not_o distinguish_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o two_o book_n of_o king_n and_o of_o chronicle_n be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o book_n begin_v by_o samuel_n and_o continue_v by_o other_o prophet_n shall_v bear_v the_o name_n only_o of_o samuel_n from_o 1_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n must_v be_v write_v by_o one_o of_o these_o prophet_n both_o the_o book_n of_o king_n as_o far_o as_o hezekiah_n reign_n be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n for_o 2_o kin._n 18.5_o it_o be_v say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o after_o he_o be_v none_o like_o he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n nor_o any_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o of_o josiah_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o king_n xxiii_o 25._o that_o like_a unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o josiah_n in_o his_o reformation_n exceed_v hezekiah_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n of_o hezekiah_n must_v be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n or_o else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v with_o truth_n say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o there_o be_v no_o king_n after_o he_o who_o be_v like_o he_o or_o equal_v he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n from_o 1_o chron._n four_o 43._o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n though_o the_o genealogy_n be_v transcribe_v afterward_o out_o of_o the_o record_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 1_o chron._n ix_o 1._o that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o 2_o chron._n v._n 9_o 1_o king_n viij_o 8._o for_o the_o ark_n be_v not_o remain_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o king_n gives_z so_o particular_a a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a in_o every_o material_a circumstance_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o memorir_n be_v constant_o take_v and_o preserve_v of_o all_o that_o happen_v the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n conclude_v with_o the_o first_o year_n of_o cyrus_n in_o the_o same_o word_n with_o which_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n begin_v be_v add_v by_o he_o at_o the_o time_n when_o cyrus_n give_v out_o his_o proclamation_n for_o the_o prophet_n from_o time_n to_o time_n make_v continuation_n to_o the_o history_n of_o their_o predecessor_n by_o insert_v what_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n among_o the_o ancient_n as_o grotius_n observe_v to_o begin_v one_o book_n with_o the_o conclusion_n of_o another_o the_o psalm_n be_v quote_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n xiii_o 35_o &_o xxvii_o 35._o and_o from_o the_o first_o pen_n they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n xuj_o 7._o 2_o chron._n v._n 13._o &_o seven_o 6._o &_o xx_o 21._o jer._n xxxiii_o 11._o ezra_n iii._o 10_o 11._o this_o be_v know_v even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o captivity_n psal_n cxxxvii_o 3._o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n under_o it_o and_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o hymn_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n and_o prayer_n make_v up_o the_o jewish_a form_n of_o worship_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n luke_n xuj_o 29._o act_n xiii_o 15._o and_o if_o both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n comprehend_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v still_o extant_a and_o well_o know_v and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o pious_a man_n during_o all_o that_o time_n and_o the_o people_n have_v copy_n of_o they_o or_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o as_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n suppose_v zech._n seven_o 7._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n at_o their_o restoration_n many_o be_v still_o alive_a who_o be_v first_o carry_v away_o captive_a and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n during_o the_o captivity_n show_v that_o the_o people_n do_v understand_v it_o for_o they_o all_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n except_o upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n where_o their_o prophecy_n more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o babylonian_a affair_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n can_v understand_v ezra_n when_o he_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v attentive_a unto_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n neh._n viij_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o language_n unless_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o in_o all_o language_n will_v want_v explication_n to_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v native_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v that_o be_v interpret_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o letter_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v both_o write_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n and_o interpret_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n ezra_n four_o 7._o nehemiah_n particular_o complain_v that_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o have_v marry_v strange_a wife_n can_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o jew_n language_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o child_n of_o other_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n themselves_o be_v teach_v to_o speak_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n neh._n xiii_o 24._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o ahasuerus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v write_v unto_o every_o province_n according_a unto_o the_o write_n thereof_o and_o unto_o every_o people_n after_o their_o language_n and_o unto_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o their_o writing_n and_o according_a to_o their_o language_n est_fw-la viij_o 9_o which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o the_o jew_n still_o retain_v not_o only_o their_o language_n but_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v it_o or_o the_o form_n and_o fashion_n of_o their_o letter_n under_o the_o captivity_n not_o long_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o be_v disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n that_o the_o copy_n can_v not_o be_v destroy_v either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n or_o at_o any_o other_o time_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o perscutor_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o their_o tradition_n as_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o they_o yet_o they_o never_o add_v any_o book_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o tradition_n which_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o but_o when_o they_o have_v no_o long_o any_o prophet_n among_o they_o they_o dare_v not_o place_v any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o same_o rank_a and_o authority_n with_o those_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v write_v by_o inspire_a author_n and_o have_v be_v in_o constant_a use_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o public_a assembly_n even_o from_o the_o first_o write_v they_o for_o they_o be_v preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o both_o understand_v and_o use_v by_o the_o people_n but_o their_o other_o book_n write_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n though_o never_o so_o useful_a and_o pious_a be_v never_o receive_v with_o the_o like_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o humane_a composition_n and_o be_v never_o rank_v with_o those_o of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o false_a prophet_n prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n 1_o king_n xxii_o which_o suppose_v that_o true_a prophecy_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o his_o name_n or_o else_o they_o can_v never_o have_v hope_v to_o deceive_v by_o it_o and_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v relate_v reference_n be_v frequent_o make_v to_o the_o record_n then_o extant_a in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n most_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n and_o so_o intermix_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n that_o they_o must_v be_v record_v together_o with_o they_o josiah_n 5._o josiah_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 10._o c._n 5._o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n three_o hundred_o sixty_o one_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v behold_v a_o child_n shall_v be_v bear_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o david_n josiah_n by_o name_n
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
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
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
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
recourse_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o learned_a man_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o ancient_a book_n which_o can_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o unless_o we_o will_v reject_v all_o history_n and_o believe_v nothing_o relate_v of_o ancient_a time_n we_o must_v take_v our_o account_n from_o such_o book_n as_o treat_v of_o they_o and_o till_o by_o the_o method_n propose_v i_o have_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n i_o shall_v allege_v it_o only_o as_o a_o historical_a relation_n of_o thing_n past_a in_o which_o respect_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o deny_v it_o that_o credit_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o other_o book_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v now_o desire_a in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o what_o i_o be_o at_o present_a upon_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o true_a revelation_n be_v want_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o promulge_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o create_v but_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n and_o to_o people_n the_o earth_n from_o they_o which_o must_v exceed_o tend_v both_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n and_o obedience_n among_o man_n and_o to_o the_o retain_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o way_n and_o deal_n with_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n but_o if_o multitude_n have_v be_v create_v and_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v people_v at_o once_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o this_o have_v be_v ambition_n and_o strife_n confusion_n and_o ignorance_n for_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n multiply_v so_o do_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n increase_v though_o all_o descend_v from_o the_o same_o parent_n and_o these_o parent_n live_v to_o see_v many_o generation_n of_o their_o offspring_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o admonish_v they_o which_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v have_v do_v it_o must_v have_v keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n among_o men._n adam_n himself_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o father_n a_o priest_n and_o a_o king_n to_o his_o child_n and_o the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o three_o descend_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o family_n in_o the_o several_a generation_n and_o succession_n of_o kingdom_n among_o his_o posterity_n for_o that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o world_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o best_a antiquity_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v so_o likewise_o among_o the_o jew_n till_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o order_n and_o succession_n of_o the_o priesthood_n in_o one_o tribe_n and_o therefore_o esau_n be_v style_v a_o profane_a person_n for_o sell_v his_o birthright_n genes_n omnesque_fw-la primogenitos_fw-la no_n donec_fw-la sacerdotio_fw-la fungeretur_fw-la aaron_n fuisse_fw-la pontifices_fw-la hebraei_n tradunt_fw-la hieronym_n quaestion_n seu_fw-la tradit_fw-la hebraic_n in_o genes_n because_o the_o priesthood_n go_v along_o with_o it_o heb._n twelve_o 16._o by_o all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o flood_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v please_v at_o first_o to_o afford_v frequent_a communication_n of_o himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o even_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o to_o cain_n who_o punishment_n it_o afterward_o be_v to_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o drive_v out_o from_o his_o presence_n gen._n four_o 14_o 16._o and_o when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n have_v provoke_v god_n to_o drown_v the_o world_n he_o reveal_v this_o to_o noah_n and_o respite_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o judgement_n a_o hundred_o year_n and_o noah_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o by_o his_o preach_v and_o by_o prepare_v a_o ark_n warn_v they_o of_o it_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n by_o prepare_v of_o a_o ark_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o house_n he_o condemn_v the_o world_n heb._n xi_o 7._o and_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o old_a world_n 2_o pet._n two_o 5._o he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n for_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n together_o to_o forewarn_v the_o wicked_a world_n of_o their_o approach_a ruin_n which_o he_o do_v by_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o a_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n can_v contrive_v proper_a for_o that_o end_n noah_n live_v after_o the_o flood_n three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n gen._n ix_o 28._o and_o it_o be_v between_o one_o and_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o division_n of_o tongue_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o when_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v of_o one_o language_n and_o live_v not_o far_o asunder_o noah_n himself_o live_v among_o they_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o wicked_a world_n in_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o the_o flood_n his_o mercy_n to_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o their_o preservation_n when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n perish_v and_o the_o commandment_n which_o god_n give_v to_o noah_n at_o his_o come_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n with_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n respective_o to_o the_o performance_n or_o trangression_n of_o they_o must_v be_v well_o know_v and_o the_o sin_n in_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n for_o which_o the_o universal_a language_n be_v confound_v and_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n disperse_v can_v proceed_v from_o nothing_o but_o the_o height_n of_o presumption_n and_o perverseness_n after_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o mankind_n they_o can_v not_o on_o the_o sudden_a remove_n to_o very_o distant_a and_o remote_a place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o unpassable_a wood_n and_o desert_n and_o marsh_n which_o after_o so_o vast_a a_o inundation_n must_v be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o to_o obstruct_v their_o passage_n in_o those_o hot_a and_o fruitful_a country_n when_o they_o have_v lie_v uninhabited_a for_o so_o many_o year_n this_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v from_o the_o slow_a progress_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o west-indies_n for_o the_o spaniard_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o find_v neither_o guide_n nor_o path_n do_v not_o enter_v the_o country_n ten_o mile_n 3._o mile_n see_v sir_n w._n rauleigh_n l._n 1._o c._n 8._o §._o 3._o in_o ten_o year_n and_o in_o those_o age_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v ill_o provide_v either_o by_o their_o own_o skill_n or_o by_o convenient_a tool_n and_o instrument_n with_o fit_a mean_n to_o clear_v the_o country_n which_o they_o be_v to_o pass_v and_o they_o be_v likewise_o unprovided_a of_o vessel_n to_o transport_v any_o great_a number_n of_o man_n with_o their_o family_n and_o herd_n of_o cattle_n which_o be_v for_o many_o age_n their_o only_a riches_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o their_o sustenance_n for_o navigation_n have_v never_o have_v so_o slow_a a_o improvement_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v so_o soon_o be_v in_o that_o perfection_n as_o to_o enable_v they_o for_o such_o transportation_n and_o as_o for_o these_o reason_n the_o dispersion_n of_o noah_n posterity_n over_o the_o earth_n must_v be_v gradual_a and_o many_o generation_n must_v pass_v before_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o it_o can_v be_v inhabit_v so_o the_o several_a plantation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o hold_v correspondence_n with_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v near_o ally_v and_o from_o who_o they_o go_v out_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o own_o some_o sort_n of_o dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o pay_v they_o such_o acknowledgement_n as_o colony_n have_v ever_o do_v to_o their_o mother-city_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o they_o first_o spread_v themselves_o into_o the_o neighbour_a country_n and_o as_o sir_n walter_n rauleigh_n have_v observe_v the_o first_o plantation_n be_v general_o by_o the_o bank_n of_o river_n whereby_o they_o may_v hold_v intelligence_n one_o with_o another_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v by_o land_n that_o be_v overspread_v with_o wood_n and_o altogether_o unfit_a for_o travel_v and_o the_o great_a affinity_n which_o be_v observable_a between_o the_o eastern_a language_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a correspondence_n and_o commerce_n maintain_v between_o the_o several_a nation_n after_o the_o dispersion_n all_o which_o consider_v the_o great_a age_n that_o man_n live_v in_o those_o time_n must_v without_o a_o very_a gross_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n preserve_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o noah_n himself_o live_v three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o flood_n his_o son_n be_v not_o soon_o disperse_v their_o dispersion_n be_v gradual_a and_o
