to_o thing_n relate_v to_o honesty_n and_o good_a manner_n we_o ought_v to_o think_v otherwise_o i_o will_v more_o exact_o and_o full_o prove_v because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o from_o thence_o will_v conclude_v that_o prophesy_v never_o leave_v the_o prophet_n more_o learned_a but_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n in_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o many_o man_n have_v very_o unadvised_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o prophet_n know_v all_o thing_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o human_a understanding_n and_o though_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o know_v some_o thing_n yet_o they_o be_v rather_o willing_a to_o confess_v they_o do_v not_o understand_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n then_o yield_v the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o endeavour_v so_o to_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o will_v have_v it_o say_v that_o which_o it_o do_v not_o mean._n if_o either_o of_o these_o be_v lawful_a then_o farewell_o to_o all_o scripture_n for_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o it_o shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o those_o that_o be_v obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a or_o else_o shall_v be_v interpret_v as_o we_o please_v for_o example_n nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o josuah_n and_o perhaps_o he_o that_o write_v the_o book_n of_o josuah_n do_v belive_o that_o the_o sun_n move_v about_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o earth_n have_v no_o motion_n and_o that_o the_o sun_n for_o some_o time_n stand_v still_o yet_o many_o because_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o mutation_n in_o the_o heaven_n so_o expound_v that_o place_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v to_o imply_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o other_o who_o think_v themselves_o better_a philosopher_n because_o they_o believe_v the_o eatrh_n move_v and_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o or_o at_o least_o move_v not_o about_o the_o earth_n do_v with_o might_n and_o main_a endeavour_v to_o wrest_v the_o proof_n of_o their_o opinion_n out_o of_o the_o same_o scripture_n against_o its_o plain_a word_n indeed_o at_o these_o man_n i_o much_o wonder_v be_v any_o man_n oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o josuah_n a_o soldier_n be_v perfect_o skilled_a in_o astronomy_n and_o that_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o or_o that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n can_v not_o remain_v long_o above_o the_o horizon_n then_o ordinary_a unless_o josuah_n understand_v the_o cause_n thereof_o both_o seem_v to_o i_o ridiculous_a and_o i_o have_v rather_o plain_o say_v that_o josuah_n do_v not_o know_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o continue_a light_n and_o that_o all_o the_o army_n with_o he_o do_v think_v that_o the_o sun_n have_v adivurual_a motion_n about_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v stand_v still_o that_o particular_a day_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o its_o long_a shine_v but_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o hail_n which_o the_o 11_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n of_o josuah_n say_v be_v then_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n may_v cause_v a_o great_a refraction_n of_o light_n then_o ordinary_a or_o some_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o our_o business_n here_o to_o inquire_v in_o like_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o isaiah_n a_o sign_n be_v give_v by_o the_o shadow_n be_v go_v back_o upon_o the_o dyal_n of_o ahaz_n because_o his_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o sun_n move_v and_o not_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o parhelij_fw-la perhaps_o he_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v without_o any_o scruple_n maintain_v for_o the_o sign_n may_v real_o happen_v and_o be_v foretell_v to_o the_o king_n though_o the_o prophet_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o solomon_n building_n that_o if_o all_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n they_o be_v reveal_v according_a to_o solomon_n capacity_n and_o opinion_n for_o see_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v that_o solomon_n be_v a_o exact_a mathematician_n we_o may_v lawful_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o proportion_n the_o diameter_n of_o a_o circle_n ought_v to_o bear_v to_o the_o peripheria_fw-la or_o circumference_n but_o think_v with_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o workman_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o three_o to_o one_o but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o text_n in_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o king_n chap._n 7._o v._n 23._o true_o i_o know_v not_o what_o we_o can_v understand_v from_o scripture_n since_o there_o the_o building_n be_v simple_o and_o historical_o relate_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o suppose_v the_o scripture_n mean_v otherwise_o but_o for_o some_o reason_n to_o we_o unknown_a will_v write_v in_o that_o manner_n what_o can_v follow_v but_o a_o total_a overthrow_n of_o all_o scripture_n and_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a or_o wicked_a which_o malice_n can_v invent_v that_o may_v not_o under_o scripture_n authority_n be_v countenance_v and_o commit_v but_o what_o we_o maintain_v savour_v not_o of_o impiety_n for_o solomon_n isaiah_n joshua_n etc._n etc._n though_o prophet_n be_v man_n subject_a to_o human_a infirmity_n the_o drown_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o a_o deluge_n be_v reveal_v to_o noah_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n for_o he_o think_v no_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v inhabit_v but_o palestine_n and_o the_o prophet_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o piety_n may_v be_v yea_o be_v ignorant_a not_o only_o of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o also_o of_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n for_o they_o discover_v very_o little_a of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o have_v mean_a and_o vulgar_a opinion_n of_o god_n to_o which_o their_o revelation_n be_v accommodate_v as_o by_o many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v prove_v so_o that_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o commend_v for_o the_o excellency_n and_o sublimity_n of_o their_o knowledge_n as_o for_o their_o piety_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n adam_n be_v the_o first_o man_n to_o who_o god_n reveal_v himself_o yet_o he_o know_v not_o that_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o omniscient_a for_o he_o hide_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v his_o sin_n to_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v before_o a_o man_n therefore_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o according_a to_o his_o opinion_n and_o capacity_n that_o be_v as_o one_o who_o be_v not_o every_o where_o and_o as_o one_o ignorant_a of_o adam_n sin_n for_o adam_n hear_v or_o seem_v to_o hear_v god_n walk_v in_o the_o garden_n call_v and_o ask_v adam_n where_o be_v thou_o ask_v likewise_o because_o adam_n be_v ashamed_a whether_o he_o have_v eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a tree_n adam_n therefore_o know_v no_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v reveal_v to_o cain_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n that_o be_v as_o one_o ignorant_a of_o human_a action_n nor_o do_v he_o need_v any_o high_a knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin._n to_o laban_n god_n reveal_v himself_o as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n because_o laban_n believe_v that_o every_o nation_n have_v a_o peculiar_a god_n as_o appear_v gen._n chap._n 31._o v._n 29._o where_o he_o say_v to_o jacob_n the_o god_n of_o your_o father_n speak_v to_o i_o yesternight_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n vbiquity_n and_o prescience_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v the_o sentence_n against_o sodom_n he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o execute_v it_o till_o he_o know_v whether_o all_o deserve_v the_o punishment_n gen._n chap._n 18_o the_o v_o 24._o peradventure_o there_o may_v be_v find_v fifty_o righteous_a within_o the_o city_n nor_o be_v god_n otherwise_o reveal_v to_o he_o for_o in_o abraham_n imagination_n god_n say_v verse_n 21_o the_o i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o cry_n of_o it_o which_o be_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v god_n testimony_n of_o abraham_n in_o gen._n chap._n 12._o v._n 19_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o abraham_n obedience_n and_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n but_o say_v nothing_o of_o any_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n or_o conception_n that_o he_o have_v of_o god._n moses_n do_v not_o perfect_o
always_o particular_o express_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o they_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o 14_o the_o chap._n of_o exod._n v._n 27._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o only_o upon_o the_o stretch_n out_o of_o moses_n hand_n the_o sea_n return_v again_o to_o its_o full_a strength_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o wind_n yet_o in_o the_o 15_o chap._n of_o exod._n call_v moses_n song_n v._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v thou_o do_v blow_v with_o thy_o wind_n that_o be_v a_o strong_a wind_n and_o the_o sea_n cover_v they_o so_o that_o this_o circumstance_n be_v omit_v in_o the_o story_n to_o make_v the_o miracle_n appear_v the_o great_a but_o some_o will_v urge_v that_o we_o find_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o can_v in_o appearance_n be_v explain_v by_o natural_a cause_n as_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o earth_n barrenness_n and_o man_n prayer_n the_o cause_n of_o its_o fertility_n that_o faith_n may_v give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n record_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o give_v answer_n in_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o next_o immediate_a cause_n but_o only_o relate_v thing_n in_o that_o order_n and_o express_v they_o in_o such_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o stir_v man_n up_o especial_o the_o multitude_n to_o devotion_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n speak_v many_o time_n very_o improper_o of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n it_o treat_v of_o not_o so_o much_o to_o convince_v our_o reason_n as_o to_o affect_v and_o possess_v our_o mind_n and_o our_o imagination_n if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v relate_v the_o destruction_n of_o any_o empire_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o historian_n and_o politician_n use_v to_o do_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o common_a people_n but_o when_o the_o overthrow_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v poetical_o describe_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n own_o hand_n how_o strange_o be_v man_n move_v with_o it_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o earth_n be_v barren_a or_o that_o blind_a man_n be_v restore_v to_o sight_n by_o faith_n it_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o do_v those_o other_o say_n that_o god_n be_v angry_a or_o grieve_v with_o our_o sin_n that_o he_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v or_o intend_v and_o that_o god_n by_o see_v a_o sign_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o promise_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v speak_v poetical_o or_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o writer_n so_o that_o we_o absolute_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o have_v happen_v do_v happen_v as_o all_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v any_o thing_n record_v which_o by_o plain_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o impossible_a to_o follow_v from_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v insert_v by_o sacrilegious_a man_n for_o whatever_o be_v against_o nature_n be_v against_o reason_n and_o whatever_o be_v against_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o absurd_a nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o only_o to_o say_v somewhat_o of_o interpret_n miracle_n or_o rather_o to_o recollect_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o illustrate_v it_o by_o some_o example_n which_o be_v the_o four_o particular_a i_o promise_v to_o treat_v of_o that_o no_o body_n by_o mistake_v a_o miracle_n may_v think_v there_o be_v something_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o man_n relate_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o naked_o and_o true_o but_o that_o to_o their_o relation_n they_o add_v somewhat_o of_o their_o own_o conceit_n yea_o when_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n unless_o they_o beware_v of_o their_o own_o preconceive_a opinion_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o prepossess_v that_o they_o will_v never_o right_o understand_v what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v especial_o if_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o spectator_n or_o relator_n and_o it_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n that_o the_o thing_n shall_v happen_v in_o that_o very_a manner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n in_o their_o history_n and_o chronicle_n rather_o vent_v their_o own_o opinion_n then_o make_v faithful_a relation_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v by_o two_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n shall_v be_v so_o diverse_o represent_v that_o it_o shall_v seem_v two_o different_a case_n so_o that_o oft_o time_n it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a by_o the_o very_a history_n to_o discover_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o historian_n to_o evidence_n this_o i_o may_v cite_v many_o philosopher_n who_o have_v write_a history_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o chronologeis_n but_o i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o only_a one_o mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n when_o the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v carry_v about_o the_o earth_n by_o a_o dyurnal_a motion_n and_o that_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o move_v at_o all_o they_o fit_v the_o miracle_n which_o happen_v when_o they_o fight_v against_o the_o five_o king_n according_a to_o this_o their_o preconceived_a opinion_n and_o do_v not_o say_v simple_o that_o the_o day_n be_v long_o than_o ordinary_a but_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n stand_v still_o or_o cease_v from_o motion_n which_o at_o that_o time_n serve_v as_o a_o very_a good_a argument_n to_o convince_v the_o heathen_a who_o worship_v the_o sun_n that_o their_o god_n the_o sun_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o deity_n who_o can_v at_o his_o pleasure_n make_v he_o change_v his_o course_n and_o therefore_o partly_o out_o of_o religion_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v they_o apprehend_v and_o relate_v the_o thing_n much_o otherwise_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o explain_v miracle_n and_o to_o understand_v by_o their_o relation_n how_o thing_n do_v true_o and_o real_o happen_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o first_o report_v the_o miracle_n or_o leave_v they_o in_o write_v and_o to_o distinguish_v their_o opinion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o by_o their_o sense_n else_o we_o may_v confound_v their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n with_o the_o miracle_n itself_o it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o know_v their_o opinion_n that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o real_o happen_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o imaginary_a and_o but_o prophetical_a revelation_n for_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v relate_v and_o believe_v as_o thing_n real_a which_o be_v but_o representation_n and_o mere_a imagination_n as_o that_o god_n the_o first_o and_o high_a of_o all_o being_n descend_v from_o heaven_n exod._n chap._n 19_o v._n 18._o deut._n chap._n 5._o v._n 23._o upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o that_o the_o mountain_n smoke_v because_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o fire_n we_o be_v likewise_o tell_v of_o eliahs_n go_v to_o heaven_n in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n with_o horse_n of_o fire_n all_o which_o be_v but_o representation_n suit_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o they_o who_o deliver_v to_o we_o those_o thing_n for_o reality_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o mere_a representation_n whoever_o be_v but_o little_o wise_a than_o the_o multitude_n know_v that_o god_n have_v neither_o right_a or_o left_a hand_n that_o he_o neither_o rest_v nor_o move_v that_o he_o be_v comprehensive_o in_o no_o place_n but_o be_v infinite_a and_o in_o he_o be_v contain_v all_o perfection_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v know_v to_o man_n who_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o perception_n of_o a_o pure_a understanding_n and_o not_o as_o their_o fancy_n be_v affect_v by_o their_o outward_a sense_n as_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v corporeal_a and_o imagine_v he_o exercise_v kingly_a dominion_n fancy_v his_o throne_n to_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o the_o star_n at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o and_o the_o like_a opinion_n many_o case_n in_o scripture_n be_v accommodate_v but_o yet_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v real_a by_o wise_a men._n true_o to_o understand_v how_o miracle_n happen_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o phrase_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n for_o he_o that_o be_v
opinion_n limit_n and_o rule_n for_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v for_o if_o wiseman_n can_v keep_v silence_n much_o less_o can_v the_o ignorant_a multitude_n hold_v their_o peace_n it_o be_v all_o man_n infirmity_n though_o never_o so_o much_o secrecy_n be_v require_v to_o make_v other_o privy_a to_o their_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o that_o government_n be_v violent_a where_o every_o man_n be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o say_v and_o declare_v what_o he_o think_v and_o that_o government_n be_v moderate_a and_o well_o order_v where_o such_o a_o liberty_n be_v allow_v it_o be_v true_a and_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v be_v injure_v and_o offend_v by_o word_n as_o well_o as_o deed_n and_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a whole_o to_o take_v away_o this_o liberty_n from_o subject_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o will_v be_v pernicious_a to_o put_v no_o restraint_n upon_o it_o so_o that_o now_o my_o business_n be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o this_o liberty_n without_o any_o danger_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o prejudice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v allow_v which_o be_v as_o i_o have_v hint_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 16_o the_o chapter_n my_o chief_a intention_n and_o design_n from_o the_o fundamental_o of_o government_n which_o i_o have_v already_o explain_v it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o government_n be_v not_o to_o domineer_v and_o keep_v man_n in_o fear_n and_o subjection_n but_o to_o free_a man_n from_o terror_n that_o every_o man_n may_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a live_v secure_o that_o be_v may_v still_o retain_v his_o natural_a right_n of_o subsist_v and_o act_v without_o hurt_v himself_o or_o any_o other_o person_n i_o say_v the_o end_n of_o government_n be_v not_o to_o turn_v rational_a man_n into_o beast_n or_o walk_a engine_n but_o to_o suffer_v both_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o do_v each_o their_o proper_a duty_n allow_v they_o the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o hatred_n envy_n anger_n or_o deceit_n become_v enemy_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o the_o end_n of_o public_a government_n be_v indeed_o liberty_n and_o to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n and_o decree_n shall_v be_v either_o in_o all_o in_o some_o or_o in_o one_o single_a person_n for_o see_v in_o every_o man_n opinion_n though_o it_o be_v free_a there_o be_v difference_n and_o variety_n and_o every_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v they_o all_o of_o one_o mind_n or_o to_o agree_v in_o their_o discourse_n so_o that_o they_o can_v never_o live_v peaceable_o unless_o every_o one_o part_n with_o his_o power_n of_o do_v what_o his_o own_o mind_n prompt_v he_o to_o but_o though_o every_o one_o part_n with_o the_o power_n of_o do_v what_o he_o please_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o part_n with_o his_o power_n of_o reason_v and_o judge_v so_o that_o though_o he_o can_v without_o offence_n act_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o decree_n or_o determination_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n yet_o he_o may_v free_o think_v judge_n and_o consequent_o speak_v provide_v in_o what_o he_o simple_o speak_v or_o teach_v there_o be_v reason_n and_o no_o crafty_a malicious_a design_n through_o hatred_n or_o revenge_n to_o make_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n innovation_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n think_v a_o particular_a law_n contrary_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v repeal_v yet_o if_o he_o submit_v his_o opinion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n who_o right_a it_o be_v to_o make_v and_o repeal_v law_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o law_n he_o deserve_v well_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o do_v every_o good_a subject_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o speak_v against_o that_o law_n purposely_o to_o accuse_v the_o magistrate_n of_o injustice_n and_o to_o render_v he_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n or_o if_o he_o seditious_o endeavour_v to_o abrogate_v that_o law_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o magistrate_n he_o be_v a_o rebellious_a disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n we_o see_v then_o upon_o what_o ground_n every_o man_n without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o gommonwealth_n or_o to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n may_v speak_v and_o teach_v what_o he_o think_v if_o he_o leave_v they_o the_o power_n of_o regulate_v man_n action_n and_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o their_o decree_n though_o he_o sometime_o do_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n he_o think_v to_o be_v good_a which_o notwithstanding_o he_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n yea_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o he_o will_v be_v account_v a_o good_a subject_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v justice_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v just_o unless_o he_o live_v according_a to_o the_o know_a law_n piety_n as_o i_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n chief_o consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o thing_n which_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v preserve_v if_o every_o man_n shall_v live_v as_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impiety_n in_o any_o subject_a to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n because_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o every_o man_n so_o to_o do_v the_o total_a ruin_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n must_v necessary_o follow_v no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n who_o submit_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n because_o every_o man_n by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n resolve_v to_o part_n with_o his_o right_n of_o live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o practice_n for_o in_o council_n compose_v of_o the_o supreme_a or_o subordinate_a power_n it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v decree_v or_o determine_v by_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o general_a vote_n of_o all_o the_o member_n yet_o the_o result_v of_o those_o counsel_n whatever_o they_o be_v be_v always_o account_v as_o much_o the_o decree_n of_o those_o who_o vote_v against_o as_o of_o those_o that_o vote_v for_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o government_n we_o see_v that_o without_o any_o wrong_n do_v to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n a_o man_n may_v use_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a from_o the_o fundamental_o of_o government_n to_o determine_v what_o opinion_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v to_o be_v account_v seditious_a namely_o those_o which_o direct_o nullify_v and_o destroy_v the_o covenant_n whereby_o every_o man_n oblige_v himself_o to_o part_n with_o his_o right_n of_o live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n for_o example_n if_o any_o man_n think_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v subject_a to_o some_o other_o power_n that_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o perform_v his_o promise_n or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o live_v as_o he_o please_v these_o and_o the_o like_a opinion_n render_v a_o man_n seditious_a because_o they_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o foresay_a covenant_n not_o bare_o because_o they_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n but_o because_o such_o opinion_n have_v in_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o crime_n and_o gild_n for_o even_o by_o so_o think_v a_o man_n tacit_o break_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o that_o fidelity_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n therefore_o other_o opinion_n which_o contain_v no_o actual_a breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n no_o revenge_n no_o anger_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v seditious_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o reason_n be_v deprave_v and_o where_o ambitious_a and_o superstitious_a man_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o they_o can_v endure_v those_o that_o be_v honest_a or_o ingenuous_a but_o will_v have_v the_o people_n think_v their_o authority_n great_a than_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o opinion_n which_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o intend_v nothing_o but_o simple_o to_o argue_v and_o judge_v what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o false_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v very_o malicious_o propound_v and_o divulge_v of_o these_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o 15_o the_o chapter_n but_o so_o that_o reason_n nevertheless_o shall_v remain_v free_a last_o if_o we_o serious_o consider_v that_o every_o
