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 i._o concern_v prophecy_n prophesy_n or_o revelation_n be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n reveal_v to_o man_n by_o god_n and_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n who_o declare_v and_o expound_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o person_n that_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o revelation_n but_o must_v therefore_o only_o by_o mere_a faith_n receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o a_o prophet_n be_v by_o the_o jew_n call_v nabi_n that_o be_v a_o orator_n or_o interpreter_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o exodus_fw-la v._n 1_o sy_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n see_v i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o god_n to_o pharaoh_n and_o aron_n thy_o brother_n shall_v be_v thy_o prophet_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v aron_n by_o interpret_n to_o pharaoh_n what_o thou_o say_v shall_v act_n the_o part_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o thou_o the_o part_n of_o god._n we_o will_v speak_v of_o prophet_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n but_o in_o this_o only_a of_o prophecy_n it_o follow_v from_o the_o definition_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o it_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n may_v be_v call_v prophecy_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a decree_n but_o because_o this_o knowledge_n be_v natural_a to_o all_o mankind_n be_v found_v upon_o principle_n common_a to_o all_o man_n it_o be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o always_o affect_v thing_n rare_a and_o out_o of_o their_o road_n despise_v the_o gift_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o wherever_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n they_o total_o exclude_v natural_a which_o may_v with_o as_o much_o right_a be_v call_v divine_a as_o the_o other_o whatever_o it_o be_v see_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n of_o which_o we_o participate_v and_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n dictate_v it_o unto_o we_o neither_o do_v natural_a knowledge_n differ_v from_o that_o which_o man_n call_v divine_a but_o only_o because_o divine_a knowledge_n exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o natural_a and_o because_o the_o law_n of_o humane_a nature_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n but_o natural_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o certainty_n which_o it_o include_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v namely_o from_o god_n himself_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n give_v place_n to_o prophetical_a knowledge_n unless_o some_o will_v think_v or_o rather_o dream_n that_o the_o prophet_n have_v humane_a body_n but_o not_o humane_a soul_n and_o therefore_o their_o perception_n and_o knowledge_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o we_o but_o though_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v divine_a yet_o they_o that_o possess_v and_o propagate_v it_o can_v be_v call_v prophte_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o teach_v may_v with_o equal_a certainty_n and_o in_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n be_v apprehend_v and_o embrace_v by_o other_o as_o well_o as_o by_o themselves_o and_o that_o too_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o since_o therefore_o our_o mind_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o because_o it_o contain_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o its_o object_n and_o also_o participate_v thereof_o be_v able_a to_o form_n certain_a notion_n which_o explicate_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o use_n of_o life_n we_o may_v with_o reason_n conclude_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v what_o it_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v be_v the_o prime_a cause_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o nature_n dictate_v to_o we_o not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o a_o much_o more_o excellent_a manner_n and_o such_o as_o best_a suit_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o every_o one_o find_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n who_o have_v but_o taste_v what_o certain_a knowledge_n be_v but_o because_o my_o chief_n purpose_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o scripture_n that_o little_o i_o have_v say_v of_o natural_a knowledge_n shall_v suffice_v and_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o other_o cause_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n reveal_v to_o man_n those_o thing_n which_o do_v exceed_v and_o also_o those_o which_o do_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n for_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n god_n may_v by_o other_o way_n communicate_v to_o man_n of_o which_o now_o i_o will_v more_o full_o treat_v but_o whatsoever_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a aught_o to_o be_v fetch_v only_o from_o scripture_n for_o we_o can_v say_v no_o more_o of_o thing_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n then_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n and_o because_o we_o have_v not_o any_o prophet_n that_o i_o know_v in_o these_o our_o day_n all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v diligent_o to_o peruse_v the_o sacred_a volume_n which_o the_o prophet_n have_v leave_v we_o but_o still_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o we_o determine_v nothing_o positive_o of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n nor_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o which_o they_o have_v not_o plain_o speak_v and_o teach_v but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o use_v to_o make_v mention_n of_o mediate_v and_o particular_a cause_n nor_o ever_o regard_v they_o but_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n piety_n and_o devotion_n have_v always_o recourse_n to_o god_n for_o example_n if_o they_o get_v money_n by_o the_o trade_n of_o merchandize_v they_o say_v god_n give_v it_o if_o they_o earnest_o desire_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n they_o say_v god_n dispose_v their_o heart_n to_o it_o if_o they_o serious_o think_v on_o any_o thing_n they_o say_v it_o be_v declare_v to_o they_o by_o god_n so_o that_o every_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v god_n declare_v to_o any_o one_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o prophesy_v and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n but_o that_o only_a which_o the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v or_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o narration_n plain_o appear_v to_o be_v prophecy_n and_o revelation_n if_o then_o we_o run_v through_o all_o the_o sacred_a volume_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o figure_n and_o sign_n or_o else_o by_o both_o together_o and_o that_o the_o word_n and_o sign_n be_v either_o real_a and_o true_a without_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o hear_n and_o see_v prophet_n or_o but_o imaginary_a that_o be_v the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n even_o when_o he_o be_v awake_a be_v so_o dispose_v that_o he_o very_o think_v he_o hear_v word_n or_o see_v and_o behold_v some_o thing_n or_o sign_n god_n in_o a_o true_a and_o real_a voice_n revealed_z those_o law_n to_o moses_n which_o he_o prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 25_o the_o chap._n of_o exod._n v._n 22._o where_o he_o say_v and_o there_o will_v i_o meet_v with_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v commune_v with_o thou_o from_o above_o the_o mercy_n seat_n from_o between_o thou_o two_o cherubim_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o some_o real_a voice_n see_v moses_n wherever_o he_o please_v find_v god_n ready_a to_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o that_o only_o this_o voice_n by_o which_o the_o law_n be_v publish_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a voice_n i_o will_v present_o show_v one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o voice_n by_o which_o god_n call_v samuel_n be_v real_a because_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o sam._n the_o 3_o d._n chap._n and_o last_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n appear_v again_o in_o shiloh_n for_o the_o lord_n reveal_v himself_o to_o samuel_n in_o shiloh_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o appearance_n of_o god_n to_o samuel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o he_o by_o word_n or_o signify_v no_o more_o then_o that_o samuel_n hear_v god_n speak_v but_o because_o we_o be_v force_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o the_o voice_n hear_v by_o samuel_n be_v but_o imaginary_a because_o it_o be_v like_o the_o voice_n of_o ely_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o hear_v and_o therefore_o the_o soon_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
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
require_v may_v be_v call_v the_o command_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n exist_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o respect_v this_o end_n may_v be_v call_v the_o divine_a law_n but_o what_o those_o mean_n be_v and_o what_o that_o manner_n of_o live_v be_v which_o this_o end_n require_v how_o the_o best_a goverment_n and_o man_n in_o live_v one_o with_o another_o shall_v pursue_v this_o end_n be_v a_o subject_a for_o moral_a philosophy_n to_o handle_v my_o present_a business_n be_v only_o to_o speak_v in_o general_a of_o the_o law_n divine_a if_o then_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v man_n chief_a felicity_n and_o beatitude_n and_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o man_n action_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o only_o keep_v god_n law_n who_o care_n be_v to_o love_n god_n not_o for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n or_o for_o the_o love_n of_o any_o other_o thing_n as_o pleasure_n wealth_n fame_n etc._n etc._n but_o only_o because_o he_o know_v god_n or_o because_o he_o know_v that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a good_a the_n sum_v then_o and_o chief_n precept_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o love_n god_n as_o our_o chief_a good_a not_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v for_o fear_v of_o some_o evil_a or_o punishment_n nor_o for_o the_o love_n of_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o take_v delight_n but_o though_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o god_n be_v our_o chief_a good_a and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n to_o which_o all_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v yet_o the_o carnal_a man_n can_v understand_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o seem_v vanity_n to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v too_o low_a and_o narrow_a a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o because_o also_o in_o this_o chief_a good_a which_o consist_v only_o in_o speculation_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o mind_n he_o find_v nothing_o that_o he_o can_v handle_v eat_v or_o wherewith_o to_o gratify_v the_o flesh_n with_o which_o he_o be_v most_o please_v but_o they_o that_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o excellent_a than_o reason_n and_o a_o clear_a understanding_n will_v esteem_v they_o the_o most_o solid_a of_o all_o pleasure_n we_o have_v now_o show_v in_o what_o chief_o the_o divine_a law_n consist_v and_o what_o be_v human_a law_n namely_o all_o those_o which_o be_v direct_v to_o another_o end_n unless_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o divine_a revelation_n for_o under_o this_o consideration_n thing_n also_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n though_o it_o be_v not_o universal_a but_o accommodate_v to_o the_o disposition_n and_o preservation_n of_o one_o particular_a people_n may_v be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a law_n see_v we_o believe_v it_o give_v by_o prophetical_a revelation_n so_o that_o now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o natural_a divine_a law_n as_o we_o have_v explain_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n since_o we_o have_v derive_v it_o from_o human_a nature_n in_o general_n second_o that_o it_o do_v not_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o history_n whatever_o they_o be_v since_o this_o divine_a natural_a law_n be_v understand_v only_o in_o consideration_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o conceive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o man_n as_o in_o adam_n and_o as_o well_o in_o a_o man_n who_o live_v a_o solitary_a as_o in_o one_o that_o lead_v a_o social_a life_n nor_o can_v the_o belief_n of_o history_n though_o true_a