a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o the_o person_n there_o mention_v be_v as_o so_o many_o witness_n to_o attest_v that_o they_o be_v genuine_a for_o beside_o the_o general_a concernment_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o several_a church_n more_o especial_o to_o which_o such_o epistle_n be_v write_v the_o person_n who_o be_v salute_v by_o name_n in_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o concern_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o they_o and_o to_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o they_o and_o st_n paul_n advice_n to_o timothy_n to_o drink_v no_o long_o water_n but_o to_o use_v a_o little_a wine_n for_o his_o stomach_n sake_n and_o his_o often_o infirmity_n 1_o tim._n v._o 23._o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v give_v in_o that_o epistle_n that_o it_o may_v remain_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o confutation_n of_o that_o superstition_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o abstain_v from_o thing_n lawful_a and_o particular_o from_o wine_n out_o of_o a_o opinion_n of_o holiness_n in_o refrain_v from_o they_o and_o of_o sin_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o infallible_a spirit_n which_o assist_v and_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n and_o other_o sacred_a writer_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a or_o continual_o reside_v in_o they_o nor_o give_v for_o all_o purpose_n and_o occasion_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o st_n paul_n who_o acquaint_v we_o in_o some_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o write_v but_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bestow_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o wâ—re_v give_v in_o such_o measure_n at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o occasion_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o edification_n we_o find_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o apostle_n meet_v together_o in_o council_n to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n both_o because_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n to_o they_o they_o may_v expect_v a_o more_o abundant_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o because_o the_o thing_n in_o debate_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o many_o shall_v meet_v together_o and_o testify_v of_o that_o matter_n beside_o several_a that_o come_v down_o from_o judea_n to_o antioch_n have_v refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o st_n paul_n and_o st_n barnabas_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o unanimous_a and_o joint_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v meet_v in_o a_o full_a council_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o act_v 15.28_o that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o we_o but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v for_o a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o church_n in_o future_a age_n to_o determine_v controversy_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n 6._o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n who_o may_v have_v personal_a fail_n and_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o we_o act._n 14.25_o they_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o themselves_o 2_o cor._n 4.7_o but_o they_o werechosen_a to_o be_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v so_o far_o exempt_a from_o error_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o ministry_n as_o not_o to_o deliver_v false_a doctrine_n in_o their_o write_n which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o receive_v of_o all_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o will_v have_v defeat_v and_o subvert_v the_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o this_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v though_o they_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o incur_v such_o fail_n as_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 7._o there_o be_v nothing_o assert_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o what_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n though_o some_o part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o less_o direct_a and_o apparent_a tendency_n to_o this_o end_n than_o other_o if_o any_o one_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n shall_v have_v be_v erroneous_a this_o will_v diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o in_o some_o degree_n less_o capable_a to_o promote_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a gift_n the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o knowledge_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o so_o many_o distinct_a office_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o those_o gift_n and_o these_o office_n can_v be_v better_o employ_v than_o in_o preserve_v that_o book_n from_o error_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n for_o all_o age_n or_o how_o if_o that_o book_n have_v not_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n by_o they_o these_o gift_n and_o office_n have_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o appointment_n thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v infallible_a in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o if_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o word_n and_o circumstance_n but_o only_o to_o the_o substantial_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n this_o of_o itself_o be_v enough_o to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nay_o further_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v only_o with_o the_o same_o certainty_n and_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o thucydides_n or_o in_o any_o other_o credible_a historian_n which_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o inveterate_a adversary_n can_v never_o deny_v yet_o even_o then_o no_o man_n without_o much_o unreasonableness_n can_v reject_v it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o necessity_n and_o occasion_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o in_o such_o language_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o those_o to_o who_o he_o reveal_v himself_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o idiom_n and_o in_o the_o metaphor_n and_o phrase_n in_o use_n among_o they_o and_o to_o allude_v to_o their_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o their_o affair_n and_o to_o condescend_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o their_o weakness_n to_o speak_v to_o their_o capacity_n so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o law_n and_o to_o encourage_v and_o excite_v man_n to_o obey_v they_o for_o though_o the_o particular_a reason_n and_o design_n of_o every_o law_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v shall_v know_v what_o the_o law_n be_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o they_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o subject_n which_o have_v be_v large_o discourse_v of_o by_o mr_n boyle_n and_o other_o what_o i_o intend_v to_o say_v upon_o it_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n i._o the_o grammatical_a construction_n ii_o the_o metaphor_n and_o figure_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n of_o speech_n iii_o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o thing_n themselves_o iv_o the_o method_n i._o the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speak_v it_o have_v be_v by_o many_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a resemblance_n between_o the_o style_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o homer_n the_o most_o ancient_a book_n we_o have_v beside_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o observable_a that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o some_o look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture_n style_n as_o the_o use_v one_o gender_n or_o one_o number_n or_o case_n or_o tense_n for_o another_o the_o putting_z participle_n for_o verb_n the_o comparative_a or_o superlative_a for_o the_o positive_a active_n for_o passive_n or_o passive_n for_o active_n be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o homer_n
heretic_n viz._n the_o marcionist_n and_o valentinian_o and_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n of_o lucanus_n or_o lucianus_n for_o in_o this_o he_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a though_o this_o lucanus_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o martion_n ix_o there_o be_v still_o extant_a copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n the_o cambridge_n copy_n in_o greek_a and_o latin_a contain_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o contain_v st_n paul_n epistle_n in_o the_o french_a king_n library_n and_o another_o the_o like_a copy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o benedictines_n of_o st_n germains_n 1._o germains_n f._n simon_n crâ—t_n hist_o of_o the_o n._n test_n part_n 1._o c._n 31._o mabil_n de_fw-mi re_fw-mi diplom_n lib._n 5._o tabell_n 1._o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a at_o least_o morinus_n think_v they_o to_o be_v ancient_a than_o st_n jerom_n time_n the_o alexandrian_a copy_n be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o thecla_n above_o one_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o year_n ago_o morinus_n orient_a morinus_n epist_n 54._o inter_v antique_a eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o above_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n date_n bishop_n 34._o bishop_n prolegom_n ix_o 34._o walton_n suppose_v the_o alexandrian_a ms._n to_o be_v at_o least_o as_o old_a as_o that_o in_o the_o vatican_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v twelve_o hundred_o year_n old_a there_o be_v 4._o be_v f._n sim._n crit._n hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part_n 2._o c._n 4._o one_o syriack_n ms._n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o florence_n of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o another_o not_o much_o less_o ancient_a a_o 146._o a_o gruter_n inscript_n p._n 146._o gothick_n translation_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n in_o the_o abbey_n of_o werdin_n be_v likewise_o of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o what_o ancient_a book_n be_v there_o of_o which_o the_o original_n be_v still_o extant_a or_o of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o ancient_a copy_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n x._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o 1._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o name_n prefix_v either_o because_o the_o jew_n be_v prejudice_v against_o st_n paul_n or_o because_o the_o gentile_n be_v his_o more_o peculiar_a care_n or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n unknown_a and_o in_o this_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o paul_n the_o hieroâ—_n catal._n i_o petr._n &_o paul_n style_n be_v different_a which_o occasion_v the_o first_o doubt_n about_o it_o as_o it_o happen_v likewise_o to_o st_n peter_n second_o epistle_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o style_n and_o then_o the_o novatian_o allege_v some_o text_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o opinion_n this_o make_v the_o orthodox_n the_o less_o incline_v to_o receive_v a_o book_n which_o before_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o east_n it_o be_v question_v at_o rome_n where_o novatian_n begin_v his_o schism_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n may_v be_v scruple_v on_o the_o same_o account_n and_o both_o that_o and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v allege_v for_o the_o millennium_n by_o such_o as_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a sense_n this_o cause_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n which_o be_v say_v 25._o say_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n vi_fw-la c._n 25._o express_o of_o the_o revelation_n 2._o some_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n or_o direct_v to_o such_o as_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n arise_v the_o authentic_a epistle_n may_v not_o ready_o be_v produce_v 3._o some_o book_n be_v not_o usual_o read_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n except_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n and_o this_o be_v omit_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abstruse_a mystery_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o public_o read_v in_o church_n for_o that_o catalogue_n be_v design_v to_o show_v what_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o the_o revelation_n be_v long_o before_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a by_o johannum_n by_o justin_n mart._n dialog_n tertull._n de_fw-fr resur_n c._n 27_o 38._o adu._n martion_n lib._n two_o c._n 5._o iii._o c._n 14._o euseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 18._o v._n c._n 8._o hierom._n catal._n in_o johannum_n justin_n martyr_n by_o irenaeus_n and_o by_o tertullian_n and_o other_o both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeas_n write_v a_o comment_n upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n james_n and_o the_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v cite_v by_o clemens_n romanus_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n which_o be_v itself_o wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n 4._o the_o heretic_n will_v use_v all_o their_o endeavour_n and_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v the_o reception_n of_o those_o book_n by_o which_o their_o heresy_n be_v disprove_v and_o they_o may_v so_o far_o have_v effect_n as_o to_o make_v some_o doubt_n for_o a_o while_n of_o their_o authority_n for_o instance_n diotrephes_n a_o ambitious_a aspire_a man_n who_o prate_v against_o st_n john_n with_o malicious_a word_n and_o have_v so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o cast_v the_o brethren_n out_o of_o the_o church_n will_v forbid_v the_o receive_n of_o st_n john_n epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o receive_n the_o brethren_n of_o that_o apostle_n communion_n and_o that_o he_o do_v this_o st_z john_n himself_z intimate_v when_o he_o say_v i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o diotrephes_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o receive_v we_o not_o joh._n epist_n iii._o 9_o that_o be_v he_o receive_v not_o st_n john_n epistle_n for_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n xi_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v question_v by_o private_a man_n yet_o those_o book_n be_v never_o reject_v by_o any_o council_n of_o the_o church_n though_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v this_o very_a thing_n under_o consideration_n 10._o consideration_n tertull._n de_fw-fr pudicit_fw-la c._n 10._o tertullian_n after_o he_o have_v turn_v montanist_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o hermas_n pastor_n as_o not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n by_o all_o the_o council_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o orthodox_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o tertullian_n time_n divers_a council_n have_v pass_v their_o censure_n upon_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v fix_v long_o before_o so_o that_o the_o time_n in_o which_o some_o of_o these_o council_n be_v hold_v must_v probable_o be_v whilst_o st_n polycarp_n a_o disciple_n of_o st_n john_n be_v yet_o live_v who_o martyrdom_n by_o the_o early_a computation_n be_v not_o till_o a._n d._n cxlvii_o at_o least_o they_o must_v be_v hold_v in_o irenaeus_n life_n time_n who_o converse_v with_o st_n polycarp_n and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o tertullian_n thus_o be_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n vouch_v by_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o st_n john_n and_o council_n upon_o occasion_n be_v call_v which_o 13._o which_o tertull._n de_fw-fr jejun_n c._n 13._o tertullian_n elsewhere_o mention_n as_o very_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a in_o greece_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o genuine_a canon_n and_o censure_v apocryphal_a book_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v settle_v before_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o in_o the_o lixth_o canon_n appoint_v that_o no_o book_n lix_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conc._n laod_z can_v lix_o which_o be_v extra_fw-la canonem_fw-la but_o only_o canonical_a book_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o then_o subjoin_v the_o title_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n which_o title_n they_o have_v as_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n observe_v because_o they_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o all_o other_o be_v style_v uncanonical_a and_o it_o be_v conclude_v after_o the_o strict_a examination_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n that_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n be_v the_o canon_n of_o council_n assemble_v before_o the_o council_n
moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o p._n 206._o of_o what_o consequence_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v towards_o the_o prove_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n p._n 214._o chap._n vii_o of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n under_o their_o government_n joshua_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n p._n 215._o the_o book_n of_o judge_n write_v by_o samuel_n p._n 216._o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n divide_v p._n 217._o the_o male_n circumcise_a at_o the_o first_o come_v into_o canaan_n and_o thereby_o disable_v for_o war_n contrary_a to_o all_o humane_a policy_n p._n 219._o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n throw_v down_o and_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o ib._n the_o integrity_n of_o joshua_n p._n 220._o of_o eli_n p._n 221._o of_o samuel_n p._n 222._o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o their_o king_n from_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n a_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n prophet_n in_o the_o kingdom_n both_o of_o israel_n and_o judah_n p._n 223_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o write_n the_o kind_n of_o prophecy_n among_o the_o jew_n p._n 224._o the_o freedom_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o reverence_n pay_v to_o they_o even_o by_o bad_a prince_n p._n 226._o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o prophecy_n p._n 227._o many_o of_o their_o prophecy_n fulfil_v during_o their_o own_o life_n p._n 228._o their_o prophecy_n commit_v to_o writing_n ibid._n they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n be_v careful_o preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n p._n 229._o the_o book_n of_o the_o former_a and_o of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n by_o who_o write_v p._n 231._o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o of_o king_n by_o who_o write_v ibid._n of_o the_o psalm_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a old_a testament_n p._n 233._o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n sufficient_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o return_v from_o babylon_n ibid._n the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v afterward_o p._n 235._o chap._n x._o of_o the_o prohecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n josiah_n prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n long_o before_o his_o birth_n the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o prophecy_n p._n 236._o the_o fulfil_n of_o elijah_n prophecy_n p._n 238._o the_o confession_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n p._n 240._o divers_a other_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n ibid._n cyrus_n prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n long_o before_o his_o birth_n p._n 241._o jeremiah_n prophecy_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n p._n 243._o the_o contradiction_n which_o be_v then_o think_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o they_o both_o p._n 245._o other_o plain_a prophecy_n fulfil_v p._n 247._o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n manifest_o true_a p._n 249_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a again_o prove_v the_o old_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o essect_v p._n 252._o chap._n xii_o of_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o bless_a saviour_n undeniable_a innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n p._n 257._o judas_n himself_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o p._n 259._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n fulfil_v in_o he_o p._n 265._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o life_n fulfil_v p._n 277._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o death_n fulfil_v p._n 280._o and_o those_o concern_v his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n p._n 286_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o saviour_n foretell_v the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o death_n p._n 287._o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prodigy_n attend_v it_o ibid._n his_o miracle_n verify_v the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n p._n 290_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n prophesy_v of_o and_o typify_v p._n 293._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o it_o p._n 295._o they_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o p._n 306._o they_o allege_v such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v p._n 307_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o sufficient_a understanding_n to_o know_v what_o they_o testify_v p._n 312._o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o know_v it_o p._n 313._o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o true_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v for_o they_o have_v no_o worldy_a interest_n to_o serve_v by_o their_o testimony_n but_o suffer_v by_o it_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o suffering_n p._n 315._o there_o be_v peculiar_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o their_o write_n p._n 319_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n of_o their_o prophecy_n p._n 328._o of_o their_o miracle_n p._n 330._o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o p._n 331._o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n communicate_v by_o they_o to_o other_o p._n 336._o their_o supernatural_a courage_n and_o resolution_n p._n 342._o this_o likewise_o be_v communicate_v to_o their_o follower_n p._n 351_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n contain_v so_o notorious_a and_o public_a circumstance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o that_o age_n whether_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v true_a or_o not_o p._n 354._o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v explicatory_a and_o consequential_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o beside_o these_o likewise_o contain_v many_o memorable_a and_o public_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 361._o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n cite_v by_o author_n contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n and_o own_a for_o genuine_a both_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n p._n 363._o many_o of_o the_o eye-witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n live_v to_o a_o great_a age_n p._n 364._o the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v testify_v in_o apology_n write_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n ibid._n chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n p._n 368._o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n p._n 370._o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n p._n 372._o it_o afferd_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n p._n 374._o it_o express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n p._n 374._o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o have_v great_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n p._n 376._o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n p._n 382_o part_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n p._n 385._o chap._n i._n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o pretence_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o antiquity_n examine_v p._n 387._o of_o the_o chaldaean_n ibid._n of_o the_o chinese_n p._n 389._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o heathen_a religion_n never_o extant_a in_o book_n to_o be_v public_o read_v p._n 392._o every_o country_n have_v its_o peculiar_a deity_n they_o prevail_v only_o by_o the_o temporal_a power_n though_o the_o heathen_n more_o in_o number_n yet_o the_o religion_n of_o christian_n more_o promulge_v p._n 392_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n p._n 394._o that_o they_o be_v uncertain_a and_o ambiguous_a p._n 396._o but_o they_o can_v not_o be_v all_o counterfeit_n p._n 398._o the_o cessation_n of_o oracle_n gradual_a p._n 399._o their_o miracle_n never_o
worought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o false_a god_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n p._n 401._o chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n absurd_a p._n 403._o their_o religious_a worship_n wicked_a and_o impious_a p._n 405._o humane_a sacrifice_n customary_a in_o all_o heathen_a nation_n p._n 406._o no_o body_n of_o law_n nor_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n p._n 402._o but_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o they_o ibid._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a p._n 411._o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n p._n 423._o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 429_o chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 436._o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 439_o chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a p._n 441_o chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n that_o he_o be_v lustful_a proud_a and_o cruel_a appear_v from_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o p._n 443_o part_n iu_o chap._n i._n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 447_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n consider_v 1._o as_o historical_o true_a 2._o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n p._n 451_o 452._o from_o both_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a p._n 455._o in_o many_o case_n there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o we_o see_v and_o experience_n ourselves_o p._n 456._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n p._n 460._o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o case_n compare_v p._n 462._o the_o certainty_n of_o both_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n a_o objection_n from_o joh._n xx_o 29._o answer_v p._n 467._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n p._n 470_o new_o publish_a christian_a thought_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o month_n with_o reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v add_v prayer_n for_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n price_n 1_o s._n a_o course_n of_o lecture_n upon_o the_o church_n catechism_n by_o thomas_n bray_n d._n d._n the_o three_o edition_n price_n 5_o s._n very_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v in_o family_n a_o minister_n counsel_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o his_o parish_n when_o arrive_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n recommend_v to_o the_o society_n in_o and_o about_o london_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n hertfordshire_n price_n 2_o s._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._n part_n i._n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o method_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n ii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n iv_o that_o no_o other_o book_n or_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n v._o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o show_v that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n both_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n vi_o have_v do_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o objection_n and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v the_o rather_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_o so_o much_o consider_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o certain_o will_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o revelation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o can_v bear_v any_o competition_n with_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n my_o first_o business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o show_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n than_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o beginning_n some_o first_o principle_n of_o be_v from_o whence_o all_o other_o being_n proceed_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o being_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o understand_v or_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o shall_v yet_o be_v produce_v and_o continue_v for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o without_o any_o wisdom_n or_o contrivance_n that_o a_o unaccountable_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o can_v never_o build_v the_o least_o house_n or_o cottage_n shall_v yet_o build_v and_o sustain_v the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o when_o the_o very_a line_n in_o a_o globe_n or_o sphere_n can_v be_v make_v without_o art_n the_o world_n itself_o which_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o shall_v be_v make_v without_o it_o and_o that_o less_o skill_n shall_v be_v require_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o picture_n that_o chance_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o order_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o the_o constancy_n and_o regularity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v their_o original_a from_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n but_o be_v mere_a ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n from_o a_o be_v therefore_o of_o infinite_a perfection_n must_v proceed_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v beside_o with_o all_o their_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o among_o other_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v infinite_o more_o just_a more_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v will_v not_o at_o last_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_o
principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o miracle_n be_v perform_v which_o both_o for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o performance_n have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o miracle_n can_v have_v if_o it_o be_v real_o wrought_v by_o god_n immediate_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o revelation_n if_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v do_v public_o before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o that_o often_o and_o by_o many_o man_n successive_o for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o design_n if_o neither_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o they_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v any_o deceit_n or_o defect_n in_o they_o but_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o these_o miracle_n and_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o from_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v either_o that_o god_n can_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o revelation_n from_o imposture_n both_o which_o supposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n contrary_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o these_o require_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o miracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a which_o be_v his_o revelation_n but_o if_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v put_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o false_a miracle_n and_o true_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a miracle_n than_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n concern_v which_o nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v either_o impious_a or_o false_a must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v by_o miracle_n and_o we_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a miracle_n without_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n which_o both_o by_o its_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o must_v certain_o be_v true_a because_o the_o goodness_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o mankind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v by_o imposture_n vent_v under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o belzebub_n be_v so_o heinous_a above_o all_o other_o crime_n this_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o utmost_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o man_n salvation_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n and_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o though_o miracle_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v consider_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o proof_n and_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n when_o the_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v wrought_v can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a either_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o miracle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o all_o other_o proof_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 3._o how_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n and_o that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o that_o of_o write_v be_v so_o notorious_o fanciful_a and_o strain_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o serious_a answer_n for_o till_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v will_n and_o bequeath_v and_o purchase_v estate_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n rather_o than_o by_o instrument_n in_o write_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o can_v be_v take_v so_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n declare_v and_o so_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o man_n take_v all_o possible_a care_n about_o and_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o thing_n temporal_a than_o about_o eternal_a which_o afford_v too_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o isa_n thirty_o 8._o 4._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n because_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o under_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n without_o take_v some_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o by_o put_v man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v and_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n 5._o another_o requisite_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_o promulge_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o general_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v design_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o from_z what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o antiquity_n ii_o promulgation_n iii_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o authority_n iv_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o every_o way_n such_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n will_v not_o so_o whole_o neglect_v mankind_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n so_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v defer_v it_o so_o long_o before_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n as_o till_o the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o the_o work_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o of_o any_o heathen_a author_n can_v be_v compare_v with_o
condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o merciful_a for_o he_o to_o withhold_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_v from_o those_o who_o he_o forefee_n will_v reject_v it_o and_o abuse_v the_o opportunity_n which_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o to_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o own_o gild_n and_o punishment_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v 2._o that_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o by_o so_o wonderful_a a_o providence_n have_v take_v care_n that_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n may_v have_v the_o true_a religion_n preach_v in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v by_o some_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o even_o by_o miracle_n bring_v such_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o present_a knowledge_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o improve_v it_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v by_o revelation_n send_v to_o cornelius_n he_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o act._n x._o 34_o 35._o from_o whence_o what_o less_o can_v we_o conclude_v than_o that_o every_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o he_o shall_v rather_o by_o a_o express_a revelation_n have_v the_o rest_n discover_v to_o he_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o cornelius_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o word_n of_o s._n peter_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v those_o heathen_n who_o sin_n without_o any_o reveal_v law_n for_o their_o sin_n against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o for_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n afford_v they_o of_o become_v christian_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n god_n in_o his_o goodness_n be_v not_o want_v to_o afford_v such_o inward_a motion_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n to_o such_o of_o the_o heathen_a as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o stupefy_v by_o their_o vice_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o give_v they_o so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o if_o once_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o defect_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o gross_o against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n they_o may_v make_v enquiry_n of_o christian_n concern_v their_o religion_n as_o some_o of_o the_o american_n do_v of_o cortes_n and_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o however_o negligent_a they_o be_v in_o propagate_a it_o will_v never_o refuse_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o many_o point_n be_v teach_v and_o believe_v which_o have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o of_o the_o mahometan_n but_o of_o several_a heathen_a nation_n which_o point_n be_v so_o many_o step_v and_o preparative_n towards_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o in_o pursue_v they_o in_o their_o immediate_a tendency_n and_o consequence_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o those_o who_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n die_v under_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o it_o i_o believe_v rather_o that_o god_n suffer_v no_o man_n so_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o remain_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o all_o nation_n have_v have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o particular_a men._n it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o when_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o now_o to_o think_v how_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o heathen_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n can_v govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n if_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n without_o any_o divine_a revelation_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o heathen_a as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n nor_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v more_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o in_o point_n of_o ignorance_n than_o other_o can_v have_v and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o merciful_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o to_o give_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o let_v they_o continue_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n without_o give_v they_o any_o warning_n against_o it_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a in_o a_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o come_v you_o near_o unto_o i_o hear_v you_o this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v there_o be_o i_o isa_n xlv_o 19_o 22._o &_o xlviii_o 16._o have_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o antiquity_n or_o promulgation_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o their_o authority_n this_o evidence_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n themselves_o in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n as_o we_o find_v they_o stand_v record_v or_o the_o life_n and_o personal_a qualification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v both_o that_o they_o be_v true_o relate_v and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v they_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o a_o revelation_n chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v relate_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a heathen_a writer_n and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man._n but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a man._n he_o frequent_o declare_v his_o own_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n exod._n iii._o 11._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13._o num._n xi_o 10._o &_o xx_o 12._o &_o xxvii_o 14._o and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n when_o it_o may_v become_v a_o prudent_a and_o modest_a man_n especial_o one_o divine_o inspire_v for_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o terminate_v in_o himself_o but_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n who_o instrument_n and_o servant_n he_o be_v and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n honour_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o favour_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o though_o some_o honour_n do_v redound_v
nation_n to_o report_v that_o after_o so_o many_o loathsome_a and_o grievous_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o he_o and_o his_o whole_a army_n in_o the_o red-sea_n make_v their_o escape_n and_o that_o they_o force_v their_o way_n through_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n that_o withstand_v their_o passage_n into_o canaan_n and_o vanquish_v and_o destroy_v they_o as_o they_o go_v and_o then_o to_o proclaim_v a_o sacred_a war_n against_o all_o the_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o many_o of_o who_o posterity_n be_v remain_v in_o solomon_n time_n and_o probable_o long_a after_o and_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v great_a part_n of_o what_o the_o israelite_n affirm_v of_o themselves_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o of_o a_o late_a invention_n for_o any_o people_n i_o say_v to_o invent_v such_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o ancestor_n and_o then_o to_o make_v such_o law_n and_o to_o have_v the_o one_o believe_v and_o the_o other_o obey_v be_v altogether_o incredible_a when_o they_o have_v enrage_v all_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n to_o their_o destruction_n they_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o their_o law_n to_o leave_v all_o their_o border_n naked_a thrice_o every_o year_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o no_o people_n can_v have_v live_v half_o a_o age_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n under_o such_o law_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v protect_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o appear_v therefore_o that_o as_o neither_o moses_n himself_o nor_o any_o party_n of_o man_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o after_o it_o can_v either_o invent_v or_o change_n and_o falsify_v the_o book_n which_o be_v under_o his_o name_n so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o extravagant_a if_o possible_a to_o conceit_n that_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n shall_v either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o afterward_o be_v conscious_a to_o such_o a_o imposture_n and_o yet_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o discover_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v to_o this_o day_n be_v conceal_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o that_o neither_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n when_o jeroboam_n be_v force_v to_o set_v up_o altar_n in_o other_o place_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n nor_o upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n this_o secret_a if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v so_o which_o must_v be_v know_v to_o so_o many_o thousand_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o light_v beside_o that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v those_o law_n by_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v so_o hardly_o bring_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v disobedient_a they_o will_v never_o have_v pretend_v they_o be_v and_o have_v invent_v miracle_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o forward_o in_o their_o obedience_n they_o can_v not_o have_v live_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n without_o a_o perpetual_a miracle_n if_o then_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o consequent_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o give_v his_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o if_o neither_o moses_n himself_o can_v feign_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o afterward_o can_v insert_v they_o or_o change_v the_o law_n and_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n conspire_v in_o such_o a_o fiction_n and_o imposture_n we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o any_o sober_a man_n can_v desire_v both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n pen_v by_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o after_o all_o the_o reflection_n make_v by_o infidel_n upon_o the_o credulity_n as_o they_o esteem_v it_o of_o other_o there_o be_v none_o so_o credulous_a as_o they_o for_o they_o reject_v the_o most_o certain_a to_o believe_v the_o most_o incredible_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o divine_a mission_n and_o authority_n of_o moses_n be_v sully_v prove_v from_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v institute_v the_o jewish_a government_n be_v in_o point_n both_o of_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n concern_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n must_v he_o watchful_a over_o this_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n 2_o that_o whatever_o befall_v they_o either_o by_o prophecy_n or_o by_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a appointment_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o revelation_n make_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v beside_o its_o own_o proper_a and_o intrinsic_a evidence_n the_o additional_a proof_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o moses_n his_o book_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o consequent_a to_o these_o 3._o that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o this_o place_n reciprocal_o prove_v each_o other_o like_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n the_o pentateuch_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o these_o and_o these_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o fulfil_n the_o several_a prediction_n of_o it_o chap._n vii_o of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n under_o their_o government_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o joshua_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n and_o some_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n yet_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o must_v be_v write_v by_o his_o particular_a order_n in_o his_o life-time_n or_o soon_o after_o his_o death_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n among_o the_o several_a tribe_n shall_v forthwith_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v for_o no_o people_n can_v be_v name_v who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n that_o trust_v the_o boundary_n of_o their_o land_n to_o memory_n and_o there_o be_v no_o delay_n to_o be_v use_v in_o such_o case_n joshua_n therefore_o who_o do_v by_o lot_n set_v out_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o tribe_n at_o the_o same_o time_n put_v they_o down_o in_o write_v which_o he_o lest_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n to_o prevent_v dispute_n and_o to_o be_v appeal_v to_o in_o case_n any_o controversy_n shall_v arise_v but_o the_o bare_a distribution_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o to_o be_v transmit_v without_o a_o account_n of_o the_o miraculous_a conquest_n of_o it_o which_o may_v dispose_v they_o to_o be_v conâ—ented_v with_o their_o several_a lot_n and_o remind_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o possesssion_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o land_n which_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o thy_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v write_v during_o the_o life-time_n of_o rahab_n jos_n vi_fw-la 25._o and_o to_o have_v be_v write_v in_o part_n at_o least_o by_o joshua_n himself_o and_o annex_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n chap._n xxiv_o 26._o but_o the_o five_o last_o verse_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o what_o follow_v after_o it_o be_v add_v by_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n probable_o by_o samuel_n who_o according_a to_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n where_o we_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v concern_v the_o death_n of_o joshua_n judg._n two_o 7._o the_o book_n of_o judge_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n two_o 23._o judg._n xiii_o 5._o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v entitle_v to_o samuel_n act._n iii._o 24._o where_o samuel_n be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o the_o book_n write_v by_o they_o that_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n be_v pen_v before_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalâ—â—â—_n by_o david_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o judg._n i._n 22._o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n joshua_n undertake_v the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o investiture_n to_o it_o by_o moses_n num._n xxvii_o 22._o who_o also_o foretell_v the_o great_a success_n that_o
of_o babylon_n and_o be_v carry_v to_o babylon_n ezekiel_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v babylon_n jeremiah_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o peace_n and_o be_v bury_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ancestor_n ezekiel_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v at_o babylon_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v all_o this_o with_o the_o history_n nothing_o ever_o be_v more_o punctual_o fulfil_v for_o zedekiah_n see_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n who_o command_v his_o eye_n to_o be_v put_v out_o before_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o babylon_n and_o he_o die_v there_o but_o die_v peaceable_o and_o be_v suffer_v to_o have_v the_o usual_a funeral_n solemnity_n 2_o king_n twenty-five_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o both_o prophecy_n prove_v true_a in_o the_o event_n which_o seem_v before_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o so_o critical_a a_o exactness_n in_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n in_o prophecy_n deliver_v by_o two_o person_n who_o be_v before_o think_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o be_v such_o a_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n after_o they_o have_v see_v they_o so_o punctual_o fulfil_v in_o their_o captivity_n that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n but_o that_o both_o be_v from_o god_n jeremiah_n foretell_v also_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v restore_v after_o a_o captivity_n of_o seventy_o year_n these_o nation_n shall_v serve_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n seventy_o year_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v when_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v that_o i_o will_v punish_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o that_o nation_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o iniquity_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n jer._n twenty-five_o 11_o 12._o for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o after_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v at_o babylon_n i_o will_v visit_v you_o and_o perform_v my_o good_a word_n towards_o you_o in_o cause_v you_o to_o return_v to_o this_o place_n jer._n xxix_o 10._o and_o this_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n the_o jew_n depend_v upon_o under_o the_o captivity_n dan._n ix_o 2._o zech._n i._n 12._o and_o it_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v to_o they_o the_o generation_n of_o nebuchadnezzar_n posterity_n that_o shall_v succeed_v he_o till_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o monarchy_n be_v foretell_v jer._n xxvii_o 7._o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o take_v the_o city_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v and_o describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n agree_v punctual_o with_o the_o account_n of_o it_o by_o 191._o by_o 〈◊〉_d â—odoâ—_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 191._o herodotus_n one_o post_n shall_v run_v to_o meet_v another_o and_o one_o messenger_n to_o meet_v another_o to_o show_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n that_o his_o city_n be_v take_v at_o one_o end_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n be_v stop_v and_o the_o reed_n they_o have_v burn_v with_o sire_n and_o the_o man_n of_o war_n be_v affright_v and_o this_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o memorable_a and_o solemn_a manner_n by_o write_v it_o down_o and_o by_o cast_v the_o book_n into_o euphrates_n jer._n li._n 31_o 32_o 62_o 63._o the_o destruction_n of_o tyre_n and_o zidon_n and_o of_o egypt_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n after_o forty_o year_n ezek._n xxviii_o 19_o &_o xxix_o 12_o 13._o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o of_o the_o sanctuary_n by_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n with_o the_o death_n of_o antiochus_n and_o a_o description_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o of_o his_o very_a countenance_n be_v clear_o deliver_v by_o daniel_n four_o hundred_o and_o eight_o year_n 11._o year_n joseph_n antiquit._n l._n 11._o c._n 11._o before_o the_o accomplishment_n dan._n viij_o daniel_n likewise_o describe_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o rebuilding_n of_o their_o city_n and_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o it_o and_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v say_v 8._o say_v ibid._n l._n 11._o c._n 8._o to_o have_v be_v encourage_v by_o daniel_n prophecy_n in_o his_o expedition_n indeed_o his_o prophecy_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n be_v so_o exact_o parallel_v that_o porphyry_n can_v find_v no_o other_o evasion_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v after_o the_o event_n which_o as_o grotius_n observe_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v maintain_v that_o the_o work_n of_o virgil_n be_v not_o write_v under_o augustus_n but_o after_o his_o time_n for_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v as_o public_a and_o as_o much_o disperse_v and_o as_o universal_o receive_v as_o ever_o any_o book_n can_v be_v last_o haggai_n and_o malachi_n prophesy_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n hag._n two_o 7_o 9_o mal._n iii._o 1._o and_o hosea_n foretell_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o those_o remarkable_a word_n they_o shall_v be_v night-wanderer_n among_o the_o nation_n hos_fw-la ix_o 17._o not_o to_o insist_v therefore_o upon_o other_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n or_o less_o remarkable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n these_o may_v suffice_v which_o be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n in_o they_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o prejudice_n or_o malice_n have_v prepare_v to_o make_v the_o utmost_a discovery_n be_v witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o both_o the_o prophecy_n themselves_o and_o the_o fulfil_v of_o they_o be_v notorious_a to_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n they_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath-day_n the_o jew_n have_v as_o good_a evidence_n for_o instance_n that_o elijah_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n as_o they_o can_v have_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o public_a transaction_n and_o council_n of_o prince_n the_o fate_n and_o revolution_n of_o empire_n with_o the_o prefix_v time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o person_n be_v so_o particular_o foretell_v two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o history_n as_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o revelation_n for_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o history_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v set_v down_o in_o the_o very_a circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o afterward_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v dispute_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o elijah_n or_o such_o a_o prince_n as_o josiah_n or_o cyrus_n he_o will_v but_o make_v himself_o ridiculous_a but_o if_o he_o deny_v that_o elijah_n wrought_v such_o miracle_n or_o that_o isaiah_n speak_v of_o cyrus_n and_o another_o prophet_n of_o josiah_n by_o inspiration_n perhaps_o he_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v make_v some_o great_a discovery_n and_o to_o know_v something_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o shall_v be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o applause_n instead_o of_o that_o contempt_n which_o such_o pretence_n deserve_v so_o strange_o partial_a be_v man_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o man_n to_o bring_v better_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o elijah_n and_o josiah_n and_o cyrus_n than_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o show_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v by_o name_n prophesy_v of_o long_a before_o their_o birth_n and_o that_o the_o first_o wrought_v all_o the_o miracle_n relate_v of_o he_o or_o to_o produce_v clear_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o reign_n of_o cyrus_n than_o we_o have_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o people_n with_o their_o restoration_n after_o seventy_o year_n be_v foretell_v by_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n do_v their_o miracle_n in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n and_o their_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v not_o in_o corner_n but_o open_o before_o all_o the_o people_n not_o in_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a word_n but_o in_o plain_a term_n with_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o person_n and_o time_n and_o place_n they_o be_v keep_v they_o be_v read_v and_o study_v by_o that_o very_a people_n who_o at_o first_o as_o little_o regard_v they_o as_o any_o man_n now_o among_o we_o can_v do_v but_o slay_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o reject_v their_o prophecy_n with_o rage_n and_o indignation_n but_o be_v afterward_o by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n so_o full_o convince_v which_o be_v likewise_o foretell_v ezek._n xxxiii_o 33._o of_o their_o
divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n that_o they_o whole_o depend_v and_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o live_v in_o a_o uncomfortable_a exile_n upon_o the_o sole_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o see_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o theirfore_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v slay_v the_o prophet_n have_v the_o high_a veneration_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o prophet_n who_o their_o forefather_n have_v kill_v they_o build_v and_o adorn_v their_o sepulcher_n and_o choose_v to_o die_v any_o death_n rather_o than_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o book_n or_o part_n with_o they_o even_o when_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o doctrine_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n for_o vain_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a observance_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o reproachful_a to_o they_o to_o erect_v monument_n of_o perpetual_a acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v the_o the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n matth._n xxiii_o 31._o they_o refer_v themselves_o to_o these_o prophet_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n after_o the_o captivity_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a again_o prove_v the_o old_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o so_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o judaea_n be_v shall_v lay_v a_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v prove_v so_o successful_a for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o master_n of_o deceit_n and_o the_o world_n so_o fond_a of_o receive_v revelation_n from_o they_o that_o at_o last_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o people_n disclaim_v the_o book_n which_o some_o few_o and_o those_o the_o most_o unlearned_a among_o they_o will_v impose_v for_o inspire_a write_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n shall_v be_v more_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o those_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o which_o they_o all_o unanimous_o agree_v and_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v receive_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o more_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o account_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n if_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o ignorant_a of_o they_o can_v do_v this_o mere_o by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o device_n they_o must_v have_v a_o genius_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o for_o what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o why_o the_o oracle_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n shall_v never_o be_v much_o regard_v and_o now_o in_o a_o manner_n utter_o lose_v and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v still_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o full_a authority_n but_o the_o power_n and_o advantage_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v most_o observable_a in_o the_o mutual_a dependence_n which_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v one_o upon_o another_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o man_n of_o different_a country_n different_a age_n different_a condition_n and_o calling_n and_o interest_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o poor_a fisherman_n and_o yet_o all_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n which_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o themselves_o but_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a series_n and_o connexion_n between_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o give_v a_o mutual_a support_n and_o attestation_n to_o each_o other_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o moses_n contain_v the_o first_o lineament_n and_o evident_a type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rest_n he_o foretell_v that_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o that_o at_o last_o the_o great_a prophet_n shall_v be_v send_v who_o be_v christ_n and_o he_o foretell_v all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o jew_n from_o his_o own_o time_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o as_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o the_o general_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o all_o generation_n so_o the_o several_a prophet_n who_o be_v send_v from_o time_n to_o time_n according_a to_o his_o prediction_n foretell_v particular_a event_n and_o more-especial_o they_o foretell_v and_o describe_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o prophecy_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o world_n bigan_v luk._n i._n 70._o for_o in_o christ_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o this_o dependence_n and_o coherence_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o design_n of_o they_o which_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o dependence_n of_o one_o part_n of_o any_o book_n write_v by_o the_o same_o author_n can_v be_v upon_o another_o gives_z great_a strength_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o whole_a since_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v all_o inspire_a by_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o if_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a all_o must_v be_v so_o for_o beside_o the_o particular_a evidence_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o any_o part_n separately_z we_o must_v consider_v the_o connexion_n which_o it_o have_v with_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o evidence_n which_o be_v derive_v upon_o it_o by_o this_o connexion_n if_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v once_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n than_o the_o prophet_n who_o succeed_v moses_n must_v be_v divine_o inspire_v because_o he_o foretell_v the_o succession_n of_o such_o prophet_n and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v divine_a the_o pentateuch_n must_v be_v so_o because_o they_o all_o along_o acknowledge_v and_o appeal_v to_o it_o as_o contain_v god_n covenant_n with_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o own_o mission_n if_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v from_o god_n the_o gospel_n must_v be_v from_o he_o if_o that_o be_v foretell_v by_o they_o and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n prove_v their_o divine_a authority_n the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v likewise_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n because_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o such_o and_o prove_v their_o own_o authority_n from_o they_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o miracle_n that_o they_o themselves_o wrought_v and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n either_o of_o moses_n or_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n be_v sufficient_a they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o convince_a when_o they_o be_v consider_v together_o in_o their_o unite_a force_n and_o light_n i_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o miracle_n without_o prophecy_n or_o prophecy_n without_o miracle_n or_o that_o one_o evident_a miracle_n or_o one_o evident_a prophecy_n at_o least_o that_o either_o the_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o the_o several_a age_n in_o which_o so_o many_o prophet_n live_v will_v have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o must_v all_o be_v much_o rather_o so_o in_o conjunction_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o whatever_o evidence_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v reciprocal_o prove_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v from_o either_o of_o they_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o the_o gospel_n in_o different_a respect_n do_v prove_v they_o and_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o both_o derive_v authority_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o communicate_v its_o own_o authority_n to_o they_o for_o as_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o its_o effect_n and_o the_o effect_n by_o its_o cause_n so_o both_o prediction_n prove_v the_o thing_n foretell_v and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v verify_v the_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o consequence_n of_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o have_v double_o the_o divine_a seal_n and_o attestation_n now_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o scope_n and_o centre_n of_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n
