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the_o great_a ruin_n to_o mankind_n delude_v they_o with_o false_a information_n about_o their_o chief_a concern_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o their_o justification_n the_o most_o eminent_a miracle_n and_o all_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o rational_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o ascertain_v the_o world_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o high_a supernatural_a truth_n in_o a_o word_n who_o can_v believe_v a_o book_n so_o circumstance_v as_o we_o find_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v compose_v by_o the_o worst_a instrument_n and_o with_o the_o worst_a of_o design_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v ever_o be_v credit_v while_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n rule_v above_o and_o man_n live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n below_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n false_o pretend_v to_o god_n name_n and_o authority_n design_v his_o dishonour_n and_o man_n destruction_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o have_v be_v bring_v 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it_o divers_a contradiction_n several_a strange_a and_o incredible_a story_n and_o other_o thing_n great_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o answer_v the_o first_o question_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v previous_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v advantage_n peculiar_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o who_o first_o receive_v the_o bible_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o live_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v that_o we_o have_v not_o and_o we_o have_v likewise_o some_o advantage_n and_o those_o very_a considerable_a to_o our_o belief_n which_o they_o have_v not_o they_o converse_v with_o the_o penman_n themselves_o the_o name_n of_o many_o of_o who_o be_v to_o we_o whole_o unknown_a the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o record_v they_o foresee_v the_o scripture_n will_v descend_v to_o we_o upon_o other_o sufficient_a evidence_n they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o personal_a integrity_n and_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o their_o divine_a commission_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n see_v the_o original_a write_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n many_o know_v some_o of_o their_o hand_n these_o we_o have_v not_o but_o we_o see_v the_o progress_n and_o success_n of_o this_o book_n which_o they_o see_v not_o we_o see_v this_o book_n translate_v into_o all_o language_n whole_a nation_n convert_v by_o it_o the_o gospel_n spread_v all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o many_o prediction_n since_o which_o they_o can_v not_o then_o be_v witness_n of_o with_o many_o other_o great_a effect_n of_o it_o we_o see_v the_o whole_a conjoin_v and_o the_o excellent_a harmony_n of_o it_o and_o the_o relation_n each_o part_n have_v to_o complete_a the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v in_o divers_a respect_n upon_o different_a term_n of_o judge_v now_o upon_o the_o whole_a from_o what_o man_n be_v in_o judge_v at_o first_o upon_o any_o particular_a part_n but_o to_o come_v to_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o way_n to_o ascertain_v man_n in_o their_o reception_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n when_o it_o first_o become_v public_a first_o by_o some_o outward_a visible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o that_o service_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v send_v and_o commissionated_a from_o god_n or_o second_o from_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o write_n themselves_o and_o herein_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o those_o time_n and_o season_n in_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v and_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o order_n of_o write_v it_o will_v much_o inform_v we_o moses_n who_o lay_v the_o first_o and_o great_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n in_o the_o five_o book_n that_o he_o write_v he_o have_v a_o justification_n personal_n beyond_o all_o question_n his_o commission_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o assure_v those_o that_o then_o live_v that_o god_n have_v employ_v he_o for_o god_n admit_v he_o open_o to_o a_o personal_a converse_n with_o himself_o we_o read_v in_o the_o nineteenth_o of_o exodus_fw-la that_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n loe_o i_o come_v to_o thou_o in_o a_o thick_a cloud_n that_o the_o people_n may_v bear_v when_o i_o speak_v with_o thou_o and_o believe_v thou_o for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n he_o impower_v he_o upon_o many_o occasion_n to_o work_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o since_o the_o world_n have_v a_o be_v have_v ever_o be_v wrought_v and_o open_o to_o shame_n and_o outdo_v all_o his_o opposer_n and_o all_o pretender_n that_o way_n and_o whensoever_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n make_v about_o this_o divine_a authority_n or_o any_o contest_v with_o he_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o korah_n and_o at_o other_o time_n god_n plain_o and_o open_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n decide_v the_o matter_n to_o assure_v they_o and_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v that_o moses_n be_v no_o impostor_n but_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a commission_n in_o what_o he_o then_o do_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o write_a way_n and_o publish_v those_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o succeed_v and_o the_o great_a cornerstone_n of_o all_o that_o revelation_n that_o he_o will_v at_o any_o time_n after_o make_v to_o mankind_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v fix_v and_o establish_v upon_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a ground_n so_o that_o such_o who_o live_v in_o moses_n his_o time_n can_v have_v no_o good_a reason_n at_o all_o to_o doubt_v in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o sincerity_n for_o all_o be_v do_v that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o put_v that_o matter_n out_o of_o question_n and_o god_n visible_o show_v himself_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o of_o exodus_fw-la and_o his_o own_o glory_n among_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o see_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n and_o there_o be_v under_o his_o foot_n as_o it_o be_v a_o pave_a work_n of_o a_o saphire-stone_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o heaven_n in_o its_o clearness_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o doubt_n raise_v whether_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o moses_n be_v right_o record_v and_o as_o he_o intend_v they_o shall_v for_o before_o his_o death_n he_o himself_o by_o god_n special_a command_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n deliver_v over_o his_o five_o book_n to_o the_o levite_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark._n after_o moses_n his_o time_n
till_o our_o saviour_n come_v and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o there_o be_v again_o a_o floodgate_n of_o divine_a power_n let_v open_a in_o mighty_a and_o miraculous_a operation_n all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o be_v at_o any_o time_n write_v and_o they_o be_v not_o all_o write_a till_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n after_o who_o and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n god_n make_v no_o further_a addition_n all_o the_o other_o part_n i_o say_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o what_o moses_n at_o first_o establish_v work_v of_o miracle_n after_o his_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a rule_n of_o prophecy_n and_o revelation_n god_n have_v declare_v and_o command_v the_o contrary_a nor_o indeed_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n think_v fit_a to_o record_v to_o we_o whatever_o may_v be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n that_o any_o one_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n wrought_v any_o miracle_n after_o moses_n his_o time_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n a_o succession_n of_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n after_o moses_n and_o certain_a school_n of_o they_o which_o first_o begin_v and_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n who_o dwell_v disperse_v among_o all_o the_o other_o tribe_n and_o of_o many_o that_o be_v probable_o train_v up_o in_o those_o school_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n as_o of_o god_n and_o nathan_n and_o other_o seer_n and_o prophet_n that_o some_o of_o they_o write_v no_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o that_o we_o read_v of_o be_v any_o way_n extraordinary_o employ_v but_o most_o likely_a be_v so_o style_v because_o they_o have_v their_o education_n there_o &_o be_v breed_v up_o and_o devote_v to_o that_o office_n and_o employment_n that_o god_n do_v often_o make_v use_n of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o that_o prophetical_a society_n in_o extraordinary_a matter_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o dictate_v the_o bible_n god_n be_v please_v arbitrary_o to_o choose_v out_o what_o instrument_n of_o conveyance_n he_o please_v and_o confine_v not_o himself_o to_o any_o one_o sort_n of_o man_n nor_o to_o any_o prophetical_a office_n to_o give_v we_o any_o assurance_n from_o thence_o in_o this_o case_n for_o he_o sometime_o choose_v man_n out_o of_o the_o court_n as_o he_o do_v isaiah_n the_o king_n nephew_n and_o sometime_o from_o the_o herd_n as_o he_o do_v amoz_fw-mi the_o shepherd_n who_o say_v himself_o he_o be_v neither_o a_o prophet_n nor_o the_o son_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o prophecy_n that_o he_o give_v such_o to_o utter_v create_v they_o prophet_n and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o such_o man_n prophetical_a authority_n arise_v if_o no_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o they_o from_o the_o word_n they_o utter_v