give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consequent_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o common_a notion_n in_o themselves_o certain_a and_o know_v so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o history_n be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o our_o chief_a good_a but_o though_o the_o belief_n of_o history_n can_v give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o grant_v read_v of_o they_o to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o respect_n of_o civil_a life_n for_o the_o more_o we_o know_v and_o observe_v man_n manner_n and_o condition_n of_o which_o their_o action_n be_v the_o best_a evidence_n with_o the_o great_a caution_n may_v we_o live_v among_o they_o and_o the_o better_a may_v we_o suit_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o their_o disposition_n so_o far_o as_o be_v reasonable_a three_o this_o natural_a divine_a law_n require_v no_o ceremony_n that_o be_v action_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o be_v only_o good_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o institution_n or_o because_o they_o represent_v some_o good_a necessary_a to_o our_o well_o be_v or_o rather_o action_n whereof_o our_o understanding_n do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n for_o natural_a light_n require_v nothing_o but_o what_o that_o light_n can_v attain_v to_o and_o only_o that_o which_o it_o discover_v to_o we_o can_v be_v our_o good_a and_o the_o way_n to_o our_o happiness_n those_o which_o be_v good_a only_o by_o precept_n and_o institution_n or_o because_o they_o be_v representative_n of_o some_o good_a they_o can_v perfect_v our_o understanding_n they_o be_v but_o mere_a shadow_n and_o and_o can_v be_v reckon_v among_o those_o action_n which_o be_v the_o offspring_n and_o fruit_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o sound_a judgement_n which_o to_o prove_v more_o at_o large_a be_v not_o here_o necessary_a four_o the_o high_a reward_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o law_n itself_o namely_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o love_v he_o free_o and_o continual_o with_o the_o whole_a heart_n and_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o love_n the_o bondage_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o inconstant_a fluctuate_a mind_n these_o thing_n thus_o consider_v we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v first_o whether_o by_o natural_a light_n we_o can_v conceive_v and_o know_v god_n as_o a_o lawgiver_n and_o prince_n prescribe_v law_n to_o man_n second_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o this_o natural_a light_n and_o law_n three_o to_o what_o end_n ceremony_n be_v institute_v four_o of_o what_o concern_v it_o be_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o two_o first_o particular_n we_o will_v treat_v in_o this_o and_o of_o the_o two_o last_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n what_o we_o be_v to_o conclude_v concern_v the_o first_o particular_a may_v be_v easy_o deduce_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n will_n which_o be_v distinguish_v from_o god_n knowledge_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o reason_n that_o be_v the_o will_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v in_o themselves_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n nor_o be_v they_o distinguish_v but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o thought_n we_o form_v of_o god_n knowledge_n for_o example_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n contain_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o a_o eternal_a truth_n than_o we_o say_v god_n have_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o triangle_n or_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n but_o when_o afterward_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v so_o contain_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n but_o in_o respect_n only_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yea_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o essence_n and_o property_n of_o a_o triangle_n as_o they_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v eternal_a verity_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o triangle_n then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v call_v god_n knowledge_n we_o call_v god_n will_v and_o decree_n therefore_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n we_o say_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n know_v or_o that_o god_n will_v and_o decree_v that_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n shall_v be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a angle_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n affirmation_n and_o negation_n must_v always_o imply_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o verity_n if_o then_o for_o example_n god_n say_v to_o adam_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v he_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a it_o will_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o adam_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o eat_v of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o adam_n shall_v eat_v of_o it_o if_o that_o divine_a decree_n do_v imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n but_o because_o
at_o that_o time_n to_o teach_v they_o the_o true_a and_o real_a attribute_n of_o his_o essence_n because_o he_o then_o reveal_v none_o to_o they_o but_o to_o break_v and_o subdue_v their_o rebellious_a and_o stubborn_a humour_n and_o draw_v they_o to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o set_v upon_o they_o with_o argument_n and_o reason_n but_o with_o tempest_n noise_n thunder_z and_o lightning_n as_o be_v record_v exod._n 20._o 20._o i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o between_o faith_n or_o theology_n and_o philosophy_n there_o be_v no_o commerce_n or_o affinity_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v who_o know_v how_o much_o the_o foundation_n and_o end_n of_o these_o two_o faculty_n differ_v for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o philosophy_n be_v verity_n and_o the_o intention_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o obedience_n and_o piety_n the_o fundadamental_n of_o philosophy_n be_v common_a notion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o from_o nature_n itself_o but_o the_o principle_n and_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o scripture-history_n scripture-language_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o from_o revelation_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n faith_n therefore_o allow_v every_o man_n such_o a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o reason_v or_o philosophize_v that_o he_o may_v think_v what_o he_o will_v of_o any_o thing_n provide_v he_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o condemn_v only_o those_o for_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o broach_n doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o disobedience_n hatred_n contention_n and_o wrath_n esteem_v only_o such_o to_o be_v believer_n who_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o persuade_v and_o practice_v justice_n and_o charity_n last_o because_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v what_o i_o chief_o intend_v in_o the_o whole_a treatise_n i_o earnest_o request_v the_o reader_n before_o i_o proceed_v further_o that_o he_o will_v again_o and_o again_o careful_o read_v and_o serious_o consider_v the_o content_n of_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v charity_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o have_v write_v nothing_o with_o design_n to_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o to_o rectify_v what_o be_v amiss_o which_o i_o hope_v ever_o long_o to_o see_v do_v chap._n xv._n theology_n or_o divinity_n be_v no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n among_o those_o that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v and_o divide_v philosophy_n from_o theology_n there_o be_v very_o great_a dispute_n whether_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o reason_n or_o reason_n to_o scripture_n that_o be_v whether_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o reason_n or_o whether_o reason_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o scripture_n the_o sceptic_n who_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n maintain_v one_o of_o these_o opinion_n and_o the_o dogmatist_n who_o judge_v all_o thing_n by_o reason_n the_o other_o but_o both_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v extreme_o mistake_v for_o whoever_o follow_v either_o of_o the_o two_o opinion_n must_v necessary_o deprave_v either_o reason_n or_o scripture_n we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o no_o philosophy_n but_o only_a piety_n and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o vulgar_a people_n whoever_o then_o go_v about_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o philosophy_n must_v father_n upon_o the_o prophet_n many_o thing_n whereof_o they_o do_v never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v and_o interpret_v that_o to_o be_v their_o meaning_n which_o never_o be_v he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n who_o make_v reason_n or_o philosophy_n a_o handmaid_n to_o divinity_n will_v be_v necessitate_v to_o let_v the_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o old_a time_n pass_v for_o divine_a truth_n possess_v and_o blind_a his_o understanding_n with_o error_n and_o prejudice_n and_o both_o run_v mad_a together_o without_o reason_n the_o first_o among_o the_o pharisee_n who_o open_o declare_v that_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o reason_n be_v maimonides_n who_o opinion_n we_o have_v hint_v and_o refute_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n but_o though_o this_o author_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o pharisee_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o sect_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o this_o point_n but_o general_o maintain_v the_o opinion_n of_o rabbi_n jehuda_n alpakhar_n who_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v the_o error_n of_o maimonides_n fall_v into_o the_o clean_a contrary_a opinion_n hold_v that_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o handmaid_n to_o scripture_n and_o whole_o subject_v to_o it_o and_o will_v have_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n metaphorical_o interpret_v because_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v contrary_a and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v so_o to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o be_v to_o the_o positive_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o whatever_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n affirm_v and_o teach_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o truth_n if_o no_o other_o position_n be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o do_v only_o consequential_o but_o not_o direct_o contradict_v it_o for_o there_o be_v some_o scripture_n expression_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v contradiction_n to_o what_o have_v be_v positive_o and_o express_o declare_v and_o therefore_o those_o place_n only_o be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o take_v for_o example_n deut._n 6.4_o it_o be_v plain_o and_o positive_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v but_o one_o but_o there_o be_v many_o place_n where_o god_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n which_o manner_n of_o speak_v suppose_v and_o imply_v more_o god_n than_o one_o though_o that_o do_v not_o clear_o and_o direct_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o word_n all_o those_o place_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v not_o because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o god_n than_o one_o but_o because_o the_o scripture_n itself_o direct_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o so_o likewise_o because_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 4._o 15._o do_v in_o the_o rabbi_n opinion_n direct_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v incorporeal_a therefore_o upon_o the_o authority_n only_o of_o this_o text_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v god_n have_v no_o body_n and_o consequent_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o take_v which_o ascribe_v to_o god_n hand_n foot_n or_o which_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n corporeal_a this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o author_n who_o i_o commend_v for_o explain_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n but_o i_o wonder_v that_o a_o rational_a man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o destroy_v reason_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v expound_v by_o scripture_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v doubt_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o gain_v our_o assent_n and_o consent_n to_o it_o for_o if_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o scripture_n though_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o at_o all_o convince_v by_o it_o must_v we_o submit_v with_o reason_n or_o like_o blind_a man_n without_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o if_o we_o submit_v without_o reason_n we_o do_v it_o foolish_o without_o judgement_n if_o we_o submit_v with_o reason_n then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o command_n and_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o we_o will_v not_o do_v be_v it_o contrary_a to_o reason_n who_o can_v in_o his_o mind_n believe_v or_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n which_o his_o reason_n flat_o oppose_v deny_v a_o thing_n with_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o gainsay_n and_o dissent_n of_o a_o man_n reason_n i_o extreme_o wonder_v some_o man_n shall_v subject_v that_o excellent_a gift_n and_o divine_a light_n reason_n to_o dead_a letter_n which_o humane_a malice_n may_v corrupt_v and_o misinterpret_v and_o yet_o account_v it_o no_o offence_n to_o speak_v unworthy_o against_o reason_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereon_o god_n have_v engrave_v his_o word_n say_v our_o reason_n be_v blind_v and_o lose_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n declare_v it_o be_v abominable_a wickedness_n to_o think_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o they_o
