their_o posterity_n then_o to_o follow_v that_o of_o their_o ancestor_n some_o have_v interest_n and_o design_n which_o will_v be_v better_o serve_v by_o new_a tenet_n and_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o mistake_v and_o may_v unaware_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v bare_o deliver_v and_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n we_o may_v guess_v there_o may_v be_v many_o since_o it_o fall_v common_o to_o the_o mother_n lot_n to_o imbue_v child_n with_o the_o first_o rudiment_n 19_o now_o in_o all_o these_o case_n how_o possible_a be_v it_o that_o primitive_a tradition_n may_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o adulterate_v and_o consequent_o and_o in_o proportion_n to_o that_o possibility_n our_o confidence_n of_o it_o must_v be_v stagger_v i_o be_o sure_a according_a to_o the_o common_a estimate_n in_o secular_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o credit_v a_o relation_n which_o come_v from_o a_o eie-witness_n then_o at_o the_o three_o or_o four_o much_o more_o at_o the_o hundred_o rebound_n as_o in_o this_o case_n and_o daily_a experience_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o true_a and_o probable_a story_n by_o pass_v through_o many_o hand_n often_o grow_v to_o a_o improbable_a lie_n this_o man_n think_v he_o can_v add_v one_o become_v circumstance_n that_o man_n another_o and_o whilst_o most_o man_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v so_o the_o relation_n grow_v as_o monstrous_a as_o such_o a_o heap_n of_o incoherent_a fancy_n can_v make_v it_o 20._o if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o happen_v only_o in_o trivial_a secular_a matter_n but_o that_o in_o the_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n mankind_n be_v certain_o more_o serious_a and_o sincere_a i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o be_v since_o it_o be_v obvious_a in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v postpone_v to_o every_o little_a worldly_a concern_v and_o therefore_o when_o a_o temporal_a advantage_n require_v the_o bend_n and_o warp_a of_o religion_n there_o will_v never_o be_v want_v some_o that_o will_v attemt_fw-mi it_o 21._o beside_o there_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o human_a nature_n so_o much_o of_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o serpent_n first_o temptation_n that_o though_o man_n can_v be_v as_o god_n yet_o they_o love_v to_o be_v prescribe_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v their_o own_o assessor_n as_o to_o that_o worship_n and_o homage_n they_o be_v to_o pay_v he_o 22._o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o in_o this_o case_n satan_n have_v a_o more_o peculiar_a concern_v and_o can_v serve_v himself_o more_o by_o a_o falsification_n here_o then_o in_o temporal_a affair_n for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o corrupt_a religion_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o become_v one_o of_o his_o most_o useful_a engine_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n we_o have_v therefore_o no_o cause_n to_o think_v this_o a_o exempt_a case_n but_o to_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o the_o same_o pravity_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o prevail_v in_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v oblige_v to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v our_o spiritual_a concern_v to_o such_o hazard_n but_o have_v lodge_v they_o in_o a_o more_o secure_a repository_n the_o write_a word_n 23._o but_o i_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o whilst_o i_o thus_o disparage_v tradition_n i_o do_v virtual_o invalidate_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o its_o credit_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o since_o god_n have_v with-drawn_a immediate_a revelation_n from_o the_o world_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o first_o notice_n that_o this_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n he_o afford_v we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o to_o be_v evacuate_v to_o we_o and_o that_o how_o liable_a soever_o tradition_n may_v be_v to_o err_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o actual_o err_v in_o this_o particular_a 24._o but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o tradition_n seem_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o falsification_n as_o other_o it_o be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o simple_a a_o proposition_n such_o and_o such_o write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a room_n for_o sophistry_n or_o mistake_n to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n the_o only_a possible_a deception_n must_v be_v to_o change_v the_o subject_n and_o obtrude_v suppositious_a write_n in_o room_n of_o the_o true_a under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o have_v already_o appear_v to_o be_v unpracticable_a because_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o such_o a_o attemt_a will_v soon_o have_v be_v detect_v there_o appear_v therefore_o more_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o more_o necessity_n to_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n in_o this_o then_o in_o most_o other_o particular_n 25._o neither_o yet_o do_v i_o so_o far_o decry_v oral_a tradition_n in_o any_o as_o to_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a it_o shall_v derive_v any_o truth_n to_o posterity_n i_o only_o look_v on_o it_o as_o more_o casual_a and_o consequent_o a_o less_o fit_a conveyance_n of_o the_o most_o important_a and_o necessary_a verity_n than_o the_o write_v word_n in_o which_o i_o conceive_v myself_o justify_v by_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n who_o use_n to_o commit_v those_o thing_n to_o writing_n which_o they_o be_v most_o solicitous_a to_o derive_v to_o posterity_n do_v any_o nation_n trust_v their_o fundamental_a law_n only_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o take_v no_o other_o course_n to_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o future_a do_v any_o man_n purchase_v a_o estate_n and_o leave_v no_o way_n for_o his_o child_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o but_o the_o tradition_n the_o present_a witness_n shall_v leave_v of_o it_o nay_o do_v any_o consider_a man_n ordinary_o make_v any_o important_a pact_n or_o bargain_n though_o without_o relation_n to_o posterity_n without_o put_v the_o article_n in_o writing_n and_o whence_o be_v all_o this_o caution_n but_o from_o a_o universal_a consent_n that_o writing_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o transmit_v 26._o but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o high_a appeal_n in_o this_o matter_n then_o to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o man_n god_n himself_o seem_v to_o have_v determine_v it_o and_o what_o his_o decision_n be_v it_o be_v our_o next_o business_n to_o inquire_v 27._o and_o first_o he_o have_v give_v the_o most_o real_a and_o comprehensive_a attestation_n to_o this_o way_n of_o writing_n by_o have_v himself_o choose_v it_o for_o he_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o estimate_n of_o better_a and_o worse_o and_o too_o kind_a to_o choose_v the_o worst_a for_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o writing_n and_o have_v sum_v up_o all_o the_o eternal_a concern_v of_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o leave_v those_o sacred_a record_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v both_o inform_v and_o govern_v which_o if_o oral_a tradition_n will_v infallible_o have_v do_v have_v be_v utter_o needless_a and_o god_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o prodigal_a of_o his_o spirit_n as_o to_o inspire_v the_o author_n of_o scripture_n to_o write_v that_o who_o use_n be_v supersede_v by_o a_o former_a more_o certain_a expedient_a 28._o nay_o under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n when_o he_o make_v use_v of_o other_o way_n of_o revel_v himself_o yet_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n even_o of_o those_o revelation_n he_o choose_v to_o have_v they_o write_v at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n speak_v then_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi and_o with_o that_o pomp_n of_o dreadful_a solemnity_n as_o certain_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n yet_o god_n foresee_v that_o through_o every_o succeed_a age_n that_o stamp_n will_v grow_v more_o dim_a and_o in_o a_o long_a revolution_n may_v at_o last_o be_v extinct_a and_o therefore_o how_o warm_a soever_o the_o israelite_n apprehension_n then_o be_v he_o will_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o the_o perpetuate_a his_o law_n but_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n ex._n 13._o 18._o nay_o write_v it_o twice_o himself_o 29._o yet_o far_o even_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n though_o not_o intend_v to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v not_o yet_o refer_v to_o the_o traditionary_a way_n but_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o deposit_v with_o the_o priest_n deut._n 31._o 9_o and_o after-event_n show_v this_o be_v no_o needless_a caution_n for_o when_o under_o manasses_n idolatry_n have_v prevail_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o dormant_a
