be_v most_o likely_a to_o incline_v he_o most_o religious_o and_o hearty_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o of_o this_o mind_n be_v josephus_n for_o he_o conclude_v his_o second_o book_n of_o antiquity_n with_o these_o word_n neither_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o marvel_n at_o this_o so_o wonderful_a discourse_n that_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n a_o passage_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o save_v so_o many_o person_n in_o time_n past_a and_o they_o rude_a and_o simple_a whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o that_o it_o chance_v of_o itself_o since_o not_o long_a time_n ago_o god_n so_o think_v it_o good_a the_o sea_n of_o pamphilia_n divide_v itself_o to_o give_v way_n to_o alexander_n king_n of_o macedon_n soldier_n have_v no_o other_o passage_n to_o destroy_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o persian_n and_o this_o all_o acknowledge_v who_o have_v write_v the_o act_n of_o alexander_n and_o therefore_o of_o these_o thing_n let_v every_o one_o think_v as_o he_o please_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n most_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v mankind_n the_o way_n to_o true_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o this_o opinion_n have_v so_o little_a influence_n upon_o man_n life_n that_o the_o common_a people_n take_v no_o care_n to_o regulate_v they_o according_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o every_o man_n believe_v himself_o divine_o inspire_v will_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n compel_v all_o other_o to_o be_v of_o his_o opinion_n we_o often_o see_v those_o who_o we_o call_v divine_n very_o solicitous_a to_o father_n their_o own_o fancy_n upon_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o make_v no_o scruple_n with_o great_a boldness_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o fear_v mistake_v the_o holy_a spirit_n meaning_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n as_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o error_n and_o by_o lose_v their_o authority_n to_o fall_v into_o contempt_n but_o if_o man_n do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o profess_v concern_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v lead_v other_o kind_n of_o life_n there_o will_v not_o be_v half_a so_o much_o contention_n and_o hatred_n in_o the_o world_n as_o now_o there_o be_v nor_o will_v man_n with_o so_o much_o blind_a zeal_n and_o boldness_n venture_v upon_o expound_v scripture_n and_o introduce_v so_o many_o novelty_n into_o religion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a will_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o maintain_v any_o thing_n for_o scripture_n doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o man_n who_o have_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o adulterate_a scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n will_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o impious_a sacrilege_n but_o ambition_n and_o wickedness_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v that_o religion_n do_v now_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o in_o defend_v man_n own_o fantastical_a opinion_n charity_n be_v now_o no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o discord_n and_o implacable_a hatred_n pass_v under_o the_o mask_n of_o godly_a zeal_n to_o these_o evil_n superstition_n have_v join_v itself_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v reason_n and_o nature_n and_o to_o admire_v and_o reverence_v that_o only_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o both_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n to_o be_v think_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o scripture_n shall_v study_v so_o to_o expound_v it_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v contradictory_n both_o to_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o dream_v of_o profound_a mystery_n hide_v in_o it_o which_o mystery_n that_o be_v their_o own_o absurdity_n they_o labour_v and_o weary_v themselves_o to_o find_v out_o and_o neglect_v thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o use_n ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o the_o dotage_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o with_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n endeavour_v to_o defend_v their_o own_o idle_a conceit_n whatever_o be_v the_o result_n of_o man_n understanding_n that_o man_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v by_o clear_a and_o pure_a reason_n but_o all_o opinion_n derive_v from_o their_o passion_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v defend_v by_o they_o to_o avoid_v these_o trouble_n and_o to_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o theological_a prejudices_fw-la that_o we_o may_v not_o rash_o receive_v the_o foolish_a invention_n of_o man_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n i_o will_v now_o treat_v of_o a_o right_a method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n of_o which_o method_n whoever_o be_v ignorant_a he_o can_v never_o certain_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n either_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o say_v in_o few_o word_n that_o the_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o method_n of_o interpret_n nature_n for_o as_o the_o method_n of_o explain_v nature_n chief_o consist_v in_o frame_v a_o history_n thereof_o from_o whence_o as_o from_o undeniable_a concession_n shall_v follow_v the_o definition_n of_o natural_a thing_n so_o likewise_o to_o expound_v scripture_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o compose_v a_o true_a history_n thereof_o that_o thence_o as_o from_o sure_a principle_n we_o may_v by_o rational_a consequence_n collect_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o who_o be_v author_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o every_o one_o who_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o principle_n or_o concession_n in_o expound_v scripture_n or_o in_o reason_v of_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v but_o such_o as_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o or_o the_o history_n of_o it_o may_v proceed_v without_o danger_n of_o err_v and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v and_o reason_n as_o secure_o of_o thing_n which_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v by_o natural_a light_n now_o that_o it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o method_n of_o explain_v nature_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n very_o often_o treat_v of_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n because_o revelation_n make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n history_n which_o principaly_n contain_v miracle_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n narration_n of_o thing_n not_o common_a or_o usual_a in_o nature_n suit_v and_o fit_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o historian_n that_o write_v they_o revelation_n also_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n wherefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o almost_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n aught_o to_o be_v derive_v only_o from_o scripture_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v from_o nature_n as_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n though_o they_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o common_a and_o general_a notion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o those_o notion_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v those_o doctrine_n nothing_o but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o make_v out_o that_o and_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n we_o must_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o moral_a doctrine_n which_o it_o teach_v because_o in_o that_o truth_n only_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n appear_v for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n consist_v in_o their_o be_v just_a and_o virtuous_a which_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v they_o ought_v likewise_o appear_v to_o we_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o miracle_n can_v prove_v the_o divine_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v wrought_v by_o false_a prophet_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n appear_v then_o in_o its_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v true_a and_o real_a virtue_n and_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v only_o by_o scripture_n itself_o if_o not_o we_o can_v not_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o prejudice_n believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o think_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o definition_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o it_o treat_v so_o neither_o do_v nature_n and_o therefore_o as_o from_o several_a action_n of_o nature_n we_o make_v definition_n of_o natural_a thing_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o several_a narration_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v conclusion_n to_o be_v draw_v the_o general_a rule_n than_o of_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v that_o we_o conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v doctrine_n which_o do_v not_o manifest_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
chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 10_o 11._o god_n there_o reprove_v the_o jew_n say_v who_o be_v there_o even_o among_o you_o that_o will_v have_v shut_v the_o door_n for_o nought_o meaning_n of_o the_o temple_n neither_o do_v you_o kindle_v fire_n on_o my_o altar_n for_o nought_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n neither_o will_v i_o accept_v a_o offer_n at_o your_o hand_n for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o word_n sufficient_o testify_v unless_o we_o wrest_v their_o sense_n that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o more_o belove_v of_o god_n than_o other_o nation_n that_o god_n be_v make_v know_v more_o to_o other_o nation_n by_o miracle_n than_o he_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o then_o without_o miracle_n recover_v again_o in_o part_n their_o government_n and_o that_o other_o nation_n have_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n wherewith_o god_n be_v well_o please_v but_o these_o thing_n i_o pass_v by_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n to_o have_v show_v that_o the_o election_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o temporal_a well_o fare_v of_o their_o body_n their_o liberty_n government_n or_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v erect_v consequent_o their_o law_n as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o establishment_n of_o that_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o last_o the_o manner_n how_o those_o law_n be_v reveal_v but_o as_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n life_n consist_v they_o be_v but_o equal_a to_o other_o nation_n see_v then_o the_o scripture_n deut._n chap._n 4._o v._n 7._o say_v that_o no_o nation_n have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o jew_n that_o must_v be_v understand_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o of_o that_o time_n only_o in_o which_o so_o many_o miracle_n happen_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v true_a happiness_n god_n as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v be_v equal_o gracious_a to_o all_o man_n which_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n for_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal._n 145._o v_o 18._o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n also_o in_o the_o same_o psal._n v._n 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n psal._n 33._o v_o 15._o he_o fashion_v man_n heart_n alike_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o expression_n be_v that_o god_n give_v to_o all_o mankind_n the_o same_o intellect_n for_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o