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
foundation_n and_o proper_a subject_n of_o philosophy_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v trouble_v or_o concern_v if_o after_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n seem_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n for_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n and_o of_o which_o man_n may_v without_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n be_v ignorant_a do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v theology_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o such_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v without_o sin_n think_v what_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o we_o positive_o conclude_v that_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o scripture_n nor_o scripture_n to_o reason_n but_o see_v the_o fundamental_a point_n in_o divinity_n of_o man_n be_v save_v only_o by_o obedience_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o may_v by_o way_n of_o objection_n be_v then_o ask_v why_o then_o do_v we_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o do_v it_o blind_o without_o reason_n we_o act_n like_o fool_n without_o judgement_n if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o say_v this_o fundamental_a tenet_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n than_o divinity_n be_v a_o part_n of_o philosophy_n and_o can_v be_v sever_v from_o it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o do_v clear_o confess_v this_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o theology_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o natural_a reason_n at_o least_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v have_v ever_o do_v it_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o case_n but_o yet_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o reason_n that_o what_o have_v be_v reveal_v may_v with_o a_o moral_a certainty_n be_v believe_v by_o we_o i_o say_v with_o moral_a certainty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o can_v have_v any_o great_a assurance_n than_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v first_o make_v and_o who_o have_v no_o more_o than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n they_o therefore_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a error_n who_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n by_o mathematical_a demonstration_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o strong_a argument_n than_o the_o prophet_n make_v use_v of_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o they_o our_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n can_v be_v ground_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o that_o whereon_o the_o prophet_n found_v their_o certainty_n and_o authority_n and_o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n consist_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o lively_a imagination_n second_o in_o a_o sign_n three_o and_o principal_o in_o a_o mind_n incline_v and_o devote_v to_o justice_n and_o virtue_n nor_o can_v they_o give_v any_o other_o evidence_n of_o their_o authority_n either_o to_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o person_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o be_v give_v to_o we_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v by_o their_o write_n the_o lively_a imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o argument_n only_o to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o all_o our_o assurance_n concern_v revelation_n do_v and_o must_v consist_v only_o in_o the_o other_o two_o particular_n namely_o in_o a_o sign_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n the_o eighteen_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n command_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v that_o prophet_n who_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o a_o true_a sign_n but_o if_o he_o prophesy_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n as_o he_o be_v who_o endeavour_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o true_a religion_n though_o he_o confirm_v his_o prophecy_n with_o sign_n and_o miracle_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 13_o the_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o be_v know_v from_o a_o false_a by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o by_o a_o miracle_n both_o together_o for_o such_o a_o one_o only_a moses_n declare_v to_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v he_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o be_v deceive_v but_o he_o declare_v those_o to_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o guilty_a of_o death_n who_o foretell_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o he_o that_o preach_v false_a god_n though_o he_o wrought_v true_a miracle_n we_o then_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o prophet_n upon_o account_n only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n confirm_v by_o sign_n because_o we_o see_v the_o prophet_n above_o all_o thing_n commend_v justice_n and_o charity_n and_o intend_v nothing_o else_o because_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n without_o any_o guile_n or_o deceit_n they_o declare_v that_o man_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v be_v make_v happy_a and_o confirm_v this_o their_o doctrine_n with_o sign_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o when_o they_o prophesy_v they_o do_v neither_o dote_v or_o speak_v unadvised_o in_o which_o opinion_n we_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o their_o moral_a doctrine_n do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v exact_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n within_o we_o so_o that_o i_o say_v again_o we_o be_v as_o much_o assure_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o the_o prophet_n preach_v to_o they_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi for_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o its_o doctrine_n and_o the_o principal_a history_n thereof_o be_v derive_v down_o to_o we_o uncorrupted_a and_o therefore_o this_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o theology_n aught_o with_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v embrace_v by_o we_o though_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v very_o great_a folly_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o have_v but_o ordinary_a portion_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o the_o public_a and_o which_o may_v without_o any_o danger_n or_o loss_n be_v believe_v we_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o doubt_v or_o unbelief_n but_o our_o not_o have_v mathematical_a demonstration_n to_o prove_v it_o as_o if_o nothing_o can_v contribute_v to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o prudent_o but_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o apparent_o true_a in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o doubt_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o chance_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o our_o action_n i_o confess_v they_o who_o think_v philosophy_n and_o divinity_n contradictory_n one_o to_o another_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v one_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v dethrone_v and_o subject_v to_o the_o other_o do_v very_o well_o to_o build_v divinity_n upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n and_o endeavour_v by_o infallible_a demonstration_n to_o support_v it_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o condemn_v those_o that_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o destroy_v reason_n and_o by_o certain_a reason_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o reason_n while_o they_o be_v demonstrate_v the_o verity_n and_o authority_n of_o theology_n and_o strive_v to_o deprive_v reason_n of_o its_o power_n they_o subject_a theology_n to_o the_o empire_n of_o reason_n and_o allow_v it_o no_o other_o splendour_n than_o what_o it_o borrow_v from_o natural_a light_n if_o they_o boast_v of_o rely_v upon_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o say_v they_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n only_o to_o convert_v infidel_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bear_v witness_n to_o nothing_o but_o good_a work_n which_o paul_n galath_n 5._o 22._o therefore_o call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o arise_v in_o we_o from_o do_v good_a but_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a no_o other_o spirit_n but_o reason_n bear_v witness_v reason_v only_o can_v challenge_v the_o power_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v true_a they_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o spirit_n whereby_o to_o make_v themselves_o certain_a what_o be_v true_a maintain_v
according_a to_o his_o will_n to_o who_o he_o have_v part_v with_o that_o liberty_n and_o from_o he_o only_o must_v expect_v protection_n injury_n or_o wrong_n be_v when_o a_o citizen_n or_o subject_n be_v compel_v to_o suffer_v loss_n or_o damage_n from_o another_o contrary_a to_o civil_a right_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o wrong_n or_o injury_n any_o where_o but_o in_o a_o civil_a state_n nor_o can_v any_o wrong_n be_v do_v to_o subject_n by_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o may_v lawful_o do_v whatever_o it_o please_v and_o therefore_o have_v place_n only_o among_o private_a person_n who_o by_o law_n be_v oblige_v not_o to_o offend_v one_o another_o justice_n be_v a_o constant_a resolution_n of_o give_v to_o every_o one_o that_o which_o by_o the_o law_n right_o interpret_v belong_v to_o he_o justice_n and_o injustice_n be_v sometime_o call_v equity_n and_o iniquity_n because_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o end_v suit_n and_o difference_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o person_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_n and_o equal_o to_o defend_v every_o man_n right_a neither_o envy_v the_o rich_a nor_o despise_v the_o poor_a confederate_n be_v man_n of_o two_o city_n or_o society_n who_o to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o war_n or_o for_o any_o other_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n mutual_o covenant_n not_o to_o offend_v or_o hurt_v one_o another_o but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v one_o another_o both_o preserve_v their_o own_o power_n and_o dominion_n this_o league_n or_o contract_n will_v so_o long_o continue_v firm_a and_o bind_a as_o the_o consideration_n of_o danger_n or_o profit_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v continue_v because_o no_o person_n covenant_n or_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v his_o contract_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o some_o good_a or_o fear_v of_o some_o evil_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o contract_n take_v away_o that_o basis_n experience_n tell_v we_o they_o all_o fall_n to_o the_o ground_n for_o though_o divers_a empire_n and_o government_n do_v mutual_o covenant_n not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o hurt_v of_o one_o another_o yet_o it_o be_v always_o the_o endeavour_n of_o both_o to_o hinder_v one_o another_o from_o