a_o topic_a of_o raillery_n dress_v their_o profane_a and_o scurrilous_a jest_n in_o its_o language_n and_o study_v it_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o abuse_v it_o and_o whilst_o we_o treat_v it_o at_o this_o vile_a rate_n no_o wonder_n we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o for_o alas_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o sovereign_a balsam_n in_o our_o possession_n if_o instead_o of_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o wound_n we_o trample_v it_o under_o our_o foot_n 92_o but_o though_o we_o may_v frustrate_v the_o use_n we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n god_n design_n in_o give_v we_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o as_o happy_a as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v and_o the_o scripture_n be_v excellent_o adapt_v to_o this_o end_n for_o as_o to_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n all_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o state_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n chalk_v we_o out_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o it_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v dictate_v by_o god_n who_o infallible_o know_v it_o but_o also_o by_o its_o prescribe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o best_a and_o which_o a_o sober_a heathen_a will_v adjudge_v fit_a to_o be_v reward_v and_o as_o to_o our_o temporal_a happiness_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o unprejudiced_a man_n whether_o any_o thing_n can_v contribute_v more_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o real_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n will_v do_v will_v god_n we_o will_v all_o conspire_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n and_o then_o doubtless_o not_o only_o our_o reason_n but_o our_o sense_n too_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o 93._o and_o as_o the_o design_n be_v thus_o beneficial_a so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v it_o as_o extensive_a also_o time_n be_v when_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o enclosure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v their_o peculiar_a depositum_fw-la and_o the_o heathen_a have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n ps._n 147._o ult_n but_o since_o that_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o gentile_n be_v become_v fellow-heir_n eph._n 3._o 6._o he_o have_v also_o deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n the_o deed_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o future_a state_n give_v they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o exact_a and_o authentic_a registres_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o these_o not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n appropriate_v to_o some_o one_o or_o two_o particular_a place_n so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v consult_v but_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o pilgrimage_n but_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o that_o will_v believe_v themselves_o concern_v 94._o it_o be_v a_o large_a commission_n our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n mar._n 16._o 15._o which_o in_o the_o narrow_a acception_n must_v be_v the_o gentile_a world_n and_o yet_o their_o oral_a gospel_n do_v not_o reach_v far_o than_o the_o write_v for_o wherever_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plant_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v leave_v as_o the_o record_n of_o it_o nay_o as_o the_o conserver_n of_o it_o too_o the_o stand_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v detect_v it_o be_v true_a the_o entire_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o be_v not_o all_o at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v successive_o write_v as_o the_o need_v of_o christian_n and_o the_o encroachment_n of_o heretic_n give_v occasion_n but_o at_o last_o they_o become_v all_o together_o the_o common_a magazine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o furnish_v arm_n both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a for_o as_o the_o gospel_n put_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o epistle_n help_v we_o to_o hold_v it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v wrest_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n again_o either_o by_o the_o force_n of_o persecution_n or_o the_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o vice_n or_o heresy_n 95._o thus_o the_o apostle_n like_o prudent_a leader_n have_v beat_v up_o the_o ambush_n discover_v the_o snare_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o we_o and_o by_o discomfit_v satan_n forlorn_a hope_n that_o early_a set_a of_o false_a teacher_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n which_o then_o invade_v the_o church_n have_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o victory_n to_o the_o succeed_a age_n if_o they_o will_v but_o keep_v close_a to_o their_o conduct_n adhere_v to_o those_o sacred_a write_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o in_o every_o church_n for_o that_o purpose_n 96._o now_o what_o be_v there_o deposit_v be_v design_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n the_o bible_n be_v not_o commit_v like_o the_o regalia_z or_o rarity_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v keep_v under_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o consequent_o to_o constitute_v a_o profitable_a office_n for_o the_o keeper_n but_o expose_v like_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n for_o universal_a view_n and_o benefit_n that_o sacred_a book_n like_o the_o common_a air_n be_v every_o man_n propriety_n yet_o no_o man_n enclosure_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n who_o eye_n have_v be_v evil_a because_o god_n have_v be_v good_a who_o have_v seal_v up_o this_o spring_n monopolise_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o but_o such_o person_n and_o in_o such_o proportion_n as_o they_o please_v to_o retail_v it_o a_o attemt_a very_o insolent_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n who_o purpose_n they_o contradict_v and_o very_o injurious_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n who_o advantage_n they_o obstruct_v the_o iniquity_n of_o it_o will_v be_v very_o apparent_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n iv._o the_o custody_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o privilege_n and_o right_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o which_o can_v without_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o injustice_n unto_o it_o and_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o impeach_v beside_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v obsequious_a and_o import_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o all_o its_o precept_n common_o express_v in_o scripture_n by_o keep_v the_o commandment_n harken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o observe_v and_o do_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n there_o be_v a_o possessory_a keep_n it_o in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o in_o respect_n whereof_o almighty_a god_n deut._n 6._o and_o elsewhere_o frequent_o have_v enjoin_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o that_o the_o word_n which_o he_o command_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v down_o in_o their_o house_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o and_o that_o they_o bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o froutlet_n between_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n so_o just_o be_v the_o law_n call_v the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o they_o and_o wear_v upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o body_n inscribe_v upon_o the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n the_o entrance_n of_o their_o door_n and_o gate_n of_o their_o city_n and_o in_o a_o word_n place_v before_o their_o eye_n wherever_o they_o converse_v 2._o and_o this_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o favour_n to_o they_o say_v saint_n paul_n rom._n 9_o 4._o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o same_o saint_n paul_n at_o the_o 3._o chap._n 2._o v._n of_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o question_n what_o advantage_n have_v the_o jew_n or_o what_o prosit_fw-la be_v there_o of_o circumcision_n answer_n that_o it_o be_v much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n this_o depositum_fw-la or_o trust_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o father_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v continue_v down_o unto_o their_o child_n he_o make_v a_o covenant_n say_v david_n ps._n 78._o v._n 5._o with_o jacob_n and_o give_v israel_n a_o law_n which_o he_o command_v our_o forefather_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n that_o their_o posterity_n may_v know_v it_o and_o the_o child_n which_o be_v yet_o unborn_a to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o
