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
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
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
own_o thought_n in_o a_o way_n much_o more_o free_a and_o unconfined_a than_o in_o this_o life_n as_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n so_o they_o must_v have_v fit_a mean_n to_o communicate_v it_o and_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n god_n certain_o can_v as_o well_o act_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n though_o we_o be_v less_o capable_a of_o receive_v or_o observe_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n since_o finite_a spirit_n can_v act_v one_o upon_o another_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n do_v move_v and_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o he_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o incline_v their_o will_n by_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o method_n of_o his_o ordinary_a grace_n and_o he_o can_v likewise_o act_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o the_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o powerful_a light_n and_o force_n than_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v upon_o other_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o render_v they_o infallible_a in_o receive_v and_o deliver_v his_o pleasure_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n he_o can_v so_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o and_o as_o infallible_o assure_v other_o of_o it_o which_o kind_n of_o revelation_n be_v style_v inspiration_n because_o god_n do_v not_o only_o move_v and_o actuate_v the_o mind_n of_o such_o man_n but_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o the_o extraordinary_a communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n then_o more_o especial_o may_v be_v liken_v to_o the_o wind_n to_o which_o it_o be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n for_o by_o strong_a conviction_n and_o forcible_a but_o gracious_a impressious_a he_o breathe_v upon_o their_o soul_n and_o infuse_v his_o divine_a truth_n into_o they_o but_o upon_o those_o to_o who_o god_n do_v thus_o reveal_v himself_o by_o inward_a light_n and_o knowledge_n he_o do_v moreover_o bestow_v a_o power_n of_o give_v external_a evidence_n by_o miraculous_a work_n that_o their_o pretence_n be_v real_a and_o that_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v not_o of_o they_o but_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o from_o god_n this_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n profess_v to_o have_v both_o in_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n and_o this_o evidence_n they_o give_v of_o it_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o inspiration_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v ii_o i_o shall_v from_o thence_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 i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n the_o matter_n be_v either_o concern_v thing_n reveal_v and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n or_o it_o be_v something_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o when_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v crucify_v and_o rise_v again_o or_o last_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reason_n as_o discourse_n upon_o moral_a subject_n and_o inference_n make_v from_o thing_n reveal_v or_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n can_v speak_v as_o intelligible_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o man_n can_v speak_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n the_o notion_n be_v suggest_v and_o infuse_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o put_v they_o into_o their_o owe_v 〈◊〉_d 29._o 〈◊〉_d praeterea_fw-la scito_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la prophetam_fw-la pecuâ—iare_fw-la quid_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o ea_fw-la lingua_fw-la eaque_fw-la loquendi_fw-la ratione_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsi_fw-la est_fw-la familiaris_fw-la &_o consueta_fw-la ipsum_fw-la impelli_fw-la à _fw-la prophetia_fw-la sva_fw-la ad_fw-la loquendum_fw-la ei_fw-la qui_fw-la intelligit_fw-la ipsum_fw-la maimon_n more_n nevoch_n part_n 2._o c._n 29._o word_n be_v so_o direct_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o as_o to_o give_v infallible_o the_o sense_n and_o full_a importance_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n their_o memory_n be_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n assist_v and_o confirm_v in_o matter_n of_o discourse_n or_o reason_v either_o from_o their_o own_o natural_a notion_n or_o from_o thing_n reveal_v or_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o their_o judgement_n strengthen_v and_o still_o in_o all_o case_n their_o natural_a faculty_n be_v so_o support_v and_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o notion_n and_o word_n as_o that_o nothing_o shall_v come_v into_o their_o write_n but_o what_o be_v infallible_o true_a they_o have_v always_o the_o use_n of_o their_o faculty_n though_o under_o the_o infallible_a direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o their_o faculty_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v only_o support_v and_o guide_v they_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n and_o memory_n and_o in_o their_o word_n and_o style_n to_o express_v all_o these_o but_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n which_o be_v above_o their_o faculty_n and_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o but_o from_o revelation_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v infuse_v though_o the_o word_n in_o most_o case_n may_v be_v their_o own_o but_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o error_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o by_o that_o spirit_n who_o be_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o though_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n yet_o it_o be_v under_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n or_o manner_n of_o write_v but_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o orthography_n by_o one_o who_o dictate_v to_o he_o or_o assist_v he_o with_o his_o help_n where_o it_o be_v needful_a prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n hebr._n 3.7_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o i_o and_o his_o word_n be_v in_o my_o tongue_n 2_o sam._n 23.2_o and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o speak_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o servant_n ahijah_n the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 8.53.14.18_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o use_v the_o prophet_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o reveal_v his_o will_n for_o as_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n though_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n so_o the_o revelation_n be_v of_o god_n though_o speak_v or_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o though_o god_n use_v they_o as_o his_o instrument_n yet_o not_o as_o mechanical_a but_o as_o rational_a instrument_n and_o as_o in_o work_v their_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_o determine_v to_o the_o place_n or_o to_o the_o person_n on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v but_o in_o general_n be_v guide_v to_o work_v they_o when_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o seasonable_a and_o the_o action_n by_o which_o they_o wrought_v they_o be_v their_o own_o though_o the_o power_n that_o accompany_v they_o be_v of_o god_n so_o in_o their_o doctrine_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o prudential_a motive_n as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n with_o a_o directive_n power_n only_o over_o they_o to_o speak_v and_o write_v nothing_o but_o infallible_a truth_n upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o mission_n with_o which_o they_o be_v entrust_v god_n promise_v moses_n when_o he_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o his_o mouth_n and_o with_o aaron_n mouth_n and_o will_v
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
by_o in_o vit._n homer_n plutarch_n as_o excellency_n in_o homer_n and_o he_o say_v they_o be_v usual_a in_o prose_n as_o well_o as_o in_o verse_n among_o the_o ancient_n whatsoever_o soloccism_n or_o impropriety_n of_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o like_a have_v be_v observe_v sacr._n observe_v vid._n dan._n heins_n proleg_n ad_fw-la exercit_fw-la sacr._n in_o homer_n aeschylus_n sophocles_n pindar_n and_o apollonius_n rhodius_n by_o their_o several_a scholiast_n and_o in_o thucydides_n by_o dionysius_n halicarnasseus_n and_o in_o tully_n by_o cicuron_n by_o dialog_n cicuron_n erasmus_n and_o other_o xenophon_n be_v observe_v by_o cclxxix_o by_o apud_fw-la phot._n cod_n cclxxix_o helladius_n not_o to_o be_v always_o exact_a in_o point_n of_o grammar_n which_o he_o ascribe_v to_o his_o military_a life_n and_o his_o conversation_n with_o stranger_n many_o soloecism_n be_v find_v in_o the_o ancient_a inscription_n and_o in_o hyginus_n a_o author_n as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v of_o augustus_n age_n which_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v rather_o to_o the_o custom_n of_o speech_n among_o the_o vulgar_a than_o to_o the_o mistake_n of_o these_o author_n for_o in_o language_n so_o difficult_a as_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a be_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v often_o make_v great_a mistake_n which_o by_o degree_n become_v customary_a and_o be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o hyginum_fw-la the_o vid._n schefferi_n praefat._n &_o munkeri_fw-la dissertat_fw-la in_o hyginum_fw-la low_a and_o plebeian_n style_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n they_o ascribe_v their_o soloeâ—isms_n