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author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o be_v excuse_v that_o in_o the_o 21_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 11_o the_o chap._n of_o that_o epistle_n he_o explain_v the_o text_n in_o the_o 31_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 47_o the_o chap._n of_o genesis_n quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o point_a hebrew_n text_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v to_o learn_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o punctist_n in_o my_o opinion_n the_o punctist_n be_v mistake_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o be_v and_o that_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o two_o interpretation_n arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o vowel_n i_o will_v give_v you_o both_o the_o punctist_n by_o their_o point_n render_v the_o text_n in_o genesis_n thus_o and_o israel_n bow_v himself_o upon_o or_o by_o change_v hgain_o into_o aleph_fw-la a_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o organ_n towards_o the_o bed_n head_n but_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n say_v israel_n bow_v himself_o lean_v upon_o the_o 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difficulty_n in_o this_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o such_o a_o history_n as_o may_v be_v have_v of_o it_o of_o which_o i_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o i_o think_v they_o so_o great_a that_o i_o may_v bold_o say_v we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n or_o at_o most_o we_o can_v without_o any_o certainty_n but_o guess_n at_o it_o however_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o those_o difficulty_n can_v only_o hinder_v we_o from_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o thing_n imperceptible_a which_o we_o can_v only_o imagine_v but_o not_o in_o thing_n intelligible_a of_o which_o we_o may_v form_v clear_a conception_n for_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v easy_o conceive_v can_v never_o be_v speak_v so_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
just_a or_o unjust_a pious_a or_o impious_a and_o then_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o right_o be_v best_a maintain_v and_o the_o government_n most_o safe_a where_o every_o man_n have_v free_a liberty_n to_o think_v and_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n philosophical_a reader_n which_o i_o offer_v to_o thy_o examination_n believe_v they_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o thou_o for_o the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o the_o subject_a as_o well_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n as_o of_o every_o single_a chapter_n to_o which_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v but_o to_o this_o preface_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o dimension_n of_o a_o volume_n the_o chief_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o philosopher_n to_o other_o i_o care_v not_o to_o commend_v this_o treatise_n because_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o hope_n they_o will_v like_v it_o i_o know_v how_o fast_o those_o prejudices_fw-la stick_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v embrace_v under_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v also_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o root_v out_o superstition_n as_o fear_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o common_a people_n who_o constancy_n be_v but_o contumacy_n and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n but_o always_o rash_o praise_v or_o dispraise_v the_o vulgar_a therefore_o and_o all_o of_o like_a affection_n with_o they_o i_o do_v not_o invite_v to_o read_v these_o thing_n i_o have_v rather_o they_o shall_v contemn_v the_o book_n then_o be_v troublesome_a by_o make_v perverse_a construction_n of_o it_o as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n not_o profit_v themselves_o but_o hinder_v other_o who_o will_v reason_v more_o like_a philosopher_n do_v they_o not_o think_v reason_n aught_o to_o be_v but_o a_o handmaid_n to_o divinity_n to_o man_n of_o that_o opinion_n i_o think_v this_o work_n extreme_o useful_a but_o because_o many_o have_v neither_o mind_n or_o leisure_n to_o read_v these_o thing_n i_o be_o force_v here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o treatise_n to_o declare_v i_o have_v write_v nothing_o which_o i_o do_v not_o willing_o submit_v to_o the_o examination_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o my_o country_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v think_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n or_o public_a peace_n of_o it_o i_o willing_o unsay_v and_o recant_v it_o i_o know_v myself_o a_o man_n subject_a to_o mistake_v but_o i_o have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n i_o can_v not_o to_o err_v and_o particular_o that_o whatever_o i_o write_v may_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o country_n and_o agreeable_a to_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n chap._n i._n of_o prophesy_v chap._n ii_o of_o prophet_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o whether_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o jew_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o divine_a law._n chap._n v._n the_o reason_n why_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v of_o the_o belief_n of_o scripture-history_n why_o and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v necessary_a chap._n vi_o of_o miracle_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentatenk_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o several_a person_n or_o by_o one_o only_o and_o by_o who_o chap._n ix_o whether_o hesdras_n do_v perfect_o finish_v those_o book_n and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v but_o diverse_a reading_n chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o forementioned_a chap._n xi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n and_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a hand_n write_v or_o text_n of_o scripture_n why_o scripture_n be_v call_v holy_a and_o why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a chap._n xiii_o what_o be_v faith_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n chap._n fourteen_o divinity_z no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n