of_o the_o world_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n bring_v home_o to_o they_o by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o sojourn_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o man_n who_o travel_v so_o far_o and_o converse_v with_o so_o many_o nation_n and_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o have_v such_o frequent_a revelation_n and_o the_o immediate_a direction_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o most_o of_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n and_o who_o be_v so_o great_a and_o powerful_a and_o so_o numerous_a must_v needs_o mighty_o propagate_v religion_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o leave_v the_o idolater_n without_o excuse_n and_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v great_a success_n in_o all_o place_n for_o even_o out_o of_o egypt_n where_o they_o endure_v the_o great_a hardship_n and_o be_v in_o such_o contempt_n and_o hatred_n yet_o a_o mix_v multitude_n go_v up_o also_o with_o they_o beside_o the_o native_a israelite_n exod._n twelve_o 38._o and_o as_o chaldaea_n and_o egypt_n be_v famous_a for_o learning_n and_o commerce_n and_o proper_a place_n by_o their_o situation_n from_o whence_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v propagate_v both_o towards_o the_o east_n and_o west_n to_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o i_o must_v again_o observe_v that_o god_n mercy_n be_v particular_o manifest_v towards_o the_o canaanite_n before_o their_o destruction_n the_o example_n of_o melchizedeck_v who_o reign_v among_o they_o and_o the_o sojourn_v of_o abraham_n and_o lot_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n not_o to_o mention_v ishmael_n and_o esau_n with_o their_o numerous_a family_n afford_v they_o continual_a invitation_n and_o admonition_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o amendment_n especial_o the_o judgement_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o lot_n be_v enough_o to_o strike_v a_o awe_n and_o terror_n into_o the_o most_o obdurate_a but_o when_o they_o will_v not_o make_v any_o due_a use_n of_o these_o mercy_n when_o they_o persist_v still_o in_o their_o impiety_n and_o proceed_v in_o they_o till_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n god_n make_v they_o a_o example_n to_o other_o after_o they_o will_v take_v no_o warn_v themselves_o yet_o still_o execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a he_o give_v they_o place_n of_o repentance_n not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v a_o naughty_a generation_n and_o that_o their_o malice_n be_v breed_v in_o they_o and_o that_o their_o cogitation_n will_v never_o be_v change_v wisd_v twelve_o 10._o how_o much_o the_o true_a religion_n prevail_v by_o these_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n among_o other_o nation_n beside_o the_o hebrew_n we_o have_v a_o illustrious_a instance_n in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n who_o be_v prince_n in_o their_o several_a dominion_n they_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n job_n four_o 18._o and_o of_o the_o original_a corruption_n of_o man_n which_o be_v express_v with_o this_o emphasis_n that_o he_o can_v be_v clean_o or_o righteous_a who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n because_o by_o eve_n transgression_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n job_n fourteen_o 1._o xv_o 14._o and_o twenty-five_o 4._o adam_n be_v mention_v chap._n xxxi_o 33._o the_o resurrection_n be_v describe_v chap._n fourteen_o 12._o and_o it_o appear_v that_o revelation_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o these_o nation_n chap._n xxxiii_o 15._o it_o appear_v that_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v know_v doctrine_n among_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o mention_v both_o by_o job_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o friend_n in_o as_o plain_a term_n as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o full_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v poetical_a the_o nature_n whereof_o require_v that_o know_a thing_n shall_v be_v allude_v to_o but_o not_o so_o particular_o relate_v as_o in_o history_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v as_o evident_a if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o occasional_o only_a and_o in_o the_o course_n of_o other_o thing_n but_o of_o set_a purpose_n treat_v of_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o footstep_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a author_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o from_o the_o several_a allusion_n and_o representation_n in_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n express_v though_o obscure_o and_o confuse_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o scripture-story_n as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o divers_a learned_a men._n 2._o in_o succeed_a age_n after_o the_o give_v the_o law_n when_o the_o jew_n by_o their_o law_n concern_v religion_n and_o government_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v whole_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n confine_v to_o one_o nation_n there_o still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n give_v frequent_a commandment_n and_o encouragement_n concern_v it_o 2._o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o affair_n as_o to_o offer_v other_o nation_n frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o proselyte_n be_v make_v of_o all_o nation_n 1._o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n give_v frequent_a commandment_n and_o encouragement_n concern_v it_o the_o stranger_n or_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n for_o either_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v circumcise_a and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n who_o be_v style_v proselyte_n of_o righteousness_n or_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o they_o be_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o profess_v only_o to_o observe_v the_o precept_n give_v to_o noah_n which_o comprise_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o these_o be_v call_v proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n because_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v among_o they_o within_o their_o gate_n these_o be_v the_o stranger_n in_o their_o gate_n mention_v deut._n fourteen_o 21._o who_o may_v eat_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v as_o the_o israelite_n themselves_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v of_o if_o any_o will_v be_v circumcise_a and_o undertake_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n they_o have_v full_a liberty_n and_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o do_v it_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n not_o only_a abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n but_o his_o whole_a family_n and_o all_o that_o be_v buy_v with_o money_n of_o any_o stranger_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v gen._n xvii_o 12_o 27._o and_o at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o passover_n the_o stranger_n be_v command_v to_o observe_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o natural_a israelite_n exod._n twelve_o 19_o god_n make_v no_o distinction_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o both_o these_o sacrament_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o those_o other_o nation_n that_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o first_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o appoint_v circumcision_n and_o then_o to_o moses_n when_o the_o passover_n be_v institute_v particular_a order_n be_v give_v concern_v stranger_n or_o proselyte_n who_o will_v betake_v themselves_o to_o they_o one_o law_n shall_v be_v to_o he_o that_o be_v home-born_a and_o to_o the_o strange_a that_o sojourn_v among_o you_o exod._n twelve_o 49._o deut._n xxix_o 11._o and_o as_o the_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o admission_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o imply_v a_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o which_o be_v confirm_v and_o renew_v by_o their_o partake_n of_o the_o passover_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v not_o only_o that_o god_n do_v in_o general_n admit_v stranger_n and_o alien_n to_o the_o same_o worship_n with_o the_o jew_n but_o that_o throughout_o their_o whole_a law_n frequent_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o they_o and_o care_v take_v for_o their_o reception_n and_o behaviour_n for_o though_o what_o be_v but_o once_o say_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o any_o matter_n yet_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v often_o mention_v and_o every_o where_o inculcate_v it_o be_v a_o
signal_n judgement_n from_o heaven_n and_o moses_n advance_v neither_o of_o he_o and_o both_o moses_n and_o aaron_n die_v by_o the_o particular_a appointment_n and_o command_n of_o god_n for_o their_o offence_n against_o he_o never_o enjoy_v nor_o for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v never_o have_v perform_v what_o they_o do_v but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n so_o they_o can_v have_v no_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o attempt_v it_o but_o his_o command_n and_o promise_v of_o assistance_n reveal_v to_o they_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o pentateuch_n as_o the_o book_n entitle_v to_o moses_n be_v confess_v by_o all_o to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n so_o we_o have_v it_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o heathen_a writer_n themselves_o that_o the_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v indeed_o of_o his_o writing_n beside_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n ever_o since_o moses_n time_n from_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o they_o which_o be_v infinite_o better_a proof_n of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o entitle_v to_o the_o true_a author_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v for_o any_o book_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n divers_a text_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n imply_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n as_o well_o as_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n import_v as_o much_o and_o though_o some_o passage_n have_v be_v think_v to_o imply_v the_o contrary_a yet_o this_o be_v but_o a_o late_a opinion_n and_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v by_o learned_a men._n it_o be_v observable_a whoever_o write_v these_o five_o book_n that_o there_o be_v no_o partiality_n show_v to_o any_o one_o whosoever_o noah_n be_v say_v to_o be_v overcome_v with_o wine_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o mockery_n of_o one_o of_o his_o son_n lot_n be_v describe_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v drunken_a but_o to_o have_v lie_v with_o his_o own_o daughter_n abraham_n himself_o deny_v his_o wife_n twice_o and_o isaac_n imitate_v he_o in_o it_o jacob_n get_v the_o blessing_n by_o fraud_n and_o subtilty_n from_o his_o brother_n esau_n joseph_n brethren_n sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o he_o when_o he_o be_v there_o learn_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n the_o fault_n of_o aaron_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v be_v not_o conceal_v on_o the_o other_o side_n particular_a notice_n be_v take_v how_o melchizedeck_v bless_v abraham_n and_o receive_v tithe_n of_o he_o and_o without_o all_o contradiction_n the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o better_a heb._n seven_o 7._o the_o advice_n of_o jethro_n be_v record_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n himself_o be_v punctual_o set_v down_o it_o be_v no_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o write_v a_o panegyric_n upon_o any_o man_n but_o to_o represent_v the_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o each_o person_n and_o to_o show_v by_o what_o various_a method_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v his_o gracious_a design_n how_o he_o turn_v evil_a into_o good_a and_o make_v use_v even_o of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o accomplish_v his_o purpose_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o have_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o most_o memorable_a and_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o have_v pass_v to_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o type_n of_o his_o death_n who_o first_o commit_v murder_n and_o who_o first_o bring_v in_o polygamy_n the_o inventon_n of_o divers_a art_n the_o flood_n the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n the_o original_a of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o a_o little_a compass_n but_o a_o large_a and_o more_o particular_a account_n be_v give_v of_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n for_o here_o the_o scene_n begin_v to_o open_v to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o work_n the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v as_o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v premise_v and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o history_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v note_v that_o the_o canaanite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n gen._n twelve_o 6._o even_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o abraham_n erect_v a_o altar_n to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 7._o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o israelite_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n who_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n in_o that_o land_n which_o they_o be_v now_o go_v to_o possess_v and_o among_o that_o people_n which_o they_o be_v now_o to_o drive_v out_o and_o which_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o land_n be_v promise_v they_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o and_o god_n who_o have_v protect_v abraham_n in_o so_o signal_n a_o manner_n will_v no_o less_o assist_v they_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v those_o thing_n particular_o wherein_o moses_n himself_o be_v concen_v as_o a_o agent_n as_o well_o as_o a_o historian_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o at_o least_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v true_a that_o be_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o governor_n or_o general_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o conduct_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n that_o they_o travel_v for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o fight_v divers_a battle_n with_o the_o several_a nation_n who_o oppose_v their_o journey_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o moses_n give_v they_o the_o law_n which_o we_o find_v there_o record_v these_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o rest_n be_v but_o as_o circumstance_n to_o show_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o and_o the_o power_n by_o which_o all_o this_o be_v do_v and_o that_o these_o main_a point_n be_v true_a it_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o most_o reproach_v and_o vilify_v the_o jewish_a nation_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o great_a general_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o israelite_n they_o own_a that_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o can_v deny_v nothing_o of_o the_o history_n itself_o but_o only_o give_v wrong_a account_n partly_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o design_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o be_v effect_v and_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n upon_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o book_n of_o josephus_n against_o apion_n in_o which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n of_o other_o nation_n have_v deliver_v concern_v the_o jew_n and_o from_o what_o the_o latter_a heathen_n strabo_n tacitus_n justin_n and_o other_o after_o the_o jew_n become_v so_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v write_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a point_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v confess_v and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v about_o and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o all_o be_v effect_v now_o we_o take_v the_o history_n of_o all_o other_o nation_n rather_o from_o themselves_o than_o from_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n to_o their_o affair_n or_o profess_a enemy_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_a partiality_n to_o admit_v the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n from_o author_n who_o live_v so_o much_o too_o late_o to_o have_v any_o certain_a information_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v about_o and_o who_o upon_o every_o occasion_n show_v such_o disaffection_n to_o their_o name_n and_o nation_n and_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o themselves_o too_o as_o josephus_n show_v it_o will_v i_o say_v be_v notorious_a partiality_n to_o follow_v such_o author_n rather_o than_o credit_v the_o jewish_a record_n attest_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a approbation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n i_o shall_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o perform_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v feign_v or_o counterfeit_a at_o first_o nor_o the_o account_v give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n falsify_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o
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
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
areopagite_n sergius_n paulus_n simon_n magus_n felix_n king_n agrippa_n tertullus_n gallio_n and_o other_o be_v name_n of_o too_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n to_o be_v use_v in_o a_o false_a story_n in_o which_o they_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v keep_v upon_o record_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v pretend_v without_o be_v discover_v by_o those_o who_o always_o have_v so_o many_o adversary_n the_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o cure_v disease_n and_o for_o the_o health_n and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n but_o they_o have_v a_o power_n of_o inflict_a disease_n likewise_o and_o death_n itself_o upon_o just_a occasion_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n v._o of_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n act_v xiii_o and_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n v._o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v by_o private_a man_n and_o divulge_v to_o the_o world_n with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n who_o inflict_v disease_n and_o death_n itself_o and_o of_o those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v inflict_v this_o be_v a_o evidence_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o of_o the_o power_n by_o which_o it_o be_v do_v for_o no_o author_n can_v think_v to_o serve_v his_o friend_n or_o his_o cause_n by_o relate_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v evident_o do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o by_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n the_o conversion_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o memorable_a both_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o business_n he_o be_v go_v about_o and_o the_o person_n that_o employ_v he_o and_o for_o his_o know_a zeal_n at_o other_o time_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n that_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o king_n agrippa_n as_o one_o who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a act_v xxvi_o 26._o and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n so_o well_o know_v and_o esteem_v by_o the_o pharisee_n and_o chief_a priest_n before_o his_o conversion_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a instrument_n both_o by_o his_o preach_a and_o write_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o both_o his_o epistle_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v the_o same_o proof_n from_o the_o observation_n already_o mention_v concern_v the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o person_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o they_o be_v always_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v in_o they_o coloss_n four_o 16.1_o thess_n v._o 27._o and_o the_o writing_n both_o of_o he_o and_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v cite_v by_o author_n contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n by_o barnabas_n a_o apostle_n himself_o and_o by_o clemens_n romanus_n ignatius_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o particular_o by_o tryphon_n the_o jew_n in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o justin_n martyr_n and_o by_o julian_n x._o julian_n apud_fw-la cyril_n lib._n x._o the_o apostate_n it_o be_v enough_o in_o this_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o except_v some_o very_a few_o