story_n they_o record_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n the_o prophecy_n of_o gospel_n time_n they_o give_v out_o and_o reveal_v be_v not_o their_o own_o not_o conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n not_o form_v by_o their_o reason_n not_o retain_v in_o their_o memory_n from_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n before_o hand_n comprehend_v by_o they_o 1_o pe._n 1._o 10_o 11._o but_o be_v all_o of_o they_o immediate_o from_o god_n there_o be_v only_o a_o passive_a concurrence_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n in_o their_o reception_n without_o any_o such_o active_a obedience_n as_o by_o any_o law_n they_o may_v be_v oblige_v unto_o hence_o sect._n 7._o 2_o god_n be_v so_o with_o they_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o speak_v in_o they_o as_o to_o their_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n from_o he_o and_o their_o deliver_n of_o it_o unto_o other_o by_o speak_v or_o write_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o themselves_o enable_v by_o any_o habitual_a light_n knowledge_n or_o conviction_n of_o truth_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n but_o only_o act_v as_o they_o be_v immediate_o move_v by_o he_o their_o tongue_n in_o what_o they_o say_v or_o their_o hand_n in_o what_o they_o write_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o more_o at_o their_o own_o disposal_n than_o the_o pen_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o expert_a writer_n sect._n 8._o hence_o as_o far_o as_o their_o own_o personal_a concernment_n as_o saint_n and_o believer_n do_v lie_v in_o they_o they_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v a_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o and_o investigation_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o speak_v in_o themselves_o do_v signify_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 10_o 11._o without_o this_o though_o their_o vision_n be_v express_v so_o that_o in_o they_o their_o eye_n be_v say_v to_o be_v open_a numb_a 24._o 3_o 4_o yet_o they_o understand_v they_o not_o therefore_o also_o they_o study_v the_o write_n and_o prophecy_n of_o one_o another_o dan._n 9_o 2._o thus_o they_o attain_v a_o save_v useful_a habitual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n deliver_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n even_o sâ—we_v psal_n 119_o 104._o but_o as_o to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n from_o god_n as_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o they_o obtain_v nothing_o by_o study_n or_o meditation_n by_o enquiry_n or_o read_n amos._n 7._o 15._o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o what_o they_o receive_v and_o deliver_v or_o their_o receive_n and_o deliver_v of_o it_o they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o music_n give_v a_o sound_n according_a to_o the_o hand_n intention_n and_o skill_n of_o he_o that_o strike_v it_o sect._n 9_o this_o be_v various_o express_v general_o it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v to_o this_o or_o that_o prophet_n which_o we_o have_v render_v the_o word_n come_v unto_o they_o ezek._n 1._o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o come_v express_o essendo_fw-la fuit_fw-la it_o have_v a_o subsistence_n give_v unto_o it_o or_o a_o effectual_a in-being_a by_o the_o spirit_n enter_v into_o he_o vers_n 14._o now_o this_o come_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o they_o have_v oftentimes_o such_o a_o greatness_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o as_o it_o fill_v they_o with_o dread_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o heb._n 3._o 16_o and_o also_o great_o affect_v even_o their_o outward_a man_n dan._n 8._o 27._o but_o this_o dread_a and_o terror_n which_o satan_n strive_v to_o imitate_v in_o his_o filthy_a tripodes_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o belong_v to_o the_o paedagogie_n thereof_o he._n 12._o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n give_v out_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o a_o way_n of_o more_o liberty_n and_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3._o the_o exprâ—ssnesse_n and_o immediacy_n of_o revelation_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o relate_v more_o to_o that_o glorious_a liberty_n in_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n whereunto_o believer_n have_v then_o a_o access_n provide_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n heb._n 9_o 8._o ch._n 10._o 19_o 20._o ch._n 12._o 23_o 24._o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o apostle_n mat._n 10._o 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o be_v not_o the_o speaker_n of_o what_o you_o deliver_v as_o other_o man_n be_v the_o figment_n and_o imagination_n of_o who_o heart_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o that_o they_o speak_v and_o he_o add_v this_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n be_v he_o that_o speak_v in_o you_o thus_o the_o word_n that_o come_v unto_o they_o be_v a_o book_n which_o they_o take_v in_o and_o give_v out_o without_o any_o alteration_n of_o one_o tittle_n or_o syllable_n ezek._n 2._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 3._o 3_o revel_v 10._o 9_o 10_o 11._o sect._n 10._o moreover_o when_o the_o word_n be_v thus_o come_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o they_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o conceal_v it_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v strong_a upon_o they_o they_o be_v not_o now_o only_o on_o a_o general_a account_n to_o utter_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v make_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o thing_n they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v which_o be_v their_o common_a preach_a work_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v act._n 4._o 20_o but_o also_o the_o very_a individual_a word_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v be_v to_o be_v declare_v when_o the_o word_n be_v come_v to_o they_o it_o be_v as_o a_o fire_n within_o they_o that_o must_v be_v deliver_v or_o it_o will_v consume_v they_o psal_n 39_o 3._o jer._n 20._o 9_o amos._n 3._o 8._o chap_n 7._o 15_o 16._o so_o jonah_n find_v his_o attempt_n to_o hide_v the_o word_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o be_v altogether_o vain_a sect._n 11._o now_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o do_v ensue_v namely_o the_o discovery_n that_o the_o word_n be_v come_v forth_o unto_o we_o from_o god_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n or_o intervenience_n of_o any_o medium_n obnoxious_a to_o fallibility_n as_o be_v the_o wisdom_n truth_n integrity_n knowledge_n and_o memory_n of_o the_o best_a of_o all_o man_n i_o shall_v further_o consider_v it_o from_o one_o full_a and_o eminent_a declaration_n thereof_o give_v unto_o we_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sect._n 12._o that_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n or_o write_v prophecy_n there_o be_v then_o tradition_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o peter_n write_v exalt_v themselves_o into_o competition_n with_o the_o write_a word_n which_o not_o long_o after_o get_v the_o title_n of_o a_o or_o all_o law_n pretend_v to_o have_v its_o original_a from_o god_n these_o the_o apostle_n tacit_o condemn_v and_o also_o show_v under_o what_o formality_n he_o consider_v that_o which_o vers_n 19_o he_o term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n namely_o as_o write_v the_o write_a word_n as_o such_o be_v that_o whereof_o he_o speak_v above_o 50_o time_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o new_a testament_n put_v absolute_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o use_v in_o the_o old_a for_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n 2_o chron._n 21._o 12._o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o the_o write_n or_o word_n write_v be_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n in_o it_o but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d its_o self_n or_o the_o doctrine_n as_o write_v be_v so_o from_o he_o sect._n 13._o hence_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v manifest_v its_o self_n no_o less_o concern_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o write_n than_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o writing_n its_o self_n be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a counsel_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o
its_o truth_n it_o be_v authority_n in_o its_o self_n be_v its_o authority_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o nor_o have_v it_o any_o whit_n more_o in_o its_o self_n than_o the_o jure_v it_o have_v towards_o and_o over_o all_o they_o to_o who_o it_o come_v that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la some_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n &_o rebellion_n this_o truth_n and_o consequent_o this_o authority_n be_v evidence_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o it_o with_o divine_a light_n and_o power_n to_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o by_o its_o self_n propose_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o the_o condition_n wherein_o we_o be_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n or_o truth_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n we_o receive_v it_o and_o religious_o subject_v our_o soul_n unto_o it_o as_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o the_o everliving_a sovereign_a god_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o bottom_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith_n i_o here_o public_o profess_v that_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o sect._n 14._o have_v lay_v this_o stable_a foundation_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n consider_v some_o pretence_n and_o allegation_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n invent_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o that_o foundation_n the_o close_n wherewith_o will_v in_o this_o matter_n alone_o bring_v peace_n unto_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o this_o chapter_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o compare_v together_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o mention_v and_o explain_v and_o the_o other_o pretence_n and_o plea_n that_o shall_v now_o be_v examine_v sect._n 15._o 1._o some_o say_v when_o on_o other_o account_n they_o be_v concern_v so_o to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n and_o this_o give_v a_o credibility_n unto_o it_o of_o tradition_n in_o general_a without_o this_o limitation_n which_o destroy_v it_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o credibility_n either_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o probability_n as_o that_o may_v be_v heighten_v to_o a_o manifest_a uncontrâ—leablenesse_n whilst_o yet_o its_o principle_n exceed_v not_o that_o sphere_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o to_o our_o present_a discourse_n or_o it_o include_v a_o firm_a suitable_a foundation_n for_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a have_v we_o in_o this_o sense_n receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o that_o church_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v that_o church_n able_a to_o give_v such_o a_o credibility_n to_o any_o thing_n or_o do_v