heart_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o understanding_n it_o appear_v job_n chap._n 28._o v._n 28._o that_o the_o law_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o all_o mankind_n be_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n depart_v from_o evil_n and_o to_o do_v well_o and_o therefore_o job_n though_o a_o gentile_a be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o excel_v in_o religion_n and_o piety_n last_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n of_o jonah_n v_o 21._o that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o all_o man_n gracious_a merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6._o so_o that_o jonah_n say_v he_o flee_v to_o tarshish_n because_o he_o know_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a will_v pardon_v the_o ninevite_n who_o be_v gentiles_n we_o then_o conclude_v see_v god_n be_v equal_o good_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o society_n and_o government_n that_o every_o particular_a jew_n consider_v as_o a_o person_n out_o of_o that_o common-weath_a and_o government_n have_v no_o gift_n of_o god_n above_o other_o man_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o a_o jew_n and_o a_o gentile_a if_o god_n be_v equal_o good_a and_o gracious_a to_o all_o man_n and_o that_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o their_o country_n as_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o way_n to_o good_a and_o virtuous_a live_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o nation_n have_v their_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o profane_a as_o well_o as_o by_o sacred_a history_n though_o in_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o do_v not_o plain_o appear_v that_o other_o nation_n have_v so_o many_o prophet_n as_o the_o jew_n or_o that_o any_o gentile_a prophet_n be_v express_o send_v by_o god_n to_o other_o nation_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o thence_o because_o the_o jew_n only_o take_v care_n to_o write_v the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o affair_n and_o not_o of_o other_o nation_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v that_o gentile_n and_o man_n uncircumcised_a as_o noah_n enoch_n abimeleck_n and_o balaam_n do_v prophesy_v and_o that_o also_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n be_v not_o only_o send_v by_o god_n to_o their_o own_o people_n but_o likewise_o to_o other_o nation_n ezekiel_n prophesy_v to_o all_o the_o nation_n know_v in_o his_o time_n and_o obadiah_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o none_o but_o the_o edomite_n jonah_n be_v a_o prophet_n chief_o to_o the_o ninevite_n isaiah_n do_v not_o only_o lament_v and_o foretell_v the_o calamity_n and_o prophesy_v the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o of_o other_o nation_n for_o he_o say_v chap._n 16._o v._n 9_o therefore_o will_v i_o bewail_v with_o the_o weep_n of_o jazer_n in_o chap._n 19_o he_o first_o foretell_v the_o calamity_n and_o afterward_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 25._o verse_n he_o tell_v they_o god_n will_v send_v they_o a_o saviour_n and_o will_v deliver_v they_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v worship_v god_n by_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o last_o he_o call_v egypt_n the_o bless_a people_n of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v very_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n last_o jeremy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v in_o express_a term_n call_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o nation_n jerem._n chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 5._o before_o thou_o come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n i_o sanctify_v thou_o and_o ordain_v thou_o a_o prophet_n to_o the_o nation_n he_o prophetical_o be_v wail_v and_o foretell_v the_o restauration_n of_o other_o nation_n he_o say_v chap._n 48._o v._n 31._o therefore_o will_v i_o howl_v for_o moab_n i_o will_v cry_v out_o for_o all_o moab_n and_o v_o 36._o therefore_o my_o heart_n shall_v sound_v for_o moab_n like_o pipe_n and_o afterward_o foretell_v the_o restauration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o amonite_n and_o elamites_n without_o question_v other_o nation_n have_v their_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n though_o the_o scripture_n mention_n only_a balaam_n to_o who_o be_v reveal_v what_o shall_v befall_v other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o balaam_n never_o prophesy_v till_o he_o be_v send_v for_o by_o balaack_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n that_o he_o be_v famous_a for_o prophesy_v and_o other_o divine_a endowment_n for_o balaack_n say_v to_o he_o numb_a chap._n 22._o v._n 6._o i_o know_v he_o who_o thou_o bless_v be_v bless_v and_o he_o who_o thou_o curse_v be_v curse_v so_o that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o virtue_n which_o god_n gen._n chap._n 12._o v._n 3._o bestow_v upon_o abraham_n balaam_n also_o answer_v balaack_n messenger_n as_o one_o accustom_v to_o prophesy_v for_o he_o bid_v they_o stay_v all_o night_n till_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o when_o he_o prophesy_v that_o be_v make_v know_v what_o be_v true_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n he_o use_v to_o say_v these_o word_n he_o have_v say_v who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the._n knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a sall_n into_o a_o trance_n but_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a last_o after_o he_o have_v by_o god_n command_v bless_v the_o israelite_n he_o begin_v as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o prophesy_v of_o other_o nation_n foretell_v what_o shall_v
the_o language_n word_n or_o style_v wherein_o they_o be_v express_v and_o that_o all_o book_n which_o declare_v and_o teach_v what_o be_v excellent_o good_a in_o what_o tongue_n or_o by_o what_o nation_n soever_o write_v be_v equal_o sacred_a let_v this_o at_o least_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o chapter_n which_o be_v write_v in_o chaldee_n be_v no_o less_o sacred_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n to_o this_o book_n of_o daniel_n the_o first_o book_n of_o ezra_n be_v so_o annex_v that_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v both_o write_v by_o one_o person_n who_o relate_v what_o successive_o pass_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o first_o captivity_n and_o to_o this_o book_n of_o esdras_n without_o doubt_n be_v join_v the_o book_n of_o hester_n for_o the_o conjunction_n wherewith_o the_o book_n begin_v can_v relate_v to_o no_o other_o book_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v the_o same_o book_n which_o mordecai_n write_v for_o he_o that_o write_v the_o book_n of_o hester_n say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n v._n 20._o that_o mordecai_n write_v letter_n and_o declare_v what_o be_v their_o content_n moreover_o the_o 31_o the_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n tell_v we_o that_o queen_n hester_n confirm_v by_o a_o decree_n all_o thing_n concern_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_n or_o lot_n and_o in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n manner_n of_o speak_v in_o a_o book_n which_o every_o one_o at_o that_o time_n know_v which_o book_n with_o other_o aben_n ezra_n say_v be_v lose_v what_o else_o concern_v mordecai_n the_o historian_n in_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n v._n 2._o say_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o media_n and_o persia_n and_o therefore_o without_o question_n this_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o person_n who_o write_v the_o affair_n of_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n call_v the_o second_o book_n of_o ezra_n so_o that_o we_o conclude_v these_o four_o book_n namely_o daniel_n ezra_n hester_n and_o nehemiah_n to_o be_v write_v by_o one_o historian_n but_o who_o he_o be_v i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o guess_v but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whoever_o he_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v and_o from_o whence_o he_o copy_v they_o out_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o governor_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o do_v their_o king_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o keep_v scribe_n or_o historiographer_n who_o write_v annal_n and_o record_v what_o past_a which_o annal_n or_o chronology_n be_v every_o where_o cite_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n but_o those_o of_o the_o prince_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v quote_v first_o in_o nehemiah_n chap._n 12._o v._n 23._o and_o also_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o macchabee_n chap._n 16._o v._n 24._o and_o no_o question_n this_o book_n of_o annal_n be_v that_o book_n mention_v in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n of_o hester_n in_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o queen_n hester_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v mordecai_n be_v write_v which_o book_n we_o agree_v with_o aben_n ezra_n be_v lose_v and_o out_o of_o this_o book_n of_o annal_n all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o four_o book_n we_o have_v last_o mention_v be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v and_o copy_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n quote_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o four_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o of_o public_a authority_n that_o these_o four_o book_n be_v not_o write_v either_o by_o ezra_n or_o nehemiah_n appear_v by_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o and_o 10_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 12_o the_o chap._n of_o nehem._n where_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o highpriest_n jesuah_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o jaduah_n the_o six_o highpriest_n who_o go_v to_o meet_v alexander_n the_o great_a when_o he_o have_v almost_o conquer_v the_o kingdom_n of_o persia_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n and_o 8_o the_o chap._n of_o iosephus_n antiquity_n or_o as_o philo_n judaeus_fw-la say_v in_o libro_fw-la temporum_fw-la the_o six_o and_o last_o highpriest_n under_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n which_o be_v likewise_o plain_o declare_v in_o the_o 22_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a 12_o the_o chap._n of_o nehem._n where_o the_o historian_n say_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o day_n of_o eliashib_n joiada_n johanan_n and_o jaduah_n be_v record_v priest_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n the_o persian_a that_o be_v in_o the_o annal_n of_o that_o government_n and_o sure_a no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o hezra_n or_o nehemiah_n be_v so_o long_o live_v to_o survive_v fourteen_o persian_a king_n for_o cyrus_n the_o first_o king_n of_o persia_n be_v he_o that_o give_v the_o jew_n liberty_n to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n and_o from_o he_o to_o darius_n the_o fourteen_o and_o last_o king_n of_o the_o persian_n be_v reckon_v 230_o year_n therefore_o without_o all_o doubt_n these_o four_o book_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v write_v long_o after_o judas_n maccabeus_n restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o also_o because_o at_o that_o time_n be_v spurious_a counterfeit_n book_n of_o daniel_n hesdras_n and_o hester_n publish_v by_o some_o malicious_a person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o zadduce_n for_o the_o pharisee_n will_v never_o own_v they_o and_o though_o in_o the_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o 4_o the_o of_o esdras_n there_o be_v some_o fabulous_a story_n which_o we_o also_o find_v in_o the_o talmud_n yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v father_v on_o the_o pharisee_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o sense_n but_o believe_v those_o tale_n be_v add_v by_o some_o trifle_a fellow_n perhaps_o to_o render_v the_o