they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v before_o the_o christian_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o innocent_a devout_a and_o charitable_a sort_n of_o man_n by_o pliny_n lucian_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n himself_o 44._o plin._n epist_n ad_fw-la trajan_n lib._n 10._o epist_n 97._o lucian_n de_fw-fr morte_fw-la peregrini_fw-la julian_n epist_n 44._o by_o those_o who_o have_v most_o narrow_o inquire_v into_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v worst_a affect_v to_o they_o and_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o christian_n become_v as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n they_o soon_o reform_v even_o the_o heathen_a world_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n morality_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o philosopher_n in_o much_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v before_o and_o they_o become_v so_o much_o ashamed_a of_o the_o grossness_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n that_o they_o seek_v out_o all_o art_n to_o refine_v and_o excuse_v it_o and_o those_o vice_n which_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a mystery_n appear_v too_o abominable_a to_o pass_v any_o long_o for_o religion_n the_o oracle_n soon_o cease_v and_o the_o seduce_a spirit_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o give_v out_o their_o answer_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n can_v do_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o bring_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n into_o reputation_n again_o these_o be_v thing_n before_o insist_v upon_o and_o so_o notorious_a in_o history_n that_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v sole_o owe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o and_o that_o be_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a god_n and_o that_o frequent_o and_o in_o some_o place_n daily_o and_o in_o time_n of_o great_a danger_n and_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o sacrifice_v so_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o once_o that_o it_o will_v be_v incredible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a historian_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o custom_n of_o sacrifice_a man_n to_o their_o god_n prevail_v not_o only_o here_o in_o britain_n and_o in_o other_o country_n which_o be_v account_v barbarous_a but_o all_o over_o greece_n and_o in_o rome_n itself_o it_o may_v well_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o now_o that_o such_o a_o practice_n shall_v so_o general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a from_o all_o history_n than_o that_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o that_o man_n be_v with_o difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o for_o when_o mankind_n be_v thus_o cruel_o tyrannize_v over_o by_o bloody_a daemon_n nothing_o but_o the_o omnipotent_a mercy_n of_o god_n can_v rescue_v they_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n three_o 8._o which_o he_o soon_o do_v beast_n and_o idol_n be_v no_o long_o worship_v and_o man_n be_v no_o long_o make_v sacrifice_n when_o once_o christianity_n begin_v to_o appear_v in_o its_o full_a power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o the_o world_n the_o plain_a and_o humble_a doctrine_n of_o he_o that_o be_v lay_v in_o a_o manger_n and_o die_v upon_o a_o cross_n be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n more_o effectual_a to_o reform_v mankind_n than_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o lawgiver_n have_v ever_o be_v those_o enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o little_a cavil_n against_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o yet_o owe_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n in_o great_a measure_n to_o its_o influence_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o safe_a in_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n nay_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o some_o cruel_a daemon_n long_o before_o this_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o resolve_v to_o despise_v but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o understand_v have_v not_o be_v believe_v by_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n of_o so_o great_a advantage_n have_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v and_o convert_v by_o it_o it_o have_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o tyranny_n which_o he_o hold_v over_o mankind_n it_o have_v make_v the_o unconverted_a world_n less_o vicious_a and_o have_v banish_v all_o the_o profess_a patron_n and_o deity_n of_o wickedness_n from_o among_o man_n it_o have_v make_v idolatry_n less_o practise_v and_o reduce_v it_o to_o narrow_a bound_n confine_v it_o to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o where_n upon_o the_o first_o approach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v disarm_v of_o their_o power_n and_o flee_v away_o before_o it_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o lapland_n and_o other_o country_n so_o general_a a_o blessing_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o even_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n though_o they_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o and_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a religion_n against_o which_o the_o common_a objection_n concern_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o as_o it_o first_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n by_o conquer_a all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n so_o it_o still_o maintain_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o a_o vicious_a education_n can_v make_v to_o it_o indeed_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o the_o proof_n the_o excelleney_n of_o the_o practical_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n when_o god_n know_v this_o be_v the_o great_a exception_n that_o most_o man_n have_v against_o they_o and_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a but_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n half_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v satisfy_v they_o vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o practical_a duty_n teach_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o which_o have_v raise_v and_o improve_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n beyond_o what_o can_v have_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o it_o so_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n have_v as_o evident_a character_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o better_o more_o wise_a and_o more_o happy_a and_o be_v not_o design_v to_o gratify_v a_o vain_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o care_n and_o concernment_n for_o our_o own_o happiness_n they_o set_v before_o we_o the_o original_a and_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o innocence_n in_o which_o man_n be_v first_o create_v and_o god_n love_n and_o compassion_n to_o he_o after_o his_o fall_n how_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o redemption_n that_o the_o father_n send_v his_o son_n that_o the_o son_n be_v bear_v that_o he_o live_v a_o despise_a and_o persecute_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v for_o we_o a_o most_o shameful_a and_o grievous_a death_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o continual_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n who_o support_v and_o assist_v we_o under_o all_o temptation_n and_o danger_n in_o our_o way_n thither_o and_o will_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o safe_o conduct_v we_o to_o heaven_n there_o to_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o glory_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v disobedient_a and_o obstinate_a to_o our_o own_o ruin_n we_o must_v be_v eternal_o torment_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o apostle_n who_o without_o learning_n or_o philosophy_n teach_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o useful_a truth_n more_o plain_o than_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n ever_o have_v do_v must_v derive_v their_o knowledge_n from_o
but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
we_o may_v not_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o thing_n as_o certain_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o as_o from_o our_o own_o sense_n 2._o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a case_n relate_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o will_v then_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i._o in_o many_o case_n man_n seem_v general_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o they_o see_v and_o experience_n themselves_o for_o there_o may_v be_v such_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n as_o equal_v the_o evidence_n even_o of_o sense_n itself_o no_o evidence_n can_v satisfy_v sense_n so_o much_o indeed_o nor_o perhaps_o so_o much_o affect_v the_o passion_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n but_o there_o may_v be_v other_o evidence_n which_o may_v give_v as_o clear_a conviction_n and_o altogether_o as_o good_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o that_o which_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o our_o sense_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o object_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o those_o who_o never_o travel_v to_o the_o indies_n do_v as_o little_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v never_o so_o often_o there_o and_o all_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o julius_n caesar_n with_o as_o little_a scruple_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v in_o his_o time_n and_o have_v see_v and_o speak_v with_o he_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n make_v any_o more_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o judoea_n and_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o constant_a report_n of_o historian_n and_o traveller_n than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o those_o place_n himself_o and_o have_v live_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n there_o and_o the_o great_a infidel_n that_o i_o know_v of_o never_o pretend_v yet_o to_o disbelieve_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o all_o man_n think_v themselves_o as_o well_o assure_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v they_o themselves_o for_o how_o doubtful_a and_o intricate_a soever_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o relater_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v with_o that_o agreement_n and_o certainty_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o to_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o ourselves_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o if_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v with_o as_o little_a reason_n doubt_n of_o it_o as_o if_o we_o have_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v converse_v with_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v alive_a again_o after_o his_o crucifixion_n as_o that_o he_o ever_o live_v at_o all_o and_o we_o have_v at_o least_o all_o the_o assurance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v that_o there_o once_o live_v any_o other_o man_n at_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n and_o be_v crucify_a under_o tiberius_n than_o that_o there_o be_v once_o such_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v it_o much_o better_o attest_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o be_v crucify_a and_o rise_v again_o than_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o prince_n as_o these_o two_o emperor_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o go_v about_o the_o world_n to_o certify_v this_o and_o to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o at_o his_o death_n but_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o convert_v and_o innumerable_a other_o ever_o since_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n have_v assert_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o all_o danger_n and_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o have_v make_v it_o their_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n both_o live_a and_o die_v to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v before_o his_o own_o time_n or_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o as_o doubt_v of_o these_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o think_v himself_o as_o certain_a of_o some_o thing_n at_o least_o which_o be_v do_v a_o long_a time_n ago_o or_o a_o great_a way_n off_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v at_o the_o do_v of_o they_o himself_o indeed_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v more_o evidence_n than_o these_o can_v have_v that_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o they_o can_v see_v but_o some_o miracle_n we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o as_o they_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o innumerable_a people_n who_o successive_o behold_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o divers_a hundred_o year_n together_o so_o that_o whoever_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v though_o the_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o his_o conviction_n this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v say_v of_o that_o and_o the_o new_a both_o and_o we_o have_v beside_o one_o sort_n of_o evidence_n which_o those_o that_o live_v at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v for_o we_o see_v many_o of_o those_o prophecy_n fulfil_v which_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v concern_v his_o church_n we_o know_v how_o it_o spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v and_o from_o what_o small_a unlikely_a beginning_n it_o have_v spread_v itself_o into_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o root_v it_o out_o and_o destroy_v it_o the_o continuance_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o so_o improbable_a circumstance_n be_v matter_n of_o faith_n chiefâ—y_n to_o the_o first_o christian_n but_o to_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n they_o see_v the_o work_n indeed_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n but_o their_o faith_n only_o can_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v flourish_v for_o so_o many_o age_n as_o we_o know_v it_o have_v already_o do_v this_o be_v a_o stand_n and_o invincible_a proof_n to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o other_o of_o prophecy_n we_o know_v that_o a_o miraculous_a power_n have_v be_v manifest_v in_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n and_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n bring_v those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o the_o fulfil_n hereby_o of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o visible_a confirmation_n to_o we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophecy_n we_o see_v fulfil_v and_o since_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o well_o attest_v that_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o of_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o must_v turn_v sceptic_n or_o worse_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o well_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o prophecy_n which_o we_o ourselves_o see_v fulfil_v as_o upon_o all_o other_o account_n that_o the_o historical_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n amount_v to_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o not_o except_v even_o that_o of_o sense_n itself_o ii_o let_v we_o now_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o we_o humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o contain_v god_n reveal_v will_n this_o certify_v we_o that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v
and_o such_o prophecy_n deliver_v as_o give_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o full_a evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o concur_v with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n requisite_a in_o a_o revelation_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o know_v that_o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o effectual_a and_o not_o feign_v or_o insufficient_a i_o answer_v because_o we_o have_v they_o so_o relate_v and_o attest_v that_o consider_v bare_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o safe_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v ourselves_o see_v or_o hear_v if_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o for_o all_o this_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v since_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o no_o man_n be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o rome_n who_o never_o see_v it_o though_o no_o man_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o doubt_n of_o it_o than_o he_o can_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o london_n who_o live_v in_o it_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o all_o humane_a evidence_n but_o yet_o i_o deny_v that_o we_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o case_n because_o though_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v humane_a yet_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o concern_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v thus_o long_o impose_v upon_o in_o they_o without_o all_o possibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o here_o we_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o eye_n witness_n of_o they_o do_v resolve_v they_o into_o it_o but_o they_o believe_v these_o miracle_n as_o see_v by_o themselves_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o see_v and_o witness_v by_o other_o but_o both_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v if_o we_o have_v see_v those_o miracle_n that_o we_o may_v possible_o be_v decive_v and_o so_o indeed_o we_o may_v if_o we_o can_v not_o have_v secure_o rely_v upon_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o be_v design_v by_o he_o to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o we_o may_v with_o equal_a security_n rely_v upon_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o history_n of_o they_o as_o we_o can_v have_v do_v for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o they_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o sight_n since_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o deceit_n in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o we_o to_o find_v any_o in_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o performance_n humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o conveyance_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n down_o to_o we_o and_o we_o who_o can_v neither_o see_v the_o miracle_n nor_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n have_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o ascertain_v by_o a_o continue_a successive_a testimony_n till_o we_o arrive_v at_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_a witness_n of_o they_o now_o those_o that_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o esteem_v their_o sense_n infallible_a but_o they_o notwithstanding_o believe_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o of_o who_o yet_o their_o sense_n only_o can_v give_v they_o mean_n of_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a they_o know_v their_o sense_n may_v deceive_v they_o or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o deceive_v they_o upon_o this_o only_a ground_n that_o their_o sense_n or_o their_o reason_n by_o deduction_n from_o sense_n tell_v they_o so_o there_o be_v not_o one_o man_n of_o they_o perhaps_o but_o have_v often_o observe_v his_o sense_n misrepresent_v object_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n upon_o the_o sole_a testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n they_o ground_v a_o infallible_a faith_n because_o though_o their_o sense_n have_v misrepresent_v object_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a medium_n at_o a_o undue_a distance_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o indisposition_n of_o the_o sense_n itself_o and_o still_o their_o sense_n or_o rather_o their_o reason_n by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o sense_n discover_v that_o their_o sense_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o mistake_n but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o the_o object_n be_v place_v in_o open_a and_o frequent_a view_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n when_o it_o be_v public_a and_o expose_v to_o multitude_n when_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n concern_v it_o and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o infinite_a importance_n here_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n who_o frame_v their_o sense_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o hurtful_a to_o they_o as_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o testimony_n which_o descend_v to_o we_o from_o former_a age_n we_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o hear_v with_o other_o man_n ear_n and_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o may_v often_o fail_v we_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o double_a inconveniency_n through_o the_o incapacity_n and_o unfaithfulness_n of_o witness_n yet_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n so_o here_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o after_o the_o utmost_a trial_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v find_v to_o withhold_v our_o assent_n but_o all_o thing_n stand_v undisprove_v and_o no_o just_a scruple_n appear_v but_o only_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n but_o that_o of_o humane_a nature_n itself_o here_o god_n goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n must_v needs_o interpose_v to_o take_v away_o that_o only_a impediment_n which_o otherwise_o must_v unavoidable_o hinder_v any_o thing_n from_o ever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a the_o only_a certainty_n which_o we_o can_v have_v that_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v deceive_v where_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o medium_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n be_v right_o qualify_v because_o that_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o attribute_n of_o justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n but_o it_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o attribute_n not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o body_n for_o they_o will_v be_v provide_v for_o as_o well_o though_o our_o sense_n be_v delude_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o taste_v just_a as_o we_o do_v now_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o much_o deceive_v in_o these_o sensation_n therefore_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v not_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o respect_n to_o our_o soul_n not_o in_o regard_n to_o our_o body_n and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v such_o a_o cheat_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v intelligent_a and_o rational_a being_n we_o have_v the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o lie_v under_o such_o a_o delusion_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n unavoidable_o to_o lie_v under_o a_o temporal_a delusion_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n have_v we_o not_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o unavoidable_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n for_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v deceive_v be_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o to_o suffer_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o mankind_n at_o once_o not_o only_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o sense_n but_o to_o be_v poison_v by_o that_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o the_o special_a providence_n and_o particular_a care_n of_o god_n must_v be_v concern_v to_o prevent_v it_o
if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n but_o the_o imperfection_n of_o human_a nature_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o god_n that_o this_o shall_v never_o mislead_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n whether_o the_o imperfection_n be_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o in_o short_a the_o miracle_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v as_o effectual_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o we_o as_o they_o can_v to_o those_o that_o see_v they_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v upon_o their_o evidence_n as_o they_o can_v have_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sense_n let_v we_o consider_v history_n as_o a_o medium_n by_o which_o these_o miracle_n become_v know_v to_o we_o and_o compare_v this_o medium_n with_o that_o of_o sight_n if_o a_o man_n will_v be_v sceptical_a he_o may_v doubt_v whether_o any_o medium_n of_o sight_n be_v so_o fit_o dispose_v as_o to_o represent_v object_n in_o their_o due_a proportion_n and_o proper_a shape_n he_o may_v suspect_v that_o any_o miracle_n which_o he_o can_v see_v be_v false_a or_o wrought_v only_o to_o amuse_v and_o deceive_v he_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o way_n to_o satisfy_v such_o a_o one_o but_o by_o tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o in_o this_o other_o medium_n of_o history_n which_o to_o we_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o that_o of_o sight_n a_o man_n may_v doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o he_o please_v notwithstanding_o the_o most_o credible_a evidence_n but_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n where_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v concern_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v mankind_n to_o be_v deceive_v without_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o deceit_n the_o circumstance_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o credibility_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v due_o attend_v to_o can_v but_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o evidence_n of_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o and_o consider_v and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o its_o circumstance_n most_o credible_a and_o in_o its_o matter_n be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v certain_o true_a unless_o god_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n for_o not_o to_o believe_v thing_n credible_a when_o attend_v to_o and_o know_v to_o be_v such_o be_v to_o humane_a nature_n impossible_a and_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o thing_n propose_v as_o from_o god_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a crime_n against_o god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v i_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o be_o oblige_v in_o honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v upon_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o think_v he_o can_v oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v john_n xx_o 29._o which_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o a_o peculiar_a blessing_n belong_v to_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v upon_o less_o evidence_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v there_o pronounce_v bless_a who_o have_v so_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v of_o himself_o as_o to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o not_o because_o other_o may_v not_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o belief_n as_o those_o who_o see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o convince_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n though_o reason_n proceed_v at_o least_o upon_o as_o sure_a and_o as_o undeniable_a principle_n a_o demonstration_n when_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o self_n evident_a principle_n upon_o which_o it_o proceed_v though_o it_o be_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o they_o that_o every_o one_o can_v discern_v the_o connexion_n demonstration_n may_v be_v far_o from_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a but_o be_v oftentimes_o we_o know_v very_o difficult_a and_o intricate_a which_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o make_v out_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o sense_n itself_o the_o blessing_n be_v pronounce_v to_o he_o who_o believe_v not_o upon_o less_o evidence_n but_o upon_o that_o which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v less_o which_o be_v less_o observable_a and_o less_o obvious_a to_o our_o consideration_n but_o not_o less_o certain_a when_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v for_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n that_o be_v effectual_o attest_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v of_o he_o because_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o in_o age_n to_o come_v be_v to_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o faith_n in_o christian_n and_o he_o thereby_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o good_a ground_n for_o faith_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o as_o we_o can_v have_v from_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o general_o those_o who_o come_v in_o unbelief_n go_v away_o no_o better_o satisfy_v wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o his_o own_o country_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n he_o can_v do_v no_o mighty_a work_n save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o heal_v they_o mark_n vi_fw-la 5._o he_o can_v not_o do_v his_o mighty_a work_n because_o they_o will_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o will_v be_v lose_v upon_o they_o and_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o insignificant_a or_o in_o vain_a if_o they_o will_v reject_v what_o have_v be_v so_o full_o witness_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v whatever_o miracle_n they_o shall_v see_v he_o do_v it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o amid_o all_o his_o miracle_n our_o saviour_n direct_v his_o follower_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o very_a miracle_n and_o that_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n who_o see_v and_o discourse_v with_o he_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o luke_n xxiv_o 26_o 27._o he_o require_v the_o jew_n to_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o own_o miracle_n than_o that_o which_o he_o imply_v they_o already_o give_v to_o the_o wriring_n of_o moses_n so_o as_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o create_v in_o they_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o many_o more_o and_o great_a motive_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o believe_v these_o of_o the_o new_a must_v therefore_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o those_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n and_o all_o the_o faith_n which_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v that_o i_o myself_o be_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o maker_n or_o create_v without_o a_o creator_n and_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o this_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n in_o man_n must_v himself_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a that_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o that_o according_a to_o these_o attribute_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v a_o false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o his_o own_o name_n with_o such_o manifest_a token_n of_o credibility_n that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o disprove_v it_o but_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o r._n wellington_n at_o the_o dolphin_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n be_v churchyard_n new_o publish_v a_o treatise_n of_o medicine_n contain_v a_o account_n of_o their_o chemical_a principle_n the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o they_o their_o various_a preparation_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o