to_o the_o particular_a dialect_n of_o the_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v most_o in_o use_n the_o stoic_n who_o be_v the_o most_o numerous_a and_o flourish_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n have_v little_a regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o grammar_n for_o they_o be_v caution_v by_o their_o master_n chrysippus_n not_o to_o be_v careful_a about_o such_o nicety_n and_o they_o be_v high_o commend_v by_o a_o 14._o a_o mer._n casaub_n in_o m._n antoâ—in_n lib._n â—_o n._n 14._o great_a critic_n for_o express_v their_o thought_n though_o common_o with_o word_n very_o proper_a and_o significant_a yet_o in_o a_o style_n so_o free_a from_o all_o affectation_n or_o curiosity_n as_o come_v next_o to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o design_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v word_n but_o thing_n and_o to_o express_v they_o in_o such_o word_n as_o may_v serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o if_o a_o improper_a word_n or_o a_o soloecism_n may_v be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o exactness_n and_o propriety_n of_o language_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o little_a genius_n to_o be_v overcurious_a about_o word_n as_o demosthenes_n intimate_v in_o his_o reply_n to_o aeschines_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o fortune_n of_o greece_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o a_o criticism_n which_o tully_n mention_v say_v it_o be_v orator_n be_v facile_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verbum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la arden_n ut_fw-la ita_fw-la dicam_fw-la notare_fw-la idque_fw-la restinctis_fw-la jam_fw-la animorum_fw-la incendiis_fw-la irridere_fw-la cic._n orator_n a_o easy_a matter_n to_o pitch_v upon_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o discourse_n and_o in_o cool_a blood_n to_o make_v sport_n with_o it_o but_o this_o be_v at_o large_a treat_v of_o by_o longinus_n and_o seneca_n speak_v excellent_o to_o this_o purpose_n cxv_o purpose_n cujuscunque_fw-la orationem_fw-la videris_fw-la sollicitam_fw-la &_o politam_fw-la scito_fw-la animum_fw-la quoque_fw-la non_fw-la minus_fw-la esse_fw-la pusillis_fw-la occupatum_fw-la magnus_fw-la ille_fw-la remissius_fw-la loquor_fw-la &_o securius_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la dicit_fw-la plus_fw-la habent_fw-la siduciae_fw-la quam_fw-la curae_fw-la senec._n epist_n cxv_o if_o you_o observe_v say_v he_o that_o a_o man_n speech_n be_v too_o nice_a and_o critical_a be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n take_v up_o with_o little_a thing_n a_o man_n of_o a_o great_a mind_n speak_v with_o the_o less_o caution_n and_o exactness_n whatsoever_o he_o say_v he_o be_v better_a assure_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o discourse_n than_o to_o trouble_v himself_o much_o about_o word_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o so_o many_o great_a author_n have_v afford_v so_o much_o work_v for_o the_o critic_n to_o blame_v or_o to_o excuse_v they_o and_o very_o often_o to_o commend_v they_o for_o depart_v from_o the_o common_a form_n the_o old_a testament_n have_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n but_o what_o for_o aught_o that_o can_v now_o be_v know_v be_v most_o proper_a in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n whatever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o and_o as_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v pen_v in_o such_o word_n and_o in_o such_o construction_n of_o grammar_n as_o may_v render_v it_o most_o useful_a not_o according_a to_o the_o attic_a or_o any_o other_o dialect_n which_o be_v know_v to_o so_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o it_o be_v confine_v as_o it_o be_v to_o one_o country_n or_o know_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a in_o other_o but_o in_o such_o greek_a as_o be_v general_o understand_v in_o the_o remote_a and_o numerous_a nation_n where_o that_o language_n be_v speak_v for_o which_o reason_n so_o many_o expression_n be_v take_v from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n which_o be_v so_o much_o in_o use_n among_o the_o proselyte_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n utter_v in_o hebrew_n and_o translate_v into_o another_o tongue_n have_v not_o the_o same_o force_n in_o they_o and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o hieron_n ad_fw-la amos._n v._n 8._o &_o in_o epist_n ad_fw-la galat._n 3_o 〈◊〉_d st_n jerom_n show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o make_v use_n of_o such_o word_n as_o be_v first_o take_v from_o the_o heathen_a fable_n in_o translate_n the_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n to_o they_o but_o when_o man_n speak_v or_o write_v they_o must_v do_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v unless_o they_o will_v do_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o must_v take_v such_o word_n as_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o be_v intelligible_a to_o those_o for_o who_o benefit_n they_o write_v and_o they_o must_v be_v content_v too_o with_o such_o grammatical_a construction_n as_o well_o as_o with_o such_o word_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v expedient_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o write_v 2._o write_v hieron_n in_o galat._n 1_o 2._o sometime_o again_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o frame_v new_a word_n to_o express_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n as_o tully_n have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n of_o philosophy_n to_o explain_v in_o latin_a the_o term_n of_o it_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n man_n must_v accommodate_v themselves_o to_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o for_o who_o they_o undertake_v to_o discourse_v upon_o it_o ii_o metaphor_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n or_o figure_n of_o speech_n man_n differ_v as_o much_o in_o their_o form_n and_o scheme_n of_o speak_v as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o manner_n or_o custom_n or_o in_o their_o complexion_n and_o disposition_n every_o man_n have_v something_o peculiar_a in_o his_o way_n of_o express_v himself_o which_o be_v so_o easy_o distinguish_v by_o good_a critic_n from_o that_o of_o other_o that_o they_o seldom_o fail_v in_o it_o though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o cclxv_o and_o phot._n cod_n cclxv_o photius_n observe_v that_o some_o oration_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o demosthenes_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o style_n ascribe_v by_o certain_a critic_n to_o other_o author_n make_v this_o remark_n that_o he_o have_v often_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o great_a resemblance_n in_o the_o style_n of_o oration_n make_v by_o different_a author_n and_o of_o as_o great_a a_o unlikeness_n in_o the_o style_n of_o those_o make_v by_o the_o same_o man_n but_o the_o different_a character_n and_o manner_n of_o style_n in_o the_o several_a country_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v much_o more_o easy_o discern_v than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o particular_a man_n of_o the_o same_o country_n thr_fw-mi people_n of_o caria_n phrygia_n and_o mysia_n be_v not_o at_o all_o polite_a and_o neat_a orator_n neat_a adsciverunt_fw-la aptum_fw-la suis_fw-la auribus_fw-la opimum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la &_o tanquam_fw-la adipatae_fw-la dictionis_fw-la genus_fw-la cic._n orator_n say_v tully_n and_o therefore_o they_o love_v a_o gross_a and_o slovenly_a kind_n of_o discourse_n which_o the_o rhodian_o not_o far_o distant_a from_o they_o never_o approve_v of_o and_o the_o other_o greek_n like_v it_o much_o less_o but_o the_o
bring_v to_o our_o remembrance_n the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v pledge_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v thereby_o and_o as_o the_o eucharist_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o paschal_n supper_n so_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v in_o use_n among_o all_o nation_n in_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o nothing_o can_v more_o fit_o express_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o with_o one_o another_o than_o to_o be_v entertain_v together_o at_o god_n table_n so_o that_o since_o there_o must_v be_v sacrament_n or_o external_n rite_n and_o ordinance_n they_o can_v neither_o be_v few_o nor_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o want_v of_o christian_n than_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v chap._n xxiv_o of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o to_o show_v that_o no_o reasonable_a objection_n can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o object_v against_o by_o philopatr_n by_o lucian_n philopatr_n heathen_n long_o before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o be_v a_o strong_a proof_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n when_o it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v even_o to_o the_o heathen_n that_o they_o upbraid_v the_o christian_n with_o it_o in_o the_o second_o century_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n for_o we_o find_v it_o then_o mention_v as_o a_o know_a and_o common_a reproach_n suppose_v then_o this_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o god_n i_o will_v show_v i._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n ii_o that_o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o we_o as_o little_o understand_v iii_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n do_v mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o men._n 1._o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o doctrine_n we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o essence_n of_o create_a being_n which_o