and_o if_o any_o be_v of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v silent_a about_o it_o from_o a_o conjunction_n of_o both_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n correspend_v to_o what_o god_n by_o moses_n have_v at_o first_o establish_v be_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o the_o judaical_a church_n after_o moses_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o false_a prophet_n in_o those_o day_n ever_o arrive_v so_o far_o that_o be_v they_o never_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o personal_a and_o a_o doctrinal_a justification_n together_o if_o any_o such_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n to_o gain_v they_o a_o personal_a credit_n yet_o their_o doctrine_n be_v still_o faulty_a and_o be_v to_o lead_v man_n from_o god_n and_o to_o subvert_v those_o law_n of_o he_o by_o moses_n so_o solemn_o settle_v that_o be_v a_o intimation_n sufficient_a from_o god_n own_o direction_n to_o discover_v and_o shame_v they_o but_o suppose_v the_o several_a penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n after_o moses_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o and_o that_o god_n make_v most_o of_o they_o prophet_n by_o that_o very_a employment_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o previous_o in_o any_o such_o office_n so_o that_o nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n can_v give_v man_n any_o assurance_n yet_o by_o these_o three_o way_n man_n may_v be_v then_o much_o secure_v in_o that_o case_n in_o the_o first_o edition_n of_o every_o distinct_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n first_o from_o the_o know_a personal_a sanctity_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o writer_n themselves_o god_n never_o make_v use_n of_o any_o ill_a man_n or_o such_o as_o can_v come_v under_o any_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o imposture_n to_o write_v any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o of_o any_o but_o such_o who_o man_n in_o that_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o credit_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o reveal_v truth_n that_o in_o write_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v holy_a man_n still_o that_o speak_v and_o write_v now_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o more_o superlative_a imposture_n and_o wickedness_n than_o to_o ascend_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n and_o pretend_v his_o authority_n without_o his_o order_n no_o man_n not_o whole_o forsake_v of_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o respect_n to_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o make_v such_o a_o attempt_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n of_o know_a piety_n and_o honesty_n be_v reasonable_o suspect_v of_o it_o second_o and_o chief_o from_o the_o conformity_n of_o what_o be_v then_o write_v to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o moses_n settle_v upon_o such_o unquestionable_a evidence_n for_o whatever_o be_v superstruct_v upon_o that_o foundation_n come_v under_o the_o same_o justification_n so_o that_o if_o any_o write_n be_v publish_v in_o god_n name_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v but_o a_o further_a discovery_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n a_o renewal_a of_o those_o threaten_n and_o promise_n in_o moses_n to_o that_o people_n and_o a_o further_a promotion_n of_o those_o holy_a law_n and_o that_o religion_n and_o worship_n by_o he_o establish_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o miracle_n in_o such_o case_n if_o any_o man_n will_v suppose_v there_o may_v be_v in_o those_o time_n book_n pious_o write_v and_o ground_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n that_o come_v not_o from_o any_o divine_a inspiration_n in_o judge_v of_o which_o man_n may_v be_v possible_o deceive_v and_o mistake_v i_o answer_v either_o such_o book_n pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a mission_n from_o god_n or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o no_o man_n can_v be_v endanger_v by_o they_o if_o they_o do_v they_o must_v either_o be_v write_v by_o true_a prophet_n or_o false_a no_o true_a prophet_n will_v do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v any_o false_a prophet_n shall_v because_o they_o can_v serve_v no_o design_n by_o it_o nor_o can_v the_o devil_n or_o any_o ill_a instrument_n any_o way_n promote_v their_o own_o interest_n by_o persuade_a man_n to_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o right_a way_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o in_o fact_n any_o such_o thing_n ever_o be_v three_o there_o appear_v in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o bible_n a_o peculiar_a majesty_n a_o savour_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n a_o great_a and_o eminent_a difference_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v between_o the_o chaff_n and_o the_o wheat_n nor_o be_v it_o fit_a to_o suppose_v but_o that_o whâ—â—_n come_v by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n shall_v carry_v some_o impression_n of_o his_o wisdom_n &_o power_n and_o be_v some_o way_n difference_v from_o the_o common_a write_n of_o weak_a and_o fallible_a man_n beside_o from_o many_o other_o circumstance_n attend_v the_o first_o edition_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n relate_v to_o the_o matter_n write_v and_o the_o author_n that_o write_v may_v god_n give_v a_o further_a evidence_n to_o their_o divine_a authority_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o whole_o ignorant_a and_o it_o will_v be_v perhaps_o somewhat_o of_o curiosity_n and_o of_o little_a use_n to_o inquire_v after_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v record_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o particular_o the_o foretell_v of_o future_a event_n that_o according_o come_v to_o pass_v two_o way_n god_n himself_o have_v previous_o appoint_v by_o moses_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o all_o false_a pretension_n to_o revelation_n first_o if_o any_o pretender_n that_o way_n come_v to_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o divine_a worship_n of_o his_o then_o establish_v god_n command_v they_o shall_v be_v reject_v and_o second_o if_o
we_o have_v now_o contain_v in_o our_o babble_n all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o intend_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v how_o can_v we_o now_o be_v safe_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o say_v what_o be_v canonical_a and_o what_o be_v not_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a a_o truth_n that_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o excellency_n have_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v contempt_n and_o reproach_n from_o the_o unruly_a will_n and_o debauch_a mind_n of_o corrupt_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n the_o bible_n have_v meet_v with_o its_o share_n in_o this_o kind_n some_o upon_o fanatical_a pretence_n have_v despise_v and_o reject_v the_o whole_a other_o have_v mangle_v and_o sever_v it_o as_o themselves_o think_v good_a receive_v some_o part_n only_o as_o divine_a and_o reject_v the_o rest_n as_o they_o please_v of_o this_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n epiphanius_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n the_o manichee_n reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o come_v from_o a_o evil_a god_n the_o ptolemaite_v as_o epiphamus_n tell_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o gnostic_n with_o some_o other_o heretic_n reject_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n cerdon_n and_o after_o he_o martion_n reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o find_v by_o tertullian_n the_o valentimans_fw-la reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n john_n as_o we_o see_v in_o irenaeus_n other_o reject_v all_o that_o st._n john_n write_v the_o ebionite_n receive_v no_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n matthen_n and_o reject_v in_o gross_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o that_o have_v escape_v the_o reprobation_n of_o some_o bad_a men._n but_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v soon_o blow_v away_o expire_v in_o the_o birth_n bear_v about_o they_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o reproach_n make_v no_o considerable_a battery_n upon_o the_o truth_n in_o any_o age_n nor_o do_v they_o reach_v further_o than_o the_o vitiate_a mind_n and_o corrupt_a breast_n of_o such_o profligate_v heretic_n as_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o in_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o those_o book_n now_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o protestant_a church_n as_o such_o be_v all_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o two_o thing_n only_o will_v occur_v that_o be_v of_o any_o seem_a moment_n in_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o which_o all_o will_v be_v say_v that_o be_v needful_a about_o this_o matter_n first_o how_o we_o come_v to_o reject_v out_o of_o our_o canon_n those_o book_n common_o call_v apocryphal_a which_o be_v write_v at_o least_o all_o but_o one_o of_o they_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o second_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o now_o receive_v some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v sometime_o lie_v under_o question_n if_o we_o mistake_v in_o the_o first_o we_o have_v less_o in_o our_o bibles_n than_o we_o ought_v if_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v much_o more_o than_o we_o shall_v about_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n themselves_o a_o present_a disagreement_n but_o concern_v the_o other_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o reject_v those_o book_n common_o call_v the_o apocrypha_fw-la that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o any_o divine_a inspiration_n nor_o send_v we_o from_o god_n as_o any_o part_n of_o those_o supreme_a law_n by_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v within_o the_o canon_n will_v be_v make_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o reasonable_a judge_n upon_o these_o consideration_n follow_v first_o