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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n wonder_v word_n write_v 18 3 4.7653 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61130 A treatise partly theological, and partly political containing some few discourses, to prove that the liberty of philosophizing (that is making use of natural reason) may be allow'd without any prejudice to piety, or to the peace of any common-wealth, and that the loss of public peace and religion it self must necessarily follow, where such a liberty of reasoning is taken away / translated out of Latin.; Tractatus theologico-politicus. English Spinoza, Benedictus de, 1632-1677. 1689 (1689) Wing S4985; ESTC R21627 207,956 494

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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 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human_a invention_n pass_v
be_v deep_a mystery_n hide_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o from_o thence_o have_v spring_v up_o intolerable_a superstition_n and_o many_o other_o mischievous_a inconvenience_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n i_o can_v not_o possible_o pass_v they_o by_o religion_n need_v not_o be_v attire_v with_o any_o superstitious_a ornament_n but_o rather_o lose_v part_n of_o its_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n when_o it_o be_v adorn_v with_o such_o foppery_n but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o though_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n yet_o nevertheless_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o say_v of_o scripture_n as_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v maim_v or_o corrupt_v i_o on_o the_o other_o side_n fear_v such_o man_n pretend_v too_o much_o sanctity_n and_o convert_v religion_n into_o superstition_n yea_o that_o they_o worship_v picture_n and_o image_n that_o be_v paper_n and_o ink_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o misbecome_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o no_o position_n which_o i_o have_v not_o make_v good_a by_o clear_a reason_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v positive_o aver_v that_o i_o have_v not_o publish_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v impious_a or_o that_o savour_v of_o the_o least_o impiety_n i_o confess_v some_o profane_a person_n to_o who_o religion_n be_v a_o burden_n may_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v and_o without_o any_o reason_n indulge_v their_o sensual_a pleasure_n may_v infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o faulty_a and_o falsify_v and_o consequent_o of_o no_o authority_n to_o such_o man_n nothing_o will_v be_v a_o answer_n for_o according_a to_o the_o common_a say_n that_o which_o be_v never_o so_o well_o and_o true_o speak_v may_v be_v abuse_v by_o a_o ill_a and_o sinister_a interpretation_n they_o that_o 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the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o give_v any_o occasion_n for_o man_n to_o be_v wicked_a or_o ungodly_a that_o be_v call_v holy_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o piety_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o thing_n continue_v holy_a so_o long_o as_o man_n make_v a_o religious_a use_n thereof_o when_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v religious_a that_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v sacred_a and_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v use_v to_o impious_a purpose_n than_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o sacred_a become_v unholy_a and_o profane_a for_o example_n the_o very_a place_n call_v by_o jacob_n the_o patriarch_n beth-el_a the_o house_n of_o god_n because_o he_o there_o worship_v god_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v afterward_o call_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o house_n of_o iniquity_n amos_n chap._n 5._o v._n 5._o hoshea_n chap._n 10._o v._n 5._o because_o the_o israelite_n by_o the_o command_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la do_v there_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n another_o example_n will_v plain_o 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you_o have_v the_o scripture_n yet_o you_o false_o say_v you_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n since_o you_o have_v make_v it_o of_o no_o effect_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o moses_n break_v the_o first_o table_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o in_o anger_n he_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o god_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o break_v it_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o think_v so_o he_o break_v only_o the_o stone_n which_o though_o before_o account_v sacred_a because_o upon_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o covenant_n by_o which_o the_o jew_n bound_v themselves_o to_o obey_v god_n yet_o afterward_o have_v not_o the_o least_o sanctity_n in_o they_o because_o the_o people_n by_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n make_v that_o covenant_n void_a for_o the_o same_o cause_n the_o second_o table_n with_o the_o ark_n wherein_o they_o be_v keep_v may_v likewise_o perish_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o none_o of_o those_o original_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o that_o the_o like_a shall_v befall_v the_o book_n 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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