book_n of_o which_o a_o account_n shall_v elsewhere_o be_v give_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v receive_v as_o genuine_a from_o their_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n during_o the_o life_n of_o their_o several_a author_n and_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o for_o such_o through_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o main_a they_o have_v be_v so_o unanimous_o receive_v and_o so_o full_o attest_v by_o christian_n that_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n themselves_o never_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v genuine_a nor_o ever_o pretend_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v false_a or_o doubtful_a 29._o euseb_n lib._n iii._o c._n 29._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 st._n john_n himself_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n above_o seventy_o year_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleopas_n live_v to_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o polycarp_n the_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n to_o fourscore_o and_o six_o of_o who_o 20._o who_o id._n lib._n v._o c._n 20._o iraenaeus_fw-la in_o his_o epistle_n to_o florinus_n a_o marcionite_n declare_v that_o he_o remember_v exact_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v polycarp_n discourse_n concern_v the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o st._n john_n and_o other_o who_o have_v converse_v with_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o differ_v in_o nothing_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o beside_o the_o inspire_a write_n 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 themselves_o 57_o themselves_o euseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 3._o vid._n irenae_n lib._n two_o c._n 56_o 57_o qudaratus_n bishop_n of_o athens_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o adrian_n declare_v that_o person_n who_o have_v be_v heal_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o that_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o he_o be_v still_o live_v in_o his_o time_n aristides_n present_v a_o apology_n to_o the_o same_o emperor_n justin_n martyr_n write_v two_o apology_n the_o first_o dedicate_v to_o antoninus_n pius_n and_o his_o two_o son_n and_o the_o roman_a senate_n the_o latter_a to_o m._n antoninus_n and_o the_o senate_n 26._o senate_n euseb_n lib._n four_o c._n 26._o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n and_o apollinaris_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n likewise_o write_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o m._n antoninus_n athenagoras_n offer_v his_o apology_n to_o m._n aurelius_n and_o commodus_n 17._o commodus_n euseb_n lib._n v._o c._n 17._o meltiades_n to_o commodus_n or_o to_o the_o deputy_n of_o the_o province_n 21._o province_n hier._n catai_n euseb_n lib._n v._o c._n 21._o apollonius_n a_o roman_a senator_n make_v a_o public_a defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n and_o tertullian_n present_v his_o apology_n to_o the_o senate_n or_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n and_o the_o apologist_n do_v not_o dwell_v only_o upon_o general_n but_o descend_v to_o such_o particular_n as_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o public_a record_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v concern_v the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n and_o his_o resurrection_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n assert_v in_o public_a write_n dedicate_v and_o present_v to_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o who_o be_v most_o concern_v and_o most_o capable_a of_o disprove_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a 10._o false_a euseb_n lib._n ix_o c._n 5._o &_o 10._o and_o though_o the_o act_n which_o be_v forge_v under_o the_o emperor_n maximin_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v pilat_n be_v by_o his_o command_n send_v into_o all_o the_o province_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o publish_v in_o all_o place_n and_o order_v to_o be_v teach_v child_n and_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o heart_n by_o they_o yet_o all_o this_o malicious_a care_n and_o contrivance_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o suppress_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o waâ—_n so_o well_o attest_v and_o so_o full_o publish_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o extirpate_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o this_o emperor_n himself_o as_o i_o before_o show_v be_v by_o miraculous_a disease_n inflict_v on_o he_o force_v to_o retract_v by_o a_o public_a edict_n his_o practice_n against_o christianity_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o christ_n be_v the_o just_a cause_n of_o his_o punishment_n chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o scripture_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o considerate_a man_n to_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v to_o these_o we_o owe_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n we_o enjoy_v even_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o good_a and_o prudent_a man_n to_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o wish_v it_o false_a but_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o this_o of_o itself_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o
when_o he_o propose_v rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o caution_n to_o arm_v man_n against_o vice_n and_o temptation_n how_o much_o short_a do_v he_o fall_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o tell_v you_o that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v speak_v ill_o of_o you_o make_v no_o apology_n for_o yourself_o but_o answer_v he_o do_v not_o know_v my_o other_o fault_n or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v charge_v i_o with_o these_o only_a cap_n xlviii_o this_o be_v a_o sine_fw-la say_v a_o pretty_a turn_n of_o thought_n but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o comparable_a to_o that_o awful_a and_o sacred_a promise_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mat._n v._n 11_o 12._o again_o when_o a_o man_n value_v himself_o say_v epictetus_n for_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o explain_v the_o book_n of_o chrysippus_n say_v you_o to_o yourself_o unless_o chrysippus_n have_v write_v obscure_o this_o man_n will_v have_v have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o what_o do_v i_o design_n to_o study_v nature_n and_o follow_v it_o cap._n lxxiii_o this_o be_v no_o ill_a satyr_n upon_o the_o vanity_n of_o man_n but_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o like_o that_o piety_n and_o authority_n with_o which_o st._n paul_n reprove_v the_o same_o vice_n 1_o cor._n viij_o 1.2_o 3._o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o frequent_o confess_v the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o place_v their_o great_a wisdom_n in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o sensible_a than_o other_o of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o socrates_n profess_v that_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n because_o he_o know_v how_o ignorant_a he_o be_v better_o than_o other_o man_n do_v as_o to_o the_o chinese_n philosophy_n we_o know_v little_a of_o it_o their_o declar._n their_o confuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o par._n 4._o p._n 36._o &_o philippi_n couplet_n prooem_n declar._n book_n of_o philosophy_n be_v all_o destroy_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o tyrant_n who_o reign_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n from_o the_o fragment_n which_o be_v afterward_o gather_v up_o and_o yet_o remain_v among_o they_o we_o can_v only_o perceive_v that_o confucius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o best_a philosopher_n teach_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o when_o they_o forsake_v this_o tradition_n they_o fall_v into_o the_o gross_a error_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o at_o this_o day_n ii_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 it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v discover_v the_o more_o common_a and_o obvious_a precept_n of_o morality_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v discover_v most_o of_o they_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n which_o we_o find_v as_o to_o some_o particular_n in_o the_o best_a system_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n and_o from_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o offer_v up_o man_n for_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n and_o of_o cast_v away_o and_o expose_v their_o child_n in_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o heathen_n be_v not_o leave_v destitute_a of_o many_o help_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o scripture_n which_o divers_a of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v read_v and_o many_o thing_n which_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v deduction_n from_o natural_a reason_n may_v have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n for_o thing_n once_o discover_v seem_v easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o man_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v of_o themselves_o we_o wonder_v now_o how_o man_n shall_v ever_o suppose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o antipode_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v how_o america_n can_v lie_v so_o long_o conceal_v rather_o than_o how_o it_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o many_o other_o discovery_n especial_o in_o moral_a truth_n which_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v the_o natural_a production_n of_o it_o though_o a_o contrary_a custom_n and_o inclination_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n work_v upon_o our_o deprave_a nature_n may_v perhaps_o have_v make_v it_o very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a without_o a_o revelation_n to_o discern_v many_o doctrine_n even_o of_o morality_n which_o now_o be_v most_o common_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o what_o maxim_n be_v more_o agreeable_a and_o therefore_o as_o one_o will_v think_v more_o obvious_a to_o humane_a reason_n than_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o he_o and_o yet_o spartianas_n a_o heathen_a historian_n say_v that_o alexander_n severus_n have_v this_o excellent_a rule_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n either_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contain_v plain_a and_o more_o obvious_a thing_n than_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n and_o 2._o and_o ld._n bacon_n advance_v of_o learning_n b._n viij_o c._n 2._o yet_o a_o author_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n have_v give_v a_o essay_n how_o a_o considerable_a defect_n of_o learning_n may_v be_v supply_v out_o of_o this_o very_a book_n produce_v such_o caution_n instruction_n and_o axiom_n from_o thence_o relate_v to_o the_o business_n and_o government_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o all_o variety_n of_o occasion_n as_o be_v not_o where_o else_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o far_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v proceed_v without_o revelation_n since_o it_o never_o be_v without_o it_o but_o always_o argue_v from_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o noah_n and_o be_v propagate_v among_o his_o posterity_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n though_o they_o be_v more_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v in_o some_o age_n and_o nation_n than_o in_o other_o 1._o other_o plat._n de_fw-fr legib._n dialog_n 1._o plato_n derive_v the_o original_a of_o all_o law_n from_o revelation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o morality_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o cabbala_n consist_v of_o general_a maxim_n and_o proverb_n without_o argument_n or_o deduction_n from_o principle_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o this_o day_n in_o those_o country_n where_o aristotle_n philosophy_n have_v not_o prevail_v who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o undertake_v to_o argue_v close_o from_o principle_n in_o morality_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o philosophy_n i_o shall_v prove_v by_o some_o remarkable_a instance_n that_o humane_a reason_n fail_v they_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o and_o unanswerable_o demonstrate_v by_o tully_n and_o 1._o and_o tull._n de_fw-fr legib._n lib._n 1._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v as_o plain_o assert_v by_o he_o with_o what_o strength_n of_o reason_n with_o what_o plainness_n with_o what_o assurance_n do_v two_o do_v tull._n de_fw-fr natur._n deor._n lib._n 2_o two_o balbus_n the_o stoic_a speak_v concern_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o when_o he_o will_v explain_v the_o divine_a nature_n he_o describe_v a_o mere_a anima_fw-la mundi_fw-la and_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n of_o his_o adversary_n which_o show_v that_o humane_a reason_n can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o to_o discover_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o can_v know_v little_a of_o his_o nature_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o true_a and_o just_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n must_v be_v chief_o ascribe_v to_o that_o that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v the_o philosopher_n before_o aristotle_n general_o assert_v and_o that_o water_n be_v the_o first_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v form_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o 3._o by_o arist_n de_fw-fr coelo_fw-la lib._n i._n c._n 10._o metaphys_n lib._n i_o c._n 3._o aristotle_n to_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o ancient_a opinion_n but_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o argue_v the_o point_n he_o conclude_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a which_o according_a to_o modern_a philosophy_n be_v as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v deliver_v down_o from_o all_o
composition_n of_o cato_n it_o have_v be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v the_o be_v a_o stoic_a and_o he_o may_v probable_o have_v found_v that_o sect_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o philosopher_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o promise_v reward_n or_o to_o threaten_v punishment_n upon_o the_o observation_n or_o neglect_n of_o their_o precept_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o reject_v what_o they_o teach_v and_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o unavoidable_a defect_n in_o all_o humane_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n therefore_o in_o suppose_v that_o many_o of_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o proverb_n and_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v without_o a_o revelation_n for_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o very_o good_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o a_o system_fw-la of_o ethic_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o moral_a precept_n but_o as_o a_o body_n of_o law_n give_v out_o upon_o divers_a occasion_n and_o as_o rule_n of_o instruction_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o show_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o command_v our_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o expect_v that_o king_n in_o their_o law_n shovid_v argue_v more_o profound_o than_o other_o man_n do_v but_o they_o shall_v command_v more_o effectual_o than_o other_o can_v teach_v they_o do_v not_o dispute_v but_o pronounce_v and_o dictate_v what_o their_o subject_n must_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o their_o peril_n and_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o a_o prince_n authority_n to_o command_v the_o most_o know_a and_o obvious_a thing_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o subject_n to_o need_v such_o command_n and_o god_n in_o his_o word_n do_v not_o design_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o a_o treatise_n of_o philosophy_n to_o gratify_v our_o curiosity_n with_o strange_a and_o new_a notion_n and_o make_v we_o profound_a scholar_n but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o know_a duty_n to_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o enforce_v those_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o natural_a reason_n perhaps_o may_v suggest_v to_o they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n establish_v upon_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 3._o though_o the_o philosopher_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v something_o more_o than_o other_o man_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v but_o be_v overbear_v with_o the_o error_n and_o vice_n the_o time_n and_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v even_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n and_o therefore_o their_o doctrine_n whatever_o they_o be_v can_v do_v but_o little_a good_a towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o report_n concern_v socrates_n and_o plato_n seneca_n and_o cato_n himself_o but_o only_o observe_v that_o socrates_n who_o be_v the_o only_a martyr_n among_o the_o philosopher_n for_o the_o truth_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v speak_v with_o no_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o order_v a_o cock_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o aesoulapius_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o doctrine_n for_o for_o which_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o die_v and_o after_o his_o death_n how_o do_v his_o friend_n and_o disciple_n behave_v themselves_o do_v they_o open_o and_o courageous_o vindicate_v his_o innocence_n and_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o he_o suffer_v do_v they_o not_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v it_o but_o mankind_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o perfect_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o such_o instructor_n as_o shall_v both_o teach_v and_o practice_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n and_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o such_o man_n as_o shall_v bear_v testimony_n to_o their_o doctrine_n both_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v during_o their_o life_n and_o by_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o death_n 4._o as_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n want_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o law_n and_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o so_o it_o want_v principal_a motive_n to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n the_o philosopher_n teach_v nothing_o of_o the_o exceed_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o of_o his_o desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o assist_v and_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n they_o own_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o perseverance_n in_o it_o iii._o it_o tull._n de_fw-fr nat._n dâ—or_n lib._n iii._o virtutem_fw-la autem_fw-la nemo_fw-la unquam_fw-la acceptam_fw-la deo_fw-la retulit_fw-la nimirum_fw-la recte_fw-la propter_fw-la virtutem_fw-la enim_fw-la jure_fw-la laudamur_fw-la &_o in_o virtute_fw-la recte_fw-la gloriamur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la contingeret_fw-la si_fw-la id_fw-la donum_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la non_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la haberemus_fw-la nam_fw-la quis_fw-la quod_fw-la bone_fw-la vir_fw-la esset_fw-la gratias_fw-la diis_fw-la egit_fw-la unquam_fw-la jovemque_fw-la optimum_fw-la