the_o sack_n of_o the_o city_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v carry_v captive_n into_o babylon_n and_o be_v not_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v divide_v into_o sect_n they_o present_o neglect_v ceremony_n bid_v farewell_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n forget_v the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o country_n as_o superfluous_a and_o mix_v themselves_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n as_o appear_v out_o of_o esdras_n and_o nehemiah_n therefore_o without_o doubt_n the_o jew_n after_o their_o government_n be_v dissolve_v be_v no_o more_o bind_v by_o moses_n law_n than_o they_o be_v before_o they_o become_v a_o commonwealth_n for_o while_o they_o live_v among_o other_o nation_n before_o their_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v no_o peculiar_a law_n nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o but_o the_o natural_a law_n observe_v also_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o nation_n where_o they_o live_v which_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a natural_a law_n the_o patriarch_n indeed_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n but_o that_o be_v because_o they_o be_v from_o their_o infancy_n accustom_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o man_n from_o the_o time_n of_o enoch_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o incite_v and_o testify_v their_o devotion_n the_o patriarch_n therefore_o offer_v their_o sacrifice_n neither_o as_o man_n command_v by_o any_o divine_a precept_n or_o instruct_v by_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o that_o time_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o by_o any_o command_n that_o command_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 3_o d._n chapter_n where_o i_o speak_v of_o melchisedek_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v have_v justify_v my_o opinion_n by_o scripture-authority_n i_o will_v next_o from_o general_a principle_n very_o brief_o show_v why_o ceremony_n be_v useful_a to_o establish_v and_o preserve_v the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n society_n be_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o live_v secure_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o enemy_n and_o likewise_o for_o the_o quick_a and_o more_o easy_a dispatch_n of_o human_a labour_n and_o business_n for_o unless_o man_n mutual_o assist_v one_o another_o they_o must_v want_v both_o time_n and_o mean_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o preserve_v themselves_o all_o man_n be_v not_o equal_o fit_a for_o all_o thing_n nor_o be_v every_o one_o able_a to_o procure_v those_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o single_o stand_v in_o need_n no_o individual_a person_n have_v time_n or_o strength_n enough_o to_o plough_v sow_n reap_v grind_v bake_v boyl_n weave_v knit_v and_o do_v very_o many_o other_o thing_n necessary_a to_o support_v life_n not_o mention_v art_n and_o science_n which_o perfect_a and_o make_v human_a nature_n happy_a we_o see_v that_o those_o people_n who_o live_v barbarous_o without_o any_o policy_n lead_v miserable_a brutish_a life_n and_o do_v not_o come_v by_o those_o necessary_n and_o sorry_a householdstuff_n which_o they_o have_v without_o help_v one_o another_o if_o man_n be_v so_o constitute_v by_o nature_n that_o they_o will_v desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o right_a reason_n dictate_v society_n will_v need_v no_o law_n and_o only_o to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o morality_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o with_o a_o free_a and_o constant_a mind_n do_v whatever_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o human_a nature_n all_o man_n indeed_o seek_v their_o own_o good_a and_o advantage_n not_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o peculiar_a lust_n and_o hurry_v with_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o own_o affection_n without_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v good_a which_o they_o ardent_o desire_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o no_o society_n of_o man_n can_v subsist_v without_o government_n force_n and_o law_n to_o moderate_v and_o restrain_v unbridled_a passion_n and_o affection_n but_o down_o right_a compulsion_n be_v intolerable_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o seneca_n the_o tragedian_n say_v empire_n maintain_v by_o force_n last_o but_o a_o little_a while_n mild_a government_n endure_v long_a what_o man_n do_v out_o of_o fear_n they_o do_v against_o their_o will_n never_o consider_v the_o utility_n or_o necessity_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o only_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v capital_a punishment_n yea_o they_o can_v hardly_o refrain_v from_o rejoice_v at_o the_o loss_n and_o misfortune_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o though_o they_o themselves_o suffer_v by_o it_o can_v forbear_v wish_v and_o do_v they_o all_o the_o mischief_n they_o be_v able_a but_o above_o all_o thing_n man_n be_v impatient_a of_o obey_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o equal_n and_o last_o nothing_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o once_o enjoy_v from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o society_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a shall_v be_v govern_v by_o their_o own_o general_a assembly_n that_o so_o no_o body_n may_v be_v subject_v to_o his_o equal_a but_o where_o the_o reins_o of_o government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o few_o or_o one_o single_a person_n there_o that_o single_a person_n ought_v to_o have_v extraordinary_a qualification_n above_o other_o or_o at_o least_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o people_n think_v so_o and_o in_o every_o government_n such_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v as_o be_v likely_a to_o incline_v man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n not_o for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n but_o in_o hope_n of_o reward_n moreover_o because_o obedience_n consist_v in_o execute_v the_o command_n of_o those_o that_o rule_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o a_o society_n where_o the_o roll_a power_n be_v in_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o law_n be_v make_v by_o general_a and_o common_a consent_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o obedience_n and_o though_o the_o law_n be_v increase_v or_o diminish_v yet_o still_o the_o people_n remain_v free_a because_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o another_o but_o act_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a universal_a agreement_n and_o consent_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a where_o a_o single_a person_n govern_v for_o there_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o whatever_o he_o command_v so_o that_o unless_o the_o people_n have_v be_v always_o educate_v under_o such_o absolute_a government_n it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o a_o monarch_n to_o make_v new_a law_n or_o to_o take_v away_o any_o liberty_n from_o the_o people_n which_o they_o have_v former_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n be_v thus_o general_o consider_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o when_o they_o go_v first_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o law_n of_o any_o other_o nation_n so_o that_o they_o may_v then_o constitute_v and_o enact_v what_o law_n and_o statute_n they_o please_v and_o fix_v themselves_o and_o their_o government_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o possess_v but_o be_v a_o stupid_a people_n and_o by_o long_a servitude_n deprave_v in_o their_o understanding_n they_o be_v unfit_a to_o make_v good_a and_o prudent_a law_n or_o to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o democratical_a authority_n without_o a_o superior_a the_o power_n of_o govern_v be_v therefore_o to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o single_a person_n who_o be_v to_o command_v the_o rest_n and_o compel_v they_o by_o force_n who_o be_v likewise_o to_o prescribe_v and_o interpret_v law_n this_o power_n moses_n easy_o obtain_v because_o he_o excel_v all_o other_o in_o divine_a virtue_n and_o power_n which_o power_n he_o persuade_v the_o people_n by_o many_o testimony_n exod._a chap._n 14._o v._n 31._o and_o chap._n 19_o v._n 9_o be_v give_v he_o by_o god_n be_v thus_o qualify_v he_o make_v and_o prescribe_v law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o take_v special_a care_n that_o the_o people_n may_v do_v their_o duty_n not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o fear_n as_o of_o their_o own_o free_a will_n which_o he_o do_v upon_o two_o consideration_n first_o because_o the_o people_n obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a nature_n will_v not_o endure_v continual_a compulsion_n second_o because_o there_o be_v a_o approach_a war_n which_o be_v like_a to_o succeed_v better_o by_o encourage_v then_o by_o threaten_v the_o soldier_n every_o one_o endeavour_v by_o his_o valour_n rather_o to_o get_v reputation_n then_o avoid_v punishment_n for_o this_o reason_n also_o moses_n by_o god_n command_n introduce_v religion_n into_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o devotion_n more_o than_o fear_v may_v incline_v they_o to_o obedience_n last_o he_o oblige_v they_o by_o many_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