of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n let_v man_n cease_v to_o adore_v the_o letter_n and_o not_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o holiness_n and_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v proper_o mean_v by_o debar_v jehovah_n the_o word_n of_o god._n debar_v signify_v word_n speech_n decree_n thing_n now_o upon_o what_o ground_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n or_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o that_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v there_o say_v or_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o miracle_n it_o be_v evident_a what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o make_v the_o thing_n very_o clear_a i_o need_v only_o declare_v that_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v predicate_v of_o any_o subject_n which_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o it_o proper_o signify_v that_o divine_a law_n of_o which_o we_o treat_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n namely_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n mention_v in_o isaiah_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o where_o the_o prophet_n declare_v that_o the_o right_a way_n of_o live_v consist_v in_o charity_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o pure_a heart_n which_o he_o call_v the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v also_o take_v metaphorical_o for_o the_o order_n or_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o fate_n because_o it_o follow_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n particular_o for_o whatever_o the_o prophet_n foresee_v in_o this_o course_n of_o nature_n because_o the_o prophet_n understand_v future_a event_n not_o by_o natural_a cause_n but_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god._n moreover_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o which_o any_o prophet_n command_v or_o declare_v because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o by_o natural_a light_n but_o by_o the_o singular_a virtue_n and_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o more_o especial_o because_o the_o prophet_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n apprehend_v god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o lawgiver_n for_o these_o three_o reason_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o because_o it_o teach_v we_o true_a religion_n whereof_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n be_v the_o author_n second_o because_o it_o make_v prophecy_n to_o be_v god_n decree_n and_o last_o because_o the_o author_n of_o those_o prophecy_n teach_v for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v by_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o a_o faculty_n and_o gift_n peculiar_a only_o to_o they_o and_o introduce_v god_n speak_v as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o now_o though_o the_o scripture_n contain_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v mere_o historical_a and_o may_v be_v unnderstood_v by_o natural_a knowledge_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o other_o particular_n i_o have_v last_o mention_v so_o that_o now_o we_o plain_o see_v why_o god_n be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o not_o because_o it_o contain_v and_o have_v communicate_v to_o we_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v also_o learn_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n because_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o prophet_n preach_v religion_n as_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o force_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o moses_n time_n but_o after_o christ_n come_n because_o the_o apostle_n preach_v religion_n upon_o christ_n account_n as_o a_o law_n universal_a to_o all_o mankind_n not_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n differ_v in_o doctrine_n or_o that_o the_o book_n of_o either_o testament_n be_v the_o deed_n and_o indenture_n of_o the_o write_a covenant_n nor_o last_o because_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v universal_a be_v new_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o know_v it_o not_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o if_o then_o we_o have_v not_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v god_n word_n as_o it_o proper_o signify_v true_a religion_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v any_o part_n thereof_o be_v want_v though_o we_o lack_v many_o of_o those_o other_o excellent_a write_n namely_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v so_o religious_o keep_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o the_o original_a wherein_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o write_v with_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o war_n and_o record_n of_o time_n from_o whence_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v transcribe_v and_o collect_v and_o this_o be_v make_v good_a by_o many_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n be_v not_o write_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o age_n but_o by_o chance_n for_o some_o particular_a people_n and_o that_o as_o the_o time_n and_o their_o particular_a disposition_n require_v which_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v call_v to_o warn_v and_o reprove_v the_o ungodly_a of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o also_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n second_o because_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v one_o thing_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o thing_n be_v another_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o prophet_n which_o distinction_n likewise_o hold_v in_o history_n and_o miracle_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n but_o in_o understand_a place_n which_o treat_v of_o true_a religion_n and_o real_a virtue_n no_o such_o distinction_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v three_o because_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o many_o other_o and_o be_v approve_v and_o join_v together_o by_o a_o council_n of_o the_o