tradition_n but_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n find_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o josiah_n be_v both_o excite_a to_o reform_v religion_n and_o instruct_v how_o to_o do_v it_o 2_o king_n 22._o 10._o and_o have_v not_o that_o or_o some_o other_o copy_n be_v produce_v they_o have_v be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o particular_n of_o their_o reformation_n which_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v convey_v by_o tradition_n appear_v by_o the_o sudden_a startle_v of_o the_o king_n upon_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v have_v he_o be_v before_o possess_v with_o the_o content_n of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o find_v in_o nehemiah_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n be_v recover_v by_o consult_v the_o law_n the_o tradition_n whereof_o be_v whole_o wear_v out_o or_o else_o it_o have_v sure_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o can_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n have_v be_v intermit_v neh._n 8._o 18._o and_o yet_o man_n memory_n be_v common_o more_o retentive_a of_o a_o external_a visible_a rite_n than_o they_o be_v of_o speculative_a proposition_n or_o moral_a precept_n 30._o these_o instance_n show_v how_o fallible_a a_o expedient_a mere_a oral_a tradition_n be_v for_o transmission_n to_o posterity_n but_o admit_v no_o such_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v it_o be_v argument_n enough_o that_o god_n have_v by_o his_o own_o choice_n of_o writing_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o it_o nor_o have_v he_o bare_o choose_v it_o but_o have_v make_v it_o the_o standard_n by_o which_o to_o measure_n all_o succeed_a pretence_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n he_o prescribe_v for_o distinguish_v divine_a from_o diabolical_a inspiration_n 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 isai._n 8._o 20._o and_o when_o the_o lawyer_n interrogated_a our_o saviour_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o send_v he_o not_o to_o ransac_fw-mi tradition_n or_o the_o cabalistical_a divinity_n of_o the_o rabbin_n but_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o law_n what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o luk._n 10._o 26._o and_o indeed_o throout_v the_o gospel_n we_o still_o find_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o assert_v its_o authority_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n inveigh_v against_o those_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o have_v evacuate_v the_o write_a word_n you_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o your_o tradition_n mat._n 15._o 6._o which_o as_o it_o abundant_o show_v christ_n adherence_n to_o the_o write_a word_n so_o it_o be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o possible_a it_o be_v for_o tradition_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o impose_v man_n fancy_n even_o in_o contradiction_n to_o god_n command_n 31._o and_o since_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v make_v scripture_n the_o test_n whereby_o to_o try_v tradition_n we_o may_v sure_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decision_n and_o either_o embrace_v or_o reject_v tradition_n according_a as_o they_o correspond_v to_o the_o supreme_a rule_n the_o write_a word_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o very_a unwarrantable_a attemt_fw-mi to_o set_v up_o tradition_n in_o competition_n with_o much_o more_o in_o contradiction_n to_o that_o to_o which_o christ_n himself_o have_v subject_v it_o 32._o saint_n paul_n reckon_v it_o as_o the_o principal_a privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o it_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o it_o i._n e._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v deposit_v and_o put_v in_o its_o custody_n and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n succeed_v it_o and_o be_v the_o guardian_n and_o conservator_fw-la of_o holy_a writ_n i_o ask_v then_o have_v the_o jewish_a church_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o be_v keeper_n a_o power_n to_o supersede_n any_o part_n of_o those_o oracle_n entrust_v to_o they_o if_o so_o saint_n paul_n be_v much_o out_o in_o his_o estimate_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v reckon_v that_o as_o their_o high_a privilege_n but_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o trust_n imply_v the_o contrary_a and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v the_o very_a crime_n christ_n charge_v upon_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v and_o if_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o such_o right_a upon_o what_o account_n can_v the_o christian_a claim_n any_o have_v christ_n enlarge_v its_o charter_n have_v he_o leave_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n with_o she_o not_o to_o preserve_v and_o practice_n but_o to_o regulate_v and_o reform_v to_o fill_v up_o its_o vacancy_n and_o supply_v its_o defect_n by_o her_o own_o tradition_n if_o so_o let_v the_o commission_n be_v produce_v but_o if_o her_o office_n be_v only_o that_o of_o guardianship_n and_o trust_n she_o must_v neither_o subtract_v from_o nor_o by_o any_o superaddition_n of_o her_o own_o evacuate_v its_o meaning_n and_o efficacy_n and_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v the_o same_o guilt_n that_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o person_n entrust_v with_o the_o fundamental_a record_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o foist_v in_o fuch_n clause_n as_o himself_o please_v 33_o in_o short_a god_n have_v in_o the_o scripture_n lay_v down_o exact_a rule_n for_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o have_v entrust_v the_o church_n to_o convey_v they_o to_o we_o if_o she_o vary_v or_o any_o way_n enervate_v they_o she_o be_v false_a to_o that_o trust_n but_o can_v by_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o recede_v from_o that_o rule_n she_o shall_v deliver_v to_o comply_v with_o that_o she_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o the_o case_n may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o easy_a resemblance_n suppose_v a_o king_n have_v a_o foreign_a principality_n for_o which_o he_o compose_v a_o body_n of_o law_n annex_n to_o they_o reward_n and_o penalty_n and_o require_v a_o exact_a and_o indispensable_a conformity_n to_o they_o these_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n he_o send_v by_o a_o select_a messenger_n now_o suppose_v this_o messenger_n deliver_v they_o yet_o say_v withal_o that_o himself_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o king_n to_o supersede_n these_o law_n at_o his_o pleasure_n so_o that_o their_o last_o resort_n must_v be_v to_o his_o dictate_v yet_o produce_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o his_o own_o bare_a affirmation_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_o credulous_a as_o to_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o so_o improbable_a a_o indemnity_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v be_v no_o whit_n less_o madness_n in_o christian_n to_o violate_v any_o precept_n of_o god_n on_o a_o ungrounded_a supposal_n of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o dispense_v with_o they_o 34._o and_o if_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v not_o this_o power_n nor_o indeed_o ever_o claim_v it_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a insolence_n for_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v owe_v to_o her_o tradition_n all_o our_o scripture_n and_o all_o our_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o without_o the_o supply_n which_o she_o afford_v from_o the_o oracle_n of_o her_o chair_n our_o religion_n be_v imperfect_a and_o our_o salvation_n insecure_a upon_o which_o wild_a dictate_v i_o shall_v take_v liberty_n in_o a_o distinct_a section_n far_o to_o animadvert_v sect_n vi_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n concern_v the_o propriety_n and_o fitness_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n against_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o oppose_v itself_o as_o we_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n say_v in_o the_o four_o session_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o in_o the_o four_o rule_n of_o the_o index_n put_v forth_o by_o command_n of_o the_o say_a council_n the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o useful_a that_o its_o read_n be_v pernicious_a if_o permit_v promiscuous_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v withhold_v insomuch_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v common_o by_o person_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n impute_v to_o protestant_n as_o part_v of_o their_o heresy_n they_o be_v call_v by_o they_o in_o contemt_a the_o evangelical_n man_n and_o scripturarians_n and_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v common_o reckon_v among_o prohibit_v book_n and_o as_o such_o public_o burn_v when_o meet_v with_o by_o the_o inquisitor_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v find_v with_o it_o