upon_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n chap._n xv._n how_o commonwealth_n come_v to_o be_v found_v of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n chap._n xvi_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o part_n with_o all_o his_o particular_a right_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v while_o moses_n live_v and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o last_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n perish_v and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n chap._n xvii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xviii_o that_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o public_a religious_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god._n chap._n xix_o that_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v as_o he_o please_v and_o to_o speak_v what_o he_o think_v chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentateuk_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o several_a person_n or_o by_o one_o only_o and_o by_o who_o chap._n ix_o whether_o hesdras_n do_v perfect_o finish_v those_o book_n and_o whether_o the_o marginal_a note_n find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v but_o diverse_a reading_n chap._n x._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o forementioned_a chap._n xi_o whether_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n or_o only_o as_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n and_o what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o true_a original_a hand_n write_v or_o text_n of_o scripture_n why_o scripture_n be_v call_v holy_a and_o why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a chap._n xiii_o show_v that_o scripture_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a intend_v nothing_o but_o man_n obedience_n neither_o do_v it_o teach_v or_o declare_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o a_o man_n may_v in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o life_n in_o some_o degree_n imitate_v chap._n fourteen_o what_o be_v faith_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n chap._n xv._n divinity_z no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n upon_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n chap._n xvi_o how_o commonwealth_n come_v to_o be_v found_v of_o every_o man_n natural_a and_o civil_a right_n of_o the_o right_n of_o supreme_a power_n chap._n xvii_o no_o man_n can_v transfer_v or_o part_n with_o all_o his_o particular_a right_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v while_o moses_n live_v and_o what_o after_o his_o death_n before_o they_o choose_v king_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o last_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o divine_a a_o commonwealth_n perish_v and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o sedition_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n chap._n xix_o that_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o power_n but_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o public_a religious_a worship_n aught_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o we_o will_v right_o obey_v god._n chap._n xx._n that_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n it_o
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
for_o we_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n for_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v by_o natural_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o without_o some_o other_o light_n moreover_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o mind_v demonstration_n will_v entertain_v no_o scripture_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o philosopher_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o suppose_v philosopher_n can_v err_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o true_o will_v be_v a_o new_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o priesthood_n which_o the_o vulgar_a will_v rather_o scorn_v then_o reverence_n and_o though_o our_o method_n require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v no_o time_n to_o study_v nothing_o can_v upon_o that_o score_n be_v object_v for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o it_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n though_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v which_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v to_o make_v themselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o prophet_n meaning_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o method_n that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v necessary_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n that_o know_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o maimonides_n can_v never_o show_v i_o a_o common_a people_n that_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o knowledge_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o these_o day_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v not_o know_v may_v be_v easy_o understand_v in_o any_o language_n because_o they_o be_v so_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o for_o this_o knowledge_n the_o vulgar_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n in_o other_o thing_n they_o follow_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o to_o return_v to_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o maimonides_n opinion_n first_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v in_o all_o thing_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a philosopher_n because_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o their_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o second_o chapter_n to_o be_v false_a next_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v any_o thing_n nor_o do_v it_o prove_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v by_o definition_n and_o primary_n cause_n wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v neither_o appear_v or_o be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v likewise_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o present_a chapter_n for_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o example_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v derive_v thence_o even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n unknown_a to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n last_o maimonides_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o