pharisaical_a tradition_n ridiculous_a or_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o that_o time_n believe_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n be_v fulfil_v thereby_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o and_o great_a calamity_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o despair_n but_o though_o these_o book_n be_v of_o no_o great_a antiquity_n yet_o many_o fault_n i_o suppose_v through_o haste_n in_o those_o who_o copy_v they_o out_o have_v creep_v into_o they_o for_o in_o these_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n be_v many_o marginal_a note_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o also_o some_o place_n for_o which_o no_o excuse_n can_v be_v make_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o marginal_a readins_n of_o these_o book_n be_v as_o the_o pharisee_n will_v have_v it_o as_o ancient_a as_o the_o writer_n themselves_o than_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o scribe_n if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o put_v these_o note_n into_o the_o margin_n because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v the_o annal_n from_o whence_o they_o copy_v out_o the_o book_n perfect_o write_v and_o though_o some_o fault_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a yet_o the_o scribe_n will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o alter_v or_o mend_v the_o write_n of_o their_o ancestor_n of_o this_o particular_a i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o i_o now_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v those_o error_n whereof_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v in_o the_o margin_n i_o can_v tell_v how_o many_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o chap_n of_o ezra_n for_o in_o the_o 64_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n together_o of_o those_o that_o go_v up_o out_o of_o captivity_n to_o jerusalem_n be_v forty_o two_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o and_o yet_o if_o the_o particular_a number_n throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v exact_o sum_v up_o and_o add_v together_o they_o make_v the_o total_a to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o twenty_o nine_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o total_a or_o particular_a number_n now_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a the_o total_a number_n be_v not_o mistake_v but_o set_v down_o right_a because_o every_o one_o may_v keep_v that_o in_o memory_n though_o he_o can_v not_o remember_v the_o particular_a number_n have_v there_o be_v any_o error_n or_o mistake_n in_o the_o total_a every_o body_n will_v have_v know_v it_o and_o it_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o mend_v which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o nehemiah_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o they_o that_o come_v up_o from_o the_o captivity_n be_v the_o very_a same_o mention_v in_o the_o 2_o d_o chap_n of_o ezra_n but_o the_o particular_a number_n very_o much_o differ_v for_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
that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o be_v either_o prejudice_v with_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o affection_n or_o else_o fear_v to_o be_v baffle_v and_o make_v ridiculous_a by_o philosopher_n and_o man_n of_o reason_n fly_v for_o shelter_n and_o sanctuary_n to_o that_o which_o be_v sacred_a but_o what_o altar_n can_v protect_v he_o who_o offend_v the_o sacred_a majesty_n of_o reason_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o such_o man_n have_v i_o hope_v sufficient_o prove_v why_o theology_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n and_o in_o what_o each_o of_o they_o chief_o consist_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o both_o of_o they_o may_v exercise_v their_o own_o peculiar_a power_n without_o offend_v one_o another_o last_o i_o have_v show_v where_o there_o be_v occasion_n what_o absurdity_n mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n follow_v from_o man_n confound_a these_o two_o faculty_n not_o know_v how_o exact_o to_o distinguish_v and_o divide_v one_o from_o the_o other_o before_o i_o proceed_v i_o desire_v notice_n may_v be_v take_v that_o i_o declare_v the_o benefit_n and_o necessity_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o be_v revelation_n to_o be_v exceed_o great_a for_o see_v we_o can_v by_o natural_a light_n perceive_v that_o simple_a obedience_n be_v the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o god_n special_a grace_n and_o favour_n have_v by_o revelation_n only_o and_o not_o by_o reason_n make_v it_o know_v unto_o we_o the_o scripture_n must_v certain_o be_v a_o great_a help_n and_o consolation_n to_o all_o mankind_n because_o though_o every_o man_n may_v obey_v yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o by_o the_o dictate_v and_o conduct_n of_o reason_n live_v virtuous_o so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v doubt_v of_o most_o man_n salvation_n chap._n xvi_o of_o sound_v commonwealth_n of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n hitherto_o i_o have_v careful_o endeavour_v to_o distinguish_v and_o divide_v philosophy_n from_o theology_n and_o have_v show_v the_o liberty_n of_o reason_v which_o theology_n allow_v every_o man_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o this_o liberty_n of_o think_v and_o speak_v a_o man_n thought_n may_v in_o the_o best_a govern_a commonwealth_n extend_v itself_o and_o that_o we_o may_v orderly_o examine_v the_o matter_n we_o will_v discourse_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o every_o man_n be_v natural_a right_n without_o any_o relation_n either_o to_o government_n or_o religion_n by_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o those_o rule_n of_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o every_o individual_a be_v be_v natural_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v in_o such_o a_o certain_a manner_n to_o be_v and_o to_o act_v for_o example_n fish_n be_v by_o nature_n ordain_v to_o swim_v and_o the_o great_a to_o eat_v the_o less_o therefore_o by_o the_o sovereign_n right_a or_o law_n of_o nature_n they_o possess_v and_o enjoy_v the_o water_n and_o the_o great_a eat_v the_o less_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o nature_n consider_v absolute_o have_v sovereign_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n within_o its_o own_o power_n that_o be_v the_o right_a of_o nature_n may_v extend_v itself_o so_o far_o as_o its_o power_n can_v extend_v for_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n who_o have_v sovereign_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n but_o because_o the_o universal_a power_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o power_n of_o every_o individual_a be_v join_v together_o it_o follow_v that_o every_o individual_a be_v have_v sovereign_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o its_o power_n or_o the_o right_n of_o every_o individual_a may_v extend_v itself_o so_o far_o as_o its_o determinate_a power_n will_v reach_v and_o because_o the_o supreme_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v that_o every_o thing_n shall_v endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v able_a to_o preserve_v itself_o in_o that_o state_n wherein_o it_o be_v without_o have_v regard_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o itself_o it_o follow_v that_o every_o individual_a be_v have_v sovereign_a right_n to_o this_o self-preservation_n that_o be_v to_o continue_v its_o existence_n and_o to_o operate_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o ordain_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o man_n and_o other_o individual_a being_n in_o nature_n nor_o between_o man_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o other_o who_o know_v not_o the_o use_n of_o it_o nor_o between_o fool_n and_o man_n in_o their_o right_a sense_n for_o what_o every_o thing_n do_v by_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o it_o have_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n right_a to_o do_v because_o it_o act_v as_o it_o be_v by_o nature_n appoint_v and_o can_v do_v nothing_o otherwise_o among_o man_n therefore_o consider_v live_v only_o under_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n he_o that_o know_v not_o what_o reason_n be_v as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o know_v not_o what_o virtue_n be_v have_v as_o much_o right_a to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o appetite_n as_o he_o who_o direct_v his_o life_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n have_v right_a to_o all_o thing_n which_o reason_n dictate_v or_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o reason_n so_o likewise_o a_o ignorant_a or_o mere_a sensual_a man_n have_v right_o to_o all_o thing_n whereto_o his_o appetite_n lead_v he_o or_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o appetite_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o paul_n declare_v who_o acknowledge_v that_o before_o the_o law_n that_o be_v so_o long_o as_o man_n be_v consider_v live_v in_o the_o state_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n the_o natural_a right_n therefore_o of_o every_o man_n be_v determine_v not_o by_o reason_n but_o by_o appetite_n and_o power_n for_o all_o man_n be_v not_o natural_o ordain_v to_o act_v and_o operate_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o man_n be_v bear_v actual_o ignorant_a of_o all_o thing_n and_o before_o they_o can_v know_v the_o right_n of_o live_v and_o acquire_v the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o age_n though_o they_o be_v well_o educate_v be_v spend_v and_o pass_v away_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o live_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o themselves_o lie_v to_o preserve_v themselves_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o their_o appetite_n see_v nature_n have_v give_v they_o nothing_o else_o wherewith_o to_o do_v it_o and_o have_v deny_v the_o actual_a use_n of_o right_a reason_n so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o live_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o than_o a_o cat_n be_v bind_v to_o live_v like_o a_o lion_n whatsoever_o than_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o power_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n shall_v either_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n or_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o his_o appetite_n think_v convenient_a and_o profitable_a for_o he_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o desire_v and_o either_o by_o force_n deceit_n entreaty_n or_o any_o other_o way_n he_o think_v most_o easy_a to_o get_v it_o and_o may_v consequent_o take_v any_o one_o for_o a_o enemy_n that_o endeavour_n to_o hinder_v he_o from_o have_v his_o desire_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n os_fw-la nature_n under_o which_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n live_v prohibit_v nothing_o but_o what_o no_o body_n desire_n or_o be_v in_o no_o body_n power_n nor_o do_v it_o forbid_v contention_n hatred_n wrath_n deceit_n or_o any_o thing_n absolute_o to_o which_o a_o man_n appetite_n incline_v he_o nor_o be_v this_o any_o wonder_n for_o nature_n be_v not_o bound_v and_o shut_v up_o within_o the_o law_n only_o of_o human_a reason_n which_o design_n and_o intend_v nothing_o but_o the_o real_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n but_o act_n according_a to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o regard_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o eternal_a course_n of_o nature_n whereof_o man_n be_v but_o a_o small_a particle_n and_o all_o individual_a being_n be_v by_o the_o necessity_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n only_o ordain_v in_o such_o a_o certain_a manner_n to_o exist_v and_o operate_v so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a or_o evil_a it_o be_v because_o we_o