grow_v too_o powerful_a neither_o do_v they_o believe_v one_o another_o promise_n unless_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o agreement_n be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o both_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o wrong_n in_o the_o case_n for_o who_o but_o a_o fool_n ignorant_a of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n will_v give_v credit_n to_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o have_v supreme_a power_n have_v right_a to_o do_v what_o he_o will_v and_o who_o be_v oblige_v by_o no_o other_o law_n but_o the_o public_a safety_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o people_n under_o his_o government_n we_o likewise_o observe_v that_o religion_n and_o piety_n signify_v very_o little_a for_o who_o ever_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n can_v without_o consequent_a mischief_n keep_v his_o promise_n which_o prove_v prejudicial_a and_o destructive_a to_o his_o people_n and_o government_n or_o that_o he_o can_v perform_v they_o without_o break_v faith_n with_o his_o subject_n by_o which_o faith_n he_o be_v principal_o oblige_v and_o which_o usual_o with_o oath_n he_o solemn_o and_o religious_o promise_v to_o keep_v a_o enemy_n be_v one_o that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o neither_o as_o a_o confederate_a or_o subject_a will_v own_o its_o power_n or_o government_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o hatred_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o its_o right_a and_o power_n which_o make_v a_o man_n a_o enemy_n for_o the_o power_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n over_o he_o who_o will_v by_o no_o kind_n of_o contract_n own_o its_o power_n be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o have_v over_o he_o who_o do_v it_o harm_n because_o it_o have_v right_a to_o compel_v he_o one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o confederate_a with_o it_o last_o treason_n in_o subject_n or_o citizen_n be_v only_o where_o they_o have_v by_o express_v or_o imply_v contract_n transfer_v all_o their_o right_n to_o the_o city_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o subject_a be_v count_v guilty_a of_o treason_n who_o endeavour_v to_o usurp_v the_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o himself_o or_o transfer_v it_o upon_o another_o i_o say_v he_o that_o but_o endeavour_v it_o for_o if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v till_o after_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o fact_n the_o punishment_n will_v many_o time_n come_v too_o late_o therefore_o i_o say_v positive_o he_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n go_v about_o to_o usurp_v or_o take_v away_o the_o right_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n make_v no_o difference_n whether_o the_o commonwealth_n shall_v be_v a_o gainer_n or_o loser_n by_o it_o upon_o what_o account_n soever_o he_o attempt_v or_o do_v it_o yet_o he_o have_v commit_v treason_n and_o be_v just_o condemn_v which_o every_o one_o also_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v just_a in_o war_n for_o if_o a_o soldier_n keep_v not_o his_o station_n but_o without_o his_o general_n be_v knowledge_n or_o command_n assault_v the_o enemy_n though_o he_o beat_v he_o and_o do_v it_o very_o advise_o yet_o do_v it_o of_o his_o own_o head_n he_o deserve_v death_n have_v violate_v his_o own_o oath_n and_o his_o geneneral_n authority_n now_o though_o subject_n do_v not_o see_v that_o their_o case_n and_o a_o soldier_n be_v alike_o yet_o in_o truth_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o sor_n see_v the_o commonwealth_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v defend_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o counsel_n only_o of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o all_o have_v absolute_o covenant_v that_o this_o right_n shall_v reside_v only_o in_o the_o supreme_a power_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v at_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o supreme_a council_n make_v any_o public_a attempt_n which_o will_v certain_o prove_v very_o advantageous_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n yet_o have_v violate_v the_o right_a of_o the_o supreme_a power_n he_o be_v lawful_o and_o deserve_o condemn_v now_o to_o clear_v all_o scruple_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v whether_o maintain_v that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o natutural_a state_n have_v natural_a right_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o appetite_n be_v not_o flat_o contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n see_v every_o man_n whether_o he_o have_v or_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v equal_o oblige_v by_o god_n command_n to_o love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v without_o be_v very_o injurious_a do_v any_o harm_n to_o another_o and_o live_v according_a to_o our_o own_o lusts._n this_o objection_n be_v easy_o answer_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o state_n and_o nature_n itself_o be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o religion_n for_o by_o nature_n no_o man_n know_v that_o there_o be_v any_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o obey_v god_n nor_o can_v he_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n but_o whoever_o know_v it_o must_v know_v it_o only_o by_o revelation_n confirm_v with_o sign_n and_o therefore_o before_o revelation_n no_o body_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o which_o every_o man_n must_v be_v necessary_o ignorant_a the_o state_n of_o nature_n then_o and_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o consider_v apart_o and_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v by_o paul_n authority_n the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v without_o religion_n without_o law_n without_o sin_n or_o wrong_v do_v nor_o do_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o before_o and_o without_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o ignorance_n only_o but_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o that_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o which_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v for_o if_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o if_o god_n law_n be_v by_o nature_n a_o law_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n and_o oblige_v they_o by_o oath_n and_o contract_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v absolute_o grant_v that_o god_n law_n take_v place_n from_o the_o time_n that_o man_n by_o a_o express_a covenant_n with_o god_n promise_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n by_o which_o covenant_n and_o promise_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v depart_v from_o their_o natural_a freedom_n and_o transfer_v their_o natural_a right_n upon_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v be_v do_v in_o a_o civil_a state._n but_o of_o this_o i_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
the_o sack_n of_o the_o city_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v carry_v captive_n into_o babylon_n and_o be_v not_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v divide_v into_o sect_n they_o present_o neglect_v ceremony_n bid_v farewell_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n forget_v the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o country_n as_o superfluous_a and_o mix_v themselves_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n as_o appear_v out_o of_o esdras_n and_o nehemiah_n therefore_o without_o doubt_n the_o jew_n after_o their_o government_n be_v dissolve_v be_v no_o more_o bind_v by_o moses_n law_n than_o they_o be_v before_o they_o become_v a_o commonwealth_n for_o while_o they_o live_v among_o other_o nation_n before_o their_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v no_o peculiar_a law_n nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o but_o the_o natural_a law_n observe_v also_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o nation_n where_o they_o live_v which_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a natural_a law_n the_o patriarch_n indeed_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n but_o that_o be_v because_o they_o be_v from_o their_o infancy_n accustom_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o man_n from_o the_o time_n of_o enoch_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o incite_v and_o testify_v their_o devotion_n the_o patriarch_n therefore_o offer_v their_o sacrifice_n neither_o as_o man_n command_v by_o any_o divine_a precept_n or_o instruct_v by_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o that_o time_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o by_o any_o command_n that_o command_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 3_o d._n chapter_n where_o i_o speak_v of_o melchisedek_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v have_v justify_v my_o opinion_n by_o scripture-authority_n i_o will_v next_o from_o general_a principle_n very_o brief_o show_v why_o ceremony_n be_v useful_a to_o establish_v and_o preserve_v the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n society_n be_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o live_v secure_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o enemy_n and_o likewise_o for_o the_o quick_a and_o more_o easy_a dispatch_n of_o human_a labour_n and_o business_n for_o unless_o man_n mutual_o assist_v one_o another_o they_o must_v want_v both_o time_n and_o mean_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o preserve_v themselves_o all_o man_n be_v not_o equal_o fit_a for_o all_o thing_n nor_o be_v every_o one_o able_a to_o procure_v those_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o single_o stand_v in_o need_n no_o individual_a person_n have_v time_n or_o strength_n enough_o to_o plough_v sow_n reap_v grind_v bake_v boyl_n weave_v knit_v and_o do_v very_o many_o other_o thing_n necessary_a to_o support_v life_n not_o mention_v art_n and_o science_n which_o perfect_a and_o make_v human_a nature_n happy_a we_o see_v that_o those_o people_n who_o live_v barbarous_o without_o any_o policy_n lead_v miserable_a brutish_a life_n and_o do_v not_o come_v by_o those_o necessary_n and_o sorry_a householdstuff_n which_o they_o have_v without_o help_v one_o another_o if_o man_n be_v so_o constitute_v by_o nature_n that_o they_o will_v desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o right_a reason_n dictate_v society_n will_v need_v no_o law_n and_o only_o to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o morality_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o with_o a_o free_a and_o constant_a mind_n do_v whatever_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o human_a nature_n all_o man_n indeed_o seek_v their_o own_o good_a and_o advantage_n not_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o peculiar_a lust_n and_o hurry_v with_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o own_o affection_n without_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v good_a which_o they_o ardent_o desire_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o no_o society_n of_o man_n can_v subsist_v without_o government_n force_n and_o law_n to_o moderate_v and_o restrain_v unbridled_a passion_n and_o affection_n but_o down_o right_a compulsion_n be_v intolerable_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o seneca_n the_o tragedian_n say_v empire_n maintain_v by_o force_n last_o but_o a_o little_a while_n mild_a government_n endure_v long_a what_o man_n do_v out_o of_o fear_n they_o do_v against_o their_o will_n never_o consider_v the_o utility_n or_o necessity_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o only_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v capital_a punishment_n yea_o they_o can_v hardly_o refrain_v from_o rejoice_v at_o the_o loss_n and_o misfortune_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o though_o they_o themselves_o suffer_v by_o it_o can_v forbear_v wish_v and_o do_v they_o all_o the_o mischief_n they_o be_v able_a but_o above_o all_o thing_n man_n be_v impatient_a of_o obey_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o equal_n and_o last_o nothing_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o once_o enjoy_v from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o society_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a shall_v be_v govern_v by_o their_o own_o general_a assembly_n that_o so_o no_o body_n may_v be_v subject_v to_o his_o equal_a but_o where_o the_o reins_o of_o government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o few_o or_o one_o single_a person_n there_o that_o single_a person_n ought_v to_o have_v extraordinary_a qualification_n above_o other_o or_o at_o least_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o people_n think_v so_o and_o in_o every_o