proceed_v in_o a_o certain_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n so_o far_o do_v those_o law_n in_o some_o measure_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o eternity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o neither_o god_n be_v or_o providence_n can_v be_v know_v by_o miracle_n but_o may_v much_o better_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a course_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v now_o of_o a_o miracle_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o work_n that_o be_v above_o human_a capacity_n or_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o work_n that_o interrupt_v or_o pervert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n or_o be_v repugnant_a tc_n its_o law_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v we_o any_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v away_o that_o which_o we_o natural_o have_v and_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o difference_n between_o a_o thing_n do_v contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o be_v do_v above_o nature_n that_o be_v as_o some_o explain_v themselves_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o effect_v and_o produce_v by_o nature_n for_o see_v a_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v out_o of_o nature_n but_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v above_o nature_n yet_o it_o must_v necessary_o interrupt_v nature_n order_n which_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v fix_v and_o immutable_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v do_v in_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o order_n which_o god_n to_o all_o eternity_n by_o universal_a law_n establish_v in_o nature_n and_o consequent_o be_v against_o nature_n and_o its_o law_n the_o believe_v it_o must_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o doubt_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o atheism_n so_o that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v so_o prove_v the_o second_o particular_a that_o we_o may_v again_o conclude_v a_o miracle_n whether_o contrary_a to_o nature_n or_o above_o it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a absurdity_n and_o that_o by_o a_o miracle_n nothing_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o scripture_n but_o a_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v indeed_o above_o human_a understanding_n or_o at_o least_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a i_o resolve_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o we_o can_v know_v god_n by_o miracle_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o literal_o say_v so_o but_o we_o may_v conclude_v it_o from_o the_o 13._o chap._n of_o deut._n where_o moses_n command_v the_o people_n to_o put_v any_o prophet_n to_o death_n who_o go_v about_o to_o seduce_v they_o and_o though_o the_o sign_n and_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o an_z yet_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o miracle_n may_v be_v do_v by_o false_a prophet_n and_o unless_o man_n be_v fortify_v with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v induce_v by_o miracle_n to_o worship_v false_a god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a moses_n add_v because_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v he_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n the_o israelite_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o miracle_n have_v no_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o appear_v by_o experience_n for_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o moses_n they_o call_v upon_o aron_n to_o make_v they_o visible_a god_n who_o to_o their_o eternal_a shame_n make_v they_o after_o so_o many_o miracle_n do_v a_o calf_n to_o represent_v god._n asaph_n who_o have_v hear_v of_o so_o many_o miracle_n yet_o doubt_v of_o god_n providence_n and_o have_v he_o not_o at_o last_o understand_v what_o be_v true_a happiness_n he_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n psalm_n 73._o solomon_n also_o in_o who_o time_n the_o jew_n be_v in_o their_o high_a prosperity_n believe_v that_o all_o thing_n happen_v by_o chance_n eccles._n chap._n 3._o v._n 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o chap._n 9_o v._n 2_o 3._o the_o
very_a prophet_n themselves_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reconcile_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o human_n eevent_v with_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o god_n providence_n but_o to_o wiseman_n who_o knowledge_n be_v not_o build_v on_o miracle_n but_o upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a conception_n the_o thing_n be_v very_o evident_a especial_o to_o those_o who_o place_n true_a happiness_n in_o virtue_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o study_v more_o to_o submit_v to_o nature_n then_o to_o make_v nature_n obedient_a to_o they_o know_v certain_o that_o god_n direct_v nature_n as_o its_o own_o universal_a law_n and_o not_o as_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o human_a nature_n require_v and_o that_o god_n have_v a_o care_n not_o only_o of_o mankind_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n in_o general_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o scripture_n that_o miracle_n can_v teach_v we_o to_o know_v god_n or_o his_o providence_n though_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n wrought_v miracle_n to_o be_v know_v to_o men._n exod._n chap._n 10._o v._n 2._o the_o wonder_n which_o he_o do_v in_o egypt_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o teach_v they_o to_o know_v god_n but_o only_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v prepossess_v with_o such_o opinion_n that_o they_o will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v by_o those_o sign_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o the_o conception_n which_o the_o prophet_n have_v by_o revelation_n be_v not_o draw_v from_o universal_a and_o common_a notion_n but_o from_o concession_n sometime_o absurd_a and_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o from_o