supernatural_a illumination_n to_o fit_a and_o apply_v religion_n which_o they_o have_v before_o confirm_v by_o sign_n to_o every_o man_n be_v ordinary_a capacity_n that_o it_o may_v be_v ready_o embrace_v nor_o be_v supernatural_a assistance_n necessary_a to_o mind_n man_n of_o it_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o all_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v man_n to_o live_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n judge_v best_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o religion_n and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v what_o be_v say_v a_o little_a before_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o only_o enable_v to_o preach_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o confirm_v what_o they_o preach_v by_o sign_n as_o prophet_n but_o have_v also_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o admonish_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o that_o way_n which_o every_o particular_a apostle_n think_v best_a both_o which_o gift_n paul_n mention_n in_o his_o 2_o d_o epist._n to_o timothy_n chap._n 1._o v._n 11._o whereunto_o i_o be_o appoint_v a_o preacher_n and_o a_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n likewise_o in_o his_o 1_o sy_n epist._n to_o timothy_n chap._n 2._o v._n 7._o whereunto_o i_o be_o ordain_v a_o preacher_n and_o a_o apostle_n i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n and_o lie_v not_o a_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o faith_n and_o verity_n which_o text_n clear_o prove_v both_o his_o office_n of_o apostle_n and_o doctor_n but_o his_o authority_n to_o warn_v and_o instruct_v whosoever_o and_o whensoever_o he_o please_v he_o express_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o philemon_n verses_z the_o 8_o the_o and_o 9_o the_o though_o i_o may_v be_v much_o bold_a in_o christ_n to_o enjoin_v thou_o that_o which_o be_v convenient_a yet_o for_o love_n sake_n i_o rather_o beseech_v thou_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o note_v that_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o paul_n be_v to_o command_v philemon_n have_v be_v receive_v from_o god_n by_o paul_n as_o a_o prophet_n and_o which_o as_o a_o prophet_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v command_v he_o than_o it_o have_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o paul_n to_o change_v that_o command_n of_o god_n into_o entreaty_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v necessary_o understand_v that_o paul_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o liberty_n of_o warn_v and_o admonish_v which_o he_o have_v as_o a_o teacher_n and_o not_o as_o a_o prophet_n though_o it_o be_v not_o clear_o prove_v that_o every_o apostle_n may_v choose_v that_o way_n of_o teach_v which_o he_o himself_o think_v best_a but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v both_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o apostleship_n yet_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o whoever_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o teach_v have_v also_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v his_o own_o way_n of_o do_v it_o but_o because_o it_o will_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o every_o apostle_n choose_v his_o own_o particular_a way_n of_o teach_v consider_v what_o paul_n himself_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 15._o v._n 20._o so_o have_v i_o strive_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o where_o christ_n be_v name_v lest_o i_o shall_v build_v upon_o another_o man_n foundation_n if_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o way_n of_o teach_v and_o all_o build_v christian_a religion_n upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n what_o reason_n have_v paul_n to_o call_v those_o foundation_n another_o man_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v conclude_v that_o every_o one_o build_v religion_n upon_o a_o several_a foundation_n and_o it_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v with_o other_o doctor_n who_o have_v a_o peculiar_a method_n of_o teach_v desire_v always_o to_o teach_v those_o who_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a and_o never_o learn_v of_o any_o other_o master_n if_o we_o careful_o read_v over_o the_o epistle_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v agree_v concern_v religion_n itself_o but_o differ_v about_o its_o foundation_n to_o establish_v man_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o salvation_n depend_v only_o upon_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n paul_n doctrine_n be_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o boast_v of_o his_o work_n but_o only_o of_o his_o faith_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o work_n but_o only_o by_o faith_n rom._n chap._n 3._o v._n 27_o 28._o by_o paul_n also_o be_v preach_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o predestination_n but_o james_n on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o his_o epistle_n declare_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o james_n chap._n 2._o v._n 24._o and_o in_o few_o word_n give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o religion_n not_o at_o all_o concern_v himself_o with_o any_o of_o paul_n disputation_n without_o doubt_v the_o apostle_n build_v religion_n upon_o several_a foundation_n have_v be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o controversy_n and_o schism_n wherewith_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v be_v ever_o since_o and_o for_o ever_o will_v be_v trouble_v unless_o religion_n be_v purge_v and_o separate_v from_o all_o philosophical_a speculation_n and_o reduce_v to_o those_o few_o and_o plain_a doctrine_n which_o christ_n teach_v his_o follower_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o because_o man_n then_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o because_o the_o novity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o offend_v their_o ear_n they_o as_o near_o as_o possible_a suit_v and_o fit_v it_o to_o the_o genius_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n in_o that_o time_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 9_o v._n 19_o 20._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o most_o know_a foundation_n and_o receive_v principle_n of_o those_o time_n therefore_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n philosophised_a so_o much_o as_o paul_n who_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o rest_n preach_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v despiser_n of_o philosophy_n likewise_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o genius_n see_v the_o epist._n to_o the_o galath_n chap._n 2._o from_o the_o 11_o verse_n forward_o and_o preach_v religion_n stripe_v naked_a from_o all_o philosophical_a speculation_n how_o happy_a likewise_o will_v our_o time_n be_v can_v we_o see_v religion_n free_v from_o all_o superstition_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a handwriting_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n why_o scripture_n be_v call_v holy_a and_o why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o that_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a they_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o bible_n however_o it_o be_v as_o a_o letter_n send_v from_o heaven_n by_o god_n to_o man_n will_v certain_o exclaim_v and_o say_v i_o be_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o maintain_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v faulty_a maim_a adulterate_a and_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o that_o we_o have_v but_o fragment_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o original_a write_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o jew_n perish_v but_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v they_o well_o consider_v the_o thing_n itself_o they_o will_v cease_v their_o exclamation_n for_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n plain_o declare_v that_o the_o eternal_a word_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n that_o be_v imprint_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v that_o true_a handwriting_n of_o god_n which_o he_o seal_v with_o the_o idea_n of_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o image_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n religion_n be_v first_o deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o write_a law_n because_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o their_o understanding_n little_o more_o than_o child_n but_o afterward_o moses_n deut._n chap._n 30._o v._n 6._o and_o jeremy_n chap._n 31._o v._n 33._o prophesy_v that_o in_o time_n to_o come_v god_n will_v write_v his_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o the_o jew_n and_o among_o they_o chief_o the_o zaduce_n always_o contend_v for_o their_o law_n write_v in_o table_n which_o other_o do_v not_o who_o have_v it_o engrave_v on_o their_o heart_n he_o than_o that_o consider_v this_o will_v find_v nothing_o in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n or_o that_o will_v weaken_v faith_n and_o religion_n but_o rather_o as_o i_o have_v show_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ten_o chapter_n what_o will_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v both_o have_v not_o that_o be_v my_o intention_n i_o have_v be_v altogether_o silent_a upon_o this_o subject_a and_o to_o avoid_v dispute_n will_v have_v free_o grant_v that_o there_o
