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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
knowledge_n natural_a reason_n revelation_n 1,320 5 9.7973 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61130 A treatise partly theological, and partly political containing some few discourses, to prove that the liberty of philosophizing (that is making use of natural reason) may be allow'd without any prejudice to piety, or to the peace of any common-wealth, and that the loss of public peace and religion it self must necessarily follow, where such a liberty of reasoning is taken away / translated out of Latin.; Tractatus theologico-politicus. English Spinoza, Benedictus de, 1632-1677. 1689 (1689) Wing S4985; ESTC R21627 207,956 494

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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 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the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v understand_v his_o own_o opinion_n as_o the_o context_n prove_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o widow_n be_v happy_a who_o will_v not_o marry_v a_o second_o husband_n for_o he_o himself_o have_v resolve_v to_o live_v single_a and_o therefore_o think_v himself_o happy_a of_o this_o kind_n we_o find_v other_o expression_n which_o i_o think_v needless_a to_o mention_v if_o then_o it_o pass_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o dictate_v only_o of_o natural_a reason_n how_o can_v the_o apostle_n only_o by_o natural_a reason_n teach_v those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n concern_v the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o question_n for_o though_o many_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n often_o surpass_v our_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n yet_o we_o may_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o provide_v we_o admit_v of_o no_o principle_n but_o what_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n may_v conclude_v collect_v and_o as_o they_o please_v teach_v many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v hear_v and_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o though_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o bare_o publish_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o natural_a reason_n yet_o the_o principal_a and_o chief_a part_n thereof_o which_o consist_v as_o do_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o moral_a precept_n and_o instruction_n every_o man_n by_o natural_a light_n may_v attain_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o
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
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
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
and_o clear_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n what_o kind_n of_o history_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o ought_v to_o contain_v come_v now_o to_o be_v declare_v first_o it_o ought_v to_o contain_v the_o nature_n and_o propriety_n of_o that_o language_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v and_o which_o the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v that_o so_o all_o the_o sense_n which_o every_o speech_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o speak_v will_v bear_v and_o admit_v may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o because_o the_o penman_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v jew_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o new_a for_o though_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v publish_v in_o other_o language_n yet_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hebrewism_n second_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o book_n aught_o to_o be_v collect_v and_o reduce_v to_o head_n that_o so_o all_o that_o concern_v one_o and_o the_o same_o subject_a may_v be_v easy_o find_v and_o all_o those_o which_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o obscure_a or_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o aught_o to_o be_v note_v i_o call_v those_o speech_n clear_a or_o obscure_a who_o sense_n be_v easy_o or_o difficult_o make_v out_o by_o the_o context_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o speech_n easy_o or_o difficult_o perceive_v by_o reason_n for_o only_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o not_o the_o verity_n be_v our_o business_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v special_a heed_n that_o in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o suffer_v our_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o be_v prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n and_o likewise_o that_o we_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o language_n or_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o scripture_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v perfect_o understand_v take_v this_o example_n for_o illustration_n these_o say_n of_o moses_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a how_o plain_a and_o clear_a be_v they_o so_o long_o as_o we_o regard_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o truth_n how_o dark_a and_o obscure_a yea_o though_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n yet_o unless_o it_o contradict_v any_o fundamental_a principle_n derive_v from_o scripture_n their_o literal_a sense_n be_v still_o to_o be_v retain_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o these_o say_n in_o their_o literal_a construction_n shall_v be_v find_v repugnant_a to_o principle_n deduce_v from_o scripture_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o not_o litteraly_a understand_v to_o know_v then_o whether_o moses_n do_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v fire_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o because_o the_o opinion_n be_v either_o contrary_a or_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o it_o must_v be_v gather_v from_o some_o other_o of_o moses_n own_o say_n for_o example_n because_o moses_n in_o very_a many_o place_n have_v plain_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o like_o any_o visible_a thing_n either_o in_o heaven_n earth_n or_o the_o water_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o this_o say_n god_n be_v fire_n or_o else_o all_o his_o other_o say_n be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o because_o we_o ought_v as_o seldom_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v whether_o this_o saying_n god_n be_v fire_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n beside_o the_o literal_a that_o be_v whether_o the_o word_n fire_v signify_v any_o other_o thing_n beside_o natural_a fire_n and_o if_o in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o signify_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o this_o say_n of_o moses_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v interpret_v though_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o those_o other_o say_n of_o moses_n though_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v conformable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o this_o but_o if_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o language_n will_v not_o suffer_v this_o to_o be_v do_v than_o those_o several_a say_n be_v irreconcilable_a and_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n of_o they_o but_o now_o because_o the_o word_n fire_n be_v also_o take_v for_o anger_n and_o jealousy_n job._n chap._n 31._o v._n 12._o these_o saying_n of_o moses_n be_v easy_o reconcileable_a and_o we_o may_v lawful_o conclude_v that_o these_o two_o sentence_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a signify_v both_o the_o same_o thing_n moreover_o because_o moses_n plain_o say_v god_n be_v jealous_a and_o do_v no_o where_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o moses_n do_v think_v or_o at_o least_o teach_v other_o man_n to_o think_v god_n be_v jealous_a though_o we_o believe_v the_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o wrest_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n because_o all_o our_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v derive_v only_o from_o themselves_o three_o this_o history_n of_o scripture_n aught_o