the_o scripture_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o a_o credibility_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o from_o that_o church_n be_v not_o the_o first_o most_o false_a and_o be_v not_o the_o last_o blasphemous_a to_o receive_v a_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n as_o a_o church_n be_v to_o receive_v it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n if_o we_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n we_o do_v it_o not_o because_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d worthy_a of_o acceptation_n but_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n allege_v if_o then_o we_o thus_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n why_o in_o particular_a do_v we_o not_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n also_o which_o she_o receive_v how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n reâ—eive_v the_o scripture_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o she_o be_v authorize_v to_o give_v out_o what_o seem_v good_a to_o she_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o but_o she_o have_v receive_v they_o by_o tradition_n so_o she_o plead_v that_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n also_o we_o then_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o rome_n rome_n by_o tradition_n we_o make_v ourselves_o judge_n of_o that_o tradition_n and_o yet_o rome_n say_v this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o she_o have_v by_o the_o same_o tradition_n namely_o that_o she_o alone_o be_v judge_n of_o what_o she_o have_v by_o tradition_n but_o the_o common_a fate_n of_o liar_n be_v befall_v that_o harlot_n she_o have_v so_o long_o so_o constant_o so_o desperate_o lie_v in_o many_o the_o most_o thing_n that_o she_o profess_v pretend_v tradition_n for_o they_o that_o indeed_o she_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o she_o tell_v the_o truth_n beside_o she_o plead_v that_o she_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n of_o the_o old_a and_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v only_o authentic_a these_o she_o plead_v now_o under_o her_o keep_n to_o be_v woeful_o corrupt_v and_o yet_o be_v angry_a that_o we_o believe_v not_o her_o tradition_n sect._n 16._o some_o add_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o miracle_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o universal_a tradition_n but_o first_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v many_o other_o miracle_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v write_v joh._n 20._o 30._o ch_n 21._o 25._o and_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o they_o can_v by_o all_o their_o tradition_n help_v we_o to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o obscure_a report_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o write_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o legend_n which_o yet_o at_o their_o performance_n be_v no_o less_o know_v than_o those_o that_o be_v nor_o be_v less_o useful_a for_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n than_o they_o of_o tradition_n in_o general_n afterward_o but_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o miracle_n whereof_o they_o speak_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o if_o so_o can_v these_o miracle_n operate_v upon_o the_o understanding_n or_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n unless_o they_o first_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v to_o the_o beget_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n of_o they_o even_o that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o miracle_n suppose_v these_o miracle_n allege_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o believe_v of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o be_v write_v but_o like_o the_o sibyl_n leaf_n have_v be_v drive_v up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o worst_a and_o fierce_a wind_n that_o blow_v in_o this_o world_n the_o breath_n of_o man_n those_o who_o shall_v keep_v they_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v man_n be_v by_o nature_n so_o vain_a foolish_a malicious_a such_o liar_n adder_n detractor_n have_v spirit_n and_o mind_n so_o unsuit_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o liable_a to_o alteration_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o contradiction_n one_o to_o another_o be_v so_o give_v to_o imposture_n and_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o have_v be_v so_o shuffle_v and_o drive_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n in_o every_o generation_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o utter_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o themselves_o be_v whence_o they_o come_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o go_v that_o i_o can_v give_v very_o little_a credit_n to_o what_o i_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o authority_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o without_o any_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v self_n sect._n 17._o abstract_v then_o from_o the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o prime_a revealer_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o no_o tolerable_a assurance_n as_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n where_o a_o foundation_n for_o faith_n be_v inquire_v after_o can_v be_v give_v that_o ever_o any_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v if_o number_n of_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v we_o may_v have_v a_o traditional_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o blasphemous_a figment_n of_o the_o alcoran_n under_o the_o name_n of_o true_a miracle_n but_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o more_o than_o a_o 1000_o year_n carry_v on_o by_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o man_n great_a wise_a and_o sober_a from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v but_o set_v open_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n for_o the_o mahometan_n yet_o set_v aside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o what_o be_v resolve_v thereinto_o i_o know_v not_o why_o they_o may_v not_o vie_v tradition_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n
of_o the_o divine_a original_a authority_n self-evidencing_a light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o that_o enquiry_n how_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n also_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o some_o consideration_n on_o the_o prolegomena_n &_o appendix_n to_o the_o late_a biblia_fw-la polyglotta_n whereunto_o be_v subjoin_v some_o exercitation_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o right_a of_o interpretation_n internal_a light_n revelation_n etc._n etc._n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 5._o 39_o oxford_z print_v by_o henry_n hall._n printer_n to_o the_o university_n for_o tho_o robinson_n 1659._o to_o my_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a friend_n the_o prebend_n of_o ch_z church_n college_n in_o oxford_n with_o all_o the_o stvdent_n in_o divinity_n in_o that_o society_n the_o reason_n of_o my_o inscribe_v the_o ensue_a plea_n for_o the_o authority_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o the_o pretence_n of_o some_o to_o the_o contrary_a in_o these_o day_n unto_o you_o be_v because_o some_o of_o you_o value_n and_o study_v the_o scripture_n as_o much_o as_o any_o i_o know_v and_o it_o be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o my_o heart_n that_o all_o of_o you_o will_v so_o do_v now_o whereas_o two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o unto_o i_o to_o discourse_v with_o you_o by_o the_o way_n of_o preface_n namely_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o with_o the_o various_a way_n and_o mean_n that_o be_v use_v by_o some_o for_o the_o lessen_v and_o depress_v of_o its_o authority_n and_o excellency_n on_o the_o other_o the_o former_a be_v to_o good_a purpose_n by_o one_o or_o other_o almost_o every_o day_n perform_v i_o shall_v insist_v at_o present_a on_o the_o latter_a only_o which_o also_o be_v more_o suit_v to_o discover_v my_o aim_n and_o intention_n in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n now_o herein_o as_o i_o shall_v it_o may_v be_v seem_v to_o exceed_v that_o proportion_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o a_o preface_n to_o such_o short_a discourse_n as_o these_o follow_v yet_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v more_o brief_a than_o the_o nature_n of_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n as_o that_o propose_v to_o consideration_n do_v require_v and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o subject_n that_o now_o lie_v before_o i_o many_o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v who_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n lie_v under_o the_o power_n of_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a interest_n have_v engage_v themselves_o to_o decry_v and_o disparage_v that_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o it_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o they_o be_v too_o many_o particular_o to_o be_v consider_v i_o shall_v only_o pass_v through_o they_o in_o general_a and_o fix_v upon_o such_o instance_n by_o the_o way_n as_o may_v give_v evidence_n to_o the_o thing_n insist_v on_o those_o who_o in_o this_o business_n be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n who_o filth_n and_o abomination_n give_v out_o in_o grossâ—_n other_o have_v but_o parcel_v among_o themselves_o be_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o rome_n these_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a keeper_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o only_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n let_v we_o then_o a_o little_a consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n how_o it_o have_v discharge_v this_o trust_n for_o it_o be_v but_o equal_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n upon_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o who_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v a_o trust_v repose_v in_o they_o do_v manifest_a a_o treacherous_a mind_n will_v not_o be_v one_o whit_n better_o if_o they_o have_v so_o indeed_o what_o then_o have_v these_o man_n do_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o pretend_a trust_n nay_o what_o have_v that_o synagogue_n leave_v unattempted_a yea_o what_o have_v it_o leave_v unfinished_a that_o may_v be_v needful_a to_o convince_v it_o of_o perfidiousness_n that_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v commit_v to_o it_o alone_o and_o will_v if_o it_o be_v able_a deprive_v all_o other_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o or_o their_o life_n what_o scripture_n then_o be_v this_o or_o when_o be_v this_o deed_n of_o trust_n make_v unto_o they_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n they_o tell_v we_o commit_v to_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n by_o peter_n and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o whole_a canon_n what_o now_o have_v they_o not_o do_v in_o add_v detract_n corrupt_a forge_v asperse_v those_o scripture_n to_o falsify_v their_o pretend_a trust_n they_o add_v more_o book_n to_o they_o never_o indict_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o remote_a from_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o