12.5_o 6._o jam._n 4.6_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o and_o other_o place_n plain_o allude_v 4.18_o allude_v 2_o cor._n 8.21_o 1_o pet._n 4.18_o to_o by_o they_o i_o say_v one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o consideration_n add_v to_o the_o intrinsical_a worth_a of_o the_o book_n itself_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a inducement_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o book_n compose_v by_o god_n appointment_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o further_a upon_o this_o sebject_n i_o can_v but_o reflect_v by_o the_o way_n upon_o a_o passage_n of_o our_o author_n which_o the_o observe_v that_o this_o book_n be_v quote_v by_o the_o apostle_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o that_o be_v this_o he_o tell_v we_o 105_o we_o fr._n p._n 278._o eng._n p._n 105_o that_o the_o apostle_n never_o cite_v the_o work_n of_o solomon_n or_o the_o book_n of_o job_n what_o he_o say_v touch_v the_o former_a i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v to_o be_v manifest_o false_a and_o there_o be_v as_o little_a truth_n in_o the_o late_a part_n of_o his_o word_n for_o the_o book_n of_o job_n be_v as_o formal_o quote_v by_o st._n paul_n 3.19_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 3.19_o as_o any_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n which_o citation_n as_o it_o be_v certain_o take_v out_o of_o job_n 13._o job_n c._n 5._o 13._o so_o it_o show_v withal_o a_o great_a deference_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v take_v i_o think_v fit_a just_a to_o observe_v this_o mistake_n of_o mr._n n.'s_n though_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a consequence_n on_o purpose_n to_o take_v down_o the_o confidence_n of_o this_o gentleman_n a_o little_a and_o show_v he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o exact_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o man_n that_o undertake_v to_o criticise_v upon_o it_o with_o so_o much_o capriciousness_n and_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o regard_n to_o its_o authority_n aught_o to_o be_v but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o general_n charge_v which_o our_o author_n have_v advance_v against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n be_v 94._o be_v fr._n p._n 271._o en._n p._n 94._o that_o they_o be_v moral_a sentence_n which_o a_o good_a man_n may_v pronounce_v without_o inspiration_n as_o if_o no_o book_n can_v be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n but_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v such_o as_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o can_v be_v the_o product_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n no_o work_n must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n but_o what_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o natural_a agent_n and_o so_o god_n must_v be_v account_v the_o author_n of_o nothing_o that_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v pure_o miraculous_a now_o this_o argument_n if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o it_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o far_o that_o no_o book_n of_o moral_a instruction_n can_v be_v for_o morality_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o law_n of_o right_a reason_n instruct_v we_o how_o to_o govern_v our_o action_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o law_n of_o reason_n contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o above_o reason_n and_o consequent_o nothing_o which_o be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o think_v or_o speak_v from_o all_o which_o it_o will_v follow_v by_o our_o author_n principle_n that_o whatever_o book_n contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v deducible_a from_o the_o principle_n of_o mere_a reason_n must_v be_v pure_o humane_a and_o can_v have_v nothing_o divine_a or_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o it_o but_o be_v not_o mr._n n._n sensible_a that_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o world_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a reason_v and_o especial_o the_o imperfect_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n have_v so_o far_o obscure_v a_o great_a many_o branch_n of_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a illumination_n to_o recover_v some_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o set_v they_o in_o a_o true_a light_n so_o as_o to_o convince_v other_o of_o their_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n sure_o our_o author_n will_v grant_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v a_o truth_n that_o be_v adequate_a to_o humane_a reason_n nay_o a_o truth_n so_o evident_a that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o man_n of_o search_v head_n can_v miss_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o the_o heathen_n that_o have_v their_o reason_n so_o thorough_o purge_v from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o education_n and_o the_o establish_v religion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v infect_v it_o with_o as_o to_o assent_v to_o this_o truth_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o man_n may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o teacher_n divine_o enlighten_v to_o discover_v such_o truth_n to_o they_o as_o may_v indeed_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v in_o its_o true_a perfection_n but_o yet_o be_v such_o as_o few_o man_n reason_n have_v arrive_v to_o because_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n to_o which_o it_o be_v obnoxious_a and_o many_o such_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o