convince_v the_o heathen_a that_o then_o worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n the_o earth_n water_n air_n etc._n etc._n tell_v they_o their_o god_n be_v weak_a inconstant_a mutable_a and_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n who_o miracle_n they_o proclaim_v and_o by_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v create_v chief_o for_o their_o good_a and_o benefit_n with_o which_o opinion_n man_n be_v so_o please_v that_o ever_o since_o they_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o fain_a miracle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v better_o belove_v by_o god_n than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n be_v chief_o for_o their_o sake_n how_o arrogant_a be_v the_o foolish_a vulgar_a who_o conceive_v nothing_o right_o of_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o confound_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o think_v nature_n so_o narrow_a that_o they_o believe_v man_n to_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n thereof_o have_v thus_o discover_v the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o common_a people_n concern_v god_n and_o nature_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o order_n and_o show_v first_o that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n who_o order_n and_o course_n be_v eternal_a constant_a and_o immutable_a explain_v also_o what_o be_v a_o miracle_n second_o that_o we_o can_v know_v the_o essence_n existence_n nor_o consequent_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o miracle_n but_o they_o more_o manifest_o appear_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a order_n of_o nature_n three_o i_o will_v prove_v by_o some_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o by_o the_o decree_n purpose_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o its_o eternal_a law_n last_o i_o will_v show_v how_o scripture_n miracle_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o what_o we_o be_v principal_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n all_o which_o particular_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o present_a chapter_n and_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o design_n of_o this_o whole_a treatise_n the_o first_o particular_a be_v prove_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o 4_o the_o chapter_n concern_v the_o divine_a law_n namely_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v and_o decree_v imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o distinguish_v from_o his_o will_n and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o we_o say_v god_n will_v and_o god_n know_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o the_o same_o necessity_n derive_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v by_o the_o same_o necessity_n must_v god_n will_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v but_o since_o nothing_o be_v necessary_o true_a but_o what_o be_v so_o by_o the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o necessity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n whatever_o therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o nature_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o its_o universal_a law_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o if_o any_o one_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o likewise_o must_v grant_v that_o god_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o absurdity_n as_o therefore_o nothing_o happen_v in_o nature_n contrary_a to_o its_o universal_a law_n so_o neither_o do_v any_o thing_n happen_v which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o and_o follow_v from_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v do_v be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n that_o be_v according_a to_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o law_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n be_v not_o know_v to_o we_o yet_o nature_n always_o observe_v they_o and_o consequent_o keep_v her_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n no_o rational_a man_n can_v believe_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v limit_v and_o its_o law_n confine_v to_o some_o particular_a operation_n and_o effect_n and_o not_o fit_v universal_o to_o all_o for_o since_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n infinite_a and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o general_a that_o they_o extend_v themselves_o to_o all_o thing_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n otherwise_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o god_n create_v nature_n so_o weak_a and_o impotent_a and_o its_o law_n and_o rule_n so_o defective_a that_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v nature_n he_o must_v upon_o every_o new_a occasion_n assist_v and_o succour_v it_o that_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o according_a to_o his_o will_n which_o be_v very_o irrational_a for_o any_o man_n to_o suppose_v if_o than_o nothing_o happen_v in_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o its_o rule_n and_o law_n that_o its_o law_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o that_o nature_n keep_v a_o fix_a immutable_a and_o regular_a course_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o whatever_o man_n call_v a_o miracle_n be_v only_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o work_n or_o thing_n do_v of_o which_o we_o can_v discover_v the_o natural_a cause_n by_o a_o example_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o ordinary_o happen_v like_o it_o at_o least_o the_o person_n can_v who_o relate_v or_o record_v the_o miracle_n i_o may_v call_v that_o a_o miracle_n who_o cause_n can_v be_v make_v out_o from_o any_o natural_a principle_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o because_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o know_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ancient_n count_v that_o a_o miracle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o explain_v as_o the_o common_a people_n use_v to_o do_v natural_a thing_n namely_o by_o recur_v to_o their_o memory_n for_o bring_v to_o mind_n some_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v for_o the_o common_a people_n think_v they_o very_o well_o understand_v a_o thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v it_o by_o this_o rule_n and_o no_o other_o man_n in_o old_a and_o late_a time_n have_v judge_v of_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o many_o thing_n be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n for_o miracle_n who_o cause_n may_v have_v be_v make_v manifest_a from_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o we_o have_v hint_v in_o our_o 2_o d_o chapter_n where_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n and_o its_o go_v backward_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n on_o the_o dyal_n of_o ahaz_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n more_o at_o large_a when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o miracle_n i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v the_o second_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o can_v by_o miracle_n understand_v the_o essence_n existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o be_v more_o clear_o apprehend_v by_o we_o in_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n which_o i_o thus_o prove_v if_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o know_v to_o we_o it_o must_v then_o be_v make_v out_o and_o conclude_v from_o notion_n who_o verity_n be_v so_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o power_n by_o which_o those_o notion_n may_v be_v change_v at_o least_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v so_o to_o we_o at_o that_o time_n when_o from_o they_o we_o conclude_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o will_v have_v that_o existence_n to_o be_v indubitable_a for_o if_o we_o can_v think_v those_o notion_n mutable_a by_o any_o power_n whatever_o it_o be_v then_o may_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o notion_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o conclusion_n namely_o god_n existence_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o see_v we_o can_v know_v what_o be_v congruous_a or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o which_o we_o prove_v to_o be_v congruous_a or_o contrary_a to_o those_o prime_a notion_n if_o we_o can_v conceive_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o
for_o we_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n for_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v by_o natural_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o without_o some_o other_o light_n moreover_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o mind_v demonstration_n will_v entertain_v no_o scripture_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o philosopher_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o suppose_v philosopher_n can_v err_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o true_o will_v be_v a_o new_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o priesthood_n which_o the_o vulgar_a will_v rather_o scorn_v then_o reverence_n and_o though_o our_o method_n require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v no_o time_n to_o study_v nothing_o can_v upon_o that_o score_n be_v object_v for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o it_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n though_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v which_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v to_o make_v themselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o prophet_n meaning_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o method_n that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v necessary_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n that_o know_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o maimonides_n can_v never_o show_v i_o a_o common_a people_n that_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o knowledge_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o these_o day_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v not_o know_v may_v be_v easy_o understand_v in_o any_o language_n because_o they_o be_v so_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o for_o this_o knowledge_n the_o vulgar_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n in_o other_o thing_n they_o follow_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o to_o return_v to_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o maimonides_n opinion_n first_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v in_o all_o thing_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a philosopher_n because_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o their_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o second_o chapter_n to_o be_v false_a next_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v any_o thing_n nor_o do_v it_o prove_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v by_o