according_a to_o our_o preconceive_a opinion_n to_o expound_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o deny_v or_o change_v the_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o be_v it_o never_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a which_o liberty_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o what_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o this_o and_o other_o chapter_n and_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o boldness_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o this_o liberty_n what_o advantage_n will_v he_o get_v by_o it_o none_o at_o all_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v by_o this_o way_n make_v out_o nor_o by_o this_o rule_n expound_v or_o interpret_v they_o when_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o follow_v our_o method_n we_o may_v explain_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n perceptible_a their_o sense_n be_v easy_o draw_v from_o the_o context_n and_o as_o maimonides_n method_n be_v unprofitable_a so_o it_o take_v from_o the_o common_a people_n all_o certainty_n which_o they_o and_o all_o that_o follow_v any_o other_o method_n can_v by_o diligent_a read_n have_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o reject_v it_o as_o dangerous_a useless_a and_o absurd_a as_o for_o the_o forementioned_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o and_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n authority_n i_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n deny_v it_o but_o because_o it_o want_v clear_a proof_n for_o have_v they_o as_o much_o scripture_n to_o show_v for_o it_o as_o heretofore_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n have_v for_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o little_a concern_v that_o some_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o that_o the_o high-priest_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v sometime_o as_o bad_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o command_n of_o scripture_n have_v still_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 17_o chap._n of_o deut._n v._n 11_o 12._o chap._n 33._o v._n 10._o and_o mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o but_o because_o the_o pope_n can_v show_v we_o no_o such_o testimony_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o and_o think_v that_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a high-priest_n the_o catholic_a religion_n also_o want_v a_o high_a priest_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o public_a law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o need_v a_o public_a authority_n to_o maintain_v they_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n the_o public_a law_n as_o he_o please_v no_o commonwealth_n can_v stand_v but_o present_o dissolve_v and_o public_a law_n become_v private_a but_o in_o religion_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a for_o see_v religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o external_a action_n as_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v of_o no_o public_a power_n or_o authority_n for_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o infuse_v by_o the_o command_n of_o law_n or_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v compel_v by_o force_n or_o by_o law_n to_o be_v make_v holy_a nothing_o but_o good_a brotherly_a council_n education_n and_o a_o man_n own_o free_a judgement_n can_v do_v that_o see_v then_o every_o man_n have_v right_a to_o think_v of_o religion_n as_o he_o please_v and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v any_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o right_n it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o judge_v of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o expound_v and_o interpret_v it_o to_o himself_o for_o as_o the_o chief_n power_n of_o interpret_n law_n and_o judge_v of_o public_a matter_n reside_v in_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o be_v public_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o explain_v and_o judge_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o every_o particular_a person_n because_o it_o be_v every_o private_a man_n right_a the_o authority_n then_o of_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n to_o interpret_v law_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v the_o pope_n authority_n to_o interpret_v religion_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n i._o the_o best_a for_o see_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o interpret_n it_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o not_o any_o supernatural_a light_n or_o external_a authority_n this_o method_n ought_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a that_o none_o but_o acute_a philosopher_n can_v make_v use_n of_o or_o compose_v it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v
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
veneration_n when_o genesis_n be_v write_v and_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o true_a and_o clear_a answer_n because_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o forecited_a text_n of_o exodus_fw-la that_o god_n be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o his_o name_n jehovah_n and_o because_o also_o in_o exod._n chap._n 3._o v._n 13._o moses_n desire_v to_o know_v god_n name_n which_o must_v have_v be_v know_v to_o he_o have_v it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n before_o he_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o faithful_a patriarch_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o gift_n not_o a_o command_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o particular_a that_o god_n require_v from_o man_n by_o his_o prophet_n no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love_n that_o be_v those_o attribute_n which_o man_n in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o live_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n imitate_v which_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n in_o express_a word_n declare_v for_o chap._n 20._o v._n 15_o 16._o speak_v of_o king_n josiah_n he_o say_v do_v not_o thy_o father_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o do_v judgement_n and_o justice_n and_o then_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o he_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o needy_a than_o it_o be_v