to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n remain_v with_o we_o as_o may_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_n of_o the_o author_n of_o every_o book_n who_o the_o person_n be_v upon_o what_o occasion_n he_o write_v in_o what_o time_n to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o language_n and_o last_o it_o ought_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o fortune_n of_o every_o book_n how_o it_o be_v first_o receive_v into_o who_o hand_n it_o fall_v how_o many_o various_a reading_n it_o have_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o sacred_a and_o canonical_a and_o last_o how_o all_o the_o several_a book_n come_v together_o into_o one_o volume_n i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n this_o history_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o contain_v to_o know_v what_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o what_o only_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n it_o be_v very_o expedient_a to_o know_v the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_v of_o the_o author_n beside_o we_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o man_n word_n when_o we_o know_v his_o genius_n disposition_n and_o ingenuity_n moreover_o that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v doctrine_n who_o morality_n and_o obligation_n be_v perpetual_a with_o those_o that_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o of_o use_n only_o to_o some_o particular_a people_n it_o behove_v we_o to_o know_v upon_o what_o occasion_n at_o what_o time_n to_o what_o nation_n in_o what_o age_n all_o these_o instruction_n be_v write_v last_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v know_v beside_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o book_n whether_o the_o book_n have_v be_v adulterate_v or_o at_o least_o whether_o any_o error_n have_v creep_v into_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v correct_v by_o learned_a and_o faithful_a man_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o we_o may_v not_o with_o blind_a zeal_n receive_v every_o thing_n obtrude_v upon_o we_o but_o believe_v that_o only_o which_o be_v certain_a plain_a and_o past_o all_o doubt_n after_o we_o have_v such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v firm_o resolve_v to_o conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o do_v not_o natural_o follow_v or_o may_v be_v clear_o draw_v from_o this_o history_n than_o it_o will_v be_v time_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o to_o do_v the_o like_a method_n and_o order_n be_v require_v that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o interpret_n nature_n by_o its_o own_o history_n for_o as_o in_o search_v out_o natural_a thing_n we_o first_o endeavour_v to_o inquire_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o motion_n and_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
for_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o credulity_n be_v account_v faith_n and_o philosophical_a controversy_n be_v maintane_v both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n with_o so_o much_o animosity_n and_o heat_n of_o dispute_n from_o whence_o i_o perceive_v that_o not_o only_o cruel_a hatred_n and_o dissension_n by_o which_o man_n be_v easy_o stir_v up_o to_o sedition_n but_o many_o other_o mischief_n too_o tedious_a to_o be_v here_o mention_v take_v their_o beginning_n i_o resolve_v diligent_o to_o examine_v the_o scripture_n a_o new_a with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o neither_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n positive_o of_o it_o or_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v its_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o demonstrate_v by_o it_o under_o this_o caution_n i_o compose_v a_o method_n of_o interpret_n the_o sacred_a volume_n and_o furnish_v with_o it_o i_o begin_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o prophecy_n be_v why_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o they_o have_v sublime_a thought_n and_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n or_o only_o for_o their_o piety_n these_o thing_n be_v know_v i_o can_v easy_o determine_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o real_a virtue_n and_o to_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o life_n but_o in_o other_o matter_n their_o opinion_n do_v very_o little_o concern_v we_o this_o be_v likewise_o know_v i_o further_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v for_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v god_n choose_v people_n and_o when_o i_o perceive_v it_o be_v only_o because_o god_n choose_v out_o for_o they_o a_o particular_a part_n and_o climate_n of_o the_o world_n where_o they_o may_v live_v convenient_o and_o secure_o i_o thereby_o also_o learn_v that_o the_o law_n reveal_v by_o god_n to_o moses_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o statute_n of_o that_o particular_a government_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o none_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o yea_o that_o the_o very_a jew_n themselves_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o they_o any_o long_o than_o their_o government_n continue_v that_o i_o may_v know_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o scripture_n that_o the_o understanding_n of_o of_o mankind_n be_v deprave_v by_o nature_n i_o inquire_v whether_o the_o catholic_a religion_n or_o the_o divine_a law_n reveal_v to_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v any_o other_o then_o that_o which_o natural_a reason_n teach_v and_o last_o whether_o miracle_n happen_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v more_o certain_o and_o clear_o prove_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n than_o those_o thing_n do_v which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v by_o their_o first_o cause_n but_o when_o i_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o whatever_o the_o scripture_n express_o teach_v disagreable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o human_a understanding_n and_o when_o i_o likewise_o see_v that_o the_o prophet_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v plain_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o they_o adorn_v and_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n with_o such_o a_o style_n and_o such_o reason_n as_o they_o think_v will_v most_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n with_o devotion_n towards_o god_n i_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o scripture_n leave_v reason_n perfect_o free_a and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o philosophy_n but_o that_o each_o stand_v on_o its_o own_o basis_n but_o that_o i_o may_v plain_o demonstrate_v these_o thing_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o show_v which_o way_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v interpreprete_v and_o that_o all_o its_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o itself_o and_o not_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n then_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o spring_n from_o thence_o and_o that_o the_o common_a people_n addict_v to_o superstition_n prize_v the_o relic_n of_o time_n above_o eternity_n do_v rather_o adore_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o after_o this_o i_o show_v the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v any_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n but_o a_o simple_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n by_o practise_v justice_n and_o charity_n i_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v this_o word_n which_o they_o do_v that_o man_n without_o any_o reluctancy_n may_v cordial_o embrace_v it_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v discover_v i_o last_o conclude_v the_o object_n of_o reveal_v knowledge_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o obedience_n and_o so_o distinct_a from_o natural_a knowledge_n as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n as_o its_o foundation_n and_o mean_n that_o it_o have_v nothing_o in_o common_a with_o it_o but_o each_o maintain_v its_o own_o proper_a dominion_n without_o any_o mutual_a