imprimatur_fw-la jo._n nicholas_n vice_n cancel_v oxon._n junii_fw-la 10._o 1678._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n search_v the_o scripture_n jo._n 5._o 39_o at_o the_o theater_n in_o oxford_n 1678._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n &_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n &_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o preface_n in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n publish_v by_o i_o heretofore_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n among_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o that_o unruly_a part_n which_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o self_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n jam._n 3._o 6._o of_o the_o impious_a vanity_n prevail_v in_o this_o age_n whereby_o man_n play_v with_o sacred_a thing_n and_o exercise_v their_o wit_n upon_o those_o scripture_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n joh._n 12._o 48._o but_o that_o holy_a book_n not_o only_o suffer_v by_o the_o petulancy_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o heart_n out_o of_o the_o abundance_n whereof_o the_o mouth_n speak_v mat._n 12._o 34._o and_o also_o from_o that_o irreligion_n prepossession_n and_o supiness_n which_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n certain_o produce_v the_o mischief_n be_v too_o much_o diffuse_v and_o deep_o root_v to_o be_v control_v by_o a_o few_o casual_a reflection_n i_o have_v therefore_o think_v it_o necessary_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o also_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o opposition_n to_o attemt_a a_o profess_a and_o particular_a vindication_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o display_v their_o native_a excellence_n and_o beauty_n and_o enforce_v the_o veneration_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v unto_o they_o this_o i_o design_v to_o do_v in_o my_o usual_a method_n by_o a_o address_n to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o reader_n solicit_v the_o several_a passion_n of_o love_n hope_v fear_v shame_n and_o sorrow_n which_o either_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o his_o sublime_a be_v his_o goodness_n derive_v to_o we_o or_o our_o ingratitude_n return_v to_o he_o can_v actuate_v in_o person_n not_o utter_o obdurate_a but_o where_o as_o man_n when_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o do_v amiss_o quick_o dispute_v and_o dictate_v i_o find_v myself_o concern_v to_o pass_v sometime_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o controversy_n and_o to_o discourse_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o deduction_n from_o testimony_n which_o in_o the_o most_o important_a transaction_n of_o human_a life_n be_v just_o take_v for_o evidence_n in_o which_o whole_a performance_n i_o have_v study_v to_o avoid_v the_o entanglement_n of_o sophistry_n and_o the_o ambition_n of_o unintelligible_a quotation_n and_o keep_v myself_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o te_fw-fr unlearned_a christian_a reader_n to_o who_o use_n my_o labour_n have_v be_v ever_o dedicate_v all_o that_o i_o require_v be_v that_o man_n will_v bring_v as_o much_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o read_v profane_a author_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o incentives_n of_o vice_n and_o folly_n nay_o to_o the_o libel_n and_o invective_n that_o be_v level_v against_o the_o scripture_n if_o i_o obtain_v this_o i_o will_v make_v no_o doubt_n that_o i_o shall_v gain_v a_o far_a point_n that_o from_o the_o perusal_n of_o my_o imperfect_a conception_n the_o reader_n will_v proceed_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o there_o taste_n and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v ps._n 34._o 8._o and_o as_o the_o angel_n command_v saint_n john_n rev._n 10._o 9_o eat_v the_o book_n where_o he_o will_v experimental_o find_v the_o word_n of_o david_n verify_v ps._n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a to_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v they_o then_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o hony-comb_n moreover_o by_o they_o be_v thy_o servant_n teach_v and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n ex._n 34._o 29._o that_o have_v receive_v the_o law_n from_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o mount_n sina_n forty_o day_n together_o his_o face_n shine_v and_o have_v a_o brightness_n fix_v upon_o it_o that_o dazzle_a the_o beholder_n a_o pledge_n and_o short_a essay_n not_o only_o of_o the_o appearance_n at_o mount_n tabor_n mat._n 17._o 1._o where_o at_o the_o transfiguration_n he_o again_o be_v see_v in_o glory_n but_o of_o that_o great_a and_o yet_o future_a change_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v indeed_o his_o god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o share_v his_o glory_n unto_o all_o eternity_n the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n give_v still_o his_o law_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o let_v we_o receive_v it_o with_o due_a regard_n and_o veneration_n converse_v with_o he_o therein_o instead_o of_o forty_o day_n during_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o so_o anticipate_v and_o certain_o assure_v our_o interest_n in_o that_o great_a transfiguration_n when_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v put_v of_o their_o mortal_a flesh_n be_v translate_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n eternal_o behold_v their_o god_n see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o so_o enjoy_v he_o conversation_n have_v every_o where_o a_o assimilate_v power_n we_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v the_o man_n and_o book_n and_o business_n that_o we_o deal_v with_o but_o sure_o no_o familiarity_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n on_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o when_o man_n hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o his_o word_n that_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 4._o 12._o declare_v to_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o all_o our_o book_n however_o recommend_v for_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n exactness_n of_o method_n variety_n of_o matter_n or_o eloquence_n of_o language_n when_o all_o our_o curious_a act_n like_o those_o mention_v act._n 19_o 19_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o burn_v before_o all_o man_n when_o the_o great_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o heaven_n itself_o shall_v depart_v as_o a_o scroul_n roll_v together_o rev._n 6._o 14._o at_o which_o important_a season_n it_o will_v be_v more_o to_o purpose_n to_o have_v study_v well_o that_o be_v transcribe_v in_o practice_n this_o one_o book_n then_o to_o have_v run_v through_o all_o beside_o for_o then_o the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a shall_v stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n rev._n 20._o 12._o in_o vain_a shall_v man_n allege_v the_o want_n of_o due_a conviction_n that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v how_o penal_a it_o will_v be_v to_o disregard_n the_o sanction_n of_o god_n law_n which_o they_o will_v have_v have_v enforce_v by_o immediate_a miracle_n the_o apparition_n of_o one_o send_v from_o the_o other_o world_n who_o may_v testify_v of_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n this_o expectation_n the_o scripture_n charge_v every_o where_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o temt_a god_n and_o indeed_o it_o real_o involve_v this_o insolent_a proposal_n that_o the_o almighty_a shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o break_v his_o own_o law_n that_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o keep_v he_o but_o shall_v he_o think_v fit_a to_o comply_v herein_o the_o condescension_n will_v be_v as_o successless_a in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o offer_n our_o saviour_n assure_v that_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o instruction_n and_o command_n lay_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o any_o other_o method_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o that_o which_o they_o allow_v for_o irresistible_a conviction_n