maximum_fw-la ob_fw-la eas_fw-la res_fw-la appellant_n non_fw-la quod_fw-la justos_fw-la temperatos_fw-la sapientes_fw-la efficiat_a sed_fw-la quod_fw-la salvos_fw-la incolumes_fw-la opulento_n copioso_n this_o occasion_v those_o 53._o those_o sen_n epist_n 53._o insolent_a boast_n of_o the_o stoic_n equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o god_n and_o sometime_o even_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o they_o because_o they_o have_v difficulty_n to_o encounter_v which_o make_v their_o conquest_n of_o vice_n and_o their_o improvement_n in_o virtue_n more_o glorious_a than_o they_o suppose_v the_o like_a excellency_n to_o be_v in_o their_o god_n who_o be_v good_a by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n wherefore_o though_o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n have_v be_v never_o so_o perfect_a yet_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v ineffectual_a be_v so_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o and_o so_o unactive_a and_o dead_a when_o they_o be_v discover_v without_o that_o authority_n and_o life_n and_o energy_n that_o may_v be_v have_v from_o divine_a revelation_n which_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o not_o only_o to_o supply_v the_o imperfection_n and_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o philosophy_n but_o to_o enforce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o perfect_a 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 the_o novelty_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o this_o religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o sensual_a allurement_n owe_v its_o propagation_n sole_o to_o the_o â—ower_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o though_o the_o alcoran_n have_v be_v translate_v into_o most_o of_o the_o language_n in_o use_n among_o christian_n yet_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v to_o make_v any_o proselyte_n but_o by_o force_n of_o arms._n at_o first_o this_o religion_n have_v many_o circumstance_n for_o its_o advantage_n which_o may_v in_o humane_a probability_n gain_v it_o success_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v begin_v in_o rebellion_n and_o in_o a_o final_a revolt_n from_o the_o emperor_n heraclius_n and_o beside_o this_o popular_a and_o seduce_a temptation_n of_o licence_n and_o violence_n mahomet_n add_v the_o enticement_n of_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n he_o forbid_v man_n indeed_o some_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o he_o can_v easy_o see_v they_o will_v part_v with_o for_o the_o free_a and_o unbounded_a enjoyment_n of_o other_o than_o he_o pretend_v to_o sound_v his_o doctrine_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v he_o all_o which_o make_v his_o religion_n find_v the_o more_o easy_a entertainment_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o gnostic_n at_o the_o first_o and_o not_o altogether_o so_o gross_a and_o this_o must_v needs_o incline_v all_o of_o seditious_a and_o lewd_a principle_n to_o come_v in_o to_o he_o be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o colour_n for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o power_n and_o force_n to_o make_v it_o more_o last_a than_o other_o such_o blasphemy_n have_v be_v christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n forbid_v resistance_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n upon_o any_o term_n whatsoever_o he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n but_o so_o as_o to_o abolish_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v what_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o fond_a of_o so_o that_o this_o very_a thing_n make_v the_o jew_n
parodox_n that_o they_o be_v still_o for_o maintain_v it_o i_o confess_v it_o agree_v admirable_o with_o a_o tradition_n of_o the_o arcadian_n that_o their_o ancestor_n be_v before_o the_o moon_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v pretend_v that_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n by_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o arcadia_n may_v be_v inhabit_v before_o the_o moon_n of_o a_o luminous_a become_v a_o opake_v body_n in_o so_o curious_a a_o age_n he_o must_v have_v ill_a luck_n if_o he_o shall_v want_v his_o applauder_n if_o some_o object_n that_o the_o original_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o handwriting_a of_o the_o several_a author_n be_v not_o still_o remain_v do_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v answer_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v the_o original_a write_n of_o all_o other_o book_n or_o at_o least_o of_o all_o or_o any_o that_o be_v as_o ancient_n as_o even_o the_o last_o write_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v they_o have_v a_o office_n erect_v to_o prove_v the_o title_n to_o all_o estate_n by_o original_a deed_n and_o upon_o what_o period_n of_o time_n will_v they_o fix_v for_o the_o date_n of_o they_o which_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o comparison_n with_o the_o date_n of_o the_o manuscript_n copies_n now_o extant_a of_o the_o scripture_n some_o have_v allege_v that_o the_o sea_n through_o which_o the_o israelite_n pass_v be_v not_o red_a but_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o know_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o concern_v in_o what_o have_v be_v write_v on_o both_o side_n upon_o this_o subject_n for_o it_o be_v not_o call_v the_o red_a sea_n in_o the_o hebrew_n but_o the_o sea_n of_o weed_n with_o which_o it_o abound_v it_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n from_o the_o greek_n however_o it_o come_v by_o it_o for_o the_o critic_n be_v not_o agree_v about_o it_o and_o be_v best_a know_v by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v therefore_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o septuagint_n and_o in_o our_o own_o and_o other_o translation_n which_o herein_o follow_v st._n luke_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n man_n must_v call_v thing_n by_o know_a name_n if_o they_o will_v be_v understand_v whatever_o give_v the_o first_o occasion_n to_o those_o name_n as_o to_o many_o objection_n let_v man_n but_o do_v moses_n the_o same_o right_n which_o they_o will_v do_v thucydides_n or_o tacitus_n and_o we_o need_v desire_v no_o more_o though_o they_o shall_v not_o allow_v for_o the_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n between_o they_o indeed_o they_o may_v live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n for_o all_o that_o many_o of_o these_o objector_n know_v and_o be_v next_o neighbour_n i_o have_v know_v divers_a objection_n make_v which_o the_o look_v only_o into_o the_o bible_n will_v answer_v and_o many_o proceed_v from_o the_o want_n of_o be_v conversant_a in_o it_o some_o have_v suppose_v that_o they_o have_v great_a matter_n of_o objection_n from_o christ_n curse_v the_o figtree_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o wither_v away_o but_o never_o so_o little_a reflection_n may_v serve_v any_o one_o to_o take_v notice_n how_o merciful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o how_o suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v for_o he_o to_o show_v his_o power_n of_o punish_v upon_o a_o tree_n rather_o than_o upon_o a_o man_n it_o be_v then_o and_o be_v at_o any_o time_n as_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v his_o reviler_n as_o it_o be_v to_o curse_v this_o tree_n or_o as_o it_o can_v be_v for_o they_o to_o revile_v he_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o ready_a at_o it_o but_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n not_o the_o destroyer_n of_o mankind_n he_o cure_a all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o raise_v the_o dead_a but_o never_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o man_n nor_o inflict_v any_o disease_n he_o spare_v his_o worst_a enemy_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o punish_v their_o hypocrisy_n in_o the_o emblem_n only_o of_o a_o figtree_n flourish_v in_o leave_n before_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o fig_n and_o thereby_o promise_v very_o much_o a_o early_a fruit_n but_o have_v none_o it_o make_v a_o show_n of_o fig_n out_o of_o season_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o answer_v so_o fair_a a_o appearance_n other_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v more_o considerable_a have_v be_v confute_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n cavil_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v concern_v the_o 2._o the_o tacquet_n geometr_v pract._n lib._n 3._o c._n 20._o â—robl_n 2._o quantity_n of_o matter_n which_o will_v be_v require_v to_o compose_v the_o body_n of_o all_o man_n at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o concern_v the_o 95._o the_o sir_n sam_n morland_n urim_n of_o conse_n p._n 95._o bottomless_a pit_n have_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v frivolous_a that_o the_o 5._o the_o buteo_n de_fw-fr â—rea_fw-la noe._n kircher_n de_fw-fr arc._n noâ—_n sir_n w._n raleigh_n hist_o lib._n 1._o c._n 7._o s._n 9_o bishop_n wilkin_n be_v real_a character_n part_v 2._o c._n 5._o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v sufficient_a to_o contain_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n with_o the_o beast_n and_o food_n for_o they_o and_o that_o the_o 14._o the_o petau._n doctr._n temp._n lib._n 9_o c._n 14._o increase_v of_o mankind_n may_v extend_v to_o so_o great_a number_n in_o no_o long_a a_o compass_n of_o year_n than_o the_o scripture_n in_o any_o instance_n assign_v be_v thing_n which_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v beyond_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o confutation_n and_o whatever_o force_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o objection_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o vulgar_a error_n and_o in_o that_o number_n sir_n thomas_n brown_n have_v place_v some_o of_o they_o for_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v long_o ago_o ashamed_a to_o make_v they_o and_o this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v cause_v other_o to_o be_v more_o modest_a and_o cautious_a in_o their_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n when_o such_o as_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o great_a strength_n in_o they_o be_v once_o bring_v under_o strict_a examination_n prove_v to_o be_v evident_o false_a and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o have_v be_v mistake_v and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v undeceive_v this_o will_v go_v so_o far_o towards_o their_o conviction_n that_o i_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o the_o consideration_n here_o propose_v may_v be_v of_o some_o weight_n with_o they_o thus_o far_o methinks_v at_o least_o i_o may_v hope_v to_o prevail_v upon_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o will_v no_o long_o imagine_v it_o safe_a or_o prudent_a to_o speak_v light_o and_o profane_o of_o it_o religion_n be_v too_o serious_a a_o thing_n and_o of_o too_o great_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n of_o every_o one_o that_o think_v he_o can_v make_v a_o jest_n and_o that_o which_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o their_o reason_n will_v be_v in_o little_a danger_n of_o their_o raillery_n but_o will_v rather_o receive_v a_o additional_a confirmation_n from_o it_o the_o best_a and_o most_o sacred_a thing_n be_v always_o most_o capable_a of_o dishonour_n and_o affront_v for_o to_o affront_v and_o abuse_v any_o person_n or_o thing_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v bad_a and_o it_o be_v the_o security_n of_o some_o thing_n and_o some_o man_n that_o they_o can_v be_v represent_v worse_a than_o they_o be_v it_o be_v in_o any_o one_o power_n to_o affront_v the_o great_a prince_n and_o a_o man_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a virtue_n may_v be_v be_v most_o easy_o abuse_v but_o no_o treason_n can_v be_v speak_v against_o a_o beggar_n and_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o how_o to_o disgrace_v he_o of_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v worse_a than_o he_o deserve_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n give_v to_o religion_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n pay_v to_o virtue_n when_o man_n so_o industrious_o labour_v to_o villify_v it_o for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v disparage_v which_o be_v of_o no_o worth_a or_o excellency_n or_o why_o shall_v man_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v that_o into_o discredit_n which_o have_v not_o at_o present_a a_o confess_a reputation_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o deserve_a reputation_n or_o no_o they_o may_v question_v if_o they_o think_v fit_a but_o then_o let_v they_o make_v it_o a_o serious_a question_n and_o not_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o loud_a noise_n but_o here_o be_v the_o mischief_n they_o have_v no_o patience_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n or_o to_o go_v on_o with_o a_o dispute_n but_o a_o cavil_v be_v soon_o start_v and_o objection_n be_v more_o easy_o raise_v than_o answer_v
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
watch_n for_o animal_n and_o can_v not_o imagine_v how_o man_n can_v hold_v correspondence_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o a_o little_a piece_n of_o paper_n what_o man_n be_v there_o among_o the_o vulgar_a that_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o dimension_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n can_v be_v take_v and_o how_o the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o of_o the_o satellite_n of_o jupiter_n can_v be_v calculate_v and_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n upon_o earth_n infinite_o more_o surpass_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o his_o knowledge_n can_v excel_v that_o of_o the_o great_a idiot_n iii_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 i._o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a god_n must_v believe_v matter_n to_o be_v eternal_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a something_o must_v be_v eternal_a because_o nothing_o can_v produce_v nothing_o and_o unless_o there_o always_o have_v be_v something_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n but_o this_o eternal_a matter_n must_v either_o have_v be_v once_o without_o motion_n or_o always_o with_o it_o if_o it_o be_v once_o without_o motion_n than_o matter_n must_v move_v itself_o that_o be_v motion_n must_v be_v produce_v without_o any_o thing_n to_o produce_v it_o if_o it_o be_v always_o in_o motion_n than_o there_o must_v have_v be_v a_o eternal_a succession_n since_o motion_n can_v be_v all_o at_o once_o for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o motion_n suppose_v progression_n and_o no_o body_n can_v move_v in_o this_o space_n and_o the_o next_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v in_o two_o place_n at_o once_o but_o all_o succession_n of_o duration_n be_v gradual_a and_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v number_v and_o to_o suppose_v a_o eternal_a succession_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o infinite_a number_n that_o be_v a_o number_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v and_o from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v substract_v or_o a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n motion_n therefore_o can_v not_o be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o the_o world_n can_v not_o exist_v from_o eternity_n but_o since_o there_o must_v be_v something_o eternal_a there_o must_v be_v something_o the_o duration_n whereof_o be_v indivisible_a or_o which_o have_v all_o its_o existence_n together_o so_o as_o to_o have_v exi_v now_o no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v before_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n that_o it_o have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n and_o therefore_o thing_n eternal_a never_o have_v a_o less_o or_o short_a duration_n than_o they_o now_o have_v and_o can_v never_o have_v a_o long_o after_o million_o of_o age_n than_o they_o have_v the_o first_o year_n or_o day_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o begin_v the_o computation_n of_o those_o age_n for_o a_o long_o or_o short_a duration_n must_v suppose_v a_o beginning_n from_o whence_o the_o computation_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o have_v no_o beginning_n can_v have_v neither_o a_o long_o nor_o a_o short_a duration_n but_o always_o the_o same_o and_o by_o consequence_n time_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o eternity_n because_o that_o which_o have_v a_o beginning_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o that_o which_o have_v none_o yet_o eternity_n must_v coexi_v with_o time_n in_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o succession_n of_o it_o and_o must_v be_v present_a with_o every_o part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o eternal_a be_v exist_v the_o space_n suppose_v of_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o temporal_a or_o create_v be_v exist_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o long_o and_o the_o temporal_a be_v become_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a than_o it_o be_v but_o the_o eternal_a no_o old_a than_o it_o be_v before_o because_o though_o it_o coexi_v with_o time_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o division_n of_o it_o into_o past_a present_a and_o future_a there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n more_o difficult_a and_o perplex_v than_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o every_o one_o though_o he_o be_v a_o deist_n or_o a_o atheist_n must_v acknowledge_v to_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v but_o consider_v it_o 2._o whoever_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o believe_v no_o revelation_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o by_o revelation_n from_o he_o must_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o divine_a attribute_n he_o must_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 8._o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cyrill_n alex._n contr_n julian_n lib._n 8._o who_o be_v not_o essential_o just_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o believe_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o former_a book_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v upon_o so_o copious_a a_o subject_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o more_o humble_a and_o modest_a in_o judge_v of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n for_o shall_v poor_a mortal_n who_o know_v so_o little_a and_o that_o little_a so_o imperfect_o presume_v to_o censure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o they_o contain_v thing_n which_o they_o can_v understand_v shall_v he_o that_o can_v full_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o vile_a infect_v reject_v what_o god_n have_v deliver_v concern_v himself_o because_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o the_o thought_n of_o mortal_a man_n be_v miserable_a and_o our_o device_n be_v but_o uncertain_a for_o the_o corruptible_a body_n press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n weigh_v down_o the_o mind_n that_o muse_v upon_o many_o thing_n and_o hardly_o do_v we_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o with_o labour_n do_v we_o find_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o have_v search_v out_o wisd_v 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o but_o 2._o but_o ld_n bacon_n '_o be_v advancement_n of_o learning_n b._n 3._o c._n 2._o out_o of_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o out_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o discourse_v or_o earnest_o to_o urge_v a_o point_n touch_v the_o mystery_n or_o faith_n and_o again_o to_o be_v curious_o speculative_a into_o those_o secret_n to_o ventilate_v they_o and_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a into_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o mystery_n be_v in_o my_o judgement_n not_o safe_a dam_fw-la fidei_fw-la quae_fw-la fidei_fw-la sunt_fw-la for_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o conclude_v as_o much_o in_o the_o excellent_a and_o divine_a fable_n of_o the_o golden_a chain_n that_o man_n and_o god_n be_v not_o able_a to_o draw_v jupiter_n down_o to_o the_o earth_n but_o contrariwise_o jupiter_n be_v able_a to_o draw_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n wherefore_o he_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o shall_v attempt_v to_o draw_v down_o heavenly_a mystery_n to_o our_o reason_n it_o rather_o become_v we_o to_o raise_v and_o advance_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o adore_a throne_n of_o divine_a truth_n chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o the_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o the_o best_a account_n which_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o study_a the_o nature_n of_o motion_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n manifest_v itself_o according_a to_o certain_a law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o prescribe_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o motion_n from_o one_o body_n to_o another_o 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_n upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o high_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o concern_v himself_o with_o our_o soul_n much_o more_o than_o with_o our_o body_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o separate_a and_o unbodied_a spirit_n have_v way_n of_o of_o converse_v or_o communicate_v their_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o indeed_o all_o the_o communication_n and_o discourse_n that_o be_v among_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v proper_o between_o their_o soul_n which_o use_v their_o body_n as_o instrument_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o notion_n from_o one_o to_o anoand_a as_o their_o body_n be_v more_o or_o less_o fit_a and_o serviceable_a to_o this_o end_n so_o their_o discourse_n be_v more_o or_o less_o easy_o convey_v and_o therefore_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n from_o these_o body_n must_v have_v a_o power_n to_o communicate_v their_o