multitude_n as_o superstition_n whence_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o common_a people_n under_o colour_n of_o religion_n be_v sometime_o easy_o induce_v to_o adore_v their_o king_n and_o at_o other_o time_n to_o curse_v and_o abhor_v they_o as_o the_o common_a plague_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o mischief_n great_a pain_n be_v take_v to_o adorn_v and_o attire_v religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a that_o it_o may_v appear_v very_o grave_a and_o solemn_a and_o all_o person_n pay_v unto_o it_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o respect_n and_o veneration_n this_o have_v so_o lucky_o succeed_v among_o the._n turk_n who_o count_v it_o a_o crime_n so_o much_o as_o to_o dispute_v and_o have_v their_o understanding_n possess_v with_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o their_o mind_n leave_v for_o reason_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v but_o if_o it_o be_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a arcanum_n and_o concern_v of_o monarchical_a government_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o to_o cover_v fear_n by_o which_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o subjection_n under_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v fight_v for_o slavery_n as_o for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n but_o their_o great_a honour_n to_o spend_v their_o blood_n and_o life_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o one_o single_a person_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o mischeivous_o devise_v or_o attempt_v than_o to_o possess_v man_n judgement_n which_o be_v free_a with_o prejudices_fw-la or_o in_o any_o manner_n to_o restrain_v or_o compel_v they_o it_o be_v utter_o repugnant_a to_o common_a liberty_n as_o for_o sedition_n stir_v up_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n they_o arise_v from_o enact_v law_n concern_v thing_n mere_o speculative_a and_o because_o opinion_n be_v many_o time_n condemn_v for_o crime_n and_o the_o maintainer_n and_o follower_n of_o those_o opinion_n seldom_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o public_a safety_n but_o to_o the_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o adversary_n but_o if_o the_o law_n of_o government_n will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o word_n and_o only_o punish_v man_n action_n there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o lawful_a pretence_n for_o such_o sedition_n nor_o can_v controversy_n be_v turn_v into_o quarrel_n see_v therefore_o that_o man_n be_v seldom_o so_o happy_a to_o live_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o every_o one_o be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o judge_v and_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o understanding_n or_o where_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v dear_a and_o sweet_a than_o liberty_n i_o think_v my_o undertake_n will_v be_v neither_o unpleasing_a or_o unprofitable_a if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o liberty_n may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o religion_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o all_o three_o must_v stand_v and_o fall_v together_o and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o intend_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o which_o purpose_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o mark_v out_o the_o chief_a prejudices_fw-la concern_v religion_n i_o mean_v the_o footstep_n of_o ancient_a servitude_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o relate_v to_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n power_n which_o many_o with_o shameless_a boldness_n study_v to_o usurp_v and_o then_o to_o secure_v themselves_o amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n still_o subject_a to_o superstition_n with_o specious_a show_n of_o religion_n that_o all_o may_v again_o run_v into_o bondage_n in_o what_o order_n i_o make_v these_o thing_n manifest_a i_o will_v present_o in_o few_o word_n declare_v but_o first_o i_o will_v mention_v the_o cause_n which_o move_v i_o to_o write_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o man_n who_o boast_v themselves_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o consist_v in_o love_n peace_n moderation_n and_o deal_v upright_o with_o all_o man_n shall_v so_o unjust_o contend_v and_o cruel_o hate_v one_o another_o by_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v better_a know_v then_o by_o the_o forename_a virtue_n there_o be_v now_o scarce_o any_o man_n whatever_o he_o be_v christian_n jew_n turk_n or_o heathen_a that_o can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o habit_n and_o attire_n by_o frequent_v such_o a_o church_n by_o maintain_v such_o a_o opinion_n or_o by_o be_v the_o swear_a disciple_n of_o such_o a_o master_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n man_n life_n and_o conversation_n be_v all_o alike_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a i_o find_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a people_n be_v persuade_v that_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o set_v a_o very_a high_a value_n upon_o the_o service_n dignity_n office_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o honour_v churchman_n with_o all_o possible_a reverence_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o this_o abuse_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n every_o knave_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o propagate_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o sordid_a avarice_n and_o ambition_n so_o that_o the_o temple_n itself_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o theatre_n where_o ecclesiastical_a doctor_n do_v not_o preach_v but_o like_o orator_n harangued_a the_o people_n not_o to_o instruct_v but_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o they_o public_o reproach_v their_o adversary_n and_o vent_v such_o new_a fangle_a doctrine_n as_o they_o think_v will_v best_o please_v the_o multitude_n from_o hence_o necessary_o arise_v those_o great_a contention_n envy_n and_o inveterate_a hatred_n which_o no_o length_n of_o time_n can_v assuage_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a religion_n nothing_o remain_v but_o the_o external_a worship_n wherein_o the_o people_n seem_v rather_o to_o flatter_v than_o adore_v god_n faith_n be_v become_v nothing_o but_o credulity_n and_o prejudice_n such_o as_o turn_v rational_a man_n into_o brute_n by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o such_o as_o seem_v purposely_o invent_v total_o to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o human_a understanding_n piety_n and_o religion_n o_o immortal_a god_n now_o consist_v in_o absurd_a mystery_n and_o they_o that_o contemn_v and_o reject_v human_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o deprave_v they_o forsooth_o which_o be_v strange_o irrational_a must_v pass_v for_o man_n divine_o illuminate_v true_o if_o such_o man_n have_v but_o one_o spark_n of_o divine_a light_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o supercilious_o mad_a but_o will_v learn_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o more_o prudence_n and_o instead_o of_o hate_v as_o they_o now_o do_v will_v love_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o forbear_v to_o prosecute_v they_o with_o so_o much_o enmity_n will_v rather_o since_o they_o pretend_v to_o fear_v their_o salvation_n more_o than_o their_o own_o fortune_n have_v pity_n and_o compassion_n upon_o they_o moreover_o if_o such_o man_n have_v any_o divine_a light_n it_o will_v appear_v in_o their_o doctrine_n i_o confess_v they_o pretend_v they_o can_v never_o enough_o admire_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o i_o can_v perceive_v they_o teach_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o speculation_n of_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n to_o which_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v follower_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o have_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v the_o scripture_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o these_o man_n to_o run_v mad_a with_o the_o greek_n will_v have_v the_o very_a prophet_n also_o to_o dote_v like_o themselves_o which_o clear_o show_v they_o never_o see_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o dream_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o admire_v the_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n so_o much_o the_o more_o they_o seem_v to_o flatter_v and_o soothe_v scripture_n rather_o than_o believe_v it_o of_o which_o likewise_o another_o evidence_n be_v that_o many_o man_n as_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o find_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o principal_a and_o fundamental_a position_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o in_o every_o part_n infallible_o true_a which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v make_v out_o or_o prove_v by_o any_o other_o way_n but_o a_o strict_a examination_n and_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o and_o do_v likewise_o establish_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n which_o need_v no_o human_a gloss_n the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v our_o best_a guide_n when_o i_o serious_o consider_v that_o natural_a reason_n be_v not_o only_o contemn_v but_o also_o by_o many_o condemn_a for_o the_o fountain_n of_o impiety_n and_o human_a invention_n pass_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