deny_v the_o self_n evidence_v power_n of_o that_o word_n which_o be_v true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o mix_v it_o with_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o humane_a rise_n and_o spring_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o have_v lose_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v promise_v with_o the_o word_n to_o abide_v with_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o isa_n 59_o 21._o they_o have_v take_v from_o its_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n its_o sufficiency_n and_o excellency_n by_o their_o massora_n their_o oral_a law_n or_o verbum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o unknown_a endless_a bottomless_a boundless_a treasure_n of_o tradition_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o all_o their_o abomination_n the_o scripture_n its_o self_n as_o they_o say_v commit_v to_o they_o they_o plead_v to_o their_o eternal_a shame_n to_o be_v in_o the_o original_a language_n corrupt_v vitiate_a interpolated_a so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o stable_n rule_v to_o guide_v we_o throughout_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n they_o say_v do_v it_o whilst_o they_o be_v busy_a in_o burn_v of_o christian_n therefore_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o original_n they_o have_v enthrone_v a_o translation_n that_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o they_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o know_v neither_o how_o nor_o when_o nor_o by_o who_o so_o that_o one_o say_v of_o its_o author_n si_fw-mi quis_fw-la percontetur_fw-la gallus_n fuerit_fw-la a_o sarmata_fw-la judaeus_n a_o christianus_n erasmuâ—_n vir_fw-la a_o mulier_fw-la nihil_fw-la habituri_fw-la sint_fw-la ejus_fw-la patroni_fw-la quod_fw-la expeditè_fw-fr respondeant_fw-la all_o this_o to_o place_v themselves_o in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o a_o translation_n authentic_a from_o their_o stamp_n upon_o they_o and_o not_o from_o their_o relation_n unto_o and_o agreement_n with_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o yet_o far_o as_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o manifest_v what_o trustee_n they_o have_v be_v they_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n unless_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o their_o own_o deny_v that_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o tell_v he_o so_o it_o be_v but_o ink_n and_o paper_n skin_n of_o parchment_n a_o dead_a letter_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n a_o lesbian_a rule_n of_o no_o authority_n unto_o we_o at_o all_o o_o faithful_a trustee_n holy_a mother_n church_n infallible_a chair_n can_v wickedness_n yet_o make_v any_o far_a progress_n be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o man_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o these_o man_n have_v do_v to_o prove_v themselves_o faithless_a and_o treacherous_a in_o a_o trust_n commit_v to_o they_o be_v not_o this_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o volume_n that_o have_v even_o fill_v the_o world_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v to_o we_o alone_o and_o no_z other_o under_o our_o keep_n it_o be_v corrupt_v deprave_a vitiate_a the_o copy_n deliver_v unto_o we_o we_o have_v reject_v and_o take_v up_o one_o of_o our_o own_o choice_n nor_o let_v any_o complain_v of_o we_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v worse_o this_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la have_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o credit_n
god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o 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 eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20_o all_o which_o place_n god_n assist_v shall_v be_v open_v before_o long_o theologiae_n in_o another_o treatise_n the_o sum_n of_o they_o amount_v to_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o namely_o that_o god_n reveal_v and_o declare_v himself_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n sect._n 11._o god_n declare_v himself_o his_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n his_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n by_o the_o innate_a or_o ingraft_v light_n of_o nature_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o indispensible_a moral_a obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o as_o his_o creature_n subject_a to_o his_o law_n be_v in_o general_a thus_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n they_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n excuse_v or_o accuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o by_o the_o light_n that_o god_n have_v indelible_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n accompany_v with_o a_o moral_a instinct_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a second_v by_o that_o selfe-judgment_n which_o he_o have_v place_v in_o we_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o over_o we_o do_v he_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 3_o god_n reveal_v himself_o by_o his_o word_n as_o be_v confess_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o we_o inquire_v how_o we_o may_v know_v and_o be_v ascertain_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o deceivable_a pretence_n but_o that_o god_n do_v indeed_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o they_o sect._n 12._o first_o the_o work_n of_o god_n as_o to_o what_o be_v his_o will_n to_o teach_v and_o reveal_v of_o himself_o by_o they_o have_v that_o expression_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o that_o stamp_n and_o character_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n that_o evidence_n with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v his_o that_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v see_v and_o consider_v they_o undeniable_o evince_v that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o that_o what_o they_o teach_v concern_v he_o they_o do_v it_o in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o tradition_n no_o need_n of_o miracle_n no_o need_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n to_o convince_v a_o rational_a creature_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v his_o and_o his_o only_a and_o that_o he_o be_v eternlal_n and_o infinite_a in_o power_n that_o make_v they_o they_o carry_v about_o with_o they_o their_o own_o authority_n by_o be_v what_o they_o be_v they_o declare_v who_o they_o be_v to_o reveal_v god_n by_o his_o work_n there_o be_v need_n of_o nothing_o but_o that_o they_o be_v by_o themselves_o represent_v or_o object_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o rational_a creature_n sect._n 13._o the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o nature_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n effectual_a it_o declare_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o god_n by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o convince_v a_o man_n by_o substantial_a witness_n that_o what_o his_o conscience_n speak_v it_o speak_v from_o god_n whether_o it_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o be_v righteousness_n power_n omniscience_n or_o holiness_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o whether_o it_o call_v for_o that_o moral_a obedience_n which_o be_v eternal_o and_o indispensable_o due_a to_o he_o and_o so_o show_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o so_o speak_v and_o declare_v itself_o that_o without_o further_a evidence_n or_o reason_v without_o the_o advantage_n of_o any_o consideration_n but_o what_o be_v by_o its_o self_n supply_v it_o discover_v its_o au-author_n from_o who_o it_o be_v and_o in_o who_o name_n it_o speak_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o common_a notion_n and_o general_a presumption_n of_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n that_o be_v inlay_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o rational_a creature_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o revelation_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o purpose_v mention_v be_v able_a to_o plead_v their_o own_o divine_a original_a without_o the_o least_o contribution_n of_o strength_n or_o assistance_n from_o without_o sect._n 14._o and_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o those_o thing_n now_o the_o psalmist_n say_v unto_o god_n thou_o have_v magnify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o all_o thy_o name_n the_o word_n thou_o have_v speak_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v all_o that_o whereby_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v over_o all_o this_o god_n magnify_v his_o word_n it_o lie_v all_o in_o a_o subserviency_n thereunto_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o here_o god_n himself_o but_o every_o thing_n whereby_o god_n make_v himself_o know_v now_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o low_a dark_a &_o obscure_a principle_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n which_o we_o have_v mention_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o evince_v themselves_o to_o be_v from_o he_o without_o any_o external_a help_n assistance_n testimony_n or_o authority_n and_o that_o which_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o magnify_v above_o they_o which_o be_v far_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o its_o self_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o end_n &_o order_n have_v far_o more_o divine_o conspicuous_a and_o glorious_a impression_n and_o character_n of_o his_o goodness_n holiness_n power_n grace_n truth_n then_o all_o the_o creation_n shall_v lie_v dead_a obscure_a and_o have_v nothing_o in_o its_o self_n to_o reveal_v its_o author_n until_o this_o or_o that_o superadded_a testimony_n be_v call_v in_o to_o its_o assistance_n we_o esteem_v they_o to_o have_v do_v no_o service_n unto_o the_o truth_n who_o among_o innumerable_a other_o bold_a denial_n have_v insist_v on_o this_o also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n propose_v themselves_o to_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o let_v now_o the_o way_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v obstruct_v by_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o evince_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o see_v what_o bank_n be_v cut_v to_o let_v in_o a_o flood_n of_o atheism_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n sect._n 15._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o general_n induction_n as_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v have_v so_o make_v &_o frame_v they_o have_v leave_v such_o character_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o fill_v with_o such_o evidence_n of_o their_o author_n suit_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o rational_a creature_n that_o without_o any_o other_o testimony_n from_o himself_o or_o any_o else_o under_o the_o naked_a consideration_n and_o contemplation_n of_o what_o they_o be_v they_o so_o far_o declare_v their_o creator_n that_o they_o be_v leave_v whole_o unexcusable_a who_o will_v not_o learn_v and_o know_v he_o from_o thence_o so_o in_o the_o give_v out_o of_o his_o word_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o world_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o this_o world_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o wheel_n within_o a_o wheel_n his_o church_n he_o have_v by_o his_o spirit_n implant_v in_o it_o and_o impress_v on_o it_o such_o character_n of_o his_o goodness_n power_n wisdom_n holiness_n love_n to_o mankind_n truth_n faithfulness_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o expansion_n of_o it_o be_v stretch_v over_o man_n by_o his_o providence_n without_o any_o other_o witness_n or_o testimony_n give_v unto_o it_o it_o declare_v its_o self_n to_o be_v his_o and_o make_v good_a its_o authority_n from_o he_o so_o that_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n bring_v unavoidable_a condemnation_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o comparison_n be_v insist_v on_o by_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 19_o where_o as_o he_o ascribe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o voice_n and_o line_n to_o the_o creature_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n light_n power_n stability_n and_o permanency_n like_o that_o of_o the_o heaven_n &_o sun_n in_o