they_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v convince_v as_o we_o have_v prove_v by_o many_o example_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o paul_n who_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o jew_n and_o with_o the_o grecian_n a_o greek_a but_o though_o those_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n and_o the_o egyptian_n from_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o idea_n of_o god_n they_o understand_v nothing_o more_o by_o they_o then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n great_a than_o all_o other_o know_v being_n and_o that_o that_o power_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o affair_n be_v at_o that_o time_n so_o prosperous_a above_o all_o other_o nation_n but_o do_v not_o teach_v they_o that_o god_n have_v a_o equal_a care_n of_o all_o mankind_n which_o we_o know_v only_o by_o philosophy_n or_o true_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o that_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n providence_n but_o from_o the_o different_a state_n of_o human_a affair_n and_o from_o the_o disparity_n of_o man_n fortune_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v better_a belove_v by_o god_n than_o all_o other_o nation_n though_o they_o do_v not_o excel_v any_o other_o people_n in_o human_a perfection_n as_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v in_o our_o three_o chapter_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a that_o be_v to_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o the_o command_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o his_o providence_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v when_o the_o scripture_n say_v any_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o god_n or_o the_o will_n of_o god_n nothing_o more_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v then_o that_o it_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o as_o the_o vulgar_a imagine_v that_o nature_n be_v idle_a and_o cease_v from_o action_n or_o that_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v for_o sometime_o interrupt_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o give_v we_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v its_o doctrine_n because_o as_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v it_o needless_a it_o meddle_v not_o with_o demonstrate_v thing_n by_o their_o natural_a cause_n nor_o with_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o therefore_o to_o prove_v by_o consequence_n what_o we_o intend_v we_o will_v quote_v some_o scripture_n history_n who_o relation_n be_v full_a of_o circumstance_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 9_o v._n 15_o 16._o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n tell_v samuel_n in_o his_o ear_n that_o he_o will_v send_v saul_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o send_v he_o as_o man_n use_v to_o send_v messenger_n one_o to_o another_o but_o this_o mission_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n for_o saul_n seek_v his_o father_n lose_a ass_n and_o think_v he_o shall_v not_o find_v they_o by_o advice_n of_o his_o father_n servant_n he_o go_v to_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n to_o know_v if_o he_o can_v tell_v he_o where_o they_o be_v nor_o do_v it_o appear_v any_o where_o in_o the_o whole_a relation_n that_o saul_n have_v any_o particular_a command_n from_o god_n beside_o this_o natural_a course_n to_o go_v to_o samuel_n psal._n 105._o v_o 24._o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o hate_v the_o israelite_n which_o turn_v be_v natural_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o exodus_fw-la where_o very_o good_a reason_n be_v give_v for_o the_o egyptian_n keep_v the_o israelite_n in_o subjection_n in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n of_o gen._n v._n 13._o god_n say_v to_o noah_n that_o he_o will_v set_v his_o bow_n in_o the_o cloud_n which_o action_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o reflection_n and_o refraction_n of_o the_o sunbeam_n in_o the_o minute_n drop_v of_o rain_n water_n psal._n 147._o v_o 18._o the_o natural_a operation_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o wind_n by_o which_o frost_n and_o snow_n be_v melt_v be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o v_o 15._o the_o wind_n be_v call_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n psal._n 104._o v_o 4._o the_o wind_n and_o the_o fire_n be_v call_v the_o messenger_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o like_o place_n in_o scripture_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o decree_n the_o command_n the_o say_v and_o word_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o operation_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o without_o doubt_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n and_o attribute_v to_o god_n natural_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o scripture_n to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o only_o to_o relate_v those_o thing_n which_o strong_o possess_v the_o imagination_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o stile_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o cause_v admiration_n and_o fill_v man_n mind_n with_o devotion_n if_o then_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n some_o thing_n of_o who_o natural_a cause_n we_o be_v ignorant_a or_o that_o seem_v to_o have_v happen_v against_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o be_v not_o present_o to_o doubt_v but_o believe_v that_o what_o do_v real_o happen_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o many_o circumstance_n that_o accompany_v miracle_n though_o the_o circumstance_n be_v not_o particular_o relate_v or_o be_v at_o least_o poetical_o relate_v i_o say_v the_o circumstance_n clear_o prove_v that_o the_o miracle_n require_v and_o have_v natural_a cause_n when_o the_o egyptian_n be_v to_o be_v smite_v with_o the_o plague_n of_o boil_v moses_n be_v to_o cast_v up_o and_o sprinkle_v ash_n into_o the_o air_n exod._n chap._n 9_o v._n 10._o the_o locust_n also_o by_o god_n natural_a command_n namely_o by_o a_o