we_o perform_v our_o part_n of_o the_o condition_n it_o give_v we_o the_o most_o certain_a assurance_n engage_v god_n veracity_n that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v on_o he_o by_o this_o it_o give_v we_o support_v against_o all_o the_o adversity_n of_o life_n assure_v we_o the_o suffering_n of_o it_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n we_o expect_v rom._n 8._o 18._o yea_o and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n too_o by_o assure_v we_o that_o what_o we_o look_v on_o as_o a_o dissolution_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a part_n and_o we_o only_o put_v off_o our_o body_n that_o they_o may_v put_v of_o corruption_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o immortality_n 28._o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o doctrine_n the_o holy_a scripture_n offer_v to_o we_o and_o we_o may_v certain_o say_v they_o be_v faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 15._o the_o notion_n it_o give_v we_o of_o god_n be_v so_o sublime_a and_o great_a that_o they_o can_v but_o affect_v we_o with_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n and_o yet_o withal_o so_o amiable_a and_o endear_n that_o they_o can_v but_o raise_v love_n and_o gratitude_n affiance_n and_o delight_n 29._o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o these_o mild_a attribute_n be_v apt_a to_o inspirit_v we_o with_o a_o generous_a ambition_n of_o assimilation_n excite_v we_o to_o transcribe_v all_o his_o imitable_a excellency_n in_o which_o the_o very_a heathen_n can_v discern_v consist_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o human_a felicity_n 30._o and_o then_o the_o knowledge_n it_o give_v we_o of_o ourselves_o do_v we_o the_o kind_a office_n imaginable_a keep_v we_o from_o those_o swell_a thought_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o entertain_v and_o show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o bottome_v our_o hope_n upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n and_o then_o again_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v lazy_a or_o secure_a by_o show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n in_o a_o word_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v humble_a and_o industrious_a and_o whoever_o be_v so_o ballast_v can_v hardly_o be_v shipwrack_v 31._o these_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o scripture_n which_o also_o render_v they_o most_o apt_o preparative_n for_o the_o preceptive_a and_o indeed_o so_o they_o be_v design_v the_o credenda_fw-la and_o the_o agenda_fw-la be_v such_o inseparable_a relation_n that_o whoever_o part_v they_o forfeit_v the_o advantage_n of_o both_o the_o most_o solemn_a profession_n of_o christ_n the_o most_o importunate_a invocation_n lord_n lord_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o which_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v mat._n 7._o and_o how_o excellent_a how_o rational_a those_o precept_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v to_o we_o from_o he_o be_v our_o next_o point_n of_o consideration_n 32._o the_o first_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o mankind_n be_v that_o of_o nature_n and_o though_o the_o impression_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n be_v by_o adam_n fall_v exceed_o dim_v and_o deface_v yet_o that_o derogate_v nothing_o from_o the_o dignity_n and_o worth_n of_o that_o law_n which_o god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o cancel_v that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v make_v it_o the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o his_o subsequent_a law_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v enjoin_v in_o those_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o that_o the_o moral_a law_n give_v in_o the_o decalogue_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o evangelical_n law_n give_v in_o the_o gospel_n though_o christian_n have_v this_o natural_a law_n for_o their_o basis_n and_o foundation_n they_o licence_v nothing_o which_o that_o prohibit_n and_o very_o rare_o prohibit_v any_o thing_n which_o it_o licence_n 33._o it_o be_v true_a christ_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n raise_v christian_n to_o a_o great_a strictness_n than_o the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o but_o that_o be_v not_o by_o contradict_v either_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a law_n but_o by_o rescue_v the_o late_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v mix_v with_o it_o and_o reduce_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o extent_n in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o decalogue_n be_v give_v to_o repair_v the_o defacing_n and_o renew_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n so_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v design_v to_o revive_v and_o illustrate_v both_o and_o according_o we_o find_v christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o divorce_n call_v they_o back_o to_o this_o natural_a law_n in_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mat._n 19_o 8._o i_o say_v not_o but_o that_o even_o these_o natural_a notion_n be_v in_o some_o instance_n refine_v and_o elevate_v by_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n be_v to_o repair_v the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o with_o advantage_n but_o yet_o he_o still_o build_v upon_o that_o groundwork_n introduce_v nothing_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o 34._o and_o this_o accordance_n between_o these_o several_a law_n be_v a_o circumstance_n that_o high_o recommend_v scripture_n precept_n to_o we_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v man_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o recipient_a of_o all_o communicable_a part_n of_o his_o happiness_n will_v assign_v he_o such_o rule_n and_o mesure_n as_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o those_o end_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o scripture_n injunction_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mould_n we_o must_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o be_v the_o make_v we_o what_o god_n original_o intend_v we_o and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v that_o will_v certain_o choose_v much_o worse_a for_o himself_o 35._o i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v prejudices_fw-la take_v up_o against_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o they_o impose_v unreasonable_a unsupportable_a strictness_n upon_o man_n and_o some_o have_v assume_v liberty_n to_o argue_v mutinous_o against_o they_o nay_o against_o god_n too_o for_o put_v such_o natural_a appetite_n into_o man_n and_o then_o forbid_v they_o to_o satisfy_v they_o 36._o but_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o cavil_n be_v the_o not_o right_o distinguish_v of_o natural_a appetite_n which_o be_v to_o be_v difference_v according_a to_o the_o two_o state_n of_o rectitude_n and_o depravation_n those_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n be_v the_o appetite_n god_n put_v into_o man_n and_o those_o be_v all_o regular_a and_o innocent_a such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o be_v nature_n in_o its_o first_o integrity_n mesure_v its_o desire_n by_o its_o need_n now_o christ_n prohibition_n be_v not_o direct_v against_o these_o he_o forbid_v no_o one_o kind_a of_o these_o desire_n and_o though_o the_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n may_v sometime_o restrain_v we_o in_o some_o particular_a act_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o proportionable_a to_o that_o restraint_n adam_n be_v under_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o forbid_a tree_n a_o particular_a instance_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o fence_v of_o his_o safety_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v nature_n under_o this_o its_o first_o and_o best_a notion_n they_o can_v accuse_v christ_n of_o be_v severe_a to_o it_o 37._o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o take_v it_o in_o another_o acception_n and_o mean_v that_o corruption_n of_o nature_n which_o inordinate_o incline_v to_o sensitive_a thing_n and_o on_o this_o account_n they_o call_v their_o riot_n their_o luxury_n appetite_n put_v into_o they_o by_o god_n whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a this_o be_v superinduce_v from_o another_o coast_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v we_o its_o true_a pedigree_n in_o what_o he_o say_v of_o death_n which_o be_v its_o twin-sister_n by_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o devil_n come_v death_n into_o the_o world_n wis._n 2._o 24._o and_o can_v they_o expect_v that_o christ_n who_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 8._o shall_v frame_v law_n in_o their_o favour_n make_v act_n of_o toleration_n and_o indulgence_n for_o they_o this_o be_v to_o annul_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o restore_v we_o from_o our_o lapse_v estate_n and_o elevate_v we_o to_o those_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n which_o he_o come_v not_o only_o to_o prescribe_v but_o to_o exemplify_v to_o we_o 38._o but_o in_o this_o affair_n man_n often_o take_v nature_n â—n_v a_o yet_o wide_o and_o worse_a notion_n and_o under_o natural_a desire_n comprehend_v whatever_o upon_o any_o sort_n of_o motive_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v the_o awe_n of_o a_o superior_a the_o importunity_n of_o a_o companion_n custom_n and_o example_n make_v man_n do_v many_o ill_a thing_n to_o which_o their_o nature_n will_v never_o promt_v they_o nay_o many_o time_n such_o as_o their_o nature_n