after_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o the_o most_o ancient_a jew_n and_o christian_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n among_o they_o nor_o do_v god_n raise_v up_o any_o man_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n from_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n who_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o last_o prophet_n till_o john_n the_o baptist_n which_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n now_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v all_o write_v after_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n and_o so_o can_v be_v of_o no_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v write_v before_o and_o have_v be_v extant_a in_o ezra_n time_n which_o they_o be_v not_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a reason_n for_o their_o rejection_n now_o because_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v then_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o none_o of_o these_o book_n now_o in_o question_n be_v by_o he_o incorporate_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o be_v within_o the_o canon_n at_o that_o time_n settle_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n by_o who_o all_o part_n of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v write_v for_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v call_v prophecy_n nor_o any_o man_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n among_o they_o after_o the_o captivity_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n general_o agree_v josephus_n be_v express_v in_o it_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n though_o certain_a book_n have_v be_v write_v yet_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o same_o credit_n and_o belief_n that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v because_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n of_o propher_n among_o they_o saint_n austin_n in_o the_o 45th_o chapter_n of_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophecy_n after_o ezra_n time_n and_o the_o same_o eusebius_n affirm_v in_o his_o demonstrationes_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la post_fw-la zachartam_fw-la &_o malachiam_fw-la non_fw-la fuâ—sse_fw-la amplius_fw-la apud_fw-la judaeos_fw-la prophetam_fw-la et_fw-la a_fw-la reditu_fw-la ex_fw-la captivitate_fw-la ad_fw-la tempora_fw-la servatoris_fw-la nullum_fw-la babucrint_fw-la judaei_n sacrum_fw-la volumen_fw-la the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n after_o zachary_n and_o malachi_n nor_o any_o sacred_a write_n after_o the_o captivity_n till_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o some_o of_o these_o very_a book_n tell_v we_o as_o much_o themselves_o for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n chap._n 9_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o great_a tribulation_n in_o israel_n such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o day_n that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n in_o israel_n relate_v to_o ezra_n time_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a write_n publish_v between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o malachi_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o evangelist_n take_v thing_n up_o just_a where_o he_o leave_v they_o and_o begin_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o end_n of_o malachi_n prophecy_n for_o he_o end_v his_o prophecy_n at_o john_n the_o baptist_n under_o the_o type_n and_o title_n of_o elias_n and_o the_o evangelist_n begin_v the_o gospel_n with_o he_o for_o st._n mark_v express_o declare_v the_o end_n of_o that_o prophecy_n 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the_o whole_a and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o his_o rule_n no_o way_n destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n nor_o be_v the_o world_n subject_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o stoical_a fate_n from_o any_o necessary_a connection_n of_o cause_n but_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o the_o free_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n every_o man_n own_o will_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o his_o own_o do_n thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o silence_n and_o shame_v all_o the_o ignorant_a doubt_n and_o profane_a denial_n of_o providence_n to_o assure_v man_n there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o rule_n be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o supreme_a '_o dominion_n over_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o validity_n of_o all_o divine_a law_n must_v necessary_o depend_v such_o who_o in_o the_o three_o place_n admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n of_o providence_n and_o religion_n but_o reject_v the_o christian-religion_n and_o consequent_o the_o bible_n as_o not_o true_a and_o close_o with_o some_o other_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o against_o those_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o discourse_n will_v chief_o tend_v if_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v sufficient_o make_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n prove_v in_o truth_n to_o be_v what_o themselves_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v law_n send_v we_o from_o god_n by_o which_o he_o will_v rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n two_o thing_n will_v result_v from_o it_o first_o all_z other_z religion_n but_o the_o christian_a will_v thereby_o appear_v to_o be_v false_a and_o fictitious_a second_o such_o who_o have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a profession_n will_v be_v abundant_o confirm_v in_o the_o verity_n thereof_o free_v from_o all_o such_o doubt_n as_o may_v arise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o deal_v with_o antiscriptural_a man_n such_o as_o pay_v no_o homage_n at_o all_o to_o the_o bible_n nor_o yield_v any_o obedience_n to_o its_o authority_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o order_n to_o their_o confutation_n first_o it_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a step_n towards_o it_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v build_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o we_o because_o in_o every_o particular_a science_n some_o principle_n must_v be_v grant_v as_o the_o substratum_fw-la without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v uphold_v and_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o which_o the_o be_v of_o it_o be_v subvert_v this_o unwary_a demand_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o six_o every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o profession_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o to_o prevent_v the_o most_o important_a discourse_n of_o religion_n among_o all_o such_o who_o have_v already_o embrace_v any_o religion_n for_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n without_o some_o prime_a principle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v erect_v and_o by_o the_o grant_n of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v establish_v and_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o it_o will_v be_v equal_o expect_v so_o there_o be_v no_o better_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v nor_o no_o less_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v admit_v the_o principle_n of_o other_o man_n religion_n than_o they_o grant_v we_o and_o if_o so_o we_o shall_v soon_o come_v to_o a_o full_a point_n in_o all_o our_o debate_n about_o different_a religion_n to_o such_o who_o have_v already_o close_v with_o the_o christian-profession_n this_o hold_v good_a and_o he_o that_o admit_v not_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o discourse_n upon_o any_o internal_a point_n of_o the_o christian-religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispute_v with_o because_o in_o disow_v that_o principle_n he_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n he_o be_v contend_v about_o and_o subvert_v the_o whole_a by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o dispute_v about_o a_o part_n but_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o the_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o scripture_n itself_o we_o can_v otherwise_o defend_v it_o then_o by_o admit_v it_o a_o matter_n debateable_a and_o endeavour_v its_o justification_n upon_o principle_n common_a to_o we_o both_o and_o such_o rational_a ground_n as_o carry_v in_o they_o the_o great_a aptness_n to_o convince_v such_o opponent_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o all_o rational_a inquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o all_o humane-debate_n there_o must_v be_v some_o common_a maxim_n and_o principle_n acknowledge_v on_o all_o side_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o due_a measure_n of_o any_o discourse_n nor_o any_o standard_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v proceed_v either_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o or_o convince_v another_o and_o it_o will_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o come_v to_o a_o rational_a end_n of_o any_o debate_n whatever_o for_o if_o one_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v as_o it_o must_v be_v where_o thing_n be_v in_o controversy_n by_o another_o and_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v still_o deny_v we_o must_v prove_v in_o infinitum_fw-la he_o that_o oppose_v needs_o nothing_o to_o help_v he_o but_o a_o bare_a negative_a and_o he_o that_o be_v to_o prove_v will_v be_v lose_v in_o a_o endless_a circle_n some_o principle_n therefore_o there_o be_v which_o govern_v all_o man_n thought_n and_o discourse_n as_o thing_n grant_v by_o they_o and_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o rational_a conduct_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o obvious_o true_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o they_o gain_v a_o universal_a assent_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o common_a vote_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o deny_v if_o he_o will_v no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o to_o be_v reasonable_a and_o do_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n by_o the_o natural_a emanation_n of_o which_o