book_n which_o though_o they_o be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o man_n can_v but_o assent_v to_o they_o assoon_o as_o they_o hear_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o search_v for_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o best_a and_o acute_a philosopher_n for_o instance_n we_o may_v challenge_v they_o to_o show_v such_o a_o wise_a instruction_n in_o any_o of_o their_o book_n as_o solomon_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n 1.7_o morality_n prov._n 1.7_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n or_o this_o 6_o this_o prov._n 3.5_o 6_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o indeed_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v enforce_v upon_o man_n from_o religious_a consideration_n and_o by_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o must_v expect_v from_o he_o according_a as_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o which_o make_v this_o book_n differ_v very_o much_o from_o the_o moral_a write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v little_a or_o nothing_o say_v concern_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n his_o authority_n over_o we_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o the_o submission_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n all_o which_o be_v often_o insist_v upon_o in_o this_o book_n for_o this_o be_v a_o visible_a defect_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o as_o they_o never_o enforce_v our_o duty_n by_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n so_o their_o disswasives_n from_o vice_n be_v take_v from_o these_o topic_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o a_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n rather_o than_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n a_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n and_o a_o act_n of_o disobedience_n which_o he_o will_v punish_v i_o confess_v some_o philosopher_n that_o live_v since_o the_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n especial_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n have_v very_o excellent_a say_n concern_v god_n providence_n and_o the_o submission_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n diffuse_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n it_o in_o some_o measure_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n even_o of_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v it_o as_o the_o sun_n give_v light_a before_o it_o reach_v our_o hemisphere_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o very_a account_n which_o inquisitive_a man_n receive_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n help_v to_o clear_a up_o their_o mind_n and_o give_v they_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n than_o they_o have_v before_o but_o to_o return_v beside_o the_o precept_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v there_o be_v many_o excellent_a advice_n give_v in_o the_o proverb_n to_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n from_o prince_n
fr._n p._n 280_o 285._o that_o lay_v too_o great_a stress_n upon_o word_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n among_o christian_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o have_v but_o then_o the_o fault_n have_v be_v that_o man_n have_v either_o interpret_v scripture-expression_n by_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n which_o the_o holy_a writer_n never_o hear_v of_o or_o else_o they_o have_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o sentiment_n of_o those_o time_n in_o which_o these_o book_n be_v write_v but_o have_v judge_v of_o their_o sense_n by_o the_o scheme_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o dispute_n of_o modern_a age_n as_o if_o they_o be_v write_v only_o with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o controversy_n that_o shall_v arise_v in_o aftertime_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o sentiment_n and_o exigency_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v but_o if_o we_o have_v a_o regard_n only_o to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o language_n which_o the_o holy_a writer_n use_v and_o judge_v of_o their_o sentiment_n by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n and_o by_o such_o ancient_a author_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o notion_n which_o be_v then_o general_o receive_v i_o do_v think_v lay_v stress_n upon_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v lead_v we_o into_o such_o gross_a error_n as_o mr._n n._n imagine_v 234._o imagine_v eng._n p._n 146._o fr_n p._n 234._o and_o without_o suppose_v this_o we_o can_v scarce_o deduce_v any_o inference_n from_o scripture_n text_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o sometime_o argue_v from_o word_n and_o those_o too_o take_v in_o their_o nice_a signification_n a_o remarkable_a example_n of_o which_o be_v that_o inference_n of_o s._n paul_n 3.16_o paul_n gal._n 3.16_o to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_v make_v he_o say_v not_o and_o to_o seed_n as_o of_o many_o but_o as_o of_o one_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ_n 3._o since_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n take_v care_n that_o these_o book_n shall_v be_v write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o give_v providential_a occasion_n for_o their_o be_v write_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v compose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o not_o to_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o the_o natural_a reason_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o writer_n who_o compose_v