know_v that_o god_n be_v omniscient_a and_o that_o human_a action_n be_v govern_v by_o his_o decree_n for_o though_o god_n tell_v he_o exod._n chap._n 3._o v._n 8._o that_o the_o israelite_n will_v hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n yet_o moses_n doubt_v and_o say_v in_o the_o 1_o st_z verse_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o chapter_n what_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o nor_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o as_o indifferent_a and_o ignorant_a of_o man_n future_a action_n for_o he_o give_v unto_o he_o two_o sign_n and_o say_v exod._n chap._n 4._o v._n 8_o 9_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v thou_o nor_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o first_o sign_n they_o will_v believe_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o latter_a sign_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o latter_a sign_n then_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o the_o river_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n will_v without_o prejudice_n consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o moses_n it_o will_v clear_o appear_v that_o moses_n think_v god_n a_o be_v that_o always_o be_v be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o call_v he_o jehovah_n which_o in_o hebrew_n express_v those_o three_o time_n of_o exist_v but_o of_o his_o nature_n he_o declare_v no_o more_o then_o that_o he_o be_v very_o merciful_a kind_a and_o very_a jealous_a as_o appear_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n he_o believe_v and_o teach_v also_o that_o this_o be_v be_v so_o different_a from_o all_o other_o being_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v express_v by_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o other_o visible_a thing_n that_o he_o be_v invisible_a not_o because_o he_o think_v behold_v he_o be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o human_a frailty_n he_o think_v also_o that_o this_o be_v be_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o own_o power_n single_a and_o but_o one_o he_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v other_o being_n which_o by_o the_o order_n and_o command_n of_o god_n be_v god_n substitute_n and_o vicegerent_n that_o be_v being_n to_o who_o god_n give_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v nation_n to_o provide_v for_o and_o take_v care_n of_o they_o but_o moses_n declare_v the_o be_v which_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o worship_n to_o be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n the_o god_n of_o all_o god_n therefore_o moses_n in_o his_o song_n exod._n chap._n 15._o v._n 11._o say_v who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n among_o the_o god_n and_o jethro_n exod._n chap._n 18._o v._n 11._o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a than_o all_o god_n that_o be_v i_o must_v acknowledge_v with_o moses_n that_o jehovah_n be_v great_a than_o all_o god_n and_o of_o singular_a power_n but_o whether_o moses_n believe_v that_o the_o being_n which_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n be_v create_v by_o god_n may_v be_v doubt_v since_o he_o say_v nothing_o that_o we_o know_v of_o their_o creation_n or_o original_a another_o of_o moses_n doctrine_n be_v that_o this_o be_v out_o of_o a_o chaos_n gen._n chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 2._o bring_v this_o visible_a world_n into_o form_n and_o order_n furnish_v nature_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v deut._n chap._n 10._o v._n 14_o 15._o and_o by_o that_o absolute_a power_n choose_v the_o jewish_a nation_n for_o himself_o and_o appoint_v a_o particular_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o their_o habitation_n deut._n chap._n 4._o v._n 19_o and_o chap._n 32._o v._n 8._o but_o other_o nation_n and_o country_n he_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n of_o other_o god_n substitute_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jerusalem_n 2_o d._n book_n of_o chron._n chap._n 32._o v._n 19_o and_o other_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o country_n which_o god_n choose_v for_o they_o require_v a_o particular_a and_o different_a worship_n of_o god_n from_o that_o of_o other_o country_n nor_o will_v they_o suffer_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n or_o any_o worship_n proper_a to_o other_o country_n to_o be_v exercise_v among_o they_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o people_n who_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n bring_v into_o the_o country_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v devour_v by_o lion_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o land_n 2_o d._n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 17._o v._n 24_o 25._o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o aben_n ezra_n that_o jacob_n upon_o this_o ground_n when_o he_o be_v about_o return_v into_o his_o own_o country_n command_v his_o son_n to_o put_v away_o the_o god_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o they_o be_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o a_o new_a way_n of_o worship_n gen._n chap._n 35._o v._n 23._o david_n tell_v saul_n because_o he_o be_v by_o persecution_n compel_v to_o forsake_v his_o country_n that_o he_o be_v drive_v out_o from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o send_v to_o serve_v other_o god_n 1_o sy_n book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 26._o v._n 19_o last_o moses_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v his_o habitation_n in_o the_o heaven_n deut._n chap._n 33._o v._n 26_o which_o be_v a_o frequent_a opinion_n among_o the_o heathen_a now_o if_o we_o careful_o observe_v the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o fit_v and_o suit_v to_o those_o conception_n and_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o god_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n nature_n be_v gracious_a merciful_a long-suffer_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n and_o these_o attribute_n be_v god_n reveal_v to_o he_o exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6_o 7._o where_o it_o be_v declare_v why_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o also_o exod._n chap._n 20._o v._n 4_o 5._o in_o exod._n chap._n 33._o v._n 18._o we_o read_v that_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v god_n but_o because_o moses_n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v have_v form_v in_o his_o imagination_n no_o likeness_n or_o figure_n of_o god_n and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v god_n be_v not_o reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n but_o according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n therefore_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o under_o no_o image_n or_o similitude_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o imagination_n of_o moses_n but_o other_o prophet_n isaiah_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n testify_v that_o they_o see_v god._n moses_n be_v answer_v by_o god_n in_o the_o 20_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 33._o chap._n of_o exod._n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n and_o because_o moses_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v visible_a that_o be_v it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v so_o else_o he_o have_v never_o make_v such_o a_o request_n therefore_o god_n also_o answer_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v my_o face_n and_o live_v give_v a_o reason_n suitable_a to_o moses_n opinion_n for_o god_n do_v not_o say_v that_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v in_o itself_o invisible_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v see_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v see_v because_o of_o human_a weakness_n and_o frailty_n after_o the_o israelite_n have_v worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n that_o god_n may_v reveal_v to_o moses_n the_o israelite_n shall_v become_v like_o other_o nation_n god_n tell_v he_o exod._n chap._n 33._o v._n 2_o 3._o that_o he_o will_v send_v a_o angel_n that_o be_v a_o be_v who_o instead_o of_o the_o supreme_a be_v shall_v take_v care_n of_o the_o israelite_n but_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o from_o this_o moses_n be_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v thenceforth_o not_o to_o be_v belove_v by_o god_n any_o more_o than_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o angel_n or_o other_o being_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 16_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n last_o because_o moses_n believe_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o be_v god_n reveal_v as_o descend_v from_o heaven_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o moses_n that_o he_o may_v speak_v with_o god_n ascend_v the_o mount_n which_o he_o need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v have_v he_o think_v god_n to_o be_v in_o all_o place_n the_o israelite_n know_v very_o little_a of_o god_n though_o he_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o as_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v by_o their_o bestow_n on_o a_o calf_n the_o honour_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o by_o say_v to_o that_o calf_n these_o be_v thy_o god_n
will_v not_o only_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o who_o can_v possible_o retain_v and_o comprehend_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o history_n and_o so_o many_o circumstance_n and_o part_n of_o doctrine_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o so_o many_o and_o different_a history_n true_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o those_o man_n who_o leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o abound_v with_o so_o much_o wit_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o its_o doctrine_n much_o less_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o have_v be_v understand_v unless_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o isaac_n strive_n about_o the_o dig_v of_o well_n of_o achitophel_n council_n to_o absalon_n and_o the_o civil_a war_n between_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n with_o other_o chronicle_n of_o like_a kind_n or_o that_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n by_o history_n as_o be_v the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o the_o common_a people_n be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o know_v only_o those_o history_n which_o stir_v up_o their_o mind_n to_o devotion_n piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o those_o history_n because_o they_o be_v more_o please_v with_o the_o narration_n and_o the_o unexpected_a event_n of_o thing_n then_o with_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n beside_o the_o read_n of_o history_n they_o need_v pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v their_o weak_a understanding_n but_o not_o to_o digress_v from_o what_o we_o principal_o design_v to_o prove_v we_o conclude_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o history_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a law_n nor_o do_v of_o itself_o make_v man_n happy_a or_o bless_a nor_o be_v history_n profitable_a except_o it_o be_v in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o make_v some_o history_n therefore_o contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n excel_v those_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o common_a and_o scripture_n history_n mutual_o compare_v be_v more_o excellent_a one_o then_o another_o for_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n he_o than_o that_o read_v scripture_n history_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n give_v entire_a credit_n to_o they_o yet_o if_o he_o follow_v not_o their_o doctrine_n and_o amend_v his_o life_n it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o read_v the_o koran_n a_o comedy_n or_o any_o vulgar_a history_n but_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v he_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o scripture_n if_o his_o opinion_n be_v true_a and_o his_o life_n righteous_a he_o be_v true_o bless_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n for_o they_o say_v let_v a_o man_n opinion_n be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n and_o his_o life_n never_o so_o virtuous_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o not_o by_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prophetical_o reveal_v to_o moses_n he_o can_v never_o be_v bless_v and_o happy_a which_o rabbi_n maimonides_n bold_o affirm_v in_o his_o eight_o chapter_n and_o second_o law_n concern_v king_n he_o that_o receive_v the_o seven_o commandment_n and_o diligent_o perform_v they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pious_a among_o the_o nation_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v if_o he_o receive_v and_o practise_v they_o because_o god_n in_o his_o law_n command_v and_o reveal_v they_o by_o moses_n and_o because_o those_o precept_n be_v also_o give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n but_o if_o he_o practice_v they_o by_o the_o guidance_n and_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n he_o be_v none_o of_o we_o nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v think_v one_o of_o the_o pious_a and_o learned_a of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n give_v to_o noah_n seven_o commandment_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v only_o those_o seven_o but_o that_o god_n give_v many_o more_o commandment_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o much_o happy_a than_o other_o nation_n rabbi_n joseph_n the_o son_n of_o shem_fw-mi tob_z in_o his_o book_n call_v kbod_n elohim_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n likewise_o say_v that_o though_o aristotle_n who_o book_n of_o ethic_n be_v in_o his_o opinion_n the_o best_a that_o ever_o be_v write_v have_v omit_v nothing_o which_o belong_v to_o that_o subject_a and_o he_o himself_o have_v diligent_o practise_v all_o he_o write_v yet_o he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v because_o he_o embrace_v those_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v as_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o not_o as_o divine_v and_o prophetical_a revelation_n but_o these_o conceit_n be_v mere_a foppery_n ground_v neither_o upon_o reason_n or_o scripture_n and_o need_v no_o more_o confutation_n then_o do_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n who_o maintain_v that_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n we_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o salvation_n a_o tenet_n that_o can_v be_v rational_o prove_v by_o man_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o any_o reason_n but_o what_o be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_a and_o if_o they_o boast_v of_o any_o thing_n above_o reason_n it_o be_v mere_a folly_n and_o far_o beneath_o reason_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v so_o that_o of_o this_o we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n against_o who_o say_v paul_n galat._n chap._n 5._o v._n 22._o there_o be_v no_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o reason_n or_o scripture_n they_o be_v certain_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o be_v true_o bless_v chap._n vi_o of_o miracle_n as_o man_n use_v to_o call_v that_o knowledge_n divine_a which_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n so_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o nature_n of_o which_o the_o common_a people_n know_v not_o the_o cause_n that_o they_o call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o the_o vulgar_a believe_v god_n power_n and_o providence_n do_v most_o plain_o appear_v when_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n strange_a and_o unusual_a happen_v in_o nature_n contrary_a to_o the_o customary_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o nature_n especial_o when_o that_o which_o happen_v be_v for_o their_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o they_o think_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n never_o more_o clear_o prove_v then_o when_o nature_n seem_v not_o to_o keep_v its_o constant_a course_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o those_o man_n deny_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o endeavour_n to_o explain_v and_o understand_v what_o they_o call_v miracle_n by_o their_o natural_a cause_n they_o indeed_o think_v that_o while_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o wont_a course_n god_n do_v nothing_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o god_n act_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a cause_n be_v idle_a and_o at_o a_o stand_n so_o that_o they_o imagine_v two_o numerical_a distinct_a power_n namely_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n appoint_v and_o direct_v or_o as_o most_o man_n now_o believe_v create_v by_o god_n but_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o either_o or_o what_o they_o understand_v by_o god_n and_o nature_n they_o know_v not_o but_o fancy_n god_n power_n to_o be_v like_o that_o of_o a_o great_a king._n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n nothing_o but_o blind_a force_n and_o violence_n the_o common_a people_n therefore_o call_v the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n miracle_n or_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o devotion_n partly_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o contradict_v those_o that_o love_v the_o study_n of_o natural_a science_n they_o affect_v be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n desire_v to_o hear_v of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o know_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o least_o know_v they_o most_o admire_v by_o take_v away_o natural_a cause_n and_o by_o imagine_v thing_n out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n they_o think_v god_n be_v most_o adore_v when_o all_o thing_n be_v immediate_o refer_v to_o his_o power_n and_o will_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v the_o power_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n so_o wonderful_a as_o when_o according_a to_o their_o fancy_n it_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o opinion_n be_v first_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o
a_o treatise_n partly_o theological_a and_o partly_o political_a contain_v some_o few_o discourse_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o philosophize_v that_o be_v make_v use_v of_o natural_a reason_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o piety_n or_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o religion_n itself_o must_v necessary_o follow_v where_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o reason_v be_v take_v away_o john_n epist._n 1_o sy_n chap._n 4_o the_o v_o 13_o the_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n translate_v out_o of_o latin._n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1689._o the_o translator_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o gentleman_n that_o turn_v the_o follow_a treatise_n write_v original_o in_o latin_a into_o english_a do_v it_o at_o spare_a hour_n only_o to_o divert_v and_o please_v himself_o and_o therefore_o care_v not_o who_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o have_v do_v it_o there_o be_v certain_o some_o who_o will_v pass_v very_o severe_a censure_n upon_o this_o treatise_n but_o that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o translator_n who_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v good_a the_o author_n opinion_n be_v only_o oblige_v to_o justify_v that_o the_o version_n have_v true_o and_o faithful_o though_o not_o every_o where_o word_n for_o word_n render_v the_o author_n sense_n and_o mean_v religion_n and_o government_n be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v what_o sort_v of_o man_n be_v like_a to_o decry_v it_o but_o let_v those_o who_o be_v angry_a and_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o answer_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o crape_n gown_n and_o the_o long_a robe_n be_v both_o defy_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v any_o tenet_n in_o the_o whole_a treatise_n half_o so_o dangerous_a or_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o human_a society_n as_o those_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n be_v which_o have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v broach_v by_o time-serving_a churchman_n and_o mercenary_a lawyer_n for_o which_o they_o just_o deserve_v the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o mankind_n nothing_o more_o needs_o be_v say_v to_o any_o reader_n than_o to_o desire_v he_o will_v deliberate_o read_v the_o book_n twice_o over_o before_o he_o condemn_v or_o commend_v it_o when_o that_o be_v do_v whether_o he_o like_v or_o dislike_v the_o treatise_n itself_o or_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o who_o never_o value_v himself_o upon_o other_o people_n opinion_n nor_o do_v ever_o think_v any_o part_n of_o his_o reputation_n depend_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o fool_n or_o knave_n the_o preface_n be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v all_o their_o affair_n by_o sure_a and_o infallible_a council_n or_o can_v mankind_n always_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o prosperity_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o superstition_n but_o because_o man_n many_o time_n fall_v into_o straits_n out_o of_o which_o no_o council_n can_v deliver_v they_o and_o by_o immoderate_o covet_v the_o uncertain_a good_n of_o fortune_n miserable_o fluctuate_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n those_o two_o passion_n easy_o drive_v the_o doubtful_a mind_n of_o man_n hither_o and_o thither_o render_v it_o prone_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n whereas_o otherwise_o it_o be_v over_o confident_a proud_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o of_o this_o though_o few_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o body_n ignorant_a do_v we_o not_o daily_o see_v many_o weak_a man_n during_o prosperity_n so_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o they_o think_v council_n a_o affront_n but_o in_o adversity_n when_o they_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o beg_v every_o body_n advice_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o be_v it_o never_o so_o vain_a foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v upon_o very_o light_a ground_n they_o will_v also_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o present_o again_o fear_v the_o worst_a whatever_o happen_v during_o their_o fear_n which_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o any_o past_a good_a or_o evil_n that_o they_o think_v prognosticate_v good_a or_o bad_a fortune_n and_o though_o they_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n deceive_v count_v it_o a_o lucky_a or_o unlucky_a omen_n whatever_o be_v strange_a and_o unwonted_a beget_v their_o wonder_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prodigy_n say_v it_o portend_v almighty_a god_n anger_n for_o the_o pacification_n whereof_o man_n give_v up_o to_o superstition_n but_o enemy_n to_o true_a religion_n think_v it_o horrible_a impiety_n not_o to_o make_v prayer_n and_o oblation_n and_o to_o that_o end_n fancy_v a_o thousand_o thing_n as_o if_o nature_n itself_o be_v as_o perfect_o distract_v as_o they_o make_v strange_a interpretation_n of_o her_o mean_v this_o then_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n we_o find_v those_o person_n most_o addict_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o superstition_n who_o greedy_o desire_v those_o thing_n with_o be_v uncertain_a and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o can_v help_v themselves_o with_o vow_n and_o womanish_a tear_n implore_v divine_a assistance_n call_v reason_n because_o it_o can_v show_v they_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o the_o vanity_n they_o desire_v blind_a and_o human_a wisdom_n folly_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a believe_v dream_n dotage_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o childish_a folly_n to_o be_v divine_a oracle_n say_v that_o god_n despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o have_v not_o write_v his_o will_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n and_o that_o idiot_n lunatic_n and_o bird_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o instinct_n can_v foretell_v his_o decree_n so_o mad_a have_v fear_n make_v men._n and_o as_o superstition_n have_v its_o original_a from_o fear_n so_o be_v it_o keep_v up_o and_o continue_v by_o it_o of_o which_o truth_n if_o any_o man_n desire_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v any_o particular_a example_n let_v he_o read_v the_o 5_o the_o book_n and_o 4_o the_o decade_n of_o quintus_n curtius_n where_o he_o will_v find_v alexander_n the_o great_a apply_v himself_o to_o diviner_n and_o prophet_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o doubt_v his_o fortune_n at_o the_o straits_n of_o susa_n but_o after_o the_o conquest_n of_o darius_n never_o more_o consult_v they_o till_o terrify_v with_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o bactrian_n and_o with_o the_o scythian_n provoke_v he_o to_o battle_n when_o he_o lie_v wound_v he_o return_v again_o to_o the_o folly_n of_o human_a superstition_n and_o command_v aristander_n to_o who_o he_o give_v much_o credit_n to_o inquire_v by_o sacrifice_n what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o event_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n many_o example_n may_v be_v produce_v all_o which_o will_v clear_o show_v that_o man_n be_v most_o trouble_v with_o superstitious_a fancy_n during_o their_o fear_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v so_o vain_o and_o religious_o revere_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o dotage_n of_o a_o melancholy_a and_o timorous_a mind_n and_o last_o that_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o prediction_n be_v much_o in_o request_n with_o the_o common_a people_n and_o most_o fear_v by_o king_n and_o prince_n when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v in_o any_o great_a distress_n or_o calamity_n but_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o vulgar_o know_v i_o pass_v they_o by_o fear_v then_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o superstition_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v and_o subject_a to_o it_o whatever_o other_o say_v who_o think_v it_o proceed_v from_o a_o certain_a imperfect_a confuse_a knowledge_n man_n have_v of_o a_o deity_n it_o follow_v likewise_o that_o superstition_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v very_o various_a and_o inconstant_a because_o all_o ridiculous_a folly_n of_o the_o mind_n fit_v of_o frenzy_n yea_o superstition_n itself_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o by_o hope_n hatred_n anger_n and_o deceit_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o reason_n but_o passion_n and_o that_o too_o very_o violent_a as_o therefore_o man_n easy_o fall_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o superstition_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v they_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o kind_a because_o the_o common_a people_n be_v all_o time_n alike_o miserable_a be_v never_o long_o quiet_a but_o still_o most_o please_v with_o that_o which_o be_v new_a and_o never_o yet_o deceive_v they_o which_o inconstancy_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o tumult_n and_o cruel_a war_n and_o as_o quintus_fw-la curtius_n in_o his_o 4_o the_o book_n and_o 10_o the_o decad_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v nothing_o so_o absolute_o govern_v the_o