considerable_a mischief_n 35._o thus_o frequent_o command_v be_v put_v in_o comprehensive_a indefinite_a word_n but_o concern_v only_o the_o generality_n to_o who_o the_o law_n be_v write_v and_o not_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o vindication_n of_o their_o contemt_fw-mi according_o be_v say_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v mark_n 10._o 19_o which_o concern_v the_o private_a person_n but_o extend_v not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n who_o be_v a_o revenger_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o hear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a rom._n 13._o 4._o so_o the_o injunction_n not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o mat._n 5._o 34_o refer_v to_o the_o common_a transaction_n of_o life_n but_o not_o those_o solemn_a occasion_n where_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n heb._n 9_o 16._o yet_o these_o mistake_n at_o this_o day_n prevail_v with_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n and_o bottom_n their_o denial_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o protect_v his_o subject_n by_o war_n and_o to_o determine_v difference_n in_o peace_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o witness_n in_o judicial_a proceed_n 36._o there_o be_v another_o distinction_n we_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o and_o that_o be_v between_o absolute_a and_o primary_n command_v and_o secundary_a one_o the_o former_a we_o be_v to_o set_v a_o special_a remark_n upon_o as_o those_o upon_o who_o observance_n or_o violation_n our_o eternal_a life_n or_o death_n inseparable_o depend_v and_o therefore_o our_o first_o and_o most_o solicitous_a care_n must_v be_v concern_v they_o i_o mention_v this_o not_o to_o divert_v any_o from_o aspire_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n but_o to_o reprove_v that_o preposterous_a course_n many_o take_v who_o lie_v the_o great_a weight_n upon_o those_o thing_n on_o which_o god_n lay_v the_o least_o and_o have_v more_o zeal_n for_o oblique_a intimation_n then_o for_o express_v downright_a command_n nay_o think_v by_o the_o one_o to_o commute_v for_o the_o contemt_fw-mi of_o the_o other_o for_o example_n fast_v be_v recommend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o a_o far_o low_a key_n then_o moral_a duty_n rather_o as_o a_o expedient_a and_o help_v to_o virtue_n then_o as_o proper_o a_o virtue_n itself_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v see_v man_n scrupulous_a in_o that_o who_o startle_v not_o at_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n that_o clamorous_a sin_n that_o cry_v to_o heaven_n who_o pretend_v to_o mortify_v their_o appetite_n by_o deny_v it_o its_o proper_a food_n or_o be_v luxurious_a in_o one_o sort_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o glut_v their_o avarice_n eat_v up_o the_o poor_a and_o devour_v widow_n house_n mat._n 23._o 37._o to_o such_o as_o these_o it_o will_v be_v good_a advice_n to_o fix_v their_o attention_n on_o the_o absolute_a command_n to_o study_v moral_a honesty_n and_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n to_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n there_o and_o do_v what_o god_n indispensable_o require_v and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o think_v of_o voluntary_a oblation_n but_o till_o then_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o homage_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o reproachful_a flattery_n a_o attemt_a to_o bribe_v god_n against_o himself_o and_o a_o sacrilege_n like_o that_o of_o dionysius_n who_o take_v away_o apollo_n golden_a robe_n and_o give_v he_o a_o stuff_n one_o 38._o the_o second_o thing_n requisite_a in_o our_o read_n be_v application_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o our_o attention_n and_o without_o this_o we_o may_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o very_o little_a purpose_n the_o most_o laborious_a attention_n without_o it_o put_v we_o but_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o poor_a slave_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o mine_n who_o with_o infinite_a toil_n dig_v that_o ore_n of_o which_o they_o shall_v never_o partake_v if_o therefore_o we_o will_v appropriate_v that_o rich_a treasure_n we_o must_v apply_v and_o so_o make_v it_o our_o own_o 39_o let_v we_o then_o at_o every_o period_n of_o holy_a writ_n reflect_v and_o look_v on_o ourselves_o as_o the_o person_n speak_v to_o when_o we_o find_v philip_n give_v baptism_n to_o the_o eunuch_n upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n act._n 8._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o our_o baptism_n like_o a_o thing_n surreptitious_o obtain_v convei_v no_o title_n to_o we_o will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o 40._o when_o we_o read_v our_o saviour_n denunciation_n to_o the_o jew_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v lu._n 13._o 5._o we_o be_v to_o look_v on_o it_o as_o if_o address_v immediate_o to_o ourselves_o and_o conclude_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o our_o repentance_n in_o those_o black_a catalogue_n of_o crime_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 10._o and_o gal._n 5._o 19_o 20_o 21._o as_o exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o be_v to_o behold_v our_o own_o guilt_n arraign_v and_o to_o resolve_v that_o the_o same_o crime_n will_v as_o certain_o shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o we_o as_o those_o to_o who_o those_o epistle_n be_v immediate_o direct_v in_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o good_a life_n and_o christian_a virtue_n we_o be_v to_o think_v ourselves_o as_o near_o and_o particular_o concern_v as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v christ_n auditor_n on_o the_o mount_n so_o proportionable_o in_o all_o the_o threat_n and_o promise_v we_o be_v either_o to_o tremble_v or_o hope_v according_a as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o adhere_v to_o those_o sin_n or_o virtue_n to_o which_o they_o be_v affix_v 41._o this_o close_a application_n will_v render_v what_o we_o read_v operative_a and_o effective_a which_o without_o it_o will_v be_v useless_a and_o insignificant_a we_o may_v see_v a_o instance_n of_o it_o in_o david_n who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o convince_v of_o his_o own_o guilt_n by_o nathan_n parable_n though_o the_o most_o apposite_a that_o be_v imaginable_a till_o he_o roundly_o apply_v it_o say_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n 2_o sam._n 12._o and_o unless_o we_o treat_v ourselves_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n the_o scripture_n may_v fill_v our_o head_n with_o high_a notion_n nay_o with_o many_o speculative_a truth_n which_o yet_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o devil_n theology_n ja._n 2._o 19_o and_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n we_o 42._o it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v after_o our_o read_n which_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o two_o word_n recollect_v and_o practice_n our_o memory_n be_v very_o frail_a as_o to_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o impress_v they_o as_o deep_a as_o we_o can_v by_o reflect_v on_o what_o we_o have_v read_v it_o be_v a_o observation_n out_o of_o the_o levitical_a law_n that_o those_o beast_n only_o be_v clean_a and_o fit_a for_o sacrifice_v that_o chew_v the_o cud_n leu._n 11._o 4._o and_o though_o the_o ceremony_n be_v jewish_n the_o moral_n be_v christian_a and_o admonish_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v revolve_v and_o ruminate_v on_o spiritual_a instruction_n without_o this_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v slip_n insensible_o from_o we_o and_o like_a letter_n write_v in_o chalk_n be_v wipe_v out_o by_o the_o next_o succeed_a thought_n but_o recollection_n engrave_v and_o indent_n the_o character_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o he_o that_o will_v due_o use_v it_o will_v find_v other_o manner_n of_o impression_n more_o affective_a and_o more_o last_a then_o bare_a read_n will_v leave_v 43._o we_o find_v it_o thus_o in_o all_o science_n he_o that_o only_o read_v over_o the_o rule_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o together_o with_o his_o book_n will_v make_v but_o a_o slow_a advance_v while_o he_o that_o plod_v and_o study_v upon_o they_o repete_n and_o reinforce_v they_o upon_o his_o mind_n soon_o arrive_v to_o a_o eminency_n by_o this_o it_o be_v that_o david_n attain_v to_o that_o perfection_n in_o god_n law_n as_o to_o outstrip_v his_o teacher_n and_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n ps._n 119._o 99_o 100_o because_o it_o be_v his_o meditation_n as_o himself_o tell_v we_o ver_fw-la 97_o 99_o 44._o let_v we_o therefore_o pursue_v the_o same_o method_n and_o when_o we_o have_v read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o recollect_v what_o observable_a thing_n we_o have_v there_o meet_v with_o what_o exhortation_n to_o virtue_n or_o determent_n from_o vice_n what_o promise_v to_o obedience_n or_o menace_n for_o the_o contrary_a what_o example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n against_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n or_o what_o instance_n of_o his_o blessing_n upon_o duty_n if_o we_o do_v this_o daily_a we_o can_v but_o amass_o together_o a_o great_a stock_n of_o scripture_n document_n which_o will_v be_v ready_a for_o we_o to_o produce_v upon_o every_o occasion_n satan_n can_v assault_v