disagreement_n and_o that_o neither_o aught_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr or_o a_o handmaid_n to_o the_o other_o moreover_o because_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n be_v very_o different_a one_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o and_o another_o with_o that_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o move_v one_o man_n to_o devotion_n provoke_v another_o to_o laughter_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o principle_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o that_o no_o man_n faith_n be_v to_o be_v justify_v or_o condemn_v but_o only_o by_o his_o work_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v obey_v god_n with_o freedom_n of_o mind_n and_o only_a righteousness_n and_o charity_n be_v in_o esteem_n after_o i_o have_v by_o these_o thing_n show_v the_o liberty_n grant_v by_o god_n reveal_v law_n to_o all_o man_n i_o go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v that_o this_o liberty_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o to_o the_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v take_v away_o without_o great_a detriment_n and_o danger_n both_o to_o peace_n and_o the_o whole_a republic_n to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o begin_v from_o every_o man_n natural_a right_n which_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o every_o man_n desire_n and_o power_n can_v extend_v itself_o and_o no_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v bind_v to_o live_v according_a to_o another_o man_n will_n or_o inclination_n but_o every_o man_n be_v the_o assertor_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n further_o i_o show_v that_o no_o man_n depart_v from_o this_o right_n but_o he_o that_o transfer_v the_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o to_o another_o and_o that_o he_o must_v necessary_o and_o absolute_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o that_o right_n upon_o who_o every_o one_o have_v devolve_v his_o own_o natural_a right_n of_o live_v as_o he_o please_v together_o with_o the_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o and_o from_o hence_o i_o prove_v that_o they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v right_a to_o all_o thing_n within_o their_o power_n and_o that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o protector_n of_o law_n and_o liberty_n all_o other_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o determination_n and_o decree_n but_o because_o no_o body_n can_v so_o far_o deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o as_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o man_n i_o thence_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v total_o deprive_v of_o his_o natural_a right_n but_o that_o subject_n do_v still_o retain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n many_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o they_o without_o very_o great_a danger_n to_o government_n those_o thing_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v their_o right_n either_o by_o tacit_n implication_n or_o by_o express_a agreement_n and_o stipulation_n make_v between_o they_o and_o their_o governor_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v i_o passon_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o i_o full_o enough_o describe_v show_v upon_o what_o reason_n and_o by_o who_o decree_n religion_n first_o begin_v to_o obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n touch_v upon_o some_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o which_o seem_v worthy_a to_o be_v know_v after_o this_o i_o show_v that_o they_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o only_a protector_n and_o interpreter_n of_o the_o civil_a but_o also_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o that_o in_o they_o only_o be_v the_o right_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v
see_v god_n face_n beside_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n i_o have_v mention_v i_o find_v no_o other_o in_o sacred_a sripture_n whereby_o god_n have_v communicate_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v no_o other_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v or_o admit_v and_o though_o we_o may_v clear_o understand_v that_o god_n may_v immediate_o communicate_v himself_o to_o man_n for_o he_o without_o use_v any_o corporeal_a mean_n do_v communicate_v his_o essence_n to_o our_o mind_n yet_o that_o any_o man_n by_o the_o mind_n alone_o shall_v comprehend_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n nor_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o they_o must_v necessary_o argue_v that_o that_o man_n mind_n be_v far_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a than_o any_o human_a understanding_n wherefore_o i_o believe_v never_o any_o man_n arrive_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n above_o other_o beside_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v immediate_o reveal_v so_o that_o god_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v before_o to_o moses_n by_o a_o aereal_a voice_n and_o therefore_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n like_o that_o which_o moses_n hear_v may_v be_v call_v the_o voice_n of_o god._n and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o we_o may_v say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n viz._n wisdom_n more_o than_o human_a assume_v human_a nature_n in_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o i_o here_o to_o declare_v that_o some_o thing_n which_o some_o church_n determine_v and_o maintain_v concern_v christ_n i_o do_v neither_o assert_v nor_o deny_v for_o i_o ingenuous_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v affirm_v i_o have_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o i_o have_v no_o where_o read_v that_o god_n appear_v or_o speak_v to_o christ_n but_o that_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o last_o that_o the_o old_a law_n be_v not_o deliver_v immediate_o by_o god_n but_o by_o a_o angel._n wherefore_o if_o moses_n speak_v to_o god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n use_v to_o do_v with_o his_o friend_n that_o be_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o two_o body_n christ_n commune_v with_o god_n mental_o or_o mind_n to_o mind_n i_o do_v therefore_o maintain_v that_o beside_o christ_n no_o man_n ever_o reeive_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o imagination_n or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o word_n or_o sign_n and_o therefore_o to_o prophesy_v there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o need_v of_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n as_o of_o a_o lively_a imagination_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n infuse_v into_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n and_o expression_n it_o be_v first_o necessary_a to_o search_v what_o the_o hebrew_n word_n ruagh_n signify_v which_o the_o vulgar_a interpret_v spirit_n the_o word_n ruagh_n in_o its_o proper_a and_o genuine_a sense_n signify_v wind_n but_o be_v very_o frequent_o use_v to_o signify_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v derive_v from_o wind_n for_o sometime_o it_o signify_v breath_n psal._n 135._o v_o 17_o the_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o breath_n in_o their_o mouth_n second_o it_o signify_v life_n or_o respiration_n 1_o sy_n book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 30._o v._n 12._o his_o spirit_n come_v again_o to_o he_o that_o be_v he_o breathe_v three_o it_o be_v take_v for_o courage_n and_o strength_n josu._n chap._n 11_o the_o v_o 11_o the_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n leave_v to_o breath_n ezek._n chap._n 2._o v._n 2._o and_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v strength_n enter_v into_o i_o and_o set_v i_o upon_o my_o foot_n four_o it_o be_v take_v for_o virtue_n and_o fitness_n job._n chap._n 32._o v._n 8._o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n that_o be_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n but_o be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o age_a for_o i_o now_o find_v it_o depend_v upon_o the_o particular_a