be_v know_v to_o we_o only_o by_o their_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o by_o their_o operation_n and_o quality_n and_o our_o reason_n and_o sense_n and_o passion_n be_v continual_o conversant_a about_o these_o our_o notion_n be_v form_v upon_o the_o idea_n which_o we_o frame_v to_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o creature_n and_o this_o make_v we_o the_o less_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o divine_a essence_n beside_o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o humane_a faculty_n when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a be_v we_o speak_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o no_o man_n cavil_v at_o it_o but_o because_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o incomprehensible_a be_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o cavil_v and_o dispute_v whereas_o god_n be_v essential_o holy_a and_o true_a we_o must_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o if_o god_n be_v infallible_o true_a why_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v what_o he_o deliver_v concern_v himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o divine_a essence_n may_v not_o subsist_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n these_o be_v style_v three_o person_n because_o we_o find_v distinct_a personal_a act_n and_o property_n attribute_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o may_v suppose_v three_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n this_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n 2._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 3._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o humane_a person_n 1._o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v in_o three_o person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o father_n original_o without_o either_o generation_n or_o procession_n in_o the_o son_n as_o communicate_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n not_o in_o any_o such_o way_n as_o son_n among_o man_n have_v their_o nature_n derive_v to_o they_o from_o their_o father_n but_o yet_o in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v best_a express_v to_o our_o apprehension_n by_o style_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o generation_n be_v altogether_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v the_o divine_a nature_n communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n not_o in_o the_o same_o way_n whereby_o the_o son_n have_v it_o communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n but_o in_o some_o other_o different_a incomprehensible_a manner_n whereby_o he_o be_v not_o beget_v but_o proceed_v both_o from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v communicate_v by_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n by_o eternal_a generation_n and_o by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o eternal_a procession_n we_o have_v nothing_o further_o reveal_v to_o we_o of_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n but_o that_o he_o be_v beget_v or_o receive_v the_o divine_a nature_n from_o the_o father_n in_o some_o such_o way_n as_o for_o want_v of_o a_o fit_a word_n we_o can_v best_o understand_v by_o the_o term_n of_o generation_n and_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o no_o more_o of_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o son_n be_v but_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n some_o other_o way_n and_o not_o by_o generation_n but_o as_o he_o that_o will_v discourse_n to_o a_o man_n bear_v blind_a concern_v light_n must_v use_v many_o very_a improper_a expression_n to_o make_v himself_o though_o never_o so_o imperfect_o understand_v so_o it_o be_v here_o we_o have_v no_o word_n that_o be_v proper_a but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o all_o which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v at_o least_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o godhead_n 2._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o say_v that_o three_o god_n be_v one_o god_n or_o that_o three_o person_n be_v one_o person_n be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n but_o to_o say_v that_o three_o person_n be_v not_o one_a person_n but_o one_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o one_o by_o any_o who_o understand_v what_o a_o contradiction_n mean_n the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n for_o neither_o of_o these_o three_o person_n be_v god_n distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n jehovah_n not_o three_o distinct_a and_o separate_a lord_n and_o so_o not_o three_o eternal_n nor_o three_o incomprehensibles_fw-fr nor_o three_o uncreated_a nor_o three_o almighty_n distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o each_o other_o but_o all_o the_o three_o person_n together_o be_v one_o eternal_a incomprehensible_a uncreated_a almighty_a lord_n god_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n what_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o individuation_n in_o man_n or_o what_o it_o be_v which_o cause_v one_o man_n to_o be_v a_o different_a individual_a person_n from_o another_o and_o it_o be_v still_o more_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o principle_n of_o individuation_n in_o being_n which_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o have_v nothing_o of_o material_a accident_n to_o distinguish_v they_o but_o whatever_o the_o principle_n of_o individuation_n in_o man_n may_v be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v that_o two_o man_n may_v exist_v separately_z both_z as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o that_o one_o may_v know_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o other_o they_o may_v live_v at_o a_o distance_n the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o can_v never_o at_o once_o sill_z the_o same_o numerical_a place_n nor_o
be_v their_o knowledge_n the_o same_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o common_a nature_n to_o determine_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v bear_v or_o die_v together_o or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o mutual_a communication_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o operation_n of_o their_o mind_n much_o less_o that_o their_o life_n and_o death_n and_o operation_n shall_v be_v all_o the_o very_a same_o so_o that_o this_o principle_n of_o individuation_n whatever_o be_v assign_v to_o be_v it_o can_v belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v omnipresent_v eternal_a and_o omniscient_a the_o existence_n knowledge_n and_o local_a presence_n of_o man_n be_v personal_a not_o essential_a but_o omnipresence_n eternity_n and_o omniscience_n be_v essential_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o not_o personal_a or_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o each_o person_n as_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o but_o as_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o essence_n for_o they_o be_v predicate_v of_o the_o father_n as_o god_n of_o the_o son_n as_o god_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o god_n and_o not_o of_o each_o several_o as_o father_n as_o son_n and_o as_o holy_a ghost_n every_o of_o these_o essential_a attribute_n therefore_o can_v be_v number_v with_o the_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n but_o can_v be_v but_o one_o as_o the_o essence_n itself_o of_o the_o deity_n be_v and_o though_o the_o father_n be_v eternal_a the_o son_n eternal_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n eternal_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o three_o eternal_n or_o three_o individual_a being_n of_o eternal_a existence_n as_o three_o humane_a person_n be_v three_o man_n of_o a_o finite_a existence_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o separate_v infinite_a person_n for_o their_o be_v separate_a must_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v finite_a or_o to_o have_v a_o limit_a and_o confine_v subsistence_n and_o therefore_o three_o infinite_a person_n can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n or_o one_o be_v which_o have_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o personal_a distinction_n without_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o division_n of_o person_n 3._o from_o hence_o appear_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o humane_a person_n the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v distinct_a man_n as_o well_o as_o distinct_a person_n but_o this_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o we_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v distinct_a god_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o three_o person_n in_o it_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o three_o person_n as_o three_o several_a man_n be_v but_o we_o read_v of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n hebr._n i._n 3._o and_o of_o three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o 1_o joh._n v._o 7._o and_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o three_o intelligent_a being_n we_o can_v have_v no_o conception_n of_o they_o but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o person_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n which_o bear_v that_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o which_o be_v best_a express_v by_o the_o term_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n but_o the_o term_n of_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n be_v not_o therefore_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o they_o be_v in_o humane_a relation_n and_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o it_o be_v of_o humane_a person_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o we_o use_v the_o word_n person_n the_o greek_n call_v they_o subsistency_n but_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n