upon_o any_o subject_a and_o then_o they_o trample_v with_o wonderful_a scorn_n and_o triumph_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o conceive_v be_v so_o miserable_o overcome_v but_o alas_o the_o victory_n be_v over_o themselves_o nothing_o be_v either_o the_o more_o or_o the_o less_o true_a for_o their_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o religion_n be_v always_o the_o same_o how_o profane_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o we_o have_v no_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o any_o man_n faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o what_o we_o say_v it_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o reasonable_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hearken_v to_o reason_n religion_n be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o father_n often_o speak_v the_o best_a and_o true_a philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v how_o much_o soever_o i_o may_v have_v fail_v in_o the_o performance_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v with_o such_o clear_a and_o full_a evidence_n even_o to_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o to_o make_v all_o pretence_n of_o argue_v against_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v impious_a the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o book_n such_o point_n be_v clear_v in_o the_o second_o as_o be_v think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o consider_v the_o strength_n and_o compass_n of_o their_o own_o faculty_n and_o the_o manifold_a defect_n of_o humane_a reason_n p._n 1._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v demonstrable_a p._n 4._o every_o man_n believe_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 12._o those_o who_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a p._n 24._o chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o conceivable_a by_o we_o that_o god_n do_v act_n upon_o the_o immaterial_a as_o that_o he_o act_v upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o may_v act_v more_o powerful_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n than_o of_o other_o p._n 28._o wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v p._n 31._o such_o inference_n from_o thence_o as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_a p._n 41._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n as_o information_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n etc._n etc._n p._n 42._o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n ibid._n though_o something_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n indefinite_o and_o without_o any_o positive_a assertion_n or_o determination_n this_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o their_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n p._n 43._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o humane_a prudence_n and_o observation_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v use_v only_o a_o directive_n power_n and_o influence_n p._n 46._o this_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a p._n 49._o it_o do_v not_o prevent_v personal_a fail_n p._n 50._o no_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n in_o the_o scripture_n erroneous_a p._n 51._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speech_n p._n 53._o those_o which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture-style_n be_v usual_a in_o the_o most_o approve_a heathen_a author_n p._n ib._n metaphor_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n and_o figure_n p._n 57_o the_o style_n different_a of_o different_a nation_n p._n 58._o the_o title_n of_o king_n p._n 59_o what_o art_n be_v use_v by_o orator_n to_o raise_v the_o passion_n p._n 60._o that_o they_o sometime_o read_v their_o speech_n p._n 62._o the_o figurative_a expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o type_n and_o parable_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v ibid._n several_a thing_n relate_v as_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v only_o parabolical_a description_n or_o representation_n p._n 64._o the_o prophetic_a scheme_n of_o speech_n usual_a with_o the_o eastern_a nation_n p._n 66._o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n p._n 68_o the_o antiquity_n and_o various_a way_n of_o poetry_n p._n 69._o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n p._n 71._o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n p._n 79._o the_o method_n p._n 86._o some_o book_n of_o scripture_n admirable_a for_o their_o style_n p._n 89._o why_o the_o style_n not_o alike_o excellent_a in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n p._n 93._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o controversy_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o rest_n p._n 96._o the_o uncontroverted_a book_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n p._n 97._o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o apochrypha_n fall_v not_o here_o under_o consideration_n p._n 99_o no_o suppression_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o idolatrous_a king_n etc._n etc._n p._n 100_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o handwriting_a of_o moses_n find_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o josiah_n p._n 102._o no_o book_n but_o those_o which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n receive_v by_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o canon_n p._n 103._o what_o opinion_n the_o ten_o tribe_n have_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n p._n 105._o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 106._o of_o the_o book_n whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o o._n t._n p._n 106._o why_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n shall_v be_v express_v p._n 108._o a_o wonderful_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o o._n t._n for_o so_o many_o age_n p._n 109._o the_o new_a testament_n confirm_v the_o old_a p._n 111._o the_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n ib._n the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a p._n 113._o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matt._n in_o hebrew_n how_o long_o preserve_v p._n 115._o the_o greek_a version_n of_o it_o p._n 116._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n finish_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n review_v by_o he_o p._n 117._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n ib._n copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n still_o extant_a p._n 118._o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o p._n 119._o the_o canon_n have_v be_v fix_v and_o confirm_v in_o council_n in_o tertullian_n time_n p._n 121._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n general_o receive_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n p._n 124._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n a_o extraordinary_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o such_o casualty_n as_o have_v befall_v other_o book_n p._n 126._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n p._n 127._o the_o change_n of_o the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n into_o that_o now_o in_o use_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n p._n 130._o the_o keri_n and_o the_o ketib_n no_o prejudice_n to_o it_o ib._n the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n and_o other_o version_n or_o between_o the_o version_n themselves_o no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 132._o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o great_a critic_n both_o protestant_n and_o
papist_n that_o no_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o can_v prejudice_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n or_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 135._o no_o less_o may_v be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o of_o the_o old_a the_o great_a care_n and_o reverence_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v for_o the_o book_n of_o it_o heretic_n can_v not_o corrupt_v the_o text_n and_o pass_v undiscovered_a to_o the_o orthodox_n or_o even_o by_o other_o heretic_n p._n 140._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o chronology_n in_o general_a p._n 142._o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o infer_v uncertainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o p_o 143._o they_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v any_o chronological_a mistake_v make_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 145._o the_o total_a term_n of_o year_n be_v not_o always_o exact_o distinguish_v from_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compose_v and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o mistake_v in_o chronology_n p._n 146._o another_o occasion_n of_o mistake_v have_v be_v that_o sometime_o the_o principal_a number_n be_v set_v down_o and_o the_o odd_a or_o lesser_a number_n be_v omit_v which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o principal_a number_n in_o other_o place_n p._n 147._o sometime_o a_o epocha_n be_v mistake_v by_o chronologer_n p._n 149._o the_o likeness_n of_o two_o word_n may_v occasion_v variation_n in_o chronology_n p._n 150._o the_o numeral_a letter_n be_v easy_o mistake_v by_o transcriber_n ib._n some_o alteration_n of_o the_o septuagint_n from_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v with_o design_n p._n 151._o the_o term_n of_o time_n sometime_o take_v inclusive_o and_o at_o other_o time_n exclusive_o p._n 154._o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v p._n 157._o some_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a in_o themselves_o p._n 158._o the_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n of_o ancient_a time_n consist_v in_o proverb_n and_o parable_n p._n 161._o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o the_o age_n when_o they_o be_v write_v p._n 164._o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o parable_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o not_o every_o word_n and_o circumstance_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o p._n 168_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o type_n consider_v p._n 170._o difference_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o phrophecy_n no_o argument_n for_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o they_o ib._n it_o be_v evident_a and_o agree_v by_o interpreter_n that_o prophecy_n have_v be_v fulfil_v though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v fulfil_v p._n 171._o some_o prophecy_n purposely_o obscure_a and_o why_o p._n 172._o some_o prophecy_n have_v never_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o posterity_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v obscure_o write_v p._n 175._o other_o can_v never_o have_v be_v fulsil_v ib._n if_o prophecy_n have_v be_v plain_a it_o will_v have_v be_v think_v that_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v only_o by_o design_n and_o contrivance_n p._n 177._o man_n will_v have_v commit_v sin_n in_o many_o case_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n ib._n they_o may_v sometime_o be_v obscure_a in_o mercy_n to_o man_n p._n 178._o and_o at_o other_o time_n for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a p._n 179._o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n design_v to_o abate_v the_o confidence_n and_o exercise_v the_o diligence_n of_o man_n p._n 180._o some_o prophecy_n plain_o deliver_v by_o all_o prophet_n those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v of_o great_a use_n even_o before_o the_o accomplishment_n this_o show_v of_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n p._n 182._o the_o nature_n and_o certainty_n of_o type_n consider_v p._n 177._o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o p._n 180._o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v so_o pen_v as_o to_o afford_v no_o suspicion_n of_o contradiction_n to_o injudicious_a and_o rash_a man_n p._n 184._o what_o method_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o any_o author_n p._n 186._o a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n p._n 187._o contradiction_n in_o point_n of_o chronology_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o little_a moment_n though_o they_o shall_v have_v happen_v by_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n will_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 190._o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o world_n begin_v p._n 193._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n p._n 194._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n p._n 196._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o angel_n p._n 200._o with_o respect_n to_o man_n p._n 203._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o perform_v according_a to_o mechanical_a principle_n p._n 208._o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n ground_v upon_o mistake_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v always_o the_o same_o quantity_n of_o motion_n p._n 208._o that_o there_o be_v a_o plenum_fw-la ib._n they_o suppose_v it_o move_v worthy_a of_o god_n to_o leave_v matter_n and_o motion_n to_o perform_v all_o by_o themselves_o without_o his_o immediate_a interposition_n and_o assistance_n p._n 210._o the_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a or_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n consider_v p._n 211._o the_o law_n of_o the_o material_a and_o of_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o world_n compare_v p._n 213._o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n inconsistent_a with_o our_o duty_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o deliverance_n in_o sickness_n and_o danger_n p._n 214._o the_o mechanical_a philosophy_n proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o god_n p._n 215._o chap._n x._o of_o other_o habitable_a world_n beside_o this_o earth_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o god_n yet_o man_n be_v most_o incline_v to_o admire_v and_o glorify_v he_o for_o the_o vastness_n of_o his_o work_n p._n 218._o wonderful_a discovery_n late_o make_v upon_o earth_n by_o microscope_n as_o well_o as_o by_o telescope_n in_o the_o heaven_n but_o angel_n who_o have_v no_o need_n of_o artificial_a help_n to_o discern_v they_o glorify_v god_n for_o his_o work_n more_o than_o man_n p._n 219._o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o star_n p._n ib._n the_o earth_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o seat_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n under_o which_o notion_n it_o be_v no_o contemptible_a place_n p._n 220._o the_o planet_n not_o inhabitable_a ib._n for_o what_o use_v they_o may_v be_v design_v p._n 222._o chap._n xi_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o contradict_v the_o late_a discovery_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n the_o use_n of_o popular_a expression_n imply_v neither_o the_o affirmation_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o philosophical_a truth_n of_o they_o p._n 224._o how_o the_o sun_n be_v say_v to_o stand_v still_o jos_n x._o 12._o p._n 225._o the_o firmament_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n gen._n 1.6_o explain_v p._n 226._o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n how_o say_v to_o be_v two_o great_a light_n gen._n 1.16_o p._n 227._o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o earth_n 1_o sam._n 11.8_o p._n 229._o the_o sky-strong_a and_o as_o a_o molten_n looking-glass_n job_n xxxvii_o 18._o ib._n the_o scripture_n speak_v strict_o according_a to_o philosophy_n p._n 230._o chap._n xii_o of_o man_n be_v create_v capable_a of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n this_o repugnant_a neither_o to_o the_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n of_o god_n p._n 231._o the_o objection_n right_o state_v p._n 233._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o advance_v and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n itself_o be_v more_o display_v by_o leave_v man_n to_o a_o freedom_n of_o act_v than_o they_o will_v have_v be_v by_o impose_v a_o inevitable_a fate_n upon_o mankind_n p._n 234._o freedom_n of_o action_n conduce_v more_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a than_o a_o necessity_n of_o not_o sin_v can_v
numerous_a than_o the_o sufferer_n for_o any_o other_o p._n 531._o zeal_n for_o falsehood_n no_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n p._n 532._o the_o preference_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o all_o other_o p._n 534._o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o martyrdom_n p._n 535._o chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o p._n 539._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v p._n 544._o nor_o expedient_a p._n 546._o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n p._n 549._o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a p._n 551._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n about_o which_o man_n dispute_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o man_n have_v not_o disagree_v p._n 555._o prophecy_n be_v hereby_o fullfil_v p._n 557._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o true_a revelation_n may_v contain_v great_a difficulty_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n remain_v in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a the_o objection_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o insignificant_a p._n 559._o this_o be_v show_v in_o particular_n p._n 561._o the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v in_o case_n of_o another_o nature_n p._n 563._o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n p._n 566._o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 568._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n immorality_n a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o singularity_n of_o opinion_n p._n 569._o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n p._n 570._o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_a to_o jest_v and_o trifle_v withal_o p._n 574._o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n have_v in_o the_o former_a book_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o compass_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o faculty_n and_o to_o observe_v in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o daily_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o understand_v much_o more_o than_o themselves_o and_o how_o much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n there_o be_v in_o the_o wise_a man_n those_o common_o that_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o confident_a in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o understand_v all_o thing_n beside_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v not_o consider_v how_o very_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o reveal_v many_o thing_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a but_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n over_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a he_o may_v reveal_v thing_n above_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v command_v we_o what_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_v though_o we_o may_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n many_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n amount_v to_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o of_o which_o some_o man_n think_v no_o clear_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o unworthy_a of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o way_n of_o object_v and_o where_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o such_o argument_n but_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v or_o which_o they_o can_v perfect_o understand_v this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o objection_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v thing_n which_o these_o man_n in_o their_o great_a wisdom_n think_v shall_v not_o be_v there_o if_o they_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v to_o make_v their_o own_o understanding_n the_o measure_n and_o criterion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v sceptic_n for_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o other_o have_v be_v atheist_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n find_v as_o much_o fault_n with_o the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o deist_n do_v with_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v renounce_v all_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o disbelieve_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v man_n therefore_o of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o shallshew_v i._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v â—demonstrable_a ii_o that_o very_a man_n believe_v and_o experience_n several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v iii_o that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o we_o demonstrable_a several_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n nothing_o seem_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o divisibility_n be_v essential_a to_o matter_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o matter_n be_v divisible_a so_o that_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v as_o divisible_a as_o the_o big_a because_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v matter_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o matter_n differ_v only_o in_o bulk_n or_o figure_n or_o place_n or_o rest_v or_o motion_n it_o be_v then_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v divisible_a it_o must_v ever_o be_v divisible_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o often_o divide_v since_o it_o can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o to_o lose_v it_o own_o nature_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v matter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v infinite_o divisible_a because_o whatever_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a into_o part_n and_o no_o part_n can_v be_v infinite_a because_o no_o number_n can_v be_v so_o for_o all_o number_n be_v necessary_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v count_v or_o number_v though_o no_o finite_a be_v may_v be_v able_a to_o number_v it_o a_o numberless_a number_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n therefore_o all_o number_n must_v be_v even_o or_o odd_a and_o must_v be_v capable_a of_o addition_n and_o substraction_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o infinite_a for_o what_o be_v less_o or_o great_a have_v certain_a bound_n or_o limit_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v
eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n of_o mankind_n be_v combine_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o less_o elegancy_n and_o accuracy_n of_o style_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n than_o have_v be_v before_o use_v by_o moses_n and_o thâ—_n prophet_n who_o yet_o have_v nothing_o which_o seem_v so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a to_o deliver_v which_o be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o can_v prevail_v so_o much_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n in_o the_o world_n only_o by_o tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a manner_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_a the_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n be_v best_a as_o in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o man_n make_v themselves_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o likewise_o be_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 24._o their_o cause_n and_o doctrine_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o any_o word_n which_o do_v but_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v their_o meaning_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n their_o rhetoric_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o in_o word_n there_o be_v no_o great_a art_n require_v to_o prove_v that_o to_o any_o man_n which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v great_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o under_o the_o law_n so_o there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o eloquence_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v as_o a_o 4._o a_o mer_n casaub_n of_o enthus_n c._n 4._o learned_a critic_n have_v declare_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o some_o kind_n and_o upon_o some_o subject_n be_v as_o eloquent_a as_o ever_o man_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o demosthenes_n in_o who_o writing_n he_o believe_v that_o apostle_n have_v be_v much_o conversant_a or_o aeschines_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_o most_o admire_v 3._o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v permit_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o style_n so_o direct_v they_o still_o and_o overrule_a they_o in_o every_o word_n and_o sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v infallible_o express_v his_o own_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a style_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o isaiah_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a and_o educate_v at_o court_n may_v write_v in_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o lofty_a style_n and_o amos_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o among_o the_o herdsman_n of_o tekoa_n may_v speak_v in_o a_o more_o humble_a strain_n and_o fetch_v his_o metaphor_n from_o low_a and_o mean_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o both_o may_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o exact_o true_a and_o infallible_a as_o if_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v dictate_v by_o he_o but_o this_o have_v be_v already_o consider_v under_o its_o proper_a head_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o catalogue_n and_o number_n of_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o or_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o church_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a way_n of_o argue_v than_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o must_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o we_o know_v and_o by_o consequence_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n since_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o author_n of_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n but_o that_o critic_n have_v have_v dispute_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o his_o genuine_a work_n and_o yet_o this_o have_v never_o be_v think_v any_o prejudice_n to_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o to_o be_v genuine_a will_v not_o that_o man_n make_v himself_o ridiculous_a who_o shall_v reject_v the_o philippic_n of_o tully_n or_o virgil_n aeneis_n as_o spurious_a because_o other_o book_n either_o doubtful_a or_o counterfeit_v have_v past_a under_o the_o name_n of_o these_o two_o author_n if_o some_o book_n have_v be_v dispute_v the_o rest_n certain_o be_v genuine_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n because_o they_o have_v never_o be_v call_v into_o question_n or_o doubt_v now_o if_o these_o book_n only_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o dispute_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v be_v any_o controversy_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o useful_a to_o explain_v divers_a thing_n which_o we_o find_v in_o these_o and_o perhaps_o to_o teach_v we_o some_o thing_n not_o essential_a to_o our_o religion_n nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v elsewhere_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v because_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v full_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v receive_v without_o contradiction_n or_o dispute_n many_o man_n be_v undoubted_o save_v before_o the_o write_n of_o these_o controvert_v book_n nay_o before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o book_n at_o all_o write_n be_v no_o further_o necessary_a than_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v write_v when_o the_o thing_n now_o write_v can_v be_v as_o well_o know_v without_o writing_n book_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o though_o for_o after_o age_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v consign_v their_o doctrine_n to_o writing_n yet_o no_o more_o of_o their_o writing_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o than_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o afford_v we_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o natural_a and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o any_o man_n to_o reject_v any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n or_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v but_o still_o that_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o natural_a life_n and_o health_n who_o shall_v think_v all_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o common_a or_o unclean_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v for_o food_n and_o if_o a_o man_n without_o any_o of_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o the_o uncontrrovert_v book_n he_o will_v find_v they_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o procure_v his_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o one_o infallible_a authority_n be_v as_o great_a a_o security_n as_o never_o so_o many_o can_v be_v but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o furnish_v we_o with_o so_o much_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n for_o our_o further_a instruction_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n though_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a and_o wicked_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v all_o the_o point_n of_o necessary_a faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n unless_o he_o likewise_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v now_o find_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n whether_o it_o be_v genuine_a or_o no_o but_o to_o suppose_v the_o most_o and_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v if_o those_o book_n which_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v call_v in_o