government_n such_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v as_o be_v likely_a to_o incline_v man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n not_o for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n but_o in_o hope_n of_o reward_n moreover_o because_o obedience_n consist_v in_o execute_v the_o command_n of_o those_o that_o rule_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o a_o society_n where_o the_o roll_a power_n be_v in_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o law_n be_v make_v by_o general_a and_o common_a consent_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o obedience_n and_o though_o the_o law_n be_v increase_v or_o diminish_v yet_o still_o the_o people_n remain_v free_a because_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o another_o but_o act_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a universal_a agreement_n and_o consent_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a where_o a_o single_a person_n govern_v for_o there_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o whatever_o he_o command_v so_o that_o unless_o the_o people_n have_v be_v always_o educate_v under_o such_o absolute_a government_n it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o a_o monarch_n to_o make_v new_a law_n or_o to_o take_v away_o any_o liberty_n from_o the_o people_n which_o they_o have_v former_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n be_v thus_o general_o consider_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o when_o they_o go_v first_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o law_n of_o any_o other_o nation_n so_o that_o they_o may_v then_o constitute_v and_o enact_v what_o law_n and_o statute_n they_o please_v and_o fix_v themselves_o and_o their_o government_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o possess_v but_o be_v a_o stupid_a people_n and_o by_o long_a servitude_n deprave_v in_o their_o understanding_n they_o be_v unfit_a to_o make_v good_a and_o prudent_a law_n or_o to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o democratical_a authority_n without_o a_o superior_a the_o power_n of_o govern_v be_v therefore_o to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o single_a person_n who_o be_v to_o command_v the_o rest_n and_o compel_v they_o by_o force_n who_o be_v likewise_o to_o prescribe_v and_o interpret_v law_n this_o power_n moses_n easy_o obtain_v because_o he_o excel_v all_o other_o in_o divine_a virtue_n and_o power_n which_o power_n he_o persuade_v the_o people_n by_o many_o testimony_n exod._a chap._n 14._o v._n 31._o and_o chap._n 19_o v._n 9_o be_v give_v he_o by_o god_n be_v thus_o qualify_v he_o make_v and_o prescribe_v law_n to_o the_o people_n but_o take_v special_a care_n that_o the_o people_n may_v do_v their_o duty_n not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o fear_n as_o of_o their_o own_o free_a will_n which_o he_o do_v upon_o two_o consideration_n first_o because_o the_o people_n obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a nature_n will_v not_o endure_v continual_a compulsion_n second_o because_o there_o be_v a_o approach_a war_n which_o be_v like_a to_o succeed_v better_o by_o encourage_v then_o by_o threaten_v the_o soldier_n every_o one_o endeavour_v by_o his_o valour_n rather_o to_o get_v reputation_n then_o avoid_v punishment_n for_o this_o reason_n also_o moses_n by_o god_n command_n introduce_v religion_n into_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o devotion_n more_o than_o fear_v may_v incline_v they_o to_o obedience_n last_o he_o oblige_v they_o by_o many_o
benefit_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o shall_v receive_v from_o heaven_n the_o law_n which_o he_o establish_v be_v not_o very_o severe_a as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v how_o many_o circumstance_n be_v require_v to_o the_o condemn_v of_o any_o offender_n that_o the_o people_n who_o can_v not_o govern_v themselves_o may_v absolute_o depend_v upon_o the_o verbal_a command_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n he_o do_v not_o permit_v they_o be_v accustom_v to_o bondage_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o whatever_o they_o do_v be_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n no_o man_n can_v at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n plough_v sow_n or_o reap_v no_o man_n can_v eat_v what_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v he_o clothe_v himself_o shave_v his_o head_n and_o beard_n or_o make_v merry_a but_o according_a to_o certain_a rule_n set_v down_o in_o the_o law_n nor_o be_v this_o all_o for_o they_o be_v to_o have_v upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o door_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o their_o forehead_n certain_a sign_n which_o be_v to_o put_v they_o in_o continual_a mind_n of_o their_o obedience_n the_o end_n and_o design_n then_o of_o ceremony_n be_v that_o the_o people_n may_v do_v nothing_o by_o their_o own_o will_n and_o determination_n but_o only_o by_o the_o command_n of_o another_o and_o by_o continual_a action_n and_o meditation_n confess_v they_o be_v not_o master_n of_o themselves_o but_o whole_o subject_v to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o ceremony_n conduce_v nothing_o to_o true_a felicity_n and_o that_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v only_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consequent_o have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o more_o than_o bodily_a convenience_n as_o for_o christian_a ceremony_n namely_o baptism_n the_o lord_n supper_n holiday_n public_a form_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o common_a to_o christianity_n if_o they_o be_v ever_o institute_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n which_o do_v not_o clear_o appear_v they_o be_v only_o appoint_v as_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o not_o as_o thing_n that_o contain_v any_o sanctity_n in_o themselves_o or_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o be_v ordain_v not_o in_o reference_n to_o government_n but_o only_o in_o respect_n to_o mutual_a society_n he_o that_o live_v alone_o or_o he_o that_o live_v under_o a_o government_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v forbid_v be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ceremony_n and_o yet_o may_v live_v happy_o a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o japan_n where_o the_o hollander_n by_o the_o command_n of_o their_o east-india_n company_n abstain_v from_o all_o outward_a worship_n and_o that_o their_o so_o do_v be_v justifiable_a i_o think_v be_v not_o difficult_a to_o prove_v from_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n namely_o why_o believe_v the_o history_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v necessary_a and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o by_o natural_a reason_n i_o thus_o proceed_v whoever_o will_v persuade_v or_o dissuade_v man_n to_o or_o from_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o or_o by_o itself_o know_v must_v deduce_v that_o thing_n from_o principle_n general_o grant_v and_o allow_v and_o must_v convince_v those_o man_n either_o by_o reason_n or_o experience_n that_o be_v by_o thing_n which_o man_n by_o their_o sense_n know_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o nature_n or_o else_o by_o maxim_n which_o the_o understanding_n can_v neither_o doubt_v or_o deny_v but_o unless_o experience_n be_v such_o as_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v though_o it_o may_v convince_v a_o man_n yet_o it_o can_v equal_o affect_v the_o understanding_n and_o disperse_v the_o cloud_n thereof_o as_o will_v that_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o intellectual_a principle_n that_o be_v orderly_o deduce_v from_o notion_n certain_a and_o intelligible_a especial_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a and_o fall_v not_o under_o sense_n but_o because_o to_o prove_v thing_n only_o by_o intellectual_a proposition_n require_v a_o long_a chain_n of_o notion_n much_o circumspection_n sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o great_a temper_n all_o which_o be_v seldom_o find_v together_o therefore_o man_n have_v rather_o be_v teach_v by_o experience_n then_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o link_a together_o all_o their_o perception_n deduce_v from_o a_o few_o maxim_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v teach_v a_o whole_a nation_n i_o need_v not_o say_v all_o mankind_n any_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o will_v be_v clear_o understand_v in_o all_o thing_n by_o all_o man_n he_o must_v confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o experience_n and_o must_v accommodate_v his_o reason_n and_o the_o definition_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v not_o think_v of_o give_v such_o definition_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a for_o tie_v his_o reason_n together_o because_o he_o will_v then_o write_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a and_o will_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o a_o very_a few_o see_v then_o the_o scripture_n be_v reveal_v first_o for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n and_o afterward_o of_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o confirm_v only_o by_o experience_n to_o make_v my_o meaning_n yet_o more_o clear_a i_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n teach_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v only_o speculative_a be_v chief_o these_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o a_o be_v which_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n govern_v and_o sustain_v all_o thing_n who_o take_v great_a care_n of_o mankind_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o that_o live_v honest_o and_o religious_o but_o for_o those_o that_o live_v wicked_o he_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o good_a and_o afflict_v they_o with_o grievous_a punishment_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n the_o scripture_n confirm_v only_o by_o experience_n namely_o by_o the_o history_n which_o it_o recite_v nor_o do_v it_o plain_o define_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o fit_v all_o its_o reason_n and_o expression_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o though_o experience_n can_v give_v a_o man_n no_o true_a and_o plain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n nor_o teach_v a_o man_n what_o god_n be_v in_o what_o manner_n he_o order_n and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n or_o how_o he_o take_v care_n of_o mankind_n yet_o it_o give_v man_n so_o much_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n piety_n and_o obedience_n so_o that_o now_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a to_o what_o person_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n the_o belief_n of_o scripture_n history_n be_v necessary_a that_o be_v to_o the_o common_a people_n by_o who_o thing_n can_v be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v and_o whoever_o deny_v these_o history_n because_o he_o neither_o believe_v the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v impious_a but_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o history_n and_o yet_o by_o natural_a reason_n conclude_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n if_o he_o live_v a_o virtuous_a life_n that_o man_n be_v blessed_v yea_o more_o bless_a then_o the_o vulgar_a because_o beside_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o opinion_n he_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a understanding_n last_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o scripture_n history_n and_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n if_o he_o be_v not_o impious_a and_o obstinate_a yet_o he_o may_v well_o be_v account_v a_o beast_n rather_o than_o a_o man_n and_o to_o have_v no_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o we_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n history_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a people_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v all_o the_o history_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n but_o only_o the_o chief_n and_o those_o that_o give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o before_o mention_v doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o if_o all_o the_o history_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o prove_v its_o doctrine_n and_o no_o conclusion_n can_v be_v make_v but_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o the_o history_n together_o contain_v in_o it_o than_o the_o demonstration_n and_o proof_n of_o its_o doctrine_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
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