they_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o suppose_v to_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n and_o we_o believe_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o power_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o pure_o miraculous_a and_o and_z mere_o god_n own_a act_n and_o deed_n but_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o second_o cause_n as_o his_o instrument_n and_o why_o then_o can_o he_o give_v man_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n except_o the_o write_n be_v with_o the_o immediate_a finger_n of_o god_n as_o the_o two_o table_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v only_o excite_v and_o assist_v our_o natural_a faculty_n not_o supersede_n or_o render_v they_o useless_a and_o even_o the_o extraordinary_a one_o do_v very_o often_o influence_n man_n mind_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o appear_v by_o s._n paul_n advice_n to_o timothy_n 4.14_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o second_o epistle_n 1.6_o epistle_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o suppose_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v inspire_a and_o to_o have_v have_v the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a talent_n but_o that_o the_o writer_n make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o their_o purpose_n and_o god_n supply_v their_o defect_n from_o hence_o appear_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o argument_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o our_o author_n and_o by_o some_o other_o against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o poetical_a book_n 27._o book_n fr._n p._n 230._o en._n p._n 27._o of_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o study_n and_o meditation_n and_o against_o that_o of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n 722._o scripture_n grot._fw-la votum_fw-la pro_fw-la pace_fw-la p._n 672._o refutat_fw-la apologet._n p._n 722._o because_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v either_o of_o the_o writer_n own_o knowledge_n or_o else_o take_v from_o ancient_n memoir_n or_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o s._n paul_n epistle_n by_o spinoza_n 11_o spinoza_n theol._n polit._n c._n 11_o that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o argumentation_n which_o he_o think_v must_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o s._n paul_n own_o reason_n as_o if_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o perfect_a systeme_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n infuse_v into_o his_o mind_n by_o revelation_n as_o we_o suppose_v s._n paul_n to_o have_v have_v do_v not_o apprehend_v it_o after_o a_o rational_a manner_n and_o see_v the_o whole_a series_n and_o chain_n of_o its_o principle_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o he_o can_v infer_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o pleasant_a argument_n against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o a_o book_n that_o it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o rational_a and_o argumentative_a way_n which_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v below_o god_n almighty_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o his_o institution_n or_o else_o that_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o show_v their_o disciple_n that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v rational_o deduce_v from_o certain_a principle_n and_o to_o confute_v their_o adversary_n the_o same_o way_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o bare_a authority_n nor_o believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a mere_o because_o they_o say_v so_o 4._o it_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o a_o book_n be_v be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o write_v upon_o some_o particular_a exigency_n and_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v for_o some_o of_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v certain_o design_v for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o inspiration_n and_o i_o do_v it_o at_o present_a concern_v myself_o with_o any_o other_o i_o say_v some_o of_o the_o undoubted_o inspire_a write_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o particular_a exigence_n of_o those_o time_n in_o which_o their_o author_n live_v i_o mean_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v all_o send_v by_o god_n to_o testify_v against_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o if_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o these_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o the_o church_n why_o may_v not_o the_o other_o occasional_a write_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o i_o may_v so_o term_v they_o have_v be_v compose_v with_o the_o same_o design_n i_o have_v already_o show_v 19_o show_v p._n 19_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o st._n paul_n write_v do_v excellent_o answer_v this_o intent_n from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o some_o popish_a writer_n why_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n because_o several_a part_n of_o it_o be_v write_v only_o with_o relation_n to_o particular_a exigency_n of_o some_o one_o church_n hold_v as_o well_o against_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o jew_n because_o a_o great_a part_n of_o of_o it_o viz._n the_o prophecy_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o those_o time_n in_o which_o the_o prophet_n live_v chap._n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o inspiration_n have_v say_v thus_o much_o in_o general_a concern_v the_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostolical_a write_n i_o proceed_v to_o examine_v more_o distin_o the_o assertion_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n have_v lay_v down_o concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o their_o write_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o shall_v consider_v particular_o both_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o extent_n some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a gift_n with_o which_o the_o