of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n let_v man_n cease_v to_o adore_v the_o letter_n and_o not_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o holiness_n and_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v proper_o mean_v by_o debar_v jehovah_n the_o word_n of_o god._n debar_v signify_v word_n speech_n decree_n thing_n now_o upon_o what_o ground_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n or_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o that_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v there_o say_v or_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o miracle_n it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o make_v the_o thing_n very_o clear_a i_o need_v only_o declare_v that_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v predicate_v of_o any_o subject_n which_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o it_o proper_o signify_v that_o divine_a law_n of_o which_o we_o treat_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n namely_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n mention_v in_o isaiah_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o where_o the_o prophet_n declare_v that_o the_o right_a way_n of_o live_v consist_v in_o charity_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o pure_a heart_n which_o he_o call_v the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v also_o take_v metaphorical_o for_o the_o order_n or_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o fate_n because_o it_o follow_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n particular_o for_o whatever_o the_o prophet_n foresee_v in_o this_o course_n of_o nature_n because_o the_o prophet_n understand_v future_a event_n not_o by_o natural_a cause_n but_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god._n moreover_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o which_o any_o prophet_n command_v or_o declare_v because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o by_o natural_a light_n but_o by_o the_o singular_a virtue_n and_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o more_o especial_o because_o the_o prophet_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n apprehend_v god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o lawgiver_n for_o these_o three_o reason_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o because_o it_o teach_v we_o true_a religion_n whereof_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n be_v the_o author_n second_o because_o it_o make_v prophecy_n to_o be_v god_n decree_n and_o last_o because_o the_o author_n of_o those_o prophecy_n teach_v for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v by_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o a_o faculty_n and_o gift_n peculiar_a only_o to_o they_o and_o introduce_v god_n speak_v as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o now_o though_o the_o scripture_n contain_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v mere_o historical_a and_o may_v be_v unnderstood_v by_o natural_a knowledge_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o other_o particular_n i_o have_v last_o mention_v so_o that_o now_o we_o plain_o see_v why_o god_n be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o not_o because_o it_o contain_v and_o have_v communicate_v to_o we_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v also_o learn_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n because_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o prophet_n preach_v religion_n as_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o force_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o moses_n time_n but_o after_o christ_n come_n because_o the_o apostle_n preach_v religion_n upon_o christ_n account_n as_o a_o law_n universal_a to_o all_o mankind_n not_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n differ_v in_o doctrine_n or_o that_o the_o book_n of_o either_o testament_n be_v the_o deed_n and_o indenture_n of_o the_o write_a covenant_n nor_o last_o because_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v universal_a be_v new_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o know_v it_o not_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o if_o then_o we_o have_v not_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v god_n word_n as_o it_o proper_o signify_v true_a religion_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v any_o part_n thereof_o be_v want_v though_o we_o lack_v many_o of_o those_o other_o excellent_a write_n namely_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v so_o religious_o keep_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o the_o original_a wherein_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o write_v with_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o war_n and_o record_n of_o time_n from_o whence_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v transcribe_v and_o collect_v and_o this_o be_v make_v good_a by_o many_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n be_v not_o write_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o age_n but_o by_o chance_n for_o some_o particular_a people_n and_o that_o as_o the_o time_n and_o their_o particular_a disposition_n require_v which_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v call_v to_o warn_v and_o reprove_v the_o ungodly_a of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o also_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n second_o because_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v one_o thing_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o thing_n be_v another_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o prophet_n which_o distinction_n likewise_o hold_v in_o history_n and_o miracle_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n but_o in_o understand_a place_n which_o treat_v of_o true_a religion_n and_o real_a virtue_n no_o such_o distinction_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v three_o because_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o many_o other_o and_o be_v approve_v and_o join_v together_o by_o a_o council_n of_o the_o pharisee_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o certain_a council_n when_o several_a other_o book_n by_o many_o account_v sacred_a be_v reject_v as_o spurious_a these_o council_n both_o of_o pharisee_n and_o christian_n be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o be_v no_o prophet_n but_o only_o learn_v doctor_n yet_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v that_o in_o this_o choice_n they_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o rule_n so_o that_o before_o they_o give_v their_o approbation_n to_o the_o book_n they_o ought_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n four_o because_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v as_o prophet_n but_o only_o as_o teacher_n and_o choose_v that_o way_n of_o instruct_v which_o every_o one_o judge_v most_o easy_a for_o his_o disciple_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v as_o we_o have_v conclude_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o say_a chapter_n that_o their_o write_n contain_v many_o thing_n whereof_o in_o respect_n to_o religion_n we_o have_v no_o absolute_a need_n five_o and_o last_o because_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v four_o who_o we_o call_v evangelist_n but_o who_o believe_v it_o be_v god_n express_a will_n that_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v four_o time_n tell_v and_o deliver_v to_o man_n in_o write_v though_o thing_n may_v be_v contain_v in_o one_o which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o and_o that_o one_o help_n to_o understand_v another_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o four_o declare_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o they_o to_o write_v purposely_o that_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v for_o every_o one_o preach_v his_o own_o gospel_n in_o several_a place_n and_o every_o one_o write_v what_o he_o preach_v plain_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o faithful_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o not_o for_o any_o explanation_n to_o the_o rest_n if_o by_o mutual_o compare_v they_o together_o they_o be_v sometimes_o more_o easy_o and_o better_a understand_v that_o happen_v by_o chance_n and_o only_o in_o very_o few_o place_n of_o which_o though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a the_o history_n notwithstanding_o will_v be_v very_o perspicuous_a and_o