definition_n and_o primary_n cause_n wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v neither_o appear_v or_o be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v likewise_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o present_a chapter_n for_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o example_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v derive_v thence_o even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n unknown_a to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n last_o maimonides_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o according_a to_o our_o preconceive_a opinion_n to_o expound_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o deny_v or_o change_v the_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o be_v it_o never_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a which_o liberty_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o what_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o this_o and_o other_o chapter_n and_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o boldness_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o this_o liberty_n what_o advantage_n will_v he_o get_v by_o it_o none_o at_o all_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v by_o this_o way_n make_v out_o nor_o by_o this_o rule_n expound_v or_o interpret_v they_o when_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o follow_v our_o method_n we_o may_v explain_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n perceptible_a their_o sense_n be_v easy_o draw_v from_o the_o context_n and_o as_o maimonides_n method_n be_v unprofitable_a so_o it_o take_v from_o the_o common_a people_n all_o certainty_n which_o they_o and_o all_o that_o follow_v any_o other_o method_n can_v by_o diligent_a read_n have_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o reject_v it_o as_o dangerous_a useless_a and_o absurd_a as_o for_o the_o forementioned_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o and_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n authority_n i_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n deny_v it_o but_o because_o it_o want_v clear_a proof_n for_o have_v they_o as_o much_o scripture_n to_o show_v for_o it_o as_o heretofore_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n have_v for_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o little_a concern_v that_o some_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o that_o the_o high-priest_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v sometime_o as_o bad_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o command_n of_o scripture_n have_v still_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 17_o chap._n of_o deut._n v._n 11_o 12._o chap._n 33._o v._n 10._o and_o mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o but_o because_o the_o pope_n can_v show_v we_o no_o such_o testimony_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o and_o think_v that_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a high-priest_n the_o catholic_a religion_n also_o want_v a_o high_a priest_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o public_a law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o need_v a_o public_a authority_n to_o maintain_v they_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n the_o public_a law_n as_o he_o please_v no_o commonwealth_n can_v stand_v but_o present_o dissolve_v and_o public_a law_n become_v private_a but_o in_o religion_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a for_o see_v religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o external_a action_n as_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v of_o no_o public_a power_n or_o authority_n for_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o infuse_v by_o the_o command_n of_o law_n or_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v compel_v by_o force_n or_o by_o law_n to_o be_v make_v holy_a nothing_o but_o good_a brotherly_a council_n education_n and_o a_o man_n own_o free_a judgement_n can_v do_v that_o see_v then_o every_o man_n have_v right_a to_o think_v of_o religion_n as_o he_o please_v and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v any_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o right_n it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o judge_v of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o expound_v and_o interpret_v it_o to_o himself_o for_o as_o the_o chief_n power_n of_o interpret_n law_n and_o judge_v of_o public_a matter_n reside_v in_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o be_v public_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o explain_v and_o judge_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o every_o particular_a person_n because_o it_o be_v every_o private_a man_n right_a the_o authority_n then_o of_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n to_o interpret_v law_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v the_o pope_n authority_n to_o interpret_v religion_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n i._o the_o best_a for_o see_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o interpret_n it_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o not_o any_o supernatural_a light_n or_o external_a authority_n this_o method_n ought_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a that_o none_o but_o acute_a philosopher_n can_v make_v use_n of_o or_o compose_v it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v
promise_v to_o obey_v all_o that_o god_n shall_v say_v to_o they_o but_o all_o that_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o moses_n see_v deut._n c._n 5._o v._n 25_o 26_o 28._o so_o that_o now_o none_o but_o moses_n become_v the_o giver_n and_o interpreter_n of_o god_n law_n and_o consequent_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n over_o who_o no_o man_n have_v power_n he_o only_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o he_o reside_v the_o supreme_a majesty_n see_v he_o only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o consult_v god_n of_o return_v god_n answer_n to_o the_o people_n and_o compel_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v they_o i_o say_v he_o only_o for_o if_o any_o man_n during_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n have_v preach_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n though_o he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n yet_o he_o have_v be_v a_o guilty_a usurper_n see_v numb_a c._n 11._o v._n 27_o 28._o and_o here_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o though_o the_o people_n choose_v moses_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o elect_v any_o successor_n in_o his_o place_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o transfer_v their_o right_n and_o power_n of_o consult_v god_n upon_o moses_n and_o promise_v to_o receive_v from_o he_o god_n answer_n they_o lose_v all_o their_o power_n and_o whoever_o moses_n declare_v shall_v be_v his_o successor_n he_o be_v they_o bind_v to_o accept_v as_o choose_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v moses_n choose_v one_o who_o be_v to_o have_v as_o moses_n himself_o have_v the_o whole_a administration_n of_o the_o government_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o consult_v god_n alone_o in_o his_o tent_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o make_v and_o abrogate_a law_n of_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n send_v ambassador_n appoint_v judge_n choose_v a_o successor_n and_o order_v all_o other_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o supreme_a power_n the_o government_n have_v be_v perfect_o monarchical_a and_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o other_o monarchy_n but_o this_o that_o other_o monarchy_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v govern_v according_a to_o reason_n by_o god_n decree_n of_o which_o the_o monarch_n be_v ignorant_a but_o the_o jewish_a monarchy_n by_o god_n decree_n reveal_v only_o to_o the_o monarch_n which_o difference_n do_v not_o at_o all_o diminish_v but_o increase_v the_o monarch_n power_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o subject_n in_o both_o monarchy_n be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o subject_n in_o both_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n decree_n do_v absolute_o depend_v upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o monarch_n and_o he_o only_o be_v to_o declare_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o if_o the_o people_n believe_v that_o the_o monarch_n be_v to_o command_v nothing_o but_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o he_o in_o that_o very_a respect_n they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o subject_n to_o he_o now_o moses_n do_v not_o choose_v any_o such_o successor_n but_o leave_v successor_n who_o be_v so_o to_o administer_v the_o government_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v popular_a aristocratical_a or_o monarchical_a but_o rather_o theocratical_a for_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n law_n and_o communicate_v god_n answer_n to_o the_o people_n be_v in_o one_o person_n and_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o government_n according_a to_o the_o law_n already_o explain_v and_o according_a to_o the_o answer_n already_o make_v know_v be_v in_o another_o see_v numb_a c._n 27._o v._n 21._o but_o that_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v clear_o understand_v i_o will_v in_o order_n declare_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v administer_v first_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o build_v a_o house_n which_o be_v to_o be_v god_n that_o be_v the_o palace_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o that_o government_n and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v build_v at_o any_o particular_a person_n cost_v but_o the_o public_a charge_n of_o all_o the_o people_n that_o the_o house_n where_o counsel_n be_v to_o be_v ask_v of_o god_n may_v be_v public_a and_o common_a to_o all_o the_o levite_n be_v the_o courtier_n or_o officer_n of_o this_o divine_a palace_n of_o these_o the_o chief_z next_z to_o god_n after_o the_o king_n be_v choose_v aaron_n the_o brother_n of_o moses_n who_o legitimate_a son_n succeed_v he_o he_o as_o