gift_n any_o one_o have_v receive_v he_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o may_v not_o presume_v to_o pretend_v to_o another_o which_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n be_v so_o particular_o distinguish_v this_o must_v imply_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v all_o the_o gift_n which_o other_o have_v but_o in_o part_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o word_n and_o expression_n since_o those_o who_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v unable_a to_o interpret_v without_o a_o particular_a gift_n for_o no_o interpretation_n be_v sufficient_a but_o such_o as_o render_v the_o sense_n with_o infallible_a truth_n and_o exactness_n and_o if_o this_o exactness_n of_o word_n be_v requisite_a in_o their_o assembly_n it_o must_v be_v much_o rather_o necessary_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n among_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v reckon_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o the_o former_a grotius_n understand_v of_o speak_v wise_a say_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o knowledge_n in_o history_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n be_v add_v the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n v._o 10._o and_o as_o there_o be_v several_a gift_n so_o there_o be_v several_a office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o now_o the_o several_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o all_o bestow_v ordinary_o upon_o the_o same_o person_n but_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o that_o office_n and_o employment_n which_o he_o be_v to_o execute_v but_o as_o the_o apostolical_a power_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o power_n of_o every_o other_o office_n so_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v possess_v the_o gift_n proper_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o when_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n and_o disposal_n of_o thing_n give_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n occasion_n of_o write_v upon_o such_o and_o such_o subject_n and_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n or_o church_n he_o by_o his_o spirit_n inward_o excite_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o it_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o of_o writing_n and_o speak_v either_o in_o their_o own_o or_o any_o other_o language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v require_v to_o write_v or_o speak_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o any_o gift_n be_v bestow_v upon_o other_o and_o yet_o deny_v to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o deliver_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o salvation_n to_o all_o christian_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o other_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o speak_v and_o interpret_n strange_a language_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v refuse_v that_o necessary_a assistance_n in_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o write_v that_o may_v preserve_v they_o from_o error_n and_o if_o any_o without_o the_o gift_n proper_a for_o it_o have_v undertake_v any_o office_n or_o ministration_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n be_v a_o security_n to_o the_o church_n from_o any_o hurt_n that_o may_v ensue_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o undertaker_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v needful_a vouchsafe_v more_o especial_o to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o leave_v behind_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n a_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v thereby_o and_o that_o no_o such_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v want_v as_o may_v preserve_v they_o from_o error_n in_o any_o particular_a for_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a but_o it_o will_v fall_v under_o some_o one_o of_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o first_o disciple_n they_o be_v not_o necessary_o to_o write_v in_o a_o exact_a and_o elegant_a style_n but_o in_o such_o as_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n in_o whatever_o they_o deliver_v to_o what_o purpose_n else_o have_v be_v so_o many_o several_a gift_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o gross_a error_n and_o fundamental_a mistake_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o variety_n of_o gift_n but_o when_o every_o sort_n of_o error_n which_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o have_v a_o remedy_n provide_v to_o prevent_v it_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o no_o error_n be_v suffer_v in_o those_o write_n which_o be_v the_o most_o important_a work_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n and_o design_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o in_o one_o age_n and_o nation_n only_o but_o throughout_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o make_v such_o inference_n 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_n 1._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 such_o as_o information_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n either_o by_o their_o own_o sense_n or_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o or_o reason_v from_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o observation_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n guide_v they_o infallible_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o such_o mean_n 2._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n and_o as_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v the_o use_n of_o these_o so_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v or_o in_o some_o case_n direct_v to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o other_o many_o thing_n deliver_v in_o one_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o deliver_v in_o another_o and_o some_o thing_n be_v repeat_v in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o god_n reveal_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o same_o express_a word_n at_o different_a time_n and_o by_o different_a person_n may_v make_v the_o revelation_n of_o they_o the_o more_o evident_a and_o remarkable_a for_o that_o in_o which_o several_a inspire_a person_n concur_v be_v the_o more_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o become_v the_o more_o observe_v as_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o dream_n be_v double_v unto_o pharaoh_n twice_o be_v because_o the_o thing_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n and_o god_n will_v short_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v gen_n 41.32_o it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n there_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o solemnity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o often_o repeat_v and_o the_o more_o insist_v upon_o and_o if_o they_o be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o word_n this_o imply_v that_o those_o word_n carry_v more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o not_o only_o all_o the_o divine_a writer_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o design_n and_o testiâ—â—ie_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n but_o some_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o same_o thing_n even_o in_o the_o same_o word_n with_o other_o as_o isai_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o mic._n 4.1_o â—_o 3._o and_o several_a law_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v repeat_v in_o word_n which_o be_v very_o near_o the_o same_o 3._o though_o some_o thing_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 for_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o penman_n of_o those_o passage_n be_v uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a in_o the_o particular_n so_o express_v because_o the_o thing_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o speak_v precise_o of_o they_o as_o when_o st_n john_n say_v jo._n 21.8_o they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o land_n but_o as_o it_o be_v two_o hundred_o cubit_n it_o can_v from_o hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o evangelist_n be_v ignorant_a how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o land_n for_o it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o his_o design_n to_o be_v more_o particular_a in_o a_o circumstance_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v about_o two_o hundred_o cubit_n off_o at_o sea_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o all_o writer_n to_o omit_v fraction_n and_o insert_v only_o whole_a number_n when_o it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o their_o purpose_n to_o insist_v upon_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n it_o
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
therefore_o be_v call_v prophet_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o in_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n inspire_a writer_n may_v use_v such_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v not_o be_v proper_a nor_o decent_a for_o other_o to_o use_v and_o this_o liberty_n be_v take_v by_o orator_n as_o well_o as_o poet_n when_o the_o occasion_n seem_v to_o require_v it_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o panathen_a in_o panegr_n &_o panathen_a isocrates_n for_o the_o ancient_a orator_n too_o by_o longinus_n observation_n pretend_v to_o something_o more_o than_o humane_a and_o will_v be_v think_v to_o speak_v by_o some_o kind_n of_o impulse_n upon_o which_o account_n this_o liberty_n may_v be_v allow_v they_o but_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o have_v use_v so_o many_o word_n on_o this_o subject_n when_o there_o be_v so_o little_a occasion_n for_o any_o objection_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o wherever_o there_o can_v be_v any_o pretence_n for_o it_o it_o have_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v labour_n ill_o bestow_v to_o show_v here_o beside_o how_o have_v critic_n they_o be_v that_o can_v object_v at_o this_o rate_n i_o will_v say_v further_o that_o the_o passage_n tob._n 5.16_o concern_v the_o dog_n which_o follow_v tobias_n which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o unwary_a and_o unskilful_a man_n to_o insult_v with_o so_o much_o scorn_n over_o a_o book_n that_o be_v very_o useful_a though_o not_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a pattern_n of_o antiquity_n seru._n antiquity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d odiss_n two_o nec_fw-la non_fw-la &_o geminy_n custodes_fw-la limine_fw-la ab_fw-la alto_fw-mi procedunt_fw-la gressumque_fw-la cane_n comitantur_fw-la herilem_fw-la aen._n 8._o hoc_fw-la &_o in_o homero_n lectum_fw-la est_fw-la &_o in_o historia_n romana_fw-la quae_fw-la ait_fw-la syphax_n inter_fw-la dvas_fw-la cane_n stans_fw-la scipionem_fw-la appellavit_fw-la seru._n homer_n and_o virgil_n who_o think_v it_o a_o very_a proper_a and_o natural_a ornament_n of_o their_o poem_n to_o describe_v dog_n follow_v their_o master_n homer_n speak_v of_o telemachus_n and_o virgil_n of_o evander_n and_o servius_n produce_v a_o example_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o roman_a history_n iv_o as_o to_o the_o method_n use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v write_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v or_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o diaries_n or_o annal_n since_o there_o may_v be_v reason_n whether_o know_v or_o unknown_a to_o we_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o place_v and_o thus_o the_o lyric_a â—â—â—ts_n 25._o â—â—â—ts_n vid._n hieron_n ad_fw-la hieremiae_n cap._n 21_o 25._o who_o pretend_v to_o enthusiasm_n and_o a_o imitation_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o confine_v themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o order_n of_o time_n some_o thing_n last_o foretell_v may_v be_v first_o to_o be_v fulfil_v or_o some_o thing_n be_v more_o or_o less_o remarkable_a or_o concern_v the_o jew_n more_o or_o less_o than_o other_o but_o general_o in_o the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n what_o concern_v the_o same_o subject_n be_v put_v together_o though_o foretold_v or_o fall_v out_o at_o different_a time_n that_o the_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a view_n may_v be_v have_v of_o it_o this_o as_o 30._o as_o hieren_fw-mi ad_fw-la ezech._n cap._n 29_o 30._o st_n jerom_n observe_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o diveâ—â—_n transposition_n in_o point_n of_o time_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o 7._o and_o id._n ad_fw-la dan._n c._n 7._o he_o take_v notice_n that_o daniel_n have_v set_v down_o the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o several_a reign_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n belshazzar_n darius_n or_o cyrus_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n afterward_o declare_v the_o revelation_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v but_o be_v write_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o posterity_n but_o the_o several_a transposition_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o account_v for_o by_o commentator_n and_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n mention_v no_o more_o of_o civil_a affair_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o refer_v to_o the_o history_n then_o extant_a for_o a_o full_a account_n of_o they_o their_o design_n be_v not_o to_o write_v a_o complete_a history_n of_o all_o event_n but_o they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o such_o as_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o proper_a business_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v repeat_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o intersperse_v with_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o no_o certain_a art_n or_o method_n because_o this_o prevent_v their_o be_v corrupt_v or_o falsify_v as_o they_o may_v have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o reduce_v to_o several_a distinct_a head_n and_o place_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n if_o one_o prophet_n repeat_v what_o another_o prophet_n have_v say_v this_o be_v to_o give_v it_o a_o new_a confirmation_n to_o revive_v the_o remembrance_n and_o show_v the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o best_a author_n not_o only_o to_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o their_o work_n but_o to_o meet_v with_o they_o repeat_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n thus_o isocrates_n xenophon_n and_o demosthenes_n transcribe_v in_o one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n what_o they_o have_v write_v in_o another_o but_o none_o i_o think_v so_o frequent_o as_o demosthenes_n though_o midiam_fw-la though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ulp._n enarr_n oâ—at_n demosthen_n coâ—t_fw-la midiam_fw-la ulpian_n have_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o ancient_a writer_n it_o be_v customary_a likewise_o with_o the_o philosopher_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o verse_n of_o homer_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o with_o little_a variation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o may_v be_v see_v frequent_o in_o diogenes_n laertius_n all_o the_o cavil_n therefore_o that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n of_o antiquity_n and_o from_o rashness_n in_o judge_v of_o ancient_a time_n and_o foreign_a country_n by_o our_o own_o whoever_o will_v either_o delight_n or_o profit_n must_v speak_v and_o act_v in_o some_o measure_n according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o people_n with_o who_o he_o converse_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o the_o same_o candour_n and_o respect_n with_o which_o we_o read_v the_o write_n of_o human_a author_n and_o consider_v the_o time_n and_o person_n and_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v write_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v seem_v harsh_a or_o improper_a either_o in_o the_o word_n or_o action_n of_o the_o person_n inspire_v for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o those_o country_n to_o speak_v by_o their_o action_n almost_o as_o much_o as_o in_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o observe_v the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v we_o shall_v find_v cause_n to_o admire_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o style_n be_v sublime_a and_o elegant_a beyond_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o write_n and_o yet_o as_o natural_a as_o if_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v otherwise_o express_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a excellency_n of_o style_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o natural_a and_o yet_o eloquent_a longinus_n give_v a_o high_a character_n of_o moses_n style_n in_o a_o book_n the_o design_n whereof_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o most_o perfect_a idea_n of_o eloquence_n indeed_o such_o be_v the_o fitness_n both_o in_o verse_n and_o prose_n of_o the_o word_n and_o style_n of_o moses_n so_o admirable_o suit_v to_o the_o subject_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v to_o prescribe_v a_o pattern_n of_o true_a eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o to_o enact_v law_n h._n stephens_n have_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a resemblance_n in_o herodotus_n to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n herodotus_n have_v homer_n in_o his_o view_n throughout_o his_o history_n and_o homer_n expression_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o instance_n as_o particular_o when_o he_o so_o often_o mention_n the_o child_n of_o the_o trojan_n and_o the_o child_n of_o