we_o fix_v upon_o many_o position_n as_o undoubted_o true_a and_o beyond_o all_o question_n or_o dispute_v and_o from_o thence_o measure_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n therefore_o aristotle_n say_v that_o in_o all_o acquisition_n of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o proceed_n from_o premise_n know_v and_o agree_v to_o conclusion_n that_o before_o be_v not_o know_v nor_o agree_v these_o first_o principle_n be_v secure_v by_o the_o innate_a rectitude_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n these_o prove_v themselves_o by_o their_o consonancy_n to_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o prove_v because_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o proof_n and_o of_o these_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o school_n say_v a_o posteriori_fw-la possunt_fw-la manifestari_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la aliquid_fw-la prius_fw-la probari_fw-la whatever_o knowledge_n we_o find_v attain_v to_o among_o mankind_n it_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o first_o principle_n and_o be_v a_o science_n subalternate_v to_o they_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o thought_n and_o debate_n be_v steer_v to_o some_o end_n and_o guide_v to_o some_o conclusion_n these_o principle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o any_o enumeration_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o rational_a capacity_n itself_o and_o be_v occasional_o produce_v by_o our_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o various_a object_n it_o be_v conversant_a about_o nor_o can_v any_o other_o character_n be_v give_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v such_o genuine_a issue_n of_o reason_n as_o become_v self-evident_a maxim_n to_o the_o universal_a reason_n second_o there_o be_v acquire_v principle_n among_o mankind_n which_o be_v take_v as_o grant_v truth_n and_o proceed_v upon_o as_o such_o that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o first_o nature_n these_o secondary_a principle_n lie_v more_o remote_a from_o the_o first_o view_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v discover_v by_o a_o chain_n of_o induction_n and_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o industrious_a exercise_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o come_v at_o length_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o verity_n as_o agree_v to_o that_o idaa_n of_o truth_n we_o find_v seat_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o correspond_v to_o those_o primary_n dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o equal_o true_a with_o they_o these_o thing_n man_n accidental_o make_v principle_n to_o themselves_o and_o lay_v they_o aside_o from_o debate_n as_o thing_n grant_v and_o agree_v to_o proceed_v to_o superstruct_v other_o notion_n and_o principle_n upon_o they_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o in_o the_o pursuit_n whereof_o mankind_n do_v great_o differ_v and_o often_o mistake_v
method_n by_o which_o mankind_n come_v since_o to_o be_v save_v thing_n beyond_o all_o natural_a kenn_n and_o which_o only_o serve_v to_o reproach_n the_o wise_a thought_n and_o to_o tell_v man_n how_o little_a they_o can_v discover_v of_o what_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o know_v moses_n have_v tell_v we_o more_o in_o two_o page_n then_o the_o whole_a world_n ever_o discover_v by_o the_o utmost_a of_o all_o humane_a search_n nor_o have_v the_o world_n any_o way_n improve_v itself_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o sience_n to_o this_o day_n however_o man_n by_o experience_n and_o industry_n have_v meliorate_v the_o condition_n of_o humane_a affair_n in_o other_o thing_n whatever_o advance_v they_o have_v make_v in_o natural_a theory_n or_o in_o any_o mechanic_n contrivance_n whatever_o rust_n of_o error_n or_o ignorance_n that_o stick_v to_o former_a age_n may_v be_v wear_v off_o by_o a_o improvement_n of_o natural_a speculation_n in_o this_o yet_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o reject_v they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o loss_n in_o point_n of_o divinity_n they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o ever_o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o natural_a theology_n without_o the_o help_n of_o some_o revelation_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o while_o man_n have_v be_v most_o busy_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o contrive_v way_n to_o gain_v acceptance_n with_o he_o they_o have_v lose_v themselves_o in_o the_o crowd_n of_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n second_o such_o have_v be_v the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n that_o it_o evident_o appear_v the_o world_n man_n themselves_o have_v general_o find_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n and_o out_o of_o a_o experimental_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o impotency_n without_o it_o have_v still_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o supernatural_a to_o be_v reveal_v from_o above_o mankind_n since_o the_o fall_n have_v be_v still_o listen_v after_o some_o further_a discovery_n of_o god_n then_o what_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n do_v afford_v they_o and_o some_o more_o perspicuous_a notice_n of_o his_o pleasure_n then_o what_o their_o own_o natural_a ability_n can_v dictate_v to_o they_o as_o that_o which_o god_n goodness_n and_o his_o own_o excellent_a nature_n seem_v to_o promise_v to_o the_o world_n and_o man_n natural_a tendency_n to_o some_o supernatural_a happiness_n as_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o be_v continual_o call_v for_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o suit_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o revelation_n and_o man_n thought_n have_v be_v so_o constant_o take_v up_o with_o a_o expectance_n of_o some_o divine_a instruction_n that_o they_o have_v be_v still_o in_o danger_n to_o fall_v into_o all_o the_o extreme_n of_o delude_a enthusiasm_n not_o only_o their_o religion_n but_o whatever_o else_o they_o think_v well_o off_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o father_n it_o still_o upon_o revelation_n scarce_o be_v there_o a_o mechanic_n invention_n but_o they_o ascribe_v it_o to_o a_o discovery_n make_v by_o the_o go_n pythagoras_n when_o he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o excellent_a demonstration_n in_o geometry_n sacrifice_v a_o hundred_o ox_n in_o gratitude_n to_o the_o god_n who_o have_v favour_v he_o with_o such_o a_o discovery_n whatever_o be_v in_o itself_o difficult_a or_o excellent_a they_o impute_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o to_o a_o supernatural_a power_n homer_n the_o great_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a divinity_n not_o only_o ascribe_v to_o the_o god_n the_o invention_n of_o all_o abstruse_a matter_n and_o all_o the_o heroical_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o refer_v our_o ordinary_a cogitation_n to_o divine_a impulse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d talis_fw-la nempe_fw-la mens_fw-la est_fw-la terram_fw-la incolentium_fw-la hominum_fw-la qualem_fw-la in_o dies_fw-la indit_fw-la pater_fw-la hominumque_fw-la deumque_fw-la and_o his_o book_n be_v fill_v throughout_o with_o enthusiastic_a advertisement_n direct_v to_o man_n from_o the_o go_n cicero_n in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o 2._o book_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n be_v large_a in_o his_o expression_n this_o way_n nec_fw-la unquam_fw-la magnus_fw-la vir_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la never_o be_v there_o any_o great_a man_n say_v he_o without_o some_o inspiration_n not_o only_o be_v the_o poet_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o divine_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o their_o mystery_n all_o inspire_a man_n but_o not_o a_o eminent_a physician_n or_o a_o soldier_n be_v there_o among_o they_o nor_o a_o man_n any_o way_n excellent_a but_o they_o derive_v his_o ability_n from_o some_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o think_v his_o quality_n from_o above_o socrates_n that_o excellent_a person_n often_o say_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o thing_n to_o be_v learn_v as_o art_n and_o science_n be_v but_o to_o be_v have_v by_o inspiration_n be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a gift_n he_o avow_v himself_o raise_v up_o by_o god_n to_o philosophize_v and_o by_o his_o precept_n to_o reform_v the_o athenian_a manner_n and_o when_o condemn_v to_o die_v and_o sentence_v to_o the_o poisonous_a cup_n resolute_o protest_v though_o the_o prison-dore_n shall_v be_v open_v to_o he_o with_o a_o injunction_n never_o more_o to_o philosophize_v he_o will_v whole_o refuse_v his_o liberty_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o will_v choose_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o then_o men._n we_o read_v not_o of_o a_o eminent_a legislator_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o pretend_v he_o receive_v his_o law_n from_o the_o god_n solon_n law_n be_v say_v to_o come_v from_o minerva_n lycurgus_n derive_v his_o law_n from_o jupiter_n and_o much_o more_o be_v their_o religion_n and_o the_o rite_n thereof_o still_o father_v upon_o some_o deity_n or_o other_o and_o hand_v down_o to_o the_o world_n with_o a_o supernatural_a stamp_n numa_n pompilius_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o roman_a ceremony_n declare_v he_o receive_v they_o from_o the_o goddess_n egeria_n no_o religion_n in_o any_o nation_n but_o have_v make_v some_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n that_o absurd_a imposter_n mahomet_n be_v wise_a enough_o to_o father_n his_o medley_n divinity_n and_o all_o the_o confuse_a trash_n of_o his_o koran_n upon_o revelation_n nothing_o else_o can_v have_v cheat_v so_o many_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n but_o that_o they_o be_v first_o persuade_v it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o that_o mahomet_n have_v it_o reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n the_o heathen_a world_n be_v in_o truth_n without_o any_o revelation_n in_o religious_a affair_n that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o