if_o the_o marriage_n contract_v be_v break_v on_o the_o unbeliever_n side_n the_o believer_n be_v no_o long_o tie_v 3._o tie_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v._o ver_fw-la 39_o &_o rom._n 7.1_o 2_o 3._o by_o it_o which_o be_v not_o true_a of_o a_o marriage_n where_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n take_v place_n for_o there_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o marriage_n covenant_n on_o one_o side_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o bond_n nor_o release_v the_o other_o party_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o adultery_n which_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o here_o suppose_v which_o seem_v to_o i_o plain_o to_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o marriage_n as_o these_o this_o seem_v too_o to_o have_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n by_o the_o story_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o justin_n martyr_n first_o apology_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o reckon_v concern_v a_o woman_n init_fw-la woman_n apol._n 1._o init_fw-la that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n after_o have_v use_v many_o endeavour_n to_o reclaim_v her_o husband_n from_o his_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n when_o they_o all_o prove_v ineffectual_a send_v he_o a_o divorce_n draw_v up_o according_a to_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o roman_a law_n ibid._n law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n this_o action_n of_o she_o be_v commend_v by_o justin_n martyr_n which_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v think_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n take_v place_n in_o such_o a_o marriage_n as_o this_o which_o be_v contract_v in_o a_o state_n of_o heathenism_n for_o certain_o christianity_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o wife_n to_o put_v away_o her_o husband_n upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o since_o that_o be_v never_o allow_v by_o moses_n law_n nor_o ever_o practise_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o herod_n time_n when_o salome_n send_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o her_o husband_n which_o be_v do_v contrary_a to_o the_o jewish_a law_n as_o josephus_n b._n josephus_n antiq._n l._n 15._o c._n 9_o p._n 532._o b._n who_o relate_v it_o observe_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n concern_v marriage_n where_o one_o party_n be_v a_o convert_n to_o christianity_n and_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o s._n paul_n resolve_v the_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o concern_v this_o matter_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a why_o he_o introduce_v his_o answer_n with_o this_o preface_n i_o not_o the_o lord_n 7.12_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 7.12_o for_o this_o case_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n s._n paul_n discourse_n of_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n where_o he_o give_v his_o judgement_n about_o the_o state_n of_o virginity_n and_o widowhood_n the_o doubt_n concern_v which_o matter_n he_o resolve_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a distress_n 7.26_o distress_n 1_o cor._n 7.26_o and_o the_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o say_v i_o give_v my_o opinion_n about_o these_o question_n as_o one_o that_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v faithful_a 7.25_o faithful_a 1_o cor._n 7.25_o and_o again_o after_o my_o judgement_n and_o i_o think_v that_o i_o also_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 40._o god_n ver_fw-la 40._o but_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n or_o teacher_n send_v by_o god_n but_o in_o such_o a_o style_n as_o imply_v only_o a_o ordinary_a assistance_n such_o as_o any_o pious_a skilful_a pastor_n may_v still_o expect_v for_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v sincere_o give_v you_o the_o best_a advice_n i_o can_v my_o judgement_n be_v not_o bias_v by_o any_o corrupt_a end_n i_o have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o promote_v god_n glory_n and_o your_o good_a and_o therefore_o i_o may_v be_v pretty_a confident_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o influence_n i_o have_v often_o feel_v have_v now_o so_o far_o assist_v i_o that_o i_o have_v advise_v you_o for_o the_o best_a 3._o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n speak_v without_o inspiration_n be_v when_o they_o discourse_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o they_o must_v be_v content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o as_o be_v the_o time_n when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v come_v which_o be_v a_o secret_a god_n have_v reserve_v 24.36_o reserve_v matt._n 24.36_o to_o himself_o and_o of_o restore_a the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n 1.6_o israel_n act._n 1.6_o as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n think_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v come_v in_o their_o own_o time_n or_o within_o a_o very_a little_a while_n afterward_o 9.26_o afterward_o see_v 1_o thes_n 4.14_o 2_o thes_n 2.2_o 