will_v treat_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n it_o may_v by_o way_n of_o objection_n be_v further_o demand_v how_o i_o can_v maintain_v that_o supreme_a power_n still_o retain_v their_o natural_a right_n of_o do_v what_o they_o will_v when_o supreme_a power_n as_o well_o as_o subject_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o solve_v this_o difficulty_n which_o do_v not_o rise_v so_o much_o from_o the_o state_n as_o from_o the_o right_n of_o nature_n i_o say_v that_o the_o same_o consideration_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n oblige_v he_o likewise_o to_o god_n reveal_v law_n namely_o because_o it_o be_v better_a and_o safe_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v but_o however_o if_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v still_o but_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o live_v by_o any_o other_o man_n direction_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o mortal_a man_n to_o be_v his_o judge_n or_o upon_o any_o religious_a account_n his_o superior_a and_o this_o be_v the_o right_n and_o power_n which_o i_o say_v the_o supreme_a power_n still_o retain_v supreme_a power_n may_v consult_v man_n but_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o acknowledge_v any_o man_n their_o judge_n nor_o any_o man_n but_o themselves_o the_o assertor_n or_o protector_n of_o religion_n a_o prophet_n only_o except_v who_o confirm_v his_o express_a mission_n from_o god_n by_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o then_o neither_o do_v supreme_a power_n acknowledge_v man_n but_o god_n to_o be_v their_o judge_n but_o if_o the_o supreme_a power_n will_v not_o obey_v god_n in_o his_o reveal_v law_n it_o be_v at_o their_o own_o peril_n no_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n can_v resist_v they_o for_o civil_a right_n depend_v upon_o the_o decree_n and_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o natural_a right_n depend_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o respect_v religion_n as_o it_o intend_v and_o design_n the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n only_o but_o be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o universal_a nature_n that_o be_v the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o this_o be_v what_o other_o mean_v who_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o express_v themselves_o when_o they_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v sin_v against_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o not_o against_o his_o eternal_a decree_n by_o which_o he_o predestinate_v and_o ordain_v all_o thing_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o when_o the_o supreme_a power_n command_v any_o thing_n against_o religion_n and_o the_o obedience_n which_o we_o by_o express_a covenant_n have_v promise_v to_o god_n whether_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n i_o answer_v very_o brief_o resolve_v to_o speak_v more_o full_o of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n that_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n when_o we_o have_v a_o certain_a and_o undubitable_a revelation_n but_o because_o man_n be_v usual_o very_o much_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o disposition_n have_v great_a contest_v about_o their_o own_o fancy_n as_o we_o find_v by_o woeful_a experience_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o supreme_a power_n in_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n think_v concern_v his_o religion_n the_o civil_a right_n and_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n will_v depend_v upon_o every_o particular_a man_n different_a judgement_n and_o affection_n for_o no_o man_n will_v be_v bind_v by_o any_o public_a law_n which_o he_o think_v contrary_a to_o his_o faith_n or_o superstition_n and_o under_o this_o pretence_n every_o one_o will_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v for_o his_o reason_n therefore_o supreme_a power_n to_o who_o by_o divine_a and_o natural_a right_n it_o belong_v to_o preserve_v and_o protect_v the_o law_n of_o government_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o judge_v determine_a and_o establish_v religion_n and_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o their_o faith_n and_o allegiance_n which_o god_n have_v command_v shall_v be_v keep_v to_o obey_v all_o the_o command_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o concern_v religion_n but_o if_o they_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v heathen_a and_o infidel_n we_o must_v either_o make_v no_o agreement_n with_o they_o or_o suffer_v all_o extremity_n if_o we_o do_v covenant_n with_o they_o and_o transfer_v our_o right_n and_o power_n upon_o they_o see_v we_o thereby_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o defend_v religion_n and_o ourselves_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o keep_v faith_n with_o they_o and_o may_v be_v compel_v to_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v where_o god_n by_o undoubted_a revelation_n have_v declare_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o tyrant_n or_o except_v the_o person_n by_o name_n have_v promise_v his_o particular_a aid_n and_o assistance_n against_o he_o we_o read_v that_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v in_o babylon_n there_o be_v only_o three_o young_a man_n who_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n particular_a assistance_n that_o will_v not_o obey_v nabuchadnezzar_n all_o the_o rest_n but_o daniel_n who_o the_o king_n himself_o adore_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o law_n to_o obey_v he_o perhaps_o believe_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o by_o god_n decree_n they_o be_v deliver_v into_o that_o king_n hand_n and_o that_o by_o god_n appointment_n he_o be_v to_o be_v king_n and_o keep_v the_o supreme_a power_n eleazar_n on_o the_o contrary_a however_o it_o go_v with_o his_o country_n give_v a_o example_n of_o his_o constancy_n to_o his_o follower_n and_o will_v rather_o endure_v all_o extremity_n than_o suffer_v their_o right_n and_o power_n to_o be_v transfer_v upon_o the_o greek_n and_o try_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o avoid_v be_v compel_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o daily_a experience_n the_o supreme_a power_n that_o profess_v christian_a religion_n for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o government_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o enter_v into_o league_n and_o covenant_n with_o turk_n and_o infidel_n and_o command_v their_o subject_n who_o live_v among_o they_o not_o to_o use_v any_o great_a liberty_n in_o religion_n or_o any_o other_o affair_n than_o the_o article_n of_o such_o league_n or_o the_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v allow_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o contract_n which_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o the_o hollander_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o japan_n chap._n xvii_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a or_o possible_a to_o transfer_v all_o thing_n upon_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n what_o it_o be_v during_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o its_o excellency_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n and_o why_o it_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n though_o much_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n and_o transfer_v on_o they_o every_o man_n natural_a right_n may_v upon_o serious_a consideration_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o practice_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v many_o thing_n will_v remain_v in_o theory_n only_o and_o be_v find_v absolute_o impracticable_a for_o no_o man_n can_v so_o far_o transfer_v his_o power_n and_o consequent_o his_o right_n upon_o another_o as_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o man_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o supreme_a power_n that_o can_v do_v all_o that_o it_o will_v it_o be_v vain_a for_o supreme_a power_n to_o command_v a_o subject_a to_o hate_v his_o friend_n and_o love_n his_o enemy_n or_o to_o command_v a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v provoke_v with_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n or_o not_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o fear_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o daily_a experience_n for_o man_n never_o so_o depart_v from_o their_o right_n or_o so_o transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o other_o but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o fear_v even_o by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o have_v transfer_v it_o for_o government_n be_v many_o time_n as_o much_o in_o danger_n of_o subject_n deprive_v of_o their_o right_n as_o it_o be_v of_o foreign_a enemy_n and_o if_o man_n can_v be_v so_o far_o divest_v of_o their_o natural_a right_n as_o afterward_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o those_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n then_o indeed_o all_o sort_n of_o tyranny_n and_o
have_v temple_n dedicate_v to_o he_o and_o be_v worship_v by_o flamen_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o other_o god_n be_v tacitus_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o annal_n tell_v we_o that_o alexander_n will_v be_v salute_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jupiter_n son_n which_o be_v not_o pride_n but_o design_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_n he_o return_v to_o the_o invective_n speech_n make_v by_o hermolaus_n in_o the_o eight_o book_n and_o eight_o section_n of_o quintus_n curtius_n alexander_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n one_o thing_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a which_o hermolaus_n require_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o own_o jupiter_n to_o be_v my_o father_n be_v so_o declare_v by_o his_o oracle_n as_o if_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o god_n be_v in_o my_o power_n he_o offer_v i_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n which_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n i_o be_o now_o about_o i_o wish_v the_o indian_n will_v also_o believe_v i_o to_o be_v a_o god_n success_n in_o war_n depend_v much_o upon_o fame_n and_o that_o which_o be_v false_o believe_v sometime_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n which_o thing_n do_v that_o be_v true_a in_o which_o few_o word_n he_o very_o artificial_o endeavour_v to_o continue_v people_n in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o neat_o insinuate_v the_o design_n of_o his_o dissemble_n which_o cleo_n likewise_o do_v in_o his_o oration_n whereby_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o macedonian_n to_o sooth_n and_o flatter_v the_o king_n for_o after_o he_o have_v with_o admiration_n speak_v in_o praise_n of_o alexander_n and_o reckon_v up_o all_o his_o merit_n give_v a_o colour_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o fraud_n he_o show_v the_o advantage_n gain_v by_o it_o in_o word_n to_o this_o effect_n the_o persian_n be_v not_o only_o prudent_a but_o pious_a in_o worship_v their_o king_n as_o god_n because_o it_o be_v the_o safety_n of_o majesty_n and_o then_o conclude_v that_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v the_o first_o who_o at_o the_o king_n entrance_n will_v fall_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o that_o he_o think_v the_o wise_a among_o they_o will_v follow_v his_o example_n see_v curtius_n in_o his_o eight_o book_n book_n 8._o but_o the_o macedonian_n be_v wise_a nor_o can_v any_o but_o mere_a barbarian_n be_v so_o gross_o cheat_v and_o of_o subject_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v make_v slave_n altogether_o unprofitable_a to_o themselves_o other_o have_v with_o more_o ease_n persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o majesty_n of_o king_n be_v sacred_a that_o they_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n on_o earth_n ordain_v by_o god_n and_o not_o establish_v by_o the_o vote_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n but_o preserve_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o particular_a aid_n and_o protection_n of_o divine_a providence_n