for_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o credulity_n be_v account_v faith_n and_o philosophical_a controversy_n be_v maintane_v both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n with_o so_o much_o animosity_n and_o heat_n of_o dispute_n from_o whence_o i_o perceive_v that_o not_o only_o cruel_a hatred_n and_o dissension_n by_o which_o man_n be_v easy_o stir_v up_o to_o sedition_n but_o many_o other_o mischief_n too_o tedious_a to_o be_v here_o mention_v take_v their_o beginning_n i_o resolve_v diligent_o to_o examine_v the_o scripture_n a_o new_a with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o neither_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n positive_o of_o it_o or_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v its_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o demonstrate_v by_o it_o under_o this_o caution_n i_o compose_v a_o method_n of_o interpret_n the_o sacred_a volume_n and_o furnish_v with_o it_o i_o begin_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o prophecy_n be_v why_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o they_o have_v sublime_a thought_n and_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n or_o only_o for_o their_o piety_n these_o thing_n be_v know_v i_o can_v easy_o determine_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o real_a virtue_n and_o to_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o life_n but_o in_o other_o matter_n their_o opinion_n do_v very_o little_o concern_v we_o this_o be_v likewise_o know_v i_o further_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v for_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v god_n choose_v people_n and_o when_o i_o perceive_v it_o be_v only_o because_o god_n choose_v out_o for_o they_o a_o particular_a part_n and_o climate_n of_o the_o world_n where_o they_o may_v live_v convenient_o and_o secure_o i_o thereby_o also_o learn_v that_o the_o law_n reveal_v by_o god_n to_o moses_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o statute_n of_o that_o particular_a government_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o none_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o yea_o that_o the_o very_a jew_n themselves_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o they_o any_o long_o than_o their_o government_n continue_v that_o i_o may_v know_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o scripture_n that_o the_o understanding_n of_o of_o mankind_n be_v deprave_v by_o nature_n i_o inquire_v whether_o the_o catholic_a religion_n or_o the_o divine_a law_n reveal_v to_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v any_o other_o then_o that_o which_o natural_a reason_n teach_v and_o last_o whether_o miracle_n happen_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v more_o certain_o and_o clear_o prove_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n than_o those_o thing_n do_v which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v by_o their_o first_o cause_n but_o when_o i_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o whatever_o the_o scripture_n express_o teach_v disagreable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o human_a understanding_n and_o when_o i_o likewise_o see_v that_o the_o prophet_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v plain_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o they_o adorn_v and_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n with_o such_o a_o style_n and_o such_o reason_n as_o they_o think_v will_v most_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n with_o devotion_n towards_o god_n i_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o scripture_n leave_v reason_n perfect_o free_a and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o philosophy_n but_o that_o each_o stand_v on_o its_o own_o basis_n but_o that_o i_o may_v plain_o demonstrate_v these_o thing_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o show_v which_o way_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v interpreprete_v and_o that_o all_o its_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o itself_o and_o not_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n then_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o spring_n from_o thence_o and_o that_o the_o common_a people_n addict_v to_o superstition_n prize_v the_o relic_n of_o time_n above_o eternity_n do_v rather_o adore_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o after_o this_o i_o show_v the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v any_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n but_o a_o simple_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n by_o practise_v justice_n and_o charity_n i_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v this_o word_n which_o they_o do_v that_o man_n without_o any_o reluctancy_n may_v cordial_o embrace_v it_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v discover_v i_o last_o conclude_v the_o object_n of_o reveal_v knowledge_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o obedience_n and_o so_o distinct_a from_o natural_a knowledge_n as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n as_o its_o foundation_n and_o mean_n that_o it_o have_v nothing_o in_o common_a with_o it_o but_o each_o maintain_v its_o own_o proper_a dominion_n without_o any_o mutual_a disagreement_n and_o that_o neither_o aught_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr or_o a_o handmaid_n to_o the_o other_o moreover_o because_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n be_v very_o different_a one_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o and_o another_o with_o that_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o move_v one_o man_n to_o devotion_n provoke_v another_o to_o laughter_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o principle_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o that_o no_o man_n faith_n be_v to_o be_v justify_v or_o condemn_v but_o only_o by_o his_o work_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v obey_v god_n with_o freedom_n of_o mind_n and_o only_a righteousness_n and_o charity_n be_v in_o esteem_n after_o i_o have_v by_o these_o thing_n show_v the_o liberty_n grant_v by_o god_n reveal_v law_n to_o all_o man_n i_o go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v that_o this_o liberty_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o to_o the_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v take_v away_o without_o great_a detriment_n and_o danger_n both_o to_o peace_n and_o the_o whole_a republic_n to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o begin_v from_o every_o man_n natural_a right_n which_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o every_o man_n desire_n and_o power_n can_v extend_v itself_o and_o no_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v bind_v to_o live_v according_a to_o another_o man_n will_n or_o inclination_n but_o every_o man_n be_v the_o assertor_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n further_o i_o show_v that_o no_o man_n depart_v from_o this_o right_n but_o he_o that_o transfer_v the_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o to_o another_o and_o that_o he_o must_v necessary_o and_o absolute_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o that_o right_n upon_o who_o every_o one_o have_v devolve_v his_o own_o natural_a right_n of_o live_v as_o he_o please_v together_o with_o the_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o and_o from_o hence_o i_o prove_v that_o they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v right_a to_o all_o thing_n within_o their_o power_n and_o that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o protector_n of_o law_n and_o liberty_n all_o other_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o determination_n and_o decree_n but_o because_o no_o body_n can_v so_o far_o deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o power_n of_o defend_v himself_o as_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o man_n i_o thence_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v total_o deprive_v of_o his_o natural_a right_n but_o that_o subject_n do_v still_o retain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n many_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o they_o without_o very_o great_a danger_n to_o government_n those_o thing_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v their_o right_n either_o by_o tacit_n implication_n or_o by_o express_a agreement_n and_o stipulation_n make_v between_o they_o and_o their_o governor_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v i_o passon_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o i_o full_o enough_o describe_v show_v upon_o what_o reason_n and_o by_o who_o decree_n religion_n first_o begin_v to_o obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n touch_v upon_o some_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o which_o seem_v worthy_a to_o be_v know_v after_o this_o i_o show_v that_o they_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o only_a protector_n and_o interpreter_n of_o the_o civil_a but_o also_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o that_o in_o they_o only_o be_v the_o right_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v
just_a or_o unjust_a pious_a or_o impious_a and_o then_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o right_o be_v best_a maintain_v and_o the_o government_n most_o safe_a where_o every_o man_n have_v free_a liberty_n to_o think_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n philosophical_a reader_n which_o i_o offer_v to_o thy_o examination_n believe_v they_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o thou_o for_o the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o the_o subject_a as_o well_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n as_o of_o every_o single_a chapter_n to_o which_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v but_o to_o this_o preface_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o dimension_n of_o a_o volume_n the_o chief_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o philosopher_n to_o other_o i_o care_v not_o to_o commend_v this_o treatise_n because_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o hope_n they_o will_v like_v it_o i_o know_v how_o fast_o those_o prejudices_fw-la stick_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v embrace_v under_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v also_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o root_v out_o superstition_n as_o fear_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o common_a people_n who_o constancy_n be_v but_o contumacy_n and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n but_o always_o rash_o praise_v or_o dispraise_v the_o vulgar_a therefore_o and_o all_o of_o like_a affection_n with_o they_o i_o do_v not_o invite_v to_o read_v these_o thing_n i_o have_v rather_o they_o shall_v contemn_v the_o book_n then_o be_v troublesome_a by_o make_v perverse_a construction_n of_o it_o as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n not_o profit_v themselves_o but_o hinder_v other_o who_o will_v reason_v more_o like_a philosopher_n do_v they_o not_o think_v reason_n aught_o to_o be_v but_o a_o handmaid_n to_o divinity_n to_o man_n of_o that_o opinion_n i_o think_v this_o work_n extreme_o useful_a but_o because_o many_o have_v neither_o mind_n or_o leisure_n to_o read_v these_o thing_n i_o be_o force_v here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o treatise_n to_o declare_v i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o willing_o submit_v to_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o my_o country_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v think_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n or_o public_a peace_n of_o it_o i_o willing_o unsay_v and_o recant_v it_o i_o know_v myself_o a_o man_n subject_a to_o mistake_v but_o i_o have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n i_o can_v not_o to_o err_v and_o particular_o that_o whatever_o i_o write_v may_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o country_n and_o agreeable_a to_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n chap._n i._n of_o prophesy_v chap._n ii_o of_o prophet_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o divine_a law._n chap._n v._n the_o reason_n why_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v of_o the_o belief_n of_o scripture-history_n why_o and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v necessary_a chap._n vi_o of_o miracle_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentatenk_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o several_a person_n or_o by_o one_o only_o and_o by_o who_o chap._n ix_o whether_o hesdras_n do_v perfect_o finish_v those_o book_n and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v but_o diverse_a reading_n chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o forementioned_a chap._n xi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n and_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a hand_n write_v or_o text_n of_o scripture_n why_o scripture_n be_v call_v holy_a and_o why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a chap._n xiii_o what_o be_v faith_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n chap._n fourteen_o divinity_z no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n upon_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n chap._n xv._n how_o commonwealth_n come_v to_o be_v found_v of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n chap._n xvi_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o part_n with_o all_o his_o particular_a right_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v while_o moses_n live_v and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o last_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n perish_v and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n chap._n xvii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xviii_o that_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o public_a religious_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god._n chap._n xix_o that_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v as_o he_o please_v and_o to_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentateuk_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o several_a person_n or_o by_o one_o only_o and_o by_o who_o chap._n ix_o whether_o hesdras_n do_v perfect_o finish_v those_o book_n and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v but_o diverse_a reading_n chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o forementioned_a chap._n xi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n and_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a hand_n write_v or_o text_n of_o scripture_n why_o scripture_n be_v call_v holy_a and_o why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a chap._n xiii_o show_v that_o scripture_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a intend_v nothing_o but_o man_n obedience_n neither_o do_v it_o teach_v or_o declare_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o a_o man_n may_v in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o life_n in_o some_o degree_n imitate_v chap._n fourteen_o what_o be_v faith_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n chap._n xv._n divinity_z no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n upon_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n chap._n xvi_o how_o commonwealth_n come_v to_o be_v found_v of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n chap._n xvii_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o part_n with_o all_o his_o particular_a right_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v while_o moses_n live_v and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o last_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n perish_v and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xix_o that_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o public_a religious_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god._n chap._n xx._n that_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o
reason_n and_o experience_n for_o they_o who_o most_o excellent_a in_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n be_v less_o apt_a to_o understand_v thing_n clear_o and_o they_o that_o have_v excellent_a understanding_n have_v their_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n not_o so_o strong_a but_o better_o keep_v within_o compass_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o the_o intellect_n those_o man_n therefore_o who_o endeavour_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o find_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v extreme_o mistake_v which_o i_o purpose_v to_o show_v at_o large_a because_o the_o time_n philosophy_n and_o the_o matter_n itself_o require_v it_o i_o will_v not_o at_o all_o value_n what_o superstition_n babble_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o hate_v nothing_o more_o than_o such_o man_n as_o live_v good_a life_n and_o be_v lover_n of_o true_a solid_a knowledge_n with_o shame_n be_v it_o speak_v it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o they_o who_o free_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o particular_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o only_o know_v he_o by_o create_a being_n of_o who_o cause_n they_o be_v ignorant_a be_v present_o brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o prove_v the_o point_n i_o will_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o prophet_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o imagination_n and_o temperament_n of_o body_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v so_o that_o they_o never_o become_v the_o more_o learned_a by_o prophecy_n which_o i_o will_v present_o more_o full_o make_v out_o but_o i_o must_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o prophet_n certainty_n because_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o chapter_n and_o because_o it_o contribute_v somewhat_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o design_n to_o demonstrate_v because_o simple_a imagination_n do_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v certainty_n as_o every_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n do_v there_o must_v necessary_o some_o other_o thing_n accompany_v imagination_n to_o make_v we_o sure_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o imagine_v and_o that_o be_v reason_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o prophesy_v of_o itself_o do_v not_o include_v certainty_n because_o it_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o what_o god_n reveal_v by_o the_o revelation_n itself_o but_o by_o some_o sign_n as_o appear_v by_o abraham_n gen._n chap._n 15._o v._n 8._o and_o he_o say_v lord_n god_n whereby_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v inherit_v it_o ask_n a_o sign_n after_o he_o hear_v the_o promise_n without_o doubt_n he_o believe_v god_n and_o do_v not_o ask_v the_o sign_n that_o he_o may_v believe_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o promise_n come_v from_o god._n the_o same_o thing_n more_o plain_o appear_v by_o gideon_n judge_n chap._n 6._o v._n 17_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o have_v find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n then_o show_v i_o a_o sign_n that_o thou_o talk_v with_o i_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n let_v this_o be_v a_o sign_n unto_o thou_o ezechiah_o who_o well_o know_v that_o isaiah_n be_v a_o prophet_n ask_v a_o sign_n of_o he_o when_o he_o foretell_v his_o recovery_n which_o show_v that_o the_o prophet_n have_v always_o some_o sign_n by_o which_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o prophetical_o imagine_v and_o therefore_o moses_n deut._n chap._n 18._o v._n 22._o bid_v the_o people_n ask_v a_o sign_n of_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o prophesy_v which_o sign_n be_v to_o be_v foretell_v some_o future_a event_n prophesy_v therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a give_v place_n to_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o need_v no_o sign_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v certainty_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o mathematical_a but_o only_o moral_a which_o also_o appear_v by_o scripture_n deut._n chap._n 13._o moses_n warn_v the_o people_n that_o if_o any_o prophet_n shall_v teach_v they_o to_o worship_n any_o other_o god_n though_o he_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o moses_n go_v on_o and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n prove_v the_o people_n whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n christ_n in_o like_a manner_n warn_v his_o disciple_n tell_v they_o math._n chap._n 24._o v._n 24._o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n ezechiel_n chap._n 14._o v._n 9_o plain_o declare_v that_o god_n sometime_o deceive_v man_n with_o false_a revelation_n and_o if_o the_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n which_o michaiah_n also_o testify_v of_o the_o prophet_n of_o ahab_n 1_o st_z book_n of_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 21._o 22_o 23._o and_o though_o this_o show_v prophesy_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n somewhat_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o it_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o certainty_n in_o it_o for_o god_n never_o deceive_v the_o godly_a and_o elect_a but_o according_a to_o that_o say_n in_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 24._o v._n 13._o as_o say_v the_o proverb_n of_o the_o ancient_n wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o wicked_a but_o my_o hand_n shall_v not_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o as_o it_o likewise_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o abigal_n and_o her_o discourse_n god_n use_v pious_a person_n as_o instrument_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o wicked_a man_n for_o executioner_n of_o his_o wrath_n this_o likewise_o be_v make_v evident_a by_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n michaiah_n for_o though_o god_n have_v decree_v ahab_n shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o prophet_n he_o make_v use_v of_o false_a prophet_n but_o to_o a_o good_a prophet_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v to_o happen_v and_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o prophet_n from_o foretell_v the_o truth_n but_o still_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v but_o moral_a because_o no_o man_n can_v justify_v himself_o before_o god_n nor_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n the_o anger_n of_o god_n lead_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n who_o piety_n the_o scripture_n sufficient_o declare_v all_o prophetical_a certainty_n be_v found_v upon_o three_o particular_n first_o the_o prophet_n do_v as_o strong_o and_o with_o as_o much_o vivacity_n imagine_v the_o thing_n reveal_v as_o man_n waking_z use_v to_o do_v the_o thing_n they_o see_v second_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o sign_n and_o three_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v continual_o incline_v to_o virtue_n and_o justice_n though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o always_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o sign_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o prophet_n still_o have_v a_o sign_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v many_o time_n leave_v out_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n and_o relate_v thing_n as_o suppose_a to_o be_v know_v moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophesy_v nothing_o new_a but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o sign_n for_o example_n the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n need_v no_o sign_n because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n but_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o hananiahs_n prophecy_n who_o against_o all_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o sudden_a restauration_n of_o the_o city_n there_o be_v necessity_n of_o a_o sign_n till_o the_o come_n to_o pass_v of_o what_o he_o predict_v shall_v make_v it_o good_a jerem._n chap._n 28._o v._n 9_o 10._o see_v then_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n which_o depend_v upon_o sign_n be_v not_o mathematical_a that_o be_v such_o as_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o thing_n apprehend_v or_o see_v but_o only_o moral_a and_o that_o sign_n be_v give_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v the_o prophet_n himself_o it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o sign_n be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o the_o sign_n which_o make_v one_o prophet_n confident_a and_o certain_a of_o his_o prophecy_n can_v not_o assure_v another_o as_o the_o sign_n be_v different_a and_o various_a so_o also_o revelation_n itself_o do_v vary_v in_o every_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o imagination_n the_o temper_n of_o his_o constitution_n or_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o he_o be_v prepossess_v for_o example_n if_o a_o prophet_n be_v cheerful_a and_o merry_a to_o he_o be_v reveal_v victory_n and_o peace_n which_o cause_n mirth_n and_o gladness_n such_o thing_n use_v
to_o take_v up_o the_o fancy_n of_o such_o man_n to_o a_o man_n sad_a and_o melancholy_a be_v reveal_v war_n plague_n and_o evil_n to_o come_v if_o a_o prophet_n be_v kind_a merciful_a chollerique_a or_o severe_a according_o be_v his_o revelation_n the_o fancy_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v also_o sometime_o the_o cause_n that_o revelation_n differ_v in_o style_n for_o if_o the_o prophet_n be_v of_o a_o elegant_a and_o exalt_a fancy_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o in_o a_o eloquent_a lofty_a style_n if_o the_o prophet_n fancy_n be_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a so_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n his_o revelation_n when_o revelation_n be_v make_v to_o a_o country_n rustic_a the_o sign_n represent_v be_v ox_n cow_n etc._n etc._n to_o a_o soldier_n captain_n and_o army_n to_o a_o courtier_n palace_n and_o regal_a throne_n last_o prophesy_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o the_o prophet_n be_v affect_v math._n chap._n 11._o to_o the_o magi_n addict_v to_o astrology_n the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n be_v reveal_v by_o a_o star_n appear_v in_o the_o east_n to_o the_o dreamer_n or_o prophet_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v reveal_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o inspect_v the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n that_o king_n also_o understand_v it_o from_o oracle_n and_o the_o shoot_v of_o arrow_n into_o the_o air._n to_o prophet_n who_o believe_v man_n have_v free_a will_n and_o act_v according_a to_o their_o will_n and_o choice_n god_n reveal_v himself_o as_o indifferent_a and_o ignorant_a of_o man_n future_a action_n all_o which_o particular_n we_o will_v single_o prove_v by_o place_n of_o scripture_n first_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o king_n chap._n 3._o v._n 15._o that_o elisha_n before_o he_o prophesy_v to_o jehoram_n desire_v a_o minstrel_n to_o play_n before_o he_o and_o that_o till_o he_o be_v please_v with_o the_o music_n of_o the_o instrument_n he_o can_v not_o because_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o king_n foretell_v what_o shall_v happen_v they_o who_o be_v angry_a with_o any_o person_n be_v apt_a and_o incline_v to_o imagine_v evil_a rather_o then_o good_a but_o they_o be_v mistake_v who_o say_v god_n be_v never_o reveal_v to_o angry_a and_o melancholy_a person_n for_o to_o moses_n who_o be_v incense_v against_o pharaoh_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o musical_a instrument_n god_n reveal_v that_o miserable_a plague_n of_o the_o death_n of_o their_o first_o bear_v exod._n chap._n 11._o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o angry_a cain_n to_o angry_a and_o impatient_a ezechiel_n be_v reveal_v the_o misery_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n ezek._n chap._n 3._o v._n 14._o jeremy_n sad_a and_o weary_a of_o his_o life_n prophesy_v the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o josiah_n will_v not_o consult_v he_o but_o send_v to_o a_o woman_n hilkiah_n the_o prophetess_n to_o who_o mild_a disposition_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v reveal_v 2_o d_o book_n of_o the_o chron._n chap._n 24._o v._n 22._o michiah_o never_o prophesy_v any_o good_a to_o ahab_n as_o do_v some_o other_o prophet_n in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o the_o king_n chap._n 20._o v._n 13._o but_o all_o his_o life_n time_n prophesy_v evil_a as_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o the_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 8._o and_o more_o plain_o in_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n of_o chron._n chap._n 18._o v._n 7._o the_o prophet_n therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o different_a temperament_n of_o their_o body_n incline_v to_o some_o revelation_n more_o than_o to_o other_o the_o style_n also_o of_o prophecy_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o eloquence_n of_o every_o prophet_n the_o prophecy_n of_o ezekiel_n and_o amos_n be_v write_v in_o a_o low_a and_o less_o elegant_a style_n than_o those_o of_o isaiah_n and_o nahum_n and_o if_o any_o who_o understand_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n desire_v to_o inquire_v narrow_o into_o these_o thing_n let_v they_o compare_v some_o chapter_n one_o with_o another_o of_o diverse_a prophet_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a and_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o style_n compare_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o courtier_n isaiah_n from_o the_o 11_o the_o vers_n to_o the_o 20_o the_o with_o the_o 5_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o herdsman_n amos_n from_o the_o 21_o the_o to_o the_o 24_o the_o verse_n compare_v the_o order_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n which_o he_o write_v chap._n the_o 49_o the_o at_o edom_n with_o the_o order_n and_o reason_n of_o obadiah_n compare_v the_o 40_o the_o chap._n of_o isai._n v._n 19_o 20._o and_o his_o 44_o the_o chap._n from_o verse_n the_o 8_o the_o with_o the_o 8_o the_o chap._n 6_o the_o verse_n and_o the_o 13_o the_o chap._n 2_o d._n verse_n of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a style_n of_o speak_v but_o according_a to_o the_o learning_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v either_o elegant_a concise_a sharp_a rude_a prolix_a or_o obscure_a prophetical_a representation_n and_o hierogliphic_n be_v various_a though_o they_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n leave_v the_o temple_n be_v otherwise_o represent_v to_o isaiah_n than_o it_o be_v to_o ezekiel_n the_o rabbin_n will_v have_v both_o representation_n to_o be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o ezekiel_n be_v a_o country_n man_n extraordinary_o admire_v his_o own_o and_o therefore_o describe_v it_o with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n but_o unless_o the_o rabbin_n be_v assure_v by_o faithful_a tradition_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v they_o for_o isaiah_n see_v seraphim_n with_o six_o wing_n and_o ezekiel_n beast_n with_o four_o isaiah_n see_v god_n clothe_v and_o sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n ezekiel_n see_v he_o like_o fire_n both_o of_o they_o without_o doubt_n see_v god_n as_o each_o be_v wont_a to_o imagine_v representation_n also_o vary_a not_o only_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o form_n but_o in_o their_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n for_o the_o representation_n make_v to_o zachary_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o prophet_n himself_o without_o explication_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n and_o those_o of_o daniel_n though_o explain_v be_v not_o understand_v by_o he_o which_o happen_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v for_o it_o concern_v human_a affair_n which_o exceed_v not_o the_o bound_n of_o human_a capacity_n but_o only_a as_o they_o be_v future_a but_o because_o daniel_n be_v not_o so_o well_o able_a to_o prophesy_v wake_v as_o in_o his_o sleep_n which_o appear_v by_o his_o be_v so_o terrify_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o he_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o stand_v and_o therefore_o through_o weakness_n of_o imagination_n and_o want_n of_o strength_n thing_n be_v so_o obscure_o represent_v to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v they_o though_o they_o be_v expound_v and_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o wonder_n which_o daniel_n hear_v be_v only_o imaginary_a and_o therefore_o be_v at_o that_o time_n so_o much_o trouble_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v by_o word_n which_o he_o so_o confuse_o and_o obscure_o imagine_v but_o they_o that_o say_v god_n will_v not_o clear_o reveal_v the_o matter_n to_o daniel_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v read_v the_o word_n of_o the_o angel_n who_o say_v express_o dan._n chap._n 10._o v._n 14._o now_o be_o i_o come_v to_o make_v thou_o understand_v what_o shall_v befall_v thy_o people_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n etc._n etc._n those_o thing_n therefore_o remain_v obscure_a because_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o man_n find_v who_o so_o much_o excel_v in_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o imagination_n as_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a revelation_n make_v to_o he_o last_o the_o prophet_n to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o eliah_n persuade_v elisha_n that_o he_o be_v only_o to_o be_v translate_v to_o some_o other_o place_n where_o he_o may_v be_v find_v by_o they_o which_o evident_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v god_n revelation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v large_a upon_o these_o particular_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o manifest_a in_o scripture_n then_o that_o god_n do_v bestow_v upon_o some_o prophet_n a_o much_o great_a portion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n than_o he_o do_v upon_o other_o but_o that_o prophecy_n and_o representation_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o prophet_n maintain_v and_o that_o prophet_n be_v prejudice_v with_o different_a yea_o contrary_a opinion_n i_o mean_v concern_v thing_n mere_o speculative_a but_o as_o