qualification_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o man._n so_o in_o the_o 27._o chap._n of_o numb_a v_o 8._o take_v thou_o josua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n a_o man_n in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n five_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o man_n opinion_n numb_a chap._n 14_o v._n 24._o because_o he_o have_v another_o spirit_n with_o he_o proverb_n chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 23._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v my_o mind_n unto_o you_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o will_n purpose_n or_o resolution_n the_o appetite_n the_o desire_n and_o the_o anger_n or_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n ezek._n chap._n 1._o v._n 12._o they_o go_v every_o one_o straight_o forward_o whether_o the_o spirit_n or_o their_o will_n be_v to_o go_v they_o went._n isaiah_n chap._n 30._o v._n 1._o that_o take_v council_n but_o not_o of_o i_o that_o cover_v with_o a_o cover_v but_o not_o of_o my_o spirit_n isai._n chap._n 29._o v._n 10._o the_o lord_n have_v pour_v out_o upon_o you_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o deep_a sleep_n judge_n chap._n 8._o v._n 3._o then_o their_o spirit_n that_o be_v anger_n be_v abate_v towards_o he_o prov._n chap._n 16._o v._n 32._o he_o that_o rule_v his_o spirit_n that_o be_v his_o appetite_n be_v better_a than_o he_o that_o take_v a_o city_n prov._n chap._n 25._o v._n 28._o he_o that_o have_v no_o rule_n over_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v like_o a_o city_n break_v down_o isai._n chap._n 33._o v._n 11._o your_o spirit_n in_o the_o english_a translation_n breath_n as_o fire_n shall_v devour_v you_o moreover_o this_o word_n ruagh_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o mind_n so_o do_v it_o serve_v to_o express_v the_o passion_n and_o sometime_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o mind_n a_o high_a spirit_n signify_v pride_n a_o lowly_a spirit_n humilit_o a_o evil_a spirit_n hatred_n and_o melancholy_a a_o good_a spirit_n kindness_n and_o benignity_n the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n the_o spirit_n of_o fornication_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n council_n fortitude_n which_o because_o in_o hebrew_n substantive_n be_v often_o use_v than_o adjective_n signify_v a_o wise_a prudent_a valiant_a mind_n six_o it_o signify_v the_o life_n or_o soul_n eccles._n chap._n 3._o v._n two_o spiritus_fw-la idem_fw-la est_fw-la omnibus_fw-la the_o same_o breath_n be_v to_o all_o and_o the_o spirit_n return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o last_o it_o signisy_n the_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n from_o whence_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o likewise_o the_o side_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o stand_v towards_o those_o quarter_n as_o appear_v ezek._n chap_n 37._o v._n 9_o and_o chap._n 42._o v._n 16,17,18,19_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n and_o say_v to_o be_v god_n first_o because_o it_o pertain_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n as_o when_o we_o say_v the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o eye_n of_o god._n second_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o act_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n so_o in_o scripture_n the_o heaven_n be_v call_v the_o heaven_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v his_o chariot_n and_o place_n of_o abide_v assyria_n be_v call_v the_o scourge_n of_o god_n and_o nebuchadnezzer_n the_o servant_n of_o god._n three_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v dedicate_v to_o god_n as_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n the_o nazarite_n of_o god_n the_o bread_n of_o god._n four_o that_o which_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o not_o reveal_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n therefore_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o god._n five_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v superlative_o express_v as_o the_o mountain_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o high_a hill_n the_o sleep_n of_o god_n that_o be_v deep_a sleep_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o 11_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n of_o amos_n where_o god_n say_v i_o have_v overthrow_v some_o of_o you_o as_o god_n overthrow_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n that_o be_v like_o that_o memorable_a overthrow_n for_o see_v god_n himself_o speak_v it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v proper_o express_v the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o solomon_n be_v call_v divine_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v so_o much_o above_o that_o which_o be_v
reason_n and_o experience_n for_o they_o who_o most_o excellent_a in_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n be_v less_o apt_a to_o understand_v thing_n clear_o and_o they_o that_o have_v excellent_a understanding_n have_v their_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n not_o so_o strong_a but_o better_o keep_v within_o compass_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o the_o intellect_n those_o man_n therefore_o who_o endeavour_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o find_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v extreme_o mistake_v which_o i_o purpose_v to_o show_v at_o large_a because_o the_o time_n philosophy_n and_o the_o matter_n itself_o require_v it_o i_o will_v not_o at_o all_o value_n what_o superstition_n babble_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o hate_v nothing_o more_o than_o such_o man_n as_o live_v good_a life_n and_o be_v lover_n of_o true_a solid_a knowledge_n with_o shame_n be_v it_o speak_v it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o they_o who_o free_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o particular_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o only_o know_v he_o by_o create_a being_n of_o who_o cause_n they_o be_v ignorant_a be_v present_o brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o prove_v the_o point_n i_o will_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o prophet_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o imagination_n and_o temperament_n of_o body_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v so_o that_o they_o never_o become_v the_o more_o learned_a by_o prophecy_n which_o i_o will_v present_o more_o full_o make_v out_o but_o i_o must_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o prophet_n certainty_n because_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o chapter_n and_o because_o it_o contribute_v somewhat_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o design_n to_o demonstrate_v because_o simple_a imagination_n do_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v certainty_n as_o every_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n do_v there_o must_v necessary_o some_o other_o thing_n accompany_v imagination_n to_o make_v we_o sure_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o imagine_v and_o that_o be_v reason_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o prophesy_v of_o itself_o do_v not_o include_v certainty_n because_o it_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o what_o god_n reveal_v by_o the_o revelation_n itself_o but_o by_o some_o sign_n as_o appear_v by_o abraham_n gen._n chap._n 15._o v._n 8._o and_o he_o say_v lord_n god_n whereby_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v inherit_v it_o ask_n a_o sign_n after_o he_o hear_v the_o promise_n without_o doubt_n he_o believe_v god_n and_o do_v not_o ask_v the_o sign_n that_o he_o may_v believe_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o promise_n come_v from_o god._n the_o same_o thing_n more_o plain_o appear_v by_o gideon_n judge_n chap._n 6._o v._n 17_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o have_v find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n then_o show_v i_o a_o sign_n that_o thou_o talk_v with_o i_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n let_v this_o be_v a_o sign_n unto_o thou_o ezechiah_o who_o well_o know_v that_o isaiah_n