under_o that_o difference_n of_o word_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o any_o pretence_n of_o contradiction_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n that_o man_n will_v needs_o understand_v the_o term_n of_o person_n and_o of_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n as_o they_o do_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n and_o from_o thence_o they_o conclude_v that_o three_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n must_v be_v three_o god_n as_o three_o person_n among_o man_n be_v three_o man_n and_o that_o the_o father_n must_v be_v superior_a and_o elder_a than_o the_o son_n as_o it_o be_v in_o humane_a generation_n but_o this_o be_v all_o mistake_n adam_n be_v style_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n peculiar_a to_o himself_o luke_n iii._o 38._o god_n be_v in_o one_o sense_n the_o father_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o in_o another_o sense_n he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o regenerate_v only_o and_o when_o in_o either_o sense_n we_o call_v he_o our_o father_n we_o take_v not_o the_o word_n father_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o we_o take_v it_o in_o when_o we_o apply_v it_o to_o man_n and_o when_o we_o say_v he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n this_o be_v another_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n father_n very_o different_a from_o all_o the_o former_a the_o relation_n between_o the_o father_n and_o son_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v among_o man_n nor_o be_v the_o divine_a person_n such_o as_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v but_o these_o be_v the_o fit_a and_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o significant_a term_n to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o we_o that_o humane_a language_n and_o humane_a understanding_n be_v capable_a of_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n and_o impropriety_n in_o these_o expression_n and_o that_o they_o give_v we_o but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o have_v of_o it_o or_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o have_v of_o it_o in_o this_o mortal_a state_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v for_o the_o incompetency_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n to_o have_v word_n and_o notion_n adequate_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v but_o man_n there_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v such_o that_o it_o have_v three_o distinct_a principle_n of_o operation_n and_o subsistency_n which_o be_v so_o describe_v and_o represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o personal_a act_n and_o property_n that_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v as_o real_o distinct_a as_o humane_a person_n be_v which_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o god_n can_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v like_o humane_a person_n and_o whoever_o will_v oppose_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n must_v prove_v that_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n can_v be_v as_o real_o distinct_a as_o the_o person_n of_o three_o man_n be_v though_o they_o be_v not_o such_o person_n as_o the_o person_n of_o men._n and_o to_o prove_v this_o he_o must_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n for_o otherwise_o he_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o three_o divine_a person_n may_v not_o be_v one_o god_n though_o three_o humane_a person_n can_v be_v one_o man._n that_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n be_v reveal_v and_o that_o these_o three_o distinct_a person_n be_v but_o one_o god_n be_v reveal_v but_o wherein_o the_o distinction_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o these_o three_o person_n consist_v be_v not_o reveal_v nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v it_o at_o least_o without_o a_o revelation_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v found_v in_o a_o separate_a and_o divide_a subsistence_n but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n because_o separation_n and_o division_n can_v belong_v to_o a_o infinite_a nature_n there_o be_v then_o not_o repugnancy_n in_o say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o subsistency_n or_o three_o distinct_a principle_n of_o personal_a act_n and_o property_n in_o one_o undivided_a infinite_a nature_n or_o that_o the_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n act_n as_o distinct_o and_o personal_o as_o person_n do_v among_o man_n but_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o infinite_a nature_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o exist_v in_o separate_a subsistency_n though_o not_o of_o act_v and_o subsist_v in_o three_o distinct_a person_n or_o as_o distinct_o from_o each_o other_o as_o the_o person_n among_o man_n do_v act_n and_o subsist_v the_o sum_n be_v that_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v subsist_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n between_o who_o be_v a_o real_a distinction_n which_o though_o not_o the_o same_o yet_o be_v
undeceive_v he_o in_o this_o matter_n his_o word_n be_v these_o 238._o these_o castigat_fw-la ad_fw-la opusc_n isaaci_fw-la vossii_n p._n 238._o novi_fw-la quidem_fw-la judaeos_fw-la de_fw-la germana_n vocis_fw-la illius_fw-la cetuvim_fw-la significatione_n inter_fw-la se_fw-la non_fw-la convenire_fw-la et_fw-la omnes_fw-la sentiant_fw-la cetuvim_fw-la seu_fw-la hagiographos_n non_fw-la minus_fw-la divinos_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o canonicos_fw-la quam_fw-la reliquos_fw-la veteris_fw-la instrumenti_fw-la libros_fw-la and_o he_o plain_o prove_v his_o assertion_n the_o same_o gentleman_n 221._o gentleman_n oracle_n of_o reason_n pag._n 221._o tell_v we_o that_o josephus_n confess_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o compare_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o infallible_a write_n of_o the_o egyptian_n chaldaean_n and_o phoenician_n for_o which_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n to_o josephus_n contra_fw-la apion_n lib._n 1._o where_o he_o will_v find_v the_o quite_o contrary_a for_o josephus_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o confute_v the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o jewish_a antiquity_n against_o they_o and_o to_o show_v how_o they_o contradict_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o in_o what_o they_o relate_v of_o the_o jew_n different_a from_o the_o scripture_n 25._o scripture_n anima_fw-la mundi_fw-la p._n 25._o and_o yet_o this_o notorious_a mistake_n be_v again_o repeat_v by_o our_o author_n which_o any_o one_o may_v confute_v that_o will_v look_v into_o josephus_n the_o design_n of_o his_o first_o book_n against_o apion_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a antiquity_n against_o the_o greek_n from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o egyptian_n phoenician_n and_o chaldaean_n josephus_n say_v he_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o greek_n alone_o ought_v to_o be_v regard_v in_o matter_n of_o antiquity_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o of_o ancient_a date_n their_o city_n their_o art_n their_o law_n be_v but_o of_o late_a original_a and_o their_o history_n latter_a than_o all_o these_o but_o the_o greek_n themselves_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v very_o ancient_a account_n of_o former_a time_n among_o the_o egyptian_n the_o chaldaean_n and_o the_o phoenician_n 〈◊〉_d phoenician_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o i_o omit_v say_v he_o for_o the_o present_a to_o put_v our_o own_o nation_n into_o the_o number_n with_o they_o this_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o say_v that_o he_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o comparison_n for_o he_o do_v show_v soon_o after_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v take_v as_o much_o care_n in_o the_o writing_n and_o preserve_v their_o antiquity_n as_o these_o nation_n or_o any_o other_o can_v possible_o do_v but_o it_o have_v not_o be_v to_o his_o purpose_n to_o mention_v the_o jew_n in_o that_o place_n with_o the_o rest_n because_o he_o bring_v his_o argument_n from_o the_o confession_n of_o foreign_a historian_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o greek_n to_o be_v of_o much_o great_a authority_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n than_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o themselves_o 218._o themselves_o oracle_n of_o reason_n p._n 218._o a_o little_a before_o have_v translate_v something_o out_o of_o ocellus_n lucanus_n to_o prove_v the_o world_n eternal_a this_o gentleman_n thus_o subjoin_v now_o it_o be_v very_o much_o that_o this_o author_n ocellus_n lucanus_n who_o for_o his_o antiquity_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v almost_o contemporary_a with_o moses_n if_o not_o before_o he_o shall_v have_v so_o different_a a_o sentiment_n of_o the_o world_n beginning_n from_o that_o which_o moses_n have_v methinks_v if_o moses_n his_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o adam_n be_v the_o first_o man_n have_v be_v a_o general_a receive_v opinion_n at_o that_o time_n ocellus_n lucanus_n who_o be_v so_o ancient_a and_o so_o eminent_a a_o philosopher_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v altogether_o ignorant_a thereof_o but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v if_o ocellus_n lucanus_n be_v not_o so_o ancient_a but_o of_o no_o antiquity_n in_o comparison_n of_o moses_n then_o methinks_v this_o author_n may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n and_o his_o inference_n and_o of_o what_o antiquity_n ocellus_n lucanus_n be_v be_v show_v by_o ludovicus_n nogarola_n who_o translate_v this_o piece_n of_o ocellus_n lucanus_n into_o latin_a and_o publish_v it_o with_o his_o