of_o two_o or_o three_o but_o in_o such_o as_o he_o intimate_v to_o abraham_n when_o he_o show_v he_o the_o star_n as_o the_o representative_a of_o his_o numerous_a offspring_n gen._n 15._o 5._o when_o he_o teach_v we_o that_o high_a and_o yet_o most_o certain_a alchemy_n of_o refine_n and_o multiply_v our_o enjoiment_n and_o then_o perpetuate_a they_o 20._o all_o this_o god_n do_v in_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v be_v stupid_o improvident_a if_o we_o will_v take_v no_o advantage_n by_o it_o it_o be_v once_o the_o complaint_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o jew_n i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v jo._n 5._o 43._o and_o what_o be_v say_v by_o he_o the_o eternal_a essential_a word_n be_v no_o less_o applicable_a to_o the_o write_v which_o come_v in_o the_o name_n and_o upon_o the_o message_n of_o god_n be_v despise_v and_o slight_v and_o every_o the_o light_a composure_n of_o man_n prefer_v before_o it_o as_o if_o that_o signature_n of_o divinity_n it_o carry_v serve_v rather_o as_o a_o brand_n to_o stigmatize_v and_o defame_v then_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v it_o a_o contemt_fw-mi which_o strike_v immediate_o at_o god_n himself_o who_o resentment_n of_o it_o though_o for_o the_o present_a suppress_v by_o his_o long-suffering_a will_v at_o last_o break_v out_o upon_o all_o who_o persevere_v so_o to_o affront_v he_o in_o a_o judgement_n worthy_a of_o god_n wis._n 12._o 26._o 21._o but_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o foresee_v some_o may_v say_v that_o i_o have_v all_o this_o while_n but_o beat_v the_o air_n have_v build_v upon_o a_o principle_n which_o some_o flat_o deny_v other_o doubt_v of_o and_o have_v run_v away_o with_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o divine_a original_a without_o any_o attemt_fw-mi of_o proof_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o may_v just_o enough_o object_v the_o extreme_a hard_a measure_n they_o offer_v to_o divinity_n above_o all_o other_o science_n for_o in_o those_o they_o still_o allow_v some_o fundamental_a maxim_n which_o be_v presuppose_v without_o proof_n but_o in_o this_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o postulata_fw-la no_o grant_a principle_n on_o which_o to_o superstruct_v if_o the_o same_o rigour_n shall_v be_v extend_v to_o secular_a case_n what_o a_o damp_n will_v it_o strike_v upon_o commerce_n for_o example_n a_o man_n expect_v fair_a deal_n from_o his_o neighbour_n upon_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n he_o presume_v write_v in_o all_o man_n heart_n but_o according_a to_o this_o measure_n he_o must_v first_o prove_v to_o every_o man_n he_o deal_v with_o that_o such_o notion_n there_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v obligatory_a that_o the_o ware_n expose_v to_o sale_n be_v his_o own_o that_o dominion_n be_v not_o found_v in_o grace_n or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o that_o state_n and_o so_o have_v a_o property_n to_o confer_v upon_o another_o that_o the_o person_n deal_v with_o pay_v a_o just_a price_n do_v it_o in_o good_a money_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o needs_o not_o be_v so_o to_o justify_v his_o purchase_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o market_n will_v be_v as_o full_a of_o nice_a question_n as_o the_o school_n but_o because_o complaint_n and_o retortion_n be_v the_o common_a refuge_n of_o cause_n that_o want_v better_a argument_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v here_o but_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o defence_n of_o the_o question_a assertion_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 22._o in_o which_o i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o degree_n first_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o plain_a ground_n upon_o which_o christian_n believe_v it_o second_o i_o shall_v compare_v those_o with_o those_o of_o less_o credibility_n which_o have_v general_o satisfy_v mankind_n in_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o three_o i_o shall_v consider_v whether_o those_o who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o those_o ground_n will_v not_o be_v equal_o so_o with_o any_o other_o way_n of_o attestation_n 23._o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o rigorous_a demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o mathematical_a proposition_n be_v to_o render_v a_o thing_n fit_a for_o rational_a belief_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v but_o that_o the_o motive_n for_o it_o do_v over-poise_n those_o against_o it_o and_o in_o that_o degree_n they_o do_v so_o so_o be_v the_o belief_n strong_a or_o weak_a 24._o now_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v such_o as_o be_v extrinsic_n or_o intrinsic_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o extrinsic_n be_v first_o and_o preparative_n to_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v insist_v on_o to_o a_o gain-say_a who_o must_v be_v suppose_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o late_a but_o as_o to_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o say_v that_o the_o diâ—ine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n have_v as_o great_a ground_n of_o credibility_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o whether_o god_n â—nspired_v the_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o be_v so_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o external_a evidence_n but_o that_o of_o testimony_n and_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v also_o in_o point_n of_o time_n so_o remote_a from_o we_o can_v be_v judge_v of_o only_a by_o a_o series_n of_o testimony_n derive_v from_o that_o age_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o this_o and_o the_o more_o credible_a the_o testifier_n and_o the_o more_o universal_a the_o testimony_n so_o much_o the_o more_o convince_a be_v they_o to_o all_o consider_v man_n 25._o and_o this_o attestation_n the_o scripture_n have_v in_o the_o high_a circumstance_n it_o have_v be_v witness_v to_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o those_o age_n by_o all_o person_n that_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v own_a by_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o write_n of_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n and_o that_o with_o such_o evidence_n of_o their_o mission_n as_o abundant_o satisfy_v those_o of_o that_o age_n of_o their_o be_v so_o inspire_v and_o they_o derive_v those_o write_n with_o that_o attestation_n to_o their_o posterity_n now_o that_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v not_o deceive_v be_v as_o moral_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v for_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v contain_v the_o history_n of_o those_o miracle_n wherewith_o god_n rescue_v that_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o instate_v they_o in_o canaan_n now_o if_o they_o who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n know_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v never_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v receive_v a_o evident_a fable_n as_o a_o inspire_a truth_n no_o single_a person_n much_o less_o a_o whole_a nation_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o stupid_a but_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v eie-witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n they_o may_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n conclude_v that_o the_o same_o moses_n who_o be_v by_o god_n impower_v to_o work_v they_o be_v so_o also_o for_o the_o relate_v they_o as_o also_o all_o those_o precedent_a event_n from_o the_o creation_n down_o to_o that_o time_n which_o be_v record_v by_o he_o 26._o so_o also_o for_o the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o those_o book_n those_o that_o see_v those_o formidable_a solemnity_n with_o which_o they_o be_v first_o publish_v have_v sure_o little_a temptation_n to_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o god_n when_o write_v now_o if_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o it_o be_v yet_o less_o imaginable_a that_o they_o shall_v conspire_v to_o impose_v a_o cheat_n upon_o their_o posterity_n nor_o indeed_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o so_o easy_a a_o credulity_n that_o it_o be_v at_o all_o probable_a the_o succeed_a generation_n will_v have_v be_v so_o impose_v on_o their_o humour_n be_v stubborn_a enough_o and_o the_o precept_n of_o their_o law_n severe_a and_o burdensome_a enough_o to_o have_v temt_v they_o to_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n have_v it_o not_o be_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o irresistible_a conviction_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o live_v under_o a_o theocracy_n the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o god_n prophet_n daily_o raise_v up_o among_o they_o to_o foretell_v event_n to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o reprove_v their_o backslide_n yet_o even_o these_o give_v the_o deference_n to_o the_o write_a word_n