be_v a_o prophet_n ask_v a_o sign_n of_o he_o when_o he_o foretell_v his_o recovery_n which_o show_v that_o the_o prophet_n have_v always_o some_o sign_n by_o which_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o prophetical_o imagine_v and_o therefore_o moses_n deut._n chap._n 18._o v._n 22._o bid_v the_o people_n ask_v a_o sign_n of_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o prophesy_v which_o sign_n be_v to_o be_v foretell_v some_o future_a event_n prophesy_v therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a give_v place_n to_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o need_v no_o sign_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v certainty_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o mathematical_a but_o only_o moral_a which_o also_o appear_v by_o scripture_n deut._n chap._n 13._o moses_n warn_v the_o people_n that_o if_o any_o prophet_n shall_v teach_v they_o to_o worship_n any_o other_o god_n though_o he_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o moses_n go_v on_o and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n prove_v the_o people_n whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n christ_n in_o like_a manner_n warn_v his_o disciple_n tell_v they_o math._n chap._n 24._o v._n 24._o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n ezechiel_n chap._n 14._o v._n 9_o plain_o declare_v that_o god_n sometime_o deceive_v man_n with_o false_a revelation_n and_o if_o the_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n which_o michaiah_n also_o testify_v of_o the_o prophet_n of_o ahab_n 1_o st_z book_n of_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 21._o 22_o 23._o and_o though_o this_o show_v prophesy_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n somewhat_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o it_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o certainty_n in_o it_o for_o god_n never_o deceive_v the_o godly_a and_o elect_a but_o according_a to_o that_o say_n in_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 24._o v._n 13._o as_o say_v the_o proverb_n of_o the_o ancient_n wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o wicked_a but_o my_o hand_n shall_v not_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o as_o it_o likewise_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o abigal_n and_o her_o discourse_n god_n use_v pious_a person_n as_o instrument_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o wicked_a man_n for_o executioner_n of_o his_o wrath_n this_o likewise_o be_v make_v evident_a by_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n michaiah_n for_o though_o god_n have_v decree_v ahab_n shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o prophet_n he_o make_v use_v of_o false_a prophet_n but_o to_o a_o good_a prophet_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v to_o happen_v and_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o prophet_n from_o foretell_v the_o truth_n but_o still_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v but_o moral_a because_o no_o man_n can_v justify_v himself_o before_o god_n nor_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n the_o anger_n of_o god_n lead_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n who_o piety_n the_o scripture_n sufficient_o declare_v all_o prophetical_a certainty_n be_v found_v upon_o three_o particular_n first_o the_o prophet_n do_v as_o strong_o and_o with_o as_o much_o vivacity_n imagine_v the_o thing_n reveal_v as_o man_n waking_z use_v to_o do_v the_o thing_n they_o see_v second_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o sign_n and_o three_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v continual_o incline_v to_o virtue_n and_o justice_n though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o always_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o sign_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o prophet_n still_o have_v a_o sign_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v many_o time_n leave_v out_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n and_o relate_v thing_n as_o suppose_a to_o be_v know_v moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophesy_v nothing_o new_a but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o sign_n for_o example_n the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n need_v no_o sign_n because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o hananiahs_n prophecy_n who_o against_o all_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o sudden_a restauration_n of_o the_o city_n there_o be_v necessity_n of_o a_o sign_n till_o the_o come_n to_o pass_v of_o what_o he_o predict_v shall_v make_v it_o good_a jerem._n chap._n 28._o v._n 9_o 10._o see_v then_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n which_o depend_v upon_o sign_n be_v not_o mathematical_a that_o be_v such_o as_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o thing_n apprehend_v or_o see_v but_o only_o moral_a and_o that_o sign_n be_v give_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v the_o prophet_n himself_o it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o sign_n be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o the_o sign_n which_o make_v one_o prophet_n confident_a and_o certain_a of_o his_o prophecy_n can_v not_o assure_v another_o as_o the_o sign_n be_v different_a and_o various_a so_o also_o revelation_n itself_o do_v vary_v in_o every_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o imagination_n the_o temper_n of_o his_o constitution_n or_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o he_o be_v prepossess_v for_o example_n if_o a_o prophet_n be_v cheerful_a and_o merry_a to_o he_o be_v reveal_v victory_n and_o peace_n which_o cause_n mirth_n and_o gladness_n such_o thing_n use_v
o_o israel_n that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o man_n accustom_v to_o the_o superstition_n of_o egypt_n ignorant_a and_o break_a to_o the_o yoke_n of_o a_o tedious_a bondage_n shall_v have_v any_o right_a understanding_n of_o god_n or_o that_o moses_n shall_v teach_v they_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o live_v not_o instruct_v they_o as_o a_o philosopher_n to_o make_v live_v well_o their_o free_a and_o voluntary_a choice_n but_o as_o a_o legislator_n compel_v they_o by_o the_o command_v and_o power_n of_o law_n so_o that_o a_o good_a life_n the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v to_o they_o rather_o servitude_n then_o true_a liberty_n or_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n for_o moses_n command_v they_o to_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o law_n that_o they_o may_v acknowledge_v their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o be_v by_o god_n he_o terrify_v they_o with_o threaten_n in_o case_n they_o transgress_v the_o law_n and_o promise_v they_o many_o blessing_n if_o they_o careful_o observe_v it_o so_o that_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o israelite_n as_o parent_n use_v to_o do_v with_o child_n void_a of_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a how_o excellent_a a_o thing_n virtue_n be_v and_o what_o be_v true_a happiness_n jonas_n think_v he_o can_v fly_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n which_o imply_v that_o he_o also_o believe_v god_n have_v substitute_v other_o power_n to_o take_v care_n of_o those_o country_n and_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o territory_n of_o judea_n in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o read_v of_o no_o person_n who_o speak_v so_o rational_o of_o god_n as_o solomon_n who_o for_o natural_a knowledge_n excel_v all_o the_o man_n of_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o think_v himself_o above_o the_o law_n which_o be_v only_o give_v to_o those_o who_o want_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a understanding_n and_o slight_v the_o observance_n of_o those_o law_n which_o particular_o concern_v he_o as_o he_o be_v king_n and_o consist_v in_o three_o particular_n as_o may_v be_v see_v deut._n chap._n 17._o v._n 16_o 17._o he_o be_v indeed_o to_o blame_v in_o break_v those_o law_n and_o do_v not_o do_v like_o a_o philosopher_n when_o he_o deliver_v himself_o up_o to_o