next_o to_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a interpreter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n return_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n and_o make_v supplication_n to_o god_n for_o the_o people_n have_v he_o herewith_o have_v the_o command_a power_n there_o have_v nothing_o want_v of_o his_o be_v a_o absolute_a monarch_n but_o that_o power_n he_o have_v not_o and_o the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o levy_n be_v so_o far_o exclude_v from_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o government_n that_o they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o possess_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n any_o land_n in_o their_o own_o right_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v live_v but_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v and_o relieve_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n as_o a_o tribe_n dedicate_v to_o god._n the_o militia_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n they_o be_v command_v to_o invade_v the_o country_n of_o the_o canaanite_n to_o divide_v their_o land_n into_o twelve_o part_n and_o to_o distribute_v the_o part_n among_o the_o tribe_n by_o lot._n joshua_n be_v elect_v general_n and_o chief_a commander_n of_o the_o militia_n who_o only_o in_o future_a affair_n and_o emergency_n have_v the_o power_n of_o consult_v god_n not_o as_o moses_n have_v alone_o in_o his_o tent_n or_o in_o the_o tabernacle_n but_o by_o the_o highpriest_n to_o who_o only_o god_n give_v his_o answer_n the_o power_n of_o pass_v those_o answer_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o highpriest_n into_o law_n and_o the_o power_n of_o compel_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v they_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n of_o execute_v those_o command_n the_o choice_n of_o the_o militia_n or_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v choose_v it_o of_o send_v ambassador_n in_o his_o own_o name_n the_o whole_a power_n of_o make_v and_o carry_v on_o war_n depend_v absolute_o and_o sole_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o joshua_n into_o who_o power_n and_o place_n no_o body_n do_v ever_o lawful_o succeed_v nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o other_o choose_v unless_o by_o god_n himself_o the_o people_n affair_n not_o require_v any_o such_o choice_n but_o all_o matter_n of_o peace_n and_o war_n be_v under_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o tribe_n all_o from_o twenty_o year_n old_a to_o sixty_o be_v command_v to_o bear_v arm_n the_o army_n be_v form_v only_o out_o of_o their_o own_o people_n who_o do_v not_o swear_v fidelity_n to_o the_o general_n or_o chief-priest_n but_o to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o lord_n host_n and_o god_n by_o the_o jew_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o which_o depend_v victory_n or_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o battle_n be_v always_o carry_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o army_n that_o the_o people_n behold_v as_o it_o be_v their_o king_n may_v fight_v with_o their_o utmost_a courage_n and_o strength_n from_o these_o command_n of_o moses_n to_o his_o successor_n we_o conclude_v that_o he_o choose_v administrator_n or_o minister_n of_o state_n but_o none_o that_o have_v absolute_a power_n for_o he_o give_v to_o no_o body_n the_o sole_a power_n of_o consult_v god_n when_o he_o please_v and_o consequent_o not_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v of_o make_v and_o abrogate_a law_n of_o make_v war_n or_o peace_n of_o choose_v officer_n for_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o any_o of_o the_o city_n all_o which_o do_v proper_o belong_v to_o he_o that_o have_v supreme_a power_n the_o chief_a priest_n indeed_o have_v power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n and_o return_v god_n answer_n to_o the_o people_n but_o not_o as_o moses_n when_o he_o please_v but_o only_o when_o he_o be_v call_v upon_o by_o the_o general_n or_o supreme_a council_n to_o do_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o general_n of_o the_o army_n and_o the_o council_n can_v consult_v god_n when_o they_o please_v but_o can_v not_o receive_v god_n answer_n from_o any_o but_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o therefore_o what_o god_n say_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v not_o a_o law_n and_o decree_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n but_o only_a answer_n and_o when_o those_o answer_n be_v receive_v by_o joshua_n and_o the_o council_n than_o have_v they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o decree_n moreover_o the_o
high_a priest_n who_o receive_v answer_n from_o god_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o militia_n nor_o have_v he_o any_o share_n in_o the_o government_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o land_n have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v law_n the_o chief_a priest_n aaron_n and_o his_o son_n eleazar_n be_v both_o choose_v by_o moses_n but_o when_o moses_n be_v dead_o no_o man_n have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v the_o high_a priest_n but_o the_o son_n still_o succeed_v the_o father_n the_o general_n of_o the_o army_n be_v also_o elect_v by_o moses_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n but_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o generalship_n or_o supreme_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o moses_n give_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o joshua_n die_v the_o high_a priest_n choose_v no_o body_n into_o his_o place_n nor_o do_v the_o prince_n ask_v council_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o new_a general_n but_o every_o one_o command_v the_o particular_a militia_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n and_o all_o the_o prince_n joint_o together_o have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a army_n that_o joshua_n have_v and_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o general_n unless_o when_o they_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o a_o enemy_n with_o joint_a force_n of_o which_o there_o be_v constant_a occasion_n and_o necessity_n in_o ioshua_n time_n when_o they_o have_v no_o fix_a place_n of_o abode_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o common_a but_o after_o all_o the_o tribe_n be_v by_o right_a of_o conquest_n possess_v of_o land_n which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v and_o divide_v among_o themselves_o and_o property_n begin_v then_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n of_o a_o general_n because_o the_o several_a tribe_n by_o that_o division_n become_v not_o only_a fellow_n subject_n but_o confederate_n they_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n fellow-subject_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o one_o tribe_n power_n over_o another_o no_o more_o than_o confederate_n in_o all_o particular_n that_o of_o the_o jew_n public_a temple_n except_v like_o the_o state_n of_o the_o seven_o unite_a province_n for_o the_o division_n of_o that_o which_o be_v common_a into_o part_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o every_o man_n possess_v his_o own_o part_n and_o the_o rest_n quit_v the_o right_n which_o they_o have_v to_o it_o moses_n therefore_o choose_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o tribe_n that_o after_o the_o land_n and_o the_o government_n be_v divide_v every_o one_o may_v take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o part_n that_o be_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o every_o tribe_n shall_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n ask_v council_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n that_o he_o shall_v command_v the_o militia_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n build_v and_o fortify_v city_n appoint_v judge_n in_o every_o city_n fight_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n and_o have_v the_o absolute_a power_n of_o peace_n and_o war_n within_o his_o own_o tribe_n nor_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v any_o other_o judge_n over_o he_o but_o god_n or_o a_o prophet_n who_o god_n shall_v express_o send_v and_o if_o he_o depart_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n be_v to_o account_v he_o no_o subject_a but_o fight_v against_o he_o as_o a_o public_a enemy_n that_o have_v violate_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n of_o which_o in_o scripture_n we_o have_v several_a example_n when_o joshua_n be_v dead_a the_o child_n of_o israel_n without_o any_o new_a general_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n and_o when_o they_o understand_v that_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n be_v first_o to_o assault_v the_o enemy_n juda_n agree_v only_o with_o his_o brother_n simeon_n to_o go_v up_o with_o unite_a force_n and_o fight_v the_o enemy_n of_o both_o their_o lot_n in_o which_o agreement_n none_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n be_v comprehend_v see_v judge_n c._n 1._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o every_o tribe_n as_o that_o chapter_n declare_v fight_v separately_z against_o its_o own_o particular_a enemy_n and_o spare_v the_o life_n of_o who_o they_o please_v though_o they_o be_v command_v upon_o no_o term_n to_o spare_v any_o but_o to_o extirpate_v all_o for_o which_o sin_n they_o be_v indeed_o reprove_v but_o never_o call_v to_o account_v for_o it_o when_o the_o tribe_n make_v war_n one_o upon_o another_o and_o meddle_v with_o one_o another_o affair_n in_o assault_v the_o benjamite_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v just_o offend_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n by_o break_v the_o common_a bond_n of_o peace_n so_o that_o none_o of_o their_o confederate_n can_v safe_o venture_v themselves_o among_o they_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n invade_v the_o benjamite_n in_o a_o hostile_a manner_n and_o after_o the_o fight_n of_o three_o several_a battle_n have_v conquer_v they_o by_o right_a of_o war_n put_v all_o nocent_a and_o innocent_a to_o the_o sword_n which_o they_o afterward_o repent_v too_o late_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o power_n of_o every_o