nay_o make_v it_o the_o test_n by_o which_o to_o try_v true_a inspiration_n from_o false_a 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 it_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8._o 20._o so_o that_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v before_o acquire_v be_v still_o anew_o excite_v by_o fresh_a inspiration_n which_o both_o attest_v the_o old_a and_o become_v new_a part_n of_o their_o canon_n 27._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v esteem_v a_o small_a confirmation_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v in_o succeed_a age_n the_o signal_n accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v long_o before_o register_v in_o those_o book_n for_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v foretell_v and_o also_o verify_v they_o upon_o these_o ground_n the_o jew_n universal_o through_o all_o succession_n receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o great_a trust_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o according_o be_v so_o scrupulous_o vigilant_a in_o conserve_n they_o that_o their_o masorit_n number_v not_o only_o the_o section_n but_o the_o very_a word_n nay_o letter_n that_o no_o fraud_n or_o inadvertency_n may_v corrupt_v or_o defalk_v the_o least_o iota_fw-la of_o what_o they_o esteem_v so_o sacred_a a_o far_a testimony_n and_o sepiment_n to_o which_o be_v the_o samaritan_n chaldee_n and_o greek_a version_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o synagogs_n oâ—_n jew_n in_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o samaritanâ—_n at_o sichem_n can_v not_o at_o those_o distance_n receive_v a_o uniform_a alteration_n and_o any_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o original_a exemplar_n of_o the_o law_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o the_o prince_n be_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o always_o by_o he_o and_o transcribe_v it_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o every_o jew_n be_v to_o make_v it_o his_o constant_a discourse_n and_o meditation_n teach_v it_o his_o child_n and_o wear_v part_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o hand_n and_o forehead_n and_o now_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v more_o careful_o deduce_v or_o irrefragable_o testify_v nor_o any_o thing_n believe_v upon_o strong_a evidence_n 28._o that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v thus_o own_o these_o write_n as_o divine_a appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o record_n of_o past_a age_n but_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o present_a who_o still_o own_v they_o and_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o combination_n with_o the_o christian_n and_o if_o these_o be_v reasonable_a ground_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o must_v be_v most_o absurd_o sceptical_a that_o shall_v deny_v they_o must_v be_v so_o to_o christian_n also_o who_o derive_v they_o â—â—om_n they_o and_o that_o with_o this_o far_a advantage_n to_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o see_v the_o clear_a completion_n of_o those_o evangelical_n prophecy_n â—hich_v remain_v dark_a to_o they_o and_o consequent_o have_v a_o far_a argument_n to_o confirm_v â—s_n that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n â—re_n certain_o divine_a 29._o the_o new_a have_v also_o the_o like_a mean_n of_o probation_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v if_o true_o relate_v be_v acknowledge_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o what_o they_o oral_o deliver_v so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v its_o be_v divine_a must_v either_o deny_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o be_v so_o or_o else_o distrust_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o relation_n the_o former_a strike_v at_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n which_o if_o only_o of_o man_n must_v not_o only_o be_v fallible_a but_o be_v actual_o a_o deceit_n whilst_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o to_o such_o objector_n we_o have_v to_o oppose_v those_o stupendous_a miracle_n with_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v attest_v such_o as_o demonstrate_v a_o more_o than_o human_a efficacy_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotence_n to_o abet_v the_o false_a pretension_n of_o man_n be_v a_o conceit_n too_o unworthy_a even_o for_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o entertain_v 30._o it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v by_o god_n permit_v lie_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o of_o moses_n but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o both_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v more_o partial_a and_o disingenuous_a then_o even_o those_o magician_n be_v who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o disparity_n and_o confess_v in_o those_o which_o be_v true_o supernatural_a the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8._o 19_o therefore_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v predict_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n deut._n 13._o 1._o mat._n 24._o 11._o 24._o as_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o fidelity_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o will_v prefer_v the_o few_o and_o trivial_a sleight_n which_o recommend_v a_o deceiver_n before_o those_o great_a and_o numberless_a miracle_n which_o attest_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n deliver_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n whether_o the_o trick_n of_o a_o barchochebas_n to_o hold_v fire_n in_o his_o mouth_n that_o of_o marcus_n the_o heretic_n to_o make_v the_o wine_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n appear_v blood_n or_o that_o of_o mahomet_n to_o bring_v a_o pigeon_n to_o his_o ear_n aught_o to_o be_v put_v in_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o silly_a story_n which_o jamblichus_n solemn_o relate_v of_o pythagoras_n or_o those_o philostratus_n tell_v of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n deserve_v to_o rival_n those_o of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a judgement_n and_o according_o threaten_v by_o almighty_a god_n that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 11._o but_o still_o the_o almighty_a where_o any_o man_n or_o devil_n do_v proud_o be_v evident_o above_o he_o exod._n 18._o 11._o will_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n and_o be_v clear_a when_o he_o be_v judge_v rom._n 3._o 4._o 31._o but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v sceptic_n and_o doubt_v every_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o matter_n call_v into_o question_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o admit_v but_o two_o way_n of_o solution_n probability_n and_o testimony_n first_o for_o probability_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o first_o promulger_n of_o christ_n miracle_n in_o his_o life_n time_n they_o be_v either_o the_o patient_n on_o who_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v spectator_n the_o former_a as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o but_o must_v needs_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v cure_v or_o no_o so_o what_o imaginable_a design_n can_v they_o have_v to_o deceive_v other_o many_o indeed_o have_v pretend_a impotency_n as_o a_o motive_n of_o compassion_n but_o what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o own_v a_o cure_n they_o have_v not_o as_o for_o the_o spectator_n as_o their_o multitude_n add_v to_o their_o credibility_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o shall_v at_o once_o be_v delude_v in_o a_o matter_n so_o obvious_a to_o their_o sense_n so_o do_v it_o also_o acquit_v they_o from_o fraud_n and_o combination_n cheat_n and_o forgery_n be_v always_o hatch_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o close_a cabal_n and_o private_a juncto_n that_o five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n and_o four_o thousand_o at_o another_o shall_v conspire_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_o feed_v when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o all_o prove_v true_a to_o the_o fiction_n and_o not_o betray_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o irrational_a to_o be_v suppose_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v parallel_v 32._o beside_o admit_v it_o possible_a that_o so_o many_o can_v have_v join_v in_o the_o deceit_n yet_o what_o imaginable_a end_n can_v they_o have_v in_o it_o have_v their_o lie_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o some_o potent_a prince_n that_o may_v have_v reward_v it_o there_o have_v be_v some_o temptation_n but_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v from_o the_o repute_a son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n who_o have_v not_o himself_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n nay_o who_o disclaim_v all_o secular_a power_n convey_v himself_o away_o from_o their_o importunity_n when_o they_o will_v have_v force_v he_o to_o be_v a_o king_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v