well_o with_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n nor_o be_v those_o word_n less_o clear_a chap._n 9_o v._n 24._o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o exercise_v love_a kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n we_o have_v a_o further_a proof_n exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6._o where_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v and_o know_v god_n god_n reveal_v no_o other_o attribute_n to_o he_o but_o such_o as_o declare_v his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love._n last_o how_o express_v in_o the_o point_n be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n john_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n because_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v god_n he_o make_v god_n know_v only_o by_o love_n and_o conclude_v that_o he_o know_v god_n and_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o who_o have_v charity_n we_o see_v then_o that_o moses_n jeremy_n and_o john_n comprise_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v in_o that_o only_a wherein_o we_o say_v it_o be_v comprehend_v namely_o in_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v superlative_o just_a and_o merciful_a and_o the_o only_a pattern_n of_o a_o good_a life_n the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o give_v any_o express_a and_o positive_a definition_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v it_o prescribe_v any_o other_o attribute_n to_o be_v imitate_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o but_o those_o we_o have_v name_v nor_o be_v those_o express_o commend_v as_o attribute_n so_o that_o from_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o intellectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o consider_v god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n which_o nature_n no_o man_n can_v by_o any_o certain_a course_n of_o life_n imitate_v or_o take_v for_o his_o pattern_n do_v not_o at_o all_o teach_v a_o man_n how_o to_o live_v well_o neither_o do_v it_o concern_v a_o man_n faith_n or_o reveal_v religion_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v infinite_o mistake_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o offend_v god._n let_v we_o not_o wonder_v then_o that_o god_n apply_v himself_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o preconceive_a opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o faithful_a believer_n have_v different_a opinion_n of_o god_n as_o by_o many_o instance_n we_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n nor_o let_v any_o man_n wonder_n that_o the_o sacred_a volume_n do_v every_o where_o speak_v so_o improper_o of_o god_n ascribe_v to_o he_o hand_n foot_n eye_n ear_n mind_n local_a motion_n yea_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n say_v he_o be_v jealous_a merciful_a etc._n etc._n and_o sometime_o set_v he_o out_o as_o a_o judge_n sit_v in_o heaven_n on_o a_o regal_a throne_n and_o christ_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n all_o which_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o the_o scripture_n intend_v to_o make_v obedient_a but_o not_o learned_a of_o these_o thing_n whatever_o ordinary_a profess_a divine_n have_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n discover_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o will_v have_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o that_o which_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n must_v be_v take_v literal_o if_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n must_v be_v take_v and_o understand_v metaphorical_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v for_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a common_a people_n but_o for_o the_o learned_a and_o especial_o for_o philosopher_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v sin_n pious_o and_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n to_o believe_v those_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o sacred_a volume_n have_v in_o the_o letter_n ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o prophet_n consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o common_a people_n understanding_n aught_o to_o have_v be_v very_o wary_a and_o careful_a what_o phrase_n and_o expression_n they_o use_v and_o shall_v have_v clear_o and_o plain_o which_o be_v no_o where_o do_v declare_v those_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v that_o opinion_n consider_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o without_o respect_n to_o a_o man_n work_n have_v any_o piety_n or_o impiety_n in_o they_o but_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v godly_a or_o ungodly_a in_o his_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o obedience_n or_o those_o that_o encourage_v he_o to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n though_o he_o right_o and_o true_o believe_v be_v stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a his_o faith_n be_v evil_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o yet_o live_v well_o his_o faith_n be_v good_a for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o precept_n but_o a_o divine_a gift_n and_o god_n never_o require_v from_o man_n any_o other_o knowledge_n than_o that_o of_o his_o divine_a love_n and_o justice_n which_o knowledge_n be_v necessary_a only_o to_o obedience_n not_o to_o science_n chap._n fourteen_o what_o be_v faith._n who_o be_v believer_n the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n state_v faith_n distinguish_v from_o philosophy_n or_o reason_n to_o understand_v true_o what_o faith_n be_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v not_o only_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o inconstant_a mutable_a vulgar_a people_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n of_o which_o no_o person_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o will_v but_o a_o little_a consider_v and_o observe_v the_o scripture_n he_o that_o will_v take_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v promiscuous_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v that_o universal_a positive_a doctrine_n whereby_o god_n be_v to_o be_v know_v can_v never_o right_o discern_v what_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a people_n opinion_n must_v take_v human_a fiction_n and_o fancy_n for_o heavenly_a instruction_n and_o consequent_o very_o much_o