divine_a law_n give_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v their_o religious_a obedience_n whether_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v any_o particular_a matter_n at_o any_o time_n to_o any_o of_o they_o i_o dispute_v not_o but_o he_o give_v his_o statute_n his_o divine_a law_n to_o israel_n and_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v so_o witâ—_n any_o nation_n beside_o and_o yet_o nothing_o more_o general_a than_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o more_o common_a than_o pretension_n to_o it_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o catholic_n maxim_n that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v he_o must_v be_v reveal_v from_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n seem_v to_o have_v concenter_v in_o this_o belief_n that_o divine_a revelation_n and_o a_o supernatural_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o present_a and_o future_a good_a of_o mankind_n it_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o learned_a camero_n omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la etiam_fw-la barbararum_fw-la consensu_fw-la receptum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la homini_fw-la bene_fw-la sit_fw-la praeter_fw-la eam_fw-la rationem_fw-la quam_fw-la nimis_fw-la magnifico_n &_o superbo_fw-la titulo_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la ducem_fw-la vocant_fw-la requiri_fw-la coelestem_fw-la quandam_fw-la sapientiam_fw-la inde_fw-la nata_fw-la est_fw-la religio_fw-la ritus_fw-la cerimoniae_fw-la quae_fw-la sola_fw-la sanctitate_fw-la se_fw-la commendant_fw-la praelect_v de_fw-fr verb._n dei_fw-la it_o be_v a_o thing_n say_v he_o agree_v to_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o nation_n yea_o the_o most_o barbarous_a that_o in_o order_n to_o man_n well_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o heavenly_a wisdom_n to_o direct_v he_o beside_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o from_o thence_o come_v religion_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v from_o this_o general_a apprehension_n that_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o easy_o impose_v upon_o by_o delude_a pretension_n to_o inspiration_n and_o the_o many_o gross_a cheat_n of_o enthusiasm_n the_o great_a impostor_n still_o set_v up_o for_o enthusiast_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o heathen_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o enslave_v to_o their_o oracle_n
perfect_a attribute_n the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n must_v come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o how_o god_n shall_v forgive_v he_o or_o to_o to_o chalk_n out_o the_o track_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o himself_o nor_o will_v his_o guilt_n be_v remove_v nor_o his_o thought_n be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o know_v god_n mind_n about_o it_o nothing_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n but_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certain_a direction_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o shall_v if_o humane_a nature_n have_v no_o absolute_a security_n in_o itself_o of_o its_o first_o state_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v restore_v itself_o when_o once_o degenerate_v what_o do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v much_o more_o unlikely_a to_o recover_v again_o out_o of_o imperfection_n to_o be_v so_o every_o man_n may_v know_v he_o be_v degenerate_v from_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o may_v reasonable_o collect_v from_o what_o he_o once_o be_v but_o no_o man_n can_v reason_v himself_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o recovery_n the_o whole_a world_n have_v subscribe_v to_o their_o own_o apostasy_n but_o can_v never_o agree_v upon_o any_o certain_a remedy_n how_o miserable_o have_v mankind_n tire_v themselves_o and_o to_o how_o little_a purpose_n in_o find_v out_o what_o will_v appease_v divine_a anger_n and_o compensate_a for_o their_o disobedience_n no_o man_n ever_o yet_o worsâ—_n ip_v any_o god_n but_o he_o make_v some_o offer_n to_o he_o in_o hope_n that_o may_v indemnisie_v he_o and_o be_v take_v in_o lieu_n of_o his_o own_o punishment_n man_n have_v at_o a_o venture_n offer_v up_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o sacrifice_n have_v try_v all_o experiment_n victimis_fw-la &_o lavacris_fw-la and_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v their_o best_a guess_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o to_o obliterate_v their_o own_o gild_n and_o to_o procure_v d_o uâ—â—e_a favour_n but_o never_o be_v upon_o any_o suâ—er_a ground_n than_o their_o own_o vain_a fancy_n for_o acceptance_n agaâ—hias_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o the_o persian_a war_n that_o the_o persian_n be_v wont_a to_o solemnize_v a_o great_a holiday_n once_o a_o year_n which_o they_o call_v the_o death_n of_o vice_n in_o which_o as_o a_o eminent_a piece_n of_o devotion_n they_o slay_v multitude_n of_o serpent_n &_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o thereby_o think_v they_o shall_v execute_v all_o their_o corruption_n &_o safe_o bury_v their_o sin_n the_o philosopher_n abound_v with_o remedy_n foâ—_n this_o epidemical_a disease_n some_o thought_n to_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n some_o in_o a_o way_n mathematical_a and_o some_o by_o religious_a ceremony_n but_o alas_o the_o right_a way_n of_o do_v it_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n till_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o know_v and_o reveal_v it_o from_o heaven_n what_o a_o trifle_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o ox_n to_o satisfy_v for_o a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a justice_n at_o how_o easy_a and_o cheap_a a_o rate_n may_v man_n sin_n and_o god_n be_v satisfy_v and_o what_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o evil_n be_v it_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n may_v take_v away_o sin_n and_o the_o life_n of_o unreasonable_a creature_n commute_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v direct_o steer_v we_o upward_o and_o point_v we_o to_o a_o dependence_n upon_o revelation_n to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o satisfy_a knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o this_o whole_a world_n how_o man_n come_v to_o rebel_n and_o sin_n first_o to_o enter_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v indemnity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v be_v again_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o accept_v this_o precious_a discourse_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v it_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o general_a some_o divine_a revelation_n some_o law_n supernatural_a promulge_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o mankind_n shall_v not_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v no_o way_n ungrateful_a to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v assent_v to_o their_o verity_n because_o it_o be_v to_o reinforce_v one_o of_o the_o great_a support_n to_o all_o scripture-belief_n nor_o will_v it_o seem_v impertinent_a to_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n ingenious_a in_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n about_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v natural_o &_o necessary_o the_o first_o step_n that_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o may_v be_v very_o well_o offensive_a to_o such_o who_o shall_v design_n to_o themselves_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o their_o province_n to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n and_o render_v all_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o insufficient_a because_o it_o go_v far_o towards_o a_o evident_a and_o apparent_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n against_o they_o do_v indeed_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o virtual_o break_v the_o very_a backbone_n of_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n mâ—de_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o want_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o call_v for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n a_o law_n supernatural_a where_o be_v this_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o somewhere_o or_o other_o upon_o record_n this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v it_o and_o will_v certain_o carry_v it_o against_o all_o pretender_n the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n be_v judge_n what_o book_n or_o write_n be_v there_o extant_a under_o heaven_n that_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n counter_o plead_v the_o bible_n upon_o this_o account_n a_o man_n must_v be_v horrible_o hoodwinked_a in_o his_o intellectuals_n that_o do_v not_o evident_o see_v it_o be_v impar_fw-la coâ—gressus_fw-la between_o the_o bible_n and_o all_o other_o pretender_n from_o what_o paâ—ts_v of_o the_o world_n will_v you_o fetch_v such_o a_o supernatural_a lâ—w_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n to_o govern_v mankind_n one_o either_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v according_a to_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o rational_a judgement_n to_o which_o all_o supernatural_a pretence_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v where_o wâ—ll_n you_o find_v a_o systeme_n of_o divinity_n that_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o he_o the_o most_o of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o way_n and_o method_n so_o proportion_v thereunto_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o certain_a track_n to_o the_o high_a happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a those_o law_n be_v chief_o municipal_a and_o make_v no_o pretence_n to_o what_o we_o inquire_v after_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n because_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o many_o divine_a secret_n contain_v such_o revelation_n the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v proof_n sufficient_a they_o be_v none_o of_o those_o stand_a law_n by_o which_o god_n design_v to_o rule_n and_o judge_n mankind_n some_o excellent_a greek_a verse_n there_o be_v indeed_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n which_o go_v under_o their_o name_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n by_o the_o most_o learned_a suppose_a to_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o iâ—_n they_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v so_o clear_o describe_v and_o the_o pagan_a religion_n so_o direct_o and_o strong_o confute_v therein_o that_o the_o scripture_n can_v scarce_o have_v a_o great_a testimony_n give_v to_o their_o divinity_n shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o inspire_a enthusiastical_n poâ—ts_v for_o this_o revelation_n what_o a_o ridiculous_a foppery_n will_v that_o seem_v to_o one_o that_o have_v once_o converse_v with_o the_o bible_n and_o what_o a_o wild_a extravagant_a religion_n shall_v we_o