east_n wind_n blow_v a_o whole_a day_n and_o night_n cover_v the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o leave_v it_o again_o with_o a_o strong_a west_n wind_n exod_a chap._n 10._o v._n 13._o 19_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v a_o way_n make_v through_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o east_n wind_n that_o blow_v a_o whole_a night_n exod._n chap._n 14._o v._n 21._o when_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n be_v to_o raise_v the_o child_n think_v to_o be_v dead_a he_o several_a time_n stretch_v himself_o upon_o the_o body_n till_o he_o grow_v warm_a and_o open_v his_o eye_n in_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 4._o v._n 34,35_o so_o also_o in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap_n of_o st._n johns_n gospel_n some_o circumstance_n be_v mention_v which_o christ_n use_v when_o he_o cure_a the_o blind_a man_n many_o other_o thing_n be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n which_o all_o declare_v that_o miracle_n require_v somewhat_o more_o than_o the_o absolute_a command_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o miracle_n and_o their_o natural_a cause_n be_v not_o
for_o we_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n for_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v by_o natural_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o without_o some_o other_o light_n moreover_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o mind_v demonstration_n will_v entertain_v no_o scripture_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o philosopher_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o suppose_v philosopher_n can_v err_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o true_o will_v be_v a_o new_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o priesthood_n which_o the_o vulgar_a will_v rather_o scorn_v then_o reverence_n and_o though_o our_o method_n require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v no_o time_n to_o study_v nothing_o can_v upon_o that_o score_n be_v object_v for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o it_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n though_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v which_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v to_o make_v themselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o prophet_n meaning_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o method_n that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v necessary_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n that_o know_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o maimonides_n can_v never_o show_v i_o a_o common_a people_n that_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o knowledge_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o these_o day_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v not_o know_v may_v be_v easy_o understand_v in_o any_o language_n because_o they_o be_v so_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o for_o this_o knowledge_n the_o vulgar_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n in_o other_o thing_n they_o follow_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o to_o return_v to_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o maimonides_n opinion_n first_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v in_o all_o thing_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a philosopher_n because_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o their_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o second_o chapter_n to_o be_v false_a next_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v any_o thing_n nor_o do_v it_o prove_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v by_o definition_n and_o primary_n cause_n wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v neither_o appear_v or_o be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v likewise_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o present_a chapter_n for_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o example_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v derive_v thence_o even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n unknown_a to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n last_o maimonides_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o according_a to_o our_o preconceive_a opinion_n to_o expound_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o deny_v or_o change_v the_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o be_v it_o never_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a which_o liberty_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o what_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o this_o and_o other_o chapter_n and_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o boldness_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o this_o liberty_n what_o advantage_n will_v he_o get_v by_o it_o none_o at_o all_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v by_o this_o way_n make_v out_o nor_o by_o this_o rule_n expound_v or_o interpret_v they_o when_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o follow_v our_o method_n we_o may_v explain_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n perceptible_a their_o sense_n be_v easy_o draw_v from_o the_o context_n and_o as_o maimonides_n method_n be_v unprofitable_a so_o it_o take_v from_o the_o common_a people_n all_o certainty_n which_o they_o and_o all_o that_o follow_v any_o other_o method_n can_v by_o diligent_a read_n have_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o reject_v it_o as_o dangerous_a useless_a and_o absurd_a as_o for_o the_o forementioned_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o and_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n authority_n i_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n deny_v it_o but_o because_o it_o want_v clear_a proof_n for_o have_v they_o as_o much_o scripture_n to_o show_v for_o it_o as_o heretofore_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n have_v for_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o little_a concern_v