1_o cor._n 10_o 11._o 15.52_o 2_o cor._n 5.3_o 2_o pet._n 3.4_o 1_o pet._n 4.7_o heb._n 9.26_o but_o this_o they_o only_o gather_v by_o humane_a reason_v and_o conjecture_n draw_v from_o some_o expression_n find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n such_o as_o the_o call_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o latter_a day_n a_o expression_n often_o use_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o our_o saviour_n join_v together_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerurusalem_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o s._n matthew_n the_o 24_o and_o as_o the_o event_n have_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v so_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n for_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o case_n but_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o doubtful_a term_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v 〈◊〉_d cite_v 2_o cor._n 5.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o so_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v find_v clothe_v not_o naked_a for_o so_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v translate_v in_o these_o case_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v speak_v like_o men._n and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o any_o to_o pretend_v that_o if_o we_o grant_v thus_o much_o we_o do_v in_o effect_n give_v up_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o than_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o distinguish_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o they_o speak_v of_o themselves_o for_o sure_a man_n may_v distinguish_v if_o they_o please_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n from_o a_o cloak_n and_o parchment_n or_o a_o journey_n to_o corinth_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o first_o except_v case_n and_o in_o the_o second_o we_o have_v the_o apostle_n himself_o plain_o distinguish_v this_o from_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o write_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v he_o speak_v not_o the_o lord_n 11.17_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 7.12_o v._o 2_o cor._n 11.17_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o commandment_n from_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o give_v his_o judgement_n 7.25_o judgement_n 1_o cor._n 7.25_o the_o same_o expression_n we_o find_v elsewhere_o in_o a_o like_a case_n 10._o case_n 2_o cor._n 8.8_o 10._o viz._n concern_v the_o measure_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o do_v it_o fall_v under_o a_o divine_a command_n now_o if_o a_o exception_n confirm_v a_o rule_n in_o case_n not_o except_v we_o may_v just_o infer_v from_o the_o apostle_n set_v a_o mark_n upon_o these_o discourse_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o divine_a command_n that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o distinguish_a mark_n we_o must_v suppose_v he_o to_o deliver_v what_o he_o say_v under_o the_o character_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o messenger_n of_o god_n unless_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o discourse_n do_v plain_o imply_v the_o contrary_a and_o be_v such_o as_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o two_o other_o head_n of_o except_a case_n as_o to_o the_o three_o instance_n of_o except_v case_n the_o evangelist_n have_v sufficient_o forewarn_v we_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o any_o man_n judgement_n as_o infallible_a in_o this_o matter_n since_o they_o have_v record_v 13.32_o record_v matt._n 24.36_o mark_v 13.32_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n where_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o the_o general_n judgement_n be_v a_o secret_a god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v it_o to_o any_o creature_n of_o what_o rank_n or_o degree_n soever_o no_o not_o to_o the_o son_n himself_o and_o though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o commission_n to_o reveal_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v
opinion_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o he_o find_v so_o much_o fault_n with_o be_v for_o all_o that_o a_o very_a elegant_a expression_n he_o have_v print_v the_o close_a of_o this_o synodical_a epistle_n in_o great_a letter_n as_o if_o it_o have_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o it_o and_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o his_o side_n but_o as_o big_a as_o the_o word_n look_v whoever_o consider_v they_o will_v find_v there_o be_v very_o little_a sense_n in_o his_o application_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o do_v not_o see_v much_o in_o our_o author_n that_o reflect_v upon_o the_o authority_n or_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o since_o i_o be_o engage_v in_o the_o subject_a of_o inspiration_n and_o those_o person_n who_o have_v no_o great_a esteem_n for_o the_o sacred_a book_n fancy_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o prophet_n liable_a to_o exception_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o impertinent_a or_o beside_o my_o main_a design_n which_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n if_o i_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o those_o consideration_n which_o tend_v to_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o most_o popular_a objection_n against_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o i._o consider_v the_o personal_a qualification_n of_o the_o prophet_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o their_o prophecy_n iii_o i_o shall_v resolve_v some_o difficulty_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o