own_o observation_n upon_o it_o for_o he_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o plato_n that_o the_o ancestor_n of_o this_o ocellus_n be_v banish_v from_o troy_n under_o laomedon_n come_v to_o myra_n a_o city_n in_o lycia_n but_o laomedon_n be_v the_o father_n of_o priamus_n in_o who_o time_n as_o every_o body_n know_v happen_v the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n and_o jair_n be_v then_o judge_n of_o israel_n about_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o have_v be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_v land_n he_o far_o show_v from_o lucian_n that_o ocellus_n lucanus_n be_v a_o scholar_n of_o pythagoras_n who_o live_v sure_a long_o enough_o after_o moses_n to_o save_v our_o author_n criticism_n or_o to_o expose_v it_o indeed_o the_o best_a account_n we_o have_v in_o heathen_a antiquity_n agree_v exact_o with_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n aristotle_n 1._o aristotle_n grot._n de_fw-fr verit._n annot._fw-la ad_fw-la c._n 7._o l._n 1._o himself_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o doctrine_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o 10._o he_o aristot_n de_fw-fr coelo_fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 10._o confess_v that_o all_o the_o philosopher_n assert_v the_o creaation_n of_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n 3._o creation_n metaphys_n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o he_o say_v it_o be_v esteem_v a_o very_a ancient_a doctrine_n and_o thought_n by_o some_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a theologist_n that_o it_o be_v form_v out_o of_o water_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o 2._o that_o tull._n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n l._n 1._o de_fw-fr legib._n l._n 2._o thales_n the_o first_o greek_a philosopher_n who_o treat_v of_o these_o thing_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o wise_a man_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o in_o tully_n judgement_n teach_v that_o god_n form_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o water_n the_o same_o gentleman_n have_v observe_v 93._o observe_v oracl_n of_o reason_n p._n 93._o that_o the_o epicurean_a deist_n labour_v to_o have_v their_o vice_n impute_v rather_o to_o a_o superiority_n of_o their_o reason_n above_o that_o of_o other_o than_o to_o a_o servitude_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o their_o own_o passion_n which_o show_v vice_n be_v natural_o esteem_v a_o base_a and_o low_a thing_n it_o be_v but_o too_o plain_a that_o this_o be_v his_o own_o case_n as_o his_o unhappy_a death_n declare_v this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o little_a this_o book_n deserve_v the_o vain_a title_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o meet_v with_o any_o book_n which_o have_v less_o right_a to_o so_o high_a a_o pretence_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n but_o of_o one_o thing_n more_o and_o that_o be_v 187._o be_v ibid._n p._n 187._o mr._n gildon_n attempt_n to_o prove_v the_o materiality_n of_o the_o soul_n his_o argument_n be_v as_o unlikely_a to_o prove_v it_o as_o most_o i_o have_v see_v but_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o notion_n to_o be_v absurd_a in_o itself_o and_o impossible_a to_o be_v maintain_v the_o essence_n of_o all_o matter_n must_v be_v the_o same_o whether_o extension_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o though_o we_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o essence_n of_o matter_n yet_o we_o know_v it_o can_v be_v essential_a to_o it_o to_o think_v for_o then_o all_o matter_n will_v necessary_o think_v but_o the_o difference_n in_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o matter_n can_v be_v only_o in_o accident_n that_o be_v in_o bulk_n rest_v motion_n situation_n and_o figure_n none_o of_o which_o can_v render_v matter_n capable_a of_o thought_n for_o if_o a_o different_a bulk_n of_o matter_n can_v produce_v think_v in_o it_o and_o the_o subtle_a matter_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o think_v and_o reason_n though_o the_o gross_a can_v then_o the_o part_n of_o a_o stone_n will_v think_v when_o it_o be_v ground_n to_o dust_n though_o when_o they_o be_v join_v and_o compact_v together_o they_o make_v up_o a_o body_n as_o unlikely_a to_o think_v as_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v imagine_v if_o rest_n can_v cause_v matter_n to_o think_v a_o stone_n will_v be_v the_o most_o think_v creature_n in_o the_o world_n if_o motion_n can_v cause_v it_o then_o that_o which_o move_v with_o most_o quickness_n will_v think_v most_o as_o fire_n and_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n but_o motion_n be_v only_o a_o successive_a change_n of_o place_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o matter_n shall_v think_v
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
a_o venerable_a man_n of_o about_o sixty_o six_o year_n of_o age_n of_o great_a prudence_n and_o experience_n and_o withal_o very_o eloquent_a who_o he_o know_v and_o have_v converse_v with_o be_v one_o among_o other_o who_o follow_v ptolemaeus_n lagi_n after_o the_o battle_n at_o gaza_n in_o which_o he_o overcome_v demetrius_n poliorcetes_n he_o mention_v likewise_o that_o mosollamus_fw-la a_o jew_n march_v with_o he_o when_o the_o rest_n make_v a_o stand_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o bird_n which_o the_o augur_n say_v portend_v ill_a luck_n to_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v march_v on_o shoot_v that_o bird_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o and_o defend_v what_o he_o have_v do_v by_o argument_n and_o indeed_o the_o jew_n want_v neither_o zeal_n nor_o wit_n nor_o courage_n upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o appear_v in_o behalf_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n against_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a this_o book_n of_o hecataeus_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n and_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n to_o it_o and_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o of_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n and_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n his_o successor_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n 2._o lagi_n joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 12._o c._n 1_o 2._o take_v jerusalem_n he_o transplant_v the_o jew_n in_o great_a multitude_n into_o egypt_n put_v many_o of_o they_o into_o his_o garrison_n and_o allow_v they_o equal_a privilege_n with_o the_o macedonian_n by_o which_o encouragement_n many_o beside_o those_o who_o he_o transport_v voluntary_o go_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o the_o captive_n of_o that_o nation_n set_v at_o liberty_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n be_v above_o 110000._o and_o beside_o the_o signal_n favour_n and_o honour_n bestow_v upon_o the_o jew_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n who_o likewise_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n which_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a furtherance_n to_o the_o propogation_n of_o religion_n seleucus_n nicanor_n grant_v they_o the_o freedom_n of_o antioch_n and_o of_o the_o city_n which_o he_o have_v found_v in_o asia_n and_o the_o low_a syria_n and_o these_o privilege_n remain_v to_o they_o till_o josephus_n time_n after_o all_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v do_v to_o deserve_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o antiochus_n the_o great_a send_v forth_o his_o letter_n and_o edict_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o 3._o in_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 12._o c._n 3._o josephus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n more-especial_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o seleucus_n son_n to_o this_o antiochus_n after_o his_o father_n example_n out_o of_o his_o own_o revenue_n bear_v the_o cost_n belong_v to_o the_o sacrisices_n 2_o mac._n three_o 3._o antiochus_n epiphanes_n himself_o at_o last_o under_o the_o avenge_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o for_o all_o his_o impious_a cruelty_n acknowledge_v himself_o punish_v for_o his_o sacrilege_n and_o other_o mischief_n commit_v at_o jerusalem_n 1_o mac._n vi_o 12_o 13._o &_o 2_o mac._n ix_o 17._o antiochus_n pius_n when_o he_o besiege_v jerusalem_n 16._o jerusalem_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 16._o not_o only_o grant_v a_o truce_n for_o seven_o day_n during_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n but_o send_v rich_a and_o noble_a present_n for_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o city_n be_v deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n upon_o honourable_a condition_n with_o regard_n particular_o to_o religion_n hyrcanus_n accompany_v antiochus_n in_o his_o parthian_a expedition_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n fall_v the_o day_n after_o the_o sabbath_n antiochus_n stop_v his_o army_n those_o two_o day_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o lacedaemonian_n claim_v 3._o claim_v 1_o mac._n viij_o twelve_o fourteen_o 2_o mac._n xi_o joseph_n antiqu_n l._n 13._o c._n 9_o 13._o l._n 14._o c._n 16._o justin_n lib._n 36._o c._n 3._o kindred_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o both_o they_o and_o the_o athenian_n and_o roman_n enter_v into_o league_n with_o they_o which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v continue_v and_o renew_v josephus_n mention_n a_o pillar_n then_o stand_v at_o alexandria_n contain_v the_o privilege_n 2._o privilege_n joseph_n contr_n ap._n l._n 2._o grant_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o julius_n caesar_n and_o when_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v tolerate_v except_o those_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n