pleasure_n and_o sensuality_n yet_o we_o read_v in_o ecclesiastes_n he_o declare_v all_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n to_o be_v vanity_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v so_o high_o prize_v as_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o no_o punishment_n equal_a to_o a_o man_n be_v a_o fool_n prov._n chap._n 17._o but_o let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o prophet_n of_o who_o differ_v opinion_n we_o have_v take_v notice_n the_o rabbin_n who_o have_v leave_v we_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n now_o extant_a find_v the_o opinion_n of_o ezekiel_n so_o contrary_a to_o those_o of_o moses_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o sabbath_n chap._n 1_o sy_n fol._n 13._o page_n 2_o d._n that_o they_o be_v near_o resolve_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o ezekiel_n for_o canonical_a and_o have_v conceal_v it_o if_o a_o certain_a person_n call_v hananiah_n have_v not_o undertake_v to_o expound_v it_o which_o some_o report_n he_o do_v with_o great_a labour_n and_o study_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o it_o be_v a_o commentary_n he_o write_v and_o be_v perhaps_o lose_v or_o that_o he_o change_v and_o gloss_v upon_o ezekiel_n word_n and_o discourse_n according_a to_o his_o own_o fancy_n however_o it_o be_v the_o 18_o the_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o agree_v with_o the_o 34_o chap._n of_o exod._n v_o 7_o nor_o with_o the_o 32_o chap._n of_o jeremy_n v._n 18._o samuel_n believe_v that_o when_o god_n have_v decree_v any_o thing_n he_o never_o repent_v or_o change_v that_o decree_n 1_o st_z book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 14._o v._n 29_o saul_n when_o he_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o desire_a to_o worship_n god_n samuel_n tell_v he_o god_n will_v not_o change_v his_o decree_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v reveal_v to_o jeremy_n for_o when_o ever_o god_n decree_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o any_o nation_n if_o man_n become_v either_o better_o or_o worse_o before_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n god_n do_v according_o alter_v his_o decree_n jerem._n chap._n 18._o v._n 8_o 10._o the_o prophet_n joel_n believe_v that_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o at_o any_o time_n decree_v io._n chap._n 2._o v._n 13._o in_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n of_o gen._n v._n 7._o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v in_o man_n power_n to_o overcome_v evil_a temptation_n and_o to_o live_v well_o by_o what_o god_n say_v to_o cain_n who_o notwithstanding_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o josephus_n never_o subdue_v his_o passion_n by_o the_o forecited_a text_n in_o jeremy_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n change_v his_o purpose_n either_o of_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n according_a to_o man_n live_v well_o or_o wicked_o yet_o on_o the_o contrary_a st._n paul_n teach_v nothing_o more_o plain_o than_o that_o man_n have_v no_o power_n over_o themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o the_o particular_a mercy_n and_o election_n of_o god_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n from_o the_o 10_o the_o verse_n onward_o in_o the_o 3_o d_o chap._n v._n 3_o d_o where_o he_o ask_v whether_o god_n be_v unrighteous_a in_o take_v vengeance_n he_o correct_v himself_o in_o speak_v after_o that_o manner_n like_o a_o man._n from_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v what_o we_o propose_v namely_o that_o god_n fit_v and_o suit_v his_o revelation_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v and_o indeed_o be_v ignorant_a of_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a which_o do_v not_o pertain_v to_o charity_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v also_o of_o very_o different_a opinion_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o be_v not_o to_o rely_v and_o ground_n ourselves_o upon_o they_o we_o conclude_v then_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n more_o from_o the_o prophet_n than_o the_o end_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o they_o reveal_v and_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v free_a for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v as_o he_o think_v best_o for_o example_n cain_n revelation_n teach_v we_o that_o god_n do_v admonish_v he_o to_o live_v well_o which_o be_v the_o intent_n end_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o revelation_n but_o it_o do_v not_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n or_o any_o other_o philosophical_a matter_n therefore_o though_o in_o the_o word_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o admonition_n freedom_n of_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v clear_o assert_v yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n since_o those_o word_n and_o reason_n be_v only_o apply_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o cain_n the_o prophet_n michaiahs_n revelation_n only_o declare_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o event_n of_o the_o battle_n between_o ahaband_n aram_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o believe_v that_o but_o whatever_o else_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n concern_v the_o true_a and_o lie_a spirit_n of_o god_n or_o concern_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n stand_v on_o each_o side_n of_o god_n with_o other_o circumstance_n in_o that_o revelation_n they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v we_o but_o every_o one_o may_v believe_v of_o they_o as_o he_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o reason_n declare_v to_o job_n for_o god_n have_v absolute_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v a_o revelation_n and_o that_o he_o write_v as_o a_o historian_n and_o not_o as_o some_o believe_v like_o a_o poet_n they_o be_v reveal_v according_a to_o job_n capacity_n for_o his_o particular_a conviction_n but_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v as_o universal_a reason_n to_o convince_v all_o man_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o determine_v otherwise_o of_o the_o reason_n use_v by_o christ_n to_o convince_v the_o pharisee_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o persuade_v his_o disciple_n to_o live_v righteous_o all_o those_o reason_n be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o opinion_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v urge_v for_o example_n when_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o pharisee_n mat._n chap._n 12_o v._n 26._o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_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
rest_n and_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o both_o which_o nature_n always_o observe_v and_o by_o which_o it_o continual_o act_n and_o from_o these_o we_o afterward_o by_o degree_n proceed_v to_o other_o thing_n less_o general_a so_o likewise_o from_o this_o history_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v first_o to_o inquire_v after_o that_o which_o be_v most_o general_a and_o be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o scripture_n and_o be_v commend_v by_o all_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o most_o profitable_a and_o perpetual_a doctrine_n to_o mankind_n for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v only_o one_o omnipotent_a god_n who_o only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v who_o provide_v for_o all_o and_o love_v those_o best_a who_o serve_v he_o and_o love_v their_o neighbour_n as_o themselves_o be_v a_o doctrine_n every_o where_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o no_o body_n ever_o doubt_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o what_o god_n be_v why_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o behold_v and_o provide_v for_o all_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o express_o and_o positive_o declare_v nor_o teach_v it_o as_o a_o eternal_a doctrine_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o prophet_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v