man_n nevertheless_o bless_v and_o happy_a have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n only_o and_o the_o universal_a divine_a law_n be_v proper_o call_v scripture_n it_o now_o remain_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v neither_o maim_v faulty_a or_o corrupt_v and_o here_o i_o call_v that_o thing_n faulty_a maim_a and_o corrupt_v which_o be_v so_o false_o write_v and_o compose_v that_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n can_v either_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o language_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v find_v out_o for_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o divine_a law_n always_o observe_v the_o same_o letter_n point_n accent_n and_o word_n i_o leave_v that_o to_o the_o masorite_n who_o so_o superstitious_o adore_v the_o letter_n but_o only_o that_o the_o signification_n and_o sense_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o only_o any_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v call_v divine_a be_v derive_v to_o we_o uncorrupted_a though_o the_o word_n whereby_o that_o sense_n be_v signify_v have_v be_v often_o change_v that_o can_v as_o we_o have_v say_v detract_v from_o the_o sacredness_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v one_o jot_n less_o divine_a have_v it_o be_v write_v in_o other_o word_n or_o in_o any_o other_o language_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o divine_a law_n in_o this_o respect_n uncorrupted_a no_o body_n can_v question_v for_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o without_o any_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n we_o perceive_v that_o the_o sum_n thereof_o be_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o this_o can_v be_v adulterate_v nor_o write_v by_o a_o too_o hasty_a err_a pen_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n ever_o teach_v any_o other_o thing_n it_o must_v necessary_o teach_v all_o other_o thing_n otherwise_o see_v this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n take_v away_o this_o foundation_n and_o the_o whole_a fabric_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o scripture_n but_o quite_o another_o book_n it_o remain_v then_o without_o controversy_n this_o be_v always_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o no_o error_n can_v creep_v into_o it_o to_o corrupt_v its_o sense_n which_o will_v have_v be_v quick_o perceive_v by_o every_o body_n and_o who_o ever_o have_v go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v it_o his_o malice_n will_v have_v present_o appear_v if_o then_o this_o foundation_n be_v immovable_a and_o incorruptible_a the_o same_o must_v be_v conclude_v of_o other_o thing_n which_o indisputable_o follow_v from_o it_o and_o which_o be_v also_o fundamental_o as_o that_o god_n be_v that_o he_o provide_v for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o that_o he_o have_v decree_v it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o good_a and_o ill_o with_o wicked-man_n and_o that_o our_o salvation_n depend_v only_o upon_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o plain_o teach_v and_o aught_o always_o to_o teach_v else_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v vain_a and_o without_o any_o foundation_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o corrupt_v any_o other_o moral_a doctrine_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o and_o evident_o follow_v from_o this_o foundation_n namely_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o succour_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o distress_n not_o to_o kill_v not_o to_o covet_v and_o none_o of_o these_o moral_a precept_n can_v be_v misinterpret_v or_o corrupt_v by_o malice_n or_o obliterated_a by_o length_n of_o time_n if_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v blot_v out_o they_o will_v be_v again_o dictate_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o first_o general_a foundation_n and_o more_o especial_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v every_o where_o so_o much_o commend_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o wickedness_n which_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o some_o person_n or_o other_o have_v not_o commit_v yet_o never_o be_v there_o any_o man_n who_o to_o excuse_v or_o justify_v his_o crime_n endeavour_v to_o blot_v out_o the_o law_n or_o to_o preach_v impiety_n for_o good_a and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v every_o man_n nature_n whether_o king_n or_o subject_a when_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a to_o palliate_v the_o fact_n with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v as_o little_a as_o be_v possible_a dishonest_a or_o unjust_a we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o universal_a divine_a law_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v be_v deliver_v and_o derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o incorruptible_a there_o be_v other_o thing_n also_o which_o have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o we_o namely_o the_o general_a collection_n of_o scripture_n history_n because_o they_o be_v universal_o know_v the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v the_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a fact_n of_o their_o nation_n in_o psalm_n or_o song_n the_o principal_a thing_n do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o passion_n be_v quick_o publish_v through_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v unless_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n shall_v agree_v in_o that_o which_o be_v incredible_a that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o scripture_n history_n shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o posterity_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v first_o receive_v whatever_o then_o be_v adulterate_v or_o faulty_a must_v happen_v only_o in_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n of_o a_o prophecy_n or_o history_n the_o more_o to_o move_v people_n to_o devotion_n or_o in_o some_o miracle_n to_o puzzle_v and_o nonplus_n philosopher_n or_o last_o in_o matter_n speculative_a after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o religion_n by_o schismatic_n abuse_v divine_a authority_n to_o support_v their_o own_o invention_n but_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o adulterate_v and_o corrupt_v do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v salvation_n which_o i_o will_v express_o show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n though_o i_o think_v enough_o have_v be_v already_o say_v to_o prove_v it_o in_o this_o and_o the_o second_o chapter_n chap._n xiii_o show_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a intend_v nothing_o but_o man_n obedience_n neither_o do_v it_o teach_v or_o declare_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o a_o man_n may_v in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o life_n in_o some_o degree_n imitate_v we_o have_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o so_o much_o excel_v in_o perfection_n of_o mind_n and_o understanding_n as_o in_o a_o singular_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o imagination_n that_o god_n reveal_v to_o they_o no_o deep_a point_n of_o philosophy_n but_o only_a thing_n very_o plain_a and_o easy_a condesend_v and_o apply_v himself_o to_o their_o capacity_n and_o preconceived_a opinion_n we_o have_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n show_v that_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v and_o teach_v thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v render_v they_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o man_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v deduce_v and_o link_v thing_n together_o by_o maxim_n and_o definition_n but_o only_o plain_o relate_v and_o declare_v thing_n and_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v confirm_v what_o it_o say_v by_o experience_n that_o be_v by_o miracle_n and_o history_n make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o style_n and_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o move_v and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o common_a people_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o prove_v the_o three_o particular_a of_o the_o six_o chapter_n last_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o language_n wherein_o it_o be_v original_o write_v and_o not_o in_o the_o sublimity_n and_o abstruceness_n of_o the_o subject_a whereof_o it_o treat_v and_o moreover_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o preach_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a but_o in_o general_a to_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o common_a and_o universal_a assembly_n of_o all_o people_n by_o all_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o scripture_n doctrine_n contain_v no_o high_a speculation_n nor_o philosophical_a argument_n but_o only_a thing_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a by_o the_o mean_a and_o dull_a capacity_n i_o strange_o admire_v the_o accuteness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o discover_v in_o the_o scripture_n mystery_n so_o profound_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n to_o unfold_v they_o and_o who_o have_v