or_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v i._o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n take_v off_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o prophetical_a write_n if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n the_o prophet_n be_v and_o what_o excellent_a qualification_n they_o be_v endow_v with_o man_n that_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o argument_n that_o make_v religion_n look_v like_o a_o cheat_n think_v they_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o prophecy_n because_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o cheat_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o they_o find_v that_o usual_o the_o person_n that_o pretend_v to_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n be_v in_o all_o other_o respect_n of_o such_o shallow_a intellectual_n and_o such_o mean_a qualification_n that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v take_v their_o advice_n in_o any_o thing_n of_o ordinary_a concern_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a god_n shall_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o person_n to_o be_v his_o messenger_n and_o the_o conveyer_n of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n but_o if_o they_o will_v likewise_o consider_v how_o unlike_a the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o these_o pretender_n both_o as_o to_o their_o intellectual_n and_o their_o moral_n it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o discover_v how_o vast_o different_a they_o be_v from_o each_o other_o and_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o one_o will_v more_o evident_o appear_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o evident_a mark_n of_o imposture_n and_o meanness_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o intellectual_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o true_a prophet_n they_o have_v usual_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o liberal_a education_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n and_o we_o find_v it_o be_v reckon_v a_o wonder_n that_o saul_n shall_v be_v among_o the_o prophet_n 19.24_o prophet_n 1_o sam._n 10_o 11_o 19.24_o because_o he_o have_v not_o be_v educate_v suitable_o to_o that_o profession_n so_o god_n call_v amos_n to_o this_o office_n from_o be_v a_o herdsman_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o unusual_a as_o he_o himself_o intimate_v 8.14_o intimate_v amos_n 8.14_o and_o indeed_o the_o style_n of_o the_o prophet_n plain_o discover_v they_o to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o a_o good_a education_n and_o therefore_o the_o critic_n have_v all_o observe_v what_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o amos_n style_n and_o that_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n which_o they_o just_o impute_v to_o their_o different_a education_n isaiah_n style_n be_v elegant_a 4._o elegant_a isaiae_n dictio_fw-la purissimaâ—ntor_n omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la post_fw-la mosen_n scripserunt_fw-la &_o ejus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pulcherrimae_fw-la grot._n in_o be_v 50_o 4._o and_o lofty_a jeremy_n show_n he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o great_a master_n of_o rhetoric_n idem_fw-la rhetoric_n mirus_fw-la in_o affectibus_fw-la concitandis_fw-la jeremias_n idem_fw-la ezekiel_n plain_o discover_v in_o his_o way_n of_o writing_n great_a skill_n in_o architecture_n and_o geography_n daniel_n wisdom_n be_v so_o famous_a even_o when_o he_o be_v young_a that_o it_o become_v a_o proverb_n among_o the_o chaldean_n to_o say_v be_v thou_o wise_a than_o daniel_n 28.3_o daniel_n ezek._n 28.3_o and_o not_o to_o descend_v to_o any_o more_o particular_n we_o find_v that_o all_o their_o writing_n be_v full_a of_o powerful_a exhortation_n to_o virtue_n of_o weighty_a and_o pathetic_a representation_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o be_v then_o prevail_v and_o the_o misery_n which_o will_v attend_v they_o we_o find_v they_o set_v forth_o the_o absurdity_n of_o pagan_a idolatry_n &c_n idolatry_n be_v 40.18_o etc._n etc._n 44.9_o &c_n &c_n with_o great_a strength_n and_o smartness_n of_o argument_n and_o endeavour_v to_o give_v man_n clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o god_n spirituality_n etc._n spirituality_n be_v 40.12_o etc._n etc._n unity_n 44.6_o unity_n jer._n 10.11_o 12._o be_v 44.6_o omnipresence_n 66.1_o omnipresence_n jer._n 23.23_o 24._o be_v 66.1_o universal_a providence_n of_o which_o the_o foretell_v how_o free_a agent_n will_v determine_v themselves_o be_v a_o signal_n instance_n and_o justice_n in_o reward_v man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n 18._o work_n jer._n 18.7_o etc._n etc._n ezek._n 18._o they_o unfold_v the_o method_n of_o providence_n in_o dispose_v of_o kingdom_n 25._o kingdom_n jer._n 25._o and_o make_v use_n of_o wicked_a prince_n and_o nation_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n justice_n in_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o 19_o other_o be_v 10.6_o etc._n etc._n ezek._n 29.18_o 19_o such_o discourse_n dont_fw-fr look_n like_o the_o idle_a dream_n of_o a_o melancholy_a and_o disturb_a fancy_n but_o do_v indeed_o answer_v the_o character_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o those_o man_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a original_a ought_v in_o reason_n to_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o settle_a judgement_n and_o can_v in_o justice_n but_o grant_n that_o if_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o foresee_v what_o be_v to_o come_v by_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n yet_o they_o make_v very_o probable_a conjecture_n by_o a_o natural_a sagacity_n since_o the_o event_n have_v so_o plain_o justify_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o prediction_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n yet_o they_o can_v in_o justice_n deny_v but_o that_o they_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v with_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n as_o man_n natural_a faculty_n can_v arrive_v to_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o origen_n do_v often_o in_o his_o book_n against_o celsus_n cant._n celsus_n p._n 18_o 177.