particular_a tribe_n be_v by_o these_o example_n confirm_v but_o some_o body_n will_v perhaps_o ask_v who_o choose_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o every_o particular_a tribe_n i_o find_v nothing_o certain_a in_o scripture_n concern_v it_o but_o see_v every_o tribe_n be_v divide_v into_o family_n and_o the_o elder_a be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o family_n i_o suppose_v of_o these_o head_n the_o elder_a do_v by_o right_o succeed_v he_o that_o be_v prince_n of_o these_o senior_n or_o elder_n moses_n choose_v the_o seventy_o that_o be_v to_o assist_v he_o who_o with_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a council_n and_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n have_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n by_o elder_n often_o in_o scripture_n and_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v mean_v judge_n but_o this_o particular_a not_o be_v much_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o i_o have_v prove_v no_o person_n after_o moses_n death_n execute_v all_o the_o office_n of_o supreme_a power_n for_o since_o all_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o one_o single_a person_n nor_o upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n or_o people_n but_o some_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o one_o tribe_n other_o by_o another_o by_o the_o equal_a power_n and_o joint_a authority_n of_o every_o one_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o from_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n the_o government_n be_v neither_o monarchical_a aristocratical_a or_o popular_a but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v theocratical_a first_o because_o the_o temple_n be_v the_o palace_n of_o the_o government_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n only_o all_o the_o tribe_n be_v fellow-citizen_n second_o because_o all_o the_o citizen_n or_o subject_n be_v to_o swear_v fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n to_o god_n their_o supreme_a judge_n to_o who_o only_o they_o promise_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o last_o because_o the_o chief_a commander_n or_o general_n when_o there_o be_v occasion_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o none_o but_o god_n which_o moses_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n express_o prophesy_v to_o the_o people_n deut._n 17._o 15._o which_o likewise_o appear_v by_o the_o election_n of_o gideon_n samson_n and_o samuel_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o faithful_a captain_n be_v choose_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o it_o be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o their_o history_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o lay_v open_a it_o be_v time_n to_o inquire_v how_o this_o con_n by_o poverty_n sell_v his_o land_n when_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n come_v it_o be_v e_o who_o do_v govern_v as_o of_o those_o that_o be_v govern_v that_o neither_o the_o subject_n shall_v become_v rebel_n nor_o the_o governors_n tyrant_n they_o that_o have_v supreme_a power_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o government_n when_o they_o wicked_o oppress_v and_o abuse_v their_o subject_n they_o still_o endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o all_o their_o action_n be_v just_a and_o legal_a which_o may_v be_v easy_o do_v when_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n depend_v only_o upon_o they_o it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v they_o take_v so_o much_o liberty_n of_o do_v what_o their_o desire_n dictate_v and_o think_v much_o of_o their_o prerogative_n lose_v when_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n be_v in_o any_o but_o themselves_o or_o when_o the_o law_n be_v so_o perspicuous_o and_o clear_o interpret_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v concern_v they_o the_o jew_n therefore_o be_v very_o much_o secure_v against_o the_o oppression_n and_o injustice_n of_o their_o prince_n by_o moses_n give_v the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n to_o the_o
sanctify_v they_o for_o myself_o but_o after_o all_o the_o people_n the_o levite_n only_o except_v have_v worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n they_o be_v defile_v and_o reject_v and_o the_o levite_n who_o side_v with_o moses_n as_o appear_v exod._n chap._n 32._o v._n 20_o 27._o be_v choose_v into_o their_o room_n deut._n chap._n 10._o v._n 8._o the_o lord_n separate_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o minister_v he_o and_o to_o bless_v his_o name_n which_o change_n when_o i_o serious_o consider_v it_o make_v i_o think_v of_o those_o word_n in_o tacitus_n hillo_o tempore_fw-la non_fw-la fuisse_fw-la deo_fw-la curae_fw-la securitatem_fw-la illorum_fw-la fuisse_fw-la ultionem_fw-la at_o that_o time_n god_n take_v more_o care_n to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o they_o than_o to_o preserve_v they_o god_n be_v so_o extreme_o incense_v against_o they_o that_o though_o law_n usual_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n honour_n and_o security_n of_o people_n yet_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v the_o jew_n be_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o punish_v and_o be_v revenge_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o their_o law_n be_v not_o law_n that_o be_v the_o people_n safety_n but_o their_o plague_n and_o pnnishment_n consider_v how_o many_o thing_n the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n beside_o the_o money_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o first-born_a consider_v likewise_o that_o the_o levite_n be_v only_o permit_v to_o come_v near_o whatever_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o continual_o mind_v the_o people_n of_o their_o uncleanness_n and_o repudiation_n with_o which_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a the_o levite_n may_v often_o reproach_v they_o for_o among_o so_o many_o thousand_o levite_n no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v some_o troublesome_a pragmatical_a fellow_n who_o provoke_v the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v quit_v with_o the_o levite_n narrow_o watch_v and_o pry_v into_o their_o action_n who_o be_v but_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o fail_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o as_o be_v usual_a be_v charge_v upon_o the_o whole_a function_n and_o at_o last_o especial_o when_o provision_n be_v dear_a in_o all_o probability_n the_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o maintain_v so_o many_o lazy_a idle_a and_o hate_a person_n who_o be_v no_o kin_n at_o all_o to_o they_o no_o wonder_n then_o when_o the_o people_n be_v at_o ease_n and_o public_a miracle_n cease_v if_o they_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n become_v remiss_a and_o the_o covetous_a incense_a mind_n of_o the_o people_n grow_v careless_a and_o neglect_v the_o divine_a worship_n of_o which_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v suspicious_a and_o ashamed_a desire_v a_o new_a it_o be_v likewise_o possible_a that_o the_o prince_n to_o keep_v the_o command_a power_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n may_v court_v the_o people_n to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o against_o the_o priest_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o have_v the_o duration_n and_o security_n of_o the_o government_n be_v design_v when_o it_o be_v first_o institute_v thing_n may_v have_v go_v well_o if_o all_o the_o tribe_n have_v have_v equal_a honour_n and_o power_n for_o who_o will_v have_v violate_v the_o sacred_a right_n of_o his_o kindred_n they_o will_v rather_o for_o piety_n and_o religion_n sake_n have_v maintain_v their_o parent_n brother_n and_o kinsman_n see_v from_o they_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o divine_a oracle_n the_o tribe_n will_v have_v be_v tie_v in_o a_o strict_a bond_n of_o amity_n if_o all_o have_v have_v equal_a power_n of_o administer_a in_o the_o temple_n at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v less_o fear_n of_o discord_n if_o the_o election_n of_o the_o levite_n have_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n but_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v god_n be_v very_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o that_o i_o may_v again_o use_v ezekiel_n expression_n he_o pollute_v they_o with_o their_o gift_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o first-born_a that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o this_o appear_v by_o their_o history_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o be_v idle_a in_o the_o wilderness_n many_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n begin_v to_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o tribe_n believe_v that_o moses_n do_v not_o act_v by_o god_n command_n but_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o himself_o please_v because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v a_o perpetual_a settlement_n of_o the_o priesthood_n upon_o his_o own_o brother_n so_o that_o a_o tumult_n be_v raise_v they_o tell_v moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o all_o the_o congregation_n be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o holy_a and_o that_o they_o lift_v themselves_o up_o above_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o reason_n can_v appease_v they_o but_o they_o be_v all_o miraculous_o destroy_v which_o occasion_v a_o universal_a sedition_n among_o all_o the_o people_n who_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o perish_v be_v not_o destroy_v by_o god_n judgement_n but_o by_o some_o trick_n of_o moses_n after_o which_o follow_v a_o great_a plague_n which_o make_v the_o people_n weary_a of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o sedition_n but_o not_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o amity_n or_o affection_n and_o god_n tell_v moses_n deut._n chap._n 33._o v._n 21._o that_o he_o know_v the_o imagination_n the_o people_n go_v about_o even_o before_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o land_n which_o he_o swear_v and_o moses_n a_o little_a after_o verse_n 27._o say_v to_o the_o people_n i_o know_v thy_o rebellion_n and_o thy_o