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
character_n of_o a_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o modern_a jew_n in_o like_a manner_n never_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o new_a book_n of_o revelation_n but_o have_v constant_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a and_o what_o inducement_n can_v the_o jew_n have_v to_o receive_v these_o book_n into_o their_o canon_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v rather_o than_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o especial_o remarkable_a in_o some_o book_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v certain_a book_n under_o the_o name_n of_o solomon_n esther_n daniel_n and_o ezra_n but_o not_o admit_v into_o the_o canon_n other_o go_v under_o the_o same_o name_n but_o because_o of_o the_o difference_n in_o their_o authority_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o their_o forefather_n have_v slay_v and_o those_o very_a book_n for_o which_o they_o slay_v they_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o no_o prejudice_n in_o their_o favour_n but_o with_o very_a many_o against_o the_o book_n of_o such_o author_n to_o give_v another_o instance_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n contain_v the_o affair_n and_o transaction_n of_o a_o particular_a family_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n as_o one_o may_v imagine_v at_o first_o view_n and_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v with_o as_o much_o â—are_n and_o as_o constant_o receive_v as_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v little_a reason_n upon_o human_a consideration_n why_o a_o relation_n concern_v that_o family_n shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n rather_o than_o one_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o the_o lineage_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v insert_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o providence_n neither_o the_o emulation_n and_o envy_n of_o other_o family_n nor_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o accident_n hinder_v its_o reception_n and_o preservation_n among_o the_o other_o inspire_v book_n and_o in_o that_o history_n there_o be_v a_o account_v not_o very_o honourable_a for_o david_n family_n in_o derive_v his_o descent_n from_o phares_n of_o thamar_n and_o show_v that_o his_o great_a grandmother_n be_v a_o moabitess_n the_o moabite_n be_v a_o people_n who_o have_v a_o indelible_a mark_n of_o intamy_n sixth_o upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dentr_n xxiii_o 3._o ii_o as_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o tribe_n judah_n so_o if_o they_o reject_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o must_v have_v be_v because_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n own_v the_o temple_n of_o jerasalem_fw-la to_o be_v the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o israelite_n and_o samaritan_n must_v have_v great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o book_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v those_o of_o moses_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n have_v less_o regard_n pay_v to_o they_o upon_o reason_n of_o state_n by_o the_o tribe_n who_o follow_v the_o revolt_n of_o jeroboam_n yet_o when_o 1._o when_o antiqu._n orient_a eccl._n pist_o 1._o joseph_n scaliger_n send_v to_o the_o samaritan_n for_o the_o canticle_n of_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n in_o their_o language_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o joshua_n they_o promise_v to_o send_v he_o they_o and_o it_o be_v prove_v sufficient_o by_o dr_n 25._o dr_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit_fw-la on_o joh._n four_o 25._o lightfoot_n that_o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o rest_n into_o the_o same_o veneration_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n nor_o read_v they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n this_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o f._n simon_n 12._o simon_n crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 1._o c._n 16._o &_o 29._o disquisit_a crit_fw-fr c._n 12._o both_o of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n and_o orient_a and_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu_n eccl._n orient_a morinus_n likewise_o prove_v it_o of_o the_o karaei_n who_o be_v general_o take_v for_o sadducee_n f._n simon_n maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o have_v wrong_v do_v they_o in_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o sadducces_n however_o this_o be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n since_o he_o show_v that_o both_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n or_o caraite_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n beside_o receive_v the_o entire_a volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o contradiction_n lipmanno_n contradiction_n praefat._n de_fw-fr lipmanno_n hackspan_n likewise_o have_v show_v that_o the_o sadducee_n deny_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n iii_o concern_v the_o book_n whereof_o we_o we_o find_v mention_v make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n either_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v now_o in_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o same_o book_n under_o divers_a name_n or_o 2._o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n though_o write_v by_o prophet_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v any_o more_o than_o in_o all_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o show_v the_o care_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o compile_v their_o canon_n that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v into_o it_o all_o the_o write_n even_o of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o but_o only_o such_o as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v write_v by_o they_o as_o prophet_n that_o be_v by_o inspiration_n the_o prophet_n themselves_o no_o doubt_n make_v a_o distinction_n as_o we_o find_v st_n paul_n do_v between_o what_o they_o have_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a direction_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n or_o 3_o they_o may_v not_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n for_o the_o office_n of_o recorder_n or_o remembrancer_n or_o writer_n of_o chronicle_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v mention_v as_o â—n_v office_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o trust_v and_o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o sam._n viij_o â—6_n 2_o king_n xviii_o 18_o 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 8._o isaiah_n xxxvi_o 3_o 22._o beside_o the_o hebrew_n call_v every_o small_a write_v a_o book_n thus_o deut._n xxiv_o 1._o â—hat_n which_o we_o render_v a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n â—s_v in_o the_o original_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o josh_n x._o 13._o and_o 〈◊〉_d sam._n i._n 18._o be_v translate_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n â—o_o matt._n nineteeen_o 7._o and_o mark_v x._o 4._o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o septuagint_n have_v use_v it_o indeed_o may_v signify_v a_o little_a book_n but_o it_o often_o signify_v a_o book_n without_o that_o distinction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v render_v 2_o tim._n four_o 13._o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n be_v a_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a 2_o sam._n xi_o 14_o 15._o and_o lettet_n be_v style_v book_n by_o 4._o by_o herod_n lib._n 1._o c._n 124._o &_o lib._n 6._o c._n 4._o herodotus_n or_o 4._o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n be_v now_o lose_v it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v write_n to_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n which_o be_v dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n several_a thing_n may_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v by_o revelation_n to_o the_o person_n who_o they_o concern_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o writing_n and_o other_o which_o be_v write_v but_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n but_o rather_o concern_v particular_a time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o substance_n whereof_o as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o scripture_n may_v by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o man_n never_o come_v to_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o posterity_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v always_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o common_o they_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o in_o matter_n
apostolorum_fw-la suis_fw-la locis_fw-la presidentur_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la authenticae_fw-la literae_fw-la eorum_fw-la recitantur_fw-la tertull_n de_fw-fr prescript_n c._n 36._o tertullian_n appeal_v to_o authentic_a book_n or_o the_o very_a hand-writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o though_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o word_n authenticus_fw-la do_v not_o always_o denote_v the_o original_a write_n under_o the_o author_n own_o hand_n but_o sometime_o only_a the_o original_a language_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o tertullian_n be_v express_v that_o the_o original_a epistle_n be_v in_o his_o time_n still_o extant_a for_o which_o reason_n he_o refer_v the_o heretic_n to_o the_o apostolical_a church_n where_o they_o be_v read_v viz._n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n of_o phillippi_n thessalonica_n ephesus_n and_o rome_n but_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v read_v in_o greek_a without_o doubt_n in_o other_o church_n beside_o these_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o apostolical_a church_n rather_o than_o to_o any_o other_o must_v be_v because_o the_o original_n under_o st_n paul_n own_o hand_n be_v there_o still_o to_o be_v see_v and_o he_o mention_n that_o the_o throne_n or_o seat_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o also_o preserve_v as_o 19_o as_o euseb_n hist_o lib._n seven_o c_o 19_o eusebius_n say_v that_o of_o st_n james_n be_v preserve_v to_o his_o time_n justin_n 2._o justin_n apol._n 2._o martyr_n ascribe_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o apostle_n he_o transcribe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n at_o large_a out_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n every_o sunday_n 2._o sunday_n irenae_n lib._n 3_o c._n 2._o st_o ireneus_fw-la a_o disciple_n of_o st_n polycarp_n who_o be_v make_v by_o bishop_n st_n john_n gives_z a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o say_v there_o be_v four_o gospel_n and_o no_o more_o and_o that_o these_o be_v write_v by_o st_n matthew_n and_o st_n mark_n and_o st_n luke_n and_o st_n john_n 5._o john_n tertull._n adv_o martion_n lib._n four_o c._n 2_o 5._o tertullian_n undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o four_o gospel_n against_o martion_n and_o these_o father_n frequent_o quote_v these_o and_o the_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o do_v likewise_o clemens_n romanus_n and_o ignatius_n who_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o in_o our_o dispute_n with_o infidel_n particular_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o our_o proof_n against_o they_o depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n both_o 8._o both_o grot._fw-la mat._n f._n sim._n crit._n hist_o on_o the_o n._n t._n c._n 7_o 8._o grotius_n and_o f._n simon_n have_v prove_v that_o the_o gospel_n write_v in_o hebrew_n by_o st_n matthew_n be_v preserve_v to_o the_o time_n of_o st_n jerom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o that_o though_o the_o nazarene_o have_v make_v some_o addition_n to_o it_o yet_o they_o have_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o original_a text._n f._n simon_n moreover_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o st_n matthew_n have_v be_v translate_v undoubted_o out_o of_o hebrew_n into_o greek_a before_o the_o nazarene_o have_v insert_v their_o addition_n these_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o no_o greek_a copy_n the_o ebionite_n have_v corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n copy_n which_o they_o use_v and_o have_v leave_v out_o what_o they_o please_v but_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o nazarene_o epiphanius_n 9_o epiphanius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d epiphan_n haeres_fw-la 29._o num._n 9_o say_v be_v more_o entire_a only_o he_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o they_o retain_v the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a in_o f._n simon_n be_v judgement_n that_o they_o do_v retain_v it_o though_o the_o ebionite_n omit_v it_o so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o addition_n make_v by_o the_o nazarene_o yet_o as_o far_o as_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n against_o infidel_n be_v concern_v the_o hebrew_n gospel_n in_o its_o original_a hebrew_n as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o st_n matthew_n remain_v exact_o perfect_a for_o divers_a age_n till_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_o cease_v and_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n grow_v out_o of_o use_n the_o greek_a translation_n only_o be_v preserve_v this_o translation_n of_o st_n matthew_n gospel_n be_v ascribe_v to_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n though_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a to_o who_o of_o they_o it_o belong_v 39_o belong_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 39_o papias_n speak_v of_o the_o time_n before_o there_o be_v any_o authentic_a version_n when_o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o translate_v it_o as_o he_o can_v for_o his_o own_o use_n it_o appear_v from_o he_o however_o that_o there_o be_v greek_a version_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o st_n matthew_n make_v immediate_o upon_o its_o first_o publication_n and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o st_n john_n revise_v and_o approve_v the_o present_a version_n which_o be_v by_o some_o attribute_v to_o he_o by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v make_v at_o first_o for_o this_o gospel_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v most_o in_o use_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v when_o the_o original_a hebrew_n have_v be_v so_o long_o ago_o lose_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o st_n john_n shall_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o it_o in_o that_o review_n which_o he_o take_v of_o the_o other_o gospel_n that_o be_v write_v original_o in_o greek_a we_o read_v in_o ccliv_o in_o phot._n cod_n ccliv_o photius_n that_o he_o revise_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o write_v in_o divers_a language_n the_o version_n as_o well_o as_o the_o original_n and_o therefore_o this_o of_o st_o matthew_n gospel_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v omit_v one_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v that_o of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n whereby_o person_n endue_v with_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o distinguish_v true_a revelation_n from_o imposture_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o 10._o and_o st_n john_n write_v his_o gospel_n and_o his_o epistle_n to_o confute_v those_o heretic_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a forger_n of_o counterfeit_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o most_o notorious_a corrupter_n of_o the_o true_a book_n and_o his_o life_n be_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n prolong_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a both_o to_o vindicate_v and_o perfect_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n we_o find_v that_o luc._n that_o high_a catal._n in_o st._n luc._n he_o discover_v a_o imposture_n which_o be_v frame_v concern_v st_n paul_n and_o joan._n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n three_o c._n 24._o quod_fw-la quum_fw-la legisset_fw-la matthaei_n marci_n &_o lucae_n volumina_fw-la probaverit_fw-la quidem_fw-la textum_fw-la historiae_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la eos_fw-la dixisse_fw-la firmaverit_fw-la hieron_n catal._n in_o st._n joan._n that_o he_o read_v and_o approve_v the_o gospel_n which_o have_v be_v write_v before_o his_o own_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o he_o have_v see_v all_o the_o other_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o finish_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n himself_o and_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o beginning_n as_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v so_o divulge_v and_o publish_v that_o they_o can_v be_v neither_o lose_v nor_o falsify_v vi_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a by_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n which_o he_o frequent_o quote_v the_o gospel_n be_v allow_v by_o julian_n x._o julian_n cyrill_n alex._n contr_n jul._n lib._n x._o the_o apostate_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v dial_n bear_v just_a mart._n dial_n trypho_n own_v he_o have_v read_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v no_o question_n or_o scruple_n about_o the_o author_n celsus_n quote_v the_o scripture_n frequent_o and_o hierocles_n as_o 3._o as_o lactant._n institut_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n 2_o 3._o lactantius_n who_o have_v hear_v he_o discourse_n say_v be_v as_o conversant_a in_o they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v once_o be_v a_o christian_n yet_o neither_o of_o they_o move_v any_o dispute_n concern_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o refer_v to_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n show_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n on_o that_o head_n and_o when_o 2._o when_o orig._n cont_n cell_n lib._n 2._o celsus_n say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n make_v alteration_n in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o confession_n that_o some_o only_o do_v it_o and_o origen_n show_v that_o they_o be_v
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