question_n be_v not_o only_o dubious_a but_o certain_o spurious_a the_o remain_a book_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o the_o necessary_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v former_o matter_n of_o controversy_n i_o shall_v enter_v upon_o no_o discourse_n concern_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n the_o authority_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o effectual_o disprove_v by_o protestant_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n have_v now_o little_a to_o say_v for_o they_o but_o â—re_n force_v only_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n or_o to_o beg_v something_o as_o hard_a to_o be_v grant_v viz._n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o engage_v in_o no_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v general_o speak_v agree_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n these_o book_n in_o the_o main_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a and_o without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o propose_v such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o obviate_v objection_n the_o agreement_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n for_o its_o authority_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a idolatry_n commit_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n yet_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o the_o people_n nor_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n as_o that_o the_o book_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v suppress_v or_o alter_v for_o three_o year_n under_o rehoboam_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n 2_o chron._n 11.17.12.1_o and_o though_o afterward_o he_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o israel_n with_o he_o his_o reign_n be_v in_o all_o but_o seventeen_o year_n abijam_n be_v a_o wicked_a king_n but_o he_o reign_v no_o long_o than_o three_o year_n 1_o king_n xv_o 2._o asa_n the_o three_o from_o solomon_n and_o jehoshaphat_n his_o son_n be_v great_a reformer_n and_o asa_n reign_v one_o and_o forty_o year_n and_o jehoshaphat_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o chron._n xuj_o 13._o xx_o 31._o the_o two_o next_o king_n in_o succession_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o their_o reign_n be_v short_a jehoram_n reign_v eight_o year_n and_o ahaziah_n but_o one_o 2_o chron._n xxi_o 20._o xxii_o 2._o during_o the_o interval_n of_o six_o year_n under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o athaliah_n the_o people_n can_v not_o be_v great_o corrupt_v for_o she_o be_v hateful_a to_o they_o as_o jehoram_n her_o husband_n have_v be_v before_o she_o and_o they_o ready_o join_v with_o jehoiada_n in_o slay_v she_o and_o in_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n xxii_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o ahaziah_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o jehoiada_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 2._o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o reign_v well_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o king_n twelve_o 6._o and_o probable_o much_o long_o for_o jehoiada_n live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 15._o amaziah_n his_o son_n have_v the_o same_o character_n and_o with_o the_o same_o abatement_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o chron._n twenty-five_o 2._o or_o yet_o not_o like_o david_n his_o father_n he_o do_v according_a to_o all_o thing_n as_o joash_n his_o father_n do_v 2_o king_n fourteen_o 3._o vzziah_n son_n to_o amaziah_n reign_v well_o and_o seek_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o zachariah_n 2_o chron._n xxvi_o 5._o and_o after_o he_o be_v seize_v with_o the_o leprosy_n for_o invade_v the_o priest_n office_n the_o administration_n of_o affair_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o son_n jotham_n vers_fw-la 21._o who_o imitate_v the_o good_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n chap._n xxvii_o 2._o ahaz_n be_v wicked_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o he_o reign_v only_o sixteen_o year_n chap._n xxviii_o 1._o and_o his_o son_n hezekiah_n wrought_v a_o great_a reformation_n who_o reign_v twenty_o nine_o year_n chap._n xxix_o 1._o manasses_n be_v much_o give_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o reign_n but_o after_o his_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n he_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o it_o chap._n xxxiii_o 15_o 16._o amon_n imitate_v the_o ill_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n but_o his_o own_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o two_o year_n chap._n xxxiii_o 21._o the_o next_o be_v josiah_n in_o who_o time_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n own_o hand-writing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n can_v be_v no_o such_o rare_a thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o to_o be_v take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v that_o book_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o be_v to_o be_v transcribe_v by_o every_o king_n it_o seem_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v purposely_o hide_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o attempt_n of_o idolater_n who_o it_o be_v fear_v may_v have_v a_o design_n to_o destroy_v it_o for_o if_o it_o have_v only_o lie_v by_o neglect_a the_o find_n of_o it_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o surprise_v thing_n because_o the_o place_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v well_o know_v where_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o where_o they_o may_v have_v seek_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v probable_o at_o that_o time_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v utter_o lose_v and_o its_o be_v find_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n the_o veneration_n which_o josiah_n have_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o write_n and_o the_o happy_a and_o unexpected_a recovery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o have_v be_v disregard_v and_o almost_o lose_v through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o predecessor_n these_o consideration_n can_v not_o but_o exceed_o move_v a_o mind_n so_o tender_a and_o affectionate_o pious_a as_o that_o king_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n under_o moses_n own_o hand_n send_v he_o as_o he_o believe_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o deliver_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v anew_o from_o heaven_n not_o long_o after_o his_o time_n be_v the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n till_o which_o there_o be_v always_o prophet_n frequent_a reformation_n and_o never_o any_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n which_o continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o very_o few_o king_n be_v idolatrous_a throughout_o their_o whole_a reign_n and_o those_o that_o be_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n 9_o time_n book_n 1._o part_n 2._o c._n 6._o &_o 9_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o their_o return_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n that_o ezra_n who_o compose_v the_o canon_n do_v it_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o do_v it_o 1._o it_o joseph_n câ—nt_fw-la apion_n lib._n 1._o josephus_n say_v that_o their_o book_n after_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o before_o his_o time_n for_o want_v of_o a_o certain_a succession_n of_o prophet_n and_o since_o the_o jew_n admit_v no_o writing_n as_o inspire_v into_o the_o canon_n after_o malachi_n prophecy_n this_o show_v their_o sincerity_n and_o exactness_n in_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n as_o they_o admit_v into_o their_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o pharisee_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n but_o never_o dare_v presume_v to_o impose_v they_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o
of_o fact_n which_o be_v past_a a_o author_n may_v easy_o be_v disprove_v if_o he_o relate_v what_o be_v false_a of_o his_o own_o time_n or_o of_o time_n whereof_o there_o be_v memorial_n still_o extant_a but_o the_o credit_n of_o prophecy_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v a_o long_a time_n after_o to_o pass_v must_v depend_v upon_o the_o mission_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n only_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v annex_v that_o their_o prediction_n may_v be_v depend_v upon_o when_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o man_n who_o by_o other_o prediction_n already_o fulfil_v have_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n iv_o the_o very_a preservation_n of_o book_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n through_o so_o many_o change_n and_o revolution_n against_o all_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n and_o ignorance_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o war_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o adversary_n and_o so_o many_o other_o accident_n which_o have_v destroy_v most_o other_o book_n of_o any_o considerable_a antiquity_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o a_o wonderful_a providence_n concern_v for_o they_o and_o of_o that_o evidence_n whereby_o they_o be_v at_o first_o attest_v the_o law_n of_o the_o wise_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o most_o flourish_a and_o powerful_a nation_n have_v be_v so_o little_o regard_v by_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v that_o they_o soon_o forsake_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o ready_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o other_o law_n upon_o any_o revolution_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n which_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a lawgiver_n assume_v to_o themselves_o can_v make_v they_o no_o long_o adhere_v to_o nor_o so_o much_o value_v as_o to_o outlive_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o particular_a kingdom_n and_o state_n for_o which_o they_o be_v contrive_v but_o most_o of_o they_o be_v change_v or_o lay_v aside_o before_o and_o the_o rest_n give_v up_o and_o abandon_v as_o out_o of_o date_n and_o of_o little_a use_n or_o esteem_v afterward_o and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v so_o little_a able_a to_o withstand_v the_o destruction_n of_o time_n that_o we_o know_v not_o much_o more_o of_o they_o than_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a be_v in_o great_a measure_n take_v out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v continue_v entire_a and_o unchanged_a under_o all_o accident_n and_o revolution_n of_o affair_n bear_v this_o character_n as_o well_o as_o other_o of_o he_o who_o be_v immutable_a they_o have_v be_v still_o assert_v against_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o opposition_n of_o enemy_n by_o a_o captive_a and_o disperse_a people_n who_o by_o the_o signal_n providence_n of_o god_n though_o they_o reject_v their_o messiah_n yet_o still_o acknowledge_v those_o prophecy_n which_o foretell_v his_o come_n and_o after_o their_o dispersion_n for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v they_o that_o they_o assert_v and_o maintain_v they_o and_o be_v zealous_a even_o to_o superstition_n for_o those_o book_n which_o command_v that_o worship_n and_o appoint_v those_o solemnity_n which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n to_o observe_v as_o if_o those_o law_n which_o be_v once_o so_o uneasy_a to_o their_o forefather_n be_v now_o become_v natural_a to_o their_o posterity_n or_o rather_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o who_o word_n shall_v never_o pass_v away_o till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v v._o the_o new_a testament_n give_v evidence_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a which_o be_v so_o often_o cite_v in_o it_o vi_o the_o christian_n be_v religious_o cautious_a and_o circumspect_a in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o script_n the_o hieron_n catalogue_n eccl._n script_n epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v at_o first_o scruple_v only_o or_o chief_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o style_n the_o style_n of_o the_o former_a be_v think_v different_a from_o that_o of_o st_n paul_n and_o the_o style_n of_o the_o latter_a from_o that_o of_o st_n peter_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n judas_n be_v likewise_o doubt_v of_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o enoch_n be_v cite_v in_o it_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o several_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v reject_v and_o by_o general_a consent_n lay_v aside_o the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o st_n barnabas_n who_o be_v style_v a_o apostle_n act_v xiii_o 2._o fourteen_o 14._o be_v never_o receive_v but_o as_o apocryphal_a and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st_n clement_n of_o who_o st_n paul_n give_v as_o high_a a_o character_n phil._n four_o 3._o as_o he_o do_v of_o st_n luke_n or_o as_o st_n peter_n ever_o give_v of_o st_n mark_n be_v never_o admit_v among_o the_o canonical_a book_n though_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n but_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st_n mark_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v by_o st_n luke_n have_v ever_o be_v receive_v for_o canonical_a for_o which_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o st_n mark_n and_o st_n luke_n be_v know_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n since_o upon_o all_o personal_a and_o humane_a account_n a_o epistle_n of_o st_n barnabas_n or_o st_n clement_n must_v have_v carry_v as_o much_o authority_n with_o it_o as_o any_o thing_n under_o the_o name_n of_o st_n mark_n or_o st_n luke_n ib._n luke_n unam_fw-la ad_fw-la aedisicationem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pertinentem_fw-la epistolam_fw-la composuit_fw-la quae_fw-la inter_fw-la apochrypha_n scripture_n legitur_fw-la id._n ib._n st_o jerom_n say_v that_o st_n barnabas_n be_v the_o author_n of_o one_o epistle_n write_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v read_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n so_o that_o book_n be_v style_v apocryphal_a not_o because_o it_o be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o because_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o they_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_z or_o no._n so_o careful_a be_v the_o primitive_a church_n to_o receive_v none_o into_o the_o canon_n but_o book_n certain_o inspire_v it_o be_v well_o observe_v 1._o observe_v crit_fw-fr hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part._n 1._o c._n 1._o by_o f._n simon_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o liturgy_n that_o we_o have_v under_o the_o name_n of_o several_a apostle_n to_o who_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o eastern_a christian_n do_v attribute_v they_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o the_o apostle_n for_o all_o the_o church_n have_v preserve_v they_o in_o their_o ancient_a purity_n whereas_o every_o particular_a nation_n have_v add_v to_o their_o liturgy_n and_o have_v take_v the_o liberty_n often_o to_o revise_v they_o the_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v always_o have_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o in_o sert_v any_o considerable_a addition_n therein_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o all_o people_n have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o divine_a book_n which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o alter_v on_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o liturgy_n though_o they_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o some_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o original_o write_v by_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v attribute_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o church_n to_o add_v to_o they_o or_o to_o diminish_v from_o they_o according_a as_o occasion_n require_v vii_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v very_o jealous_a and_o cautious_a in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n so_o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a the_o way_n of_o write_v and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o write_v as_o st_n paul_n intimate_v of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o manner_n of_o salutation_n for_o when_o he_o use_v a_o amanuensis_fw-la yet_o he_o write_v the_o salutation_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o his_o token_n in_o every_o epistle_n 2_o thess_n iii._o 17._o they_o general_o write_v to_o whole_a church_n but_o particular_a man_n be_v frequent_o name_v in_o their_o epistle_n which_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o ascertain_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o 36._o they_o ago_o jam_fw-la qui_fw-la voles_fw-fr curiofitatem_fw-la melius_fw-la exercere_fw-la in_o negotio_fw-la salutis_fw-la tuus_fw-la percurre_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la adhue_n cathedrae_fw-la
of_o nice_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o by_o that_o council_n and_o that_o they_o be_v style_v apostolical_a because_o they_o be_v make_v by_o apostolical_a man_n or_o such_o as_o live_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o deliver_v in_o these_o canon_n what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n dr_n beverege_n think_v they_o roman_n they_o bever_n annot._fw-la ad_fw-la pandect_a can._n &_o cod._n can._n eccl._n primit_fw-la vind_z cave_n histor_n litter_n in_o clem_v roman_n be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o dr_n cave_n seem_v incline_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a apostolical_a canon_n which_o contain_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n give_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o show_v wherein_o it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v since_o all_o which_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o tertullian_n that_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n among_o other_o thing_n under_o consideration_n which_o we_o find_v set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n no_o book_n be_v omit_v but_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o authentic_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o know_v of_o what_o authority_n it_o be_v but_o none_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n but_o such_o book_n as_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v finish_v by_o st_n john_n and_o that_o such_o book_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n be_v reject_v by_o council_n hold_v when_o there_o be_v live_a witness_n to_o certify_v st_n john_n approbation_n of_o the_o canon_n or_o at_o least_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o such_o witness_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n be_v translate_v into_o divers_a language_n in_o st_n john_n life_n time_n and_o we_o must_v in_o reason_n suppose_v the_o same_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v all_o very_o early_o translate_v into_o many_o tongue_n and_o disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n in_o so_o many_o country_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o falsify_v espeble_a cial_o since_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n be_v never_o more_o jealous_a and_o watchful_a over_o each_o other_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o several_a interest_n and_o pretension_n of_o all_o party_n be_v chief_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o no_o catalogue_n of_o book_n can_v have_v be_v receive_v exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n xii_o when_o it_o once_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o belong_v to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v afterward_o general_o acknowledge_v and_o constant_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n every_o sect_n have_v since_o use_v all_o art_n and_o endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n few_o or_o none_o presume_v to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n which_o they_o will_v never_o scruple_n to_o do_v if_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v make_v out_o any_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o it_o protestant_n have_v refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n as_o inspire_v but_o whoever_o have_v go_v about_o to_o reject_v any_o part_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n have_v be_v universal_o declare_v against_o for_o it_o whereof_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v want_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n papist_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o of_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n which_o be_v direct_o against_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n to_o be_v genuine_a though_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v so_o clear_o against_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n these_o espistle_n indeed_o be_v never_o controvert_v but_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n likewise_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o the_o socinian_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v so_o plain_o assert_v in_o it_o and_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o st_n john_n though_o they_o be_v so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o expound_v they_o to_o their_o own_o sense_n that_o socinus_n be_v force_v to_o pretend_v to_o i_o know_v not_o what_o revelation_n to_o help_v out_o one_o of_o his_o explication_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o he_o can_v have_v find_v out_o any_o colour_n for_o not_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o text_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o tenant_n that_o he_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o revelation_n shall_v procure_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o interpretation_n and_o general_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o other_o sect_n those_o that_o differ_v never_o so_o much_o one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o particular_a text_n yet_o agree_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n itself_o or_o can_v find_v out_o no_o sufficient_a pretence_n to_o disow_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o a_o extrardinary_a providence_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n secure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o those_o casualty_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o humane_a write_n for_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n the_o difficulty_n to_o avoid_v mistake_n in_o transcribe_v book_n in_o a_o language_n which_o have_v so_o many_o of_o its_o letter_n and_o of_o its_o word_n themselves_o so_o like_o one_o another_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n as_o it_o be_v general_o now_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o point_n the_o change_n of_o the_o samaritan_n or_o ancient_a hebrew_n for_o the_o present_a hebrew_n character_n the_o captivity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o seventy_o year_n and_o the_o mixture_n and_o change_n which_o be_v during_o that_o time_n bring_v into_o their_o language_n in_o short_a all_o the_o accident_n which_o have_v ever_o happen_v to_o occasion_n error_n or_o mistake_n in_o any_o book_n have_v concur_v to_o cause_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o the_o different_a readins_n be_v much_o few_o and_o make_v much_o less_o alteration_n in_o the_o sense_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o same_o bigness_n and_o of_o any_o note_n and_o antiquity_n if_o all_o the_o copy_n shall_v be_v careful_o examine_v and_o every_o little_a variation_n as_o punctual_o set_v down_o as_o those_o of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v but_o though_o from_o hence_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o peculiar_a providence_n have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o from_o humane_a consideration_n and_o argument_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v assure_v that_o nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v happen_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n 1._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v not_o prejuduce_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o though_o the_o point_n which_o crititical_o determine_v the_o exact_a read_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v of_o a_o late_a invention_n yet_o that_o tongue_n be_v never_o without_o its_o vowel_n for_o aleph_fw-la vau_fw-fr and_o jod_a and_o which_o some_o add_v he_o and_o gnajm_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v use_v as_o vowel_n as_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v from_o josephus_n 49._o vid._n walton_n prolegom_n iii._o s_o 49._o origen_n and_o st_n jerom_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n in_o that_o language_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o these_o vowel_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o ascertain_v the_o true_a read_n as_o the_o point_n have_v since_o be_v but_o
whatever_o defect_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o vowel_n it_o be_v supply_v by_o constant_a use_n and_o practice_n and_o by_o some_o general_a rule_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o read_n the_o bible_n be_v a_o book_n which_o by_o divine_a commandment_n be_v so_o often_o and_o careful_o read_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a the_o hebrew_n text_n may_v be_v exact_o read_v and_o the_o true_a sense_n certain_o retain_v and_o know_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o by_o constant_a use_n and_o continual_a practice_n and_o custom_n from_o their_o infancy_n the_o jew_n can_v read_v it_o with_o ease_n and_o readiness_n without_o point_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v ordinary_o do_v now_o by_o man_n who_o be_v skilful_a in_o that_o language_n and_o divers_a have_v attain_v to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o observation_n and_o industry_n if_o there_o be_v the_o more_o difficulty_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o point_n there_o be_v the_o more_o care_n and_o study_v use_v about_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v time_n purposely_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n study_v it_o with_o that_o diligence_n and_o exactness_n that_o they_o know_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v their_o own_o name_n or_o better_o two_o better_o joseph_n contr_n ap._n lib._n two_o josephus_n express_v it_o if_o that_o be_v possible_a and_o they_o use_v so_o great_a accuracy_n both_o in_o their_o pronounce_v and_o write_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n that_o any_o considerable_a mistake_n shall_v be_v occasion_v by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o vowel_n before_o the_o point_n be_v find_v out_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a learning_n as_o 8._o as_o considerate_a considere_fw-la c._n x._o s._n 8._o bishop_n walton_n observe_v the_o true_a read_n of_o the_o text_n and_o they_o who_o be_v most_o accurate_a and_o exact_a therein_o be_v honour_v most_o among_o they_o and_o have_v their_o school_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n who_o they_o instruct_v from_o time_n to_o time_n till_o at_o length_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o many_o dispersion_n and_o banishment_n that_o the_o true_a read_n may_v not_o be_v lose_v with_o the_o language_n they_o begin_v to_o affix_v point_n to_o the_o text_n as_o well_o to_o facilitate_v the_o read_n as_o to_o preserve_v it_o the_o better_a from_o any_o alteration_n or_o change_n but_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n which_o never_o can_v have_v be_v make_v but_o in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o in_o the_o east_n they_o common_o write_v yet_o without_o point_n as_o the_o jew_n likewise_o write_v the_o western_a language_n where_o they_o live_v without_o point_n in_o the_o hebrew_n character_n orient_a character_n walt._n prolegom_n three_o s_o 40._o morin-epist_a 15._o &_o 70._o inter_fw-la antiquit_fw-la eccl._n orient_a the_o samaritan_n still_o have_v no_o point_n and_o 243._o and_o joseph_n scalig._n epist_n 243._o the_o child_n of_o the_o turk_n arabian_n and_o persian_n and_o general_o of_o all_o the_o mahometan_n learn_v to_o read_v without_o they_o orac._n they_o voss_n de_fw-fr sibyl_n orac._n isaac_n vossius_fw-la say_v the_o asiatic_n laugh_v at_o the_o european_n because_o they_o can_v read_v as_o they_o do_v without_o vowel_n 50._o vowel_n walt._n prolegom_n iii._o s_o 50._o schickard_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v know_v child_n of_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n read_v the_o pentateuch_n mere_o by_o use_n 6._o use_n lud._n capel_n de_fw-fr punct_a hebr._fw-la antiqu_n lib._n two_o c._n 27._o s_o 4_o 5_o 6._o clenard_n and_o erpenius_n himself_o who_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o the_o arabic_a and_o other_o eastern_a language_n both_o of_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o learn_v the_o arabic_a only_o by_o their_o own_o study_n and_o diligence_n from_o book_n without_o point_n and_o arpenius_n have_v attain_v to_o such_o accuracy_n in_o that_o language_n before_o he_o have_v read_v any_o book_n with_o the_o point_n that_o isaac_n casaubon_n so_o far_o approve_v of_o the_o translation_n which_o he_o have_v then_o make_v of_o the_o arabic_a nubian_n geography_n into_o latin_a that_o he_o be_v very_o earnest_a with_o he_o to_o publish_v it_o ludovicus_n capellus_n beside_o give_v a_o instance_n from_o his_o own_o knowledge_n of_o one_o who_o when_o he_o have_v scarce_o be_v teach_v the_o arabic_a alphabet_n make_v a_o great_a progress_n in_o that_o tongue_n in_o four_o month_n only_o by_o his_o own_o industry_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o point_n all_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a paradox_n to_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o ancient_a eastern_a way_n of_o writing_n and_o that_o no_o body_n can_v certain_o know_v what_o their_o author_n mean_v nay_o that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v one_o another_o meaning_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v now_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o writing_n before_o some_o certain_a time_n when_o the_o point_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v first_o find_v out_o ii_o the_o change_n of_o the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n into_o that_o now_o in_o use_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text._n because_o this_o be_v but_o the_o write_n over_o that_o which_o be_v before_o in_o one_o alphabet_n into_o another_o the_o language_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o this_o if_o it_o be_v do_v with_o sufficient_a care_n as_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v can_v make_v no_o material_a mistake_n and_o we_o find_v it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n pentateuch_n still_o extant_a iii_o the_o keri_n and_o the_o kelib_a or_o the_o difference_n in_o some_o place_n between_o the_o text_n and_o the_o marginal_a read_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o the_o various_a lection_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v much_o few_o consider_v the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o copy_n which_o have_v be_v transcribe_v in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o book_n so_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v and_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o as_o easy_o discover_v some_o of_o they_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o likeness_n of_o several_a of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o book_n write_v in_o such_o small_a character_n 8._o character_n hieron_n proaem_n in_o ezech._n comment_fw-fr lib._n 8._o as_o st_n jerome_n complain_v be_v use_v in_o write_v the_o hebrew_n bibles_n of_o his_o time_n other_o happen_v from_o abbreviation_n and_o some_o may_v proceed_v from_o marginal_a gloss_n it_o must_v likewise_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o word_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bibles_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o various_a lection_n for_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v place_v there_o by_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o superstition_n because_o they_o scruple_v to_o pronounce_v certain_a word_n and_o therefore_o appoint_v other_o to_o be_v read_v in_o their_o stead_n but_o when_o the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v into_o divers_a country_n their_o dialect_n or_o manner_n of_o pronunciation_n must_v needs_o be_v different_a and_o as_o the_o same_o word_n be_v pronounce_v different_o so_o they_o will_v in_o time_n be_v different_o write_v which_o give_v one_o chief_a occasion_n to_o the_o various_a lection_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o from_o the_o emulation_n between_o the_o school_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o babylon_n and_o those_o at_o jerusalem_n there_o arise_v a_o set_v of_o various_a lection_n under_o the_o title_n of_o of_o the_o eastern_a and_o the_o western_a readins_n but_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o 28._o they_o vid._n walt._n proleg_n 8._o s._n 28._o be_v of_o no_o moment_n and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v much_o at_o one_o which_o read_v be_v admit_v for_o they_o concern_v matter_n of_o orthography_n rather_o than_o of_o orthodoxy_n as_o buxtorf_n speak_v and_o the_o jew_n of_o palestine_n and_o of_o europe_n who_o follow_v the_o western_a readins_n yet_o do_v not_o altogether_o reject_v the_o eastern_a but_o in_o some_o edition_n have_v print_v they_o both_o 9_o both_o id._n proleg_n four_o s_o 9_o the_o different_a reading_n of_o ben_n ascher_n and_o ben_n naphtali_n have_v the_o same_o original_n the_o eastern_a jew_n follow_v the_o one_o and_o the_o western_a observe_v the_o other_o but_o these_o concern_v the_o point_n and_o accent_n only_o and_o not_o either_o the_o word_n or_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o ancient_a book_n in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o we_o right_o understand_v it_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o book_n that_o it_o be_v without_o various_a lection_n