-260.-359_a ed._n cant._n insist_v upon_o this_o that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n instruct_v man_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o duty_n much_o better_a than_o the_o acute_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n so_o malicious_a and_o groundless_a be_v that_o pretence_n of_o spinoza_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o 21._o we_o theol._n polit._n c._n 1._o p.m._n 21._o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o their_o notion_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n because_o forsooth_o different_a prophet_n see_v different_a sign_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o distinguish_v between_o a_o symbol_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o and_o he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o moses_n take_v the_o cloudy_a pillar_n to_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o must_v conclude_v that_o moses_n think_v the_o cherubim_n and_o the_o cloud_n upon_o the_o mercy-seat_n which_o he_o himself_o order_v to_o be_v make_v to_o be_v god_n or_o at_o least_o to_o resemble_v his_o essence_n and_o then_o i_o think_v he_o will_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o great_a idolatry_n than_o aaron_n be_v in_o make_v the_o golden_a calf_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o moral_a endowment_n of_o the_o prophet_n we_o shall_v find_v
which_o i_o have_v discourse_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n etc._n chapter_n p._n 139._o etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o i_o think_v the_o use_n of_o prophecy_n chief_o consist_v in_o the_o compare_v the_o event_n with_o the_o prophecy_n which_o when_o they_o be_v find_v perfect_o to_o agree_v it_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o general_n and_o that_o this_o particular_a event_n which_o the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o overrule_a power_n there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n that_o plain_o show_v this_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o many_o of_o their_o prophecy_n god_n himself_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o foretell_v the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jewish_a captivity_n 48.5_o captivity_n be_v 48.5_o i_o have_v even_o from_o the_o beginning_n declare_v it_o to_o thou_o before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o show_v it_o thou_o lest_o thou_o shall_v say_v my_o idol_n have_v do_v they_o and_o my_o graven_n image_n and_o my_o molten_n image_n have_v command_v they_o and_o such_o event_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v ready_a to_o ascribe_v to_o their_o idol_n if_o god_n have_v not_o prevent_v it_o many_o other_o will_v willing_o ascribe_v to_o fate_n or_o chance_n and_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o god_n to_o vindicate_v his_o providence_n and_o show_v that_o he_o interest_n himself_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o such_o case_n where_o his_o church_n be_v concern_v have_v be_v please_v to_o foretell_v several_a future_a event_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v man_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v intimate_v in_o those_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o daniel_n 10._o daniel_n dan._n 12.4_o see_v ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o thou_o o_o daniel_n shut_v up_o the_o word_n and_o seal_v the_o book_n even_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o end_n many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n c._n 8.26_o shut_v thou_o up_o the_o vision_n for_o yet_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o many_o day_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o place_n be_v lay_v this_o prophecy_n up_o safe_a till_o after_o time_n for_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v 52._o understand_v see_v be_v 29.11_o rev._n 52._o as_o yet_o but_o when_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v near_o and_o ready_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v than_o man_n shall_v begin_v to_o understand_v it_o the_o gradual_a completion_n of_o the_o prophecy_n shall_v open_v their_o understanding_n and_o the_o compare_v those_o part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v already_o fulfil_v with_o the_o event_n shall_v give_v light_n into_o and_o direct_a man_n to_o judge_n of_o those_o particular_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v fulfil_v we_o find_v st._n john_n 22.10_o john_n rev._n 22.10_o receive_v a_o command_n quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o which_o be_v give_v to_o daniel_n ground_v upon_o the_o contrary_a reason_n seal_v not_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o probable_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o yet_o fulfil_v and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v that_o this_o prophecy_n may_v have_v be_v order_v to_o be_v seal_v up_o at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o daniel_n but_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o