that_o some_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o that_o the_o high-priest_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v sometime_o as_o bad_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o command_n of_o scripture_n have_v still_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 17_o chap._n of_o deut._n v._n 11_o 12._o chap._n 33._o v._n 10._o and_o mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o but_o because_o the_o pope_n can_v show_v we_o no_o such_o testimony_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o and_o think_v that_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a high-priest_n the_o catholic_a religion_n also_o want_v a_o high_a priest_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o public_a law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o need_v a_o public_a authority_n to_o maintain_v they_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n the_o public_a law_n as_o he_o please_v no_o commonwealth_n can_v stand_v but_o present_o dissolve_v and_o public_a law_n become_v private_a but_o in_o religion_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a for_o see_v religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o external_a action_n as_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v of_o no_o public_a power_n or_o authority_n for_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o infuse_v by_o the_o command_n of_o law_n or_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v compel_v by_o force_n or_o by_o law_n to_o be_v make_v holy_a nothing_o but_o good_a brotherly_a council_n education_n and_o a_o man_n own_o free_a judgement_n can_v do_v that_o see_v then_o every_o man_n have_v right_a to_o think_v of_o religion_n as_o he_o please_v and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v any_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o right_n it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o judge_v of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o expound_v and_o interpret_v it_o to_o himself_o for_o as_o the_o chief_n power_n of_o interpret_n law_n and_o judge_v of_o public_a matter_n reside_v in_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o be_v public_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o explain_v and_o judge_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o every_o particular_a person_n because_o it_o be_v every_o private_a man_n right_a the_o authority_n then_o of_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n to_o interpret_v law_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v the_o pope_n authority_n to_o interpret_v religion_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n i._o the_o best_a for_o see_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o interpret_n it_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o not_o any_o supernatural_a light_n or_o external_a authority_n this_o method_n ought_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a that_o none_o but_o acute_a philosopher_n can_v make_v use_n of_o or_o compose_v it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v
the_o language_n word_n or_o style_v wherein_o they_o be_v express_v and_o that_o all_o book_n which_o declare_v and_o teach_v what_o be_v excellent_o good_a in_o what_o tongue_n or_o by_o what_o nation_n soever_o write_v be_v equal_o sacred_a let_v this_o at_o least_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o chapter_n which_o be_v write_v in_o chaldee_n be_v no_o less_o sacred_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n to_o this_o book_n of_o daniel_n the_o first_o book_n of_o ezra_n be_v so_o annex_v that_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v both_o write_v by_o one_o person_n who_o relate_v what_o successive_o pass_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o first_o captivity_n and_o to_o this_o book_n of_o esdras_n without_o doubt_n be_v join_v the_o book_n of_o hester_n for_o the_o conjunction_n wherewith_o the_o book_n begin_v can_v relate_v to_o no_o other_o book_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v the_o same_o book_n which_o mordecai_n write_v for_o he_o that_o write_v the_o book_n of_o hester_n say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n v._n 20._o that_o mordecai_n write_v letter_n and_o declare_v what_o be_v their_o content_n moreover_o the_o 31_o the_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n tell_v we_o that_o queen_n hester_n confirm_v by_o a_o decree_n all_o thing_n concern_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_n or_o lot_n and_o in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n manner_n of_o speak_v in_o a_o book_n which_o every_o one_o at_o that_o time_n know_v which_o book_n with_o other_o aben_n ezra_n say_v be_v lose_v what_o else_o concern_v mordecai_n the_o historian_n in_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n v._n 2._o say_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o media_n and_o persia_n and_o therefore_o without_o question_n this_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o person_n who_o write_v the_o affair_n of_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n call_v the_o second_o book_n of_o ezra_n so_o that_o we_o conclude_v these_o four_o book_n namely_o daniel_n ezra_n hester_n and_o nehemiah_n to_o be_v write_v by_o one_o historian_n but_o who_o he_o be_v i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o guess_v but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whoever_o he_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v and_o from_o whence_o he_o copy_v they_o out_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o governor_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o do_v their_o king_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o keep_v scribe_n or_o historiographer_n who_o write_v annal_n and_o record_v what_o past_a which_o annal_n or_o chronology_n be_v every_o where_o cite_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n but_o those_o of_o the_o prince_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v quote_v first_o in_o nehemiah_n chap._n 12._o v._n 23._o and_o also_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o