this_o and_o much_o more_o have_v monarch_n devise_v to_o secure_v their_o government_n with_o which_o i_o will_v not_o meddle_v but_o proceed_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o government_n divine_a revelation_n teach_v moses_n we_o have_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n that_o after_o the_o israelite_n go_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n or_o power_n of_o any_o other_o nation_n but_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o institute_n what_o law_n and_o possess_v what_o land_n they_o please_v for_o when_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o intolerable_a bondage_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o covenant_n to_o any_o mortal_a they_o again_o recover_v their_o natural_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o power_n and_o every_o man_n may_v free_o resolve_v whether_o he_o will_v keep_v his_o natural_a right_n or_o part_n with_o and_o transfer_v it_o to_o another_o be_v then_o in_o this_o natural_a state_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o moses_n in_o who_o all_o have_v a_o very_a great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n they_o resolve_v to_o transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o no_o mortal_a man_n but_o upon_o god_n only_o and_o without_o further_a delay_n promise_v all_o with_o one_o voice_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o never_o to_o own_o any_o other_o power_n but_o such_o as_o god_n by_o prophetical_a revelation_n shall_v institute_v and_o appoint_v this_o promise_n and_o translation_n of_o their_o right_n and_o power_n upon_o god_n be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o we_o have_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o common_a society_n when_o man_n resolve_v to_o depart_v with_o their_o natural_a right_n for_o as_o it_o appear_v exod._n chap._n 24._o ver_fw-la 7._o they_o free_o without_o any_o compulsion_n not_o terrify_v with_o any_o threat_n do_v by_o express_a covenant_n and_o oath_n part_n with_o their_o natural_a right_n and_o transfer_v it_o upon_o god_n and_o that_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v firm_a and_o bind_a without_o any_o suspicion_n of_o fraud_n god_n covenant_v nothing_o with_o they_o till_o after_o they_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o his_o wonderful_a power_n by_o which_o they_o have_v already_o be_v and_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v preserve_v see_v exod._n chap._n 19_o v._n 4_o 5._o for_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n of_o believe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n only_o can_v save_v they_o they_o transfer_v all_o their_o power_n of_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o consequent_o all_o their_o right_n upon_o god._n the_o government_n then_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o in_o god_n and_o therefore_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n god_n be_v rightful_a king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consequent_o the_o enemy_n of_o that_o government_n be_v god_n enemy_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n who_o go_v about_o to_o usurp_v that_o government_n be_v guilty_a of_o treason_n against_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o law_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o this_o commonwealth_n civil_a right_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o have_v show_v consist_v only_o in_o obedience_n towards_o god_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v law_n and_o command_n piety_n be_v justice_n and_o impiety_n wrong_v and_o injustice_n he_o that_o forsake_v the_o public_a religion_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o subject_a and_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n be_v think_v a_o enemy_n he_o that_o die_v for_o religion_n be_v think_v to_o die_v for_o his_o country_n and_o between_o religion_n and_o civil_a right_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n upon_o this_o account_n this_o government_n may_v very_o well_o be_v call_v theocracy_n see_v the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v bind_v by_o no_o law_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o god._n but_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o more_o in_o opinion_n then_o reality_n for_o the_o jew_n do_v indeed_o still_o retain_v the_o absolute_a power_n of_o government_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o what_o shall_v be_v present_o declare_v namely_o by_o the_o form_n and_o rule_n whereby_o their_o government_n be_v administer_v which_o be_v now_o my_o purpose_n to_o explain_v see_v the_o jew_n do_v not_o transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o any_o other_o man_n but_o all_o equal_o part_v from_o it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o democratical-government_n and_o all_o cry_v with_o one_o voice_n whatsoever_o god_n himself_o without_o any_o other_o intermediate_v person_n shall_v speak_v to_o we_o that_o will_v we_o do_v it_o clear_o appear_v by_o this_o agreement_n they_o all_o continue_v equal_a and_o the_o power_n and_o right_n of_o consult_v god_n of_o receive_v and_o interpret_n law_n be_v equal_a in_o they_o all_o and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a congregation_n upon_o this_o ground_n all_o equal_o at_o first_o hearken_v what_o god_n will_v say_v and_o what_o he_o will_v command_v but_o in_o this_o first_o meeting_n they_o be_v so_o terrify_v and_o hear_v god_n speak_v with_o so_o must_v astonishment_n that_o every_o man_n think_v that_o day_n will_v be_v his_o last_o full_o of_o very_o great_a fear_n they_o come_v again_o to_o moses_n and_o say_v we_o have_v hear_v god_n voice_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n now_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o die_v this_o great_a fire_n will_v consume_v we_o we_o shall_v die_v if_o we_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n any_o more_o therefore_o go_v thou_o near_o and_o hear_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v say_v and_o speak_v thou_o unto_o we_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o we_o will_v hear_v and_o do_v it_o by_o say_v this_o they_o clear_o abolish_v the_o first_o covenant_n and_o transfer_v upon_o moses_n their_o own_o right_n of_o consult_v god_n and_o interpret_n his_o law_n and_o decree_n for_o here_o they_o do_v not_o as_o before_o
sanctify_v they_o for_o myself_o but_o after_o all_o the_o people_n the_o levite_n only_o except_v have_v worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n they_o be_v defile_v and_o reject_v and_o the_o levite_n who_o side_v with_o moses_n as_o appear_v exod._n chap._n 32._o v._n 20_o 27._o be_v choose_v into_o their_o room_n deut._n chap._n 10._o v._n 8._o the_o lord_n separate_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o minister_v he_o and_o to_o bless_v his_o name_n which_o change_n when_o i_o serious_o consider_v it_o make_v i_o think_v of_o those_o word_n in_o tacitus_n hillo_o tempore_fw-la non_fw-la fuisse_fw-la deo_fw-la curae_fw-la securitatem_fw-la illorum_fw-la fuisse_fw-la ultionem_fw-la at_o that_o time_n god_n take_v more_o care_n to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o they_o than_o to_o preserve_v they_o god_n be_v so_o extreme_o incense_v against_o they_o that_o though_o law_n usual_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n honour_n and_o security_n of_o people_n yet_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v the_o jew_n be_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o punish_v and_o be_v revenge_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o their_o law_n be_v not_o law_n that_o be_v the_o people_n safety_n but_o their_o plague_n and_o pnnishment_n consider_v how_o many_o thing_n the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n beside_o the_o money_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o first-born_a consider_v likewise_o that_o the_o levite_n be_v only_o permit_v to_o come_v near_o whatever_o be_v account_v holy_a which_o continual_o mind_v the_o people_n of_o their_o uncleanness_n and_o repudiation_n with_o which_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a the_o levite_n may_v often_o reproach_v they_o for_o among_o so_o many_o thousand_o levite_n no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v some_o troublesome_a pragmatical_a fellow_n who_o provoke_v the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v quit_v with_o the_o levite_n narrow_o watch_v and_o pry_v into_o their_o action_n who_o be_v but_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o fail_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o as_o be_v usual_a be_v charge_v upon_o the_o whole_a function_n and_o at_o last_o especial_o when_o provision_n be_v dear_a in_o all_o probability_n the_o people_n grow_v weary_a of_o maintain_v so_o many_o lazy_a idle_a and_o hate_a person_n who_o be_v no_o kin_n at_o all_o to_o they_o no_o wonder_n then_o when_o the_o people_n be_v at_o ease_n and_o public_a miracle_n cease_v if_o they_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n become_v remiss_a and_o the_o covetous_a incense_a mind_n of_o the_o people_n grow_v careless_a and_o neglect_v the_o divine_a worship_n of_o which_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v suspicious_a and_o ashamed_a desire_v a_o new_a it_o be_v likewise_o possible_a that_o the_o prince_n to_o keep_v the_o command_a power_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n may_v court_v the_o people_n to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o against_o the_o priest_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o have_v the_o duration_n and_o security_n of_o the_o government_n be_v design_v when_o it_o be_v first_o institute_v thing_n may_v have_v go_v well_o if_o all_o the_o tribe_n have_v have_v equal_a honour_n and_o power_n for_o who_o will_v have_v violate_v the_o sacred_a right_n of_o his_o kindred_n they_o will_v rather_o for_o piety_n and_o religion_n sake_n have_v maintain_v their_o parent_n brother_n and_o kinsman_n see_v from_o they_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o divine_a oracle_n the_o tribe_n will_v have_v be_v tie_v in_o a_o strict_a bond_n of_o amity_n if_o all_o have_v have_v equal_a power_n of_o administer_a in_o the_o temple_n at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v less_o fear_n of_o discord_n if_o the_o election_n of_o the_o levite_n have_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n but_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v god_n be_v very_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o that_o i_o may_v again_o use_v ezekiel_n expression_n he_o pollute_v they_o with_o their_o gift_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o first-born_a that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o this_o appear_v by_o their_o history_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o be_v idle_a in_o the_o wilderness_n many_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n begin_v to_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o tribe_n believe_v that_o moses_n do_v not_o act_v by_o god_n command_n but_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o himself_o please_v because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o his_o own_o tribe_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v a_o perpetual_a settlement_n of_o the_o priesthood_n upon_o his_o own_o brother_n so_o that_o a_o tumult_n be_v raise_v they_o tell_v moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o all_o the_o congregation_n be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o holy_a and_o that_o they_o lift_v themselves_o up_o above_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o reason_n can_v appease_v they_o but_o they_o be_v all_o miraculous_o destroy_v which_o occasion_v a_o universal_a sedition_n among_o all_o the_o people_n who_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o perish_v be_v not_o destroy_v by_o god_n judgement_n but_o by_o some_o trick_n of_o moses_n after_o which_o follow_v a_o great_a plague_n which_o make_v the_o people_n weary_a