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 possible_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v whether_o this_o saying_n god_n be_v fire_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n beside_o the_o literal_a that_o be_v whether_o the_o word_n fire_v signify_v any_o other_o thing_n beside_o natural_a fire_n and_o if_o in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o signify_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o this_o say_n of_o moses_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v interpret_v though_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o those_o other_o say_n of_o moses_n though_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v conformable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o this_o but_o if_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o language_n will_v not_o suffer_v this_o to_o be_v do_v than_o those_o several_a say_n be_v irreconcilable_a and_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n of_o they_o but_o now_o because_o the_o word_n fire_n be_v also_o take_v for_o anger_n and_o jealousy_n job._n chap._n 31._o v._n 12._o these_o saying_n of_o moses_n be_v easy_o reconcileable_a and_o we_o may_v lawful_o conclude_v that_o these_o two_o sentence_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a signify_v both_o the_o same_o thing_n moreover_o because_o moses_n plain_o say_v god_n be_v jealous_a and_o do_v no_o where_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o moses_n do_v think_v or_o at_o least_o teach_v other_o man_n to_o think_v god_n be_v jealous_a though_o we_o believe_v the_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o wrest_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n because_o all_o our_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v derive_v only_o from_o themselves_o three_o this_o history_n of_o scripture_n aught_o to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n remain_v with_o we_o as_o may_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_n of_o the_o author_n of_o every_o book_n who_o the_o person_n be_v upon_o what_o occasion_n he_o write_v in_o what_o time_n to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o language_n and_o last_o it_o ought_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o fortune_n of_o every_o book_n how_o it_o be_v first_o receive_v into_o who_o hand_n it_o fall_v how_o many_o various_a reading_n it_o have_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o sacred_a and_o canonical_a and_o last_o how_o all_o the_o several_a book_n come_v together_o into_o one_o volume_n i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n this_o history_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o contain_v to_o know_v what_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o what_o only_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n it_o be_v very_o expedient_a to_o know_v the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_v of_o the_o author_n beside_o we_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o man_n word_n when_o we_o know_v his_o genius_n disposition_n and_o ingenuity_n moreover_o that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v doctrine_n who_o morality_n and_o obligation_n be_v perpetual_a with_o those_o that_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o of_o use_n only_o to_o some_o particular_a people_n it_o behove_v we_o to_o know_v upon_o what_o occasion_n at_o what_o time_n to_o what_o nation_n in_o what_o age_n all_o these_o instruction_n be_v write_v last_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v know_v beside_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o book_n whether_o the_o book_n have_v be_v adulterate_v or_o at_o least_o whether_o any_o error_n have_v creep_v into_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v correct_v by_o learned_a and_o faithful_a man_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o we_o may_v not_o with_o blind_a zeal_n receive_v every_o thing_n obtrude_v upon_o we_o but_o believe_v that_o only_o which_o be_v certain_a plain_a and_o past_o all_o doubt_n after_o we_o have_v such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v firm_o resolve_v to_o conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o do_v not_o natural_o follow_v or_o may_v be_v clear_o draw_v from_o this_o history_n than_o it_o will_v be_v time_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o to_o do_v the_o like_a method_n and_o order_n be_v require_v that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o interpret_n nature_n by_o its_o own_o history_n for_o as_o in_o search_v out_o natural_a thing_n we_o first_o endeavour_v to_o inquire_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o motion_n and_o
which_o the_o pharisee_n affirm_v they_o have_v or_o such_o as_o have_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o can_v err_v in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o that_o the_o roman_a catholic_o boast_v of_o their_o pope_n but_o see_v we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o priest_n or_o pope_n we_o can_v build_v upon_o either_o because_o the_o primitive_a christian_n deny_v the_o one_o and_o the_o most_o ancient_a sect_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o other_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o series_n and_o succession_n of_o year_n which_o the_o pharisee_n receive_v from_o their_o rabbi_n by_o which_o they_o carry_v their_o tradition_n as_o high_a as_o moses_n himself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o false_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o another_o place_n such_o a_o tradition_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o suspect_v and_o though_o in_o our_o method_n we_o be_v force_v to_o suppose_v some_o kind_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a namely_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o need_v not_o much_o doubt_n this_o though_o we_o very_o well_o may_v the_o other_o for_o it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n or_o use_v to_o any_o man_n to_o change_v the_o signification_n of_o any_o word_n though_o it_o often_o may_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o speech_n it_o be_v also_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v do_v for_o he_o that_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o change_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o word_n must_v necessary_o construe_v all_o those_o author_n who_o have_v write_v in_o that_o tongue_n and_o use_v that_o word_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o every_o author_n or_o else_o must_v falsify_v they_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n the_o ignorant_a multitude_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a man_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o a_o language_n but_o the_o learned_a only_o preserve_v the_o sense_n of_o speech_n and_o book_n and_o consequent_o though_o learned_a man_n may_v change_v or_o corrupt_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o scarce_a book_n yet_o they_o can_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n beside_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o alter_v the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n to_o which_o he_o be_v accustom_v he_o can_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n do_v it_o either_o in_o speak_v or_o write_v for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n i_o be_o persuade_v it_o never_o yet_o come_v into_o any_o man_n head_n to_o corrupt_v a_o language_n though_o many_o have_v pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o writer_n either_o by_o change_v or_o misinterpret_v his_o say_n if_o our_o method_n which_o lay_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o true_a then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v we_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v well_o despair_v of_o it_o what_o difficulty_n there_o be_v of_o arrive_v by_o this_o method_n to_o the_o true_a mean_v and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sacred_a volume_n or_o what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o it_o i_o will_v now_o declare_v the_o chief_a difficulty_n in_o this_o method_n be_v that_o be_v require_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n but_o how_o be_v that_o to_o be_v have_v the_o ancient_a and_o most_o skilful_a master_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v leave_v little_a to_o posterity_n of_o the_o element_n and_o learning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v from_o they_o neither_o dictionary_n grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v lose_v all_o its_o ornament_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v no_o wonder_n have_v suffer_v so_o many_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n and_o retain_v nothing_o but_o a_o few_o fragment_n of_o their_o language_n and_o of_o a_o few_o book_n for_o all_o the_o name_n of_o fruit_n bird_n fish_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n be_v lose_v so_o that_o the_o signification_n of_o many_o name_n and_o word_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v unknown_a or_o very_a disputable_a see_v then_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o likewise_o a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v because_o all_o the_o form_n of_o speech_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v forget_v and_o lose_v we_o can_v as_o we_o will_v find_v out_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o sentence_n in_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o the_o customary_a use_n of_o the_o language_n it_o comprehend_v and_o there_o be_v many_o say_n in_o scripture_n though_o express_v in_o know_a word_n who_o sense_n nevertheless_o be_v obscure_a and_o inscrutable_a and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o perfect_a history_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n so_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o language_n be_v such_o and_o so_o many_o ambiguity_n spring_v from_o it_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o frame_v such_o a_o method_n as_o shall_v direct_v a_o man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n for_o beside_o the_o cause_n of_o doubt_n common_a to_o all_o other_o language_n there_o be_v some_o other_o in_o this_o from_o whence_o proceed_v many_o uncertainty_n which_o cause_v here_o to_o specify_v i_o think_v worth_a a_o man_n pain_n first_o obscurity_n and_o ambiguity_n in_o scripture_n be_v cause_v sometime_o by_o use_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o organ_n one_o for_o another_o the_o jew_n divide_v all_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o alphabet_n into_o five_o class_n or_o form_n because_o there_o be_v five_o particular_a part_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o mouth_n use_v in_o pronunciation_n the_o lip_n the_o tongue_n the_o tooth_n the_o palate_n and_o the_o throat_n for_o example_n alpha_n ghet_n hgain_n he_o be_v call_v guttural_a letter_n and_o be_v without_o any_o difference_n know_v to_o we_o take_v one_o for_o another_o el_n which_o signify_v to_o be_v often_o take_v for_o hgal_n which_o signify_v upon_o and_o so_o interchangeble_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o speech_n be_v render_v doubtful_a or_o be_v like_o word_n which_o have_v no_o signification_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o ambiguity_n be_v the_o divers_a and_o manifold_a signification_n of_o conjunction_n and_o adverb_n for_o example_n vaughan_n promiscuous_o serve_v to_o join_v and_o disjoin_v signify_v and_n but_o because_o indeed_o otherwise_o then_o ki_n have_v seven_o or_o eight_o signification_n because_o although_o if_o when_o even_o as_o that_o burning_z and_o so_o almost_o all_o particle_n the_o three_o cause_n of_o many_o ambiguity_n be_v because_o verb_n in_o the_o indicative_a mood_n want_v the_o present_a the_o preterimperfect_a the_o preterpluperfect_a and_o the_o future_a tense_n and_o other_o much_o use_v in_o other_o language_n in_o the_o imperative_a and_o infinitive_n mood_n they_o want_v all_o the_o tense_n except_o the_o present_a and_o in_o the_o subjunctive_a have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o though_o all_o these_o defect_n of_o mood_n and_o tense_n may_v with_o great_a elegancy_n be_v supply_v by_o rule_n and_o principle_n deduce_v from_o the_o language_n yet_o they_o have_v be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n who_o promiscuous_o use_v the_o present_a and_o preterperfect_a tense_n for_o the_o future_a and_o sometime_o the_o indicative_a mood_n for_o the_o imperative_a and_o subjunctive_a which_o cause_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o their_o write_n beside_o these_o three_o great_a cause_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n there_o remain_v two_o other_o very_a observable_a and_o both_o of_o very_o great_a moment_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n make_v no_o use_n those_o letter_n we_o call_v vowel_n the_o second_o that_o they_o never_o use_v in_o their_o write_n to_o distinguish_v their_o word_n or_o express_v their_o quantity_n by_o any_o mark_n or_o sign_n and_o though_o both_o vowel_n and_o mark_n use_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o point_n and_o accent_n yet_o we_o can_v trust_v to_o they_o see_v they_o be_v invent_v and_o bring_v into_o use_n by_o modern_a man_n who_o authority_n be_v of_o no_o great_a value_n the_o ancient_n write_v without_o point_n that_o be_v without_o vowel_n or_o accent_n as_o appear_v by_o many_o testimony_n but_o some_o of_o late_a time_n bring_v in_o both_o to_o interpret_v the_o bible_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a so_o that_o the_o point_n and_o accent_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v only_a exposition_n of_o man_n of_o the_o present_a age_n who_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reverence_n and_o believe_v above_o other_o expositor_n they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o