macchabee_n chap._n 16._o v._n 24._o and_o no_o question_n this_o book_n of_o annal_n be_v that_o book_n mention_v in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n of_o hester_n in_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o queen_n hester_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v mordecai_n be_v write_v which_o book_n we_o agree_v with_o aben_n ezra_n be_v lose_v and_o out_o of_o this_o book_n of_o annal_n all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o four_o book_n we_o have_v last_o mention_v be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v and_o copy_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n quote_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o four_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o of_o public_a authority_n that_o these_o four_o book_n be_v not_o write_v either_o by_o ezra_n or_o nehemiah_n appear_v by_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o and_o 10_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 12_o the_o chap._n of_o nehem._n where_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o highpriest_n jesuah_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o jaduah_n the_o six_o highpriest_n who_o go_v to_o meet_v alexander_n the_o great_a when_o he_o have_v almost_o conquer_v the_o kingdom_n of_o persia_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n and_o 8_o the_o chap._n of_o iosephus_n antiquity_n or_o as_o philo_n judaeus_fw-la say_v in_o libro_fw-la temporum_fw-la the_o six_o and_o last_o highpriest_n under_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n which_o be_v likewise_o plain_o declare_v in_o the_o 22_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a 12_o the_o chap._n of_o nehem._n where_o the_o historian_n say_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o day_n of_o eliashib_n joiada_n johanan_n and_o jaduah_n be_v record_v priest_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n the_o persian_a that_o be_v in_o the_o annal_n of_o that_o government_n and_o sure_a no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o hezra_n or_o nehemiah_n be_v so_o long_o live_v to_o survive_v fourteen_o persian_a king_n for_o cyrus_n the_o first_o king_n of_o persia_n be_v he_o that_o give_v the_o jew_n liberty_n to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n and_o from_o he_o to_o darius_n the_o fourteen_o and_o last_o king_n of_o the_o persian_n be_v reckon_v 230_o year_n therefore_o without_o all_o doubt_n these_o four_o book_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v write_v long_o after_o judas_n maccabeus_n restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o also_o because_o at_o that_o time_n be_v spurious_a counterfeit_n book_n of_o daniel_n hesdras_n and_o hester_n publish_v by_o some_o malicious_a person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o zadduce_n for_o the_o pharisee_n will_v never_o own_v they_o and_o though_o in_o the_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o 4_o the_o of_o esdras_n there_o be_v some_o fabulous_a story_n which_o we_o also_o find_v in_o the_o talmud_n yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v father_v on_o the_o pharisee_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o sense_n but_o believe_v those_o tale_n be_v add_v by_o some_o trifle_a fellow_n perhaps_o to_o render_v the_o pharisaical_a tradition_n ridiculous_a or_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o that_o time_n believe_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n be_v fulfil_v thereby_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o and_o great_a calamity_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o despair_n but_o though_o these_o book_n be_v of_o no_o great_a antiquity_n yet_o many_o fault_n i_o suppose_v through_o haste_n in_o those_o who_o copy_v they_o out_o have_v creep_v into_o they_o for_o in_o these_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n be_v many_o marginal_a note_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o also_o some_o place_n for_o which_o no_o excuse_n can_v be_v make_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o marginal_a readins_n of_o these_o book_n be_v as_o the_o pharisee_n will_v have_v it_o as_o ancient_a as_o the_o writer_n themselves_o than_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o scribe_n if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o put_v these_o note_n into_o the_o margin_n because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v the_o annal_n from_o whence_o they_o copy_v out_o the_o book_n perfect_o write_v and_o though_o some_o fault_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a yet_o the_o scribe_n will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o alter_v or_o mend_v the_o write_n of_o their_o ancestor_n of_o this_o particular_a i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o i_o now_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v those_o error_n whereof_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v in_o the_o margin_n i_o can_v tell_v how_o many_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o chap_n of_o ezra_n for_o in_o the_o 64_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n together_o of_o those_o that_o go_v up_o out_o of_o captivity_n to_o jerusalem_n be_v forty_o two_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o and_o yet_o if_o the_o particular_a number_n throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v exact_o sum_v up_o and_o add_v together_o they_o make_v the_o total_a to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o twenty_o nine_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o total_a or_o particular_a number_n now_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a the_o total_a number_n be_v not_o mistake_v but_o set_v down_o right_a because_o every_o one_o may_v keep_v that_o in_o memory_n though_o he_o can_v not_o remember_v the_o particular_a number_n have_v there_o be_v any_o error_n or_o mistake_n in_o the_o total_a every_o body_n will_v have_v know_v it_o and_o it_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o mend_v which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o nehemiah_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o they_o that_o come_v up_o from_o the_o captivity_n be_v the_o very_a same_o mention_v in_o the_o 2_o d_o chap_n of_o ezra_n but_o the_o particular_a number_n very_o much_o differ_v for_o