caeterum_fw-la non_fw-la tanti_fw-la momenti_fw-la sunt_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la errores_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la sidem_fw-la &_o bonos_fw-es more_o be_v pertinent_a scripturae_fw-la sacrae_fw-la integritas_fw-la desideretur_fw-la plerumque_fw-la enim_fw-la tota_fw-la discrepantia_fw-la variarum_fw-la lectionum_fw-la in_o dictionibus_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la posita_fw-la est_fw-la quae_fw-la sensum_fw-la aut_fw-la parum_fw-la aut_fw-la nihil_fw-la mutant_fw-la bellarmin_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n two_o c._n 2._o bellarmin_n himself_o and_o the_o best_a critic_n among_o the_o papist_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n be_v deliver_v entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a in_o the_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o the_o various_a lection_n and_o though_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n by_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o yet_o say_v 4._o say_v considerator_n consider_v ch_n 12._o s_o 4._o bishop_n walton_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o in_o any_o particular_a controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o they_o urge_v any_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o cause_n upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o read_n without_o point_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o text_n unpointed_a as_o be_v pretend_v f._n 23._o f._n hist_o crit._n v._o t._n lib._n 3._o c._n 23._o simon_n complain_v that_o the_o catalogue_n of_o various_a lection_n be_v much_o large_a than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n and_o he_o charge_v cappellus_n more_o than_o once_o with_o multiply_v they_o without_o reason_n morinus_n indeed_o make_v it_o his_o endeavour_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a but_o his_o authority_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a when_o compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o against_o his_o opinion_n in_o vita_fw-la in_o joh._n morin_n vita_fw-la the_o life_n of_o morinus_n write_v by_o f._n simon_n there_o be_v this_o character_n of_o cappellus_n and_o morinus_n that_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v as_o to_o what_o they_o have_v both_o write_v concern_v the_o bible_n morinus_n show_v more_o learning_n in_o his_o book_n but_o it_o be_v very_o often_o not_o to_o the_o purpose_n whereas_o cappellus_n have_v more_o sagacity_n and_o judgement_n and_o never_o wander_v from_o his_o subject_n but_o prove_v what_o he_o be_v upon_o by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o as_o severe_a as_o this_o censure_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v justify_v in_o effect_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o morinus_n himself_o for_o he_o orient_a he_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu._n eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v to_o buxtorf_n that_o he_o never_o thorough_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o hebrey_n tongue_n that_o he_o have_v read_v nothing_o in_o hebrew_n for_o 7_o year_n together_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o question_n but_o he_o have_v make_v many_o mistake_n especial_o in_o his_o samaritan_n exercitation_n great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v write_v in_o haste_n and_o he_o be_v force_v to_o use_v such_o a_o variety_n of_o author_n that_o he_o believe_v it_o impossible_a but_o that_o he_o must_v have_v be_v often_o mistake_v the_o authority_n of_o morinus_n then_o signify_v nothing_o in_o prejudice_n to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o 9_o and_o hoc_fw-la certo_fw-la affirmare_fw-la possum_fw-la i_o nullam_fw-la animadvertisse_fw-la menâ—â—m_fw-la nec_fw-la lectionum_fw-la varietatem_fw-la circa_fw-la moralia_fw-la documenta_fw-la quae_fw-la ipâ—â—_n obscura_fw-la aut_fw-la dubia_fw-la reddere_fw-la possunt_fw-la tractat._n theolog._n polit._n c._n 9_o spinoza_n himself_o have_v own_v that_o he_o can_v for_o certain_a affirm_v that_o he_o have_v observe_v no_o fault_n nor_o various_a read_n which_o concern_v the_o moral_a precept_n that_o can_v render_v they_o obscure_v or_o doubtful_a bishop_n walton_n have_v with_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n sum_v up_o the_o argument_n on_o alâ—_n side_n and_o as_o 21._o as_o crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 3._o c._n 21._o f._n simon_n acknowledge_v haâ—_n examine_v this_o matter_n with_o more_o exactness_n than_o all_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o his_o polyglot_n bibles_n give_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o consequence_n either_o as_o to_o faith_n or_o practice_n concern_v in_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n or_o of_o the_o several_a version_n and_o as_o many_o sect_n and_o division_n as_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o as_o many_o different_a translation_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_n and_o their_o translation_n in_o the_o main_n be_v the_o same_o however_o they_o disagree_v in_o render_v some_o particular_a passage_n which_o concern_v the_o different_a opinion_n of_o the_o several_a party_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n maintain_v their_o own_o translation_n to_o be_v more_o correct_a than_o other_o if_o we_o allow_v of_o mr_n table-talk_a mr_n table-talk_a selden_n judgement_n who_o be_v very_o able_a to_o make_v a_o true_a one_o and_o far_o enough_o from_o be_v prejudice_v in_o the_o case_n he_o say_v the_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o best_a translation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o render_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o original_a best_a take_v in_o for_o the_o english_a translation_n the_o bishop_n bible_n as_o well_o as_o king_n james_n '_o s._n however_o by_o different_a translation_n and_o by_o compare_v divers_a copy_n and_o version_n to_o make_v out_o the_o true_a read_n many_o text_n become_v better_o understand_v and_o more_o full_o explain_v than_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o read_v and_o no_o difference_n in_o the_o translation_n vi_o and_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 for_o the_o book_n of_o it_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o begin_n as_o a_o sacred_a treasure_n with_o great_a care_n and_o reverence_n and_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o soon_o translate_v into_o all_o language_n the_o primitive_a christian_n choose_v to_o undergo_v any_o torment_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v deliver_v up_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o persecutor_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o they_o be_v no_o less_o careful_a to_o preserve_v they_o uncorrupted_a by_o heretic_n beside_o when_o heretic_n attempt_v to_o corrupt_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o serve_v their_o particular_a heresy_n they_o be_v declare_v against_o not_o only_o by_o the_o orthodox_n but_o by_o other_o heretic_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v for_o those_o opinion_n in_o behalf_n whereof_o the_o corruption_n be_v intend_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o corruption_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o to_o pass_v undiscovered_a even_o by_o some_o of_o the_o heretic_n themselves_o they_o must_v be_v design_v for_o some_o end_n and_o to_o authorise_v some_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o then_o all_o who_o be_v not_o for_o those_o doctrine_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v against_o they_o will_v certain_o oppose_v such_o corruption_n the_o agreement_n likewise_o of_o the_o greek_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o several_a ancient_a version_n and_o with_o the_o quotation_n find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n who_o cite_v and_o allege_v they_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o alteration_n of_o any_o such_o consequence_n as_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a for_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o any_o man_n be_v of_o another_o opinion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o he_o to_o show_v that_o some_o one_o or_o more_o text_n which_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v dispute_v but_o he_o must_v show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o text_n which_o be_v clear_a and_o undisputed_a the_o various_a lection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o their_o authority_n that_o they_o rather_o help_v to_o prove_v it_o since_o they_o be_v comparative_o so_o few_o in_o a_o book_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n for_o no_o care_n and_o regard_n inferior_a to_o that_o which_o we_o must_v suppose_v man_n to_o have_v of_o a_o book_n which_o they_o be_v convince_v be_v of_o divine_a authority_n can_v have_v produce_v a_o less_o variety_n of_o readins_n in_o a_o book_n of_o much_o less_o antiquity_n they_o be_v all_o of_o no_o consequence_n to_o the_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 instance_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v very_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n must_v own_v unless_o they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o oppose_v they_o know_v not_o what_o he_o that_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v the_o thing_n than_o be_v know_v though_o there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o the_o explication_n but_o the_o explication_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o existence_n not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o that_o may_v certain_o be_v and_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o only_o be_v reveal_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v not_o any_o particular_a explication_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o be_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n this_o show_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o divers_a thing_n relate_v to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o enough_o and_o intelligible_o deliver_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v several_a art_n and_o science_n which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a in_o the_o theory_n be_v easy_a in_o the_o practice_n and_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o unsterstand_v what_o the_o theorem_fw-la itself_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v though_o he_o be_v altogether_o uncapable_a of_o understand_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o what_o god_n say_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o demonstration_n can_v be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v plain_o deliver_v be_v plain_a as_o well_o as_o certain_a and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o 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 of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o easy_o intelligible_a of_o any_o write_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o obvious_a but_o they_o must_v have_v be_v contemptible_a and_o useless_a to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v immediate_o design_v the_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n be_v always_o plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o exception_n to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o the_o learning_n and_o custom_n of_o ancient_a time_n the_o parable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v explain_v to_o we_o and_o there_o can_v now_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n in_o they_o and_o in_o his_o discourse_n with_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o be_v not_o explain_v he_o allude_v to_o those_o proverb_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v best_a know_v and_o most_o in_o use_n among_o 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
sign_n we_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n and_o never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o what_o we_o have_v unless_o we_o be_v humour_v in_o every_o thing_n but_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o can_v expect_v this_o at_o god_n hand_n or_o how_o well_o we_o have_v deserve_v it_o of_o he_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n psal_n twenty-five_o 14._o for_o the_o froward_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o his_o secret_n be_v with_o the_o righteous_a prov._n iii._o 32._o there_o be_v secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v know_v to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thro'_o acquaint_v with_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n both_o in_o the_o study_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o no_o such_o reason_n as_o have_v be_v now_o offer_v can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a however_o for_o such_o man_n as_o make_v this_o a_o objection_n to_o urge_v it_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o object_v whatever_o other_o may_v have_v because_o they_o have_v never_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a as_o they_o pretend_v or_o or_o not_o but_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o if_o thing_n necessary_a both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v clear_o set_v down_o there_o may_v not_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o which_o those_o may_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n who_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a that_o be_v who_o have_v neither_o learning_n and_o skill_n enough_o to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n nor_o yet_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n enough_o in_o the_o faith_n to_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o do_v understand_v and_o not_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v pervert_v by_o judge_v rash_o of_o thing_n above_o their_o capacity_n the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a only_o be_v say_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o every_o one_o power_n not_o to_o be_v unstable_a but_o constant_a and_o steadfast_a to_o what_o he_o understand_v and_o never_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o for_o any_o by-end_n or_o respect_n let_v we_o learn_v what_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v before_o we_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a let_v we_o study_v and_o practice_v the_o scripture_n more_o and_o this_o objection_n will_v not_o appear_v so_o formidable_a but_o the_o truth_n be_v those_o that_o most_o use_v it_o neither_o study_n nor_o practice_v they_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o their_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n they_o have_v a_o great_a quarrel_n against_o the_o plain_a part_n of_o scripture_n than_o against_o the_o obscure_a one_o they_o know_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_o against_o they_o and_o this_o make_v they_o set_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o have_v be_v here_o say_v in_o general_a i_o hope_v may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n useful_a to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o particular_a difficulty_n book_n must_v be_v consult_v or_o such_o man_n as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v they_o but_o as_o for_o all_o that_o be_v fond_a of_o objection_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n only_o in_o search_n of_o thâ—m_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v signify_v much_o with_o 〈◊〉_d teach_v we_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o we_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n give_v we_o understanding_n and_o we_o shall_v keep_v thy_o law_n yea_o we_o shall_v keep_v it_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n great_a be_v the_o peace_n that_o they_o have_v who_o love_n thy_o law_n and_o they_o be_v not_o offend_v at_o it_o psal_n cxix_o 33_o 34_o 165._o chap._n viii_o of_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o i._o though_o the_o sacred_a writer_n no_o where_n contradict_v themselves_o or_o one_o another_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v the_o be_v suspect_v to_o do_v so_o by_o injudicious_a and_o rash_a man_n as_o they_o will_v have_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o give_v any_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o suspicion_n if_o they_o have_v write_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n it_o can_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o when_o he_o have_v by_o a_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o direction_n prevent_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o wilful_a and_o perverse_a because_o it_o be_v more_o 51._o more_o multum_fw-la enim_fw-la refert_fw-la ut_fw-la est_fw-la in_o epistola_fw-la adriani_n quam_fw-la recitatcallistratus_fw-la l._n testâ—uâ—_n d._n de_n teâ—tibus_fw-la qui._n simpliciter_fw-la visi_fw-la sunt_fw-la dicere_fw-la utrâ—m_fw-la unum_fw-la eundâ—â—â—qâ—â—_n meâ—tiatum_fw-la sermo_fw-la they_o attulerint_fw-la a_o ad_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la interrogati_fw-la sunt_fw-la ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la veriâ—milia_fw-la respoâ—deriâ—t_fw-la grot._n in_o adject_n ad_fw-la dan._n c._n xiii_o 51._o suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n not_o to_o be_v overnice_a and_o solicitous_a about_o every_o punctilio_n and_o small_a circumstance_n but_o to_o speak_v full_o and_o intelligible_o and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v or_o not_o especial_o in_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n the_o relator_n have_v no_o end_n or_o design_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o but_o only_o to_o do_v they_o the_o great_a good_a they_o can_v and_o bring_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o their_o conviction_n that_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n can_v afford_v which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o then_o suffer_v in_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o have_v deliver_v thus_o our_o saviour_n when_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o mighty_a work_n many_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o question_v his_o authority_n and_o revile_v his_o person_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v be_v not_o concern_v to_o work_v more_o miracle_n mere_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n or_o rather_o at_o the_o captious_a demand_n of_o these_o man_n when_o they_o require_v he_o to_o do_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n he_o have_v give_v it_o they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o it_o will_v be_v to_o their_o own_o prejudice_n he_o be_v not_o solicitous_a what_o they_o think_v of_o he_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n god_n have_v give_v man_n sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n but_o if_o man_n will_v disâ—_n believe_v his_o providence_n and_o deny_v his_o be_v he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v by_o any_o immediate_a 〈◊〉_d particular_a act_n of_o his_o power_n to_o conâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d pretence_n and_o if_o because_o of_o some_o place_n that_o be_v difficult_a in_o the_o scripture_n man_n will_v reject_v the_o whole_a rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o these_o place_n or_o than_o be_v so_o modest_a and_o humble_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v way_n of_o reconcile_a those_o which_o appear_v to_o they_o contradiction_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v they_o out_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o those_o who_o will_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o how_o he_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n or_o with_o those_o that_o will_v believe_v none_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n unless_o he_o will_v work_v they_o when_o and_o where_o and_o just_a in_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v that_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v these_o man_n and_o that_o they_o only_o tempt_v god_n and_o design_v no_o real_a satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o new_a model_n the_o world_n and_o alter_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o sake_n since_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o they_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n ii_o the_o only_a way_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o the_o particular_a place_n of_o any_o book_n be_v to_o consider_v
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