o_o israel_n that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o man_n accustom_v to_o the_o superstition_n of_o egypt_n ignorant_a and_o break_a to_o the_o yoke_n of_o a_o tedious_a bondage_n shall_v have_v any_o right_a understanding_n of_o god_n or_o that_o moses_n shall_v teach_v they_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o way_n of_o live_v not_o instruct_v they_o as_o a_o philosopher_n to_o make_v live_v well_o their_o free_a and_o voluntary_a choice_n but_o as_o a_o legislator_n compel_v they_o by_o the_o command_v and_o power_n of_o law_n so_o that_o a_o good_a life_n the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v to_o they_o rather_o servitude_n then_o true_a liberty_n or_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n for_o moses_n command_v they_o to_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o law_n that_o they_o may_v acknowledge_v their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o be_v by_o god_n he_o terrify_v they_o with_o threaten_n in_o case_n they_o transgress_v the_o law_n and_o promise_v they_o many_o blessing_n if_o they_o careful_o observe_v it_o so_o that_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o israelite_n as_o parent_n use_v to_o do_v with_o child_n void_a of_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a how_o excellent_a a_o thing_n virtue_n be_v and_o what_o be_v true_a happiness_n jonas_n think_v he_o can_v fly_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n which_o imply_v that_o he_o also_o believe_v god_n have_v substitute_v other_o power_n to_o take_v care_n of_o those_o country_n and_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o territory_n of_o judea_n in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o read_v of_o no_o person_n who_o speak_v so_o rational_o of_o god_n as_o solomon_n who_o for_o natural_a knowledge_n excel_v all_o the_o man_n of_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o think_v himself_o above_o the_o law_n which_o be_v only_o give_v to_o those_o who_o want_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a understanding_n and_o slight_v the_o observance_n of_o those_o law_n which_o particular_o concern_v he_o as_o he_o be_v king_n and_o consist_v in_o three_o particular_n as_o may_v be_v see_v deut._n chap._n 17._o v._n 16_o 17._o he_o be_v indeed_o to_o blame_v in_o break_v those_o law_n and_o do_v not_o do_v like_o a_o philosopher_n when_o he_o deliver_v himself_o up_o to_o pleasure_n and_o sensuality_n yet_o we_o read_v in_o ecclesiastes_n he_o declare_v all_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n to_o be_v vanity_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v so_o high_o prize_v as_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o no_o punishment_n equal_a to_o a_o man_n be_v a_o fool_n prov._n chap._n 17._o but_o let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o prophet_n of_o who_o differ_v opinion_n we_o have_v take_v notice_n the_o rabbin_n who_o have_v leave_v we_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n now_o extant_a find_v the_o opinion_n of_o ezekiel_n so_o contrary_a to_o those_o of_o moses_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o sabbath_n chap._n 1_o sy_n fol._n 13._o page_n 2_o d._n that_o they_o be_v near_o resolve_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o ezekiel_n for_o canonical_a and_o have_v conceal_v it_o if_o a_o certain_a person_n call_v hananiah_n have_v not_o undertake_v to_o expound_v it_o which_o some_o report_n he_o do_v with_o great_a labour_n and_o study_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o it_o be_v a_o commentary_n he_o write_v and_o be_v perhaps_o lose_v or_o that_o he_o change_v and_o gloss_v upon_o ezekiel_n word_n and_o discourse_n according_a to_o his_o own_o fancy_n however_o it_o be_v the_o 18_o the_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o agree_v with_o the_o 34_o chap._n of_o exod._n v_o 7_o nor_o with_o the_o 32_o chap._n of_o jeremy_n v._n 18._o samuel_n believe_v that_o when_o god_n have_v decree_v any_o thing_n he_o never_o repent_v or_o change_v that_o decree_n 1_o st_z book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 14._o v._n 29_o saul_n when_o he_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o desire_a to_o worship_n god_n samuel_n tell_v he_o god_n will_v not_o change_v his_o decree_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v reveal_v to_o jeremy_n for_o when_o ever_o god_n decree_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o any_o nation_n if_o man_n become_v either_o better_o or_o worse_o before_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n god_n do_v according_o alter_v his_o decree_n jerem._n chap._n 18._o v._n 8_o 10._o the_o prophet_n joel_n believe_v that_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o at_o any_o time_n decree_v io._n chap._n 2._o v._n 13._o in_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n of_o gen._n v._n 7._o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v in_o man_n power_n to_o overcome_v evil_a temptation_n and_o to_o live_v well_o by_o what_o god_n say_v to_o cain_n who_o notwithstanding_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o josephus_n never_o subdue_v his_o passion_n by_o the_o forecited_a text_n in_o jeremy_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n change_v his_o purpose_n either_o of_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n according_a to_o man_n live_v well_o or_o wicked_o yet_o on_o the_o contrary_a st._n paul_n teach_v nothing_o more_o plain_o than_o that_o man_n have_v no_o power_n over_o themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o the_o particular_a mercy_n and_o election_n of_o god_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n from_o the_o 10_o the_o verse_n onward_o in_o the_o 3_o d_o chap._n v._n 3_o d_o where_o he_o ask_v whether_o god_n be_v unrighteous_a in_o take_v vengeance_n he_o correct_v himself_o in_o speak_v after_o that_o manner_n like_o a_o man._n from_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v what_o we_o propose_v namely_o that_o god_n fit_v and_o suit_v his_o revelation_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v and_o indeed_o be_v ignorant_a of_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a which_o do_v not_o pertain_v to_o charity_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v also_o of_o very_o different_a opinion_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o be_v not_o to_o rely_v and_o ground_n ourselves_o upon_o they_o we_o conclude_v then_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n more_o from_o the_o prophet_n than_o the_o end_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o they_o reveal_v and_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v free_a for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v as_o he_o think_v best_o for_o example_n cain_n revelation_n teach_v we_o that_o god_n do_v admonish_v he_o to_o live_v well_o which_o be_v the_o intent_n end_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o revelation_n but_o it_o do_v not_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n or_o any_o other_o philosophical_a matter_n therefore_o though_o in_o the_o word_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o admonition_n freedom_n of_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v clear_o assert_v yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n since_o those_o word_n and_o reason_n be_v only_o apply_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o cain_n the_o prophet_n michaiahs_n revelation_n only_o declare_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o event_n of_o the_o battle_n between_o ahaband_n aram_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o believe_v that_o but_o whatever_o else_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n concern_v the_o true_a and_o lie_a spirit_n of_o god_n or_o concern_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n stand_v on_o each_o side_n of_o god_n with_o other_o circumstance_n in_o that_o revelation_n they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v we_o but_o every_o one_o may_v believe_v of_o they_o as_o he_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o reason_n declare_v to_o job_n for_o god_n have_v absolute_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v a_o revelation_n and_o that_o he_o write_v as_o a_o historian_n and_o not_o as_o some_o believe_v like_o a_o poet_n they_o be_v reveal_v according_a to_o job_n capacity_n for_o his_o particular_a conviction_n but_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v as_o universal_a reason_n to_o convince_v all_o man_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o determine_v otherwise_o of_o the_o reason_n use_v by_o christ_n to_o convince_v the_o pharisee_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o persuade_v his_o disciple_n to_o live_v righteous_o all_o those_o reason_n be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o opinion_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v urge_v for_o example_n when_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o pharisee_n mat._n chap._n 12_o v._n 26._o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_o
happen_v to_o they_o in_o time_n to_o come_v all_o which_o full_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v be_v always_o a_o prophet_n or_o have_v often_o prophesy_v and_o what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o he_o likewise_o have_v that_o which_o make_v the_o prophet_n certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n namely_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a mind_n for_o he_o do_v not_o as_o balaack_n think_v curse_n and_o bless_v who_o he_o will_v but_o only_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v bless_v or_o curse_v as_o god_n please_v therefore_o he_o answer_v balaack_n if_o balaack_n will_v give_v i_o his_o house_n full_a of_o gold_n i_o can_v go_v beyond_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a of_o my_o own_o mind_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o will_v i_o speak_v as_o for_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o happen_v to_o moses_n when_o by_o god_n command_n he_o go_v into_o egypt_n exod._n chap._n 4._o v._n 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n meet_v he_o and_o seek_v to_o kill_v he_o his_o take_z money_n to_o prophecy_n be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v do_v by_o samuel_n 1_o sy_n book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 9_o v._n 7_o 8._o st._n peter_n in_o his_o 2_o d_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o v._n 15_o 16._o and_o jude_n in_o the_o 11_o the_o verse_n of_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o in_o what_o balaam_n sin_v but_o what_o say_v the_o 20_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o ecclesiastes_n no_o man_n so_o just_a upon_o earth_n who_o always_o do_v good_a and_o never_o sin_v certain_o the_o prayer_n of_o balaam_n be_v very_o prevalent_a see_v it_o be_v so_o often_o record_v in_o scripture_n that_o for_o a_o testimony_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o the_o israelite_n he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v balaam_n and_o turn_v his_o curse_n into_o a_o blessing_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n chap._n 23._o v._n 5._o josh._n chap._n 24._o v._n 10._o and_o neh._n chap._n 13._o v._n 2._o so_o that_o without_o question_n he_o be_v a_o person_n very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o be_v never_o move_v with_o the_o prayer_n or_o curse_n of_o wicked_a men._n see_v therefore_o that_o balaam_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o joshua_n chap._n 4._o v._n 22._o call_v he_o a_o soothsayer_n yet_o that_o name_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n and_o those_o that_o the_o gentile_n call_v augur_n or_o diviner_n be_v true_a prophet_n and_o those_o who_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v for_o false_a diviner_n be_v they_o that_o deceive_v the_o nation_n as_o the_o false_a prophet_n do_v the_o jew_n which_o clear_o appear_v out_o of_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n but_o common_a to_o all_o nation_n but_o the_o pharisee_n zealous_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o say_v that_o the_o jew_n only_o have_v that_o divine_a gift_n and_o that_o other_o nation_n do_v foretell_v future_a event_n what_o will_v not_o superstition_n invent_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o diabolical_a power_n and_o art_n the_o place_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o the_o pharisee_n quote_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v exod._n chap._n 33._o v._n 16._o where_o moses_n say_v to_o god_n wherein_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v here_o that_o i_o and_o thy_o people_n have_v find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n be_v it_o not_o in_o that_o thou_o go_v with_o we_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v separate_v i_o and_o thy_o people_n from_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n hence_o the_o pharisee_n infer_v that_o moses_n petition_v god_n to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o will_v prophetical_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o favour_n to_o any_o other_o nation_n certain_o it_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a to_o think_v moses_n envy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o other_o nation_n and_o people_n or_o that_o he_o dare_v desire_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v that_o after_o moses_n know_v the_o obstinate_a disposition_n and_o rebellious_a mind_n of_o his_o nation_n he_o clear_o see_v that_o without_o very_o great_a miracle_n and_o the_o particular_a external_a assistance_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v never_o perfect_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v but_o that_o they_o must_v all_o necessary_o perish_v without_o such_o assistance_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v god_n will_v preserve_v they_o he_o pray_v for_o that_o extraordinary_a external_a aid_n from_o god_n for_o he_o say_v exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 9_o if_o now_o i_o have_v find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n o_o lord_n let_v my_o lord_n i_o pray_v thou_o go_v among_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o stiffnecked_a people_n the_o reason_n therefore_o why_o moses_n desire_v that_o particular_a external_a help_n from_o god_n be_v because_o the_o people_n be_v stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a and_o that_o moses_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o this_o external_a assistance_n appear_v evident_o by_o god_n answer_n v_o 10._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n behold_v i_o make_v my_o covenant_n before_o all_o thy_o people_n i_o will_v do_v miracle_n such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o earth_n nor_o in_o any_o nation_n so_o that_o moses_n here_o treat_v of_o the_o election_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o in_o that_o sense_n i_o have_v explain_v it_o and_o request_v no_o other_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o i_o find_v another_o text_n in_o paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 3._o v._n 12._o which_o much_o more_o satisfy_v i_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o disserent_fw-la opinion_n from_o i_o for_o he_o say_v what_o advantage_n have_v the_o jew_n or_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o in_o circumcision_n 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 but_o if_o we_o careful_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n which_o paul_n chief_o design_v to_o maintain_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o far_o from_o contradict_v i_o that_o it_o perfect_o agree_v with_o it_o for_o he_o say_v v_o 29_o the_o of_o the_o same_o chap._n be_v he_o the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o be_v he_o not_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n and_o chap._n 2._o v._n 25_o 26._o he_o say_v if_o the_o circumcise_a break_v the_o law_n circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n and_o if_o the_o uncircumcised_a keep_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o his_o uncircumcision_n be_v count_v for_o circumcision_n he_o further_o say_v v_o 9_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v all_o under_o sin_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o commandment_n or_o law._n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o law_n be_v absolute_o reveal_v to_o all_o mankind_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v by_o the_o 28_o the_o v_o of_o the_o 28_o the_o chap._n of_o job_n under_o which_o all_o man_n live_v namely_o that_o universal_a law_n which_o oblige_v all_o man_n to_o live_v a_o virtuous_a and_o good_a life_n and_o not_o that_o particular_a law_n which_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o constitution_n and_o advantage_n of_o any_o single_a government_n and_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o disposition_n of_o only_a one_o particular_a people_n last_o paul_n conclude_v because_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o be_v equal_o good_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o because_o all_o be_v equal_o under_o the_o law_n and_o sin_n therefore_o god_n send_v christ_n to_o all_o nation_n that_o he_o may_v free_v all_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n that_o for_o the_o future_a they_o may_v do_v well_o not_o by_o the_o compulsion_n of_o law_n but_o by_o their_o own_o free_a will_n so_o that_o paul_n make_v good_a my_o doctrine_n to_o a_o tittle_n by_o his_o say_n that_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o other_o nation_n by_o revelation_n and_o internal_a communication_n to_o their_o mind_n be_v deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o write_v or_o we_o must_v say_v that_o see_v paul_n endeavour_v to_o confute_v that_o which_o only_o the_o jew_n can_v object_n he_o answer_v according_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o then_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o better_a to_o insinuate_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v partly_o hear_v and_o see_v because_o with_o the_o grecian_n he_o become_v a_o greek_a and_o to_o the_o jew_n a_o jew_n nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o some_o man_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o election_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o temporal_a
convince_v the_o heathen_a that_o then_o worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n the_o earth_n water_n air_n etc._n etc._n tell_v they_o their_o god_n be_v weak_a inconstant_a mutable_a and_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n who_o miracle_n they_o proclaim_v and_o by_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v create_v chief_o for_o their_o good_a and_o benefit_n with_o which_o opinion_n man_n be_v so_o please_v that_o ever_o since_o they_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o fain_a miracle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v better_o belove_v by_o god_n than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n be_v chief_o for_o their_o sake_n how_o arrogant_a be_v the_o foolish_a vulgar_a who_o conceive_v nothing_o right_o of_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o confound_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o think_v nature_n so_o narrow_a that_o they_o believe_v man_n to_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n thereof_o have_v thus_o discover_v the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o common_a people_n concern_v god_n and_o nature_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o order_n and_o show_v first_o that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n who_o order_n and_o course_n be_v eternal_a constant_a and_o immutable_a explain_v also_o what_o be_v a_o miracle_n second_o that_o we_o can_v know_v the_o essence_n existence_n nor_o consequent_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o miracle_n but_o they_o more_o manifest_o appear_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a order_n of_o nature_n three_o i_o will_v prove_v by_o some_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o by_o the_o decree_n purpose_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o its_o eternal_a law_n last_o i_o will_v show_v how_o scripture_n miracle_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o what_o we_o be_v principal_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n all_o which_o particular_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o present_a chapter_n and_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o design_n of_o this_o whole_a treatise_n the_o first_o particular_a be_v prove_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o 4_o the_o chapter_n concern_v the_o divine_a law_n namely_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v and_o decree_v imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o distinguish_v from_o his_o will_n and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o we_o say_v god_n will_v and_o god_n know_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o the_o same_o necessity_n derive_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v by_o the_o same_o necessity_n must_v god_n will_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v but_o since_o nothing_o be_v necessary_o true_a but_o what_o be_v so_o by_o the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o necessity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n whatever_o therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o nature_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o its_o universal_a law_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o if_o any_o one_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o likewise_o must_v grant_v that_o god_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o absurdity_n as_o therefore_o nothing_o happen_v in_o nature_n contrary_a to_o its_o universal_a law_n so_o neither_o do_v any_o thing_n happen_v which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o and_o follow_v from_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v do_v be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n that_o be_v according_a to_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o law_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n be_v not_o know_v to_o we_o yet_o nature_n always_o observe_v they_o and_o consequent_o keep_v her_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n no_o rational_a man_n can_v believe_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v limit_v and_o its_o law_n confine_v to_o some_o particular_a operation_n and_o effect_n and_o not_o fit_v universal_o to_o all_o for_o since_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n infinite_a and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o general_a that_o they_o extend_v themselves_o to_o all_o thing_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n otherwise_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o god_n create_v nature_n so_o weak_a and_o impotent_a and_o its_o law_n and_o rule_n so_o defective_a that_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v nature_n he_o must_v upon_o every_o new_a occasion_n assist_v and_o succour_v it_o that_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o according_a to_o his_o will_n which_o be_v very_o irrational_a for_o any_o man_n to_o suppose_v if_o than_o nothing_o happen_v in_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o its_o rule_n and_o law_n that_o its_o law_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o that_o nature_n keep_v a_o fix_a immutable_a and_o regular_a course_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o whatever_o man_n call_v a_o miracle_n be_v only_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o work_n or_o thing_n do_v of_o which_o we_o can_v discover_v the_o natural_a cause_n by_o a_o example_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o ordinary_o happen_v like_o it_o at_o least_o the_o person_n can_v who_o relate_v or_o record_v the_o miracle_n i_o may_v call_v that_o a_o miracle_n who_o cause_n can_v be_v make_v out_o from_o any_o natural_a principle_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o because_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o know_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ancient_n count_v that_o a_o miracle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o explain_v as_o the_o common_a people_n use_v to_o do_v natural_a thing_n namely_o by_o recur_v to_o their_o memory_n for_o bring_v to_o mind_n some_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v for_o the_o common_a people_n think_v they_o very_o well_o understand_v a_o thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v it_o by_o this_o rule_n and_o no_o other_o man_n in_o old_a and_o late_a time_n have_v judge_v of_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o many_o thing_n be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n for_o miracle_n who_o cause_n may_v have_v be_v make_v manifest_a from_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o we_o have_v hint_v in_o our_o 2_o d_o chapter_n where_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n and_o its_o go_v backward_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n on_o the_o dyal_n of_o ahaz_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n more_o at_o large_a when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o miracle_n i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v the_o second_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o can_v by_o miracle_n understand_v the_o essence_n existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o be_v more_o clear_o apprehend_v by_o we_o in_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n which_o i_o thus_o prove_v if_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o know_v to_o we_o it_o must_v then_o be_v make_v out_o and_o conclude_v from_o notion_n who_o verity_n be_v so_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o power_n by_o which_o those_o notion_n may_v be_v change_v at_o least_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v so_o to_o we_o at_o that_o time_n when_o from_o they_o we_o conclude_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o will_v have_v that_o existence_n to_o be_v indubitable_a for_o if_o we_o can_v think_v those_o notion_n mutable_a by_o any_o power_n whatever_o it_o be_v then_o may_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o notion_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o conclusion_n namely_o god_n existence_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o see_v we_o can_v know_v what_o be_v congruous_a or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o which_o we_o prove_v to_o be_v congruous_a or_o contrary_a to_o those_o prime_a notion_n if_o we_o can_v conceive_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o