stiff_a neck_n behold_v while_o i_o be_o yet_o alive_a with_o you_o this_o day_n you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o much_o more_o after_o my_o death_n and_o as_o all_o the_o world_n know_v so_o it_o happen_v great_a change_n all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n luxury_n and_o idleness_n make_v they_o grow_v daily_o worse_o and_o worse_o till_o be_v often_o beat_v by_o their_o enemy_n they_o break_v their_o holy_a covenant_n and_o desire_v a_o mortal_a king._n the_o temple_n become_v his_o palace_n and_o the_o tribe_n cast_v off_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o priesthood_n his_o subject_n the_o elect_v of_o a_o king_n be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o new_a sedition_n to_o reign_v precarious_o or_o suffer_v any_o power_n to_o control_v they_o be_v intolerable_a to_o their_o king_n they_o who_o from_o private_a man_n be_v elect_v to_o the_o throne_n be_v content_v with_o the_o dignity_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o when_o their_o son_n come_v by_o right_o of_o succession_n to_o the_o crown_n they_o begin_v by_o degree_n to_o make_v alteration_n that_o the_o supreme_a power_n may_v reside_v only_o in_o they_o which_o power_n they_o have_v not_o so_o long_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o in_o their_o hand_n but_o be_v interpret_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n so_o that_o the_o king_n be_v still_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o have_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o abrogate_v the_o old_a or_o make_v new._n moreover_o the_o levite_n have_v power_n to_o keep_v the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subject_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v profane_a person_n from_o meddle_v with_o sacred_a matter_n last_o because_o all_o the_o power_n of_o their_o king_n depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o one_o who_o be_v account_v a_o prophet_n of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o example_n in_o samuel_n who_o with_o great_a boldness_n and_o liberty_n command_v saul_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v and_o for_o one_o offence_n only_o transfer_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o david_n which_o indeed_o make_v the_o government_n perfect_o precarious_a to_o avoid_v this_o their_o king_n consecrate_v other_o temple_n that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o consult_v the_o levite_n and_o inquire_v after_o other_o to_o prophesy_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o be_v account_v true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o compass_v their_o end_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v still_o ready_a watch_v their_o opportunity_n till_o a_o successor_n come_v and_o then_o the_o prophet_n by_o their_o divine_a power_n do_v sometime_o set_v up_o some_o famous_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o king_n do_v under_o pretence_n of_o vindicate_a religion_n endeavour_v to_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a power_n or_o some_o part_n thereof_o but_o neither_o this_o way_n can_v the_o prophet_n compass_n their_o end_n for_o though_o they_o take_v away_o the_o tyrant_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o tyranny_n still_o remain_v and_o they_o do_v with_o a_o great_a effusion_n of_o the_o subject_n blood_n only_o
purchase_v another_o new_a tyrant_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o discord_n and_o intestine_a war_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o violate_v god_n law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o which_o can_v never_o end_v but_o with_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o have_v now_o see_v how_o religion_n begin_v in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n and_o how_o the_o government_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a if_o the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n will_v have_v permit_v it_o to_o continue_v but_o because_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o it_o perish_v i_o have_v here_o speak_v only_o of_o their_o first_o government_n the_o second_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o their_o first_o see_v they_o be_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o persian_n after_o they_o obtain_v their_o liberty_n of_o cyrus_n the_o high_a priest_n become_v their_o prince_n by_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n the_o priest_n have_v as_o great_a a_o mind_n to_o the_o crown_n as_o to_o the_o mitre_n of_o this_o second_o government_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o whether_o their_o first_o government_n as_o it_o be_v conceive_v durable_a or_o religious_a be_v a_o pattern_n that_o may_v be_v follow_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v particular_o observe_v that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o divine_a right_n or_o religion_n have_v its_o beginning_n and_o rise_v from_o a_o covenant_n or_o contract_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o right_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o precept_n of_o religion_n to_o show_v any_o kindness_n towards_o any_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o only_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o commonwealth_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v from_o the_o government_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n though_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o example_n that_o can_v now_o be_v follow_v nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v by_o a_o express_a contract_n or_o covenant_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o transfer_v their_o power_n but_o also_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o the_o power_n be_v transfer_v aught_o to_o be_v know_v but_o god_n have_v reveal_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v write_v with_o ink_n nor_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o shall_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o government_n under_o which_o the_o jew_n live_v may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o who_o live_v alone_o without_o any_o foreign_a trade_n or_o commerce_n who_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o own_o territory_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a fit_a for_o people_n that_o live_v by_o trade_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v to_o very_a few_o people_n that_o the_o jewish_a government_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o advantage_n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n that_o can_v be_v follow_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n very_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n and_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n because_o my_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v express_o of_o government_n i_o will_v pass_v many_o thing_n by_o and_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o that_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v majesty_n elective_a that_o be_v to_o choose_v the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o government_n for_o after_o the_o jew_n transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o deliver_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o govern_v to_o moses_n who_o thereby_o have_v in_o god_n name_n the_o sole_a authority_n of_o make_v and_o abrogate_a law_n of_o choose_v sacred_a minister_n and_o likewise_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o teach_v judge_a and_o punish_v and_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o judge_v the_o people_n nor_o to_o excommunicate_v any_o person_n for_o none_o can_v do_v that_o but_o the_o judge_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v joshua_n chap._n 6._o v._n 26._o where_o joshua_n adjure_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rebuild_v jericho_n judge_n chap._n 21._o v._n 18._o where_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n appoint_v what_o woman_n the_o benjamite_n shall_v marry_v to_o propagate_v their_o tribe_n and_o 1_o sam._n chap._n 14._o v._n 24._o where_o saul_n command_v the_o people_n not_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n till_o evening_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o history_n and_o success_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v other_o thing_n very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o different_a sect_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o till_o after_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o second_o government_n usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n to_o make_v their_o authority_n last_v they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n which_o the_o prince_n have_v and_o at_o last_o will_v be_v call_v king_n the_o reason_n be_v apparent_a for_o in_o the_o first_o government_n nothing_o be_v make_v law_n by_o the_o high_a priest_n because_o he_o have_v no_o power_n of_o decree_a any_o thing_n his_o business_n be_v only_o to_o return_v those_o answer_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o council_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n so_o that_o at_o that_o time_n their_o high_a priest_n can_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v new_a decree_n but_o only_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v their_o know_a duty_n for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n against_o the_o prince_n but_o by_o keep_v the_o law_n free_a from_o violation_n and_o corruption_n but_o after_o the_o priest_n get_v power_n of_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o of_o priest_n become_v prince_n than_o every_o one_o as_o well_o in_o religion_n as_o other_o affair_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n determine_v by_o the_o pontifical_a authority_n daily_o make_v decree_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v as_o sacred_a as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o religion_n degenerate_v into_o horrible_a superstition_n the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o priest_n after_o the_o restauration_n attempt_v to_o get_v the_o supreme_a power_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o