whether_o the_o daemon_n that_o first_o cause_v they_o be_v not_o mortal_a and_o perishable_a or_o whether_o they_o remove_v not_o their_o place_n and_o change_v their_o abode_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n at_o last_o conclude_v with_o this_o excellent_a philosophy_n that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o those_o oracle_n be_v that_o the_o earth_n in_o some_o place_n be_v endue_v with_o certain_a prophetic_a virtue_n which_o come_v by_o exhalation_n to_o be_v mingle_v with_o and_o insinuate_v into_o soul_n fit_v to_o receive_v those_o inspiration_n and_o so_o cause_n in_o they_o enthusiasm_n and_o prediction_n of_o future_a thing_n and_o at_o last_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o subterranean_a cavern_n be_v spend_v and_o evaporate_n and_o so_o the_o oracular_a spirit_n cease_v what_o ground_n have_v the_o heathen_a for_o all_o that_o religion_n they_o take_v from_o their_o poet_n but_o their_o own_o word_n that_o they_o be_v inspire_v what_o other_o evidence_n have_v the_o roman_n at_o first_o for_o their_o religion_n but_o that_o numa_n pompilius_n tell_v they_o hâ—_n converse_v with_o a_o goddess_n and_o receive_v it_o from_o she_o what_o have_v the_o turk_n to_o this_o day_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d and_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o the_o anâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o beside_o his_o own_o bare_a â—ord_n he_o 〈…〉_o claim_v work_v of_o mâ—â—acles_n anâ—_n aâ—â—â—â—_n hâ—mself_n send_v from_o heâ—â—â—â—_n to_o conveâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o with_o his_o sword_n a_o reâ—â—â—â—tion_n from_o 〈…〉_o to_o be_v accompany_v and_o â—â—nnot_v 〈…〉_o to_o be_v otherwâ—â—eâ—_n with_o such_o plan_n and_o 〈◊〉_d evidence_n as_o be_v â—â—ed_v to_o all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n though_o 〈◊〉_d prevail_v nâ—t_v to_o a_o universal_a conviction_n such_o as_o will_v abundant_o jusâ—â—fie_v it_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o strict_a scrutiny_n or_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n however_o it_o be_v judge_v or_o by_o perverse_a and_o corrupt_a man_n the_o biâ—le_n be_v not_o only_o sâ—â—h_v for_o the_o matter_n out_o as_o that_o we_o make_v appeal_v to_o the_o most_o genuine_a issue_n of_o every_o â—â—ns_n reason_n whether_o the_o justice_n helmess_n and_o gâ—oâ—â—s_n of_o god_n be_v not_o very_o transparent_a in_o it_o but_o in_o its_o gradual_a conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n at_o â—â—veâ—â—al_a time_n and_o in_o distant_a age_n and_o place_n have_v be_v visible_o accompany_v with_o open_a and_o apparent_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n such_o and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n visible_a as_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o itself_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o such_o as_o the_o fact_n of_o they_o its_o worst_a enemy_n not_o a_o celsus_n nor_o a_o julian_n do_v ever_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o to_o deny_v and_o indeed_o be_v eminent_o and_o singular_o justify_v to_o we_o as_o in_o particular_n shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o those_o evidence_n from_o whence_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n about_o a_o law_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a aught_o final_o to_o result_v five_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o must_v be_v without_o any_o visible_a defect_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o father_n that_o upon_o god_n which_o we_o ourselves_o upon_o good_a ground_n be_v able_a to_o charge_n with_o fail_v and_o imperfection_n whatever_o claim_v from_o he_o and_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n must_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o unlike_o he_o or_o unworthy_a of_o he_o a_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n must_v be_v above_o any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n or_o it_o natural_o become_v its_o own_o executioner_n if_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reâ—son_n it_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o of_o any_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v but_o equal_a to_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o spurious_a and_o fictitious_a delusion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v right_o say_v of_o st._n austin_n to_o st._n jerome_n si_fw-mi mendacium_fw-la aliquod_fw-la in_o scripture_n vel_fw-la levissimum_fw-la admittatur_fw-la scripturâ—â—_n authoritatem_fw-la omnem_fw-la moâ—_n labefactari_fw-la ac_fw-la convelli_fw-la if_o we_o admit_v the_o least_o falshhod_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o ruin_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o revelation_n have_v upon_o this_o account_n visible_o betray_v themselves_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o their_o own_o original_n no_o one_o but_o the_o bible_n can_v the_o world_n produce_v that_o will_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o disclose_v its_o own_o shame_n and_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o some_o nay_o many_a just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n it_o be_v this_o book_n alone_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o flaw_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v only_o this_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v perfect_a the_o bible_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n the_o doctrinal_a the_o historical_a and_o the_o prophetical_a 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a_o â—auâ—â—â—â—_n this_o â—â—â—t_a câ—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o â—â—â—â—tonâ—â—_n judgement_n of_o mankind_n 〈…〉_o worst_a enemy_n to_o find_v 〈…〉_o pâ—oâ—ucts_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o 〈…〉_o fail_v and_o imperfect_a nâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o the_o wise_a or_o mâ—n_z 〈…〉_o bind_v of_o this_o we_o be_v experimental_o â—â—â—â—ed_v by_o all_o history_n philosophy_n and_o all_o 〈…〉_o this_o holy_a 〈…〉_o legitimate_a off_o spring_n of_o god_n and_o thâ—t_v which_o only_o contain_v his_o mind_n authoritative_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n so_o it_o have_v single_o appertinent_a to_o it_o all_o those_o requisite_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o without_o which_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n will_v find_v he_o be_v avoidable_o obâ—â—â—ed_v either_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o revelation_n aâ—_n all_o and_o consequent_o to_o give_v some_o good_a answer_n to_o what_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o the_o reasonable_a supposal_n of_o it_o and_o some_o tolleâ—â—â—â—â—_n account_v hâ—w_o mankind_n when_o we_o consider_v god_n goodness_n and_o our_o own_o necessity_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v leave_v without_o it_o or_o else_o to_o proâ—â—â—ce_v somewhat_o that_o with_o more_o justâ—â—â—_n and_o better_a evidence_n can_v put_v in_o a_o claim_n to_o it_o be_v mâ—â—â—l_o more_o become_v the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o more_o suitable_a and_o use_v â—l_a to_o man_n the_o first_o i_o dare_v say_v will_v be_v find_v a_o task_n utter_o impracticable_a if_o unprejudiced_a reason_n may_v be_v judge_n and_o with_o what_o success_n the_o latter_a iâ—_n like_o 〈◊〉_d procee_v and_o how_o visible_o absurd_a it_o will_v renâ—eâ—_n its_o undertaker_n will_v soon_o be_v determine_v by_o every_o sober_a mind_n when_o it_o plain_o appâ—â—â—s_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o so_o many_o thing_n which_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o must_v all_o necessary_o accompany_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o without_o which_o it_o
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most_o concern_v to_o know_v and_o upon_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o which_o their_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n do_v unavoidable_o depend_v this_o very_a one_o consideration_n will_v prevail_v much_o upon_o every_o impartial_a judgement_n who_o can_v believe_v the_o first_o religion_n shall_v be_v the_o worst_a when_o true_a religion_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o old_a as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o early_o notion_n of_o god_n the_o false_a when_o we_o must_v needs_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o beginning_n or_o that_o the_o first_o book_n we_o sin_v write_v shall_v contain_v the_o high_a imposture_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o dishonour_n god_n and_o abuse_v the_o world_n than_o any_o or_o all_o the_o book_n write_v since_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n beyond_o all_o compass_n of_o credit_n that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v false_a information_n to_o be_v give_v in_o his_o own_o name_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o revelation_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n for_o about_o 4043_o year_n for_o about_o so_o long_a a_o time_n it_o be_v from_o that_o first_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o historical_o a_o account_n of_o till_o the_o last_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n and_o that_o this_o account_n shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o book_n that_o the_o world_n have_v and_o be_v