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 doctrine_n may_v be_v easy_o attain_v by_o such_o a_o history_n as_o may_v be_v compose_v of_o it_o for_o all_o lesson_n of_o true_a piety_n be_v give_v we_o in_o word_n of_o common_a and_o frequent_a use_n and_o be_v therefore_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o because_o our_o happiness_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o life_n consist_v in_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o find_v only_o in_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o understand_v it_o evident_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o other_o matter_n which_o when_o they_o seem_v so_o difficult_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n have_v more_o curiosity_n in_o they_o then_o profit_v i_o have_v now_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o explain_v scripture_n and_o sully_v declare_v my_o opinion_n concern_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o one_o see_v this_o method_n require_v nothing_o more_o than_o natural_a reason_n who_o nature_n and_o virtue_n chief_o consist_v in_o deduce_v by_o right_a consequence_n thing_n obscure_a from_o know_v and_o indisputable_a concession_n and_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o this_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o find_v out_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o this_o natural_a light_n but_o because_o the_o right_a way_n which_o it_o show_v we_o be_v never_o observe_v and_o tread_v by_o man_n so_o that_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n it_o be_v become_v painful_a and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o pass_v as_o in_o my_o opinion_n manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o difficulty_n i_o have_v mention_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o examine_v those_o man_n opinion_n who_o be_v not_o of_o i_o the_o first_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v they_o who_o positive_o affirm_v that_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o interpret_v 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
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
they_o he_o say_v here_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o answer_v more_o than_o we_o do_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o talmudist_n to_o contradict_v the_o masorite_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o of_o one_o place_n there_o be_v never_o more_o than_o two_o reading_n yet_o i_o easy_o grant_v yea_o i_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v find_v more_o than_o two_o readins_n of_o one_o place_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o that_o from_o whence_o the_o variety_n of_o readins_n proceed_v can_v not_o occasion_n more_o than_o two_o for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o difference_n of_o readins_n arise_v from_o the_o similitude_n which_o be_v between_o some_o letter_n and_o still_o the_o doubt_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o which_o of_o two_o letter_n be_v to_o be_v write_v whether_o bet_n or_o kaf_n jod_n or_o vaughan_n dalet_n or_o res._n of_o which_o there_o be_v frequent_a use_n and_o therefore_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o sense_n be_v tolerable_a with_o either_o beside_o it_o be_v doubtful_a sometime_o whether_o a_o syllable_n be_v long_o or_o short_a who_o quantity_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o those_o letter_n who_o pronunciation_n be_v scarce_o to_o be_v perceive_v and_o last_o all_o marginal_a note_n be_v not_o dubious_a readins_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v many_o of_o they_o be_v put_v in_o for_o decency_n and_o modesty_n sake_n and_o sometime_o to_o explain_v obsolete_a and_o antiquate_a word_n the_o second_o reason_n why_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o more_o than_o two_o readins_n can_v be_v find_v of_o one_o place_n be_v because_o i_o believe_v the_o ancient_a scribe_n meet_v with_o very_a few_o original_n perhaps_o not_o above_o two_o or_o three_o in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o scribe_n chap._n 6_o the_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v but_o of_o three_o which_o they_o pretend_v be_v find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n 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the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o his_o time_n or_o have_v he_o not_o hear_v it_o from_o very_o credible_a person_n i_o believe_v the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n be_v collect_v much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n josiah_n because_o it_o be_v say_v prov._n chap._n 25._o v._n 1._o these_o be_v the_o pooverb_n of_o solomon_n which_o the_o man_n of_o hezekiah_n king_n of_o judah_n copy_v out_o but_o i_o can_v here_o forbear_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a boldness_n of_o the_o rabbin_n who_o will_v have_v exclude_v this_o book_n and_o that_o of_o ecclesiastes_n out_o of_o the_o sacred_a canon_n which_o have_v be_v certain_o do_v have_v they_o not_o meet_v with_o some_o place_n which_o commend_v moses_n law_n it_o be_v pity_n such_o thing_n so_o sacred_a and_o excellent_a shall_v lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o such_o man_n we_o thank_v they_o for_o communicate_v they_o to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a doubt_n whether_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o posterity_n which_o i_o will_v not_o here_o strict_o examine_v but_o proceed_v to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v serious_o consider_v they_o i_o plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v collect_v out_o of_o other_o book_n they_o be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v deliver_v nor_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o neither_o be_v all_o record_v but_o such_o as_o here_o and_o there_o can_v be_v find_v out_o so_o that_o these_o book_n be_v but_o mere_a fragment_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n begin_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o time_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o book_n of_o isaiah_n himself_o testify_v in_o the_o 1_o st_z chap._n and_o 1_o
neguniah_n the_o son_n of_o hiskiah_n the_o book_n of_o ezechiel_n have_v be_v abscond_v because_o there_o be_v expression_n in_o it_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n hold_v a_o council_n to_o determine_v what_o book_n shall_v be_v receive_v for_o sacred_a and_o what_o shall_v be_v reject_v so_o that_o whoever_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o must_v search_v into_o the_o council_n and_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n every_o book_n be_v receive_v i_o shall_v now_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o i_o hear_v it_o have_v be_v already_o do_v by_o man_n learn_v in_o the_o science_n and_o skilful_a in_o tongue_n i_o be_o not_o grecian_a good_a enough_o to_o undertake_v it_o beside_o we_o want_v original_a copy_n of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o engage_v myself_o in_o the_o business_n but_o only_o observe_v some_o thing_n which_o make_v to_o my_o main_a purpose_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o work_n of_o my_o next_o chapter_n chap._n xi_o inquire_v 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 teacher_n and_o show_v what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n whoever_o read_v the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n but_o because_o the_o prophet_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n do_v but_o seldom_o and_o not_o always_o speak_v by_o revelation_n it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o apostle_n like_o moses_n jeremy_n and_o other_o do_v by_o express_a command_n and_o revelation_n write_v their_o epislle_n as_o prophet_n or_o else_o only_o as_o private_a man_n and_o teacher_n especial_o because_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o v._n 6._o paul_n in_o express_a term_n declare_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o speak_v the_o one_o by_o revelation_n the_o other_o by_o knowledge_n i_o say_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n do_v prophesy_v or_o instruct_v their_o style_n if_o we_o mark_v it_o be_v very_o far_o different_a from_o that_o use_v in_o prophecy_n it_o be_v always_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o declare_v that_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n still_o begin_v with_o expression_n like_o these_o so_o faith_n the_o lord_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n say_v the_o word_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o do_v use_v not_o only_o in_o their_o public_a speech_n but_o also_o in_o their_o letter_n or_o write_n which_o contain_v revelation_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n to_o king_n jehoram_n 2_o d_o book_n of_o chron._n chap_n 21._o five_o 12._o and_o there_o come_v a_o write_n to_o he_o from_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n but_o in_o the_o apostle_n write_n we_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o expression_n but_o the_o clean_a contrary_n 1_o st_z epist_n corinth_n chap._n 7._o v._n 40._o paul_n say_v he_o speak_v after_o his_o own_o judgement_n yea_o in_o many_o place_n we_o find_v expression_n which_o argue_v a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a mind_n as_o in_o the_o epist._n to_o the_o rom._n chap._n 3._o v._n 28._o therefore_o we_o conclude_v and_o rom._n chap._n 8_o v._n 18._o for_o i_o reckon_v and_o many_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n beside_o these_o there_o be_v other_o manner_n of_o speak_v which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o savour_n of_o prophetical_a authority_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n corinth_n chap._n 7._o v._n 6._o but_o i_o speak_v this_o by_o permission_n not_o of_o commandment_n and_o in_o the_o 25._o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chap._n i_o give_v my_o judgement_n as_o a_o man_n who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n speak_v as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v or_o have_v not_o a_o command_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o what_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o command_n from_o god_n by_o revelation_n but_o only_o that_o he_o preach_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n the_o lord_n teach_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o mount._n moreover_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o much_o different_a from_o the_o prophet_n way_n of_o instruct_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o find_v reason_v insomuch_o that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o dispute_v than_o prophecy_n prophecy_n contain_v nothing_o but_o positive_a opinion_n and_o decree_n therefore_o god_n be_v always_o introduce_v not_o argue_v with_o reason_n but_o peremptory_o command_v by_o the_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n prophetieal_v authority_n allow_v of_o no_o rational_a dispute_v for_o whoever_o will_v by_o reason_v confirm_v his_o opinion_n do_v in_o so_o do_v submit_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrary_a judgement_n of_o another_o as_o do_v paul_n reason_v in_o his_o 1_o sy_n epist_n to_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 10._o v._n 15._o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v and_o last_o because_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o reason_n and_o natural_a knowledge_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n though_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n seem_v to_o be_v conclude_v and_o confirm_v by_o inference_n and_o illation_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o they_o can_v be_v take_v