pharisee_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o certain_a council_n when_o several_a other_o book_n by_o many_o account_v sacred_a be_v reject_v as_o spurious_a these_o council_n both_o of_o pharisee_n and_o christian_n be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o be_v no_o prophet_n but_o only_o learn_v doctor_n yet_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v that_o in_o this_o choice_n they_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o rule_n so_o that_o before_o they_o give_v their_o approbation_n to_o the_o book_n they_o ought_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n four_o because_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v as_o prophet_n but_o only_o as_o teacher_n and_o choose_v that_o way_n of_o instruct_v which_o every_o one_o judge_v most_o easy_a for_o his_o disciple_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v as_o we_o have_v conclude_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o say_a chapter_n that_o their_o write_n contain_v many_o thing_n whereof_o in_o respect_n to_o religion_n we_o have_v no_o absolute_a need_n five_o and_o last_o because_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v four_o who_o we_o call_v evangelist_n but_o who_o believe_v it_o be_v god_n express_a will_n that_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v four_o time_n tell_v and_o deliver_v to_o man_n in_o write_v though_o thing_n may_v be_v contain_v in_o one_o which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o and_o that_o one_o help_n to_o understand_v another_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o four_o declare_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o they_o to_o write_v purposely_o that_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v for_o every_o one_o preach_v his_o own_o gospel_n in_o several_a place_n and_o every_o one_o write_v what_o he_o preach_v plain_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o faithful_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o not_o for_o any_o explanation_n to_o the_o rest_n if_o by_o mutual_o compare_v they_o together_o they_o be_v sometimes_o more_o easy_o and_o better_a understand_v that_o happen_v by_o chance_n and_o only_o in_o very_o few_o place_n of_o which_o though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a the_o history_n notwithstanding_o will_v be_v very_o perspicuous_a and_o
man_n nevertheless_o bless_v and_o happy_a have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n only_o and_o the_o universal_a divine_a law_n be_v proper_o call_v scripture_n it_o now_o remain_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v neither_o maim_v faulty_a or_o corrupt_v and_o here_o i_o call_v that_o thing_n faulty_a maim_a and_o corrupt_v which_o be_v so_o false_o write_v and_o compose_v that_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n can_v either_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o language_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v find_v out_o for_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o divine_a law_n always_o observe_v the_o same_o letter_n point_n accent_n and_o word_n i_o leave_v that_o to_o the_o masorite_n who_o so_o superstitious_o adore_v the_o letter_n but_o only_o that_o the_o signification_n and_o sense_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o only_o any_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v call_v divine_a be_v derive_v to_o we_o uncorrupted_a though_o the_o word_n whereby_o that_o sense_n be_v signify_v have_v be_v often_o change_v that_o can_v as_o we_o have_v say_v detract_v from_o the_o sacredness_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v one_o jot_n less_o divine_a have_v it_o be_v write_v in_o other_o word_n or_o in_o any_o other_o language_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o divine_a law_n in_o this_o respect_n uncorrupted_a no_o body_n can_v question_v for_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o without_o any_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n we_o perceive_v that_o the_o sum_n thereof_o be_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o this_o can_v be_v adulterate_v nor_o write_v by_o a_o too_o hasty_a err_a pen_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n ever_o teach_v any_o other_o thing_n it_o must_v necessary_o teach_v all_o other_o thing_n otherwise_o see_v this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n take_v away_o this_o foundation_n and_o the_o whole_a fabric_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o scripture_n but_o quite_o another_o book_n it_o remain_v then_o without_o controversy_n this_o be_v always_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o no_o error_n can_v creep_v into_o it_o to_o corrupt_v its_o sense_n which_o will_v have_v be_v quick_o perceive_v by_o every_o body_n and_o who_o ever_o have_v go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v it_o his_o malice_n will_v have_v present_o appear_v if_o then_o this_o foundation_n be_v immovable_a and_o incorruptible_a the_o same_o must_v be_v conclude_v of_o other_o thing_n which_o indisputable_o follow_v from_o it_o and_o which_o be_v also_o fundamental_o as_o that_o god_n be_v that_o he_o provide_v for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o that_o he_o have_v decree_v it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o good_a and_o ill_o with_o wicked-man_n and_o that_o our_o salvation_n depend_v only_o upon_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o plain_o teach_v and_o aught_o always_o to_o teach_v else_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v vain_a and_o without_o any_o foundation_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o corrupt_v any_o other_o moral_a doctrine_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o and_o evident_o follow_v from_o this_o foundation_n