fill_v religion_n with_o so_o many_o philosophical_a speculation_n that_o they_o have_v turn_v the_o church_n into_o a_o academy_n religion_n into_o a_o science_n or_o rather_o into_o wrangle_a and_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o boast_v of_o supernatural_a illumination_n shall_v pretend_v to_o more_o than_o we_o find_v in_o philosopher_n who_o own_o they_o have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v natural_a i_o will_v real_o admire_v those_o illuminate_v man_n can_v they_o teach_v we_o any_o new_a speculation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o common_a and_o vulgar_a among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o they_o call_v blind_a for_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o be_v those_o profound_a mystery_n these_o inspire_a man_n perceive_v in_o scripture_n they_o can_v tell_v we_o of_o nothing_o beyond_o the_o idle_a fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n which_o look_v more_o like_o the_o dream_n of_o idiot_n than_o discovery_n make_v out_o of_o scripture_n by_o learned_a men._n i_o do_v not_o positive_o maintain_v that_o nothing_o belong_v to_o scripture_n doctrine_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n for_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n i_o have_v mention_v some_o fundamental_o of_o scripture_n that_o be_v so_o but_o my_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v very_o few_o and_o very_o plain_a what_o they_o be_v and_o upon_o what_o reason_n determine_v to_o be_v so_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v which_o will_v be_v easy_o do_v after_o that_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n chief_a design_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v art_n and_o science_n and_o that_o it_o require_v from_o man_n nothing_o but_o obedience_n condemn_v their_o obstinacy_n not_o their_o ignorance_n moreover_o because_o obedience_n towards_o god_n consist_v only_o in_o love_v our_o neighbour_n for_o whoever_o love_v his_o neighbour_n purposely_o to_o obey_v god_n he_o as_o paul_n say_v rom._n chap._n 13._o v._n 8._o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o other_o knowledge_n be_v commend_v in_o scripture_n but_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v according_a to_o this_o precept_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n obey_v god_n which_o knowledge_n if_o man_n have_v not_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v stubborn_a or_o at_o least_o without_o the_o discipline_n of_o obedience_n but_o all_o other_o speculation_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n whether_o they_o concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o of_o natural_a thing_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o scripture_n and_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o reveal_v religion_n now_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n yet_o because_o upon_o this_o point_n depend_v the_o end_n of_o all_o debate_n in_o religion_n i_o will_v demonstrate_v and_o explain_v the_o thing_n as_o full_o and_o clear_o as_o be_v possible_a which_o to_o perform_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n ought_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o intellectual_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o gift_n so_o common_a to_o all_o believer_n as_o be_v obedience_n second_o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n require_v of_o all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love_n both_o which_o particular_n be_v evident_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o exod._n chap._n 6._o v._n 3._o god_n for_o a_o evidence_n of_o his_o particular_a favour_n to_o moses_n say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n i_o appear_v unto_o abraham_n unto_o isaac_n and_o unto_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n almighty_n but_o by_o my_o name_n jehovah_n be_v i_o not_o know_v to_o they_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o text_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o elsadai_n signify_v in_o hebrew_a god_n alsufficient_a because_o he_o give_v to_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o though_o sadai_n of_o itself_o be_v often_o take_v for_o god_n yet_o the_o word_n el_fw-es be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v we_o be_v therefore_o to_o note_n that_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v find_v but_o jehovah_n that_o signify_v god_n absolute_a be_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o thing_n create_v and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v god_n proper_a name_n and_o all_o other_o to_o be_v appellative_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n name_n whether_o they_o be_v substantive_n or_o adjective_n be_v but_o attribute_n give_v to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o relation_n to_o his_o creature_n or_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o they_o the_o word_n el_fw-es or_o by_o add_v to_o it_o the_o paragogical_a letter_n he_o eloha_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o powerful_a which_o be_v a_o title_n of_o dignity_n or_o excellency_n as_o when_o we_o style_v paul_n a_o apostle_n other_o virtue_n of_o his_o power_n be_v express_v by_o say_v the_o great_a god_n god_n to_o be_v fear_v the_o just_a merciful_a god_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o express_v they_o all_o at_o once_o the_o plural_a number_n of_o this_o word_n el_n be_v often_o use_v in_o a_o singular_a signification_n see_v then_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n he_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n it_o follow_v they_o know_v no_o name_n or_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o express_v his_o absolute_a essence_n and_o nature_n but_o only_o his_o work_n and_o his_o promise_n that_o be_v his_o power_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_v by_o thing_n visible_a and_o this_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n not_o to_o accuse_v the_o patriarch_n of_o unbelief_n but_o to_o magnify_v and_o commend_v their_o faith_n and_o readiness_n to_o believe_v by_o which_o though_o they_o have_v not_o so_o great_a a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n have_v yet_o they_o firm_o rely_v on_o his_o promise_n not_o like_o moses_n who_o though_o he_o have_v sublime_a notion_n of_o god_n doubt_v his_o divine_a promise_n and_o tell_v god_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o deliverance_n he_o have_v promise_v he_o have_v bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o a_o worse_a condition_n if_o then_o god_n tell_v moses_n that_o the_o patriarch_n know_v not_o that_o singular_a and_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n to_o commend_v their_o faith_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o put_v moses_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o particular_a favour_n and_o grace_n god_n have_v show_v he_o it_o clear_o prove_v my_o first_o position_n which_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o express_a command_n to_o know_v god_n attribute_n it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n grant_v only_o to_o some_o believer_n which_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v by_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n that_o every_o man_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a share_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o able_a by_o a_o command_n to_o become_v wise_a than_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o be_v or_o live_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n may_v all_o as_o they_o be_v command_v obey_v but_o never_o can_v a_o command_n make_v any_o man_n wise_a if_o any_o man_n say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o