do_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o concern_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o matter_n of_o like_a nature_n we_o be_v not_o positive_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n though_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o make_v out_o by_o natural_a knowledge_n this_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v right_o know_v we_o be_v then_o to_o pass_v on_o to_o thing_n less_o universal_a which_o concern_v the_o common_a use_n of_o life_n and_o which_o be_v derive_v like_o rivulet_n from_o this_o general_a doctrine_n such_o be_v all_o the_o particular_a external_a action_n of_o real_a virtue_n which_o can_v be_v practise_v but_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o whatsoever_o in_o scripture_n relate_v to_o they_o seem_v doubtful_a or_o obscure_a must_v be_v explain_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o universal_a doctrine_n and_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v contradictory_n one_o to_o another_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v upon_o what_o occasion_n at_o what_o time_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v for_o example_n when_o christ_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v for_o they_o shall_v be_v comfort_v we_o know_v not_o who_o be_v the_o mourner_n mean_v in_o this_o text_n but_o because_o christ_n afterward_o bid_v we_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o which_o he_o commend_v to_o we_o as_o our_o chief_a good_a math._n chap._n 6._o v._n 33._o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o mourner_n mean_v by_o christ_n must_v be_v those_o who_o lament_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o its_o righteousness_n so_o much_o neglect_v by_o man_n for_o which_o no_o other_o can_v mourn_v but_o those_o who_o affection_n be_v heavenly_a and_o contemn_v all_o thing_n here_o below_o so_o also_o when_o christ_n say_v math._n chap._n 5._o v._n 39_o whatsoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v this_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n by_o this_o command_n he_o have_v abrogate_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o declare_v in_o the_o 17_o the_o verse_n he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o fulfil_v we_o be_v therefore_o to_o inquire_v who_o say_v this_o to_o who_o and_o when_o he_o say_v it_o first_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o say_v it_o not_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n who_o ordain_v law_n but_o as_o a_o teacher_n who_o give_v moral_a instruction_n not_o so_o much_o to_o reprove_v their_o deed_n as_o to_o correct_v their_o thought_n next_o he_o speak_v it_o to_o man_n oppress_v who_o live_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n extreme_o corrupt_v where_o justice_n be_v neglect_v and_o who_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v likewise_o preach_v by_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n before_o the_o first_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n lament_n chap._n 3._o v._n 30._o he_o give_v his_o cheek_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v he_o wherefore_o see_v the_o prophet_n do_v not_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o oppression_n nor_o be_v any_o where_o command_v by_o they_o as_o a_o law_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a moses_n who_o do_v not_o write_v in_o time_n of_o oppression_n but_o take_v care_n to_o establish_v a_o good_a commonwealth_n though_o he_o condemn_v revenge_n and_o the_o hate_v of_o our_o neighbour_n yet_o he_o command_v that_o a_o eye_n shall_v be_v give_v for_o a_o eye_n hence_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o scripture_n that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o jeremy_n for_o suffer_v injury_n and_o submit_v to_o wicked_a man_n aught_o to_o be_v practise_v only_o in_o time_n of_o oppression_n and_o in_o place_n where_o justice_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o to_o be_v have_v but_o not_o in_o a_o good_a commonwealth_n because_o in_o good_a government_n where_o justice_n be_v maintain_v every_o man_n be_v oblige_v if_o he_o will_v be_v just_o to_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o injury_n before_o a_o judge_n levit._n chap._n 5._o v._n 1._o not_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n which_o be_v forbid_v levit._fw-la chap._n 19_o v._n 17_o 18._o but_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o justice_n and_o law_n of_o a_o man_n country_n and_o that_o wicked_a man_n may_v not_o get_v advantage_n and_o thrive_v by_o their_o wickedness_n all_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o natural_a reason_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o can_v bring_v many_o more_o example_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o explain_v my_o meaning_n and_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o that_o method_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o present_a discourse_n but_o hitherto_o i_o have_v only_o show_v the_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o scripture_n sentence_n which_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o life_n and_o be_v therefore_o more_o easy_o understand_v because_o among_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o bible_n there_o never_o be_v any_o controversy_n about_o they_o but_o other_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o concern_v matter_n mere_o speculative_a be_v not_o so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a because_o the_o way_n to_o they_o be_v very_o narrow_a for_o though_o in_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a the_o prophet_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v differ_v among_o themselves_o and_o the_o narration_n of_o thing_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o every_o age_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o one_o prophet_n by_o the_o clear_a place_n of_o another_o unless_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v both_o of_o one_o opinion_n how_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o case_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n declare_v we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n begin_v with_o what_o be_v most_o general_a and_o from_o those_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o clear_a inquire_v what_o be_v prophesy_v or_o revelation_n and_o in_o what_o it_o chief_o consist_v next_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o after_o that_o of_o thing_n usual_a and_o common_a this_o be_v do_v we_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o every_o prophet_n and_o from_o they_o guess_v at_o the_o meaning_n of_o every_o prophecy_n history_n and_o miracle_n but_o what_o caution_n we_o be_v to_o use_v that_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o historian_n with_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o revelation_n that_o this_o my_o method_n teach_v we_o to_o find_v out_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o prophet_n hear_v or_o see_v and_o not_o what_o they_o signify_v and_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o figure_n a_o hierogliphic_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o can_v only_o make_v conjecture_n but_o can_v certain_o derive_v they_o from_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o scripture_n now_o though_o i_o have_v show_v the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n thereof_o yet_o indeed_o i_o confess_v those_o man_n may_v have_v a_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o if_o any_o such_o man_n there_o be_v who_o have_v receive_v a_o traditional_a explication_n thereof_o make_v by_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o