neguniah_n the_o son_n of_o hiskiah_n the_o book_n of_o ezechiel_n have_v be_v abscond_v because_o there_o be_v expression_n in_o it_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n hold_v a_o council_n to_o determine_v what_o book_n shall_v be_v receive_v for_o sacred_a and_o what_o shall_v be_v reject_v so_o that_o whoever_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o must_v search_v into_o the_o council_n and_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n every_o book_n be_v receive_v i_o shall_v now_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o i_o hear_v it_o have_v be_v already_o do_v by_o man_n learn_v in_o the_o science_n and_o skilful_a in_o tongue_n i_o be_o not_o grecian_a good_a enough_o to_o undertake_v it_o beside_o we_o want_v original_a copy_n of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o engage_v myself_o in_o the_o business_n but_o only_o observe_v some_o thing_n which_o make_v to_o my_o main_a purpose_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o work_n of_o my_o next_o chapter_n chap._n xi_o inquire_v whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o teacher_n and_o show_v what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n whoever_o read_v the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n but_o because_o the_o prophet_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n do_v but_o seldom_o and_o not_o always_o speak_v by_o revelation_n it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o apostle_n like_o moses_n jeremy_n and_o other_o do_v by_o express_a command_n and_o revelation_n write_v their_o epislle_n as_o prophet_n or_o else_o only_o as_o private_a man_n and_o teacher_n especial_o because_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o v._n 6._o paul_n in_o express_a term_n declare_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o speak_v the_o one_o by_o revelation_n the_o other_o by_o knowledge_n i_o say_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n do_v prophesy_v or_o instruct_v their_o style_n if_o we_o mark_v it_o be_v very_o far_o different_a from_o that_o use_v in_o prophecy_n it_o be_v always_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o declare_v that_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n still_o begin_v with_o expression_n like_o these_o so_o faith_n the_o lord_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n say_v the_o word_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o do_v use_v not_o only_o in_o their_o public_a speech_n but_o also_o in_o their_o letter_n or_o write_n which_o contain_v revelation_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n to_o king_n jehoram_n 2_o d_o book_n of_o chron._n chap_n 21._o five_o 12._o and_o there_o come_v a_o write_n to_o he_o from_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n but_o in_o the_o apostle_n write_n we_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o expression_n but_o the_o clean_a contrary_n 1_o st_z epist_n corinth_n chap._n 7._o v._n 40._o paul_n say_v he_o speak_v after_o his_o own_o judgement_n yea_o in_o many_o place_n we_o find_v expression_n which_o argue_v a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a mind_n as_o in_o the_o epist._n to_o the_o rom._n chap._n 3._o v._n 28._o therefore_o we_o conclude_v and_o rom._n chap._n 8_o v._n 18._o for_o i_o reckon_v and_o many_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n beside_o these_o there_o be_v other_o manner_n of_o speak_v which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o savour_n of_o prophetical_a authority_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n corinth_n chap._n 7._o v._n 6._o but_o i_o speak_v this_o by_o permission_n not_o of_o commandment_n and_o in_o the_o 25._o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chap._n i_o give_v my_o judgement_n as_o a_o man_n who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n speak_v as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v or_o have_v not_o a_o command_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o what_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o command_n from_o god_n by_o revelation_n but_o only_o that_o he_o preach_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n the_o lord_n teach_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o mount._n moreover_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o much_o different_a from_o the_o prophet_n way_n of_o instruct_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o find_v reason_v insomuch_o that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o dispute_v than_o prophecy_n prophecy_n contain_v nothing_o but_o positive_a opinion_n and_o decree_n therefore_o god_n be_v always_o introduce_v not_o argue_v with_o reason_n but_o peremptory_o command_v by_o the_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n prophetieal_v authority_n allow_v of_o no_o rational_a dispute_v for_o whoever_o will_v by_o reason_v confirm_v his_o opinion_n do_v in_o so_o do_v submit_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrary_a judgement_n of_o another_o as_o do_v paul_n reason_v in_o his_o 1_o sy_n epist_n to_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 10._o v._n 15._o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v and_o last_o because_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o reason_n and_o natural_a knowledge_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n though_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n seem_v to_o be_v conclude_v and_o confirm_v by_o inference_n and_o illation_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o they_o can_v be_v take_v for_o peremptory_a and_o decisive_a argument_n for_o example_n when_o moses_n say_v to_o the_o israelite_n deut._n chap._n 21._o v._n 27._o behold_v while_o i_o be_o yet_o alive_a with_o you_o this_o day_n you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o