commutation_n of_o property_n to_o the_o word_n and_o in_o a_o unexpressable_a exaltation_n of_o it_o above_o they_o the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n of_o this_o sun_n be_v unspeakable_o more_o than_o that_o of_o seven_o other_o as_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n sect._n 16._o this_o then_o be_v fix_v as_o a_o principle_n of_o truth_n whatever_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o reveal_v himself_o by_o as_o to_o any_o special_a or_o general_a end_n that_o those_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o discover_v himself_o unto_o may_v either_o be_v effectual_o instruct_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n degree_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o revelation_n afford_v or_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a for_o not_o receive_v the_o testimony_n that_o he_o give_v of_o himself_o by_o any_o plea_n or_o pretence_n of_o want_n of_o clear_a evident_a manifest_a revelation_n that_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v have_v such_o a_o impresssion_n of_o his_o authority_n upon_o it_o as_o undeniable_o to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o and_o this_o now_o concern_v his_o word_n come_v further_a to_o be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n and_o argument_n chap._n iii_o argument_n of_o two_o sort_n inartificiall_a argument_n by_o way_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o who_o these_o argument_n be_v valid_a isa_n 8._o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o accompany_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n jer._n 3._o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o the_o rejection_n of_o a_o plea_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherein_o it_o consist_v luk._n 16._o 31._o of_o miracle_n their_o efficacy_n to_o beget_v faith_n compare_v with_o the_o word_n 2_o pe._n 1._o 16_o 19_o 20._o sect._n 1_o have_v declare_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o explain_v the_o position_n lay_v down_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o ensue_a discourse_n way_n be_v now_o make_v for_o we_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o sâ—lfâ—-evidences_n of_o its_o divine_a rise_n and_o consequent_o authority_n that_o it_o be_v attend_v withal_o upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o we_o receive_v it_o as_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sect._n 2._o the_o argument_n whereby_o any_o thing_n be_v confime_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n inartificiall_a by_o the_o way_n of_o testimony_n and_o artificial_a by_o the_o way_n of_o deduction_n and_o inference_n what_o ever_o be_v capable_a of_o contribute_v evidence_n unto_o truth_n fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n both_o these_o kind_n of_o proof_n we_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n some_o profess_v they_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o urge_v other_o so_o to_o do_v but_o they_o well_o dispute_v on_o what_o ground_n and_o account_n they_o do_v foe_n with_o those_o we_o may_v deal_v in_o the_o first_o way_n by_o testimony_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o can_v refuse_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o they_o have_v relinquish_v those_o principle_n and_o do_v no_o long_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o will_v withdraw_v the_o witness_n upon_o their_o exception_n who_o for_o the_o present_a we_o make_v use_v of_o testimony_n that_o be_v innate_a and_o ingraft_v in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v self_n use_v only_o as_o medium_n of_o artificial_a argument_n to_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o second_o sort_n may_v be_v use_v towards_o they_o who_o at_o present_a own_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o any_o account_n whatever_o or_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o put_v on_o themselves_o the_o person_n of_o such_o man_n to_o try_v their_o skill_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o management_n of_o a_o controversy_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sect._n 3_o in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v plead_v and_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n be_v refuse_v in_o the_o former_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o acknowledge_a authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o witness_n though_o speak_v in_o its_o own_o case_n in_o the_o latter_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o self_n evidence_n which_o the_o testimony_n insist_v on_o be_v accompany_v withal_o make_v out_o by_o such_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o for_o the_o kind_n of_o they_o person_n who_o own_v not_o its_o authority_n can_v but_o admit_v in_o humane_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n of_o know_a integrity_n and_o unspotted_a reputation_n bear_v witness_n in_o any_o cause_n and_o give_v uncontrollable_a evidence_n to_o his_o testimony_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o order_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o he_o speak_v as_o it_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o who_o know_v and_o admit_v of_o his_o integrity_n and_o reputation_n do_v acquiesce_v in_o his_o assertion_n so_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n who_o be_v not_o move_v by_o his_o authority_n will_v yet_o be_v overcome_v to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v witness_v by_o he_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o assert_n especial_o if_o there_o be_v a_o coincidence_n of_o all_o such_o circumstance_n as_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n sect._n 4._o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n for_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o own_o the_o credit_n and_o fidelity_n of_o the_o witness_n it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o yea_o in_o strict_a justice_n demand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o stand_v to_o the_o testimony_n that_o they_o give_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o divine_a original_a by_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o then_o command_v as_o to_o prove_v it_o so_o to_o be_v they_o render_v themselves_o obnoxious_a unto_o every_o testimony_n that_o we_o produce_v from_o it_o that_o so_o it_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v on_o its_o own_o testimony_n this_o witness_n they_o can_v wave_v without_o disavow_v their_o own_o profess_a principle_n without_o which_o principle_n they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o impose_v this_o task_n on_o we_o sect._n 5._o as_o for_o they_o with_o who_o we_o have_v not_o the_o present_a advantage_n of_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o impose_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o bare_a testimony_n of_o that_o witness_v concern_v who_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o be_v worthy_a the_o acceptation_n plead_v for_o but_o yet_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o scripture_n from_o what_o it_o be_v and_o do_v it_o be_v nature_n and_o operation_n by_o which_o the_o cause_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v discover_v be_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v sect._n 6._o but_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o that_o principal_o i_o intend_v to_o deal_v withal_o my_o present_a discourse_n be_v rather_o about_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n than_o the_o answer_v of_o other_o objection_n only_o we_o must_v satisfy_v our_o conscience_n upon_o such_o prinple_n as_o will_v stand_v against_o all_o man_n objection_n this_o then_o be_v chief_o inquire_v after_o namely_o what_o it_o be_v that_o give_v such_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o rely_v thereon_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o foundation_n for_o our_o receive_v they_o as_o such_o and_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o receive_v they_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n be_v leave_v inexcusable_a in_o their_o damnable_a unbelief_n this_o we_o say_v be_v in_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o need_n of_o any_o further_a witness_n or_o testimony_n nor_o be_v any_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o be_v admit_v sect._n 7._o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o my_o purpose_n to_o insist_v large_o at_o present_a on_o this_o subject_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o instance_v in_o some_o few_o testimony_n and_o argument_n begin_v with_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n isa_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o what_o ever_o any_o one_o say_v be_v it_o what_o or_o who_o it_o will_v church_n or_o person_n if_o it_o be_v in_o or_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o will_n or_o worship_n with_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n hither_o we_o be_v send_v this_o be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o