understanding_n god_n attribute_n but_o only_o of_o simple_o believe_v they_o without_o any_o demonstration_n he_o talk_v idle_o for_o invisible_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o object_n only_o of_o the_o mind_n can_v only_o be_v see_v by_o demonstration_n that_o be_v firm_o convince_a argument_n and_o therefore_o what_o a_o man_n only_o and_o bare_o hear_v of_o thing_n invisible_a never_o affect_v the_o understanding_n nor_o declare_v a_o man_n meaning_n any_o more_o than_o do_v the_o word_n of_o a_o parrot_n or_o some_o artificial_a engine_n that_o speak_v without_o understanding_n or_o sense_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v further_o i_o ought_v to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o it_o be_v often_o say_v in_o genesis_n that_o the_o patriarch_n preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n which_o seem_v express_o to_o contradict_v what_o i_o have_v say_v this_o be_v easy_o answer_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n do_v not_o call_v thing_n and_o place_n by_o those_o very_a name_n which_o they_o have_v at_o the_o time_n of_o which_o the_o writer_n speak_v but_o by_o the_o name_n which_o they_o be_v know_v by_o in_o the_o writer_n own_o time_n therefore_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o genesis_n that_o god_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n be_v know_v to_o they_o by_o that_o name_n but_o because_o to_o that_o name_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n pay_v the_o high_a reverence_n and_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
purchase_v another_o new_a tyrant_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o discord_n and_o intestine_a war_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o violate_v god_n law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o which_o can_v never_o end_v but_o with_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o have_v now_o see_v how_o religion_n begin_v in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n and_o how_o the_o government_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a if_o the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n will_v have_v permit_v it_o to_o continue_v but_o because_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o it_o perish_v i_o have_v here_o speak_v only_o of_o their_o first_o government_n the_o second_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o their_o first_o see_v they_o be_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o persian_n after_o they_o obtain_v their_o liberty_n of_o cyrus_n the_o high_a priest_n become_v their_o prince_n by_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n the_o priest_n have_v as_o great_a a_o mind_n to_o the_o crown_n as_o to_o the_o mitre_n of_o this_o second_o government_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o whether_o their_o first_o government_n as_o it_o be_v conceive_v durable_a or_o religious_a be_v a_o pattern_n that_o may_v be_v follow_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v particular_o observe_v that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o divine_a right_n or_o religion_n have_v its_o beginning_n and_o rise_v from_o a_o covenant_n or_o contract_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o right_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o precept_n of_o religion_n to_o show_v any_o kindness_n towards_o any_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o only_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o commonwealth_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v from_o the_o government_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n though_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o example_n that_o can_v now_o be_v follow_v nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v by_o a_o express_a contract_n or_o covenant_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o transfer_v their_o power_n but_o also_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o the_o power_n be_v transfer_v aught_o to_o be_v know_v but_o god_n have_v reveal_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v write_v with_o ink_n nor_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o shall_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o government_n under_o which_o the_o jew_n live_v may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o who_o live_v alone_o without_o any_o foreign_a trade_n or_o commerce_n who_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o own_o territory_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a fit_a for_o people_n that_o live_v by_o trade_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v to_o very_a few_o people_n that_o the_o jewish_a government_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o advantage_n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n that_o can_v be_v follow_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n very_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n and_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n because_o my_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v express_o of_o government_n i_o will_v pass_v many_o thing_n by_o and_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o that_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v majesty_n elective_a that_o be_v to_o choose_v the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o government_n for_o after_o the_o jew_n transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o deliver_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o govern_v to_o moses_n who_o thereby_o have_v in_o god_n name_n the_o sole_a authority_n of_o make_v and_o abrogate_a law_n of_o choose_v sacred_a minister_n and_o likewise_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o teach_v judge_a and_o punish_v and_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o judge_v the_o people_n nor_o to_o excommunicate_v any_o person_n for_o none_o can_v do_v that_o but_o the_o judge_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v joshua_n chap._n 6._o v._n 26._o where_o joshua_n adjure_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rebuild_v jericho_n judge_n chap._n 21._o v._n 18._o where_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n appoint_v what_o woman_n the_o benjamite_n shall_v marry_v to_o propagate_v their_o tribe_n and_o 1_o sam._n chap._n 14._o v._n 24._o where_o saul_n command_v the_o people_n not_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n till_o evening_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o history_n and_o success_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v other_o thing_n very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o different_a sect_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o till_o after_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o second_o government_n usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n to_o make_v their_o authority_n last_v they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n which_o the_o prince_n have_v and_o at_o last_o will_v be_v call_v king_n the_o reason_n be_v apparent_a for_o in_o the_o first_o government_n nothing_o be_v make_v law_n by_o the_o high_a priest_n because_o he_o have_v no_o power_n of_o decree_a any_o thing_n his_o business_n be_v only_o to_o return_v those_o answer_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o council_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n so_o that_o at_o that_o time_n their_o high_a priest_n can_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v new_a decree_n but_o only_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v their_o know_a duty_n for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n against_o the_o prince_n but_o by_o keep_v the_o law_n free_a from_o violation_n and_o corruption_n but_o after_o the_o priest_n get_v power_n of_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o of_o priest_n become_v prince_n than_o every_o one_o as_o well_o in_o religion_n as_o other_o affair_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n determine_v by_o the_o pontifical_a authority_n daily_o make_v decree_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v as_o sacred_a as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o religion_n degenerate_v into_o horrible_a superstition_n the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o priest_n after_o the_o restauration_n attempt_v to_o get_v the_o supreme_a power_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o gain_v the_o people_n so_o soothe_v and_o flatter_v they_o that_o they_o approve_v of_o all_o they_o do_v be_v it_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o make_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n suitable_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o practice_n which_o malachy_n in_o express_a word_n testify_v reprove_v the_o priest_n of_o his_o own_o time_n in_o this_o manner_n mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o so_o go_v on_o in_o reproach_v they_o with_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o they_o please_v with_o their_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o take_v no_o heed_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n way_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v never_o so_o cautious_a and_o wary_a yet_o they_o be_v narrow_o observe_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o priest_n boldness_n declare_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n but_o those_o that_o be_v write_v and_o that_o all_o decree_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n which_o the_o deceive_a pharisee_n choose_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n be_v not_o at_o all_o obligatory_a nor_o to_o be_v obey_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o high_a priest_n flatter_v the_o people_n the_o corruption_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o multiplication_n of_o law_n become_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o those_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n which_o can_v never_o be_v end_v for_o when_o man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o superstition_n begin_v to_o quarrel_n and_o