gain_v the_o people_n so_o soothe_v and_o flatter_v they_o that_o they_o approve_v of_o all_o they_o do_v be_v it_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o make_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n suitable_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o practice_n which_o malachy_n in_o express_a word_n testify_v reprove_v the_o priest_n of_o his_o own_o time_n in_o this_o manner_n mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o so_o go_v on_o in_o reproach_v they_o with_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o they_o please_v with_o their_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o take_v no_o heed_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n way_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v never_o so_o cautious_a and_o wary_a yet_o they_o be_v narrow_o observe_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o priest_n boldness_n declare_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n but_o those_o that_o be_v write_v and_o that_o all_o decree_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n which_o the_o deceive_a pharisee_n choose_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n be_v not_o at_o all_o obligatory_a nor_o to_o be_v obey_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o high_a priest_n flatter_v the_o people_n the_o corruption_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o multiplication_n of_o law_n become_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o those_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n which_o can_v never_o be_v end_v for_o when_o man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o superstition_n begin_v to_o quarrel_n and_o
supreme_a magistrate_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o concern_v themselves_o in_o the_o dispute_n the_o controversy_n never_o end_v and_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o divide_v into_o sect_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v but_o private_a person_n sometime_o by_o the_o great_a liberty_n they_o use_v in_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o reproach_v the_o people_n do_v rather_o provoke_v than_o make_v they_o better_o who_o notwithstanding_o will_v with_o much_o great_a patience_n receive_v correction_n and_o instruction_n from_o their_o king_n yea_o the_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o intolerable_a to_o very_o pious_a good_a king_n by_o arrogate_a a_o power_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v well_o and_o what_o ill_o do_v and_o sometime_o by_o reprove_v king_n to_o their_o face_n if_o they_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v public_o or_o private_o do_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n asa_n who_o be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n a_o good_a king_n imprison_v hanani_n the_o prophet_n see_v 2_o chron._n chap._n 16._o for_o too_o bold_o reprove_v and_o reproach_v he_o for_o the_o league_n he_o make_v with_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n beside_o this_o example_n there_o be_v other_o which_o show_v that_o the_o liberty_n the_o prophet_n take_v do_v sometime_o more_o hurt_v than_o good_a i_o need_v not_o instance_n the_o civil_a war_n which_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o prophet_n pretend_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n a_o three_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o during_o the_o time_n the_o people_n govern_v there_o happen_v but_o one_o civil_a war_n which_o be_v end_v the_o victor_n have_v so_o much_o compassion_n for_o the_o conquer_a party_n that_o their_o whole_a care_n and_o study_v be_v how_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a power_n and_o dignity_n but_o after_o the_o people_n not_o accustom_v to_o king_n have_v change_v the_o form_n of_o their_o government_n into_o monarchy_n there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o civil_a war_n they_o fight_v such_o fierce_a and_o bloody_a battle_n as_o almost_o exceed_v belief_n for_o in_o one_o battle_n which_o be_v hardly_o credible_a fifty_o thousand_o israelite_n be_v slay_v by_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o in_o another_o the_o israelite_n slay_v a_o very_a great_a number_n though_o not_o specify_v of_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n take_v the_o king_n himself_o prisoner_n demolish_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o rage_n of_o war_n have_v no_o moderation_n they_o destroy_v the_o temple_n sack_v the_o city_n lade_v and_o glut_v with_o the_o spoil_n and_o blood_n of_o their_o brethren_n take_v hostage_n they_o leave_v the_o king_n in_o his_o almost_o ruine_a kingdom_n and_o more_o secure_v by_o the_o weakness_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o king_n of_o iudah_n subject_n lay_v down_o their_o arms._n the_o man_n of_o judah_n in_o a_o few_o year_n after_o recover_v strength_n come_v again_o into_o the_o field_n and_o fight_v another_o battle_n wherein_o the_o israelite_n be_v again_o victor_n kill_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o of_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o carry_v away_o captive_n two_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n with_o a_o very_a great_a booty_n so_o that_o consume_v by_o these_o and_o other_o battle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n they_o at_o last_o fall_v a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n before_o they_o have_v king_n they_o sometime_o live_v in_o perfect_a peace_n forty_o year_n together_o and_o once_o which_o be_v scarce_o credible_a fourscore_o year_n without_o any_o foreign_a or_o domestic_a war_n but_o after_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n and_o fight_v not_o for_o peace_n and_o liberty_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o monarch_n we_o find_v they_o continual_o embroil_v the_o reign_n of_o solomon_n only_o except_v who_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n better_o appear_v in_o peace_n than_o in_o war_n the_o desire_n of_o reign_v at_o last_o become_v so_o excessive_a that_o their_o king_n sometime_o wade_v to_o the_o throne_n in_o blood._n last_o during_o the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n the_o law_n remain_v in_o their_o first_o purity_n and_o be_v constant_o observe_v for_o before_o king_n come_v in_o there_o be_v very_o few_o prophetsâ—_n but_o after_o the_o election_n of_o king_n the_o prophet_n grow_v very_o numerous_a we_o read_v obadiah_n hide_v at_o one_o time_n a_o hundred_o in_o a_o cave_n to_o save_v their_o life_n we_o likewise_o find_v the_o people_n be_v often_o deceive_v with_o false_a prophet_n the_o people_n before_o king_n have_v the_o government_n be_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n sometime_o haughty_a and_o sometime_o humble_a do_v when_o they_o be_v in_o calamity_n forsake_v their_o evil_a way_n seek_v god_n restore_v the_o law_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v free_v themselves_o from_o danger_n and_o distress_n but_o their_o king_n who_o haughty_a mind_n can_v without_o shame_n stoop_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o vice_n till_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v utter_o destroy_v by_o all_o this_o it_o clear_o appear_v first_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v both_o to_o religion_n and_o government_n to_o put_v the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n and_o govern_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o priest_n and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o meddle_v in_o any_o business_n till_o their_o counsel_n be_v ask_v and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o preach_v and_o teach_v new_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n second_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a by_o scripture_n or_o to_o make_v any_o law_n concern_v opinion_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o disputable_a that_o government_n be_v very_o tyrannical_a where_o opinion_n be_v count_v crime_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o angry_a multitude_n be_v master_n pilate_n to_o gratify_v the_o incense_a pharisee_n command_v christ_n to_o be_v crucify_v it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o pharisee_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v worthy_a person_n out_o of_o their_o place_n and_o office_n of_o dignity_n to_o ask_v question_n concern_v religion_n this_o make_v they_o accuse_v the_o sadducee_n of_o impiety_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o pharisee_n base_a and_o abominable_a hypocrite_n under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o religion_n persecute_v and_o traduce_v honest_a worthy_a virtuous_a man_n who_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o envy_v and_o by_o public_o inveigh_v against_o their_o opinion_n stir_v up_o the_o people_n against_o their_o person_n this_o unworthy_a practice_n because_o it_o be_v cloak_v with_o religion_n can_v hardly_o be_v restrain_v where_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v introduce_v any_o sect_n whereof_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o author_n for_o then_o the_o sectary_n not_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v account_v interpreter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v the_o supreme_a power_n make_v sectary_n interpreter_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n signify_v little_a with_o the_o people_n who_o have_v great_a veneration_n for_o their_o teacher_n to_o who_o doctrine_n and_o decision_n they_o think_v even_o king_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o avoid_v all_o these_o mischief_n nothing_o can_v be_v safe_a for_o a_o commonwealth_n than_o to_o place_v all_o religion_n and_o piety_n only_o in_o work_n that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n free_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o of_o this_o particular_a more_o large_o hereafter_o three_o we_o see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a both_o of_o religion_n and_o government_n to_o fix_v the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o determine_v even_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o judge_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a in_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o if_o the_o power_n of_o judge_a man_n action_n can_v not_o without_o great_a danger_n to_o religion_n and_o government_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o prophet_n much_o less_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o man_n who_o can_v neither_o prophesy_v or_o do_v miracle_n but_o of_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v speak_v express_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n four_o and_o last_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o people_n never_o accustom_v to_o kingly_a government_n and_o have_v law_n according_o frame_v to_o choose_v a_o monarch_n for_o as_o the_o people_n can_v endure_v such_o a_o government_n so_o kingly_a authority_n can_v brook_v law_n or_o any_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n establish_v by_o any_o other_o of_o less_o authority_n and_o a_o king_n will_v have_v very_o little_a mind_n to_o maintain_v law_n wherein_o the_o people_n interest_n be_v more_o intend_v and_o provide_v for_o than_o his_o own_o for_o