prophecy_n seem_v to_o lie_v here_o that_o though_o some_o part_n of_o the_o revelation_n belong_v to_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o other_o relate_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v seal_v up_o but_o lay_v open_a to_o be_v read_v 1.3_o read_v rev._n 1.3_o and_o consider_v from_o the_o very_a time_n when_o it_o be_v deliver_v because_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o part_n of_o it_o commence_v very_o early_o and_o therefore_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o must_v short_o come_v to_o pass_v 1.1_o pass_v rev._n 1.1_o whereas_o that_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n which_v relate_v to_o antichrist_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o command_n of_o seal_v up_o the_o book_n belong_v only_o to_o that_o particular_a prophecy_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o context_n of_o the_o two_o forementioned_a passage_n 26._o passage_n dan._n 11.36_o etc._n etc._n to_o c._n 12_o 5-8_a 13_o to_o 26._o together_o i_o say_v the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n foretell_v by_o daniel_n be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o of_o daniel_n own_o time_n and_o no_o part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o it_o short_o to_o be_v accomplish_v i_o think_v from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o use_v of_o several_a prophecy_n according_a to_o god_n own_o intention_n do_v chief_o consist_v in_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o event_n after_o they_o be_v fulfil_v and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n useless_a as_o a_o book_n that_o be_v seal_v up_o till_o the_o thing_n themselves_o appear_v now_o if_o prophecy_n be_v design_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o event_n this_o suppose_n that_o the_o word_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v be_v not_o to_o be_v plain_a of_o themselves_o but_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n why_o god_n shall_v not_o give_v man_n a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v and_o that_o be_v because_o 2._o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v distinct_o reveal_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o providence_n bring_v the_o thing_n foretell_v to_o pass_v which_o be_v a_o second_o reason_n why_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v obscure_a god_n always_o make_v use_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o his_o providence_n but_o if_o they_o certain_o know_v what_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v they_o can_v not_o be_v instrumental_a in_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v in_o a_o rational_a and_o free_a way_n of_o act_v because_o it_o will_v not_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o themselves_o to_o have_v a_o full_a power_n over_o and_o a_o free_a determination_n of_o their_o own_o action_n and_o that_o whether_o the_o thing_n foreknow_v be_v good_a or_o bad_a if_o it_o be_v good_a it_o tempt_v man_n to_o carelessness_n and_o to_o presume_v too_o much_o upon_o god_n promise_n for_o then_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o argue_v thus_o what_o need_v we_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o help_v to_o fulfil_v god_n promise_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v about_o his_o design_n without_o our_o assistance_n god_n be_v oblige_v in_o honour_n to_o see_v his_o word_n make_v good_a and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v but_o he_o will_v take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v perform_v on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o the_o prophecy_n foretell_v some_o sinful_a action_n to_o be_v commit_v such_o a_o prophecy_n will_v humane_o speak_v very_o often_o destroy_v itself_o and_o the_o very_o foretell_v it_o plain_o will_v hinder_v the_o thing_n foretell_v from_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o if_o such_o prophecy_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o every_o body_n at_o first_o sight_n can_v see_v the_o whole_a contrivance_n and_o look_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o the_o action_n they_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o man_n voluntary_a determination_n and_o make_v they_o pure_o passive_a in_o produce_v the_o foretold_a event_n and_o mere_a tool_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n almighty_n for_o instance_n if_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n have_v be_v foretell_v with_o all_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n the_o manner_n how_o and_o the_o precise_a time_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o we_o can_v imagine_v so_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o it_o without_o be_v perfect_o carry_v on_o to_o it_o by_o a_o overrule_a power_n against_o their_o own_o inclination_n which_o beside_o its_o thwart_v the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n must_v make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n but_o since_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o suffering_n be_v deliver_v with_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o obscurity_n as_o never_o to_o be_v full_o understand_v till_o after_o the_o event_n this_o give_v room_n for_o the_o jew_n malice_n to_o concur_v with_o god_n providence_n in_o bring_v this_o to_o pass_v and_o so_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v they_o 13.27_o they_o act_n 13.27_o because_o they_o know_v he_o not_o nor_o yet_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o prophet_n they_o fulfil_v they_o in_o condemn_v he_o again_o