power_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v interpreter_n of_o it_o upon_o what_o account_n we_o shall_v present_o declare_v but_o first_o we_o will_v show_v that_o the_o external_n worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god_n aught_o to_o be_v perform_v and_o regulate_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v best_o suit_v with_o and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n certain_o a_o man_n piety_n and_o love_n to_o his_o country_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o great_a for_o take_v away_o government_n farewell_o all_o hope_n of_o benefit_n or_o safety_n all_o thing_n be_v present_o in_o a_o perilous_a condition_n and_o the_o reign_n of_o rage_n and_o impiety_n fill_v all_o people_n mind_n with_o terror_n and_o confusion_n whence_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o what_o good_a soever_o i_o do_v to_o my_o neighbour_n if_o it_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v count_v impiety_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n any_o hurt_n do_v to_o my_o neighbour_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n aught_o to_o be_v account_v charity_n for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n strive_v with_o i_o for_o my_o coat_n it_o be_v very_o great_a charity_n in_o i_o to_o give_v he_o my_o cloak_n also_o but_o where_o this_o may_v endanger_v the_o safety_n of_o government_n it_o be_v much_o great_a charity_n to_o bring_v that_o man_n to_o justice_n though_o i_o know_v he_o will_v be_v condemn_v to_o death_n manlius_n torquatus_n be_v celebrate_v in_o story_n for_o prefer_v the_o people_n public_a safety_n before_o his_o own_o son_n life_n if_o then_o public_a safety_n be_v above_o all_o law_n and_o all_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o it_o if_o it_o likewise_o be_v the_o office_n and_o duty_n only_o of_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v for_o the_o public_a safety_n of_o government_n and_o to_o command_v whatever_o it_o think_v be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o no_o body_n but_o the_o supreme_a power_n ought_v to_o determine_v in_o what_o manner_n a_o man_n ought_v to_o show_v his_o love_n to_o his_o neighbour_n that_o be_v in_o what_o manner_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god._n so_o that_o now_o we_o understand_v why_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n the_o supreme_a power_n be_v arbiter_n and_o interpreter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o no_o body_n can_v right_o obey_v god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o accommodate_v the_o public_a practice_n of_o piety_n whereto_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o public_a benefit_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o observe_v all_o command_v of_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o see_v we_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o practice_n piety_n towards_o all_o man_n none_o except_v and_o to_o do_v no_o man_n any_o injury_n it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v good_a to_o one_o if_o thereby_o he_o hurt_v another_o much_o less_o if_o he_o thereby_o endanger_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o no_o person_n can_v according_a to_o god_n command_n practice_n charity_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n unless_o his_o religion_n and_o charity_n be_v so_o regulate_v as_o to_o promote_v the_o public_a good._n now_o no_o private_a man_n can_v know_v what_o be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a unless_o it_o be_v by_o the_o decree_n and_o law_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v right_o practise_v piety_n and_o obey_v god_n unless_o he_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o be_v verify_v by_o common_a practice_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o subject_a to_o help_v or_o assist_v any_o man_n who_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v judge_v worthy_a of_o death_n or_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o public_a enemy_n though_o the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o love_v their_o neighbour_n as_o themselves_o levit._n chap._n 19_o v._n 8._o yet_o if_o any_o man_n have_v offend_v against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v it_o know_v to_o the_o judge_n and_o in_o case_n he_o be_v condemn_v to_o death_n to_o kill_v he_o deut._n 13._o 8_o 9_o and_o 17._o 7._o that_o the_o jew_n may_v preserve_v their_o liberty_n and_o keep_v their_o land_n in_o their_o own_o possession_n it_o be_v necessary_a as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o seventeen_o chapter_n to_o accommodate_v their_o religion_n to_o their_o government_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o other_o nation_n it_o be_v therefore_o say_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n but_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n matth._n chap._n 15._o v._n 43._o but_o after_o they_o lose_v their_o government_n and_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_n to_o babylon_n than_o jeremy_n bid_v they_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o that_o city_n and_o because_o christ_n know_v they_o be_v to_o be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o teach_v they_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n to_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_a which_o evident_o prove_v that_o religion_n be_v always_o accommodate_v to_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o by_o what_o right_a or_o authority_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v but_o private_a person_n can_v preach_v religion_n i_o say_v they_o do_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n they_o receive_v from_o christ_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n see_v matth._n chap._n 10._o v._n 1._o i_o have_v in_o the_o end_n of_o my_o sixteen_o chapter_n express_o declare_v that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v faith_n with_o a_o tyrant_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o against_o who_o god_n have_v by_o revelation_n promise_v his_o particular_a assistance_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v take_v example_n from_o the_o apostle_n unless_o he_o have_v also_o power_n to_o do_v miracle_n which_o appear_v by_o what_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n chap._n 10._o v._n 28._o fear_v not_o those_o who_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n have_v this_o be_v say_v general_o to_o all_o man_n government_n will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o those_o word_n of_o solomon_n not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v regard_v prov._n chap._n 24._o v._n 21._o my_o son_n fear_v god_n and_o the_o king._n we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o authority_n which_o christ_n give_v his_o disciple_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n give_v only_o to_o they_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o example_n by_o other_o i_o value_v not_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o this_o opinion_n by_o they_o that_o will_v have_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o be_v in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n their_o reason_n be_v so_o frivolous_a they_o need_v no_o refutation_n yet_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o take_v notice_n how_o mighty_o those_o man_n be_v deceive_v who_o to_o maintain_v pardon_n the_o expression_n their_o seditious_a humour_n urge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o say_v they_o be_v the_o sole_a administrator_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a