and_o clear_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n what_o kind_n of_o history_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o ought_v to_o contain_v come_v now_o to_o be_v declare_v first_o it_o ought_v to_o contain_v the_o nature_n and_o propriety_n of_o that_o language_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v and_o which_o the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v that_o so_o all_o the_o sense_n which_o every_o speech_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o speak_v will_v bear_v and_o admit_v may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o because_o the_o penman_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v jew_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o new_a for_o though_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v publish_v in_o other_o language_n yet_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hebrewism_n second_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o book_n aught_o to_o be_v collect_v and_o reduce_v to_o head_n that_o so_o all_o that_o concern_v one_o and_o the_o same_o subject_a may_v be_v easy_o find_v and_o all_o those_o which_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o obscure_a or_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o aught_o to_o be_v note_v i_o call_v those_o speech_n clear_a or_o obscure_a who_o sense_n be_v easy_o or_o difficult_o make_v out_o by_o the_o context_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o speech_n easy_o or_o difficult_o perceive_v by_o reason_n for_o only_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o not_o the_o verity_n be_v our_o business_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v special_a heed_n that_o in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o suffer_v our_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o be_v prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n and_o likewise_o that_o we_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o language_n or_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o scripture_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v perfect_o understand_v take_v this_o example_n for_o illustration_n these_o say_n of_o moses_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a how_o plain_a and_o clear_a be_v they_o so_o long_o as_o we_o regard_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o truth_n how_o dark_a and_o obscure_a yea_o though_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n yet_o unless_o it_o contradict_v any_o fundamental_a principle_n derive_v from_o scripture_n their_o literal_a sense_n be_v still_o to_o be_v retain_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o these_o say_n in_o their_o literal_a construction_n shall_v be_v find_v repugnant_a to_o principle_n deduce_v from_o scripture_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o not_o litteraly_a understand_v to_o know_v then_o whether_o moses_n do_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v fire_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o because_o the_o opinion_n be_v either_o contrary_a or_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o it_o must_v be_v gather_v from_o some_o other_o of_o moses_n own_o say_n for_o example_n because_o moses_n in_o very_a many_o place_n have_v plain_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o like_o any_o visible_a thing_n either_o in_o heaven_n earth_n or_o the_o water_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o this_o say_n god_n be_v fire_n or_o else_o all_o his_o other_o say_n be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o because_o we_o ought_v as_o seldom_o as_o it_o be_v 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author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o be_v excuse_v that_o in_o the_o 21_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 11_o the_o chap._n of_o that_o epistle_n he_o explain_v the_o text_n in_o the_o 31_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 47_o the_o chap._n of_o genesis_n quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o point_a hebrew_n text_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v to_o learn_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o punctist_n in_o my_o opinion_n the_o punctist_n be_v mistake_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o be_v and_o that_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o two_o interpretation_n arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o vowel_n i_o will_v give_v you_o both_o the_o punctist_n by_o their_o point_n render_v the_o text_n in_o genesis_n thus_o and_o israel_n bow_v himself_o upon_o or_o by_o change_v hgain_o into_o aleph_fw-la a_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o organ_n towards_o the_o bed_n head_n but_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n say_v israel_n bow_v himself_o lean_v upon_o the_o 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obscure_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v quick_o understand_v according_a to_o that_o usual_a say_v a_o word_n to_o the_o wise._n euclyd_v who_o write_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a be_v easy_o understand_v by_o every_o body_n in_o any_o language_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o sense_n and_o meaning_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o perfect_a but_o only_o a_o superficial_a knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n wherein_o he_o write_v nor_o of_o know_v his_o life_n study_n manner_n in_o what_o language_n when_o or_o to_o who_o he_o write_v neither_o know_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o book_n its_o various_a reading_n or_o how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v general_o receive_v what_o i_o say_v of_o euclyd_n may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o man_n who_o have_v write_v of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v so_o that_o we_o conclude_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o concern_v moral_a 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scripture_n and_o that_o only_a supernatural_a light_n can_v do_v it_o but_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o supernatural_a light_n i_o leave_v they_o to_o explain_v i_o suppose_v they_o do_v but_o in_o obscure_a term_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v very_o doubtful_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o diligent_o consider_v their_o exposition_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o contain_v nothing_o supernatural_a yea_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o their_o explanation_n who_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o more_o than_o what_o be_v natural_a they_o will_v be_v find_v like_o they_o to_o be_v human_a long_o study_v and_o elaborate_v in_o maintain_v that_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o able_a to_o explain_v scripture_n they_o be_v mistake_v what_o we_o have_v say_v make_v it_o clear_a that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o expound_v scripture_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o defect_n of_o strength_n in_o natural_a light_n but_o only_o from_o man_n sloth_n i_o will_v not_o say_v malice_n who_o have_v neglect_v to_o compose_v such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n as_o may_v have_v be_v frame_v of_o it_o and_o also_o because_o all_o man_n if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v confess_v that_o supernatural_a light_n be_v a_o divine_a gift_n bestow_v only_o upon_o believer_n but_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v not_o only_o to_o believer_n but_o to_o wicked_a unbeliever_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o their_o impiety_n and_o unbelief_n capable_a of_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n otherwise_o they_o have_v preach_v but_o to_o child_n and_o infant_n and_o not_o to_o man_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o moses_n have_v in_o vain_a prescribe_a law_n if_o his_o law_n be_v intelligible_a only_o to_o believer_n who_o need_v no_o law._n wherefore_o they_o that_o seek_v after_o supernatural_a light_n to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n seem_v void_a even_o of_o natural_a light_n and_o such_o i_o think_v be_v far_o from_o have_v that_o heavenly_a gift_n of_o light_n supernatural_a maimonides_n be_v not_o of_o these_o man_n opinion_n for_o he_o think_v most_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v bear_v several_a yea_o contrary_a sense_n and_o think_v likewise_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o place_n unless_o we_o know_v the_o place_n as_o we_o interpret_v it_o to_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n or_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o if_o in_o its_o literal_a sense_n it_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n though_o the_o sense_n appear_v clear_a yet_o he_o think_v the_o place_n ought_v to_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v and_o this_o he_o plain_o declare_v in_o the_o 25_o the_o chapter_n of_o his_o book_n call_v more_o nebuchin_n where_o he_o say_v know_v that_o i_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o say_v the_o world_n be_v eternal_a because_o there_o be_v text_n in_o scripture_n which_o say_v the_o world_n be_v create_v for_o the_o text_n which_o declare_v the_o world_n be_v create_v be_v not_o more_o than_o those_o that_o tell_v we_o god_n be_v corporeal_a neither_o be_v the_o way_n of_o expound_v those_o text_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n shut_v up_o or_o bar_v against_o we_o but_o we_o can_v as_o well_o explain_v they_o as_o i_o do_v the_o other_o when_o i_o prove_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a perhaps_o i_o can_v better_o and_o with_o more_o ease_n expound_v the_o text_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n and_o maintain_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a than_o i_o do_v those_o of_o god_n corporiety_n when_o i_o prove_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a but_o for_o two_o reason_n i_o will_v not_o do_v it_o or_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a first_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o god_n be_v not_o corporeal_a for_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n who_o literal_a sense_n be_v repugnant_a to_o a_o demonstration_n require_v explication_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v literal_o but_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o prove_v by_o any_o demonstration_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o wrest_v it_o by_o exposition_n to_o maintain_v a_o opinion_n that_o be_v but_o probable_a when_o we_o may_v with_o any_o reason_n maintain_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o believe_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o aristotle_n do_v destroy_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o law._n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o maimonides_n from_o which_o that_o manifest_o follow_v which_o i_o say_v before_o for_o if_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a he_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n and_o make_v such_o exposition_n of_o it_o as_o may_v support_v that_o opivion_n and_o he_o will_v be_v present_o certain_a that_o the_o scripture_n though_o it_o every_o where_o plain_o say_v the_o contrary_a do_v declare_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n though_o never_o so_o plain_a so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o he_o for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o apparent_a we_o be_v so_o long_o ignorant_a whether_o the_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o consequent_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o opinion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o will_v absolute_o grant_v that_o some_o other_o light_n beside_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v necessary_a
for_o we_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n for_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v by_o natural_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o without_o some_o other_o light_n moreover_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o mind_v demonstration_n will_v entertain_v no_o scripture_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o philosopher_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o suppose_v philosopher_n can_v err_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o true_o will_v be_v a_o new_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o priesthood_n which_o the_o vulgar_a will_v rather_o scorn_v then_o reverence_n and_o though_o our_o method_n require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v no_o time_n to_o study_v nothing_o can_v upon_o that_o score_n be_v object_v for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o it_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n though_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v which_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v to_o make_v themselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o prophet_n meaning_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o method_n that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v necessary_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n that_o know_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o maimonides_n can_v never_o show_v i_o a_o common_a people_n that_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o knowledge_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o these_o day_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v not_o know_v may_v be_v easy_o understand_v in_o any_o language_n because_o they_o be_v so_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o for_o this_o knowledge_n the_o vulgar_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n in_o other_o thing_n they_o follow_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o to_o return_v to_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o maimonides_n opinion_n first_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v in_o all_o thing_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a philosopher_n because_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o their_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o second_o chapter_n to_o be_v false_a next_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v any_o thing_n nor_o do_v it_o prove_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v by_o definition_n and_o primary_n cause_n wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v neither_o appear_v or_o be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v likewise_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o present_a chapter_n for_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o example_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v derive_v thence_o even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n unknown_a to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n last_o maimonides_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o according_a to_o our_o preconceive_a opinion_n to_o expound_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o deny_v or_o change_v the_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o be_v it_o never_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a which_o liberty_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o what_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o this_o and_o other_o chapter_n and_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o boldness_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o this_o liberty_n what_o advantage_n will_v he_o get_v by_o it_o none_o at_o all_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v by_o this_o way_n make_v out_o nor_o by_o this_o rule_n expound_v or_o interpret_v they_o when_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o follow_v our_o method_n we_o may_v explain_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n perceptible_a their_o sense_n be_v easy_o draw_v from_o the_o context_n and_o as_o maimonides_n method_n be_v unprofitable_a so_o it_o take_v from_o the_o common_a people_n all_o certainty_n which_o they_o and_o all_o that_o follow_v any_o other_o method_n can_v by_o diligent_a read_n have_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o reject_v it_o as_o dangerous_a useless_a and_o absurd_a as_o for_o the_o forementioned_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o and_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n authority_n i_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n deny_v it_o but_o because_o it_o want_v clear_a proof_n for_o have_v they_o as_o much_o scripture_n to_o show_v for_o it_o as_o heretofore_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n have_v for_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o little_a concern_v that_o some_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o that_o the_o high-priest_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v sometime_o as_o bad_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o command_n of_o scripture_n have_v still_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 17_o chap._n of_o deut._n v._n 11_o 12._o chap._n 33._o v._n 10._o and_o mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o but_o because_o the_o pope_n can_v show_v we_o no_o such_o testimony_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o and_o think_v that_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a high-priest_n the_o catholic_a religion_n also_o want_v a_o high_a priest_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o public_a law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o need_v a_o public_a authority_n to_o maintain_v they_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n the_o public_a law_n as_o he_o please_v no_o commonwealth_n can_v stand_v but_o present_o dissolve_v and_o public_a law_n become_v private_a but_o in_o religion_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a for_o see_v religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o external_a action_n as_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v of_o no_o public_a power_n or_o authority_n for_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o infuse_v by_o the_o command_n of_o law_n or_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v compel_v by_o force_n or_o by_o law_n to_o be_v make_v holy_a nothing_o but_o good_a brotherly_a council_n education_n and_o a_o man_n own_o free_a judgement_n can_v do_v that_o see_v then_o every_o man_n have_v right_a to_o think_v of_o religion_n as_o he_o please_v and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v any_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o right_n it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o judge_v of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o expound_v and_o interpret_v it_o to_o himself_o for_o as_o the_o chief_n power_n of_o interpret_n law_n and_o judge_v of_o public_a matter_n reside_v in_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o be_v public_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o explain_v and_o judge_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o every_o particular_a person_n because_o it_o be_v every_o private_a man_n right_a the_o authority_n then_o of_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n to_o interpret_v law_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v the_o pope_n authority_n to_o interpret_v religion_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n i._o the_o best_a for_o see_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o interpret_n it_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o not_o any_o supernatural_a light_n or_o external_a authority_n this_o method_n ought_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a that_o none_o but_o acute_a philosopher_n can_v make_v use_n of_o or_o compose_v it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v
fit_v and_o proportion_v to_o man_n understanding_n and_o capacity_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v i_o to_o be_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o it_o have_v proceed_v from_o man_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o method_n chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentateuk_n book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o the_o writer_n of_o all_o these_o book_n be_v diverse_a person_n or_o but_o one_o and_o who_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o have_v show_v they_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o true_a history_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o history_n though_o very_o necessary_a the_o ancient_n neglect_v to_o compose_v or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o write_v or_o leave_v any_o by_o tradition_n it_o perish_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n and_o consequent_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o fundamental_o and_o principle_n of_o scripture-knowledge_n be_v lose_v which_o loss_n however_o have_v be_v more_o tolerable_a if_o man_n of_o succeed_a age_n have_v keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o true_a bound_n and_o have_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o their_o successor_n those_o few_o principle_n which_o they_o receive_v or_o find_v out_o and_o have_v not_o out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n forge_v new_a whereby_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o imperfect_a but_o remain_v full_a of_o error_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o scripture_n knowledge_n be_v not_o only_o so_o few_o that_o a_o perfect_a history_n can_v be_v build_v on_o they_o but_o they_o be_v also_o very_o faulty_a and_o defective_a to_o rectify_v this_o and_o remove_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la in_o divinity_n be_v my_o purpose_n but_o i_o fear_v i_o go_v about_o it_o too_o late_a for_o thing_n be_v now_o almost_o come_v to_o that_o height_n man_n in_o this_o point_n will_v endure_v no_o correction_n but_o obstinate_o defend_v whatever_o they_o have_v embrace_v under_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n reason_n prevail_v with_o very_a few_o so_o universal_o have_v these_o prejudices_fw-la spread_v themselves_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n i_o will_v nevertheless_o endeavour_v and_o try_v what_o i_o can_v do_v because_o the_o business_n be_v not_o absolute_o desperate_a that_o i_o may_v in_o order_n show_v what_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o penman_n of_o those_o book_n that_o be_v account_v sacred_a and_o first_o concern_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n common_o call_v the_o pentateuk_n man_n have_v general_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n himself_o and_o the_o pharisee_n so_o stiff_o defend_v this_o opinion_n that_o they_o count_v he_o a_o heretic_n that_o think_v otherwise_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n aben_n ezra_n a_o person_n of_o a_o ingenuous_a disposition_n and_o no_o mean_a learning_n be_v the_o first_o i_o read_v of_o who_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o mistake_n dare_v not_o plain_o declare_v his_o thought_n but_o only_o hint_v his_o opinion_n in_o obscure_a word_n which_o i_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o explain_v and_o give_v you_o their_o naked_a meaning_n aben_n ezra_n word_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o deutronomy_n be_v these_o beyond_o jordan_n now_o thou_o may_v understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o twelve_o and_o moses_n also_o write_v the_o law_n and_o the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v it_o be_v see_v behold_v his_o bedstead_n be_v a_o bedstead_n of_o iron_n then_o shall_v thou_o know_v the_o truth_n by_o these_o few_o word_n he_o show_v and_o plain_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o moses_n but_o some_o other_o person_n that_o live_v long_o after_o he_o who_o write_v the_o pentateuk_n and_o that_o moses_n write_v some_o other_o book_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v his_o first_o observation_n be_v that_o the_o preface_n of_o deutronomy_n which_o begin_v thus_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o speak_v unto_o all_o israel_n beyond_o jordan_n can_v not_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n who_o never_o pass_v jordan_n his_o second_o observation_n be_v that_o the_o book_n which_o moses_n write_v be_v fair_o copy_v out_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o altar_n as_o appear_v deut._n chap._n 27._o v._n 5_o 8._o josh._n chap._n 8._o v._n 31_o 32._o which_o altar_n the_o rabbin_n declare_v be_v make_v only_o of_o twelve_o stone_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o book_n which_o moses_n write_v be_v a_o volume_n much_o less_o than_o the_o pentateuk_n and_o this_o i_o think_v aben_n ezra_n mean_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o twelve_o unless_o perhaps_o he_o understand_v those_o twelve_o curse_n which_o be_v in_o the_o forementioned_a 27_o the_o chapter_n of_o deutronomy_n which_o he_o may_v believe_v be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o beside_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o repeat_v those_o curse_n that_o they_o may_v by_o oath_n bind_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v the_o write_a law_n or_o else_o perhaps_o he_o mean_v the_o last_o chapter_n of_o deutronomy_n that_o speak_v of_o moses_n death_n which_o chapter_n consist_v only_o of_o twelve_o verse_n but_o these_o and_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v only_o by_o guess_n need_v not_o a_o more_o curious_a examination_n the_o three_o observation_n be_v that_o it_o be_v say_v deut._n chap._n 31._o v._n 9_o moses_n write_v this_o law_n and_o deliver_v it_o etc._n etc._n which_o can_v not_o be_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o some_o other_o person_n declare_v what_o moses_n do_v and_o what_o he_o write_v his_o four_o observation_n be_v that_o place_n gen._n chap._n 12._o v._n 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v speak_v of_o abraham_n pass_v through_o canaan_n that_o the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n which_o word_n must_v be_v write_v after_o moses_n death_n when_o the_o canaanite_n be_v drive_v out_o and_o do_v not_o possess_v the_o land_n and_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o aben_n ezra_n comment_v upon_o this_o place_n in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n it_o seem_v that_o canaan_n nephew_n to_o noah_n take_v that_o land_n from_o some_o other_o who_o possess_v it_o if_o not_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o thing_n whosoever_o understand_v it_o let_v he_o be_v silent_a that_o be_v if_o canaan_n invade_v those_o country_n than_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n must_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n past_o when_o the_o land_n be_v inhabit_v by_o another_o nation_n but_o if_o canaan_n be_v the_o first_o who_o live_v in_o that_o country_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n of_o gen._n he_o be_v then_o the_o word_n must_v imply_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o canaanite_n be_v not_o in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o moses_n can_v not_o be_v the_o writer_n of_o it_o because_o in_o his_o time_n the_o canaanite_n be_v still_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o country_n and_o this_o be_v that_o mystery_n he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v public_a his_o five_o observation_n be_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o 22_o the_o chap._n gen._n v._n 14_o where_o speak_a of_o mount_n moriah_n the_o text_n say_v it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v it_o be_v see_v now_o it_o be_v not_o call_v the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n till_o after_o it_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o this_o choice_n of_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n who_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o place_n choose_v by_o god_n but_o only_o foretell_v that_o god_n will_v in_o time_n to_o come_v choose_v a_o place_n which_o shall_v bear_v god_n name_n his_o six_o observation_n be_v what_o be_v say_v deut._n chap._n 3._o speak_v of_o og_n king_n of_o basan_n these_o word_n be_v interpose_v v_o 11_o the_o for_o only_a og_n king_n of_o basan_n remain_v of_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o giant_n behold_v his_o bedstead_n be_v a_o bedstead_n of_o iron_n be_v it_o not_o in_o rabbah_n of_o the_o child_n of_o ammon_n nine_o cubit_n be_v the_o length_n thereof_o which_o parenthesis_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n live_v long_o after_o moses_n for_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v argue_v that_o the_o person_n relate_v what_o pass_v long_o ago_o and_o to_o obtain_v credit_n show_v some_o ancient_a relic_n without_o question_v this_o bedstead_n be_v first_o