namely_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o succour_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o distress_n not_o to_o kill_v not_o to_o covet_v and_o none_o of_o these_o moral_a precept_n can_v be_v misinterpret_v or_o corrupt_v by_o malice_n or_o obliterated_a by_o length_n of_o time_n if_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v blot_v out_o they_o will_v be_v again_o dictate_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o first_o general_a foundation_n and_o more_o especial_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v every_o where_o so_o much_o commend_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o wickedness_n which_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o some_o person_n or_o other_o have_v not_o commit_v yet_o never_o be_v there_o any_o man_n who_o to_o excuse_v or_o justify_v his_o crime_n endeavour_v to_o blot_v out_o the_o law_n or_o to_o preach_v impiety_n for_o good_a and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v every_o man_n nature_n whether_o king_n or_o subject_a when_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a to_o palliate_v the_o fact_n with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v as_o little_a as_o be_v possible_a dishonest_a or_o unjust_a we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o universal_a divine_a law_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v be_v deliver_v and_o derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o incorruptible_a there_o be_v other_o thing_n also_o which_o have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o we_o namely_o the_o general_a collection_n of_o scripture_n history_n because_o they_o be_v universal_o know_v the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v the_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a fact_n of_o their_o nation_n in_o psalm_n or_o song_n the_o principal_a thing_n do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o passion_n be_v quick_o publish_v through_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v unless_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n shall_v agree_v in_o that_o which_o be_v incredible_a that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o scripture_n history_n shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o posterity_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v first_o receive_v whatever_o then_o be_v adulterate_v or_o faulty_a must_v happen_v only_o in_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n of_o a_o prophecy_n or_o history_n the_o more_o to_o move_v people_n to_o devotion_n or_o in_o some_o miracle_n to_o puzzle_v and_o nonplus_n philosopher_n or_o last_o in_o matter_n speculative_a after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o religion_n by_o schismatic_n abuse_v divine_a authority_n to_o support_v their_o own_o invention_n but_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o adulterate_v and_o corrupt_v do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v salvation_n which_o i_o will_v express_o show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n though_o i_o think_v enough_o have_v be_v already_o say_v to_o prove_v it_o in_o this_o and_o the_o second_o chapter_n chap._n xiii_o show_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a intend_v nothing_o but_o man_n obedience_n neither_o do_v it_o teach_v or_o declare_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o a_o man_n may_v in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o life_n in_o some_o degree_n imitate_v we_o have_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o so_o much_o excel_v in_o perfection_n of_o mind_n and_o understanding_n as_o in_o a_o singular_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o imagination_n that_o god_n reveal_v to_o they_o no_o deep_a point_n of_o philosophy_n but_o only_a thing_n very_o plain_a and_o easy_a condesend_v and_o apply_v himself_o to_o their_o capacity_n and_o preconceived_a opinion_n we_o have_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n show_v that_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v and_o teach_v thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v render_v they_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o man_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v deduce_v and_o link_v thing_n together_o by_o maxim_n and_o definition_n but_o only_o plain_o relate_v and_o declare_v thing_n and_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v confirm_v what_o it_o say_v by_o experience_n that_o be_v by_o miracle_n and_o history_n make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o style_n and_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o move_v and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o common_a people_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o prove_v the_o three_o particular_a of_o the_o six_o chapter_n last_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o language_n wherein_o it_o be_v original_o write_v and_o not_o in_o the_o sublimity_n and_o abstruceness_n of_o the_o subject_a whereof_o it_o treat_v and_o moreover_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o preach_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a but_o in_o general_a to_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o common_a and_o universal_a assembly_n of_o all_o people_n by_o all_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o scripture_n doctrine_n contain_v no_o high_a speculation_n nor_o philosophical_a argument_n but_o only_a thing_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a by_o the_o mean_a and_o dull_a capacity_n i_o strange_o admire_v the_o accuteness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o discover_v in_o the_o scripture_n mystery_n so_o profound_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n to_o unfold_v they_o and_o who_o have_v