opinion_n limit_n and_o rule_n for_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v for_o if_o wiseman_n can_v keep_v silence_n much_o less_o can_v the_o ignorant_a multitude_n hold_v their_o peace_n it_o be_v all_o man_n infirmity_n though_o never_o so_o much_o secrecy_n be_v require_v to_o make_v other_o privy_a to_o their_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o that_o government_n be_v violent_a where_o every_o man_n be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o say_v and_o declare_v what_o he_o think_v and_o that_o government_n be_v moderate_a and_o well_o order_v where_o such_o a_o liberty_n be_v allow_v it_o be_v true_a and_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v be_v injure_v and_o offend_v by_o word_n as_o well_o as_o deed_n and_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a whole_o to_o take_v away_o this_o liberty_n from_o subject_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o will_v be_v pernicious_a to_o put_v no_o restraint_n upon_o it_o so_o that_o now_o my_o business_n be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o this_o liberty_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o prejudice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v allow_v which_o be_v as_o i_o have_v hint_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 16_o the_o chapter_n my_o chief_a intention_n and_o design_n from_o the_o fundamental_o of_o government_n which_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o government_n be_v not_o to_o domineer_v and_o keep_v man_n in_o fear_n and_o subjection_n but_o to_o free_a man_n from_o terror_n that_o every_o man_n may_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a live_v secure_o that_o be_v may_v still_o retain_v his_o natural_a right_n of_o subsist_v and_o act_v without_o hurt_v himself_o or_o any_o other_o person_n i_o say_v the_o end_n of_o government_n be_v not_o to_o turn_v rational_a man_n into_o beast_n or_o walk_a engine_n but_o to_o suffer_v both_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o do_v each_o their_o proper_a duty_n allow_v they_o the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o hatred_n envy_n anger_n or_o deceit_n become_v enemy_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o the_o end_n of_o public_a government_n be_v indeed_o liberty_n and_o to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n and_o decree_n shall_v be_v either_o in_o all_o in_o some_o or_o in_o one_o single_a person_n for_o see_v in_o every_o man_n opinion_n though_o it_o be_v free_a there_o be_v difference_n and_o variety_n and_o every_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v they_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n or_o to_o agree_v in_o their_o discourse_n so_o that_o they_o can_v never_o live_v peaceable_o unless_o every_o one_o part_n with_o his_o power_n of_o do_v what_o his_o own_o mind_n prompt_v he_o to_o but_o though_o every_o one_o part_n with_o the_o power_n of_o do_v what_o he_o please_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o part_n with_o his_o power_n of_o reason_v and_o judge_v so_o that_o though_o he_o can_v without_o offence_n act_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o decree_n or_o determination_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n yet_o he_o may_v free_o think_v judge_n and_o consequent_o speak_v provide_v in_o what_o he_o simple_o speak_v or_o teach_v there_o be_v reason_n and_o no_o crafty_a malicious_a design_n through_o hatred_n or_o revenge_n to_o make_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n innovation_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n think_v a_o particular_a law_n contrary_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v repeal_v yet_o if_o he_o submit_v his_o opinion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n who_o right_a it_o be_v to_o make_v and_o repeal_v law_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o law_n he_o deserve_v well_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o do_v every_o good_a subject_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o speak_v against_o that_o law_n purposely_o to_o accuse_v the_o magistrate_n of_o injustice_n and_o to_o render_v he_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n or_o if_o he_o seditious_o endeavour_v to_o abrogate_v that_o law_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o magistrate_n he_o be_v a_o rebellious_a disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n we_o see_v then_o upon_o what_o ground_n every_o man_n without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o gommonwealth_n or_o to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n may_v speak_v and_o teach_v what_o he_o think_v if_o he_o leave_v they_o the_o power_n of_o regulate_v man_n action_n and_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o their_o decree_n though_o he_o sometime_o do_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n he_o think_v to_o be_v good_a which_o notwithstanding_o he_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n yea_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o he_o will_v be_v account_v a_o good_a subject_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v justice_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v just_o unless_o he_o live_v according_a to_o the_o know_a law_n piety_n as_o i_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n chief_o consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o thing_n which_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v preserve_v if_o every_o man_n shall_v live_v as_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impiety_n in_o any_o subject_a to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n because_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o every_o man_n so_o to_o do_v the_o total_a ruin_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n must_v necessary_o follow_v no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n who_o submit_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n because_o every_o man_n by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n resolve_v to_o part_n with_o his_o right_n of_o live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o practice_n for_o in_o council_n compose_v of_o the_o supreme_a or_o subordinate_a power_n it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v decree_v or_o determine_v by_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o general_a vote_n of_o all_o the_o member_n yet_o the_o result_v of_o those_o counsel_n whatever_o they_o be_v be_v always_o account_v as_o much_o the_o decree_n of_o those_o who_o vote_v against_o as_o of_o those_o that_o vote_v for_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o government_n we_o see_v that_o without_o any_o wrong_n do_v to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n a_o man_n may_v use_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a from_o the_o fundamental_o of_o government_n to_o determine_v what_o opinion_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v to_o be_v account_v seditious_a namely_o those_o which_o direct_o nullify_v and_o destroy_v the_o covenant_n whereby_o every_o man_n oblige_v himself_o to_o part_n with_o his_o right_n of_o live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n for_o example_n if_o any_o man_n think_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v subject_a to_o some_o other_o power_n that_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o perform_v his_o promise_n or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o live_v as_o he_o please_v these_o and_o the_o like_a opinion_n render_v a_o man_n seditious_a because_o they_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o foresay_a covenant_n not_o bare_o because_o they_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n but_o because_o such_o opinion_n have_v in_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o crime_n and_o gild_n for_o even_o by_o so_o think_v a_o man_n tacit_o break_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o that_o fidelity_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n therefore_o other_o opinion_n which_o contain_v no_o actual_a breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n no_o revenge_n no_o anger_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v seditious_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o reason_n be_v deprave_v and_o where_o ambitious_a and_o superstitious_a man_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o they_o can_v endure_v those_o that_o be_v honest_a or_o ingenuous_a but_o will_v have_v the_o people_n think_v their_o authority_n great_a than_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o opinion_n which_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o intend_v nothing_o but_o simple_o to_o argue_v and_o judge_v what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o false_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v very_o malicious_o propound_v and_o divulge_v of_o these_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o 15_o the_o chapter_n but_o so_o that_o reason_n nevertheless_o shall_v remain_v free_a last_o if_o we_o serious_o consider_v that_o every_o