and_o concern_v religion_n but_o those_o man_n may_v remember_v the_o high_a priest_n receive_v that_o power_n from_o moses_n who_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v be_v the_o person_n that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o by_o who_o command_n or_o decree_n the_o high_a priest_n can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v divest_v and_o deprive_v of_o his_o power_n for_o moses_n do_v not_o only_o choose_v aaron_n but_o also_o his_o son_n eleazar_n and_o his_o nephew_n phineas_n and_o give_v they_o power_n to_o exercise_v the_o pontifical_a office_n and_o though_o the_o priest_n always_o keep_v that_o power_n yet_o nevertheless_o be_v they_o still_o but_o the_o substitute_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v of_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o as_o we_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v moses_n choose_v no_o successor_n but_o so_o distribute_v all_o his_o own_o office_n that_o they_o who_o come_v after_o he_o seem_v but_o such_o deputy_n as_o administer_v the_o government_n for_o absent_a not_o decease_v king_n in_o the_o second_o government_n the_o high_a priest_n be_v indeed_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o that_o be_v after_o they_o have_v usurp_v the_o regal_a power_n but_o before_o that_o usurpation_n the_o priest_n always_o depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o their_o king_n have_v absolute_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n as_o shall_v appear_v by_o what_o will_v be_v say_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v true_a
their_o king_n can_v not_o personal_o officiate_v as_o a_o priest_n in_o the_o temple_n because_o all_o man_n that_o can_v not_o derive_v their_o pedigree_n from_o aaron_n be_v count_v profane_a and_o unclean_a which_o be_v now_o no_o obstacle_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n for_o in_o these_o day_n the_o priesthood_n not_o be_v entail_v upon_o any_o particular_a family_n but_o require_v only_o some_o particular_a qualification_n king_n or_o supreme_a magistrate_n can_v be_v bar_v from_o meddle_v with_o matter_n belong_v to_o religion_n upon_o any_o account_n of_o profaneness_n but_o all_o be_v in_o their_o power_n and_o no_o body_n but_o by_o their_o authority_n or_o allowance_n have_v any_o right_a to_o officiate_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o power_n of_o choose_v minister_n of_o settle_v the_o church_n of_o state_v and_o determine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o prescribe_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n judge_v of_o man_n piety_n and_o manner_n the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v and_o receive_v again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a be_v all_o in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o true_a but_o likewise_o very_o necessary_a not_o only_o for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o all_o man_n know_v how_o much_o the_o people_n esteem_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o function_n be_v account_v sacred_a they_o have_v a_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o their_o mind_n he_o than_o that_o endeavour_n to_o deprive_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n of_o this_o power_n go_v about_o to_o share_v and_o divide_v or_o else_o usurp_v the_o government_n from_o whence_o must_v necessary_o arise_v such_o contention_n and_o discord_n as_o be_v heretofore_o between_o the_o king_n and_o jewish_a high_a priest_n which_o can_v never_o be_v appease_v if_o this_o power_n be_v take_v away_o from_o supreme_a magistrate_n how_o can_v they_o determine_v of_o peace_n or_o war_n or_o of_o any_o other_o business_n if_o they_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v other_o man_n opinion_n by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n that_o power_n be_v supreme_a and_o there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a which_o have_v the_o right_a of_o declare_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v piety_n what_o impiety_n and_o what_o in_o religion_n be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a all_o age_n have_v be_v sensible_a how_o many_o mischief_n such_o a_o power_n in_o any_o but_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v produce_v i_o will_v give_v you_o but_o one_o example_n as_o soon_o as_o such_o a_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o degree_n he_o become_v superior_a to_o all_o king_n and_o at_o last_o ascend_v to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n of_o earthly_a dominion_n that_o whatever_o king_n or_o emperor_n have_v since_o do_v to_o lessen_v it_o have_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o they_o have_v rather_o much_o increase_v it_o and_o that_o which_o no_o monarch_n ever_o effect_v by_o fire_n and_o sword_n churchman_n have_v be_v able_a to_o do_v only_o with_o their_o pen_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o the_o pope_n power_n and_o a_o convince_a argument_n to_o persuade_v supreme_a power_n to_o keep_v that_o authority_n he_o pretend_v to_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o observation_n i_o have_v make_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o reside_v of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o declare_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o though_o fill_v with_o divine_a power_n and_o virtue_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v but_o private_a man_n the_o great_a liberty_n they_o take_v in_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o upbraid_v the_o people_n do_v rather_o provoke_v than_o amend_v they_o who_o notwithstanding_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o reproof_n and_o chastisement_n of_o their_o prince_n beside_o king_n themselves_o because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o judge_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o religion_n many_o time_n forsake_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o most_o of_o their_o people_n with_o they_o which_o have_v likewise_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n often_o happen_v in_o christian_a government_n but_o here_o perhaps_o some_o will_v ask_v if_o supreme_a power_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v wicked_a who_o shall_v then_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o vindicate_v and_o maintain_v religion_n and_o piety_n and_o who_o shall_v then_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o it_o i_o ask_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o if_o priest_n and_o ecclesiastic_n grow_v wicked_a and_o impious_a must_v they_o continue_v interpreter_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n word_n if_o they_o that_o have_v supreme_a power_n shall_v do_v whatever_o they_o please_v whether_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o religion_n all_o thing_n without_o doubt_n both_o sacred_a and_o civil_a be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n but_o in_o much_o worse_o when_o private_a man_n shall_v seditious_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a right_n of_o define_v and_o defend_v all_o ching_n which_o concern_v or_o in_o any_o wise_a pertain_v to_o religion_n the_o deny_v of_o this_o power_n to_o supreme_a magistrate_n must_v necessary_o cause_v very_o ill_a consequence_n for_o they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n as_o do_v the_o jewish_a king_n who_o have_v not_o this_o power_n absolute_o grow_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a and_o from_o that_o which_o be_v but_o uncertain_a and_o contingent_a will_v follow_v most_o certain_a mischief_n and_o ruin_n to_o the_o government_n if_o then_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o just_a right_n of_o supreme_a power_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o government_n or_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o regulate_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o that_o such_o only_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n word_n who_o be_v authorise_a by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n which_o they_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n think_v most_o likely_a to_o procure_v the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n i_o have_v now_o no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o declare_v the_o cause_n why_o in_o christian_a government_n there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o dispute_v about_o this_o power_n when_o in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n it_o never_o that_o i_o know_v come_v into_o controversy_n it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o wonder_n that_o a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a shall_v still_o be_v a_o question_n and_o the_o 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of_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n as_o