indeed_o be_v full_a of_o tradition_n flow_v from_o the_o word_n that_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o a_o tradition_n of_o the_o word_n not_o resolve_v into_o the_o word_n a_o tradition_n refer_v to_o a_o fountain_n of_o sense_n in_o see_v and_o hear_v preserve_v as_o a_o oral_a law_n in_o a_o distinct_a channel_n and_o stream_n by_o its_o self_n when_o it_o be_v evidence_v either_o by_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_a preserve_v therein_o or_o in_o a_o probability_n of_o secure_v it_o through_o the_o generation_n pass_v by_o a_o comparison_n of_o some_o such_o effect_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n i_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o sect._n 18._o give_v i_o then_o as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o the_o least_o obscure_a report_n of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o many_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v put_v more_o valuation_n on_o the_o pretend_a tradition_n than_o i_o can_v as_o yet_o persuade_v myself_o unto_o beside_o many_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n and_o by_o this_o rule_n their_o write_n be_v leave_v to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o miracle_n indeed_o be_v necessary_a to_o take_v of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la from_o the_o person_n that_o bring_v any_o new_a doctrine_n from_o god_n but_o the_o doctrine_n still_o evidence_v its_o self_n the_o apostle_n convert_v many_o where_o they_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n act._n 16._o 17_o 18_o and_o where_o they_o do_v so_o work_v yet_o they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o not_o the_o doctrine_n on_o their_o account_n be_v receive_v and_o the_o scripture_n now_o have_v no_o less_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n in_o its_o self_n of_o its_o divinity_n than_o it_o have_v when_o by_o they_o it_o be_v preach_v sect._n 19_o but_o because_o this_o tradition_n be_v pretend_v with_o great_a confidence_n as_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o foundation_n for_o receive_v of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v a_o little_a far_o inquire_v into_o it_o that_o which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v intend_v by_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o tradition_n mas_o be_v a_o report_n of_o man_n which_o those_o who_o be_v present_a have_v receive_v from_o they_o that_o be_v go_v before_o they_o now_o this_o may_v be_v either_o of_o all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n or_o only_o of_o some_o of_o they_o if_o of_o all_o either_o their_o suffrage_n must_v be_v take_v in_o some_o convention_n or_o gather_v up_o from_o the_o individuall_n as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o have_v opportunity_n if_o the_o first_o way_n of_o receive_v they_o be_v possible_a which_o be_v the_o utmost_a improvement_n that_o imagination_n can_v give_v the_o authority_n inquire_v after_o yet_o every_o individual_a of_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n the_o whole_a convention_n must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o complexion_n and_o so_o not_o be_v able_a to_o yield_v a_o sufficient_a basis_n to_o build_v a_o faith_n upon_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la that_o be_v infallible_a and_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o foundation_n for_o it_o in_o such_o a_o report_n as_o be_v the_o emergencie_n of_o the_o assertion_n of_o individuall_n sect._n 21._o but_o now_o if_o this_o tradition_n be_v allege_v as_o preserve_v only_o by_o some_o in_o the_o world_n not_o the_o half_a of_o rational_a creature_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o reason_n i_o have_v to_o believe_v those_o who_o have_v that_o tradition_n or_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v it_o before_o and_o against_o they_o who_o profess_v they_o have_v no_o such_o report_n deliver_v to_o they_o from_o their_o forefather_n be_v the_o reason_n hereof_o because_o i_o live_v among_o these_o who_o have_v this_o tradition_n and_o they_o be_v my_o neighbour_n who_o i_o know_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n those_o who_o live_v among_o the_o other_o part_n of_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v what_o they_o deliver_v they_o upon_o tradition_n and_o so_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o alcoran_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sect._n 22._o it_o be_v more_o probable_a it_o will_v be_v answer_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v because_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v that_o i_o can_v any_o other_o way_n have_v any_o kowledge_v of_o they_o so_o to_o be_v or_o of_o any_o authority_n that_o any_o number_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o can_v have_v in_o this_o case_n under_o that_o name_n or_o notion_n unless_o by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v quick_o appear_v what_o place_n be_v to_o be_v allot_v to_o their_o testimony_n who_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o witness_n unless_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n be_v own_v and_o receive_v because_o they_o have_v neither_o plea_n nor_o claim_n to_o be_v so_o admit_v but_o only_o from_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o shall_v aver_v that_o they_o take_v this_o honour_n to_o themselves_o and_o that_o without_o relation_n to_o the_o scripture_n they_o claim_v a_o right_n of_o authoritative_a witness_n bear_v in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v again_o upon_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o equity_n i_o have_v no_o more_o inducement_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o their_o assertion_n then_o to_o a_o alike_a number_n of_o man_n hold_v out_o a_o tradition_n utter_o to_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o they_o assert_v sect._n 23._o but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o this_o also_o be_v grant_v and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o which_o upon_o the_o hypothesis_n under_o consideration_n god_n himself_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o do_v i_o shall_v desire_v to_o know_v whither_o when_o the_o church_n declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o it_o do_v apprehend_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o judgement_n and_o declaration_n or_o no_o if_o it_o say_v no_o but_o that_o it_o be_v propose_v upon_o its_o sole_a authority_n then_o sure_o if_o we_o think_v good_a to_o acquiesse_n in_o this_o decision_n of_o this_o doubt_n and_o enquiry_n it_o be_v full_a time_n for_o we_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o our_o study_n and_o inquiry_n after_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v only_o what_o that_o man_n or_o those_o man_n say_v who_o be_v entrust_v with_o this_o authority_n as_o they_o say_v and_o as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v they_o though_o we_o know_v not_o at_o all_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o come_v by_o it_o see_v they_o dare_v not_o pretend_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o scripture_n lest_o thereby_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n sect._n 24._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o do_v upon_o other_o account_n judge_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a and_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o inquire_v after_o those_o ground_n and_o account_n see_v they_o be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n unto_o we_o all_o truth_n in_o relation_n consist_v in_o their_o consonancy_n and_o agreement_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o deliver_v i_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o they_o come_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o consonancy_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o therein_o the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v heavenly_a spiritual_a mysterious_a and_o supernatural_a there_o can_v be_v any_o knowledge_n obtain_v of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v self_n how_o then_o can_v they_o make_v any_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v know_v i_o speak_v of_o many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o least_o but_o by_o that_o scripture_n its_o self_n sect._n 25._o if_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o find_v their_o judgement_n and_o declaration_n upon_o some_o discovery_n that_o the_o scripture_n make_v of_o its_o self_n unto_o they_o they_o affirm_v the_o same_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o only_o they_o will_v very_o desirous_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v that_o discovery_n so_o make_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v good_a this_o claim_n they_o must_v either_o plead_v somewhat_o from_o themselves_o or_o from_o the_o scripture_n if_o from_o themselves_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o see_v like_o the_o man_n of_o china_n and_o all_o other_o be_v blind_a or_o have_v but_o one_o eye_n at_o the_o best_a
and_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o every_o tittle_n contain_v in_o they_o have_v those_o individual_a write_n be_v preserve_v man_n will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o adore_v they_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o their_o synagogue_n sect._n 3_o moses_n indeed_o deliver_v his_o original_a copy_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n unto_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o korah_n to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o there_o keep_v for_o a_o perpetual_a monument_n deut._n 31._o 25_o 26._o that_o individual_a book_n be_v i_o doubt_v not_o preserve_v until_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n there_o be_v indeed_o no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o particular_a when_o the_o ark_n be_v solemn_o carry_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n after_o the_o build_n of_o solomon_n temple_n 2_o chron._n 5._o 4_o 5._o but_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n continue_v until_o then_o that_o and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v up_o v._n 5._o now_o the_o place_n of_o the_o book_n by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n observe_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_n some_o think_v the_o book_n find_v by_o hilkiah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o josiah_n be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o moses_n which_o be_v place_v by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark._n it_o rather_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v some_o ancient_a sacred_a copy_n use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o lay_v up_o there_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o second_o temple_n 24._o which_o be_v carry_v in_o triumph_n to_o rome_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o find_v it_o in_o general_a in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o work_n which_o be_v then_o do_v 2_o chron._n 14._o 15._o which_o be_v not_o in_o or_o about_o the_o holy_a place_n where_o he_o who_o be_v high_a priest_n know_v full_a well_o this_o book_n be_v keep_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o take_v that_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la from_o its_o peculiar_a archive_v to_o send_v it_o abroad_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o that_o book_n which_o he_o find_v nay_o doubtless_o it_o be_v altogether_o unlawful_a for_o he_o so_o to_o have_v do_v it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o a_o peculiar_a ordinance_n for_o a_o peculiar_a or_o special_a end_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n all_o enquiry_n after_o that_o book_n be_v in_o vain_a the_o author_n of_o the_o 2_o book_n of_o maccabee_n mention_n not_o its_o hide_v in_o nebo_n by_o jeremiah_n with_o the_o ark_n and_o altar_n or_o by_o josiah_n as_o say_v some_o of_o the_o talmudist_n nor_o be_v it_o of_o any_o importance_n if_o they_o have_v of_o the_o scripture_n preserve_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o its_o last_o destruction_n josphus_n give_v we_o a_o full_a account_n de_fw-la bello_fw-la juda_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 24._o sect._n 4._o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o it_o be_v ever_o gather_v into_o one_o volume_n there_o be_v now_o no_o one_o church_n to_o keep_v they_o for_o the_o rest_n the_o epistle_n though_o immediate_o