that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v ps_n lxv_o 2._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n be_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thy_o redeemer_n the_o mighty_a one_o of_o jacob_n isa_n xlix_o 26._o all_o flesh_n shall_v come_v to_o worship_n before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n isa_n lxvi_o 23._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n luke_n iii._o 6._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n act_v two_o 17._o joel_n two_o 28._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v justify_v galat._n two_o 16._o and_o we_o say_v in_o our_o own_o language_n any_o body_n think_v or_o any_o body_n understand_v though_o we_o all_o know_v it_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o not_o the_o body_n which_o think_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o other_o book_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o common_a speech_n and_o sense_n of_o man_n for_o those_o action_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o of_o the_o unite_a nature_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o union_n between_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o manhood_n be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o have_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n before_o his_o incarnation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o scripture_n the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n entitle_v the_o person_n consist_v of_o they_o both_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o either_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o other_o though_o as_o the_o humane_a nature_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o divine_a nature_n partake_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o humane_a but_o both_o nature_n be_v personal_o unite_v the_o person_n be_v sometime_o denote_v by_o one_o and_o sometime_o by_o the_o other_o nature_n all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n proceed_v upon_o the_o like_a mistake_n with_o they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o place_n to_o behold_v and_o be_v present_a at_o the_o worst_a of_o action_n as_o if_o the_o sun_n brightness_n will_v not_o be_v the_o more_o resplendent_a and_o glorious_a if_o it_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o obscure_a corner_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o if_o his_o ray_n can_v be_v sully_v and_o defile_v by_o the_o foulness_n of_o any_o object_n which_o they_o shine_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o god_n infinite_a glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v it_o can_v be_v none_o to_o be_v more_o near_o and_o even_o personal_o unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o extend_v his_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n as_o god_n be_v every_o where_o present_a so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n present_a in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o power_n or_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v a_o more_o especial_a presence_n to_o some_o person_n than_o to_o other_o and_o thus_o he_o be_v present_a with_o his_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prepare_v for_o and_o foretell_v christ_n come_v but_o he_o be_v personal_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o advancement_n to_o our_o nature_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o assume_v it_o but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n because_o god_n continue_v as_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n without_o any_o alteration_n only_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n and_o union_n with_o our_o humane_a nature_n he_o cause_v all_o the_o performance_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o to_o be_v meritorious_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o so_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o to_o be_v no_o long_o there_o but_o to_o forsake_v his_o father_n kingdom_n he_o still_o continue_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o bliss_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o enjoy_v with_o his_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n though_o he_o so_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o come_v and_o abide_v in_o it_o by_o assume_v our_o humane_a nature_n our_o saviour_n tell_v nicodemus_n joh._n iii._o 13._o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o who_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o presence_n be_v still_o in_o heaven_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o godhead_n though_o he_o make_v a_o more_o peculiar_a residence_n than_o he_o have_v before_o do_v on_o earth_n by_o dwell_v in_o our_o nature_n here_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o all_o time_n every_o where_o present_a be_v yet_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n present_a where_o ever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o peculiar_a act_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v in_o a_o most_o stupendous_a manner_n in_o that_o flesh_n which_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o it_o can_v be_v think_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o actuate_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v join_v in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o vital_a union_n with_o it_o suppose_v god_n only_o to_o act_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v act_v upon_o by_o it_o nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o misery_n and_o feel_v the_o pain_n which_o the_o humane_a nature_n endure_v which_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n to_o assert_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n still_o in_o his_o full_a power_n and_o majesty_n but_o some_o man_n will_v say_v how_o be_v this_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n make_v or_o wherein_o do_v it_o consist_v to_o who_o we_o may_v reply_v as_o our_o saviour_n sometime_o do_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o ask_v another_o question_n and_o inquire_v how_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o man_n be_v unite_v or_o how_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o how_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o if_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o these_o thing_n be_v though_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v how_o the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n 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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
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 to_o believe_v only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o lies_z even_o with_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o worst_a this_o will_v be_v but_o folly_n in_o we_o but_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o reject_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a because_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v every_o word_n of_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o term_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o son_n shall_v choose_v to_o live_v miserable_o rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v a_o large_a estate_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o father_n because_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o design_n and_o full_a meaning_n of_o every_o particular_a in_o his_o will_n he_o search_v out_o for_o all_o way_n and_o art_n for_o cavil_v at_o it_o and_o be_v fond_a of_o any_o pretence_n to_o cast_v it_o aside_o 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
time_n as_o not_o only_o to_o endure_v but_o often_o to_o humour_n their_o insolence_n and_o vanity_n and_o from_o they_o he_o have_v his_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o own_v in_o his_o book_n from_o who_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o precept_n but_o if_o he_o have_v read_v and_o consider_v the_o scripture_n he_o can_v never_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o zeal_n and_o fortitude_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n as_o lib._n 1â—_n §_o 3._o obstinacy_n but_o the_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n know_v they_o can_v not_o better_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o he_o than_o by_o teach_v its_o moral_a doctrine_n and_o prevent_v that_o esteem_n which_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o he_o have_v know_v that_o to_o this_o those_o doctrine_n which_o he_o so_o much_o admire_v owe_v either_o their_o original_a or_o improvement_n whatever_o opinion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o christian_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o vulcat_n in_o cassio_n virtue_n and_o piety_n to_o ascribe_v his_o deliverance_n whole_o to_o their_o prayer_n and_o after_o all_o the_o praise_n which_o have_v be_v just_o give_v to_o m._n antonius_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o value_v himself_o extreme_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o great_a hindrance_n to_o his_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o capitolin_n study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o his_o people_n for_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o emperor_n who_o make_v the_o philosophy_n of_o those_o time_n his_o study_n the_o sophist_n his_o chief_a favourite_n and_o popularity_n his_o aim_n shall_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o a_o religion_n so_o unpopular_a and_o so_o opposite_a in_o some_o of_o its_o principal_a article_n to_o that_o which_o the_o world_n call_v wisdom_n it_o be_v unconceivable_a upon_o what_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n this_o emperor_n can_v deify_v id_fw-la lucius_n verus_n and_o faustina_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v do_v this_o and_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o christian_a that_o the_o same_o man_n who_o deisy_v notorious_a wickedness_n because_o it_o have_v be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o shine_v in_o imperial_a robe_n shall_v believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n crucify_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a 〈◊〉_d p._n 527._o l._n 3._o after_o at_o all_o add_v 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n of_o very_o great_a learning_n and_o who_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v his_o statue_n erect_v in_o the_o forum_n at_o rome_n often_o acknowledge_v himself_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n before_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v open_o to_o profess_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o displease_v his_o friend_n that_o be_v gentile_n he_o pretend_v he_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n as_o well_o in_o secret_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o other_o who_o never_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o ib_n p._n 530._o l._n 7._o after_o with_o they_o add_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n he_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o either_o sect_n be_v little_o regard_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n and_o none_o dare_v maintain_v they_o but_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o some_o heresy_n or_o other_o these_o two_o sect_n than_o be_v in_o so_o little_a esteem_n that_o they_o have_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o give_v those_o error_n any_o countenance_n which_o they_o before_o have_v so_o long_o with_o great_a subtlety_n and_o success_n defend_v against_o the_o platonist_n but_o they_o who_o will_v gain_v any_o reception_n to_o their_o error_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o heresy_n of_o plotinus_n school_n some_o become_v christian_n and_o other_o apply_v themselves_o to_o magic_n as_o plotinus_n himself_o must_v have_v do_v if_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o porphyry_n write_v of_o he_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o serpent_n which_o be_v see_v under_o the_o bed_n and_o then_o be_v observe_v creep_v into_o a_o hole_n of_o the_o wall_n as_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n be_v a_o odd_a story_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o peter_n buck._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._o by_o robert_n jenkin_n etc._n etc._n reflection_n upon_o ancient_n and_o modern_a learning_n by_o william_n wotton_n b._n d._n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o nottingham_n the_o second_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n the_o character_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o age._n write_a original_o in_o french_a by_o mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr bruyere_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o key_n in_o the_o margin_n make_v english_a by_o several_a hand_n with_o the_o character_n of_o theophrastus_n translate_v from_o the_o greek_a the_o second_o edition_n correct_v throughout_o and_o enlarge_v a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a antiquity_n explain_v the_o religion_n mythology_n history_n ancient_a chronology_n geography_n sacred_a and_o profane_a rite_n and_o custom_n law_n policy_n art_n and_o engine_n of_o war_n opinion_n of_o their_o philosopher_n life_n of_o inventor_n of_o art_n and_o science_n and_o other_o famous_a for_o they_o or_o arm_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a for_o elucidate_v the_o abstruse_a passage_n which_o occur_v in_o the_o clastical_a author_n and_o historian_n compile_v original_o in_o french_a by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n of_o france_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o dauphin_n d._n of_o bourgundy_n anjou_n and_o berry_n by_o mr._n danet_n and_o now_o make_v english_a with_o the_o addition_n of_o useful_a map_n errata_fw-la in_o the_o preface_n p._n 6._o marg._n r._n populo_fw-la p._n 7._o marg._n r._n cic._n brut._n p._n 9_o l._n 7._o r._n those_o p._n 11._o l._n 13._o r._n pleraque_fw-la l._n 3._o r._n intus_fw-la p._n 18._o l._n 12._o r._n author_n l._n 14._o r._n superstitious_a p._n 20._o marg._n r._n lib._n 1._o p._n 22._o marg._n r._n greg._n nazianz._n ib._n r._n cic._n topic._n p._n 27._o l._n 24._o r._n to_o expose_v they_o for_o be_v ill_a disputant_n than_o for_o be_v teacher_n of_o ill_a doctrine_n p._n 29._o l._n 2._o r._n solon_n who_o be_v p._n 32._o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 38._o l._n 13._o r._n join_v p._n 41._o l._n 9_o r._n at_o all_o p._n 42._o l._n 22._o r._n pharadox_n p._n 44._o l._n ult_n r._n and_o early_o p._n 45._o marg._n r._n buteo_n de_fw-fr arcâ_fw-la p._n 46._o l._n 3._o r._n consideration_n in_o the_o book_n p._n 3._o l._n ult_n r._n every_o p._n 4._o l._n 22._o r._n it_o be_v own_o p._n 5._o l._n 18_o r._n whether_o p_o 6._o l._n 16._o deal_n be_v p._n 7._o l._n 12._o deal_n the_o p._n 8._o l._n 26._o r._n demonstration_n p._n 9_o l._n 14._o r._n of_o the._n p._n 14._o l._n 3._o r._n persuade_v l._n penult_n r._n to_o be_v true_a p._n 21._o l._n 14._o r._n philosopher_n mr._n boyle_n p._n 27._o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 29._o l._n 13._o r._n another_o p._n 30._o l._n 19_o r._n wind_n l._n 29._o r._n of_o themselves_o p._n 35._o l._n 18._o r_o 1_o joh._n 11.20_o p._n 44._o l._n 22._o r._n with_o the_o ancient_n ib._n marg_n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 59_o l._n 13._o r._n regum_fw-la ib._n marg._n r._n aâ—mian_n marcellâ—n_o lib._n 17._o c._n 5._o ib._n r._n cic._n de_fw-fr orat._n p._n 61._o marg._n r._n contr_n ctesiph_n ib._n l._n 27._o r._n judge_n and._n p._n 62._o marg._n r._n sermo_n omnis_fw-la utitur_fw-la r._n laetas_fw-la esse_fw-la segetes_fw-la r._n paâ—am_fw-la audacter_fw-la p._n 65._o marg._n r._n nec_fw-la culpandus_fw-la propheta_fw-la p._n 67._o marg._n r._n de_fw-fr servii_fw-la matre._n p._n 69._o l_o 23._o r._n without_o example_n p._n 70._o l._n 17._o r._n rhepaliâ—k_n p._n 71._o l._n 19_o r._n from_o thing_n p._n 72._o l._n 6._o r._n isa_n xliv_o 8._o p._n 73._o l_o r._n may_v p._n 81._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 86._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ib._n r._n scipionem_fw-la p._n 88_o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 90._o l._n 12._o r._n as_o p._n 95._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 106._o l._n 9_o r._n and_o the_o book_n p._n 67_o mark_fw-mi r._n sen._n â—pist_v 108._o p._n 113._o l._n ult_n r._n time_n p._n 114._o l._n 10._o r._n hand_n ib._n l._n 19_o r._n bishop_n by_o st._n john_n p._n 115._o l._n 15._o r._n mâ—st_v entire_a ib._n mark_fw-mi 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 119._o l._n 28._o r._n schism_n p._n 123._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 122._o l._n 8._o after_o scripture_n deal_n of_o l._n 22._o r._n by_o those_o p._n 125._o l._n 12._o r._n though_o the_o divine_a p._n 128._o l._n 20._o r._n as_o josephus_n ib._n mark_fw-mi r._n consider_v p._n 129._o l._n 26._o r._n eâ—penius_n p._n 130._o l._n 28._o r._n ketib_n p._n 134._o l._n 6._o r._n theadetion_n p._n 135._o l._n 24._o deal_n ever_o p._n 138._o l._n 12._o r._n hâ—brew_n p._n 142._o l._n 〈◊〉_d r._n have_v p._n 145._o l._n 1._o r._n diogenes_n p._n 166._o mark_fw-mi r._n sex_n p._n 168._o l._n 30_o r._n confute_v p._n 179._o l._n 25._o deal_n just_a before_o affront_n and_o place_n it_o before_o very_o p._n 180._o mark_fw-mi r._n habet_fw-la pro_fw-la merito_fw-la inferior_n multiplices_fw-la latent_fw-la p._n 181._o l._n 5._o r._n be_v so_o p_o 192._o l._n 8._o deal_n as_o p._n 201._o l._n 28._o r._n love_n and_o adore_v p._n 120._o mark_fw-mi r._n in_o johan_n p._n 209._o l._n 14._o r._n contact_n l._n 20._o r._n form_n l._n 27._o r._n gravitation_n be_v p._n 210._o l._n 1._o r._n mass_n p._n 213_o l._n 2._o r._n monstrous_a p._n 215._o l._n 13._o after_o of_o deal_n the._n l._n 24._o after_o as_o deal_n te_fw-mi p._n 219._o l._n 19_o r._n microscope_n p._n 220._o for_o or_o r._n of_o 221._o l._n 17._o r._n they_o have_v p._n 223._o l._n 22._o r._n as_o hard_a p._n 229._o l._n 9_o r._n there_o be_v city_n l._n 28._o r._n by_o the._n p._n 230._o l._n 18._o r._n exact_o express_v p._n 238._o l._n penult_n r._n in_o which_o p._n 239._o l._n 2._o r._n ransom_n p._n 380._o l._n 19_o r._n the_o mean_n p._n 385._o l._n 4._o r._n spare_v he_o l._n 27._o r._n bear_v in_o sin_n p._n 386._o mark_fw-mi r._n lerii_fw-la hist_n r._n celso_n apud_fw-la ib._n l._n 13._o r._n word_n p._n 357._o l._n 12._o r._n to_o this_o p._n 346._o l._n 5._o r._n be_v design_v p._n 354._o l._n 20._o r._n please_v p._n 339._o l._n 3._o r._n law_n p._n 321._o l._n 29._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 339._o l._n 8._o r._n proselyte_n p._n 342._o mark_fw-mi r_o judaic_n p._n 343._o l._n 12._o r._n calcare_fw-la l._n 13._o r._n sententâ—is_n p._n 363._o l._n 5._o r._n man._n p._n 393._o l._n 8._o r._n who_o p._n 394._o l._n 26._o r._n require_v p._n 395._o l._n 8._o r._n sun_n p._n 400._o l._n 26._o r._n counsel_n p._n 481._o l._n 11._o r._n they_o p._n 485._o l._n 16._o r._n that_o they_o l._n 24._o r._n be_v deny_v p._n 492._o l._n ult_n r._n all_o p._n 497._o l._n 10._o r._n to_o they_o p._n 511._o l._n 14._o r._n themselves_o p._n 512._o l._n 2._o r._n themselves_o p._n 517._o l._n 19_o deal_n a_o p._n 520._o l._n 15._o r._n with_o the_o rest_n p._n 540._o l._n 5._o r._n offence_n come_v or_o p._n 527._o mark_fw-mi lib._n 1._o c._n 15._o p._n 548._o l._n 19_o r._n it_o tend_v p._n 549._o l._n 25._o r._n to_o which_o p._n 551._o l._n 14._o r._n aâ—l_a age_n l._n 26._o he_o do_v p._n 556._o l._n 1._o r._n dispute_v about_o l._n 3._o r._n that_o this_o p._n 558._o l._n 11._o r._n which_o enemy_n l._n 13._o deal_n and._n r._n approve_v itself_o p._n 559._o l._n 14._o r._n affect_v p._n 562._o l._n 12._o r._n rite_n l._n 14._o r._n be_v able_a l._n 25._o r._n way_n to_o be_v p._n 566._o l._n 20._o r._n to_o our_o p._n 570._o l._n 19_o r_o as_o in_o p._n 571._o l._n 20._o r._n art_n of_o p._n 574._o l._n 14._o r._n have_v thought_n