for_o what_o book_n be_v there_o without_o they_o or_o what_o book_n of_o the_o same_o bigness_n and_o of_o any_o antiquity_n have_v so_o few_o various_a lection_n as_o the_o bible_n and_o what_o book_n can_v be_v transcribe_v or_o print_v but_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o have_v mistake_v make_v in_o it_o iu._n no_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n and_o other_o version_n or_o between_o the_o several_a version_n themselves_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v ever_o different_a in_o any_o thing_n material_a from_o what_o it_o be_v now_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n 8._o septuagint_n id._n prolegom_n ix_o s_o â—2_n &_o x._o s_o 8._o as_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v from_o st._n jerom_n and_o other_o be_v in_o many_o place_n rather_o a_o comment_n or_o paraphrase_n than_o a_o strict_a version_n and_o give_v the_o sense_n rather_o than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n many_o time_n there_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o difference_n where_o there_o be_v none_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a as_o 46._o as_o pocock_n append._n ad_fw-la porâ—_n mos_fw-la c._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o pear_n praef._n ad_fw-la septuag_n edit_fw-la cantab_n be_v voss_n de_fw-fr lxx_o interpret_v walt_n proleg_n ix_o 46._o dr_n pocock_n have_v show_v in_o divers_a instance_n and_o bp_o pearson_n in_o other_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v write_v by_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o very_o skilful_a in_o the_o oriental_a tongue_n have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o agreement_n between_o hebrew_a and_z and_o the_o septuagint_n throughout_o and_o have_v make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o the_o work_n as_o bishop_n walton_n inform_v we_o other_o difference_n proceed_v from_o the_o mistake_v of_o transcriber_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o happen_v in_o book_n of_o which_o so_o many_o copy_n have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o age_n and_o from_o the_o rashness_n of_o critic_n in_o make_v unnecessary_a alteration_n or_o by_o insert_v into_o the_o text_n such_o note_n as_o be_v at_o first_o place_v only_o for_o explication_n in_o the_o margin_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o less_o consequence_n the_o translator_n may_v be_v mistake_v or_o they_o may_v follow_v a_o different_a copy_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v great_o confirm_v from_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n the_o copy_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o have_v no_o such_o variation_n from_o those_o we_o now_o use_v as_o to_o be_v of_o any_o ill_a consequence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o imputation_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o jew_n by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n that_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o scripture_n in_o such_o place_n as_o according_a to_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o ancestor_n must_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o they_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o version_n of_o aquila_n symmachus_n and_o theodosian_a who_o be_v all_o either_o profess_a jew_n or_o judaize_v heretic_n design_v their_o translation_n to_o countenance_v their_o own_o error_n especial_o aquila_n who_o undertake_v his_o version_n purposely_o to_o oppose_v that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n for_o it_o be_v now_o general_o agree_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o deserve_v the_o censure_n of_o have_v corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n text_n though_o they_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v various_a readins_n choose_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o their_o own_o pretence_n though_o it_o be_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o forefather_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_n philo_z in_o a_o discourse_n cite_v 6._o cite_v euseb_n praepar_fw-la evang._n lib._n viij_o c._n 6._o by_o eusebius_n who_o thereby_o own_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o say_v that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o word_n alter_v in_o the_o law_n but_o that_o the_o jew_n will_v choose_v to_o die_v never_o so_o many_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v consent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o prejudice_n of_o it_o and_o i._n and_o contra_fw-la apion_n lib._n i._n josephus_n declare_v of_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o it_o have_v suffer_v no_o alteration_n from_o the_o begin_n down_o to_o his_o own_o time_n 38._o time_n antiqu._n eccl._n orient_a epist_n 38._o morinus_n himself_o whatever_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a declare_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o dr_n comber_n dean_n of_o carlisle_n that_o he_o suppose_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o jewish_a copy_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o copy_n of_o the_o samaritan_n which_o he_o in_o his_o write_n so_o high_o magnify_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o word_n and_o letter_n and_o the_o observe_v which_o be_v the_o middle_a letter_n of_o every_o book_n can_v signify_v little_a to_o the_o secure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n entire_a because_o there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o number_n of_o verse_n and_o word_n and_o letter_n in_o different_a book_n and_o the_o same_o number_n of_o letter_n may_v make_v up_o different_a word_n and_o the_o same_o word_n diverse_o place_v and_o apply_v may_v express_v a_o very_a different_a sense_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o charm_n in_o a_o word_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o book_n to_o keep_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n but_o this_o scrupulous_a and_o even_o superstitious_a diligence_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o little_a thing_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o their_o constant_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o reverence_n they_o have_v for_o it_o so_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o corrupt_v it_o themselves_o nor_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o other_o but_o be_v careful_a and_o zealous_a to_o preserve_v every_o ever_o letter_n and_o tittle_n and_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o from_o josephus_n they_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o that_o he_o think_v he_o can_v not_o full_o enough_o express_v their_o skill_n and_o accuracy_n but_o by_o say_v that_o they_o know_v it_o better_o than_o their_o own_o name_n v._o it_o be_v evident_a and_o confess_v by_o the_o critic_n that_o neither_o by_o these_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n any_o such_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o to_o prejudice_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n or_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v eager_o debate_v by_o contend_a party_n who_o yet_o agree_v in_o this_o whatever_o they_o differ_v in_o beside_o that_o the_o various_a lection_n do_v not_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n inasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o various_a lection_n take_v together_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n nor_o to_o any_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n 2._o salvation_n non_fw-la minus_fw-la ex_fw-la ijs_fw-la quae_fw-la supra_fw-la disputata_fw-la sunt_fw-la planum_fw-la est_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la statim_fw-la libri_fw-la primi_fw-la initio_fw-la monuimus_fw-la &_o saepius_fw-la toto_fw-la opere_fw-la inculcavimus_fw-la plerasque_fw-la omnes_fw-la quae_fw-la observari_fw-la &_o deprehendi_fw-la in_o sacris_fw-la libris_fw-la possunt_fw-la varias_fw-la lectiones_fw-la levissimi_fw-la esse_fw-la ac_fw-la pene_fw-la nullius_fw-la momenti_fw-la ut_fw-la parum_fw-la admodum_fw-la intersit_fw-la aut_fw-la vero_fw-la perinde_v omnino_fw-la sit_fw-la utram_fw-la sequaris_fw-la sive_fw-la hanc_fw-la sive_fw-la illam_fw-la ludovic_n cappel_n crit._n sacr._n lib._n 6._o c._n 2._o ludovicus_n cappellus_n who_o have_v study_v this_o subject_n as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n and_o be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o it_o after_o the_o strict_a examination_n he_o can_v make_v find_v that_o the_o thing_n relate_v either_o to_o faith_n or_o practice_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o all_o copy_n whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o lesser_a thing_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o chronology_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o alteration_n or_o the_o omission_n or_o addition_n of_o a_o letter_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o man_n or_o of_o city_n or_o country_n but_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o can_v receive_v no_o damage_n nor_o alteration_n unless_o the_o whole_a scripture_n shall_v have_v be_v change_v wherefore_o not_o only_o the_o most_o learned_a protestant_n but_o 2._o but_o
negligentia_fw-la presertim_fw-la tot_fw-la jam_fw-la seculis_fw-la intercedentibus_fw-la veritatem_fw-la fuisse_fw-la corruptam_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la propheta_fw-la erraverit_fw-la sicut_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la nostro_fw-la opusculo_fw-la futurum_fw-la credimus_fw-la ut_fw-la describentium_fw-la incuria_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la incuriose_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la sunt_fw-la digesta_fw-la vitientur_fw-la sulpic._n sever_n hist_o sacr._n lib._n 1._o c._n 70._o common_a in_o all_o greek_a and_o latin_a author_n and_o to_o prevent_v this_o inconveniency_n mr_n greaves_n acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o emp_n erour_n vlug_n beg_v nephew_n to_o tamerlane_n the_o great_a pyramidogr_n great_a greaves_n pyramidogr_n in_o his_o astronomical_a table_n the_o most_o accurate_a of_o any_o in_o the_o east_n have_v express_v the_o number_n of_o the_o principal_a epocha_n first_o in_o word_n at_o length_n and_o again_o in_o figure_n and_o then_o a_o three_o time_n in_o particular_a table_n who_o example_n this_o excellent_a author_n allege_v for_o his_o own_o exactness_n in_o describe_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o pyramid_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n suppose_v it_o very_o improbable_a if_o any_o one_o of_o these_o account_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v alter_v that_o two_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o agree_v and_o that_o those_o two_o which_o agree_v shall_v not_o express_v the_o true_a number_n 5._o in_o some_o place_n the_o alteration_n which_o cause_n the_o difference_n in_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o septuagint_n from_o that_o of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v so_o uniform_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v make_v but_o by_o design_n of_o some_o transcriber_n or_o of_o the_o translator_n themselves_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o five_o first_o patriarch_n and_o of_o enoch_n the_o sacr._n the_o vid._n ludovic_n capell_n chron._n sacr._n seven_o they_o add_v a_o hundred_o year_n before_o their_o have_a child_n and_o deduct_v the_o same_o number_n of_o year_n from_o the_o time_n they_o live_v after_o ward_n which_o be_v conjecture_v to_o have_v be_v do_v because_o they_o suppose_v that_o by_o year_n there_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v lunar_a year_n or_o month_n and_o so_o they_o alter_v the_o chronological_a account_n of_o their_o life_n for_o if_o those_o be_v the_o year_n mean_v by_o the_o hebrew_n account_n they_o must_v have_v be_v father_n of_o child_n at_o 5_o 6_o 7_o or_o 8_o year_n of_o age._n another_o conjecture_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o as_o man_n life_n be_v long_o then_o so_o the_o age_n at_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o marriage_n must_v not_o be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v now_o but_o must_v bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o length_n of_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o they_o alter_v the_o chronology_n to_o make_v the_o patriarch_n father_n of_o child_n at_o such_o a_o age_n as_o may_v answer_v to_o the_o age_n at_o which_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o have_v child_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n the_o mention_n of_o cainan_n the_o son_n of_o arphaxad_n both_o in_o the_o version_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o st_n luke_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o in_o the_o hebrew_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n but_o bishop_n etc._n bishop_n prolegom_n ix_o s_o 64._o etc._n etc._n walton_n notwithstanding_o see_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v however_o with_o such_o caution_n and_o candour_n as_o become_v so_o great_a a_o judgement_n that_o the_o septuagint_n follow_v the_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o those_o time_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n bring_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a have_v since_o be_v considerable_o enforce_v by_o the_o learned_a 4._o learned_a castigat_fw-la ad_fw-la script_n georg._n horn._n c._n 4._o isaac_n vossius_fw-la there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n account_n be_v the_o same_o sacr._n same_o siquidem_fw-la &_o in_o hebraeis_n &_o samaritanorum_n libris_fw-la ita_fw-la scriptum_fw-la reperi_fw-la et_fw-la vixit_fw-la mathusala_n etc._n etc._n hieron_n quaest_n in_o gen._n vid._n &_o capell_n chron._n sacr._n in_o st_n jerom_n time_n and_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o have_v happen_v since_o 6._o the_o son_n often_o reign_v with_o the_o father_n his_o reign_n be_v sometime_o put_v down_o as_o commence_v from_o his_o partnership_n with_o his_o father_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o other_o place_n from_o his_o reign_v alone_o after_o his_o father_n decease_n thus_o the_o difficulty_n be_v explain_v concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reign_v of_o jehoram_n king_n of_o israel_n son_n of_o ahab_n and_o jehoram_n king_n of_o judah_n son_n of_o jehosaphat_n 2_o king_n i._o 17._o iii._o 1._o for_o it_o be_v say_v express_o that_o jehosaphat_n be_v then_o king_n of_o judah_n jehoram_n the_o son_n jehosaphat_n king_n of_o judah_n begin_v to_o reign_v 2_o king_n viij_o 16._o it_o be_v likewise_o manifest_a that_o jehoash_fw-mi the_o son_n of_o jehoahaz_n king_n of_o israel_n must_v reign_v with_o his_o father_n 3_o year_n 2_o king_n xiii_o 1_o 10._o this_o be_v also_o apply_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o other_o question_n by_o st_n vital_a st_n hieron_n ad_fw-la vital_a jerom._n the_o reign_n of_o azariah_n be_v compute_v from_o his_o take_v the_o government_n upon_o himself_o at_o sixteen_o year_n of_o age_n in_o the_o 27_o year_n of_o jeroboam_n king_n of_o israel_n for_o than_o he_o be_v say_v to_o begin_v to_o reign_v 2_o king_n xv_o i._o whereas_o his_o father_n amaziah_n live_v but_o to_o the_o 15_o year_n of_o jeroboam_n reign_n 2._o king_n fourteen_o 17._o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o long_a interregnum_fw-la between_o jeraboam_n the_o second_o and_o zachariah_n 2_o king_n fourteen_o 23._o xv_o 8._o some_o assign_v a_o threefold_a computation_n of_o the_o year_n of_o nebuchadnezzar_n reign_n the_o first_o from_o his_o lay_v siege_n to_o jerusalem_n the_o second_o from_o his_o take_n it_o and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o captivity_n the_o three_o from_o his_o entire_a monarchy_n after_o the_o conquest_n of_o egypt_n other_o assign_v two_o begining_n of_o nebuchadnezzar_n reign_n the_o one_o from_o his_o come_n with_o his_o army_n into_o syria_n during_o the_o life_n of_o his_o father_n the_o other_o from_o his_o father_n death_n 7._o the_o term_n of_o time_n in_o computation_n be_v sometime_o take_v inclusive_o and_o at_o other_o time_n exclusive_o matt._n xvii_o 1._o we_o read_v after_o six_o day_n jesus_n take_v peter_n james_n and_o john_n his_o brother_n and_o bring_v they_o up_o into_o a_o high_a mountain_n apart_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n mark_v ix_o 2._o but_o this_o be_v say_v luke_n ix_o 28._o to_o come_v to_o pass_v about_o a_o eight_o day_n after_o which_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o what_o the_o other_o evangelist_n write_v for_o st_n matthew_n and_o st_n mark_v speak_v exclusive_o reckon_v the_o six_o day_n between_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n which_o they_o there_o relate_v and_o his_o transfiguration_n but_o st_o luke_n include_v the_o day_n in_o which_o he_o have_v that_o discourse_n with_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o day_n of_o his_o transfiguration_n and_o reckon_v they_o with_o the_o six_o intermediate_v day_n the_o rabbin_n ix_o rabbin_n lightf_n harm_n of_o the_o n._n t._n s._n ix_o also_o observe_v that_o the_o very_o first_o day_n of_o a_o year_n may_v stand_v in_o computation_n for_o that_o year_n and_o by_o this_o way_n of_o reckon_n mistake_v of_o year_n current_a for_o year_n complete_a or_o year_n complete_a for_o year_n current_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o so_o many_o king_n and_o the_o transaction_n of_o affair_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n may_v amount_v to_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o year_n for_o this_o reason_n 20._o reason_n thucyd_n lib._n v._o c._n 20._o thucydides_n say_v he_o compute_v the_o year_n of_o the_o peloponnesian_a war_n not_o by_o the_o magistrate_n yearly_o choose_v during_o that_o time_n but_o by_o so_o many_o summer_n and_o winter_n these_o and_o several_a other_o way_n by_o which_o dispute_v in_o chronology_n may_v be_v occasion_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v original_o chronological_a mistake_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o if_o they_o may_v so_o many_o way_n arise_v without_o any_o error_n in_o the_o original_a write_n if_o the_o same_o difficulty_n occur_v upon_o so_o very_o nice_a and_o intricate_a a_o subject_n in_o all_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o can_v be_v by_o no_o mean_n necessary_a that_o book_n of_o divine_a authority_n shall_v be_v either_o at_o first_o so_o pen_v as_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o no_o wrong_a interpretation_n or_o be_v ever_o after_o preserve_v by_o miracle_n from_o all_o corruption_n it_o be_v great_a rashness_n to_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n chap._n
vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n here_o it_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o author_n be_v rather_o perplex_v and_o obscure_v than_o explain_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a of_o no_o book_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o none_o have_v have_v so_o many_o gloss_n and_o comment_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n so_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o some_o new_a explication_n or_o to_o serve_v a_o cause_n and_o maintain_v some_o particular_a opinion_n by_o their_o exposition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v clear_a after_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v i_o may_v true_o say_v upon_o every_o text_n rather_o than_o that_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o find_v it_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v place_n of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o which_o make_v it_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o objection_n against_o they_o for_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v with_o a_o design_n and_o for_o some_o good_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o design_n ought_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o before_o this_o be_v use_v as_o a_o objection_n st_o peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n say_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n have_v deliver_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o st_n paul_n himself_o intimate_v that_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_n concern_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o this_o matter_n 2_o thess_n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o st_o peter_n on_o this_o occasion_n say_v that_o it_o so_o happen_v not_o only_o to_o st_n paul_n epistle_n but_o to_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o rashness_n of_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n 2_o pet._n three_o 16._o and_o it_o happen_v more_o especial_o in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o contain_v whatever_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v therefore_o i_o shall_v i._o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n ii_o i_o shall_v in_o particular_a consider_v the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o type_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a force_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o argument_n bring_v from_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i._o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o general_a how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 1._o some_o doctrine_n which_o it_o mighty_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o can_v not_o be_v deliver_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n but_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v so_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a a_o knowledge_n but_o that_o something_o of_o they_o will_v still_o remain_v unknown_a to_o we_o as_o there_o be_v no_o object_n more_o visible_a or_o better_o know_v to_o we_o than_o the_o sun_n be_v but_o to_o calculate_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o we_o to_o know_v how_o its_o light_n be_v communicate_v and_o sudden_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thing_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o can_v never_o perhaps_o be_v full_o account_v for_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v must_v needs_o have_v difficulty_n in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n above_o our_o understanding_n we_o may_v perfect_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n but_o can_v have_v no_o full_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o or_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o portion_n our_o faculty_n bear_v to_o it_o will_v allow_v god_n be_v incomprehensible_a whatever_o be_v deliver_v concern_v he_o can_v never_o be_v without_o all_o difficulty_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o next_o so_o full_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o and_o these_o be_v difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o the_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o contain_v no_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v reveal_v and_o more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n what_o be_v meaut_n for_o 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less_o certain_a or_o plain_a because_o we_o can_v make_v out_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o this_o doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o shall_v be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v about_o it_o when_o we_o know_v the_o meaning_n we_o must_v take_v god_n word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o though_o
we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o we_o know_v the_o proposition_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v though_o we_o can_v make_v good_a the_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o natural_a reason_v but_o only_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o reason_n to_o we_o 2._o some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o former_a age_n and_o be_v more_o proper_a and_o useful_a for_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v less_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a we_o may_v well_o imagine_v that_o many_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v be_v more_o peculiar_o adapt_v to_o their_o use_n and_o advantage_n for_o who_o they_o be_v immediate_o design_v and_o the_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n of_o ancient_a time_n consist_v in_o parable_n and_o proverb_n and_o obscure_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o prophecy_n in_o subtle_a and_o dark_a parable_n and_o in_o the_o secret_n of_o grave_a sentence_n eccl._n thirty-nine_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o particular_a that_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o parable_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a excellency_n i_o will_v open_v my_o mouth_n in_o a_o parable_n i_o will_v utter_v dark_a say_n of_o old_a ps_n lxxviii_o 2._o matt._n xiii_o 35._o this_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n the_o language_n of_o court_n and_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o address_n to_o king_n nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o woman_n of_o tekoa_n come_v to_o david_n with_o a_o parable_n 2_o sam._n twelve_o 1._o fourteen_o 4._o and_o jehoash_n king_n of_o israel_n send_v a_o message_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o amaziah_n king_n of_o judah_n 2_o king_n fourteen_o 9_o and_o cyrus_n 141._o cyrus_n â—eâ—odot_n lib._n i_o c._n 141._o answer_v the_o petition_n of_o two_o nation_n at_o once_o to_o he_o in_o a_o short_a parable_n to_o understand_v a_o proverb_n and_o the_o interpretation_n the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o their_o dark_a say_n be_v the_o best_a description_n that_o solomon_n himself_o can_v give_v of_o wisdom_n prov._n i_o 6._o and_o â—_o and_o joseph_n antiqu._n lib._n viij_o c._n 2._o â—_o solomon_n and_o hiram_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n to_o have_v propound_v problem_n and_o riddle_n or_o parable_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o condition_n of_o a_o forfeiture_n to_o be_v pay_v by_o he_o who_o can_v not_o explain_v the_o riddle_n send_v he_o this_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o now_o as_o a_o strange_a correspondence_n between_o king_n but_o than_o it_o be_v otherwise_o think_v of_o many_o of_o their_o epâ—â—â—â—s_n be_v preserve_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o to_o his_o time_n at_o tyre_n and_o the_o heathen_a historian_n who_o testimony_n he_o produce_v think_v it_o deserve_v their_o particular_a observation_n this_o custom_n of_o propound_v riddle_n be_v as_o old_a as_o sampson_n time_n judg._n fourteen_o 12._o and_o example_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o herodotus_n etc._n herodotus_n vid._n athenae_n lib._n x._o c_o 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o other_o author_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a that_o homer_n die_v of_o grief_n because_o he_o can_v not_o explain_v the_o riddle_n of_o the_o fisher_n it_o show_v that_o riddle_n be_v in_o great_a request_n among_o the_o ancient_a greek_n for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o ground_n either_o for_o the_o truth_n or_o fiction_n of_o such_o a_o story_n plutarch_n relate_v it_o as_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o homer_n death_n and_o when_o homer_n when_o herod_n &_o plut._n in_o vit._n homer_n herodotus_n deny_v this_o he_o own_v the_o report_n and_o by_o the_o verse_n which_o he_o say_v homer_n speak_v upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o appear_v what_o opinion_n homer_n have_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o wit._n hesiod_n be_v by_o xi_o by_o quintil._n institut_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n xi_o quintilian_n think_v the_o author_n of_o the_o fable_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o aesop_n however_o this_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o he_o do_v write_v fable_n and_o perhaps_o there_o be_v few_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o note_n in_o those_o time_n who_o do_v not_o mythology_n be_v in_o the_o high_a esteem_n among_o the_o ancient_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o ancient_a learning_n be_v of_o this_o kind_n the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n for_o learning_n deliver_v their_o notion_n in_o hieroglyphic_n as_o if_o they_o have_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a pythagoras_n heraclitus_n etc._n etc._n great_o affect_v obscurity_n socrates_n himself_o and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n purposely_o conceal_v their_o meaning_n in_o many_o case_n from_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o thucydides_n take_v the_o same_o course_n in_o â—is_n history_n and_o be_v obscure_a out_o of_o design_n as_o marcellinus_n have_v observe_v in_o his_o life_n the_o book_n 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they_o to_o who_o upon_o any_o occasion_n he_o speak_v that_o thereby_o all_o who_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o be_v not_o by_o their_o sin_n hinder_v from_o attend_v to_o what_o they_o hear_v may_v be_v the_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o the_o better_o incline_v to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o his_o instruction_n when_o they_o hear_v he_o make_v use_n of_o such_o allusion_n as_o they_o know_v according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o teach_v among_o they_o have_v some_o excellent_a hide_a meaning_n which_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o 3._o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v 1._o because_o the_o obscurity_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n than_o in_o the_o notion_n themselves_o so_o that_o that_o may_v be_v clear_a at_o first_o which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o who_o be_v but_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o phrase_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o language_n and_o the_o eloquence_n of_o those_o time_n and_o country_n for_o the_o fashion_n of_o speech_n vary_v as_o much_o as_o those_o of_o the_o garb_n and_o habit_n and_o the_o eloquence_n and_o way_n of_o expression_n be_v as_o different_a as_o the_o dialect_v and_o language_n of_o divers_a age_n and_o nation_n 2._o the_o name_n of_o animal_n of_o flower_n and_o plant_n and_o mineral_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o especial_o whatever_o be_v peculiar_a to_o any_o country_n must_v needs_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o foreigner_n who_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n among_o they_o and_o perhaps_o want_v word_n to_o express_v their_o nature_n and_o can_v scarce_o have_v a_o true_a and_o exact_a notion_n of_o they_o the_o precise_a value_n of_o coin_n and_o proportion_n of_o weight_n and_o measure_n use_v so_o long_o ago_o and_o in_o country_n so_o far_o from_o we_o can_v hardly_o now_o be_v know_v and_o must_v necessary_o admit_v of_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n there_o be_v much_o uncertainty_n about_o these_o in_o all_o ancient_a history_n but_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o the_o jewish_a history_n above_o other_o may_v make_v we_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o find_v many_o more_o such_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o the_o different_a name_n of_o the_o same_o person_n and_o of_o the_o same_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v another_o occasion_n of_o obscurity_n the_o name_n coin_n weight_n and_o measure_n and_o habit_n of_o ancient_a time_n afford_v the_o great_a work_n for_o critic_n which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v when_o the_o author_n who_o mention_v they_o write_v that_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a for_o they_o to_o explain_v they_o these_o be_v difficulty_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v not_o