transcribe_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o church_n col._n 4._o 16_o be_v doubtless_o keep_v in_o the_o several_a church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v direct_v 1._o from_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v quick_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d transcribe_v copy_n give_v out_o to_o faithful_a man_n whilst_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o continue_v his_o guidance_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n sect._n 5._o for_o the_o first_o transcriber_n of_o the_o original_a copy_n and_o those_o who_o in_o succeed_a age_n have_v do_v the_o like_a work_n from_o they_o whereby_o they_o have_v be_v propagate_v and_o continue_v down_o to_o we_o in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n we_o say_v not_o as_o be_v vain_o charge_v by_o morinus_n and_o capellus_n that_o they_o be_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d infallible_a and_o divine_o inspire_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n to_o mistake_v it_o be_v know_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o fail_n have_v be_v among_o they_o and_o that_o various_a lection_n be_v from_o thence_o rise_v of_o which_o afterward_o religious_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o their_o work_n with_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o he_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v all_o we_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v these_o free_o in_o they_o without_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v high_a uncharitableness_n impiety_n and_o ingratitude_n this_o care_n and_o diligence_n we_o say_v in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v produce_v the_o effect_n contend_v for_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n further_o necessary_a thereunto_o on_o this_o account_n to_o argue_v as_o some_o do_v from_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o mistake_n of_o man_n their_o oscitancy_n and_o negligence_n in_o transcribe_v the_o old_a heathen_a author_n homer_n aristotle_n tully_n we_o think_v it_o not_o tolerable_a in_o a_o christian_a or_o any_o one_o that_o have_v the_o least_o sense_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o care_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o church_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o man_n who_o write_v out_o book_n wherein_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o person_n mention_v and_o other_o like_v they_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o that_o they_o do_v as_o those_o who_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o every_o letter_n and_o tittle_n that_o they_o be_v transcribe_v be_v part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a god_n wherein_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o do_v lie_v certain_o whatever_n may_v be_v look_v for_o from_o the_o religious_a care_n and_o diligence_n of_o man_n lie_v under_o a_o love_a and_o careful_a aspect_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v be_v just_o expect_v from_o they_o who_o undertake_v that_o work_n however_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o own_o all_o their_o fail_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o assert_v in_o this_o case_n without_o proof_n be_v injurious_a sect._n 6._o the_o jew_n have_v a_o common_a say_n among_o they_o that_o to_o alter_v one_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v no_o less_o sin_n then_o to_o set_v the_o whole_a world_n on_o fire_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o in_o write_v it_o they_o take_v no_o more_o care_n than_o a_o man_n will_v do_v in_o write_v out_o aristotle_n or_o plato_n who_o for_o a_o very_a little_a portion_n of_o the_o world_n will_v willing_o have_v do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o get_v both_o their_o work_n out_o of_o it_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n to_o be_v transcribe_v be_v every_o title_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o as_o write_v be_v propose_v as_o he_o as_o from_o he_o that_o if_o any_o fail_n be_v make_v innumerable_a eye_n of_o man_n own_v their_o eternal_a concernment_n to_o lie_v in_o that_o word_n be_v open_a upon_o it_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o that_o thousand_o of_o copy_n be_v extant_a to_o try_v it_o by_o and_o all_o this_o know_v unto_o and_o confess_v by_o every_o one_o that_o undertake_v this_o work_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v their_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o have_v out_o go_v that_o of_o other_o common_a scribe_n of_o heathen_a author_n the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v prodigious_a thing_n that_o be_v relate_v of_o the_o exact_a diligence_n and_o reverential_a care_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n in_o this_o work_n especial_o when_o they_o entrust_v a_o copy_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o standard_n of_o other_o private_a copy_n maimonides_n in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 8._o 3_o 4_o tell_v we_o that_o ben_fw-mi asher_n spend_v many_o year_n in_o the_o careful_a exact_a writing_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n let_v any_o man_n consider_v the_o 20_o thing_n which_o they_o affirm_v to_o profane_v a_o book_n or_o copy_n and_o this_o will_v far_o appear_v they_o be_v repeat_v by_o rabbi_n moses_n tract_n at_o de_fw-fr libro_fw-la legis_fw-la
quam_fw-la in_o translatione_fw-la nostra_fw-la proaem_n ad_fw-la pug_n fid_fw-we sec_fw-la 14._o let_v any_o man_n consider_v those_o two_o rack_n of_o the_o rabbin_n and_o sword_n of_o judaical_a unbelief_n isa_n 53._o and_o dan._n 9_o as_o they_o be_v now_o point_v and_o accent_v in_o our_o bibles_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o 70_o and_o this_o will_v quick_o appear_v unto_o he_o especial_o have_v this_o be_v evidence_v 62._o since_o the_o socinian_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v drive_v the_o dispute_n about_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o utmost_a scrutiny_n and_o examination_n of_o every_o word_n in_o that_o 53_o of_o isaiah_n but_o yet_o as_o the_o text_n stand_v now_o point_v &_o accent_v neither_o jew_n nor_o socinian_o notwithstanding_o the_o relief_n contribute_v to_o they_o by_o grotius_n wrest_v that_o whole_a bless_a prophecy_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o unto_o jeremiah_n think_v therein_o to_o outdo_v the_o late_a or_o modern_a jew_n abarbinel_n and_o other_o apply_v it_o to_o josiah_n the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n messiah_n ben_n joseph_n and_o i_o know_v not_o who_o have_v be_v able_a or_o ever_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o relieve_v themselves_o from_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o be_v such_o exercitation_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n allowable_a i_o can_v easy_o manifest_v how_o by_o change_v the_o distinctive_a accent_n and_o vowel_n much_o darkness_n and_o perpelxity_n may_v be_v cast_v on_o the_o contexture_n of_o that_o glorious_a prophecy_n it_o be_v know_v also_o that_o the_o jew_n common_o plead_v that_o one_o reason_n why_o they_o keep_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n in_o their_o synagogue_n without_o point_n be_v that_o the_o text_n may_v not_o be_v restrain_v to_o one_o certain_a sense_n but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o draw_v out_o various_a and_o as_o they_o speak_v more_o eminent_a sense_n chap._n v._n 1_o argument_n for_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n propose_v to_o consideration_n 2._o the_o argument_n from_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n consider_v and_o answer_v 3._o of_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n preserve_v in_o the_o synagogue_n without_o point_n 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o elias_n levita_n and_o aben_n ezra_n consider_v 5._o of_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o mishna_n talmud_n and_o gemara_n about_o the_o point_n 6._o of_o the_o keri_n and_o chethib_n 7._o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o point_n 8._o of_o the_o ancient_a translation_n greek_a chaldee_n syriak_n 9_o of_o hierome_n 10._o the_o new_a argument_n of_o morinus_n in_o this_o cause_n the_o conclusion_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o point_n sect._n 1_o but_o because_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n wherein_o the_o truth_n former_o plead_v for_o appear_v to_o be_v near_o concern_v i_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o brief_o consider_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v usual_o insist_v on_o as_o in_o these_o prolegomena_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n to_o be_v a_o novel_a invention_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o man_n &_o at_o the_o time_n before_o mention_v particular_a instance_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a i_o shall_v so_o do_v it_o have_v be_v do_v already_o the_o head_n of_o argument_n which_o yet_o contain_v their_o strength_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o brief_a dispatch_n which_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o in_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o prolegomena_n proleg_n 3._o 38_o 39_o 40._o sect._n 2._o 1_o it_o be_v say_v then_o that_o whereas_o the_o old_a hebrew_n letter_n be_v the_o present_a samaritan_n the_o samaritan_n letter_n have_v be_v always_o without_o point_n as_o they_o yet_o continue_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o point_n must_v be_v of_o a_o late_a date_n than_o the_o change_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o ezra_n &_o so_o consequent_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o postalmudical_a massorite_n pergula_fw-la pictoris_fw-la this_o whole_a objection_n be_v make_v up_o of_o most_o uncertain_a conjecture_n this_o be_v not_o a_o place_n to_o speak_v at_o large_a of_o the_o samaritan_n their_o pentateuch_n and_o its_o translation_n the_o original_a of_o that_o nation_n be_v know_v from_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o king_n 17._o their_o solemn_a excommunication_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o any_o interest_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v also_o record_v ezra_n 9_o nehem._n 6_o and_o c._n 13._o their_o continuance_n in_o their_o abomination_n after_o the_o close_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v report_v by_o josephus_n antiq._n lib._n 11._o c._n 8._o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o maccabee_n they_o be_v conquer_v by_o hyrcanus_n and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n by_o the_o jew_n joseph_n antiq._n lib._n 13_o cap._n 17._o yet_o their_o will_n worship_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n continue_v to_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o their_o hatred_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n joh._n 4._o when_o by_o who_o in_o what_o character_n they_o first_o receive_v the_o pentateuch_n be_v most_o uncertain_a not_o likely_a by_o the_o priest_n send_v to_o they_o for_o notwithstanding_o his_o instruction_n they_o continue_v in_o open_a idolatry_n which_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o see_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n