the_o jew_n only_o have_v allowance_n for_o a_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n even_o in_o rome_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o and_o many_o other_o edict_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o senate_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n josephus_n 6._o josephus_n joseph_n ant._n quit_v l._n 14._o c._n 16._o l._n 16._o c._n 4_o 5_o 10._o l._n i9_n c._n 4_o 6._o appeal_v to_o the_o table_n of_o brass_n then_o extant_a and_o preserve_v in_o the_o capitol_n and_o other_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n under_o the_o maccabee_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n which_o they_o show_v upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n render_v the_o jew_n renown_v over_o all_o nation_n and_o beside_o their_o conquest_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hyrcanus_n 17._o hyrcanus_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 13._o c._n 17._o all_o idumaea_n embrace_v the_o jewish_a religion_n aristobulus_n have_v conquer_v great_a part_n of_o ituraea_n cause_v all_o their_o male_n 19_o male_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 19_o to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o strabo_n testify_v under_o alexander_n father_n to_o hyrcanus_n 3._o hyrcanus_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 23._o l._n 14._o c._n 3._o the_o jew_n take_v twelve_o city_n from_o the_o arabian_n and_o become_v possess_v of_o many_o city_n in_o syria_n idumaea_n and_o phenicia_n all_o which_o they_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o demolish_a pella_n for_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v it_o the_o 12._o the_o see_v mr._n mede_n discourse_n 12._o temple_n build_v by_o sanballat_n for_o manasses_n who_o have_v marry_v his_o daughter_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o samaritan_n leave_v their_o false_a go_n and_o after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o egypt_n the_o babylonian_a talmud_n say_v 205._o say_v lightf_n harmon_n p._n 205._o that_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v double_a the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o come_v out_o from_o thence_o under_o moses_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n do_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v but_o then_o they_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o mat._n xxiii_o 15._o yet_o still_o they_o teach_v the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n though_o in_o hypocrisy_n and_o with_o the_o mixture_n of_o superstition_n and_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v what_o they_o bid_v they_o but_o not_o to_o do_v after_o their_o work_n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n 783._o sanhedrin_n lightf_n excercit_fw-la on_o 1_o cor._n xiii_o 1._o p._n 783._o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v many_o language_n that_o the_o sanhedrin_n may_v hear_v nothing_o by_o a_o interpreter_n which_o qualify_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o aspire_v to_o that_o dignity_n to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o make_v proselyte_n the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v all_o over_o the_o world_n but_o chief_o seat_v themselves_o in_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n and_o antioch_n the_o three_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o all_o which_o they_o have_v great_a and_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o in_o alexandria_n they_o have_v magistrate_n of_o their_o own_o 12._o own_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 14._o c._n 12._o and_o live_v under_o a_o peculiar_a government_n by_o themselves_o never_o any_o other_o nation_n have_v such_o various_a change_n and_o revolution_n to_o mix_v they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o never_o any_o people_n be_v so_o industrious_a and_o zealous_a and_o so_o successful_a in_o the_o propogation_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v their_o proseuchae_n and_o their_o synagogue_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o for_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o scripture_n which_o man_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v admit_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o place_n wherever_o they_o dwell_v and_o in_o egypt_n they_o have_v a_o 30._o a_o joseph_n bell._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 30._o temple_n like_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n build_v by_o onias_n which_o continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o hundred_o and_o forty_o three_o year_n
to_o himself_o thereby_o the_o great_a master_n of_o decency_n have_v not_o think_v it_o always_o improper_a for_o man_n to_o commend_v themselves_o either_o because_o they_o suppose_v some_o occasion_n may_v require_v it_o or_o because_o it_o be_v a_o more_o usual_a thing_n in_o ancient_a time_n when_o man_n life_n and_o manner_n be_v more_o natural_a and_o sincere_a and_o they_o often_o speak_v as_o they_o think_v both_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o yet_o we_o no_o where_n find_v man_n speak_v so_o free_o in_o disparagement_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o show_v that_o moses_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o inspire_a writer_n little_o regard_v their_o own_o praise_n or_o dispraise_v but_o write_v what_o god_n be_v please_v to_o appoint_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o they_o so_o god_n may_v be_v honour_v whether_o they_o lose_v or_o gain_v in_o their_o own_o reputation_n by_o it_o but_o what_o we_o read_v of_o moses_n num._n twelve_o 3._o that_o he_o be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o the_o man_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o only_a commendable_a character_n that_o moses_n give_v of_o himself_o may_v be_v translate_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o afflict_a man_n according_a to_o the_o marginal_a read_n and_o if_o he_o mention_n his_o own_o meekness_n he_o mention_n also_o his_o great_a anger_n or_o heat_n of_o anger_n exod._n xi_o 8._o and_o his_o be_v very_o wroth_a num._n xuj_o 15._o but_o if_o moses_n have_v not_o have_v more_o respect_n to_o truth_n than_o to_o his_o own_o reputation_n he_o will_v never_o have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n that_o he_o so_o often_o decline_v the_o message_n and_o employment_n which_o god_n appoint_v he_o to_o undertake_v exod._n iii._o 11_o 13._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13_o 14._o and_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o upon_o other_o occasion_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v ascribe_v balaam_n prophecy_n and_o jethro_n advice_n to_o himself_o at_o least_o he_o will_v never_o have_v record_v that_o by_o jethro_n counsel_n he_o take_v up_o a_o new_a and_o better_a method_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n if_o he_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o ambition_n and_o vainglory_n he_o will_v have_v endeavour_v by_o these_o thing_n to_o adorn_v his_o own_o character_n and_o will_v never_o have_v lessen_v it_o by_o tell_v his_o own_o infirmity_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o to_o the_o diminution_n of_o himself_o he_o publish_v the_o excellency_n of_o other_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o magician_n of_o egypt_n be_v not_o conceal_v by_o he_o and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o genealogy_n from_o levi_n he_o first_o set_v down_o the_o family_n of_o reuben_n and_o simeon_n the_o two_o elder_a brother_n lest_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o arrogate_v too_o much_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o tribe_n some_o have_v observe_v that_o moses_n relate_v his_o own_o birth_n to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o marriage_n contrary_n to_o the_o law_n afterward_o by_o himself_o establish_v which_o indeed_o be_v doubtful_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o latitude_n of_o signification_n in_o the_o word_n sister_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o avoid_v the_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v from_o such_o a_o marriage_n as_o he_o will_v have_v be_v if_o his_o law_n have_v be_v of_o his_o own_o contrivance_n lest_o his_o own_o reputation_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n or_o perhaps_o both_o may_v have_v suffer_v by_o it_o exod._n vi_fw-la 14_o 20._o he_o set_v forth_o the_o ingratitude_n idolatry_n and_o perpetual_a revolt_v and_o murmur_n of_o his_o whole_a nation_n and_o relate_v the_o fail_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o ancestor_n the_o patriarch_n and_o particular_o of_o levi_n from_o who_o he_o be_v descend_v gen._n xxxiv_o 30._o &_o xlix_o 6._o he_o spare_v neither_o his_o people_n nor_o his_o ancestor_n nor_o himself_o in_o what_o he_o relate_v and_o these_o be_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o faithful_a historian_n and_o a_o sincere_a man_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o as_o moses_n be_v not_o ambitious_a of_o praise_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o ambitious_a of_o power_n and_o dominion_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o enter_v upon_o such_o a_o undertake_n as_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v have_v attempt_v without_o a_o revelation_n it_o appear_v otherwise_o impossible_a to_o accomplish_v it_o his_o whole_a conduct_n show_v that_o he_o have_v no_o design_n of_o advance_v his_o own_o interest_n or_o dominion_n if_o he_o have_v be_v never_o so_o ambitious_a he_o need_v not_o have_v go_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o seek_v his_o preferment_n among_o a_o wander_a and_o stubborn_a people_n when_o he_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o