abuse_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n authority_n who_o do_v not_o plain_o see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n we_o have_v so_o many_o sectary_n who_o maintain_v their_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o be_v all_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o confirm_v by_o many_o scripture_n proof_n so_o that_o it_o be_v become_v a_o dutch_a proverb_n geen_n ketter_n sunder_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o sectary_n or_o heretic_n but_o have_v a_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o maintain_v his_o opinion_n the_o sacred_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o all_o write_v by_o one_o person_n nor_o for_o the_o people_n of_o one_o age_n but_o by_o divers_a person_n of_o different_a disposition_n and_o for_o the_o people_n of_o several_a age_n distant_a in_o time_n from_o one_o another_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n by_o some_o computation_n many_o more_o we_o do_v not_o charge_v these_o sectary_n with_o impiety_n for_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o opinion_n as_o heretofore_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o every_o one_o to_o apply_v scripture_n to_o his_o own_o opinion_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o
at_o that_o time_n to_o teach_v they_o the_o true_a and_o real_a attribute_n of_o his_o essence_n because_o he_o then_o reveal_v none_o to_o they_o but_o to_o break_v and_o subdue_v their_o rebellious_a and_o stubborn_a humour_n and_o draw_v they_o to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o set_v upon_o they_o with_o argument_n and_o reason_n but_o with_o tempest_n noise_n thunder_z and_o lightning_n as_o be_v record_v exod._n 20._o 20._o i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o between_o faith_n or_o theology_n and_o philosophy_n there_o be_v no_o commerce_n or_o affinity_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v who_o know_v how_o much_o the_o foundation_n and_o end_n of_o these_o two_o faculty_n differ_v for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o philosophy_n be_v verity_n and_o the_o intention_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o obedience_n and_o piety_n the_o fundadamental_n of_o philosophy_n be_v common_a notion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o from_o nature_n itself_o but_o the_o principle_n and_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o scripture-history_n scripture-language_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o from_o revelation_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n faith_n therefore_o allow_v every_o man_n such_o a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o reason_v or_o philosophize_v that_o he_o may_v think_v what_o he_o will_v of_o any_o thing_n provide_v he_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o condemn_v only_o those_o for_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o broach_n doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o disobedience_n hatred_n contention_n and_o wrath_n esteem_v only_o such_o to_o be_v believer_n who_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o persuade_v and_o practice_v justice_n and_o charity_n last_o because_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v what_o i_o chief_o intend_v in_o the_o whole_a treatise_n i_o earnest_o request_v the_o reader_n before_o i_o proceed_v further_o that_o he_o will_v again_o and_o again_o careful_o read_v and_o serious_o consider_v the_o content_n of_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v charity_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o have_v write_v nothing_o with_o design_n to_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o to_o rectify_v what_o be_v amiss_o which_o i_o hope_v ever_o long_o to_o see_v do_v chap._n xv._n theology_n or_o divinity_n be_v no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n among_o those_o that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v and_o divide_v philosophy_n from_o theology_n there_o be_v very_o great_a dispute_n whether_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o reason_n or_o reason_n to_o scripture_n that_o be_v whether_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o reason_n or_o whether_o reason_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o scripture_n the_o sceptic_n who_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n maintain_v one_o of_o these_o opinion_n and_o the_o dogmatist_n who_o judge_v all_o thing_n by_o reason_n the_o other_o but_o both_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v extreme_o mistake_v for_o whoever_o follow_v either_o of_o the_o two_o opinion_n must_v necessary_o deprave_v either_o reason_n or_o scripture_n we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o no_o philosophy_n but_o only_a piety_n and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o vulgar_a people_n whoever_o then_o go_v about_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o philosophy_n must_v father_n upon_o the_o prophet_n many_o thing_n whereof_o they_o do_v never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v and_o interpret_v that_o to_o be_v their_o meaning_n which_o never_o be_v he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n who_o make_v reason_n or_o philosophy_n a_o handmaid_n to_o divinity_n will_v be_v necessitate_v to_o let_v the_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o old_a time_n pass_v for_o divine_a truth_n possess_v and_o blind_a his_o understanding_n with_o error_n and_o prejudice_n and_o both_o run_v mad_a together_o without_o reason_n the_o first_o among_o the_o pharisee_n who_o open_o declare_v that_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o reason_n be_v maimonides_n who_o opinion_n we_o have_v hint_v and_o refute_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n but_o though_o this_o author_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o pharisee_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o sect_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o this_o point_n but_o general_o maintain_v the_o opinion_n of_o rabbi_n jehuda_n alpakhar_n who_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v the_o error_n of_o maimonides_n fall_v into_o the_o clean_a contrary_a opinion_n hold_v that_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o handmaid_n to_o scripture_n and_o whole_o subject_v to_o it_o and_o will_v