probably_n this_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v quere_v by_o hyrcanus_n and_o their_o temple_n raze_v after_o it_o have_v stand_v 200_o year_n so_o also_o do_v the_o edomite_n what_o diligence_n they_o use_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o they_o by_o god_n we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o that_o there_o be_v any_o of_o they_o remain_v at_o this_o day_n or_o have_v be_v this_o 1000_o year_n past_a be_v unknown_a that_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o pentateuch_n be_v the_o ancient_a hebrew_n letter_n as_o eusebius_n hierome_n and_o some_o of_o the_o rabbin_n report_n seem_v to_o i_o on_o the_o best_a enquiry_n i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o groundless_a tradition_n and_o mere_a fable_n the_o evidence_n tender_v for_o to_o prove_v it_o be_v much_o to_o weak_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o such_o a_o assertion_n eusebius_n spaek_v only_o on_o report_n affirmatur_fw-la it_o be_v so_o affirm_v on_o what_o ground_n he_o tell_v we_o not_o hierome_n indeed_o be_v more_o positive_a but_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v false_a sufficient_a instance_n of_o the_o like_a mistake_n may_v be_v give_v in_o he_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o talmud_n i_o have_v often_o declare_v that_o with_o i_o it_o be_v of_o no_o weight_n unless_o second_v by_o very_o good_a evidence_n and_o indeed_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a story_n be_v very_o vain_a the_o jew_n be_v think_v and_o say_v to_o have_v forget_v their_o own_o character_n in_o the_o captivity_n and_o to_o have_v learn_v the_o chaldean_a upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o adhere_v unto_o it_o after_o their_o return_n when_o the_o same_o man_n be_v alive_a at_o the_o burn_a of_o one_o and_o the_o build_n of_o the_o other_o temple_n that_o the_o man_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o generation_n shall_v forget_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o letter_n which_o they_o have_v be_v exercise_v in_o be_v incredible_a beside_o they_o have_v their_o bibles_n with_o they_o always_o and_o that_o in_o their_o own_o character_n only_o whither_o they_o have_v any_o one_o other_o book_n or_o no_o we_o know_v not_o and_o whence_o then_o this_o forget_v of_o one_o character_n and_o learning_n of_o another_o shall_v arise_v do_v not_o appear_v nor_o shall_v i_o in_o such_o a_o improbable_a fiction_n lie_v much_o weight_n on_o testimony_n the_o most_o ancient_a whereof_o be_v 600_o year_n late_a than_o the_o pretend_a matter_n of_o fact_n sect._n 3_o the_o most_o weighty_a proof_n in_o this_o case_n be_v take_v from_o the_o ancient_a judaical_a coin_n take_v up_o with_o samaritan_n character_n upon_o they_o we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o high_a road_n of_o forgery_n and_o fable_n in_o nothing_o have_v the_o world_n be_v more_o cheat_v but_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o pretend_a coin_n be_v true_o ancient_a must_v it_o need_v follow_v that_o because_o the_o letter_n be_v then_o know_v and_o in_o use_n that_o they_o only_o be_v so_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v with_o they_o and_o those_o now_o in_o use_n unknown_a to_o salve_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o coin_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o answer_v this_o conjecture_n with_o another_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n be_v plain_o praeternatural_a if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v a_o study_a invention_n in_o their_o frame_n and_o figure_n fit_a to_o adorn_v
when_o extend_v or_o greatn_v by_o way_n of_o engrave_v or_o emboss_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v put_v upon_o or_o cut_v in_o why_o may_v we_o not_o think_v they_o be_v inven_v for_o that_o purpose_n namely_o to_o engrave_v on_o vessel_n &_o to_o stamp_v on_o coin_n &_o so_o come_v to_o be_v of_o some_o use_n in_o writing_n also_o their_o shape_n and_o frame_n promise_v some_o such_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v render_v the_o more_o probable_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o egyptian_n 5._o who_o as_o clement_n alexan_n tell_v we_o have_v 3_o sort_n of_o letter_n one_o which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o which_o they_o write_v thing_n of_o common_a use_n another_o term_v by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v by_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o also_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n simple_a and_o symbolical_a see_v then_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n to_o have_v sundry_a sort_n of_o letter_n for_o sundry_a purpose_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o it_o be_v so_o also_o among_o the_o jew_n not_o that_o they_o write_v the_o sacred_a write_n in_o a_o peculiar_a character_n as_o it_o be_v to_o hide_v they_o which_o be_v declaim_v against_o but_o only_o that_o the_o other_o character_n may_v be_v in_o use_n for_o some_o purpose_n which_o be_v not_o unusual_a i_o can_v think_v the_o greek_n of_o old_a use_v only_o the_o unciall_a letter_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v some_o do_v though_o he_o do_v not_o who_o write_v homer_n iliad_n in_o no_o great_a a_o volume_n then_o will_v go_v into_o a_o nutshell_n sect._n 4._o but_o if_o that_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o can_v be_v prove_v namely_o that_o such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v yet_o this_o prejudices_fw-la not_o they_o in_o the_o least_o who_o affirm_v ezra_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a congregation_n to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o point_n see_v the_o author_n of_o this_o rumour_n affix_v that_o as_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o old_a hebrew_n letter_n be_v excommunicate_v out_o of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o samaritan_n nay_o it_o cast_v a_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n namely_o that_o ezra_n lay_v aside_o the_o old_a letter_n because_o of_o their_o difficulty_n together_o with_o the_o new_a introduce_v the_o point_n to_o facilitate_v their_o use_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n have_v never_o any_o vowel_n affix_v to_o they_o postellus_n affirm_v that_o the_o samaritan_n have_v point_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hierome_n and_o that_o their_o loss_n of_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o present_a corrupt_a read_n punctis_fw-la hodie_fw-la quae_fw-la habebant_fw-la hieronimi_fw-la temporibus_fw-la carent_fw-la leguntque_fw-la sine_fw-la punctis_fw-la admodum_fw-la depravatè_fw-la postell_n alphab_n 12._o lingua_fw-la there_o be_v always_o some_o copy_n write_v without_o vowel_n which_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o other_o lose_v that_o people_n if_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o be_v wicked_a ignorant_a sottish_a superstitious_a idolatrous_a rejector_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n corruptor_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v may_v neglect_v the_o task_n of_o transcribe_v copy_n with_o point_n because_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v perform_v aright_o nor_o be_v it_o improbable_a what_o ever_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o continue_v in_o their_o sepation_n from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o may_v get_v the_o law_n write_v in_o a_o character_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o the_o jew_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whither_o from_o this_o heap_n of_o uncertaintye_n any_o thing_n can_v arise_v with_o the_o face_n of_o a_o witness_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o give_v testimony_n in_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n he_o that_o will_v part_v with_o his_o possession_n on_o such_o easy_a term_n never_o find_v much_o benefit_n in_o it_o sect._n 5._o 2_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o preserve_v in_o their_o synagogue_n one_o book_n which_o they_o almost_o adore_v write_v without_o point_n be_v allege_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o what_o do_v they_o else_o hereby_o but_o tacit_o acknowledge_v the_o point_n to_o have_v a_o humane_a original_a an_fw-mi but_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v not_o so_o acknowledge_v they_o neither_o by_o that_o practice_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o way_n it_o be_v the_o constant_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o they_o all_o elias_n only_a except_v that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a extract_n and_o if_o their_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v it_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o in_o one_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o 2_o the_o jew_n give_v a_o threefold_a account_n of_o this_o practice_n first_o the_o difficulty_n of_o transcribe_v copy_n without_o any_o fail_n the_o least_o render_v the_o whole_a book_n as_o to_o its_o use_n in_o their_o synagogue_n profane_a 2_o the_o liberty_n they_o have_v thereby_o to_o draw_v out_o various_a sense_n more_o eminent_a as_o they_o say_v indeed_o more_o vain_a and_o curious_a than_o they_o have_v any_o advantage_n to_o do_v when_o the_o read_n be_v restrain_v to_o one_o certain_a sense_n by_o the_o vowel_n and_o accent_n 3_o to_o keep_v all_o learner_n in_o dependence_n on_o their_o teacher_n see_v they_o can_v learn_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o by_o their_o exposition_n rab_n azarias_n lib._n jmre_v bina_n cap._n 59_o if_o these_o reason_n satisfy_v not_o any_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o practice_n they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o inquire_v of_o they_o for_o other_o who_o intend_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o authority_n that_o the_o point_n be_v invent_v by_o some_o late_a massorite_n they_o will_v not_o inform_v they_o for_o jesuitical_a story_n out_o of_o china_n they_o be_v with_o i_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o like_a credit_n with_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o talmud_n he_o that_o can_v believe_v all_o the_o miracle_n that_o they_o work_v where_o man_n be_v not_o warn_v of_o their_o juggle_n may_v credit_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n however_o as_o i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o argument_n the_o jew_n keep_v a_o book_n in_o their_o synagogue_n without_o point_n therefore_o the_o point_n and_o accent_n be_v invent_v by_o the_o tiberian_a massorite_n when_o they_o never_o read_v it_o or_o rather_o sing_v it_o but_o according_a to_o every_o point_n and_o accent_n in_o ordinary_a use_n indeed_o the_o whole_a profound_a mystery_n of_o this_o business_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o read_v or_o sing_v the_o law_n in_o their_o synagogue_n until_o he_o be_v so_o perfect_a in_o it_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v exact_o all_o point_n and_o accent_n in_o a_o book_n wherein_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o sect._n 6._o 3._o the_o testimony_n of_o elias_n levita_n not_o only_o as_o to_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o also_o as_o to_o what_o he_o mention_n from_o aben_n ezra_n and_o