of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o sedition_n but_o not_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o amity_n or_o affection_n and_o god_n tell_v moses_n deut._n chap._n 33._o v._n 21._o that_o he_o know_v the_o imagination_n the_o people_n go_v about_o even_o before_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o land_n which_o he_o swear_v and_o moses_n a_o little_a after_o verse_n 27._o say_v to_o the_o people_n i_o know_v thy_o rebellion_n and_o thy_o stiff_a neck_n 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 and_o as_o all_o the_o world_n know_v so_o it_o happen_v great_a change_n all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n luxury_n and_o idleness_n make_v they_o grow_v daily_o worse_o and_o worse_o till_o be_v often_o beat_v by_o their_o enemy_n they_o break_v their_o holy_a covenant_n and_o desire_v a_o mortal_a king._n the_o temple_n become_v his_o palace_n and_o the_o tribe_n cast_v off_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o priesthood_n his_o subject_n the_o elect_v of_o a_o king_n be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o new_a sedition_n to_o reign_v precarious_o or_o suffer_v any_o power_n to_o control_v they_o be_v intolerable_a to_o their_o king_n they_o who_o from_o private_a man_n be_v elect_v to_o the_o throne_n be_v content_v with_o the_o dignity_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o when_o their_o son_n come_v by_o right_o of_o succession_n to_o the_o crown_n they_o begin_v by_o degree_n to_o make_v alteration_n that_o the_o supreme_a power_n may_v reside_v only_o in_o they_o which_o power_n they_o have_v not_o so_o long_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o in_o their_o hand_n but_o be_v interpret_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n so_o that_o the_o king_n be_v still_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o have_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o abrogate_v the_o old_a or_o make_v new._n moreover_o the_o levite_n have_v power_n to_o keep_v the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subject_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v profane_a person_n from_o meddle_v with_o sacred_a matter_n last_o because_o all_o the_o power_n of_o their_o king_n depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o one_o who_o be_v account_v a_o prophet_n of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o example_n in_o samuel_n who_o with_o great_a boldness_n and_o liberty_n command_v saul_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v and_o for_o one_o offence_n only_o transfer_v the_o kingdom_n upon_o david_n which_o indeed_o make_v the_o government_n perfect_o precarious_a to_o avoid_v this_o their_o king_n consecrate_v other_o temple_n that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o consult_v the_o levite_n and_o inquire_v after_o other_o to_o prophesy_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o be_v account_v true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o compass_v their_o end_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v still_o ready_a watch_v their_o opportunity_n till_o a_o successor_n come_v and_o then_o the_o prophet_n by_o their_o divine_a power_n do_v sometime_o set_v up_o some_o famous_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o king_n do_v under_o pretence_n of_o vindicate_a religion_n endeavour_v to_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a power_n or_o some_o part_n thereof_o but_o neither_o this_o way_n can_v the_o prophet_n compass_n their_o end_n for_o though_o they_o take_v away_o the_o tyrant_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o tyranny_n still_o remain_v and_o they_o do_v with_o a_o great_a effusion_n of_o the_o subject_n blood_n only_o
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
supreme_a magistrate_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o concern_v themselves_o in_o the_o dispute_n the_o controversy_n never_o end_v and_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o divide_v into_o sect_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v but_o private_a person_n sometime_o by_o the_o great_a liberty_n they_o use_v in_o admonish_v reprove_v and_o reproach_v the_o people_n do_v rather_o provoke_v than_o make_v they_o better_o who_o notwithstanding_o will_v with_o much_o great_a patience_n receive_v correction_n and_o instruction_n from_o their_o king_n yea_o the_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o intolerable_a to_o very_o pious_a good_a king_n by_o arrogate_a a_o power_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v well_o and_o what_o ill_o do_v and_o sometime_o by_o reprove_v king_n to_o their_o face_n if_o they_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v public_o or_o private_o do_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n asa_n who_o be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n a_o good_a king_n imprison_v hanani_n the_o prophet_n see_v 2_o chron._n chap._n 16._o for_o too_o bold_o reprove_v and_o reproach_v he_o for_o the_o league_n he_o make_v with_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n beside_o this_o example_n there_o be_v other_o which_o show_v that_o the_o liberty_n the_o prophet_n take_v do_v sometime_o more_o hurt_v than_o good_a i_o need_v not_o instance_n the_o civil_a war_n which_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o prophet_n pretend_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n a_o three_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o during_o the_o time_n the_o people_n govern_v there_o happen_v but_o one_o civil_a war_n which_o be_v end_v the_o victor_n have_v so_o much_o compassion_n for_o the_o conquer_a party_n that_o their_o whole_a care_n and_o study_v be_v how_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a power_n and_o dignity_n but_o after_o the_o people_n not_o accustom_v to_o king_n have_v change_v the_o form_n of_o their_o government_n into_o monarchy_n there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o civil_a war_n they_o fight_v such_o fierce_a and_o bloody_a battle_n as_o almost_o exceed_v belief_n for_o in_o one_o battle_n which_o be_v hardly_o credible_a fifty_o thousand_o israelite_n be_v slay_v by_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o in_o another_o the_o israelite_n slay_v a_o very_a great_a number_n though_o not_o specify_v of_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n take_v the_o king_n himself_o prisoner_n demolish_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o rage_n of_o war_n have_v no_o moderation_n they_o destroy_v the_o temple_n sack_v the_o city_n lade_v and_o glut_v with_o the_o spoil_n and_o blood_n of_o their_o brethren_n take_v hostage_n they_o leave_v the_o king_n in_o his_o almost_o ruine_a kingdom_n and_o more_o secure_v by_o the_o weakness_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o king_n of_o iudah_n subject_n lay_v down_o their_o arms._n the_o man_n of_o judah_n in_o a_o few_o year_n after_o recover_v strength_n come_v again_o into_o the_o field_n and_o fight_v another_o battle_n wherein_o the_o israelite_n be_v again_o victor_n kill_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o of_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o carry_v away_o captive_n two_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n with_o a_o very_a great_a booty_n so_o that_o consume_v by_o these_o and_o other_o battle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n they_o at_o last_o fall_v a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n before_o they_o have_v king_n they_o sometime_o live_v in_o perfect_a peace_n forty_o year_n together_o and_o once_o which_o be_v scarce_o credible_a fourscore_o year_n without_o any_o foreign_a or_o domestic_a war_n but_o after_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n and_o fight_v not_o for_o peace_n and_o liberty_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o monarch_n we_o find_v they_o continual_o embroil_v the_o reign_n of_o solomon_n only_o except_v who_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n better_o appear_v in_o peace_n than_o in_o war_n the_o desire_n of_o reign_v at_o last_o become_v so_o excessive_a that_o their_o king_n sometime_o wade_v to_o the_o throne_n in_o blood._n last_o during_o the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n the_o law_n remain_v in_o their_o first_o purity_n and_o be_v constant_o observe_v for_o before_o king_n come_v in_o there_o be_v very_o few_o prophetsâ—_n but_o after_o the_o election_n of_o king_n the_o prophet_n grow_v very_o numerous_a we_o read_v obadiah_n hide_v at_o one_o time_n a_o hundred_o in_o a_o cave_n to_o save_v their_o life_n we_o likewise_o find_v the_o people_n be_v often_o deceive_v with_o false_a prophet_n the_o people_n before_o king_n have_v the_o government_n be_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n sometime_o haughty_a and_o sometime_o humble_a do_v when_o they_o be_v in_o calamity_n forsake_v their_o evil_a way_n seek_v god_n restore_v the_o law_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v free_v themselves_o from_o danger_n and_o distress_n but_o their_o king_n who_o haughty_a mind_n can_v without_o shame_n stoop_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o vice_n till_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v utter_o destroy_v by_o all_o this_o it_o clear_o appear_v first_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v both_o to_o religion_n and_o government_n to_o put_v the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n and_o govern_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o priest_n and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o meddle_v in_o any_o business_n till_o their_o counsel_n be_v ask_v and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o preach_v and_o teach_v new_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n second_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a by_o scripture_n or_o to_o make_v any_o law_n concern_v opinion_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o disputable_a that_o government_n be_v very_o tyrannical_a where_o opinion_n be_v count_v crime_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o angry_a multitude_n be_v master_n pilate_n to_o gratify_v the_o incense_a pharisee_n command_v christ_n to_o be_v crucify_v it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o pharisee_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v worthy_a person_n out_o of_o their_o place_n and_o office_n of_o dignity_n to_o ask_v question_n concern_v religion_n this_o make_v they_o accuse_v the_o sadducee_n of_o impiety_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o pharisee_n base_a and_o abominable_a hypocrite_n under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o religion_n persecute_v and_o traduce_v honest_a worthy_a virtuous_a man_n who_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o envy_v and_o by_o public_o inveigh_v against_o their_o opinion_n stir_v up_o the_o people_n against_o their_o person_n this_o unworthy_a practice_n because_o it_o be_v cloak_v with_o religion_n can_v hardly_o be_v restrain_v where_o the_o supreme_a power_n have_v introduce_v any_o sect_n whereof_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o author_n for_o then_o the_o sectary_n not_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v account_v interpreter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v the_o supreme_a power_n make_v sectary_n interpreter_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n signify_v little_a with_o the_o people_n who_o have_v great_a veneration_n for_o their_o teacher_n to_o who_o doctrine_n and_o decision_n they_o think_v even_o king_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o avoid_v all_o these_o mischief_n nothing_o can_v be_v safe_a for_o a_o commonwealth_n than_o to_o place_v all_o religion_n and_o piety_n only_o in_o work_n that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n free_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o of_o this_o particular_a more_o large_o hereafter_o three_o we_o see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a both_o of_o religion_n and_o government_n to_o fix_v the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o determine_v even_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o judge_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a in_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o if_o the_o power_n of_o judge_a man_n action_n can_v not_o without_o great_a danger_n to_o religion_n and_o government_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o prophet_n much_o less_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o man_n who_o can_v neither_o prophesy_v or_o do_v miracle_n but_o of_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v speak_v express_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n four_o and_o last_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o people_n never_o accustom_v to_o kingly_a government_n and_o have_v law_n according_o frame_v to_o choose_v a_o monarch_n for_o as_o the_o people_n can_v endure_v such_o a_o government_n so_o kingly_a authority_n can_v brook_v law_n or_o any_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n establish_v by_o any_o other_o of_o less_o authority_n and_o a_o king_n will_v have_v very_o little_a mind_n to_o maintain_v law_n wherein_o the_o people_n interest_n be_v more_o intend_v and_o provide_v for_o than_o his_o own_o for_o