have_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n metaphorical_o interpret_v because_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v contrary_a and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v so_o to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o be_v to_o the_o positive_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o whatever_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n affirm_v and_o teach_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o truth_n if_o no_o other_o position_n be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o do_v only_o consequential_o but_o not_o direct_o contradict_v it_o for_o there_o be_v some_o scripture_n expression_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v contradiction_n to_o what_o have_v be_v positive_o and_o express_o declare_v and_o therefore_o those_o place_n only_o be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o take_v for_o example_n deut._n 6.4_o it_o be_v plain_o and_o positive_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v but_o one_o but_o there_o be_v many_o place_n where_o god_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n which_o manner_n of_o speak_v suppose_v and_o imply_v more_o god_n than_o one_o though_o that_o do_v not_o clear_o and_o direct_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o word_n all_o those_o place_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v not_o because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o god_n than_o one_o but_o because_o the_o scripture_n itself_o direct_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o so_o likewise_o because_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 4._o 15._o do_v in_o the_o rabbi_n opinion_n direct_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v incorporeal_a therefore_o upon_o the_o authority_n only_o of_o this_o text_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v god_n have_v no_o body_n and_o consequent_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o take_v which_o ascribe_v to_o god_n hand_n foot_n or_o which_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n corporeal_a this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o author_n who_o i_o commend_v for_o explain_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n but_o i_o wonder_v that_o a_o rational_a man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o destroy_v reason_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v expound_v by_o scripture_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v doubt_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o gain_v our_o assent_n and_o consent_n to_o it_o for_o if_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o scripture_n though_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o at_o all_o convince_v by_o it_o must_v we_o submit_v with_o reason_n or_o like_o blind_a man_n without_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o if_o we_o submit_v without_o reason_n we_o do_v it_o foolish_o without_o judgement_n if_o we_o submit_v with_o reason_n then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o command_n and_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o we_o will_v not_o do_v be_v it_o contrary_a to_o reason_n who_o can_v in_o his_o mind_n believe_v or_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n which_o his_o reason_n flat_o oppose_v deny_v a_o thing_n with_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o gainsay_n and_o dissent_n of_o a_o man_n reason_n i_o extreme_o wonder_v some_o man_n shall_v subject_v that_o excellent_a gift_n and_o divine_a light_n reason_n to_o dead_a letter_n which_o humane_a malice_n may_v corrupt_v and_o misinterpret_v and_o yet_o account_v it_o no_o offence_n to_o speak_v unworthy_o against_o reason_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereon_o god_n have_v engrave_v his_o word_n say_v our_o reason_n be_v blind_v and_o lose_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n declare_v it_o be_v abominable_a wickedness_n to_o think_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o they_o
foundation_n and_o proper_a subject_n of_o philosophy_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v trouble_v or_o concern_v if_o after_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n seem_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n for_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n and_o of_o which_o man_n may_v without_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n be_v ignorant_a do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v theology_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o such_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v without_o sin_n think_v what_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o we_o positive_o conclude_v that_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o scripture_n nor_o scripture_n to_o reason_n but_o see_v the_o fundamental_a point_n in_o divinity_n of_o man_n be_v save_v only_o by_o obedience_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o may_v by_o way_n of_o objection_n be_v then_o ask_v why_o then_o do_v we_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o do_v it_o blind_o without_o reason_n we_o act_n like_o fool_n without_o judgement_n if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o say_v this_o fundamental_a tenet_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n than_o divinity_n be_v a_o part_n of_o philosophy_n and_o can_v be_v sever_v from_o it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o do_v clear_o confess_v this_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o theology_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o natural_a reason_n at_o least_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v have_v ever_o do_v it_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o case_n but_o yet_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o reason_n that_o what_o have_v be_v reveal_v may_v with_o a_o moral_a certainty_n be_v believe_v by_o we_o i_o say_v with_o moral_a certainty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o can_v have_v any_o great_a assurance_n than_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v first_o make_v and_o who_o have_v no_o more_o than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n they_o therefore_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a error_n who_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n by_o