other_o be_v insist_v on_o they_o affirm_v say_v he_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o whole_a punctation_n from_o the_o tiberian_a massorite_n an._n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o elias_n be_v of_o that_o judgement_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o if_o that_o opinion_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o his_o mind_n the_o world_n have_v be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o it_o at_o this_o day_n that_o by_o receive_v of_o the_o punctation_n from_o the_o tiberian_o the_o continuation_n of_o it_o in_o their_o school_n not_o the_o invention_n of_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o aben_n ezra_n be_v beyond_o all_o exception_n evince_v by_o buxtorfius_n de_fw-fr punct_a antiq._n p._n 1._o cap._n 3._o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v speak_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o be_v intend_v than_o that_o which_o be_v urge_v in_o the_o prolegomena_n from_o aben_n ezra_n comment_n in_o exod._n 25._o 31._o where_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o see_v some_o book_n examine_v in_o all_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o whole_a punctation_n by_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o tiberias_n namely_o to_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v do_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n they_o have_v beside_o all_o elias_n argument_n be_v notable_o answer_v by_o rabbi_n azarias_n who_o answer_n be_v repeat_v by_o joseph_n the_o voysin_n in_o his_o most_o learned_a observation_n on_o the_o proemium_fw-la of_o the_o pugio_fw-la fidei_fw-la pag._n 91._o 92._o and_o the_o same_o azarias_n show_v the_o consistency_n of_o the_o various_a opinion_n that_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n about_o the_o vowel_n ascribe_v they_o as_o to_o their_o virtue_n and_o force_n to_o moses_n or_o god_n on_o mount_n
vowel_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o evagrius_n epist_n 126_o nec_fw-la refert_fw-la utrum_fw-la salem_n a_o salim_n nominetur_fw-la cum_fw-la vocalibus_fw-la in_o medio_fw-la litteris_fw-la perrarò_fw-la utantur_fw-la hebraei_fw-la if_o they_o do_v it_o perrarò_fw-la they_o do_v it_o and_o then_o they_o have_v they_o though_o in_o those_o day_n to_o keep_v up_o their_o credit_n in_o teach_v they_o do_v not_o much_o use_v they_o nor_o can_v this_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o vowel_n but_o of_o their_o figure_n for_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o seldom_o use_v the_o sound_n of_o vewel_n if_o they_o speak_v often_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n from_o he_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n sect._n 13._o morinus_n in_o his_o late_a opuscula_fw-la hebraea_n samaritica_fw-la in_o his_o digression_n against_o the_o hebrew_a point_n and_o accent_n the_o first_o part_n pag_n 209_o bring_v in_o a_o new_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o puncta_fw-la vocalia_fw-la be_v invent_v by_o the_o jewish_a gramarian_n however_o the_o distinction_n of_o section_n may_v be_v before_o this_o he_o attempt_v out_o of_o a_o discourse_n of_o aben_n ezra_n concern_v the_o successive_a mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n first_o by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n then_o by_o the_o massorite_n then_o by_o the_o grammarian_n as_o he_o assign_v all_o these_o their_o several_a work_n so_o to_o the_o grammarian_n the_o skill_n of_o know_v the_o progress_v of_o the_o holy_a tongue_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o kingly_a point_n and_o of_o sheva_n as_o he_o be_v by_o he_o there_o cite_v at_o large_a after_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v by_o sundry_a instance_n that_o the_o puncta_fw-la vocalia_fw-la be_v by_o he_o call_v reges_a and_o not_o the_o accent_n as_o be_v now_o the_o use_n and_o in_o the_o addenda_fw-la to_o his_o book_n prefix_a to_o it_o he_o triumph_v upon_o a_o discovery_n that_o the_o vowel_n be_v so_o call_v by_o rabbi_n jehuda_n chiug_v the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o jewish_a grammarian_n the_o business_n be_v now_o it_o seem_v quite_o finish_v and_o he_o cry_v out_o oculis_fw-la aliorum_fw-la non_fw-la egemus_fw-la amplius_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nunc_fw-la sumus_fw-la a_o sacrifice_n be_v doubtless_o due_a to_o this_o drag_v of_o morinus_n but_o quid_fw-la dignum_fw-la tanto_fw-la sect._n 14._o 1_o the_o place_n insist_v on_o by_o he_o out_o of_o aben_n ezra_n be_v some_o year_n before_o produce_v weigh_v and_o explain_v by_o buxtorfe_n out_o of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o holy_a tongue_n de_fw-fr punct_a orig._n part._n 1._o pag._n 13._o 14._o cap._n 3_o and_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a from_o morinus_n his_o praeface_n to_o his_o consideration_n of_o that_o place_n that_o he_o fix_v on_o it_o some_o year_n ago_o that_o he_o learn_v it_o from_o buxtorfius_n by_o the_o provision_n that_o he_o lay_v in_o against_o such_o thought_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n when_o morinus_n make_v his_o observation_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o society_n in_o other_o thing_n give_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o this_o suspicion_n and_o simeon_n de_fw-fr muys_n intimate_v that_o he_o have_v deal_v before_o with_o the_o father_n as_o he_o now_o deal_v with_o the_o son_n censur_n in_o excercitat_fw-la 4._o cap._n 7._o pag._n 17_o himself_n with_o great_a and_o rare_a ingenuity_n acknowledge_v what_o he_o receive_v of_o he_o ass_n text._n heb._n ver_fw-la cap._n 5._o dicésve_fw-la i_o haec_fw-la omne_fw-la mutuatum_fw-la à _fw-la buxtorfio_n quidni_fw-la verò_fw-la mutuor_fw-la si_fw-la necesse_fw-la erit_fw-la but_o what_o be_v the_o great_a discovery_n here_o make_v that_o the_o puncta_fw-la vocalia_fw-la be_v some_o of_o they_o call_v reges_a the_o accent_n have_v now_o get_v that_o appellation_n some_o of_o they_o be_v reges_a and_o some_o ministri_fw-la so_o that_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o vowel_n and_o accent_n be_v but_o novel_a 2_o that_o the_o grammarian_n invent_v these_o regius_fw-la puncta_fw-la as_o aben_n ezra_n say_v sect._n 15._o but_o i_o pray_v what_o cause_n of_o triumph_n or_o boast_n be_v in_o all_o this_o goodly_a discovery_n be_v it_o ever_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o the_o cast_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o vowel_n and_o accent_n with_o the_o title_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o grammarian_n be_v it_o not_o long_o since_o observe_v by_o many_o that_o the_o 5_o long_a vowel_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v call_v of_o old_a reges_a and_o that_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o vowel_n into_o long_a and_o short_a be_v a_o invention_n of_o the_o christian_n rather_o than_o jewish_n grammarian_n the_o jew_n call_v they_o some_o absolute_o reges_fw-la some_o great_a and_o small_a some_o matres_fw-la &_o filias_fw-la but_o than_o say_v he_o the_o grammarian_n be_v the_o inventour_n of_o these_o point_n why_o so_o aben_n ezra_n refer_v this_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o grammarian_n to_o know_v the_o progress_v of_o the_o holy_a tongue_n the_o generation_n of_o those_o thing_n &c_n &c_n but_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o evident_a against_o his_o design_n than_o his_o own_o testimony_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o grammarian_n to_o know_v these_o thing_n therefore_o not_o to_o invent_v they_o do_v they_o invent_v the_o radical_a and_o servile_a letter_n sure_o they_o also_o then_o invent_v the_o tongue_n for_o it_o consist_v of_o letter_n radical_a and_o servile_a of_o point_n and_o accent_n &_o yet_o this_o be_v also_o ascribe_v to_o they_o by_o aben-ezra_n but_o it_o be_v well_o that_o morinus_n have_v at_o length_n light_v upon_o r._n jehuda_n chiug_n his_o opinion_n before_o be_v collect_v out_o of_o kimchi_n ephodius_n muscatus_fw-la and_o other_o but_o what_o say_v he_o now_o himself_o for_o aught_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o have_v quote_v by_o morinus_n he_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o notable_a witness_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o point_n it_o may_v be_v well_o suppose_v that_o morinus_n write_v on_o set_v purpose_n against_o their_o antiquity_n will_v produce_v that_o testimony_n which_o in_o his_o whole_a author_n be_v most_o to_o his_o purpose_n and_o yet_o he_o fix_v on_o one_o wherein_o this_o ancient_a grammarian_n who_o live_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1150_o or_o 1200_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o point_n with_o their_o name_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o impeachment_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a so_o also_o the_o same_o aben_n ezra_n on_o psal_n 9_o vers_fw-la 7_o tell_v we_o of_o one_o adonim_n ben-lafrad_a who_o long_o before_o this_o r._n jehuda_n find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o ancient_a copy_n and_o therefore_o when_o morinus_n come_v to_o make_v the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o argument_n discover_v it_o seem_v himself_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o pretence_n that_o the_o point_n be_v invent_v by_o the_o grammarian_n the_o last_o sort_n of_o man_n mention_v by_o aben_n ezra_n he_o say_v procul_fw-la omni_fw-la dubio_fw-la est_fw-la &_o luce_fw-fr meridianâ_fw-la clarius_fw-la aben_n ezram_fw-la sensisse_fw-la omnium_fw-la vocalium_fw-la punctationem_fw-la à _fw-la massorithis_n tiberiensibus_fw-la &_o grammaticis_fw-la qui_fw-la hos_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la originem_fw-la ducere_fw-la but_o of_o these_o massorite_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o the_o premise_n nor_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n assign_v unto_o they_o by_o aben_n ezra_n but_o quite_o another_o employment_n of_o make_v a_o hedge_n about_o the_o law_n by_o their_o observation_n on_o all_o the_o word_n of_o it_o and_o have_v he_o dream_v of_o their_o invent_v the_o point_n he_o will_v sure_o enough_o have_v assign_v that_o work_n to_o they_o and_o for_o the_o grammarian_n his_o own_o testimony_n lie_v full_a to_o the_o contrary_a sect._n 16._o and_o these_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o argument_n insist_v on_o by_o capellus_n and_o other_o and_o by_o these_o prolegomena_n to_o prove_v the_o hebrew_n punctation_n to_o be_v a_o invention_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o tiberias_n 500_o year_n or_o more_o after_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n brevis_fw-la cantilena_fw-la sed_fw-la longum_fw-la epiphonema_fw-la as_o i_o have_v not_o here_o design_v to_o answer_v they_o at_o large_a with_o the_o various_a instance_n produce_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o needful_a for_o any_o so_o to_o do_v until_o the_o answer_n already_o give_v to_o they_o be_v remove_v so_o by_o the_o specimen_fw-la give_v of_o their_o nature_n and_o kind_n the_o sober_a and_o pious_a reader_n may_v easy_o judge_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o they_o to_o evert_v the_o persuasion_n oppose_v by_o they_o ground_v on_o the_o catholic_a tradition_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o