by_o revelation_n or_o whether_o god_n command_v it_o for_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o it_o be_v reveal_v so_o as_o it_o obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n and_o become_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n obligatory_a to_o men._n if_o i_o then_o prove_v that_o justice_n and_o charity_n can_v become_v a_o law_n or_o command_n but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v see_v supreme_a power_n be_v always_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o religion_n become_v a_o bind_a law_n only_o by_o their_o decree_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n and_o that_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a kingdom_n over_o man_n but_o by_o they_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a rule_v power_n that_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n become_v a_o obligatory_a law_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a govern_v power_n appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n where_o i_o have_v declare_v that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n reason_n can_v pretend_v to_o any_o great_a power_n than_o natural_a appetite_n may_v and_o that_o they_o who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o natural_a appetite_n have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o all_o thing_n within_o their_o power_n as_o they_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n so_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n we_o can_v conceive_v there_o can_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n any_o sin_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v god_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n punish_v sin_n but_o all_o thing_n carry_v on_o in_o their_o course_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o universal_a nature_n to_o use_v solomon_n own_o word_n all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a no_o place_n be_v leave_v for_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o that_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n the_o divine_a law_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n may_v obtain_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o a_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v part_v from_o his_o natural_a right_n and_o transfer_v it_o either_o upon_o all_o upon_o some_o or_o upon_o one_o and_o that_o then_o we_o first_o come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v justice_n and_o what_o injustice_n what_o equity_n and_o what_o iniquity_n justice_n therefore_o and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n with_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n become_v a_o precept_n and_o obligatory_a law_n by_o the_o power_n and_o decree_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o power_n that_o justice_n charity_n and_o true_a religion_n have_v over_o we_o by_o become_v a_o law_n to_o we_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a kingdom_n over_o man_n but_o by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a rule_v power_n whether_o we_o consider_v religion_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o natural_a or_o prophetical_a light_n the_o demonstration_n be_v universal_a see_v religion_n be_v the_o same_o and_o equal_o reveal_v by_o god_n which_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n prophetical_o reveal_v may_v obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v necessary_a every_o man_n shall_v first_o part_v with_o his_o natural_a right_n and_o that_o all_o with_o one_o common_a consent_n shall_v resolve_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o all_o thing_n which_o shall_v by_o god_n be_v prophetical_o reveal_v to_o they_o just_o as_o people_n do_v in_o democratical_a government_n where_o all_o with_o common_a consent_n resolve_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n do_v transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o more_o in_o opinion_n than_o reality_n for_o the_o supreme_a power_n real_o and_o absolute_o remain_v still_o in_o they_o till_o they_o transfer_v it_o upon_o moses_n who_o be_v thenceforward_o a_o absolute_a king_n and_o by_o he_o only_a god_n reign_v over_o the_o jew_n moreover_o because_o religion_n become_v a_o law_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a government_n moses_n can_v punish_v none_o before_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v because_o than_o no_o man_n have_v part_v with_o his_o own_o power_n and_o right_n they_o break_v the_o sabbath_n before_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o be_v not_o punish_v as_o appear_v exod._n chap._n v._n 27._o but_o after_o the_o covenant_n when_o every_o man_n have_v part_v with_o his_o natural_a right_n he_o that_o break_v the_o sabbath_n only_o by_o gather_v stick_n be_v stone_v as_o appear_v numb_a chap._n 15._o v._n 36._o and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n when_o the_o people_n have_v part_v with_o their_o power_n become_v a_o law_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n last_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n also_o when_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v destroy_v reveal_v religion_n have_v no_o long_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n for_o without_o doubt_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o jew_n transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n the_o covenant_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n cease_v for_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n the_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o promise_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n become_v void_a and_o they_o can_v no_o long_o perform_v it_o from_o the_o time_n they_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n they_o be_v no_o long_o in_o their_o own_o power_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n and_o their_o own_o country_n but_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o sixteen_o chapter_n and_o by_o what_o jeremy_n say_v chap._n 29._o v._n 7._o seek_v you_o the_o peace_n of_o that_o city_n whither_o i_o have_v cause_v you_o to_o be_v earry_v captive_n and_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o for_o in_o the_o peace_n thereof_o shall_v you_o have_v peace_n they_o can_v not_o seek_v or_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o that_o city_n as_o minister_n of_o government_n because_o they_o be_v captive_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o as_o servant_n or_o subject_n by_o keep_v themselves_o free_a from_o sedition_n and_o by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o the_o government_n though_o very_o different_a from_o those_o of_o their_o own_o country_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n obtain_v the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o power_n be_v destroy_v religion_n be_v no_o more_o a_o law_n or_o command_n of_o that_o particular_a government_n but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o general_n dictate_v of_o reason_n i_o say_v of_o reason_n because_o catholic_n religion_n be_v not_o yet_o know_v by_o revelation_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o reveal_v acquire_v the_o force_n of_o a_o command_n only_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o god_n have_v no_o peculiar_a kingdom_n over_o man_n but_o by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o this_o be_v make_v more_o clear_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v show_v that_o all_o god_n decree_n imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n nor_o can_v we_o conceive_v god_n as_o a_o prince_n or_o lawgiver_n to_o man_n therefore_o divine_a document_n make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n immediate_o from_o god_n but_o must_v necessary_o receive_v it_o from_o those_o or_o by_o their_o mean_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o command_v and_o make_v law_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n only_o we_o apprehend_v that_o god_n reign_v over_o man_n and_o direct_v humane_a affair_n according_a to_o justice_n and_o equity_n which_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o experience_n for_o we_o can_v find_v no_o footstep_n of_o divine_a justice_n but_o where_o the_o just_a reign_n otherwise_o to_o use_v solomon_n expression_n once_o more_o the_o like_a event_n be_v to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a which_o make_v many_o doubt_n god_n providence_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v immediate_o reign_v over_o man_n and_o make_v universal_a nature_n only_o for_o their_o use_n see_v then_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o
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 subject_a of_o continual_a cavil_v and_o that_o supreme_a magistrate_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v this_o power_n without_o contention_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o prejudice_n to_o religion_n if_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o i_o will_v confess_v all_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v mere_a theoretical_a speculative_a notion_n of_o no_o use_n but_o any_o person_n that_o will_v but_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v the_o beginning_n of_o christian_a religion_n may_v easy_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o that_o first_o teach_v christian_n religion_n be_v not_o king_n but_o private_a person_n who_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o those_o in_o supreme_a power_n who_o subject_n they_o be_v preach_v in_o private_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o institute_v form_n of_o worship_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v or_o account_v give_v to_o the_o government_n and_o likewise_o regulate_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n though_o christian_a religion_n after_o many_o year_n begin_v to_o be_v profess_v in_o commonwealth_n by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n yet_o the_o ecclesiastic_n who_o instruct_v emperor_n and_o king_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v without_o any_o difficulty_n still_o acknowledge_v teacher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o god_n word_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o god_n minister_n but_o that_o christian_a king_n and_o prince_n may_v not_o afterward_o assume_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o themselves_o churchman_n very_o wary_o provide_v against_o it_o by_o forbid_v the_o chief_a minister_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o church_n to_o marry_v by_o multiply_v the_o doctrine_n and_o tenet_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o prodigious_a number_n and_o by_o so_o confound_v they_o with_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o chief_a interpreter_n and_o judge_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n as_o