by_o revelation_n or_o whether_o god_n command_v it_o for_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o it_o be_v reveal_v so_o as_o it_o obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n and_o become_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n obligatory_a to_o men._n if_o i_o then_o prove_v that_o justice_n and_o charity_n can_v become_v a_o law_n or_o command_n but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v see_v supreme_a power_n be_v always_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o religion_n become_v a_o bind_a law_n only_o by_o their_o decree_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n and_o that_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a kingdom_n over_o man_n but_o by_o they_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a rule_v power_n that_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n become_v a_o obligatory_a law_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a govern_v power_n appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n where_o i_o have_v declare_v that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n reason_n can_v pretend_v to_o any_o great_a power_n than_o natural_a appetite_n may_v and_o that_o they_o who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o natural_a appetite_n have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o all_o thing_n within_o their_o power_n as_o they_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n so_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n we_o can_v conceive_v there_o can_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n any_o sin_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v god_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n punish_v sin_n but_o all_o thing_n carry_v on_o in_o their_o course_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o universal_a nature_n to_o use_v solomon_n own_o word_n all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a no_o place_n be_v leave_v for_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o that_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n the_o divine_a law_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n may_v obtain_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o a_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v part_v from_o his_o natural_a right_n and_o transfer_v it_o either_o upon_o all_o upon_o some_o or_o upon_o one_o and_o that_o then_o we_o first_o come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v justice_n and_o what_o injustice_n what_o equity_n and_o what_o iniquity_n justice_n therefore_o and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n with_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n become_v a_o precept_n and_o obligatory_a law_n by_o the_o power_n and_o decree_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o power_n that_o justice_n charity_n and_o true_a religion_n have_v over_o we_o by_o become_v a_o law_n to_o we_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a kingdom_n over_o man_n but_o by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a rule_v power_n whether_o we_o consider_v religion_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o natural_a or_o prophetical_a light_n the_o demonstration_n be_v universal_a see_v religion_n be_v the_o same_o and_o equal_o reveal_v by_o god_n which_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n prophetical_o reveal_v may_v obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v necessary_a every_o man_n shall_v first_o part_v with_o his_o natural_a right_n and_o that_o all_o with_o one_o common_a consent_n shall_v resolve_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o all_o thing_n which_o shall_v by_o god_n be_v prophetical_o reveal_v to_o they_o just_o as_o people_n do_v in_o democratical_a government_n where_o all_o with_o common_a consent_n resolve_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n do_v transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o more_o in_o opinion_n than_o reality_n for_o the_o supreme_a power_n real_o and_o absolute_o remain_v still_o in_o they_o till_o they_o transfer_v it_o upon_o moses_n who_o be_v thenceforward_o a_o absolute_a king_n and_o by_o he_o only_a god_n reign_v over_o the_o jew_n moreover_o because_o religion_n become_v a_o law_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a government_n moses_n can_v punish_v none_o before_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v because_o than_o no_o man_n have_v part_v with_o his_o own_o power_n and_o right_n they_o break_v the_o sabbath_n before_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o be_v not_o punish_v as_o appear_v exod._n chap._n v._n 27._o but_o after_o the_o covenant_n when_o every_o man_n have_v part_v with_o his_o natural_a right_n he_o that_o break_v the_o sabbath_n only_o by_o gather_v stick_n be_v stone_v as_o appear_v numb_a chap._n 15._o v._n 36._o and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n when_o the_o people_n have_v part_v with_o their_o power_n become_v a_o law_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n last_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n also_o when_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v destroy_v reveal_v religion_n have_v no_o long_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n for_o without_o doubt_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o jew_n transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n the_o covenant_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n cease_v for_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n the_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o promise_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n become_v void_a and_o they_o can_v no_o long_o perform_v it_o from_o the_o time_n they_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n they_o be_v no_o long_o in_o their_o own_o power_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n and_o their_o own_o country_n but_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o sixteen_o chapter_n and_o by_o what_o jeremy_n say_v chap._n 29._o v._n 7._o seek_v you_o the_o peace_n of_o that_o city_n whither_o i_o have_v cause_v you_o to_o be_v earry_v captive_n and_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o for_o in_o the_o peace_n thereof_o shall_v you_o have_v peace_n they_o can_v not_o seek_v or_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o that_o city_n as_o minister_n of_o government_n because_o they_o be_v captive_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o as_o servant_n or_o subject_n by_o keep_v themselves_o free_a from_o sedition_n and_o by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o the_o government_n though_o very_o different_a from_o those_o of_o their_o own_o country_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o power_n be_v destroy_v religion_n be_v no_o more_o a_o law_n or_o command_n of_o that_o particular_a government_n but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o general_n dictate_v of_o reason_n i_o say_v of_o reason_n because_o catholic_n religion_n be_v not_o yet_o know_v by_o revelation_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o reveal_v acquire_v the_o force_n of_o a_o command_n only_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a kingdom_n over_o man_n but_o by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o this_o be_v make_v more_o clear_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v show_v that_o all_o god_n decree_n imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n nor_o can_v we_o conceive_v god_n as_o a_o prince_n or_o lawgiver_n to_o man_n therefore_o divine_a document_n make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n immediate_o from_o god_n but_o must_v necessary_o receive_v it_o from_o those_o or_o by_o their_o mean_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o command_v and_o make_v law_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n only_o we_o apprehend_v that_o god_n reign_v over_o man_n and_o direct_v humane_a affair_n according_a to_o justice_n and_o equity_n which_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o experience_n for_o we_o can_v find_v no_o footstep_n of_o divine_a justice_n but_o where_o the_o just_a reign_n otherwise_o to_o use_v solomon_n expression_n once_o more_o the_o like_a event_n be_v to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a which_o make_v many_o doubt_n god_n providence_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v immediate_o reign_v over_o man_n and_o make_v universal_a nature_n only_o for_o their_o use_n see_v then_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o