gradual_o carry_v on_o into_o such_o a_o complete_a systeme_n as_o now_o we_o see_v it_o be_v in_o a_o write_a way_n by_o several_a hand_n in_o several_a age_n for_o a_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o year_n together_o for_o about_o so_o long_a a_o time_n it_o be_v from_o moses_n his_o first_o write_v to_o st._n john_n close_v the_o bible_n nor_o be_v it_o supposable_a that_o the_o vile_a falsehood_n for_o such_o be_v the_o bible_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n a_o religion_n whereby_o if_o it_o be_v false_a god_n will_v be_v more_o dishonour_v and_o man_n more_o delude_v then_o by_o any_o that_o ever_o be_v yet_o extant_a shall_v have_v this_o to_o say_v in_o its_o justisication_n that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o have_v be_v long_a last_v among_o mankind_n the_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o this_o book_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o conveyance_n the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o contain_v and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o itself_o as_o a_o book_n write_v long_o before_o all_o other_o and_o of_o so_o early_a a_o date_n in_o the_o world_n do_v with_o great_a evidence_n point_v we_o to_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o very_o strong_o tend_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n to_o we_o the_o method_n of_o god_n thus_o record_v his_o pleasure_n have_v be_v such_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v we_o have_v all_o those_o reasonable_a inducement_n and_o in_o some_o respect_v more_o to_o credit_v it_o upon_o which_o we_o receive_v any_o humane_a author_n and_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o as_o true_a and_o all_o such_o far_a evidence_n as_o we_o can_v well_o expect_v to_o insure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o book_n that_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o be_v divint_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o instrument_n god_n employ_v in_o the_o write_n of_o it_o and_o such_o humane_a circumstance_n as_o attend_v their_o do_v it_o and_o second_o the_o divine_a witness_n god_n himself_o have_v in_o the_o most_o eminent_a way_n give_v to_o this_o book_n in_o its_o conveyance_n to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o write_v it_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n those_o amanuensis_n god_n make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o and_o such_o circumstance_n as_o attend_v their_o do_v it_o how_o unlikely_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o that_o they_o either_o do_v or_o can_v abuse_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o several_a thing_n first_o the_o unblemished_a credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o these_o writer_n second_o the_o several_a qualification_n and_o quality_n of_o they_o three_o their_o interest_n as_o moral_a and_o reasonable_a man_n four_o their_o number_n and_o that_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n in_o which_o many_o of_o they_o write_v one_o from_o another_o for_o the_o first_o nothing_o we_o know_v do_v more_o credit_n ancient_a author_n than_o the_o good_a report_n of_o those_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v transfer_v to_o posterity_n not_o one_o of_o those_o holy_a penman_n god_n employ_v in_o write_v the_o bible_n be_v that_o ever_o we_o find_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n taint_v in_o reputation_n or_o convict_v of_o any_o sort_n of_o impostor_n in_o their_o own_o or_o future_a age_n but_o be_v man_n of_o acknowledge_a integrity_n and_o sanctity_n in_o those_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o very_o many_o of_o they_o give_v the_o high_a testimony_n to_o their_o integrity_n in_o become_a martyr_n in_o justification_n of_o what_o themselves_o write_v for_o the_o second_o the_o various_a quality_n and_o condition_n of_o these_o writer_n seem_v much_o to_o secure_v we_o against_o so_o vile_a a_o design_n as_o this_o book_n must_v needs_o be_v compose_v with_o if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n some_o of_o they_o be_v king_n and_o man_n of_o the_o great_a quality_n before_o they_o write_v and_o not_o very_o likely_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o much_o baseness_n and_o meanness_n to_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o work_n and_o also_o man_n of_o deep_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n other_o of_o they_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o most_o of_o the_o
in_o palestine_n nor_o understand_v by_o any_o but_o the_o disperse_a hellenist_n and_o so_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a to_o be_v send_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o that_o church_n who_o never_o own_v any_o scripture_n for_o canonical_a but_o what_o be_v in_o hebrew_n a_o language_n peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o the_o bibles_n they_o constant_o use_v till_o our_o saviour_n time_n in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v all_o in_o hebrew_n three_o there_o be_v in_o most_o of_o these_o book_n some_o eminent_a discovery_n of_o their_o own_o humane_a extraction_n as_o in_o the_o second_o of_o macc._n 2.24_o the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n whoever_o he_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v borrow_v what_o he_o write_v out_o of_o jason_n of_o cyrene_n and_o contract_v five_o book_n of_o his_o into_o one_o volumn_n and_o so_o what_o he_o there_o write_v he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o father_v it_o on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o any_o dictate_v of_o his_o that_o he_o plain_o confess_v it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o own_o but_o the_o bare_a epitome_n of_o another_o man_n write_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v excuse_v if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o well_o and_o it_o be_v most_o notorious_o evident_a to_o every_o common_a reader_n that_o many_o of_o these_o book_n contain_v such_o ridiculous_a story_n and_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o without_o high_a impiety_n and_o great_a contradiction_n to_o all_o those_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n they_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o their_o author_n four_o these_o book_n be_v never_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o canon_n nor_o be_v to_o this_o day_n and_o so_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v never_o receive_v by_o any_o church_n for_o there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o which_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o conceive_v of_o any_o part_n of_o god_n write_a and_o supreme_a law_n as_o also_o that_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a way_n the_o oracle_n of_o 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of_o fact_n be_v so_o notorious_a and_o evident_a that_o bellarmine_n himself_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o it_o and_o say_v plain_o hos_fw-la omnes_fw-la libros_fw-la speak_v of_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n ad_fw-la unum_fw-la rejici_fw-la ab_fw-la hebraeis_n that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o book_n be_v rect_v by_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n contr._n 1._o lib._n 1._o ch_n 10._o and_o confirm_v the_o same_o out_o of_o st._n jerome_n and_o if_o so_o we_o have_v then_o not_o only_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o this_o case_n which_o be_v single_o sufficient_a for_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a contradiction_n to_o make_v any_o book_n part_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v then_o but_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o infallible_a determination_n for_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n full_o and_o constant_o approve_v the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o it_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v with_o so_o much_o exactness_n reduce_v all_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o tacit_o approve_v and_o silent_o pass_v over_o so_o great_a a_o mistake_n about_o the_o rule_n itself_o our_o saviour_n direct_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o then_o have_v they_o as_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a appeal_n to_o their_o own_o bibles_n upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o his_o own_o defence_n expound_v moses_n the_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v then_o extant_a nay_o he_o himself_o read_v and_o preach_v in_o their_o synagogue_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o he_o there_o find_v they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v there_o public_o use_v and_o no_o man_n can_v sober_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v go_v about_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o any_o false_a and_o imperfect_a rule_n the_o apostle_n 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dvos_fw-la cum_fw-la apocryphis_fw-la nil_fw-la habe_fw-la negotii_fw-la catechis_n 4._o read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la origen_n quote_v for_o it_o at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o history_n reckon_v up_o the_o very_a same_o twenty_o two_o book_n for_o the_o canonical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o so_o do_v st._n jerome_n and_o express_o reckon_v the_o other_o apocryphal_a the_o same_o we_o find_v in_o russinus_n who_o say_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n they_o never_o ancient_o call_v libros_fw-la canonicos_fw-la but_o ecclesiasticos_fw-la and_o the_o first_o council_n we_o read_v of_o that_o enter_v into_o a_o consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v that_o of_o laodicea_n about_o the_o year_n 364._o in_o their_o 59_o canon_n declare_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o