all_o the_o honour_n and_o the_o pleasure_n that_o egypt_n or_o pharaoh_n court_n can_v afford_v but_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n heb._n xi_o 24_o 25._o he_o undertake_v to_o lead_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o forty_o year_n through_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n where_o he_o can_v promise_v himself_o but_o a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o inglorious_a reign_n if_o that_o have_v be_v his_o design_n and_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o hope_v to_o outlive_v that_o period_n of_o time_n and_o though_o he_o be_v preserve_v in_o his_o old_a age_n in_o the_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o manhood_n yet_o upon_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n he_o meek_o resign_v himself_o to_o death_n in_o the_o very_a sight_n and_o border_n of_o canaan_n know_v beforehand_o that_o he_o must_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o possess_v the_o land_n which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o many_o year_n in_o so_o great_a danger_n lead_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o enjoy_v though_o he_o do_v not_o conceal_v how_o desirous_a he_o be_v to_o pass_v over_o jordan_n deut._n iii._o 23_o etc._n etc._n the_o history_n of_o his_o death_n be_v like_a that_o of_o his_o life_n relate_v with_o a_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o native_a simplicity_n he_o be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n as_o enoch_n and_o elijah_n be_v and_o as_o the_o roman_n feign_v of_o romulus_n but_o to_o die_v and_o his_o sepulchre_n be_v hide_v to_o prevent_v the_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a veneration_n which_o may_v have_v be_v pay_v to_o the_o remain_v of_o so_o great_a a_o person_n and_o though_o he_o have_v son_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o private_a man_n no_o otherwise_o know_v to_o we_o than_o as_o they_o be_v his_o son_n the_o government_n he_o confer_v upon_o joshua_n one_o of_o another_o tribe_n moses_n therefore_o be_v the_o further_a of_o any_o man_n from_o vainglorious_a or_o ambitious_a and_o aspire_a design_n and_o can_v propose_v no_o other_o advantage_n to_o himself_o but_o the_o fulfil_n the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o deliver_v his_o commandment_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o follow_v his_o direction_n in_o his_o conduct_n and_o government_n aaron_z be_v of_o a_o different_a temper_n from_o moses_n and_o be_v envious_a of_o he_o and_o both_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n murmur_v against_o he_o it_o be_v so_o notorious_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o contrivance_n between_o they_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a power_n of_o god_n which_o keep_v aaron_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n in_o obedience_n to_o moses_n upon_o moses_n absence_n aaron_n comply_v with_o the_o people_n in_o make_v a_o golden_a calf_n and_o his_o two_o elder_a son_n offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v for_o which_o they_o be_v both_o destroy_v by_o fire_n miraculous_o issue_v out_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o aaron_n hold_v his_o peace_n know_v that_o this_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v to_o moses_n when_o he_o declare_v to_o he_o the_o justice_n of_o it_o and_o both_o aaron_n and_o his_o other_o two_o son_n be_v forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o mourn_v for_o they_o leu._n x._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 6._o at_o last_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n aaron_n go_v up_o into_o mount_n hor_n to_o die_v there_o not_o be_v permit_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n thus_o moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v sometime_o at_o disagreement_n aaron_n envy_v moses_n aaron_n lose_v two_o of_o his_o son_n by_o 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
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
it_o be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o carry_v the_o visible_a character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v of_o this_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o wicked_a man_n can_v dislike_v it_o and_o that_o all_o sober_a and_o good_a man_n must_v be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o mighty_o incline_v to_o believe_v it_o nay_o even_o the_o worst_a man_n must_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o owe_v their_o own_o safety_n and_o protection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o i._o it_o teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n ii_o it_o lay_v down_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n iii_o it_o propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n iv_o it_o afford_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n v._o it_o express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v have_v mighty_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n and_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n it_o teach_v we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o great_a in_o power_n and_o who_o will_v not_o at_o all_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a nahum_n i._o 3._o and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o our_o ability_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n deut._n vi_fw-la 5._o matt._n xxii_o 37._o the_o duty_n of_o man_n towards_o one_o another_o be_v no_o less_o strict_o enjoin_v than_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o the_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o their_o several_a duty_n in_o their_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n they_o teach_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o subject_n and_o servant_n obedience_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o they_o teach_v prince_n and_o husband_n and_o father_n and_o master_n a_o proportionable_a care_n and_o kindness_n and_o affection_n they_o check_v and_o restrain_v the_o rich_a and_o powerful_a from_o violence_n and_o oppression_n and_o command_v they_o to_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o to_o protect_v all_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o to_o root_v up_o the_o very_a seed_n and_o principle_n of_o vice_n in_o we_o they_o regulate_v our_o desire_n and_o give_v law_n to_o our_o word_n and_o look_n and_o thought_n they_o command_v a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o mankind_n to_o hurt_v no_o body_n so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o thought_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n they_o oblige_v man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o in_o all_o case_n to_o consider_v other_o as_o man_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o themselves_o and_o to_o love_n and_o respect_v they_o according_o upon_o all_o occasion_n i_o may_v add_v what_o grotius_n have_v not_o omit_v that_o more_o favour_n and_o equity_n be_v extend_v to_o one_o half_a of_o humane_a kind_n by_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v by_o any_o other_o for_o among_o infidel_n woman_n be_v esteem_v but_o as_o slave_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v as_o many_o wife_n as_o they_o please_v and_o change_v they_o as_o often_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a ii_o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n for_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o can_v make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o respective_a duty_n and_o that_o can_v cause_v they_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o what_o man_n do_v upon_o principle_n of_o love_n they_o do_v with_o delight_n and_o what_o man_n delight_v in_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v but_o fear_n have_v torment_v and_o man_n will_v use_v all_o art_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o their_o fear_n and_o of_o that_o sense_n of_o duty_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o be_v perpetual_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a to_o they_o reward_n themselves_o may_v become_v ineffectual_a by_o proposal_n of_o contrary_a reward_n for_o small_a advantage_n which_o be_v present_a and_o in_o hand_n may_v be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o never_o so_o much_o great_a which_o be_v future_a and_o look_v upon_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o a_o sense_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o charity_n can_v never_o fail_v of_o its_o effect_n because_o this_o bring_v its_o reward_n with_o it_o and_o make_v our_o duty_n a_o delight_n he_o who_o love_v god_n will_v certain_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o love_v he_o never_o can_v true_o obey_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v but_o will_v be_v ever_o repine_v at_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v be_v for_o seek_v all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v himself_o from_o it_o he_o who_o do_v not_o love_v his_o neighbour_n will_v be_v for_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o pursue_v his_o own_o advantage_n against_o he_o but_o he_o who_o love_v he_o as_o himself_o will_v never_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n he_o that_o love_v another_o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o this_o thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o commandment_n it_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o this_o say_n namely_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o love_n work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n therefore_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n xiii_o 8._o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n no_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o