man_n fidelity_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o his_o faith_n towards_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o know_v only_o by_o his_o work_n namely_o by_o charity_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o best_a commonwealth_n will_v give_v every_o man_n the_o same_o liberty_n of_o reason_v that_o they_o do_v of_o believe_v i_o confess_v by_o such_o a_o liberty_n some_o inconvenience_n may_v sometime_o happen_v but_o what_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n can_v prevent_v all_o inconvenience_n he_o that_o by_o law_n think_v to_o prevent_v all_o will_v soon_o provoke_v then_o amend_v vicious_a men._n inconvenience_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v prevent_v or_o avoid_v must_v be_v tolerate_v we_o must_v bear_v with_o they_o though_o we_o suffer_v by_o they_o of_o how_o many_o mischief_n be_v luxury_n drunkenness_n envy_n and_o covetousness_n the_o cause_n yet_o these_o be_v tolerate_v because_o though_o they_o be_v vice_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o law_n to_o restrain_v they_o how_o much_o more_o than_o aught_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v allow_v which_o be_v true_o a_o virtue_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v suppress_v no_o inconvenience_n can_v arise_v from_o it_o which_o may_v not_o as_o i_o will_v prove_v be_v avoid_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n beside_o this_o liberty_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o art_n and_o science_n in_o which_o the_o great_a proficiency_n be_v make_v by_o those_o man_n who_o have_v their_o judgement_n free_a from_o preoccupation_n but_o suppose_v man_n mouth_n may_v be_v stop_v and_o so_o awe_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o utter_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o impossible_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o think_v what_o they_o please_v and_o when_o man_n think_v ill_a of_o magistrate_n there_o breach_n of_o faith_n soon_o follow_v and_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o abominable_a flattery_n perfidy_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o ingenious_a arts._n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o talk_v the_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o keep_v they_o silent_a the_o more_o many_o time_n will_v they_o talk_v perhaps_o covetous_a man_n flatterer_n and_o mean-spirited_n people_n who_o place_n their_o chief_a felicity_n in_o fill_v their_o bag_n and_o their_o belly_n may_v hold_v their_o peace_n but_o virtuous_a honest_a man_n who_o have_v have_v liberal_a education_n can_v be_v silent_a such_o be_v man_n nature_n that_o nothing_o be_v a_o great_a vexation_n to_o they_o than_o to_o see_v those_o opinion_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a condemn_v and_o themselves_o account_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a for_o do_v that_o which_o they_o think_v be_v their_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o make_v they_o detest_v the_o law_n and_o count_v any_o seditious_a attempt_n against_o the_o magistrate_n lawful_a and_o just_a in_o law_n against_o opinion_n wicked_a man_n be_v seldom_o concern_v such_o law_n be_v common_o make_v not_o to_o restrain_v bad_a but_o to_o provoke_v good_a man_n and_o can_v be_v defend_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o danger_n to_o the_o government_n such_o law_n be_v likewise_o useless_a for_o man_n can_v obey_v law_n which_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n they_o firm_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o think_v those_o opinion_n false_a take_v the_o law_n that_o condemn_v they_o to_o be_v be_v their_o privilege_n wherein_o they_o so_o triumph_v that_o afterward_o the_o magistrate_n if_o he_o will_v be_v not_o able_a to_o repeal_v they_o last_o the_o make_n of_o such_o law_n have_v often_o cause_v great_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o man_n do_v not_o hope_v with_o the_o general_a applause_n of_o the_o people_n to_o insult_v over_o their_o adversary_n and_o get_v preferment_n by_o 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do_v not_o think_v it_o shameful_a but_o glorious_a to_o die_v for_o liberty_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n to_o who_o can_v their_o death_n be_v a_o terror_n the_o base_a ignorant_a multitude_n know_v not_o why_o they_o suffer_v honest_a man_n be_v their_o friend_n and_o none_o but_o seditious_a person_n their_o enemy_n and_o all_o but_o base_a sycophant_n and_o flatterer_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v their_o example_n that_o faith_n and_o honesty_n than_o may_v be_v in_o great_a esteem_n than_o flattery_n and_o dissimulation_n that_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v keep_v their_o power_n and_o not_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o seditious_a person_n liberty_n of_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v allow_v and_o man_n be_v so_o to_o be_v govern_v that_o though_o they_o be_v of_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n they_o may_v however_o live_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o amity_n without_o doubt_v this_o way_n of_o govern_v be_v best_o and_o subject_a to_o least_o inconvenience_n see_v it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nature_n for_o in_o democratical_a government_n which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n all_o covenant_n to_o act_n but_o not_o to_o reason_n and_o judge_v by_o common_a consent_n my_o meaning_n be_v because_o all_o man_n can_v think_v the_o same_o thing_n they_o have_v agree_v to_o make_v that_o a_o bind_a law_n which_o have_v most_o voice_n reserve_v still_o a_o power_n of_o repeal_n that_o law_n when_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v least_o liberty_n allow_v of_o judge_v there_o man_n be_v far_a from_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o the_o government_n be_v full_a of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o from_o this_o liberty_n can_v arise_v no_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v not_o with_o ease_n avoid_v and_o keep_v man_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n from_o hurt_v one_o another_o i_o need_v not_o go_v far_o for_o example_n the_o city_n of_o amsterdam_n have_v to_o the_o wonder_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o its_o own_o great_a advantage_n taste_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o liberty_n for_o in_o that_o flourish_a commonwealth_n and_o famous_a city_n man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n live_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o when_o they_o will_v trust_v any_o man_n with_o good_n or_o money_n they_o only_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v rich_a or_o poor_a or_o whether_o in_o his_o deal_v he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o his_o word_n or_o a_o cheat_a knave_n they_o never_o inquire_v of_o what_o religion_n or_o sect_n he_o be_v neither_o be_v that_o regard_v in_o any_o court_n of_o justice_n there_o be_v no_o sect_n so_o odious_a but_o have_v the_o public_a magistrate_n protection_n if_o they_o do_v no_o man_n wrong_v live_v honest_o and_o give_v every_o one_o his_o due_a how_o great_a a_o schism_n be_v there_o occasion_v not_o long_o since_o by_o a_o controversy_n in_o religion_n between_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o contra-remonstrants_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o many_o example_n that_o law_n make_v to_o take_v away_o dispute_v concern_v religion_n do_v much_o more_o provoke_v than_o pacify_v people_n and_o make_v some_o take_v the_o great_a liberty_n schism_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o study_n of_o truth_n that_o fountain_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n but_o from_o a_o imperious_a humour_n of_o prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o damn_v other_o man_n write_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o waspish_a multitude_n against_o they_o than_o those_o that_o write_v to_o learned_a man_n and_o call_v nothing_o but_o reason_n to_o their_o aid_n so_o that_o they_o be_v true_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n who_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n will_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n judgement_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppress_v we_o have_v now_o show_v first_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o take_v away_o man_n liberty_n of_o speak_v what_o they_o think_v second_o that_o this_o liberty_n may_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n be_v grant_v to_o every_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n may_v use_v this_o liberty_n provide_v he_o design_v no_o innovation_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o act_v nothing_o against_o the_o know_a establish_a law_n thereof_o three_o that_o this_o liberty_n which_o every_o man_n may_v enjoy_v if_o he_o do_v not_o break_v the_o public_a peace_n can_v cause_v no_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v not_o easy_o be_v restrain_v or_o remedy_v four_o that_o all_o man_n may_v make_v use_n of_o this_o liberty_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o impiety_n five_o that_o all_o law_n make_v concern_v opinion_n and_o matter_n mere_o speculative_a be_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a six_o and_o last_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o this_o liberty_n may_v not_o only_o be_v allow_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o public_a peace_n piety_n and_o to_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o these_o for_o where_o there_o be_v endeavour_n to_o take_v away_o this_o liberty_n and_o man_n be_v arraign_v only_o for_o opinion_n without_o examine_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o evil_a intention_n there_o honest_a man_n be_v make_v example_n and_o suffer_v a_o martyrdom_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o terrify_v but_o irritate_v and_o move_v the_o people_n to_o pity_n and_o revenge_n learn_v and_o art_n decay_v faith_n be_v corrupt_v flatterer_n and_o perfidious_a person_n be_v countenance_v adversary_n triumph_v in_o have_v their_o will_n and_o prevail_v on_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o embrace_v their_o doctrine_n which_o at_o last_o incline_v they_o not_o only_o to_o undervalue_v but_o usurp_v their_o authority_n boast_v they_o be_v god_n elect_n that_o their_o power_n be_v from_o god_n but_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n only_o from_o man_n and_o consequent_o the_o magistrate_n power_n subordinate_a to_o they_o which_o absolute_o destroy_v the_o very_a be_v of_o all_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o 18_o the_o chapter_n a_o commonwealth_n great_a safety_n be_v to_o place_n religion_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o make_v thing_n sacred_a as_o much_o subject_n to_o supreme_a power_n as_o thing_n civil_a and_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o nothing_o but_o man_n action_n suffer_v every_o man_n to_o think_v what_o he_o will_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v i_o have_v now_o in_o this_o treatise_n do_v what_o i_o design_v and_o i_o do_v again_o sincere_o profess_v that_o i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o free_o submit_v to_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o my_o country_n if_o they_o think_v any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n or_o public_a safety_n thereof_o i_o recant_v it_o i_o know_v myself_o a_o man_n subject_n to_o error_n but_o my_o chief_a care_n have_v be_v to_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_n to_o reason_n to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o country_n and_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n finis_fw-la
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
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