unless_o we_o be_v likewise_o acquaint_v with_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n and_o person_n describe_v in_o it_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o our_o salvation_n be_v worth_a to_o be_v inform_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n though_o we_o be_v not_o tell_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o book_n which_o set_v reward_n and_o punishment_n heaven_n and_o hell_n before_o we_o be_v of_o the_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n though_o the_o several_a circumstance_n and_o particularity_n describe_v be_v unknown_a to_o we_o 8._o though_o the_o argument_n from_o type_n be_v above_o all_o apt_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o uncertain_a and_o to_o depend_v rather_o upon_o the_o conjecture_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n than_o upon_o any_o clear_a evidence_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o contrary_a if_o we_o do_v but_o a_o little_a consider_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o a_o type_n be_v a_o likeness_n a_o form_n or_o mould_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v and_o where_o the_o antitype_n represent_v by_o it_o and_o prefigure_v answer_v exact_o to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o one_o belong_v to_o the_o other_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o doubt_v when_o we_o see_v a_o impression_n make_v upon_o wax_n what_o kind_n of_o seal_n it_o be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v or_o when_o we_o see_v a_o good_a picture_n of_o one_o we_o know_v to_o inquire_v who_o sit_v for_o it_o a_o type_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o action_n or_o thing_n and_o person_n as_o a_o allegory_n be_v in_o word_n but_o allegory_n be_v oftentimes_o so_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v well_o mistake_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v as_o to_o type_n in_o many_o case_n indeed_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o type_n or_o one_o resemblance_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o discern_v but_o where_o many_o concur_v he_o must_v be_v very_o wilful_a that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o agreement_n when_o a_o author_n as_o it_o often_o happen_v describe_v the_o person_n of_o his_o own_o time_n under_o feign_a name_n a_o reader_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o may_v perhaps_o overlook_a one_o or_o two_o character_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v by_o chance_n but_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o they_o all_o exact_o agree_v to_o so_o many_o several_a person_n who_o he_o know_v he_o no_o long_o doubt_n of_o the_o author_n design_n and_o when_o many_o type_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o person_n with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o particularity_n any_o two_o of_o which_o perhaps_o never_o concur_v in_o any_o one_o man_n before_o as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n these_o thing_n concur_v that_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o carry_v his_o cross_n as_o isaac_n have_v carry_v the_o wood_n that_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o fasten_v to_o it_o as_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n have_v be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o as_o the_o bone_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n be_v not_o break_v so_o not_o a_o bone_n of_o he_o be_v break_v when_o the_o bone_n of_o these_o be_v who_o be_v crucify_a with_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_a at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v when_o so_o many_o different_a circumstance_n concur_v which_o have_v no_o dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o nor_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o he_o in_o who_o they_o concur_v but_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_v and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n from_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o if_o these_o thing_n meet_v by_o chance_n it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o unaccountable_a chance_n indeed_o and_o much_o such_o another_o as_o that_o be_v which_o some_o will_v persuade_v we_o make_v the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o chance_n as_o never_o happen_v before_o nor_o will_v ever_o happen_v again_o but_o must_v not_o these_o man_n rather_o speak_v and_o think_v by_o chance_n who_o can_v argue_v at_o this_o rate_n sometime_o the_o character_n be_v so_o lively_a that_o the_o type_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o express_v word_n can_v have_v make_v they_o as_o when_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v style_v david_n because_o as_o he_o be_v prefigure_v by_o david_n so_o he_o be_v to_o descend_v from_o he_o jer._n thirty_o 9_o ezek._n xxxiv_o 23._o xxxvii_o 24_o 25._o hos_fw-la iii._o 5._o several_a description_n which_o be_v metaphorical_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o person_n immediate_o concern_v in_o they_o be_v literal_o fulfil_v in_o our_o saviour_n thus_o the_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n the_o cast_n of_o lot_n upon_o the_o garment_n and_o the_o pierce_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o foot_n be_v metaphorical_a expression_n of_o great_a contempt_n and_o cruelty_n use_v towards_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v at_o first_o apply_v but_o in_o their_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n they_o be_v true_a to_o the_o very_a letter_n and_o where_o there_o be_v thus_o a_o twofold_n signification_n of_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o one_o improper_a and_o metaphorical_a the_o other_o proper_a and_o litteral_n the_o person_n describe_v in_o metaphorical_a term_n be_v as_o clear_o a_o type_n of_o he_o from_o who_o real_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n the_o metaphor_n be_v take_v as_o a_o metaphor_n be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o plain_a sense_n contain_v under_o it_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n be_v all_o typical_a and_o so_o the_o jew_n ever_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v which_o make_v the_o apostle_n dispute_v with_o they_o from_o the_o type_n of_o their_o law_n as_o they_o sure_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o it_o have_v not_o on_o all_o side_n be_v agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a way_n of_o argument_n their_o prophecy_n be_v give_v out_o in_o action_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n and_o as_o the_o mind_n either_o of_o god_n or_o man_n may_v be_v express_v as_o full_o by_o action_n as_o by_o the_o plain_a word_n so_o certain_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v the_o case_n when_o type_n so_o evident_o denote_v the_o person_n and_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o to_o declare_v and_o bespeak_v he_o to_o be_v the_o man_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o any_o person_n of_o our_o own_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_v by_o any_o author_n who_o shall_v thus_o describe_v he_o in_o a_o book_n the_o design_n whereof_o be_v know_v to_o be_v to_o make_v such_o description_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o every_o resemblance_n which_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o but_o where_o many_o type_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o person_n where_o the_o concurrence_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o his_o adversary_n or_o not_o in_o the_o least_o upon_o his_o own_o will_n when_o these_o type_n be_v allege_v from_o a_o dispensation_n which_o be_v all_o along_o hold_v to_o be_v typical_a in_o this_o case_n they_o may_v be_v urge_v and_o as_o safe_o rely_v upon_o as_o any_o other_o argument_n iii_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o authority_n nor_o to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v imply_v by_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o be_v obscure_a yet_o we_o see_v that_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v and_o perhaps_o many_o more_o and_o better_a than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o produce_v why_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o god_n supply_v we_o in_o necessary_n with_o a_o bountiful_a and_o open_a hand_n and_o what_o be_v not_o necessary_a he_o sure_o may_v discover_v more_o spare_o and_o more_o obscure_o to_o we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n our_o sense_n seldom_o or_o never_o fail_v we_o in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o life_n and_o health_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o find_v ourselves_o mislead_v by_o they_o every_o country_n and_o place_n afford_v the_o necessary_n of_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o rare_a be_v always_o least_o necessary_a it_o may_v be_v useful_a but_o yet_o we_o may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o it_o now_o to_o complain_v that_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o intelligible_a by_o all_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v blame_v providence_n for_o not_o make_v all_o man_n rich_a and_o all_o country_n like_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n it_o be_v a_o
first_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o contrivance_n and_o method_n and_o style_v of_o it_o not_o to_o criticise_v upon_o some_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v the_o method_n use_v by_o all_o who_o will_v criticise_v with_o judgement_n upon_o any_o author_n and_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o key_n as_o it_o be_v and_o a_o direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o other_o thus_o whereas_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n baptize_v in_o another_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o baptize_v not_o and_o the_o former_a place_n be_v expaline_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o baptism_n perform_v by_o himself_o but_o by_o his_o disciple_n who_o baptize_v in_o his_o name_n joh._n iii._o 22._o four_o 1_o 2._o iii_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o observe_v whether_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o such_o as_o do_v suppose_n mistake_v which_o a_o man_n who_o can_v write_v such_o a_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v find_v in_o can_v not_o run_v into_o for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n this_o very_a consideration_n be_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n and_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v answer_v and_o that_o the_o mistake_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o reader_n who_o without_o sufficient_a skill_n or_o attention_n pass_v a_o rash_a judgement_n upon_o it_o for_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_v a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o candour_n and_o equity_n will_v prevent_v many_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n even_o without_o inspiration_n they_o can_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o mistake_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v exod._n xxxiii_o 11._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n yet_o verse_n 20._o the_o lord_n answer_v moses_n who_o have_v beseech_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n for_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n see_v i_o and_o live_v will_v it_o not_o be_v impudent_a trifle_a to_o pretend_v any_o contradiction_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n when_o they_o be_v easy_o understand_v in_o a_o consistent_a sense_n and_o no_o man_n of_o any_o judgement_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o write_v contradiction_n and_o lay_v they_o so_o near_o together_o when_o it_o be_v say_v act._n ix_o 7._o that_o the_o man_n who_o journey_v with_o st._n paul_n hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man_n and_o act._n xxii_o 9_o that_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v to_o st._n paul_n beside_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v know_v and_o obvious_a to_o reconcile_v these_o text_n those_o who_o who_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consult_v expositor_n or_o to_o consider_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v please_v to_o observe_v that_o st._n luke_n be_v a_o man_n breed_v to_o learning_n and_o this_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v at_o least_o a_o prudent_a and_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v write_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o the_o objection_n must_v suppose_v in_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n concern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n in_o his_o whole_a history_n relate_v to_o a_o person_n with_o who_o he_o constant_o travel_v and_o converse_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o two_o such_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o thucydides_n or_o xenophon_n or_o even_o in_o the_o very_o worst_a historian_n he_o will_v not_o be_v incline_v rather_o to_o seek_v out_o for_o some_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o than_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o can_v so_o soon_o forget_v what_o he_o have_v write_v so_o little_a a_o while_n before_o in_o a_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v that_o difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o in_o st._n luke_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o and_o long_o after_o extant_a in_o the_o public_a register_n 9_o register_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la adam_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la extremum_fw-la zorobabel_n omnium_fw-la generationes_fw-la ita_fw-la memoriter_fw-la velociterque_fw-la precur_v runt_n ut_fw-la eos_fw-la suum_fw-la pute_fw-la refer_v nomen_fw-la hieron_n in_o tit._n iii._o 9_o they_o can_v repeat_v they_o by_o heart_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n as_o they_o can_v their_o own_o name_n and_o to_o insert_v a_o wrong_a genealogy_n have_v be_v to_o give_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o their_o cause_n than_o for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o produce_v a_o false_a pedigree_n when_o the_o true_a one_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o produce_v by_o any_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disprove_v they_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n descent_n from_o abraham_n and_o david_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v now_o be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o this_o twofold_a genealogy_n it_o be_v certain_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o that_o age_n and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o have_v for_o ever_o ruin_v their_o cause_n if_o they_o have_v produce_v it_o some_o crime_n be_v too_o great_a to_o charge_v upon_o man_n of_o any_o credit_n or_o reputation_n and_o some_o error_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a prudence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o commit_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o author_n rational_a and_o consistent_a in_o other_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n the_o ordinary_a ingenuity_n and_o condor_n of_o mankind_n will_v hinder_v we_o from_o suppose_v he_o to_o commit_v gross_a and_o palpable_a mistake_n and_o it_o be_v great_a disingenuity_n and_o folly_n to_o show_v the_o less_o respect_n to_o any_o author_n because_o he_o be_v at_o least_o believe_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o man_n because_o god_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n iv_o if_o any_o contradiction_n be_v frame_v or_o force_v from_o the_o various_a readins_n the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n or_o whatever_a elsé_fw-fr of_o this_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o critic_n they_o prove_v no_o more_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o do_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o these_o difficulty_n can_v not_o happen_v in_o a_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v first_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o afford_v no_o occasion_n for_o dispute_n and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o after_o so_o preserve_v by_o a_o constant_a miracle_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o none_o of_o the_o accident_n and_o casualty_n to_o which_o all_o other_o book_n be_v liable_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n may_v not_o permit_v book_n write_v by_o inspiration_n to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o any_o such_o casualty_n as_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n but_o if_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v preserve_v entire_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n all_o lesser_a matter_n may_v be_v lest_o to_o the_o same_o contingency_n which_o befall_v all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o evidence_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a in_o proof_n both_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o if_o no_o more_o can_v be_v produce_v than_o have_v by_o i_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v their_o authority_n yet_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o some_o mistake_n or_o defect_n in_o it_o no_o such_o objection_n can_v invalidate_v it_o because_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n
astray_o thou_o shall_v sure_o bring_v it_o back_o to_o he_o again_o if_o thou_o see_v the_o ass_n of_o he_o that_o hate_v thou_o lie_v under_o his_o burden_n and_o will_v forbear_v to_o help_v he_o thou_o shall_v sure_o help_v with_o he_o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n charity_n towards_o enemy_n be_v high_o recommend_v and_o earnest_o inculcate_v job_n xxxi_o 29._o prov._n xx_o 22._o xxiv_o 29._o malach._n two_o 10._o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o we_o read_v leu._n nineteeen_o 18._o but_o thou_o shall_v hate_v thy_o enemy_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o matt._n v._n 43._o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n which_o our_o saviour_n reject_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o be_v mean_v as_o grotius_n understand_v it_o of_o that_o enmity_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o show_v in_o all_o act_n of_o hostility_n towards_o the_o seven_o nation_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o amalekite_n exod._n xvii_o 16._o xxxiv_o 11._o deut._n seven_o 1._o twenty-five_o 19_o yet_o these_o very_a nation_n be_v not_o utter_o exclude_v from_o become_a proselyte_n and_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v very_o remarkable_a that_o though_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v receive_v such_o hard_a and_o cruel_a usage_n in_o egypt_n which_o be_v so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o be_v nevertheless_o by_o the_o same_o law_n command_v not_o to_o abhor_v a_o egyptian_a but_o to_o admit_v the_o child_n of_o egyptian_a parent_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o three_o generation_n thou_o shall_v not_o abhor_v a_o egyptian_a because_o thou_o be_v a_o stranger_n in_o his_o land_n deut._n xxiii_o 7._o thou_o shall_v not_o abhor_v he_o that_o be_v thou_o shall_v not_o revenge_v upon_o he_o the_o injury_n do_v thou_o but_o shall_v relieve_v he_o in_o time_n of_o distress_n which_o 2._o which_o lightf_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit._n on_o matt._n vi_o 2._o charity_n the_o jew_n ever_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o have_v be_v wrong_v in_o the_o report_n of_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o all_o of_o other_o nation_n but_o any_o thing_n be_v easy_o believe_v of_o a_o hate_a and_o despise_a people_n and_o i_o be_o not_o to_o vindicate_v their_o practice_n but_o their_o law_n 〈◊〉_d law_n philo_n jud._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philo_n judoeus_n have_v a_o excellent_a treatise_n in_o which_o he_o discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o this_o subject_a and_o show_v to_o how_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n the_o jew_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n chap._n xix_o of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n cite_v in_o the_o new_a though_o the_o apostle_n have_v prove_v their_o divine_a commission_n by_o so_o many_o and_o so_o undeniable_a miracle_n have_v a_o infallible_a authority_n to_o interpret_v and_o apply_v the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o citation_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v most_o difficulty_n in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o time_n against_o who_o they_o be_v urge_v can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o true_a exposition_n of_o they_o though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v true_o apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o gospel_n for_o unless_o the_o apostle_n have_v either_o make_v out_o their_o citation_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o maxim_n and_o principle_n then_o know_v and_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n or_o have_v allege_v they_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v then_o general_o acknowledge_v it_o have_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v they_o at_o all_o against_o they_o it_o be_v know_v likewise_o and_o observable_a upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o after_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n though_o the_o bible_n be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o original_a hebrew_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o interpret_v into_o the_o vulgar_a language_n and_o the_o interpreter_n do_v not_o always_o translate_v the_o text_n verbatim_o but_o often_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o different_a word_n and_o with_o some_o latitude_n to_o render_v it_o the_o more_o intelligible_a this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v at_o length_n improve_v into_o a_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n contain_v with_o the_o text_n a_o short_a explication_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n though_o there_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v many_o notion_n current_a among_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o exposition_n the_o writer_n therefore_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v sometime_o give_v such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v as_o well_o or_o better_o know_v among_o they_o for_o who_o they_o write_v than_o the_o greek_a or_o hebrew_n text_n be_v or_o they_o may_v take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o interpreter_n the_o better_a to_o explain_v the_o text_n allege_v and_o enforce_v their_o argument_n thus_o for_o instance_n st._n stephen_n act_v seven_o will_v never_o have_v produce_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o the_o sanhedrim_n nor_o will_v st._n luke_n have_v record_v it_o soon_o after_o if_o it_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o disproof_n or_o confutation_n whatever_o difficulty_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n there_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v in_o it_o and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o disciple_n who_o have_v such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o unbeliever_n by_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n will_v never_o make_v use_n of_o any_o argument_n to_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o such_o as_o they_o well_o know_v their_o adversary_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o disprove_v or_o deny_v for_o there_o be_v then_o certain_a method_n of_o interpretation_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 14._o from_o joseph_n bell._n jadaic_n lib._n iii._o c._n 14._o josephus_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v and_o they_o dispute_v from_o acknowledge_a maxim_n and_o rule_n the_o only_a difference_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n be_v in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o their_o particular_a case_n however_o our_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n then_o general_o know_v may_v now_o make_v it_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v some_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o those_o of_o the_o old_a from_o whence_o they_o be_v cite_v f._n simon_n xxi_o simon_n sim._n crit._n hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part_n i._n c._n xxi_o in_o his_o critical_a history_n have_v a_o remarkable_a passage_n upon_o this_o subject_a the_o book_n say_v he_o where_o the_o most_o of_o that_o sort_n of_o citation_n be_v find_v be_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o we_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n explain_v in_o a_o manner_n that_o be_v altogether_o allegorical_a and_o foreign_a to_o the_o letter_n which_o have_v also_o give_v a_o occasion_n to_o some_o writer_n to_o suspect_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o the_o author_n but_o it_o seem_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pharisee_n method_n in_o their_o expound_v scripture_n it_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o than_o to_o that_o holy_a apostle_n who_o have_v study_v in_o jerusalem_n under_o the_o doctor_n gamaliel_n do_v penetrate_v into_o all_o the_o most_o refine_a point_n of_o their_o secret_a and_o mystical_a interpretation_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o indeed_o after_o i_o have_v recommend_v the_o read_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o a_o jew_n who_o be_v well_o read_v in_o his_o own_o ancient_a author_n he_o have_v peruse_v it_o free_o declare_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o great_a tradition_n great_a a_o man_n of_o tradition_n mekubal_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tell_v i_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v wrest_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n with_o his_o allegory_n at_o pleasure_n that_o he_o extol_v his_o profound_a skill_n in_o the_o sublime_a sense_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o always_o return_v to_o his_o great_a mekubal_n of_o who_o he_o never_o speak_v but_o with_o admiration_n hoc_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la scripture_n sanctis_fw-la observandum_fw-la est_fw-la apostolos_fw-la &_o apostolicos_fw-la viros_fw-la in_o ponendis_fw-la testimoniis_fw-la de_fw-la veteri_fw-la testamento_fw-la non_fw-la verba_fw-la considerare_fw-la sed_fw-la sensum_fw-la nec_fw-la eadem_fw-la sermonum_fw-la culcare_fw-la vestigia_fw-la dummodò_fw-la à _fw-la senteniis_fw-la non_fw-la
evangelist_n write_v his_o life_n with_o the_o same_o humility_n with_o which_o he_o live_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o st._n john_n say_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v he_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o thing_n do_v by_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v just_a before_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o so_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n when_o st._n john_n have_v declare_v how_o our_o saviour_n certify_v st._n thomas_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n he_o add_v and_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n joh._n xx_o 30_o 31._o so_o that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a of_o what_o pass_v between_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o rest_n concern_v we_o not_o to_o know_v it_o be_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o encouragement_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v empower_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v we_o we_o know_v that_o beginning_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o luke_n xxiv_o 27._o but_o we_o be_v not_o where_o tell_v what_o be_v the_o particular_n of_o his_o exposition_n only_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o explication_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n follow_v the_o interpretation_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o time_n between_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v chief_o spend_v in_o comfort_v and_o instruct_v they_o and_o in_o expound_v to_o they_o the_o scripture_n concern_v his_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n after_o his_o ascension_n st._n paul_n mention_n that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v then_o still_o alive_a to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v 1_o cor._n xv_o 6._o though_o this_o particular_a however_o remarkable_a be_v omit_v by_o the_o evangelist_n for_o they_o relate_v thing_n just_a as_o they_o see_v it_o needful_a upon_o every_o occasion_n and_o since_o they_o say_v enough_o to_o convince_v man_n they_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o say_v all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o daily_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o lay_v together_o all_o the_o particular_n or_o to_o put_v they_o into_o any_o exact_a order_n and_o method_n they_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v and_o their_o miracle_n prove_v it_o and_o they_o depend_v not_o upon_o such_o nicety_n as_o humane_a proof_n have_v need_n of_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v then_o notwithstanding_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n that_o when_o christ_n have_v once_o full_o manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o satisfy_v they_o in_o his_o resurrection_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o time_n till_o his_o ascension_n be_v most_o of_o it_o spend_v with_o they_o in_o divine_a discourse_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n such_o as_o those_o be_v which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o evangelist_n one_o of_o who_o declare_v that_o a_o full_a account_n of_o all_o that_o pass_v between_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n be_v more_o than_o can_v well_o be_v express_v that_o happy_a time_n be_v employ_v in_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o contemplation_n in_o form_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o soon_o as_o mary_n magdalen_n know_v our_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n she_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n to_o worship_n he_o and_o will_v touch_v his_o sacred_a body_n matt._n xxviii_o 9_o joh._n xx_o 17._o for_o this_o reason_n perhaps_o too_o as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o devotion_n to_o he_o that_o she_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o better_a account_n of_o his_o be_v rise_v again_o but_o he_o forbid_v she_o say_v touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n and_o then_o send_v she_o to_o his_o disciple_n to_o his_o brethren_n as_o he_o with_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n style_v they_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v or_o be_v not_o then_o about_o to_o ascend_v but_o to_o stay_v many_o day_n upon_o earth_n and_o there_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o for_o her_o near_a approach_n to_o he_o either_o for_o the_o increase_n and_o confirmation_n of_o her_o faith_n or_o for_o her_o acknowledgement_n and_o adoration_n after_o his_o resurrection_n christ_n make_v himself_o know_v to_o his_o disciple_n by_o degree_n and_o by_o several_a appearance_n to_o they_o at_o distant_a time_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o in_o different_a manner_n he_o suffer_v they_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o a_o while_n that_o he_o may_v overcome_v their_o unbelief_n and_o extort_v a_o conviction_n from_o they_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o that_o no_o man_n unless_o he_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a shall_v pretend_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o afterward_o but_o when_o he_o have_v thorough_o convince_v they_o of_o his_o resurrection_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o what_o we_o read_v of_o his_o converse_v with_o they_o that_o from_o that_o time_n he_o admit_v they_o to_o a_o free_a and_o more_o intimate_a communication_n with_o himself_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o in_o the_o most_o mild_a and_o gracious_a and_o instructive_a manner_n of_o all_o which_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v pertain_v to_o his_o kingdom_n or_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a then_o of_o know_v before_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o perhaps_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n to_o one_o and_o sometime_o to_o other_o of_o they_o and_o most_o common_o to_o they_o altogether_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v as_o we_o find_v they_o general_o be_v and_o when_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o it_o be_v because_o their_o mortal_a state_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a attendance_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n upon_o their_o bless_a master_n and_o because_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o by_o degree_n shall_v be_v accustom_v to_o endure_v his_o absence_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n do_v not_o immediate_o come_v upon_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o but_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o he_o for_o the_o space_n of_o ten_o day_n and_o then_o his_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o proper_a season_n on_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n in_o few_o word_n christ_n be_v see_v of_o they_o say_v the_o scripture_n forty_o day_n which_o imply_v that_o these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v spend_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n tell_v how_o this_o time_n be_v employ_v in_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n ii_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o manner_n how_o our_o saviour_n leave_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o ascend_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v before_o prepare_v they_o to_o expect_v his_o ascension_n for_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o they_o before_o his_o death_n immediate_o upon_o his_o resurrection_n he_o send_v this_o message_n to_o his_o disciple_n by_o mary_n magdalen_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n and_o to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n joh._n xx_o 17._o they_o be_v in_o hope_n it_o seem_v that_o he_o will_v at_o this_o time_n have_v restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n and_o do_v not_o think_v he_o will_v have_v leave_v they_o before_o that_o which_o they_o so_o much_o desire_v have_v be_v accomplish_v however_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o they_o he_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o say_v he_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o and_o whilst_o he_o be_v give_v they_o repeat_v assurance_n that_o this_o promise_n shall_v be_v most_o effectual_o fulfil_v while_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v