break_v forth_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o strength_n have_v overspread_n the_o whole_a horizon_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o where_o ever_o the_o gospel_n be_v own_v these_o book_n be_v receive_v with_o that_o veneration_n that_o become_v due_a to_o such_o sacred_a write_n the_o church_n of_o england_n judge_n the_o doubt_n that_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v about_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o worthy_a of_o our_o notice_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o six_o article_n it_o be_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o do_v understand_v those_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n of_o who_o authority_n be_v never_o any_o doubt_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v no_o considerable_a doubt_n no_o general_a doubt_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n nor_o indeed_o any_o such_o doubt_n as_o aught_o to_o disturb_v either_o the_o church_n determination_n or_o any_o particular_a man_n judgement_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o any_o one_o entire_a church_n or_o that_o any_o national_a or_o provincial_a council_n or_o indeed_o that_o any_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n in_o any_o public_a confession_n catechism_n or_o otherwise_o have_v reject_v any_o of_o those_o book_n we_o now_o reckon_v within_o the_o canon_n the_o most_o considerable_a doubt_n that_o we_o find_v make_v about_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v about_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o for_o some_o time_n be_v doubt_v of_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o yet_o eusebius_n say_v only_o it_o be_v doubt_v of_o a_o quibusdam_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la romana_fw-la by_o some_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a much_o of_o that_o doubt_n be_v whether_o st._n paul_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o or_o no_o but_o to_o conclude_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n let_v these_o two_o thing_n be_v consider_v first_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o soon_o as_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v finish_v the_o canon_n of_o that_o be_v exact_o settle_v by_o man_n of_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n and_o those_o last_o prophet_n contemporary_a with_o he_o and_o so_o no_o further_a doubt_n be_v or_o can_v reasonable_o be_v make_v about_o that_o second_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o please_v god_n so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o he_o that_o close_v up_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o write_v the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o so_o far_o outlive_v all_o the_o other_o penman_n that_o he_o himself_o may_v very_o well_o see_v the_o whole_a conjoin_v and_o deliver_v it_o over_o to_o the_o church_n entire_a as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n not_o only_o survive_v titus_n and_o that_o famous_a destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o his_o time_n but_o he_o live_v through_o domitian_n time_n and_o cocceius_n nerva_n time_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n which_o be_v somewhat_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o sixty_o and_o odd_a after_o his_o crucifixion_n so_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o lib._n 2._o p._n 192._o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n it_o shall_v seem_v live_v long_o for_o the_o same_o author_n say_v that_o there_o be_v in_o his_o time_n saniores_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la johannem_fw-la viderint_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o alios_fw-la apostolos_fw-la elder_n that_o have_v not_o only_o see_v s._n john_n but_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v establish_v and_o settle_v by_o apostolical_a authority_n seem_v very_o probable_a s._n austin_n contra_fw-la faust_n man._n lib._n 11._o cap._n 5._o and_o in_o his_o 19_o epist_n positive_o affirm_v it_o distincta_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o à _fw-la posteriorum_fw-la libris_fw-la excellentia_fw-la canonica_n authoritatis_fw-la veteris_fw-la &_o novi_fw-la testamenti_fw-la quae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la confirmata_fw-la temporibus_fw-la saint_n jerome_n say_v johannem_fw-la omnium_fw-la longissimè_fw-la vixisse_fw-la &_o videre_fw-la libros_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o confirmare_fw-la posset_n &_o si_fw-la qui_fw-la fictitij_fw-la liberi_fw-la ederentur_fw-la eos_fw-la à _fw-la sâ—cris_fw-la &_o verè_fw-la canonicis_fw-la distinguere_fw-la that_o the_o apostle_n john_n outlive_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o may_v peruse_v and_o confirm_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o counterfeit_a write_n if_o any_o such_o come_v abroad_o and_o he_o further_o add_v that_o some_o spurious_a write_n concern_v the_o action_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o by_o his_o apostolical_a authirity_n condemn_v they_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr prescript_n say_v express_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v found_v upon_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o eusebius_n give_v this_o plain_a testimony_n to_o it_o narrant_fw-la veteres_fw-la johannem_fw-la asiaticarum_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la rogatu_fw-la germanum_fw-la scripturae_fw-la canonem_fw-la constituisse_fw-la the_o ancients_n tell_v we_o say_v he_o that_o st._n john_n upon_o the_o request_n of_o the_o asiatic_a church_n settle_v the_o true_a canon_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o s._n john_n before_o his_o death_n make_v his_o abode_n much_o at_o sardis_n and_o ephesus_n and_o among_o those_o asiatic_a church_n for_o after_o the_o death_n of_o domitian_n he_o be_v restore_v from_o his_o banishment_n by_o the_o emperor_n nerva_n and_o return_v from_o patmos_n into_o asia_n and_o there_o govern_v the_o church_n until_o his_o death_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_o probable_a that_o upon_o their_o desire_n he_o then_o full_o settle_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o that_o there_o be_v then_o occasion_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o we_o sin_v by_o enseâ—ius_n his_o history_n of_o those_o time_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o s._n john_n himself_o that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v be_v attempt_v by_o false_a apostle_n in_o those_o day_n and_o whatever_o doubt_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v then_o extant_a we_o can_v otherwise_o suppose_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v propose_v to_o he_o and_o end_v in_o his_o apostolical_a determination_n so_o that_o if_o we_o lie_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o st._n john_n live_v so_o long_o after_o all_o â—he_n part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o the_o revelation_n be_v write_v and_o his_o survive_v some_o very_a considerable_a time_n after_o the_o write_n of_o that_o for_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o he_o receive_v those_o vision_n and_o write_v they_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o domitian_n his_o close_n the_o whole_a with_o that_o book_n after_o which_o he_o declare_v as_o many_o think_v by_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n to_o he_o that_o shall_v add_v to_o it_o or_o diminish_v from_o it_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o further_o revelation_n expect_v have_v therein_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n consider_v the_o doubt_n that_o be_v then_o extant_a about_o some_o part_n among_o such_o as_o have_v not_o a_o thorough_a information_n about_o they_o and_o that_o false_a apostle_n do_v then_o appear_v consider_v of_o how_o great_a a_o concern_v it_o be_v then_o and_o will_v be_v to_o all_o future_a age_n to_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n settle_v by_o a_o infallible_a judgement_n and_o consider_v the_o material_a evidence_n we_o have_v from_o many_o primative_a writer_n that_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v there_o seem_v very_o probable_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n john_n before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n do_v full_o determine_v this_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v come_v to_o be_v publish_v abroad_o the_o doubt_n that_o be_v then_o make_v disappeared_n and_o we_o that_o live_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n see_v that_o all_o the_o question_n and_o doubt_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n be_v be_v perfect_o vanish_v and_o the_o whole_a bopy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o gain_v a_o universal_a reception_n three_o how_o can_v we_o that_o have_v not_o the_o original_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o the_o outographa_n be_v of_o those_o that_o write_v they_o but_o only_o the_o copy_n of_o they_o and_o most_o but_o the_o translation_n of_o those_o copy_n rest_v assure_v we_o have_v god_n mind_n as_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v in_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o original_a record_n of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n do_v at_o first_o consist_v of_o perishable_a matter_n and_o have_v undergo_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o all_o other_o write_n it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n
in_o such_o a_o succession_n establish_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o very_o positive_a proof_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o apparent_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n by_o who_o be_v it_o i_o ask_v that_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o by_o jew_n pagan_n or_o heretic_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o jew_n have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o we_o find_v multitude_n of_o text_n that_o give_v in_o a_o daily_a witness_n against_o they_o which_o doubtless_o have_v they_o attempt_v the_o bible_n in_o such_o a_o way_n they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v so_o to_o remain_v upon_o record_n against_o they_o no_o part_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o eminent_a revelation_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o heathenish_a vanity_n and_o at_o once_o 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