collect_v from_o divers_a writer_n and_o be_v never_o examine_v or_o put_v into_o any_o order_n there_o be_v no_o less_o disagreement_n in_o computation_n of_o time_n between_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n for_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o king_n chap._n 1_o sy_n v._n 17._o it_o be_v say_v jehoram_n the_o son_n of_o ahab_n king_n of_o israel_n begin_v to_o reign_v in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o jehoram_n the_o son_n of_o jehosaphat_n king_n of_o judah_n but_o in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n see_v the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o king_n chap._n 8._o v._n 16._o it_o be_v say_v that_o jehoram_n the_o son_n of_o jehosaphat_n king_n of_o judah_n begin_v to_o reign_v in_o the_o five_o year_n of_o jehoram_n the_o son_n of_o ahab_n king_n of_o israel_n he_o that_o will_v compare_v the_o history_n of_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n with_o those_o in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n shall_v find_v many_o of_o the_o like_a difference_n which_o i_o will_v not_o here_o particular_o mention_v nor_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o shift_n some_o author_n have_v use_v to_o reconcile_v they_o the_o rabbin_n perfect_o dote_v and_o some_o commentator_n that_o i_o have_v read_v impose_v upon_o we_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o invention_n plain_o corrupt_v the_o very_a language_n itself_o for_o example_n in_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n c._n 22._o v._n 2._o it_o be_v say_v ahaziah_n waâ—_n forty_o and_o two_o year_n old_a when_o he_o begin_v to_o reign_v some_o will_v have_v these_o year_n to_o commence_v not_o from_o ahaziah_n nativity_n but_o from_o the_o reign_n of_o omri_n if_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n i_o may_v in_o plain_a term_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v sense_n commentator_n be_v full_a of_o the_o like_a conceit_n wherein_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n a_o man_n may_v pofitive_o aver_v that_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n do_v not_o understand_v their_o own_o language_n but_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o order_n in_o history_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n or_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o expound_v scripture_n but_o every_o man_n may_v fancy_n and_o forge_n what_o he_o please_v if_o any_o think_v i_o speak_v too_o general_o and_o without_o ground_n i_o entreat_v that_o man_n to_o show_v i_o any_o such_o certain_a order_n in_o these_o history_n as_o chronologer_n may_v without_o any_o gross_a mistake_n follow_v and_o that_o while_o he_o be_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v and_o reconcile_v the_o history_n he_o will_v so_o strict_o observe_v the_o pharse_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v the_o dispose_n and_o contexture_n of_o the_o narration_n that_o another_o according_a to_o his_o explication_n may_v in_o write_v imitate_v they_o which_o if_o he_o can_v do_v i_o will_v throw_v away_o my_o pen_n and_o take_v he_o for_o a_o oracle_n i_o have_v be_v endeavour_v but_o can_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o often_o and_o long_o meditate_v and_o though_o from_o my_o childhood_n i_o have_v be_v season_v with_o the_o common_a and_o general_a opinion_n concern_v scripture_n yet_o i_o can_v not_o possible_o avoid_v confess_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v mention_v but_o i_o will_v no_o long_o detain_v the_o reader_n concern_v this_o particular_a nor_o will_v i_o further_o provoke_v he_o to_o undertake_v that_o which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o feasible_a i_o only_o make_v the_o proposal_n the_o better_a to_o explain_v my_o own_o meaning_n and_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o fate_n or_o fortune_n of_o the_o book_n for_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o careful_o keep_v by_o posterity_n as_o that_o no_o fault_n have_v creep_v into_o they_o the_o ancient_a scribe_n have_v take_v notice_n of_o many_o dubious_a reading_n and_o many_o maim_a text_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o all_o but_o whether_o the_o fault_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o those_o book_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o give_v the_o reader_n much_o trouble_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v i_o believe_v they_o be_v not_o considerable_a to_o those_o that_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o any_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n and_o i_o can_v positive_o affirm_v that_o i_o never_o observe_v any_o error_n or_o variety_n of_o readins_n concern_v mere_a precept_n or_o instruction_n which_o can_v render_v they_o doubtful_a or_o obscure_a but_o many_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o fault_n at_o all_o in_o any_o thing_n throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o peremptory_o maintain_v that_o god_n by_o a_o singular_a and_o special_a providence_n have_v keep_v the_o bible_n free_a from_o all_o corruption_n or_o adulteration_n and_o that_o the_o various_a readins_n of_o it_o comprehend_v profound_a mystery_n and_o will_v have_v great_a secret_n lie_v hide_v even_o in_o asterism_n space_n point_n and_o accent_n but_o whether_o this_o opinion_n proceed_v from_o folly_n and_o the_o dotage_n of_o devotion_n or_o from_o their_o arrogance_n and_o malice_n allow_v none_o but_o themselves_o to_o know_v god_n secret_n i_o can_v tell_v of_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o never_o read_v any_o thing_n which_o come_v from_o such_o man_n that_o seem_v mysterious_a but_o rather_o savor_v of_o schoool-boy_n conceit_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o trifle_a cabalist_n who_o freak_n and_o folly_n a_o man_n can_v choose_v but_o admire_v that_o fault_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o scripture_n no_o ingenuous_a person_n can_v deny_v who_o read_v that_o text_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v concern_v saul_n in_o the_o 13_o the_o chap._n v._n 1_o sy_n of_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o samuel_n and_o also_o that_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o verse_n of_o the_o 6_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o sam._n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o david_n arise_v and_o go_v with_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v with_o he_o from_o judah_n to_o bring_v from_o thence_o the_o ark_n of_o god._n who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n to_o which_o they_o go_v to_o fetch_v the_o ark_n be_v lest_o our_o viz._n kiriathjearim_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n deny_v but_o that_o the_o text_n in_o the_o 37_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 13_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o sam_n be_v defective_a but_o absalon_n flee_v and_o go_v to_o talmai_n the_o son_n of_o ammihud_o and_o mourn_v for_o his_o son_n every_o day_n it_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o david_n mourn_v for_o his_o son_n every_o day_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o english_a translation_n the_o word_n david_n be_v put_v in_o but_o be_v not_o in_o the_o latin._n there_o be_v other_o such_o fault_n which_o do_v not_o at_o present_a occur_v to_o my_o memory_n that_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v every_o where_o in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v dubious_a reading_n no_o man_n will_v doubt_v who_o consider_v that_o many_o of_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o great_a likeness_n which_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n have_v one_o to_o another_o namely_o from_o the_o similitude_n which_o be_v between_o the_o letter_n kaf_n and_o bet_n the_o letter_n jod_n and_o van_n the_o letter_n dalet_n and_o res_fw-la for_o example_n in_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 5._o v._n 24._o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o latin_a translation_n in_o co_fw-la tempore_fw-la quo_fw-la audies_fw-la the_o margin_n have_v it_o cum_fw-la audies_fw-la and_o judge_n chap._n 21._o v._n 22._o the_o latin_a text_n be_v &_o quando_fw-la earum_fw-la patres_fw-la vel_fw-la fratres_fw-la in_o multitudine_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la saepe_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la venerint_fw-la into_o the_o margin_n be_v put_v ad_fw-la litigandum_fw-la many_o different_a reading_n likewise_o come_v from_o the_o use_n of_o those_o letter_n who_o sound_n or_o pronunciation_n be_v in_o read_v scarce_o perceive_v and_o one_o be_v sometime_o take_v for_o another_o for_o example_n levit._fw-la chap._n 25._o v._n 29._o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o text_n that_o if_o a_o house_n be_v sell_v which_o be_v in_o a_o city_n that_o have_v a_o wall_n the_o margin_n say_v that_o have_v not_o a_o wall._n but_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a yet_o we_o will_v make_v answer_n to_o some_o argument_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o marginal_a note_n be_v by_o those_o that_o copy_v out_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n purposely_o place_v there_o to_o signify_v some_o great_a mystery_n they_o ground_n their_o first_o argument_n which_o i_o think_v very_o slight_a upon_o the_o common_a use_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n
clear_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o command_n but_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o natural_a reason_n and_o contain_v nothing_o but_o brotherly_a admonition_n full_a of_o gentleness_n and_o kindness_n no_o evidence_n of_o prophetical_a authority_n such_o as_o be_v that_o excuse_n in_o the_o 15._o chap._n to_o the_o rom._n verse_n 15._o brethren_n i_o have_v write_v the_o more_o bold_o unto_o you_o and_o this_o opinion_n may_v with_o the_o great_a confidence_n be_v maintain_v because_o we_o no_o where_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v to_o write_v but_o only_o to_o preach_v where_o ever_o they_o go_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o sign_n for_o their_o presence_n and_o sign_n be_v absolute_o require_v to_o convert_v the_o nation_n to_o christianity_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o as_o paul_n himself_o in_o his_o epist._n to_o the_o rom._n chap._n 1._o five_o 11._o express_o declare_v i_o long_o to_o see_v you_o that_o i_o may_v impart_v unto_o you_o some_o spiritual_a gift_n to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v be_v establish_v but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o if_o we_o allow_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v as_o prophet_n then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v they_o do_v not_o preach_v as_o prophet_n for_o when_o they_o go_v hither_o and_o thither_o to_o preach_v they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o express_a command_n as_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o time_n past_a we_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n jonah_n go_v to_o nineveh_n to_o preach_v that_o he_o be_v express_o send_v thither_o and_o that_o which_o he_o be_v there_o to_o preach_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o we_o be_v tell_v at_o large_a that_o moses_n be_v send_v into_o egypt_n by_o god_n what_o he_o be_v command_v to_o say_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o king_n pharaoh_n what_o sign_n and_o wonder_n also_o he_o be_v to_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v isaiah_n jeremy_n and_o ezekiel_n be_v express_o command_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o israelite_n last_o the_o prophet_n never_o preach_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o the_o scripture_n testify_v they_o receive_v from_o god_n but_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o very_o seldom_o read_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o they_o go_v hither_o and_o thither_o to_o preach_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o find_v the_o apostle_n according_a to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o inclination_n choose_v what_o place_n they_o will_v preach_v in_o as_o appear_v by_o that_o contention_n even_o to_o separation_n between_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n chap._n 15._o v._n 39_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n many_o time_n in_o vain_a attempt_v to_o go_v to_o some_o particular_a place_n whereof_o we_o have_v instance_n in_o paul_n himself_o who_o say_v in_o his_o first_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n v_o 13._o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o ignorant_a that_o oftentimes_o i_o purpose_v to_o come_v to_o you_o but_o be_v let_v hitherto_o and_o chap._n 15._o v._n 22._o for_o which_o cause_n i_o have_v be_v often_o hinder_v from_o come_v to_o you_o and_o last_o in_o the_o 16_o the_o chap._n 1_o sy_n epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n v_o 12._o he_o say_v as_o touch_v our_o brother_n apollo_n i_o great_o desire_v he_o to_o come_v unto_o you_o with_o the_o brethren_n but_o his_o will_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o come_v at_o this_o time_n but_o he_o will_v come_v when_o he_o shall_v have_v convenient_a time_n so_o that_o from_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o from_o the_o apostle_n contention_n and_o because_o when_o they_o go_v hither_o and_o thither_o to_o preach_v the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o testify_v as_o it_o do_v of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n that_o they_o go_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o preach_v as_o prophet_n but_o as_o man_n who_o be_v only_a teacher_n but_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v easy_o answer_v if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o call_n of_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a and_o of_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o call_v to_o preach_v and_o prophesy_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o general_a but_o only_o to_o some_o particular_a people_n for_o which_o a_o express_a and_o particular_a command_n be_v necessary_a but_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n without_o exception_n and_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o christ_n so_o that_o wherever_o they_o go_v they_o execute_v his_o commission_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n before_o they_o go_v that_o which_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o they_o they_o be_v those_o disciple_n to_o who_o christ_n say_v matth._n chap._n 10._o v._n 19_o 20._o when_o they_o deliver_v you_o up_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v the_o apostle_n have_v those_o thing_n by_o particular_a revelation_n which_o they_o personal_o preach_v and_o confirm_v by_o sign_n but_o what_o they_o simple_o speak_v or_o write_v without_o sign_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o proceed_v only_o from_o their_o natural_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n as_o you_o see_v in_o the_o forecited_a 14_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n v_o 6._o that_o all_o their_o epistle_n begin_v with_o the_o declaration_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o apostleship_n make_v nothing_o against_o i_o for_o on_o the_o apostle_n as_o i_o shall_v present_o show_v be_v not_o only_o bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o they_o have_v also_o authority_n give_v they_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n begin_v and_o write_v their_o epistle_n with_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o apostleship_n and_o perhaps_o to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o reader_n and_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o attention_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v those_o man_n who_o by_o their_o preach_v be_v know_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o who_o by_o such_o clear_a proof_n have_v make_v it_o evident_a they_o teach_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n what_o i_o find_v in_o these_o epistle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o they_o be_v inspire_v relate_v only_o to_o their_o preach_v except_o it_o be_v in_o those_o place_n where_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v mean_v only_o a_o sound_n right_a judgement_n and_o a_o pure_a unessayed_v mind_n devote_v to_o god_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o our_o first_o chapter_n for_o example_n paul_n in_o 1_o corinth_n chap._n 7._o v._n 40._o say_v but_o she_o be_v happy_a if_o she_o so_o abide_v after_o my_o judgement_n and_o i_o think_v also_o i_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n where_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v understand_v his_o own_o opinion_n as_o the_o context_n prove_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o widow_n be_v happy_a who_o will_v not_o marry_v a_o second_o husband_n for_o he_o himself_o have_v resolve_v to_o live_v single_a and_o therefore_o think_v himself_o happy_a of_o this_o kind_n we_o find_v other_o expression_n which_o i_o think_v needless_a to_o mention_v if_o then_o it_o pass_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o dictate_v only_o of_o natural_a reason_n how_o can_v the_o apostle_n only_o by_o natural_a reason_n teach_v those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n concern_v the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o question_n for_o though_o many_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n often_o surpass_v our_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n yet_o we_o may_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o provide_v we_o admit_v of_o no_o principle_n but_o what_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n may_v conclude_v collect_v and_o as_o they_o please_v teach_v many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v hear_v and_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o though_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o bare_o publish_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o natural_a reason_n yet_o the_o principal_a and_o chief_a part_n thereof_o which_o consist_v as_o do_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o moral_a precept_n and_o instruction_n every_o man_n by_o natural_a light_n may_v attain_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o
thereby_o more_o incline_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o we_o blame_v the_o sectary_n for_o not_o allow_v other_o man_n the_o same_o liberty_n they_o themselves_o take_v they_o count_v all_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o opinion_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o persecute_v they_o as_o such_o but_o call_v those_o who_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n god_n elect_n be_v they_o never_o so_o very_a knave_n which_o be_v the_o most_o pernicious_a wicked_a humour_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o make_v it_o clear_v then_o how_o far_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n every_o man_n may_v extend_v his_o liberty_n of_o think_v what_o he_o please_v and_o upon_o who_o we_o be_v to_o look_v as_o believer_n though_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n i_o resolve_v to_o show_v in_o this_o chapter_n what_o faith_n be_v to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o distinguish_v faith_n from_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o whole_a treatise_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o order_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n again_o what_o be_v the_o scripture_n principal_a intention_n for_o that_o will_v show_v we_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o determine_v what_o be_v faith._n we_o have_v tell_v you_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n obedience_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v for_o who_o do_v not_o plain_o see_v the_o discipline_n of_o obedience_n to_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o only_a end_n of_o both_o be_v to_o make_v man_n obey_v god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n i_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o moses_n do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n with_o reason_n but_o to_o bind_v and_o oblige_v they_o by_o a_o covenant_n by_o oath_n and_o benefit_n he_o threaten_v those_o that_o break_v the_o law_n with_o punishment_n and_o encourage_v the_o observer_n of_o it_o with_o reward_n which_o be_v mean_n not_o to_o increase_v knowledge_n but_o only_o to_o procure_v obedience_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v nothing_o but_o plain_a simple_a faith_n namely_o to_o believe_v god_n and_o to_o reverence_n and_o worship_v he_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o obey_v he_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n so_o evident_a or_o of_o heap_v up_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o commend_v obedience_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o in_o both_o testament_n what_o a_o man_n be_v to_o do_v to_o obey_v god_n the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n declare_v namely_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n consist_v in_o love_v our_o neighbour_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o he_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o law_n be_v obedient_a who_o according_a to_o god_n command_n love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o on_o the_o contrary_a who_o hate_v his_o neighbour_n or_o care_v not_o for_o he_o be_v rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a last_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o publish_v not_o only_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a but_o for_o all_o people_n in_o general_n of_o all_o time_n hence_o then_o must_v it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v not_o command_v by_o scripture_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v and_o obey_v this_o commandment_n so_o that_o this_o precept_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o catholic_n faith_n and_o by_o it_o only_o all_o those_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v aught_o to_o be_v define_v and_o determine_v which_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a and_o that_o from_o this_o foundation_n only_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v rational_o deduce_v and_o derive_v let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o the_o many_o dispute_n and_o dissension_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n can_v have_v any_o other_o cause_n than_o those_o i_o mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n which_o force_v i_o here_o to_o show_v from_o this_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o manner_n and_o reason_n of_o state_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n for_o unless_o i_o do_v this_o and_o make_v it_o good_a by_o sure_a and_o certain_a rule_n i_o have_v indeed_o hitherto_o do_v very_o little_a see_v otherwise_o every_o man_n may_v introduce_v what_o he_o please_v under_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o obedience_n especial_o when_o any_o thing_n come_v into_o question_n concern_v the_o divine_a attribute_n to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o make_v the_o thing_n clear_a and_o plain_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o definition_n of_o faith_n which_o according_a to_o the_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v aught_o to_o be_v thus_o define_v i'faith_o be_v to_o have_v such_o thought_n or_o opinion_n of_o god_n as_o make_v a_o man_n obey_v he_o where_o such_o thought_n be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o obedience_n and_o where_o they_o be_v obedience_n necessary_o follow_v such_o opinion_n which_o definition_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_o follow_v from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o need_v no_o explication_n what_o follow_v from_o this_o definition_n i_o will_v brief_o show_v first_o that_o faith_n of_o itself_o without_o obedience_n be_v not_o able_a to_o save_v a_o man_n as_o james_n say_v chap._n 2._o 17._o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o that_o whole_a chapter_n second_o that_o he_o who_o be_v true_o obedient_a must_v necessary_o have_v save_v faith_n for_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v obedience_n there_o as_o i_o have_v say_v must_v be_v faith_n which_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v express_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o say_v 2_o d_o chap._n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n and_o john_n in_o his_o 1_o sy_n epist._n chap._n 4._o v._n 78._o every_o one_o that_o love_v his_o neighbour_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o know_v god_n he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n from_o whence_o it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v judge_v no_o man_n to_o be_v a_o believer_n or_o a_o unbeliever_n but_o by_o his_o work_n that_o be_v if_o his_o work_n be_v good_a though_o in_o his_o opinion_n he_o dissent_v from_o other_o believer_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o if_o his_o work_n be_v evil_a though_o in_o word_n he_o agree_v with_o other_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o infidel_n for_o where_o there_o be_v obedience_n there_o must_v necessary_o be_v faith_n and_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a which_o john_n in_o chap._n 4._o 13._o express_o declare_v hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n which_o spirit_n be_v love_n for_o he_o say_v just_a before_o god_n be_v love_n and_o conclude_v from_o his_o own_o principle_n that_o he_o certain_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_n and_o because_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v god_n he_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o only_o by_o love_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v any_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o love_n by_o partake_v of_o it_o which_o reason_n if_o they_o do_v not_o absolute_o convince_v yet_o they_o sufficient_o explain_v st._n john_n meaning_n what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o 3_o d_o and_o 4_o the_o verse_n of_o his_o 2_o d_o chap._n in_o express_v word_n full_o prove_v what_o we_o maintain_v and_o hereby_o say_v he_o do_v we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o hence_o it_o again_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v antichrist_n who_o persecute_v honest_a and_o just_a man_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o do_v not_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n they_o that_o love_v justice_n and_o charity_n be_v thereby_o only_o know_v to_o be_v believer_n and_o whoever_o persecute_v such_o believer_n be_v antichrist_n last_o it_o follow_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o require_v opinion_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_a but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v pious_a and_o incline_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o obedience_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o â—ruth_n in_o they_o which_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v and_o yet_o be_v
ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v false_a otherwise_o he_o will_v necessary_o be_v disobedient_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o justice_n and_o study_n to_o obey_v god_n reverence_v that_o as_o divine_a which_o he_o know_v be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n man_n may_v err_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v condemn_v stubbornness_n not_o ignorance_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o very_a definition_n i_o have_v give_v of_o faith_n every_o part_n thereof_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o general_a foundation_n before_o mention_v and_o from_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o faith_n do_v not_o require_v from_o man_n opinion_n absolute_o true_a in_o themselves_o but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n and_o to_o confirm_v a_o man_n in_o love_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n by_o which_o love_n to_o use_v st._n john_n expression_n every_o man_n be_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o see_v then_o every_o man_n faith_n in_o respect_n of_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o see_v man_n disposition_n be_v so_o various_a that_o none_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o be_v so_o diverse_o sway_v by_o opinion_n that_o what_o move_v this_o man_n to_o devotion_n beget_v in_o another_o laughter_n and_o contempt_n it_o fâ—llows_v that_o to_o universal_a faith_n only_o those_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a concern_v which_o among_o honest_a man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o one_o man_n may_v account_v they_o religious_a and_o another_o irreligious_a be_v to_o be_v judge_v only_o by_o work_n to_o catholic_n faith_n then_o those_o doctrine_n only_o belong_v which_o beget_v in_o a_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o which_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v obey_v he_o in_o other_o thing_n every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n he_o that_o of_o himself_o may_v to_o establish_v himself_o in_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n think_v what_o to_o he_o seem_v best_o which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n now_o i_o will_v not_o fear_v to_o name_v those_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a faith_n or_o those_o fundamental_o of_o scripture_n that_o by_o what_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o these_o two_o last_o chapter_n tend_v all_o to_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v that_o love_v justice_n and_o charity_n to_o who_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v be_v obedient_a and_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o love_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n and_o from_o hence_o these_o several_a position_n clear_o and_o easy_o follow_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v who_o be_v most_o just_a and_o merciful_a by_o who_o example_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o regulate_v his_o life_n he_o that_o know_v not_o or_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v can_v obey_v he_o or_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v his_o judge_n second_o that_o this_o god_n be_v one_o which_o opinion_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n adore_v admire_v and_o love_n god_n for_o devotion_n admiration_n and_o love_n be_v cause_v by_o that_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o one_o above_o all_o other_o three_o that_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a or_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o he_o for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o he_o or_o if_o man_n do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o see_v all_o thing_n we_o may_v doubt_v of_o his_o equity_n and_o justice_n whereby_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n four_o that_o he_o have_v supreme_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o by_o compulsion_n but_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o no_o body_n five_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o consist_v only_o in_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n six_o that_o only_o they_o who_o obey_v god_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n will_v be_v save_v and_o other_o who_o live_v slave_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v condemn_v if_o man_n do_v not_o firm_o believe_v this_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v rather_o obey_v god_n than_o his_o own_o desire_n and_o pleasure_n seven_o and_o last_o god_n pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n all_o will_v despair_v of_o salvation_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v god_n merciful_a but_o he_o who_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n through_o grace_n and_o mercy_n whereby_o he_o order_v all_o thing_n pardon_v man_n offence_n and_o be_v thereby_o more_o flame_v with_o love_n towards_o god_n he_o know_v christ_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o every_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n may_v obey_v god_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n which_o we_o have_v already_o explain_v if_o you_o take_v away_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n or_o doctrine_n there_o can_v be_v no_o obedience_n but_o what_o god_n or_o what_o this_o exemplar_n of_o live_v well_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v fire_n a_o spirit_n light_n cogitation_n etc._n etc._n it_o concern_v not_o our_o faith_n neither_o in_o what_o notion_n or_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o example_n for_o we_o to_o live_v by_o whether_o it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v a_o just_a and_o merciful_a mind_n or_o because_o all_o thing_n subsist_v and_o act_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o we_o by_o and_o through_o he_o understand_v what_o be_v just_a and_o good_a it_o matter_n not_o what_o every_o man_n think_v or_o conclude_v of_o these_o thing_n neither_o be_v faith_n concern_v whether_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n omnipresent_v or_o whether_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o freedom_n or_o necessity_n of_o his_o nature_n whether_o he_o prescribe_v law_n as_o a_o prince_n or_o teach_v eternal_a verity_n whether_o man_n obey_v god_n as_o free_a agent_n because_o they_o have_v freedom_n of_o will_n or_o because_o they_o be_v necessitate_v by_o god_n decree_n whether_o the_o reward_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_n be_v natural_a or_o supernatural_a faith_n be_v not_o concern_v how_o a_o man_n understand_v these_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o he_o make_v no_o conclusion_n whereby_o he_o may_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v or_o lessen_v his_o obedience_n to_o god_n of_o these_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n a_o man_n may_v make_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o make_v he_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n cheerful_o without_o any_o reluctancy_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v faith_n be_v heretofore_o reveal_v and_o write_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o people_n of_o that_o time_n so_o that_o now_o also_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o apply_v his_o faith_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v make_v he_o without_o the_o least_o doubt_v or_o reluctancy_n believe_v for_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v faith_n rather_o require_v piety_n than_o verity_n and_o as_o faith_n can_v be_v pious_a and_o save_a without_o obedience_n so_o nothing_o but_o obedience_n make_v a_o man_n a_o faithful_a believer_n his_o faith_n be_v not_o best_o who_o can_v give_v the_o best_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o he_o that_o have_v do_v the_o most_o and_o great_a work_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n a_o doctrine_n which_o must_v in_o all_o man_n judgement_n be_v very_o wholesome_a and_o necessary_a in_o all_o commonwealth_n for_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o much_o wickedness_n and_o many_o trouble_n before_o i_o go_v further_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o objection_n may_v be_v easy_o answer_v which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o israelite_n from_o mount_n sinai_n for_o though_o that_o voice_n which_o the_o israelite_n hear_v can_v not_o give_v that_o people_n any_o philosophical_a or_o mathematical_a certainty_n of_o god_n existence_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o admire_v god_n under_o that_o knowledge_n they_o before_o have_v of_o he_o and_o incite_v they_o to_o obedience_n towards_o he_o which_o be_v all_o that_o god_n purpose_v and_o design_v in_o that_o spectacle_n it_o be_v not_o god_n intention_n
idolise_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o account_v it_o great_a piety_n in_o a_o man_n not_o to_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o reason_n but_o great_a wickedness_n to_o doubt_v their_o fidelity_n who_o communicate_v to_o we_o the_o sacred_a volume_n certain_o such_o man_n folly_n exceed_v their_o piety_n what_o trouble_v they_o what_o be_v it_o they_o fear_v can_v religion_n and_o faith_n be_v defend_v unless_o man_n be_v profess_o ignorant_a and_o bid_v reason_n farewell_n they_o that_o think_v so_o do_v rather_o fear_v than_o believe_v scripture_n god_n forbid_v that_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o servant_n to_o reason_n or_o reason_n to_o religion_n both_o may_v with_o great_a peace_n and_o concord_n preserve_v their_o own_o proper_a dominion_n which_o i_o will_v present_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v a_o little_a examine_v the_o tenet_n and_o opinion_n of_o our_o rabbin_z alpakhar_n he_o as_o i_o have_v say_v will_v have_v we_o receive_v every_o thing_n for_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n as_o false_a which_o the_o scripture_n deny_v and_o maintain_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o in_o another_o place_n it_o have_v positive_o affirm_v or_o deny_v both_o which_o be_v very_o bold_a and_o rash_a position_n i_o will_v not_o press_v he_o with_o what_o perhaps_o he_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v several_a book_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o several_a author_n in_o several_a age_n for_o the_o use_n of_o divers_a people_n and_o see_v upon_o his_o own_o authority_n only_o he_o maintain_v what_o neither_o reason_n or_o scripture_n ever_o say_v he_o ought_v to_o show_v that_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v but_o by_o consequence_n contradict_v other_o may_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o language_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o place_n convenient_o bear_v a_o metaphorical_a interpretation_n and_o he_o ought_v likewise_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o we_o without_o any_o corruption_n or_o adulteration_n to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o business_n i_o ask_v he_o concern_v his_o first_o position_n whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n as_o false_a which_o it_o deny_v though_o both_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o reason_n if_o he_o answer_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o press_v he_o with_o this_o instance_n in_o the_o decalogue_n exod._n 34._o 14._o deut._n 4._o 24._o and_o in_o other_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o gâ—d_n be_v jealous_a but_o that_o such_o a_o passion_n as_o jealousy_n shall_v be_v in_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n now_o if_o there_o be_v other_o place_n in_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v god_n not_o to_o be_v jealous_a they_o must_v be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o scripture_n express_o say_v that_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 19.20_o and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o other_o local_a motion_n no_o where_o express_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o move_v so_o that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o solomon_n say_v of_o god_n in_o 1_o king_n 8._o 27._o that_o he_o can_v be_v comprehend_v or_o contain_v in_o any_o place_n though_o it_o do_v not_o express_o but_o only_o consequential_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o move_v aught_o to_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n metaphorical_o understand_v the_o heaven_n also_o must_v be_v take_v for_o god_n throne_n and_o habitation_n because_o the_o scripture_n declare_v positive_o they_o be_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n consonant_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o people_n which_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n but_o not_o scripture_n say_v be_v false_a all_o which_o according_a to_o the_o rabbi_n opinion_n who_o in_o such_o case_n will_v allow_v no_o consult_v with_o reason_n must_v pass_v for_o truth_n he_o affirm_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a in_o say_v that_o no_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n express_o and_o direct_o contradict_v another_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n for_o moses_n deut._n 4._o 24._o express_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o direct_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v like_o any_o visible_a thing_n deut._n 4._o 12._o now_o if_o the_o rabbi_n will_v have_v this_o latter_a text_n not_o direct_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n to_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v fire_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v so_o interpret_v that_o it_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o deny_v it_o let_v he_o have_v his_o will_n and_o let_v we_o grant_v that_o god_n be_v fire_n or_o rather_o not_o to_o be_v as_o mad_a as_o he_o we_o will_v let_v this_o pass_v and_o make_v use_n of_o another_o example_n samuel_n direct_o deny_v that_o god_n ever_o repent_v of_o his_o decree_n 1_o sam._n 15._o 29._o but_o jeremy_n on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v chap._n 18._o v._n 8_o 10._o that_o god_n do_v sometime_o repent_v both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o purpose_v and_o decree_v do_v not_o these_o two_o text_n direct_o oppose_v one_o another_o which_o of_o these_o two_o must_v be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v both_o the_o opinion_n be_v general_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o what_o one_o direct_o affirm_v the_o other_o positive_o deny_v so_o that_o the_o rabbi_n by_o his_o own_o rule_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o false_a but_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o though_o one_o place_n do_v not_o direct_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n contradict_v another_o if_o the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o metaphorical_a explication_n of_o which_o many_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n we_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v show_v that_o several_a prophet_n have_v different_a opinion_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o contradiction_n which_o i_o in_o the_o 9_o the_o and_o 10_o the_o chapter_n have_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v in_o several_a of_o the_o scripture_n history_n they_o need_v not_o be_v repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v the_o absurdity_n and_o falsity_n which_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o rabbi_n rule_n and_o to_o show_v how_o unadvised_o and_o gross_o the_o author_n be_v mistake_v the_o different_a opinion_n of_o both_o rabbi_n be_v confute_v i_o do_v again_o positive_o declare_v that_o divinity_n or_o theology_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o theology_n but_o both_o aught_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o dominion_n reason_n ought_v to_o rule_v in_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o theology_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n do_v not_o so_o far_o extend_v itself_o as_o to_o determine_v that_o man_n only_o by_o obedience_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v bless_v and_o happy_a but_o theology_n dictate_v nothing_o else_o and_o command_v nothing_o but_o obedience_n not_o intend_v or_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o reason_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n theology_n determin_n doctrine_n of_o faith_n no_o further_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n but_o how_o those_o doctrine_n be_v precise_o in_o respect_n of_o verity_n to_o be_v understand_v it_o leave_v reason_n to_o resolve_v which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o without_o which_o we_o see_v nothing_o but_o dream_n and_o fancy_n but_o here_o by_o theology_n i_o mean_v only_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o it_o declare_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n aim_v namely_o the_o reason_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v obedient_o or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 12_o the_o chapter_n theology_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n if_o we_o consider_v its_o precept_n and_o instruction_n perfect_o agree_v with_o reason_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v its_o end_n and_o design_n in_o nothing_o contradict_v it_o and_o therefore_o universal_o concern_v all_o mankind_n as_o for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n in_o general_n the_o sense_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o scripture_n history_n and_o not_o by_o the_o history_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o
supreme_a magistrate_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o concern_v themselves_o in_o the_o dispute_n the_o controversy_n never_o end_v and_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o divide_v into_o sect_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v but_o private_a person_n sometime_o by_o the_o great_a liberty_n they_o use_v in_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o reproach_v the_o people_n do_v rather_o provoke_v than_o make_v they_o better_o who_o notwithstanding_o will_v with_o much_o great_a patience_n receive_v correction_n and_o instruction_n from_o their_o king_n yea_o the_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o intolerable_a to_o very_o pious_a good_a king_n by_o arrogate_a a_o power_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v well_o and_o what_o ill_o do_v and_o sometime_o by_o reprove_v king_n to_o their_o face_n if_o they_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v public_o or_o private_o do_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n asa_n who_o be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n a_o good_a king_n imprison_v hanani_n the_o prophet_n see_v 2_o chron._n chap._n 16._o for_o too_o bold_o reprove_v and_o reproach_v he_o for_o the_o league_n he_o make_v with_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n beside_o this_o example_n there_o be_v other_o which_o show_v that_o the_o liberty_n the_o prophet_n take_v do_v sometime_o more_o hurt_v than_o good_a i_o need_v not_o instance_n the_o civil_a war_n which_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o prophet_n pretend_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n a_o three_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o during_o the_o time_n the_o people_n govern_v there_o happen_v but_o one_o civil_a war_n which_o be_v end_v the_o victor_n have_v so_o much_o compassion_n for_o the_o conquer_a party_n that_o their_o whole_a care_n and_o study_v be_v how_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a power_n and_o dignity_n but_o after_o the_o people_n not_o accustom_v to_o king_n have_v change_v the_o form_n of_o their_o government_n into_o monarchy_n there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o civil_a war_n they_o fight_v such_o fierce_a and_o bloody_a battle_n as_o almost_o exceed_v belief_n for_o in_o one_o battle_n which_o be_v hardly_o credible_a fifty_o thousand_o israelite_n be_v slay_v by_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o in_o another_o the_o israelite_n slay_v a_o very_a great_a number_n though_o not_o specify_v of_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n take_v the_o king_n himself_o prisoner_n demolish_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o rage_n of_o war_n have_v no_o moderation_n they_o destroy_v the_o temple_n sack_v the_o city_n lade_v and_o glut_v with_o the_o spoil_n and_o blood_n of_o their_o brethren_n take_v hostage_n they_o leave_v the_o king_n in_o his_o almost_o ruine_a kingdom_n and_o more_o secure_v by_o the_o weakness_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o king_n of_o iudah_n subject_n lay_v down_o their_o arms._n the_o man_n of_o judah_n in_o a_o few_o year_n after_o recover_v strength_n come_v again_o into_o the_o field_n and_o fight_v another_o battle_n wherein_o the_o israelite_n be_v again_o victor_n kill_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o of_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o carry_v away_o captive_n two_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n with_o a_o very_a great_a booty_n so_o that_o consume_v by_o these_o and_o other_o battle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n they_o at_o last_o fall_v a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n before_o they_o have_v king_n they_o sometime_o live_v in_o perfect_a peace_n forty_o year_n together_o and_o once_o which_o be_v scarce_o credible_a fourscore_o year_n without_o any_o foreign_a or_o domestic_a war_n but_o after_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n and_o fight_v not_o for_o peace_n and_o liberty_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o monarch_n we_o find_v they_o continual_o embroil_v the_o reign_n of_o solomon_n only_o except_v who_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n better_o appear_v in_o peace_n than_o in_o war_n the_o desire_n of_o reign_v at_o last_o become_v so_o excessive_a that_o their_o king_n sometime_o wade_v to_o the_o throne_n in_o blood._n last_o during_o the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n the_o law_n remain_v in_o their_o first_o purity_n and_o be_v constant_o observe_v for_o before_o king_n come_v in_o there_o be_v very_o few_o prophetsâ—_n but_o after_o the_o election_n of_o king_n the_o prophet_n grow_v very_o numerous_a we_o read_v obadiah_n hide_v at_o one_o time_n a_o hundred_o in_o a_o cave_n to_o save_v their_o life_n we_o likewise_o find_v the_o people_n be_v often_o deceive_v with_o false_a prophet_n the_o people_n before_o king_n have_v the_o government_n be_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n sometime_o haughty_a and_o sometime_o humble_a do_v when_o they_o be_v in_o calamity_n forsake_v their_o evil_a way_n seek_v god_n restore_v the_o law_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v free_v themselves_o from_o danger_n and_o distress_n but_o their_o king_n who_o haughty_a mind_n can_v without_o shame_n stoop_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o vice_n till_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v utter_o destroy_v by_o all_o this_o it_o clear_o appear_v first_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v both_o to_o religion_n and_o government_n to_o put_v the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n and_o govern_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o priest_n and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o meddle_v in_o any_o business_n till_o their_o counsel_n be_v ask_v and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o preach_v and_o teach_v new_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n second_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a by_o scripture_n or_o to_o make_v any_o law_n concern_v opinion_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o disputable_a that_o government_n be_v very_o tyrannical_a where_o opinion_n be_v count_v crime_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o angry_a multitude_n be_v master_n pilate_n to_o gratify_v the_o incense_a pharisee_n command_v christ_n to_o be_v crucify_v it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o pharisee_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v worthy_a person_n out_o of_o their_o place_n and_o office_n of_o dignity_n to_o ask_v question_n concern_v religion_n this_o make_v they_o accuse_v the_o sadducee_n of_o impiety_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o pharisee_n base_a and_o abominable_a hypocrite_n under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o religion_n persecute_v and_o traduce_v honest_a worthy_a virtuous_a man_n who_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o envy_v and_o by_o public_o inveigh_v against_o their_o opinion_n stir_v up_o the_o people_n against_o their_o person_n this_o unworthy_a practice_n because_o it_o be_v cloak_v with_o religion_n can_v hardly_o be_v restrain_v where_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v introduce_v any_o sect_n whereof_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o author_n for_o then_o the_o sectary_n not_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v account_v interpreter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v the_o supreme_a power_n make_v sectary_n interpreter_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n signify_v little_a with_o the_o people_n who_o have_v great_a veneration_n for_o their_o teacher_n to_o who_o doctrine_n and_o decision_n they_o think_v even_o king_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o avoid_v all_o these_o mischief_n nothing_o can_v be_v safe_a for_o a_o commonwealth_n than_o to_o place_v all_o religion_n and_o piety_n only_o in_o work_n that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n free_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o of_o this_o particular_a more_o large_o hereafter_o three_o we_o see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a both_o of_o religion_n and_o government_n to_o fix_v the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o determine_v even_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o judge_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a in_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o if_o the_o power_n of_o judge_a man_n action_n can_v not_o without_o great_a danger_n to_o religion_n and_o government_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o prophet_n much_o less_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o man_n who_o can_v neither_o prophesy_v or_o do_v miracle_n but_o of_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v speak_v express_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n four_o and_o last_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o people_n never_o accustom_v to_o kingly_a government_n and_o have_v law_n according_o frame_v to_o choose_v a_o monarch_n for_o as_o the_o people_n can_v endure_v such_o a_o government_n so_o kingly_a authority_n can_v brook_v law_n or_o any_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n establish_v by_o any_o other_o of_o less_o authority_n and_o a_o king_n will_v have_v very_o little_a mind_n to_o maintain_v law_n wherein_o the_o people_n interest_n be_v more_o intend_v and_o provide_v for_o than_o his_o own_o for_o