well_o assure_v of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o it_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n may_v serve_v to_o prove_v to_o we_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v it_o since_o christian_n agree_v in_o assert_v their_o divine_a authority_n and_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o at_o unity_n among_o themselves_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o agree_v to_o corrupt_v they_o but_o have_v certain_o deliver_v they_o down_o entire_a to_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n only_o which_o man_n dispute_v about_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o disagree_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o want_v of_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v man_n into_o more_o inconvenience_n than_o want_v of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o a_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o the_o debate_n and_o contention_n in_o philosophy_n will_v soon_o cure_v most_o man_n of_o their_o infidelity_n than_o any_o argument_n can_v do_v those_o who_o raise_v objection_n against_o religion_n if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o almost_o every_o thing_n else_o have_v as_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o reject_v religion_n upon_o pretence_n which_o if_o they_o hold_v must_v force_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o other_o thing_n with_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v just_a nothing_o at_o all_o there_o have_v be_v dispute_n in_o all_o age_n concern_v light_n and_o motion_n the_o wind_n and_o sea_n and_o other_o wonder_n of_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a for_o this_o reason_n to_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o motion_n and_o whatever_o beside_o man_n have_v dispute_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o absurd_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o allow_v that_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o religion_n but_o against_o nothing_o else_o if_o the_o sun_n yield_v his_o light_n and_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o constant_a course_n though_o man_n differ_v never_o so_o much_o in_o their_o philosophy_n about_o it_o what_o can_v religion_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o their_o dispute_n no_o body_n think_v that_o he_o see_v ever_o the_o less_o for_o any_o difficulty_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v concernning_a vision_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o the_o less_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o man_n may_v dispute_v any_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n but_o it_o have_v be_v dispute_v but_o nothing_o be_v the_o less_o credible_a for_o be_v dispute_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o be_v rather_o confirm_v and_o advance_v by_o it_o truth_n be_v nevertheless_o truth_n for_o meeting_n with_o opposition_n but_o be_v the_o more_o try_v and_o the_o more_o approve_a as_o strength_n and_o courage_n be_v by_o the_o sharp_a conflict_n since_o than_o there_o will_v be_v vice_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o religion_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v vice_n since_o they_o can_v be_v hinder_v but_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v any_o uncertainty_n in_o religion_n that_o they_o rather_o prove_v a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v in_o divers_a respect_n make_v useful_a and_o expedient_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n it_o must_v be_v great_a inconsideration_n and_o weakness_n to_o produce_v they_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o religion_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v true_a unless_o these_o thing_n shall_v happen_v which_o be_v foretell_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n behold_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matt._n xxiv_o 25._o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o surprise_v thing_n to_o christian_n to_o see_v heresy_n arise_v though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v to_o expect_v they_o and_o they_o serve_v to_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o fulfil_v the_o prediction_n of_o it_o they_o help_v to_o prove_v the_o religion_n which_o they_o will_v destroy_v for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o heresy_n that_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v true_a which_o have_v foretell_v they_o but_o since_o there_o be_v heresy_n 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age_n stand_v out_o all_o the_o assault_n and_o attempt_n with_o enemy_n from_o without_o and_o party_n within_o can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o have_v approve_v it_o much_o better_o and_o more_o glorious_o than_o it_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v either_o heresy_n or_o schism_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_a be_v assure_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o shall_v only_o serve_v to_o add_v to_o its_o victory_n and_o adorn_v its_o triumph_n the_o malice_n o_o lord_n and_o fierceness_n of_o man_n shall_v turn_v to_o thy_o praise_n and_o the_o fierceness_n of_o they_o shall_v thou_o refrain_v ps_n lxxvi_o 10._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o objection_n which_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n be_v allege_v have_v be_v consider_v and_o answer_v by_o divers_a man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o several_a objection_n which_o have_v make_v most_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o about_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o other_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v groundless_a and_o frivolous_a but_o though_o all_o difficulty_n can_v not_o be_v account_v for_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a or_o sufficient_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o objection_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o effect_n the_o evidence_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o be_v pertinent_a yet_o unless_o they_o can_v confute_v that_o evidence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v we_o against_o they_o he_o that_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o revelation_n inquire_v into_o it_o shall_v first_o consider_v impartial_o what_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o afterward_o consider_v the_o objection_n raise_v against_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v compare_v the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o the_o objection_n together_o and_o determine_v himself_o on_o that_o side_n which_o appear_v to_o have_v most_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o to_o insist_v upon_o particular_a objection_n collect_v out_o of_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o will_v likewise_o observe_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v which_o few_o of_o our_o objector_n have_v patience_n to_o do_v but_o run_v away_o with_o the_o objection_n without_o stay_v for_o a_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o allege_v particular_a objection_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o motive_n
which_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a deceitful_a way_n of_o argue_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a revelation_n which_o may_v have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o invalidate_v that_o evidence_n then_o all_o the_o objection_n beside_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v be_v but_o objection_n and_o no_o more_o for_o if_o those_o argument_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a remain_v still_o in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v those_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o objection_n but_o to_o reject_v the_o objection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n because_o if_o those_o can_v be_v disprove_v all_o the_o which_o can_v be_v think_v of_o must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o once_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n i_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n that_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o must_v be_v vain_a and_o false_a which_o i_o have_v that_o that_o thing_n be_v true_a because_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v false_a which_o be_v opposite_a to_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o take_v off_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a can_v ever_o prove_v it_o false_a but_o all_o objection_n must_v be_v false_a themselves_o or_o insignificant_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v if_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v can_v be_v disprove_v that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v be_v true_a to_o show_v this_o in_o particular_n if_o a_o man_n muster_v up_o never_o so_o many_o inconsistency_n as_o he_o think_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o unless_o he_o be_v as_o well_o assure_v at_o least_o that_o these_o which_o he_o call_v inconsistency_n can_v be_v in_o any_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o he_o may_v be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o can_v in_o reason_n reject_v their_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o we_o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o evidence_n can_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o authority_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v frame_v never_o so_o many_o objection_n against_o the_o opinion_n common_o receive_v that_o caesar_n himself_o write_v the_o commentary_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n and_o not_o julius_n celsus_n or_o any_o other_o author_n unless_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o caesar_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o his_o objection_n will_v never_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v thing_n which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o to_o enact_v law_n especial_o concern_v the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n enjoin_v a_o people_n so_o many_o age_n past_a the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v not_o be_v full_o to_o understand_v and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o chronology_n and_o that_o the_o text_n may_v in_o divers_a place_n have_v a_o different_a read_n and_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o reasonable_a man_n by_o several_a expositor_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v at_o present_a to_o gratify_v these_o objector_n and_o this_o will_v gratify_v they_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o that_o the_o law_n be_v utter_o unaccountable_a that_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v no_o way_n adjust_v that_o the_o divers_a readins_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v reconcile_v yet_o what_o do_v all_o this_o prove_v that_o moses_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o egyptian_n be_v not_o witness_n to_o they_o that_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o saviour_n never_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a do_v it_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o or_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v to_o prove_v it_o if_o it_o can_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o it_o can_v then_o all_o the_o evidence_n produce_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n stand_v firm_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o mighty_a noise_n of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o will_v be_v not_o how_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v from_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v from_o henceforth_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v till_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v how_o these_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v or_o reconcile_v with_o other_o place_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o reason_n thus_o in_o any_o case_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n and_o whether_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o any_o other_o case_n how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o we_o thorough_o unstand_v in_o natural_a thing_n and_o yet_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o because_o we_o may_v puzzle_v and_o perplex_v ourselves_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n we_o discern_v the_o light_n and_o feel_v the_o warmth_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o constant_a return_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o of_o the_o several_a season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o all_o this_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o approach_n or_o withdraw_n of_o the_o sun_n influence_n but_o whoever_o will_v go_v about_o to_o explain_v all_o this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o it_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a task_n and_o such_o objection_n have_v be_v urge_v against_o every_o hypothesis_n in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o as_o perhaps_o no_o man_n be_v able_a full_o to_o answer_v but_o do_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o heat_n as_o day_n and_o night_n though_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n move_v or_o do_v man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o can_v see_v or_o not_o till_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v how_o vision_n be_v make_v and_o must_v none_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v but_o mathematician_n or_o do_v man_n refuse_v to_o eat_v till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v nourish_v yet_o if_o we_o must_v be_v sway_v by_o objection_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a point_n nor_o affect_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n about_o they_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o comprehend_v in_o every_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o concern_v it_o that_o may_v it_o seem_v be_v object_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o may_v be_v a_o just_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o it_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o be_v too_o confident_a that_o we_o move_v before_o we_o can_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o the_o great_a philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o eat_v till_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o digestion_n and_o nourishment_n be_v make_v in_o short_a this_o will_v run_v we_o into_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o scepticism_n for_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v that_o some_o doubt_v whether_o snow_n be_v white_a or_o honey_n sweet_a or_o any_o
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o 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can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o 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mind_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o may_v have_v talk_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n for_o christianity_n as_o they_o now_o talk_v against_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o their_o education_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v and_o think_v like_o other_o man_n and_o they_o may_v almost_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n still_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v singular_a in_o be_v so_o for_o the_o mere_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n make_v they_o despise_v and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o allow_v and_o esteem_v but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o learned_a man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n and_o virtue_n and_o
who_o be_v not_o as_o singular_a in_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o his_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o have_v firm_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o thing_n to_o weigh_v the_o objection_n with_o the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o divers_a author_n and_o withal_o to_o observe_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o how_o far_o they_o affect_v the_o main_a cause_n and_o still_o to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n if_o our_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o we_o nor_o infidelity_n any_o prejudice_n we_o may_v take_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o give_v credit_n or_o no_o credit_n to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o we_o use_v in_o the_o read_n all_o other_o book_n and_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v it_o as_o we_o think_v fit_a or_o 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as_o counterfeit_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o father_n for_o his_o father_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v he_o such_o and_o such_o clause_n will_v not_o be_v in_o it_o since_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o he_o can_v see_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v several_a thing_n mention_v in_o it_o he_o believe_v be_v mistimed_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o describe_v by_o fit_a name_n beside_o it_o be_v interline_v and_o he_o never_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o estate_n convey_v to_o he_o by_o such_o a_o will_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v miserable_a all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n this_o will_v be_v such_o peevishness_n and_o perverseness_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o where_o our_o temporal_a interest_n be_v concern_v but_o too_o many_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o reject_v the_o tender_v and_o despise_v the_o term_n of_o a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n in_o heaven_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o curse_n threaten_v to_o unbeliever_n because_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o exception_n and_o cavil_v to_o captious_a men._n god_n have_v send_v his_o prophet_n to_o call_v and_o admonish_v we_o and_o his_o son_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o offer_v we_o eternal_a peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o he_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o jew_n have_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o christian_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o not_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o without_o any_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o with_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o become_v christian_n when_o in_o this_o world_n christian_n be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a and_o be_v support_v only_o by_o the_o steadfast_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n after_o this_o life_n and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v not_o only_o that_o any_o other_o book_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v but_o as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n now_o what_o do_v these_o man_n how_o do_v they_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n why_o they_o overlook_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o search_v up_o and_o down_o for_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a passage_n to_o disprove_v it_o by_o not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o nothing_o can_v overthrow_v their_o authority_n but_o that_o which_o can_v invalidate_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n thus_o to_o despise_v god_n mercy_n and_o care_n over_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a danger_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o madness_n for_o what_o mild_a term_n can_v be_v find_v to_o express_v the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o they_o who_o reject_v a_o book_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n forewarn_v we_o upon_o pain_n of_o the_o severe_a effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n not_o to_o neglect_v they_o it_o be_v madness_n i_o say_v if_o we_o right_o consider_v it_o to_o reject_v such_o a_o book_n and_o at_o once_o both_o to_o affront_v the_o mercy_n and_o despise_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o infinite_o merciful_a and_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o powerful_a god_n it_o be_v a_o good_a caution_n to_o the_o atheist_n to_o forbear_v his_o blasphemy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o last_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a thing_n after_o all_o his_o profane_a talk_v and_o argue_v to_o be_v call_v before_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o often_o deny_v and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a advice_n to_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o be_v not_o god_n word_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a of_o this_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o they_o bear_v and_o which_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o as_o judicious_a as_o themselves_o think_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o shall_v methinks_v keep_v man_n within_o some_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o discretion_n for_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v more_o evident_a than_o how_o dear_o must_v they_o pay_v for_o a_o little_a cavil_v wit_n and_o subtilty_n the_o best_a and_o most_o divine_a thing_n may_v be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o a_o bold_a and_o scurrilous_a wit_n but_o can_v man_n think_v it_o a_o safe_a or_o a_o prudent_a thing_n to_o ridicule_n and_o scoff_n at_o those_o book_n which_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v may_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o fancy_n themselves_o so_o great_a master_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v the_o argument_n bring_v in_o vindication_n of_o they_o can_v they_o value_v the_o contemptible_a reputation_n of_o a_o little_a satyr_n and_o drollery_n at_o that_o mighty_a rate_n as_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o if_o man_n have_v any_o real_a doubt_n or_o scruple_n they_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o thing_n to_o jest_n and_o trifle_v withal_o when_o no_o less_o than_o the_o term_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o everlasting_a misery_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n and_o what_o wit_n there_o may_v be_v in_o it_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n to_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o a_o book_n by_o which_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v but_o that_o he_o must_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o a_o madman_n say_v solomon_n who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deceive_v his_o neighbour_n and_o say_v be_o not_o i_o
in_o sport_n prov._n xxvi_o 18_o 19_o but_o what_o description_n or_o comparison_n can_v be_v find_v equal_a to_o his_o madness_n who_o deceive_v and_o destroy_v himself_o and_o that_o eternal_o and_o yet_o say_v be_o not_o i_o in_o sport_n be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a perfection_n of_o wit_n and_o raillery_n wo_n unto_o he_o that_o strive_v with_o his_o maker_n isai_n xlv_o 9_o do_v they_o provoke_v i_o to_o anger_n say_v the_o lord_n do_v they_o not_o provoke_v themselves_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o their_o own_o face_n jer._n seven_o 19_o and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v all_o thy_o blasphemy_n thus_o with_o your_o mouth_n you_o have_v boast_v against_o i_o and_o have_v multiply_v your_o word_n against_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o ezek._n xxxv_o 12_o 13._o do_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o 1_o cor._n x._o 22._o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n 2_o pet._n three_o 3._o but_o beloved_n remember_v you_o the_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v before_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n how_o that_o they_o tell_v you_o there_o shall_v be_v mocker_n in_o the_o last_o time_n who_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o ungodly_a lust_n judas_n 17.18_o if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v discourse_v be_v insufficient_a to_o convince_v these_o man_n yet_o let_v their_o own_o argument_n and_o even_o their_o own_o blasphemy_n convince_v they_o for_o the_o very_o worst_a that_o they_o can_v say_v or_o do_v serve_v to_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n finis_fw-la addenda_fw-la the_o book_n have_v be_v long_o ago_o fit_v for_o the_o press_n and_o out_o of_o the_o author_n custody_n he_o can_v not_o insert_v the_o follow_a addition_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n chap._n iu._n p._n 112._o l._n 3._o after_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n add_v if_o either_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n barnabas_n or_o st._n clement_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o reason_v be_v not_o always_o just_a but_o be_v sometime_o too_o allegorical_a and_o sometime_o found_v upon_o mistake_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_o agreeable_a to_o the_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o that_o age_n so_o that_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n can_v then_o be_v any_o hindrance_n or_o prejudice_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o these_o epistle_n chap._n x._o p._n 222._o l._n ult_n after_o principle_n add_v and_o beside_o other_o use_v which_o may_v be_v find_v out_o hereafter_o one_o very_o considerable_a have_v be_v already_o make_v of_o the_o satellite_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o rectify_v geography_n and_o determine_v the_o longitude_n of_o place_n philos_fw-la burgund_n tom._n 5._o c._n 8._o disseâ—t_fw-la 3_o m._n cassini_n have_v draw_v up_o table_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o write_v a_o treatise_n on_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o le_fw-fr compte's_n memoire_fw-fr p._n 15._o and_o 505._o missionary_n by_o their_o observation_n have_v discover_v that_o the_o empire_n of_o china_n be_v five_o hundred_o league_n near_o europe_n than_o geographer_n have_v place_v it_o chap._n xi_o p._n 226._o l._n 27._o *_o after_o opinion_n add_v the_o same_o word_n which_o joshua_n use_v be_v translate_v to_o wait_v upon_o and_o wait_v for_o ps_n lxii_o 1._o lxv_o 1._o so_o that_o all_o which_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o word_n be_v that_o the_o sun_n attend_v he_o lengthen_v the_o day_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o victory_n or_o wait_v upon_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n chap._n xiii_o p._n 256._o l._n 24._o after_o christ_n sake_n add_v a_o state_n of_o damnation_n be_v a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o the_o soul_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o divine_a wrath_n be_v in_o that_o state_n though_o it_o be_v not_o irreversible_a during_o this_o life_n so_o that_o the_o death_n threaten_v be_v twofold_a viz._n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v according_o inflict_v on_o both_o but_o it_o be_v not_o threaten_v that_o this_o death_n shall_v be_v to_o the_o final_a destruction_n either_o of_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o through_o the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n the_o body_n may_v be_v recover_v from_o the_o death_n to_o which_o it_o become_v subject_a to_o a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v restore_v from_o the_o death_n into_o which_o it_o have_v fall_v to_o a_o state_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n chap._n xv_o p._n 325._o l._n 15._o after_o in_o the_o new_a add_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n we_o be_v teach_v deutr._n xxx_o 6._o psalm_n xxv_o 4._o xxvii_o 11._o li._n 10_o 11_o 12._o lxxxvi_o 11._o cxix_o 12_o 26_o 33_o 64_o 66_o 68_o 108._o 124._o 135._o cxliii_o 10._o prov._n 1.23_o isa_n xliv_o 3._o lix_n 21_o jer._n xxxi_o 8._o xxxii_o 40._o ezek._n xi_o 19_o xxxvi_o 26_o 27._o chap._n xvi_o p._n 338._o l._n 10._o after_o religion_n add_v the_o sovereignty_n be_v in_o due_a time_n to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o david_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o from_o that_o time_n the_o sceptre_n and_o the_o lawgiver_n etc._n etc._n chap._n xxii_o p._n 391._o l._n 5._o after_o expect_a add_v the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o relation_n to_o christ_n come_n and_o all_o the_o time_n after_o his_o come_n be_v style_v the_o last_o day_n as_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o different_a state_n of_o job_n life_n the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o year_n of_o it_o after_o his_o suffering_n be_v style_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o precedent_a part_n be_v term_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o job_n xlii_o 12_o 16._o chap._n xxviii_o p._n 486._o l._n after_o prophet_n ionas_n add_v dr._n lightfoot_n in_o his_o remain_n late_o publish_v have_v observe_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o importunate_a for_o a_o sign_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v before_o they_o that_o their_o tradition_n teach_v they_o to_o expect_v these_o two_o sign_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v viz._n that_o he_o shall_v raise_v the_o old_a prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a and_o famous_a man_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v bring_v down_o manna_n for_o they_o from_o heaven_n in_o their_o old_a write_n and_o record_n he_o say_v they_o speak_v much_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n of_o their_o expectation_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o these_o tradition_n if_o they_o have_v be_v right_o understand_v be_v not_o so_o blind_a and_o foolish_a as_o that_o learned_a author_n style_v they_o but_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o very_a time_n and_o occasion_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n refer_v the_o jew_n when_o they_o require_v these_o sign_n of_o he_o for_o at_o his_o resurrection_n many_o body_n of_o saint_n which_o sleep_v arise_v matt._n xxvii_o 52._o and_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o manna_n or_o bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o ascension_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o joh._n vi_fw-la 62._o whereby_o he_o intimate_v that_o then_o will_v be_v the_o time_n of_o send_v this_o manna_n when_o upon_o his_o ascension_n he_o will_v bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v for_o these_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v at_o their_o demand_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o have_v intimation_n give_v to_o expect_v they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v content_v with_o other_o chap._n xxx_o p._n 519._o l._n 12._o after_o he_o please_v add_v but_o it_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o strange_a that_o the_o excellent_a emperor_n m._n antoninus_n who_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a morality_n both_o in_o the_o speculation_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o also_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a faich_n especial_o if_o he_o own_v that_o a_o signal_n miracle_n be_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o christian_n obtain_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o whole_a army_n apol._n c._n 5._o ad_fw-la scap._n c._n 4._o as_o tertullian_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o declare_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v that_o m._n anteninus_n be_v very_o superstitious_a in_o all_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o be_v so_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o philostr_n vit._n sophist_n in_o herod_n hermag_n aristid_n adrian_n sophist_n of_o his_o