mathematical_a demonstration_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o strong_a argument_n than_o the_o prophet_n make_v use_v of_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o they_o our_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n can_v be_v ground_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o that_o whereon_o the_o prophet_n found_v their_o certainty_n and_o authority_n and_o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n consist_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o lively_a imagination_n second_o in_o a_o sign_n three_o and_o principal_o in_o a_o mind_n incline_v and_o devote_v to_o justice_n and_o virtue_n nor_o can_v they_o give_v any_o other_o evidence_n of_o their_o authority_n either_o to_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o person_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o be_v give_v to_o we_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v by_o their_o write_n the_o lively_a imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o argument_n only_o to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o all_o our_o assurance_n concern_v revelation_n do_v and_o must_v consist_v only_o in_o the_o other_o two_o particular_n namely_o in_o a_o sign_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n the_o eighteen_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n command_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v that_o prophet_n who_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o a_o true_a sign_n but_o if_o he_o prophesy_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n as_o he_o be_v who_o endeavour_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o true_a religion_n though_o he_o confirm_v his_o prophecy_n with_o sign_n and_o miracle_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 13_o the_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o be_v know_v from_o a_o false_a by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o by_o a_o miracle_n both_o together_o for_o such_o a_o one_o only_a moses_n declare_v to_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v he_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o be_v deceive_v but_o he_o declare_v those_o to_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o guilty_a of_o death_n who_o foretell_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o he_o that_o preach_v false_a god_n though_o he_o wrought_v true_a miracle_n we_o then_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o prophet_n upon_o account_n only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n confirm_v by_o sign_n because_o we_o see_v the_o prophet_n above_o all_o thing_n commend_v justice_n and_o charity_n and_o intend_v nothing_o else_o because_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n without_o any_o guile_n or_o deceit_n they_o declare_v that_o man_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v be_v make_v happy_a and_o confirm_v this_o their_o doctrine_n with_o sign_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o when_o they_o prophesy_v they_o do_v neither_o dote_v or_o speak_v unadvised_o in_o which_o opinion_n we_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o their_o moral_a doctrine_n do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v exact_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n within_o we_o so_o that_o i_o say_v again_o we_o be_v as_o much_o assure_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o the_o prophet_n preach_v to_o they_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi for_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o its_o doctrine_n and_o the_o principal_a history_n thereof_o be_v derive_v down_o to_o we_o uncorrupted_a and_o therefore_o this_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o theology_n aught_o with_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v embrace_v by_o we_o though_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v very_o great_a folly_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o have_v but_o ordinary_a portion_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o the_o public_a and_o which_o may_v without_o any_o danger_n or_o loss_n be_v believe_v we_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o doubt_v or_o unbelief_n but_o our_o not_o have_v mathematical_a demonstration_n to_o prove_v it_o as_o if_o nothing_o can_v contribute_v to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o prudent_o but_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o apparent_o true_a in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o doubt_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o chance_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o our_o action_n i_o confess_v they_o who_o think_v philosophy_n and_o divinity_n contradictory_n one_o to_o another_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v one_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v dethrone_v and_o subject_v to_o the_o other_o do_v very_o well_o to_o build_v divinity_n upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n and_o endeavour_v by_o infallible_a demonstration_n to_o support_v it_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o condemn_v those_o that_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o destroy_v reason_n and_o by_o certain_a reason_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o reason_n while_o they_o be_v demonstrate_v the_o verity_n and_o authority_n of_o theology_n and_o strive_v to_o deprive_v reason_n of_o its_o power_n they_o subject_a theology_n to_o the_o empire_n of_o reason_n and_o allow_v it_o no_o other_o splendour_n than_o what_o it_o borrow_v from_o natural_a light_n if_o they_o boast_v of_o rely_v upon_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o say_v they_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n only_o to_o convert_v infidel_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bear_v witness_n to_o nothing_o but_o good_a work_n which_o paul_n galath_n 5._o 22._o therefore_o call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o arise_v in_o we_o from_o do_v good_a but_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a no_o other_o spirit_n but_o reason_n bear_v witness_v reason_v only_o can_v challenge_v the_o power_n of_o judge_v what_o be_v true_a they_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o spirit_n whereby_o to_o make_v themselves_o certain_a what_o be_v true_a maintain_v