by_o revelation_n or_o whether_o god_n command_v it_o for_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o it_o be_v reveal_v so_o as_o it_o obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n and_o become_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n obligatory_a to_o men._n if_o i_o then_o prove_v that_o justice_n and_o charity_n can_v become_v a_o law_n or_o command_n but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v see_v supreme_a power_n be_v always_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o religion_n become_v a_o bind_a law_n only_o by_o their_o decree_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n and_o that_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a kingdom_n over_o man_n but_o by_o they_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a rule_v power_n that_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n become_v a_o obligatory_a law_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a govern_v power_n appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n where_o i_o have_v declare_v that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n reason_n can_v pretend_v to_o any_o great_a power_n than_o natural_a appetite_n may_v and_o that_o they_o who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o natural_a appetite_n have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o all_o thing_n within_o their_o power_n as_o they_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n so_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n we_o can_v conceive_v there_o can_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n any_o sin_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v god_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n punish_v sin_n but_o all_o thing_n carry_v on_o in_o their_o course_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o universal_a nature_n to_o use_v solomon_n own_o word_n all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a no_o place_n be_v leave_v for_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o that_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n the_o divine_a law_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n may_v obtain_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o a_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v part_v from_o his_o natural_a right_n and_o transfer_v it_o either_o upon_o all_o upon_o some_o or_o upon_o one_o and_o that_o then_o we_o first_o come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v justice_n and_o what_o injustice_n what_o equity_n and_o what_o iniquity_n justice_n therefore_o and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n with_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n become_v a_o precept_n and_o obligatory_a law_n by_o the_o power_n and_o decree_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o power_n that_o justice_n charity_n and_o true_a religion_n have_v over_o we_o by_o become_v a_o law_n to_o we_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a kingdom_n over_o man_n but_o by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a rule_v power_n whether_o we_o consider_v religion_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o natural_a or_o prophetical_a light_n the_o demonstration_n be_v universal_a see_v religion_n be_v the_o same_o and_o equal_o reveal_v by_o god_n which_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n prophetical_o reveal_v may_v obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v necessary_a every_o man_n shall_v first_o part_v with_o his_o natural_a right_n and_o that_o all_o with_o one_o common_a consent_n shall_v resolve_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o all_o thing_n which_o shall_v by_o god_n be_v prophetical_o reveal_v to_o they_o just_o as_o people_n do_v in_o democratical_a government_n where_o all_o with_o common_a consent_n resolve_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n do_v transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o more_o in_o opinion_n than_o reality_n for_o the_o supreme_a power_n real_o and_o absolute_o remain_v still_o in_o they_o till_o they_o transfer_v it_o upon_o moses_n who_o be_v thenceforward_o a_o absolute_a king_n and_o by_o he_o only_a god_n reign_v over_o the_o jew_n moreover_o because_o religion_n become_v a_o law_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a government_n moses_n can_v punish_v none_o before_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v because_o than_o no_o man_n have_v part_v with_o his_o own_o power_n and_o right_n they_o break_v the_o sabbath_n before_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o be_v not_o punish_v as_o appear_v exod._n chap._n v._n 27._o but_o after_o the_o covenant_n when_o every_o man_n have_v part_v with_o his_o natural_a right_n he_o that_o break_v the_o sabbath_n only_o by_o gather_v stick_n be_v stone_v as_o appear_v numb_a chap._n 15._o v._n 36._o and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n when_o the_o people_n have_v part_v with_o their_o power_n become_v a_o law_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n last_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n also_o when_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v destroy_v reveal_v religion_n have_v no_o long_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n for_o without_o doubt_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o jew_n transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n the_o covenant_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n cease_v for_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n the_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o promise_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n become_v void_a and_o they_o can_v no_o long_o perform_v it_o from_o the_o time_n they_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n they_o be_v no_o long_o in_o their_o own_o power_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n and_o their_o own_o country_n but_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o sixteen_o chapter_n and_o by_o what_o jeremy_n say_v chap._n 29._o v._n 7._o seek_v you_o the_o peace_n of_o that_o city_n whither_o i_o have_v cause_v you_o to_o be_v earry_v captive_n and_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o for_o in_o the_o peace_n thereof_o shall_v you_o have_v peace_n they_o can_v not_o seek_v or_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o that_o city_n as_o minister_n of_o government_n because_o they_o be_v captive_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o as_o servant_n or_o subject_n by_o keep_v themselves_o free_a from_o sedition_n and_o by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o the_o government_n though_o very_o different_a from_o those_o of_o their_o own_o country_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o power_n be_v destroy_v religion_n be_v no_o more_o a_o law_n or_o command_n of_o that_o particular_a government_n but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o general_n dictate_v of_o reason_n i_o say_v of_o reason_n because_o catholic_n religion_n be_v not_o yet_o know_v by_o revelation_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o reveal_v acquire_v the_o force_n of_o a_o command_n only_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a kingdom_n over_o man_n but_o by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o this_o be_v make_v more_o clear_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v show_v that_o all_o god_n decree_n imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n nor_o can_v we_o conceive_v god_n as_o a_o prince_n or_o lawgiver_n to_o man_n therefore_o divine_a document_n make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n immediate_o from_o god_n but_o must_v necessary_o receive_v it_o from_o those_o or_o by_o their_o mean_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o command_v and_o make_v law_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n only_o we_o apprehend_v that_o god_n reign_v over_o man_n and_o direct_v humane_a affair_n according_a to_o justice_n and_o equity_n which_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o experience_n for_o we_o can_v find_v no_o footstep_n of_o divine_a justice_n but_o where_o the_o just_a reign_n otherwise_o to_o use_v solomon_n expression_n once_o more_o the_o like_a event_n be_v to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a which_o make_v many_o doubt_n god_n providence_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v immediate_o reign_v over_o man_n and_o make_v universal_a nature_n only_o for_o their_o use_n see_v then_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o
well_o as_o a_o divine_a and_o to_o busy_v himself_o in_o unprofitable_a speculation_n fit_a only_a to_o take_v up_o private_a man_n time_n who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n for_o their_o church_n begin_v with_o their_o government_n and_o moses_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n teach_v the_o people_n religion_n settle_v their_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o choose_v their_o priest_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v kingly_a authority_n so_o much_o esteem_v by_o the_o people_n and_o put_v the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n for_o though_o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n no_o man_n govern_v so_o absolute_o as_o he_o do_v yet_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o determine_v all_o thing_n concern_v religion_n as_o well_o as_o other_o affair_n still_o remain_v as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v in_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o religion_n and_o piety_n be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o go_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n than_o they_o be_v to_o the_o chief_a judge_n deut._n chap._n 17._o v._n 9_o 11_o 12_o thou_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n and_o to_o the_o chief_a judge_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n to_o inquire_v and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o priest_n or_o unto_o the_o judge_n that_o man_n shall_v die_v though_o the_o king_n have_v not_o power_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n yet_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v appoint_v and_o order_v to_o do_v what_o the_o king_n think_v fit_a for_o as_o it_o appear_v in_o 1_o chron._n chap._n 28._o v._n 11_o 12._o king_n david_n order_v how_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v build_v according_a to_o a_o model_n he_o prescribe_v and_o as_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o 23_o d_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n david_n out_o of_o all_o the_o levite_n choose_v twenty_o four_o thousand_o to_o set_v forward_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n six_o thousand_o to_o be_v officer_n and_o judge_n four_o thousand_o to_o be_v porter_n and_o four_o thousand_o to_o praise_v the_o lord_n upon_o musical_a instrument_n he_o likewise_o divide_v the_o levite_n into_o company_n and_o set_v ruler_n over_o they_o which_o company_n be_v to_o serve_v and_o wait_v in_o their_o turn_n for_o other_o particular_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o 28_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2_o d_o book_n of_o chron._n v._n 13._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o king_n solomon_n command_v offering_n to_o be_v make_v according_a as_o moses_n institute_v and_o ver_fw-la 14._o it_o be_v say_v that_o solomon_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o david_n his_o father_n appoint_v the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o their_o service_n and_o charge_n and_o ver_fw-la 15._o the_o historian_n say_v they_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n give_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n concern_v any_o matter_n or_o concern_v the_o treasure_n by_o all_o which_o &_o by_o other_o history_n of_o their_o king_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o service_n that_o concern_v it_o depend_v only_o upon_o their_o king_n command_n and_o though_o their_o king_n have_v not_o as_o moses_n have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v the_o highpriest_n or_o of_o consult_v god_n without_o he_o or_o of_o condemn_v the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v in_o their_o reign_n the_o prophet_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v a_o new_a king_n and_o to_o pardon_v any_o that_o have_v take_v away_o a_o king_n life_n yet_o i_o say_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v no_o power_n to_o call_v any_o king_n to_o a_o account_n for_o break_v the_o law_n or_o in_o any_o judicial_a manner_n and_o form_n to_o proceed_v against_o or_o condemn_v he_o and_o therefore_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n who_o by_o particular_a revelation_n can_v pardon_v the_o kill_n of_o a_o king_n king_n in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n must_v have_v have_v absolute_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n both_o sacred_a and_o civil_a as_o supreme_a power_n have_v in_o these_o our_o day_n who_o have_v no_o prophet_n nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v any_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n and_o this_o power_n though_o our_o king_n marry_v they_o absolute_o have_v and_o may_v keep_v if_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v multiply_v or_o mingle_v and_o confound_v with_o art_n and_o science_n chap._n xx._n in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v what_o he_o will_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v be_v it_o as_o easy_a to_o command_v man_n mind_n as_o it_o be_v their_o tongue_n all_o supreme_a power_n will_v reign_v secure_o and_o no_o government_n will_v be_v violent_a or_o tyrannical_a for_o then_o every_o man_n will_v live_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o those_o in_o supreme_a power_n and_o will_v think_v every_o thing_n true_a or_o false_a good_a or_o evil_n just_a or_o unjust_a according_a to_o their_o determination_n and_o decree_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a as_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 17_o the_o chapter_n that_o any_o man_n mind_n or_o thought_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o man_n power_n because_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o be_v compel_v to_o transfer_v his_o natural_a right_n of_o reason_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n upon_o any_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o government_n be_v count_v tyrannical_a which_o will_v reign_v over_o man_n mind_n and_o supreme_a power_n do_v their_o subject_n wrong_v and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o just_a right_n when_o they_o command_v they_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o their_o prescription_n whatever_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o positive_o appoint_v what_o opinion_n and_o notion_n man_n in_o their_o devotion_n shall_v have_v of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n whole_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o power_n and_o from_o which_o no_o man_n though_o he_o will_v can_v part_v i_o confess_v a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v so_o many_o way_n prepossess_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o direct_o and_o absolute_o in_o another_o man_n power_n yet_o it_o may_v have_v such_o a_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o to_o be_v think_v very_o much_o at_o his_o dispose_n but_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o art_n can_v do_v man_n will_v abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o there_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v as_o many_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o palate_n though_o moses_n not_o by_o craft_n but_o by_o divine_a power_n have_v so_o prepossess_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o say_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o escape_v ill_a report_n and_o sinister_a interpretation_n much_o less_o than_o can_v other_o monarch_n be_v the_o thing_n possible_a it_o may_v rather_o be_v do_v in_o monarchical_a than_o in_o democratical_a government_n which_o be_v manage_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o reason_n i_o think_v be_v obvious_a though_o supreme_a power_n have_v right_a to_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v interpreter_n both_o of_o law_n and_o religion_n yet_o they_o can_v never_o keep_v man_n from_o judge_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o reason_n and_o capacity_n nor_o from_o be_v this_o or_o that_o way_n affect_v they_o may_v indeed_o account_v all_o man_n enemy_n who_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o think_v as_o they_o do_v but_o we_o do_v not_o here_o dispute_v of_o their_o power_n but_o of_o what_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o profitable_a i_o grant_v that_o supreme_a power_n may_v reign_v tyrannical_o and_o put_v subject_n to_o death_n for_o very_o slight_a cause_n if_o they_o please_v but_o all_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o this_o can_v be_v do_v with_o reason_n or_o prudence_n because_o it_o will_v prove_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v deny_v that_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v absolute_a power_n and_o consequent_o have_v not_o absolute_a right_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o because_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v determine_v by_o their_o power_n if_o then_o no_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o liberty_n of_o judge_v and_o think_v what_o he_o will_v but_o every_o man_n by_o the_o sovereign_n right_o of_o nature_n be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o thought_n supreme_a power_n in_o any_o commonwealth_n can_v never_o hope_v for_o success_n in_o prescribe_v to_o man_n of_o different_a
man_n fidelity_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o his_o faith_n towards_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o know_v only_o by_o his_o work_n namely_o by_o charity_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o best_a commonwealth_n will_v give_v every_o man_n the_o same_o liberty_n of_o reason_v that_o they_o do_v of_o believe_v i_o confess_v by_o such_o a_o liberty_n some_o inconvenience_n may_v sometime_o happen_v but_o what_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n can_v prevent_v all_o inconvenience_n he_o that_o by_o law_n think_v to_o prevent_v all_o will_v soon_o provoke_v then_o amend_v vicious_a men._n inconvenience_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v prevent_v or_o avoid_v must_v be_v tolerate_v we_o must_v bear_v with_o they_o though_o we_o suffer_v by_o they_o of_o how_o many_o mischief_n be_v luxury_n drunkenness_n envy_n and_o covetousness_n the_o cause_n yet_o these_o be_v tolerate_v because_o though_o they_o be_v vice_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o law_n to_o restrain_v they_o how_o much_o more_o than_o aught_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v allow_v which_o be_v true_o a_o virtue_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v suppress_v no_o inconvenience_n can_v arise_v from_o it_o which_o may_v not_o as_o i_o will_v prove_v be_v avoid_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n beside_o this_o liberty_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o art_n and_o science_n in_o which_o the_o great_a proficiency_n be_v make_v by_o those_o man_n who_o have_v their_o judgement_n free_a from_o preoccupation_n but_o suppose_v man_n mouth_n may_v be_v stop_v and_o so_o awe_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o utter_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o impossible_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o think_v what_o they_o please_v and_o when_o man_n think_v ill_a of_o magistrate_n there_o breach_n of_o faith_n soon_o follow_v and_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o abominable_a flattery_n perfidy_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o ingenious_a arts._n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o talk_v the_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o keep_v they_o silent_a the_o more_o many_o time_n will_v they_o talk_v perhaps_o covetous_a man_n flatterer_n and_o mean-spirited_n people_n who_o place_n their_o chief_a felicity_n in_o fill_v their_o bag_n and_o their_o belly_n may_v hold_v their_o peace_n but_o virtuous_a honest_a man_n who_o have_v have_v liberal_a education_n can_v be_v silent_a such_o be_v man_n nature_n that_o nothing_o be_v a_o great_a vexation_n to_o they_o than_o to_o see_v those_o opinion_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a condemn_v and_o themselves_o account_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a for_o do_v that_o which_o they_o think_v be_v their_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o make_v they_o detest_v the_o law_n and_o count_v any_o seditious_a attempt_n against_o the_o magistrate_n lawful_a and_o just_a in_o law_n against_o opinion_n wicked_a man_n be_v seldom_o concern_v such_o law_n be_v common_o make_v not_o to_o restrain_v bad_a but_o to_o provoke_v good_a man_n and_o can_v be_v defend_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o danger_n to_o the_o government_n such_o law_n be_v likewise_o useless_a for_o man_n can_v obey_v law_n which_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n they_o firm_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o think_v those_o opinion_n false_a take_v the_o law_n that_o condemn_v they_o to_o be_v be_v their_o privilege_n wherein_o they_o so_o triumph_v that_o afterward_o the_o magistrate_n if_o he_o will_v be_v not_o able_a to_o repeal_v they_o last_o the_o make_n of_o such_o law_n have_v often_o cause_v great_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o man_n do_v not_o hope_v with_o the_o general_a applause_n of_o the_o people_n to_o insult_v over_o their_o adversary_n and_o get_v preferment_n by_o procure_v the_o magistrate_n to_o favour_n and_o the_o law_n to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n learned_a doctor_n will_v quick_o leave_v their_o fierce_a dispute_n and_o bitter_a contention_n reason_n and_o daily_a example_n tell_v we_o that_o law_n which_o command_v what_o every_o man_n must_v believe_v and_o forbid_v speak_v or_o write_v against_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n be_v common_o institute_v to_o gratify_v or_o give_v way_n to_o the_o passion_n of_o those_o who_o rather_o than_o endure_v a_o baffle_v from_o ingenious_a man_n will_v with_o their_o stern_a and_o morose_a authority_n turn_v the_o people_n zeal_n into_o fury_n and_o hound_n they_o on_o upon_o who_o they_o please_v but_o will_v it_o not_o be_v much_o better_a to_o suppress_v the_o anger_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o multitude_n rather_o than_o make_v law_n against_o man_n that_o love_v virtue_n and_o learning_n and_o bring_v the_o commonwealth_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o honest_a harmless_a man_n can_v live_v in_o it_o what_o can_v be_v more_o mischievous_a to_o a_o commonwealth_n than_o to_o send_v honest_a man_n like_o rogue_n into_o banishment_n only_o because_o they_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n and_o can_v dissemble_v can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o pernicious_a than_o to_o treat_v person_n of_o a_o free_a ingenuous_a disposition_n like_o enemy_n and_o for_o no_o crime_n or_o wickedness_n put_v they_o to_o death_n make_v the_o scaffold_n which_o fright_v none_o but_o villain_n a_o public_a theatre_n whereon_o innocent_a person_n give_v such_o example_n of_o courage_n and_o patience_n as_o turn_v to_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n majesty_n they_o that_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v honest_a never_o fear_v punishment_n as_o the_o wicked_a do_v neither_o will_v they_o by_o base_a whine_a submission_n and_o recantation_n endeavour_v to_o avoid_v it_o their_o innocent_a mind_n be_v not_o trouble_v with_o gild_n or_o repentance_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o shameful_a but_o glorious_a to_o die_v for_o liberty_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n to_o who_o can_v their_o death_n be_v a_o terror_n the_o base_a ignorant_a multitude_n know_v not_o why_o they_o suffer_v honest_a man_n be_v their_o friend_n and_o none_o but_o seditious_a person_n their_o enemy_n and_o all_o but_o base_a sycophant_n and_o flatterer_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v their_o example_n that_o faith_n and_o honesty_n than_o may_v be_v in_o great_a esteem_n than_o flattery_n and_o dissimulation_n that_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v keep_v their_o power_n and_o not_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o seditious_a person_n liberty_n of_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v allow_v and_o man_n be_v so_o to_o be_v govern_v that_o though_o they_o be_v of_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n they_o may_v however_o live_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o amity_n without_o doubt_v this_o way_n of_o govern_v be_v best_o and_o subject_a to_o least_o inconvenience_n see_v it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nature_n for_o in_o democratical_a government_n which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n all_o covenant_n to_o act_n but_o not_o to_o reason_n and_o judge_v by_o common_a consent_n my_o meaning_n be_v because_o all_o man_n can_v think_v the_o same_o thing_n they_o have_v agree_v to_o make_v that_o a_o bind_a law_n which_o have_v most_o voice_n reserve_v still_o a_o power_n of_o repeal_n that_o law_n when_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v least_o liberty_n allow_v of_o judge_v there_o man_n be_v far_a from_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o the_o government_n be_v full_a of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o from_o this_o liberty_n can_v arise_v no_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v not_o with_o ease_n avoid_v and_o keep_v man_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n from_o hurt_v one_o another_o i_o need_v not_o go_v far_o for_o example_n the_o city_n of_o amsterdam_n have_v to_o the_o wonder_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o its_o own_o great_a advantage_n taste_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o liberty_n for_o in_o that_o flourish_a commonwealth_n and_o famous_a city_n man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n live_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o when_o they_o will_v trust_v any_o man_n with_o good_n or_o money_n they_o only_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v rich_a or_o poor_a or_o whether_o in_o his_o deal_v he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o his_o word_n or_o a_o cheat_a knave_n they_o never_o inquire_v of_o what_o religion_n or_o sect_n he_o be_v neither_o be_v that_o regard_v in_o any_o court_n of_o justice_n there_o be_v no_o sect_n so_o odious_a but_o have_v the_o public_a magistrate_n protection_n if_o they_o do_v no_o man_n wrong_v live_v honest_o and_o give_v every_o one_o his_o due_a how_o great_a a_o schism_n be_v there_o occasion_v not_o long_o since_o by_o a_o controversy_n in_o religion_n between_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o contra-remonstrants_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o many_o example_n that_o law_n make_v to_o take_v away_o dispute_v concern_v religion_n do_v much_o more_o provoke_v than_o pacify_v people_n and_o make_v some_o take_v the_o great_a liberty_n schism_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o study_n of_o truth_n that_o fountain_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n but_o from_o a_o imperious_a humour_n of_o prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o damn_v other_o man_n write_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o waspish_a multitude_n against_o they_o than_o those_o that_o write_v to_o learned_a man_n and_o call_v nothing_o but_o reason_n to_o their_o aid_n so_o that_o they_o be_v true_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n who_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n will_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n judgement_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppress_v we_o have_v now_o show_v first_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o take_v away_o man_n liberty_n of_o speak_v what_o they_o think_v second_o that_o this_o liberty_n may_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n be_v grant_v to_o every_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n may_v use_v this_o liberty_n provide_v he_o design_v no_o innovation_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o act_v nothing_o against_o the_o know_a establish_a law_n thereof_o three_o that_o this_o liberty_n which_o every_o man_n may_v enjoy_v if_o he_o do_v not_o break_v the_o public_a peace_n can_v cause_v no_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v not_o easy_o be_v restrain_v or_o remedy_v four_o that_o all_o man_n may_v make_v use_n of_o this_o liberty_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o impiety_n five_o that_o all_o law_n make_v concern_v opinion_n and_o matter_n mere_o speculative_a be_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a six_o and_o last_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o this_o liberty_n may_v not_o only_o be_v allow_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o public_a peace_n piety_n and_o to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o these_o for_o where_o there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o take_v away_o this_o liberty_n and_o man_n be_v arraign_v only_o for_o opinion_n without_o examine_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o evil_a intention_n there_o honest_a man_n be_v make_v example_n and_o suffer_v a_o martyrdom_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o terrify_v but_o irritate_v and_o move_v the_o people_n to_o pity_n and_o revenge_n learn_v and_o art_n decay_v faith_n be_v corrupt_v flatterer_n and_o perfidious_a person_n be_v countenance_v adversary_n triumph_v in_o have_v their_o will_n and_o prevail_v on_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o embrace_v their_o doctrine_n which_o at_o last_o incline_v they_o not_o only_o to_o undervalue_v but_o usurp_v their_o authority_n boast_v they_o be_v god_n elect_n that_o their_o power_n be_v from_o god_n but_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n only_o from_o man_n and_o consequent_o the_o magistrate_n power_n subordinate_a to_o they_o which_o absolute_o destroy_v the_o very_a be_v of_o all_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o 18_o the_o chapter_n a_o commonwealth_n great_a safety_n be_v to_o place_n religion_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o make_v thing_n sacred_a as_o much_o subject_n to_o supreme_a power_n as_o thing_n civil_a and_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o nothing_o but_o man_n action_n suffer_v every_o man_n to_o think_v what_o he_o will_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v i_o have_v now_o in_o this_o treatise_n do_v what_o i_o design_v and_o i_o do_v again_o sincere_o profess_v that_o i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o free_o submit_v to_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o my_o country_n if_o they_o think_v any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n or_o public_a safety_n thereof_o i_o recant_v it_o i_o know_v myself_o a_o man_n subject_n to_o error_n but_o my_o chief_a care_n have_v be_v to_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o reason_n to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o country_n and_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n finis_fw-la