for_o peremptory_a and_o decisive_a argument_n for_o example_n when_o moses_n say_v to_o the_o israelite_n deut._n chap._n 21._o v._n 27._o behold_v while_o i_o be_o yet_o alive_a with_o you_o this_o day_n you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o much_o more_o after_o my_o death_n we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o will_v certain_o after_o moses_n death_n depart_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o the_o argument_n have_v be_v false_a as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n persevere_v constant_o in_o it_o during_o the_o life_n of_o joshua_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o afterward_o also_o in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n these_o word_n therefore_o of_o moses_n be_v but_o a_o moral_a manner_n of_o speak_v which_o he_o rhetorical_o use_v the_o more_o strong_o to_o imagine_v and_o foretell_v that_o people_n future_a defection_n the_o reason_n why_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o moses_n to_o make_v his_o prediction_n true_a speak_v these_o word_n of_o himself_o and_o not_o by_o revelation_n as_o a_o prophet_n be_v because_o in_o the_o 21_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n god_n reveal_v to_o moses_n in_o other_o word_n what_o the_o people_n will_v do_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o reason_v to_o make_v moses_n sure_a of_o this_o prediction_n and_o decree_n but_o it_o be_v only_o necessary_a to_o give_v he_o a_o lively_a representation_n thereof_o in_o his_o imagination_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n which_o can_v be_v do_v no_o better_a way_n than_o by_o imagine_v that_o the_o people_n present_a rebellious_a humour_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o try_v will_v be_v the_o very_a same_o for_o the_o future_a so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v moses_n argument_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o petanteuch_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o repository_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v take_v only_o for_o manner_n of_o speak_v whereby_o he_o do_v more_o lively_o imagine_v and_o more_o effectual_o express_v god_n decree_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o prophet_n may_v reason_v and_o argue_v by_o revelation_n but_o that_o which_o i_o maintain_v be_v that_o the_o prophet_n by_o how_o much_o more_o rational_a the_o argument_n be_v which_o they_o use_v so_o much_o more_o natural_a do_v their_o knowledge_n appear_v which_o they_o have_v of_o thing_n reveal_v and_o that_o the_o prophet_n knowledge_n be_v supernatural_a chief_o appear_v in_o their_o speak_n dogmatical_o imperious_o and_o sententious_o so_o that_o moses_n the_o chief_a prophet_n never_o make_v use_n of_o any_o logical_a argument_n and_o i_o therefore_o conclude_v paul_n long_a deduction_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o find_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v never_o write_v by_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o argue_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v
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
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 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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
difference_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v pious_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o their_o hatred_n shall_v decrease_v for_o all_o other_o nation_n do_v as_o mortal_o hate_v they_o let_v reason_n and_o experience_n judge_v then_o whether_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a devotion_n towards_o their_o country_n absolute_a power_n over_o all_o nation_n against_o who_o their_o hatred_n be_v not_o only_o count_v lawful_a but_o pious_a singularity_n of_o religious_a rite_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v be_v not_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n with_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o country_n for_o while_o jerusalem_n stand_v they_o will_v never_o endure_v any_o other_o government_n therefore_o be_v it_o call_v the_o rebellious_a city_n ezra_n chap._n 4._o v._n 12_o 15._o the_o second_o government_n which_o be_v scarce_o a_o shadow_n of_o the_o first_o after_o the_o priest_n have_v usurp_v the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n destroy_v by_o the_o roman_n as_o tacitus_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o history_n vespasian_n say_v he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a war_n by_o the_o take_n of_o the_o city_n jerusalem_n a_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n because_o of_o the_o people_n disposition_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o superstition_n and_o because_o the_o besiege_a have_v courage_n and_o strength_n enough_o to_o suffer_v all_o extremity_n beside_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o only_a opinion_n make_v dear_a and_o valuable_a there_o be_v another_o thing_n in_o this_o government_n which_o be_v a_o fingular_a and_o solid_a argument_n to_o continue_v the_o people_n in_o their_o obedience_n and_o take_v from_o they_o all_o thought_n of_o desert_v their_o country_n and_o that_o be_v profit_n which_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o life_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n in_o this_o particular_a their_o advantage_n be_v very_o considerable_a for_o subject_n have_v no_o where_o great_a right_n to_o any_o thing_n they_o possess_v the_o jewish_a subject_n have_v a_o equal_a portion_n of_o land_n and_o field_n with_o the_o prince_n and_o every_o one_o be_v a_o eternal_a lord_n of_o his_o part_n for_o if_o any_o man_n force_v by_o poverty_n sell_v his_o land_n when_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n come_v it_o be_v to_o be_v entire_o restore_v there_o be_v likewise_o other_o institution_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o that_o a_o fix_a estate_n can_v never_o be_v perpetual_o alienate_v where_o can_v poverty_n be_v more_o tolerable_a than_o in_o a_o country_n where_o every_o man_n be_v mutual_a charity_n be_v that_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n whereby_o he_o hope_v to_o purchase_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n who_o be_v his_o king_n so_o that_o the_o jew_n can_v never_o live_v well_o in_o any_o country_n but_o their_o own_o and_o out_o of_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o injury_n and_o reproach_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o own_o country_n from_o civil_a war_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o contention_n their_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o equal_a but_o only_o to_o god_n himself_o contribute_v very_o much_o so_o likewise_o do_v their_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v not_o a_o little_a increase_v by_o the_o general_a hatred_n all_o other_o nation_n have_v against_o they_o another_o thing_n which_o beyond_o all_o that_o i_o have_v mention_v much_o contribute_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v that_o strict_a discipline_n of_o obedience_n under_o which_o they_o be_v educate_v for_o they_o be_v to_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o positive_a prescription_n of_o law_n they_o can_v not_o when_o they_o please_v but_o only_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o in_o certain_a year_n plough_v and_o that_o but_o with_o one_o sort_n of_o cattle_n they_o have_v likewise_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o sow_v and_o reap_v and_o indeed_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o ceremony_n their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n be_v but_o a_o continual_a practice_n of_o obedience_n so_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o it_o it_o seem_v rather_o liberty_n than_o servitude_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o desire_v not_o what_o be_v forbid_v but_o that_o which_o be_v command_v at_o certain_a time_n of_o the_o year_n they_o be_v to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o mirth_n pleasure_n and_o ease_n not_o to_o indulge_v their_o own_o appetite_n but_o to_o serve_v god_n the_o more_o cheerful_o thrice_o in_o a_o year_n they_o be_v god_n guest_n see_v deut._n chap._n 16._o v._n 16._o every_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o week_n they_o be_v to_o cease_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o labour_n and_o take_v their_o rest_n at_o other_o set_a time_n rejoice_v honest_a recreation_n and_o feast_v be_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o command_v which_o above_o all_o thing_n prevail_v upon_o man_n mind_n especial_o that_o joy_n which_o arise_v from_o devotion_n that_o be_v from_o love_n and_o admiration_n together_o their_o worship_n prescribe_v on_o festival_n day_n be_v short_a and_o various_a keep_v they_o from_o loathe_v and_o weariness_n to_o all_o this_o add_v the_o high_a reverence_n and_o veneration_n they_o have_v for_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v still_o preserve_v by_o the_o particular_a worship_n they_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o it_o and_o by_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o observe_v and_o do_v before_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o enter_v into_o it_o so_o that_o even_o now_o we_o can_v without_o great_a horror_n read_v that_o abominable_a wicked_a act_n of_o manasseh_n who_o cause_v a_o idol_n to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n nor_o be_v the_o reverence_n much_o less_o which_o the_o people_n have_v for_o the_o law_n which_o be_v religious_o keep_v in_o the_o sanctuary_n so_o that_o no_o rumour_n or_o discontent_n among_o the_o people_n be_v here_o to_o be_v fear_v for_o no_o body_n can_v meddle_v or_o pass_v any_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o every_o man_n without_o consult_v reason_n be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o god_n by_o his_o answer_n in_o the_o temple_n or_o by_o the_o law_n already_o give_v command_v they_o it_o now_o then_o appear_v under_o what_o manner_n of_o government_n the_o jew_n live_v of_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v give_v a_o very_a clear_a though_o but_o brief_a account_n it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o inquire_v why_o the_o jew_n do_v so_o often_o forsake_v the_o law_n why_o they_o be_v so_o often_o conquer_v and_o why_o at_o last_o their_o government_n be_v total_o destroy_v perhaps_o some_o will_v tell_v i_o their_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a humour_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o be_v but_o a_o childish_a and_o frivolous_a answer_n why_o be_v this_o nation_n more_o rebellious_a than_o any_o other_o be_v it_o their_o nature_n nature_n do_v not_o make_v nation_n but_o only_o individual_a person_n who_o be_v distinguish_v and_o divide_v into_o nation_n by_o diversity_n of_o language_n law_n and_o custom_n from_o law_n and_o custom_n every_o nation_n acquire_v a_o particular_a disposition_n a_o particular_a condition_n and_o peculiar_a prejudices_fw-la and_o opinion_n if_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v more_o stiff-necked_a and_o rebellious_a than_o any_o other_o nation_n it_o must_v be_v because_o they_o have_v bad_a law_n and_o evil_a custom_n and_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o if_o god_n have_v decree_v their_o government_n shall_v have_v have_v a_o long_a continuance_n he_o will_v have_v give_v they_o other_o law_n and_o statute_n and_o another_o administration_n of_o government_n therefore_o what_o can_v we_o say_v more_o than_o that_o god_n be_v offend_v and_o angry_a with_o they_o not_o only_o as_o jeremy_n say_v from_o the_o build_n of_o their_o city_n jerem._n chap._n 32._o v._n 31._o but_o from_o the_o very_a time_n he_o give_v they_o their_o law_n which_o ezekiel_n testify_v chap._n 20._o v._n 25._o say_v i_o give_v they_o statute_n which_o be_v not_o good_a and_o judgement_n whereby_o they_o shall_v not_o live_v and_o i_o pollute_v they_o in_o their_o own_o gift_n in_o that_o they_o cause_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n all_o that_o open_v the_o womb_n that_o be_v the_o first-born_a that_o i_o may_v make_v they_o desolate_a to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o these_o word_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n may_v be_v right_o understand_v we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o god_n first_o intention_n be_v to_o commit_v the_o administration_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n to_o the_o first-born_a not_o to_o the_o levite_n as_o appear_v numb_a chap._n 8._o v._n 17._o where_o god_n say_v all_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v i_o i_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 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