much_o more_o after_o my_o death_n we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o will_v certain_o after_o moses_n death_n depart_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o the_o argument_n have_v be_v false_a as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n persevere_v constant_o in_o it_o during_o the_o life_n of_o joshua_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o afterward_o also_o in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n these_o word_n therefore_o of_o moses_n be_v but_o a_o moral_a manner_n of_o speak_v which_o he_o rhetorical_o use_v the_o more_o strong_o to_o imagine_v and_o foretell_v that_o people_n future_a defection_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o moses_n to_o make_v his_o prediction_n true_a speak_v these_o word_n of_o himself_o and_o not_o by_o revelation_n as_o a_o prophet_n be_v because_o in_o the_o 21_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n god_n reveal_v to_o moses_n in_o other_o word_n what_o the_o people_n will_v do_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o reason_v to_o make_v moses_n sure_a of_o this_o prediction_n and_o decree_n but_o it_o be_v only_o necessary_a to_o give_v he_o a_o lively_a representation_n thereof_o in_o his_o imagination_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n which_o can_v be_v do_v no_o better_a way_n than_o by_o imagine_v that_o the_o people_n present_a rebellious_a humour_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o try_v will_v be_v the_o very_a same_o for_o the_o future_a so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v moses_n argument_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o petanteuch_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o repository_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v take_v only_o for_o manner_n of_o speak_v whereby_o he_o do_v more_o lively_o imagine_v and_o more_o effectual_o express_v god_n decree_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o prophet_n may_v reason_v and_o argue_v by_o revelation_n but_o that_o which_o i_o maintain_v be_v that_o the_o prophet_n by_o how_o much_o more_o rational_a the_o argument_n be_v which_o they_o use_v so_o much_o more_o natural_a do_v their_o knowledge_n appear_v which_o they_o have_v of_o thing_n reveal_v and_o that_o the_o prophet_n knowledge_n be_v supernatural_a chief_o appear_v in_o their_o speak_n dogmatical_o imperious_o and_o sententious_o so_o that_o moses_n the_o chief_a prophet_n never_o make_v use_n of_o any_o logical_a argument_n and_o i_o therefore_o conclude_v paul_n long_a deduction_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o find_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v never_o write_v by_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o argue_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v
fill_v religion_n with_o so_o many_o philosophical_a speculation_n that_o they_o have_v turn_v the_o church_n into_o a_o academy_n religion_n into_o a_o science_n or_o rather_o into_o wrangle_a and_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o boast_v of_o supernatural_a illumination_n shall_v pretend_v to_o more_o than_o we_o find_v in_o philosopher_n who_o own_o they_o have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v natural_a i_o will_v real_o admire_v those_o illuminate_v man_n can_v they_o teach_v we_o any_o new_a speculation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o common_a and_o vulgar_a among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o they_o call_v blind_a for_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o be_v those_o profound_a mystery_n these_o inspire_a man_n perceive_v in_o scripture_n they_o can_v tell_v we_o of_o nothing_o beyond_o the_o idle_a fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n which_o look_v more_o like_o the_o dream_n of_o idiot_n than_o discovery_n make_v out_o of_o scripture_n by_o learned_a men._n i_o do_v not_o positive_o maintain_v that_o nothing_o belong_v to_o scripture_n doctrine_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n for_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n i_o have_v mention_v some_o fundamental_o of_o scripture_n that_o be_v so_o but_o my_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v very_o few_o and_o very_o plain_a what_o they_o be_v and_o upon_o what_o reason_n determine_v to_o be_v so_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v which_o will_v be_v easy_o do_v after_o that_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n chief_a design_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v art_n and_o science_n and_o that_o it_o require_v from_o man_n nothing_o but_o obedience_n condemn_v their_o obstinacy_n not_o their_o ignorance_n moreover_o because_o obedience_n towards_o god_n consist_v only_o in_o love_v our_o neighbour_n for_o whoever_o love_v his_o neighbour_n purposely_o to_o obey_v god_n he_o as_o paul_n say_v rom._n chap._n 13._o v._n 8._o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o other_o knowledge_n be_v commend_v in_o scripture_n but_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v according_a to_o this_o precept_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n obey_v god_n which_o knowledge_n if_o man_n have_v not_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v stubborn_a or_o at_o least_o without_o the_o discipline_n of_o obedience_n but_o all_o other_o speculation_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n whether_o they_o concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o of_o natural_a thing_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o scripture_n and_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o reveal_v religion_n now_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n yet_o because_o upon_o this_o point_n depend_v the_o end_n of_o all_o debate_n in_o religion_n i_o will_v demonstrate_v and_o explain_v the_o thing_n as_o full_o and_o clear_o as_o be_v possible_a which_o to_o perform_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n ought_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o intellectual_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o gift_n so_o common_a to_o all_o believer_n as_o be_v obedience_n second_o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n require_v of_o all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love_n both_o which_o particular_n be_v evident_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o exod._n chap._n 6._o v._n 3._o god_n for_o a_o evidence_n of_o his_o particular_a favour_n to_o moses_n say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n i_o appear_v unto_o abraham_n unto_o isaac_n and_o unto_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n almighty_n but_o by_o my_o name_n jehovah_n be_v i_o not_o know_v to_o they_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o text_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o elsadai_n signify_v in_o hebrew_a god_n alsufficient_a because_o he_o give_v to_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o though_o sadai_n of_o itself_o be_v often_o take_v for_o god_n yet_o the_o word_n el_fw-es be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v we_o be_v therefore_o to_o note_n that_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v find_v but_o jehovah_n that_o signify_v god_n absolute_a be_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o thing_n create_v and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v god_n proper_a name_n and_o all_o other_o to_o be_v appellative_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n name_n whether_o they_o be_v substantive_n or_o adjective_n be_v but_o attribute_n give_v to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o relation_n to_o his_o creature_n or_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o they_o the_o word_n el_fw-es or_o by_o add_v to_o it_o the_o paragogical_a letter_n he_o eloha_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o powerful_a which_o be_v a_o title_n of_o dignity_n or_o excellency_n as_o when_o we_o style_v paul_n a_o apostle_n other_o virtue_n of_o his_o power_n be_v express_v by_o say_v the_o great_a god_n god_n to_o be_v fear_v the_o just_a merciful_a god_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o express_v they_o all_o at_o once_o the_o plural_a number_n of_o this_o word_n el_n be_v often_o use_v in_o a_o singular_a signification_n see_v then_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n he_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n it_o follow_v they_o know_v no_o name_n or_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o express_v his_o absolute_a essence_n and_o nature_n but_o only_o his_o work_n and_o his_o promise_n that_o be_v his_o power_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_v by_o thing_n visible_a and_o this_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n not_o to_o accuse_v the_o patriarch_n of_o unbelief_n but_o to_o magnify_v and_o commend_v their_o faith_n and_o readiness_n to_o believe_v by_o which_o though_o they_o have_v not_o so_o great_a a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n have_v yet_o they_o firm_o rely_v on_o his_o promise_n not_o like_o moses_n who_o though_o he_o have_v sublime_a notion_n of_o god_n doubt_v his_o divine_a promise_n and_o tell_v god_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o deliverance_n he_o have_v promise_v he_o have_v bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o a_o worse_a condition_n if_o then_o god_n tell_v moses_n that_o the_o patriarch_n know_v not_o that_o singular_a and_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n to_o commend_v their_o faith_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o put_v moses_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o particular_a favour_n and_o grace_n god_n have_v show_v he_o it_o clear_o prove_v my_o first_o position_n which_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o express_a command_n to_o know_v god_n attribute_n it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n grant_v only_o to_o some_o believer_n which_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v by_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n that_o every_o man_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a share_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o able_a by_o a_o command_n to_o become_v wise_a than_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o be_v or_o live_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n may_v all_o as_o they_o be_v command_v obey_v but_o never_o can_v a_o command_n make_v any_o man_n wise_a if_o any_o man_n say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o understanding_n god_n attribute_n but_o only_o of_o simple_o believe_v they_o without_o any_o demonstration_n he_o talk_v idle_o for_o invisible_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o object_n only_o of_o the_o mind_n can_v only_o be_v see_v by_o demonstration_n that_o be_v firm_o convince_a argument_n and_o therefore_o what_o a_o man_n only_o and_o bare_o hear_v of_o thing_n invisible_a never_o affect_v the_o understanding_n nor_o declare_v a_o man_n meaning_n any_o more_o than_o do_v the_o word_n of_o a_o parrot_n or_o some_o artificial_a engine_n that_o speak_v without_o understanding_n or_o sense_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v further_o i_o ought_v to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o it_o be_v often_o say_v in_o genesis_n that_o the_o patriarch_n preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n which_o seem_v express_o to_o contradict_v what_o i_o have_v say_v this_o be_v easy_o answer_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n do_v not_o call_v thing_n and_o place_n by_o those_o very_a name_n which_o they_o have_v at_o the_o time_n of_o which_o the_o writer_n speak_v but_o by_o the_o name_n which_o they_o be_v know_v by_o in_o the_o writer_n own_o time_n therefore_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o genesis_n that_o god_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n be_v know_v to_o they_o by_o that_o name_n but_o because_o to_o that_o name_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n pay_v the_o high_a reverence_n and_o
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