but_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n can_v never_o discover_v this_o doctrine_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o only_a infallible_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o most_o gracious_a and_o wise_a law_n which_o make_v love_n the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n iii_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o moral_a reason_n and_o argument_n for_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v so_o great_a and_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o live_v otherwise_o be_v general_o convince_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n be_v to_o faint_v and_o lifeless_a to_o oppose_v to_o sense_n and_o passion_n therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v purposely_o fit_v to_o every_o faculty_n and_o present_v we_o with_o great_a object_n of_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o desire_v than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v and_o as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v by_o we_o upon_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o that_o of_o love_n so_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o our_o obedience_n express_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o divine_a love_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o all_o the_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v as_o necessary_a to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o judgement_n by_o send_v his_o prophet_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o at_o last_o by_o send_v his_o own_o son_n he_o see_v the_o fondness_n that_o man_n have_v for_o this_o world_n and_o for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o sin_n of_o it_o how_o subject_a they_o be_v to_o temptation_n and_o how_o prone_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o pursue_v
they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v before_o the_o christian_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o innocent_a devout_a and_o charitable_a sort_n of_o man_n by_o pliny_n lucian_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n himself_o 44._o plin._n epist_n ad_fw-la trajan_n lib._n 10._o epist_n 97._o lucian_n de_fw-fr morte_fw-la peregrini_fw-la julian_n epist_n 44._o by_o those_o who_o have_v most_o narrow_o inquire_v into_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v worst_a affect_v to_o they_o and_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o christian_n become_v as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n they_o soon_o reform_v even_o the_o heathen_a world_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n morality_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o philosopher_n in_o much_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v before_o and_o they_o become_v so_o much_o ashamed_a of_o the_o grossness_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n that_o they_o seek_v out_o all_o art_n to_o refine_v and_o excuse_v it_o and_o those_o vice_n which_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a mystery_n appear_v too_o abominable_a to_o pass_v any_o long_o for_o religion_n the_o oracle_n soon_o cease_v and_o the_o seduce_a spirit_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o give_v out_o their_o answer_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n can_v do_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o bring_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n into_o reputation_n again_o these_o be_v thing_n before_o insist_v upon_o and_o so_o notorious_a in_o history_n that_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v sole_o owe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o and_o that_o be_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a god_n and_o that_o frequent_o and_o in_o some_o place_n daily_o and_o in_o time_n of_o great_a danger_n and_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o sacrifice_v so_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o once_o that_o it_o will_v be_v incredible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a historian_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o custom_n of_o sacrifice_a man_n to_o their_o god_n prevail_v not_o only_o here_o in_o britain_n and_o in_o other_o country_n which_o be_v account_v barbarous_a but_o all_o over_o greece_n and_o in_o rome_n itself_o it_o may_v well_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o now_o that_o such_o a_o practice_n shall_v so_o general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a from_o all_o history_n than_o that_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o that_o man_n be_v with_o difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o for_o when_o mankind_n be_v thus_o cruel_o tyrannize_v over_o by_o bloody_a daemon_n nothing_o but_o the_o omnipotent_a mercy_n of_o god_n can_v rescue_v they_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n three_o 8._o which_o he_o soon_o do_v beast_n and_o idol_n be_v no_o long_o worship_v and_o man_n be_v no_o long_o make_v sacrifice_n when_o once_o christianity_n begin_v to_o appear_v in_o its_o full_a power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o the_o world_n the_o plain_a and_o humble_a doctrine_n of_o he_o that_o be_v lay_v in_o a_o manger_n and_o die_v upon_o a_o cross_n be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n more_o effectual_a to_o reform_v mankind_n than_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o lawgiver_n have_v ever_o be_v those_o enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o little_a cavil_n against_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o yet_o owe_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n in_o great_a measure_n to_o its_o influence_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o safe_a in_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n nay_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o some_o cruel_a daemon_n long_o before_o this_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o resolve_v to_o despise_v but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o understand_v have_v not_o be_v believe_v by_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n of_o so_o great_a advantage_n have_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v and_o convert_v by_o it_o it_o have_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o tyranny_n which_o he_o hold_v over_o mankind_n it_o have_v make_v the_o unconverted_a world_n less_o vicious_a and_o have_v banish_v all_o the_o profess_a patron_n and_o deity_n of_o wickedness_n from_o among_o man_n it_o have_v make_v idolatry_n less_o practise_v and_o reduce_v it_o to_o narrow_a bound_n confine_v it_o to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o where_n upon_o the_o first_o approach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v disarm_v of_o their_o power_n and_o flee_v away_o before_o it_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o lapland_n and_o other_o country_n so_o general_a a_o blessing_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o even_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n though_o they_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o and_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a religion_n against_o which_o the_o common_a objection_n concern_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o as_o it_o first_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n by_o conquer_a all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n so_o it_o still_o maintain_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o a_o vicious_a education_n can_v make_v to_o it_o indeed_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o the_o proof_n the_o excelleney_n of_o the_o practical_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n when_o god_n know_v this_o be_v the_o great_a exception_n that_o most_o man_n have_v against_o they_o and_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a but_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n half_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v satisfy_v they_o vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o practical_a duty_n teach_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o which_o have_v raise_v and_o improve_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n beyond_o what_o can_v have_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o it_o so_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n have_v as_o evident_a character_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o better_o more_o wise_a and_o more_o happy_a and_o be_v not_o design_v to_o gratify_v a_o vain_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o care_n and_o concernment_n for_o our_o own_o happiness_n they_o set_v before_o we_o the_o original_a and_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o innocence_n in_o which_o man_n be_v first_o create_v and_o god_n love_n and_o compassion_n to_o he_o after_o his_o fall_n how_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o redemption_n that_o the_o father_n send_v his_o son_n that_o the_o son_n be_v bear_v that_o he_o live_v a_o despise_a and_o persecute_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v for_o we_o a_o most_o shameful_a and_o grievous_a death_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o continual_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n who_o support_v and_o assist_v we_o under_o all_o temptation_n and_o danger_n in_o our_o way_n thither_o and_o will_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o safe_o conduct_v we_o to_o heaven_n there_o to_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o glory_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v disobedient_a and_o obstinate_a to_o our_o own_o ruin_n we_o must_v be_v eternal_o torment_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o apostle_n who_o without_o learning_n or_o philosophy_n teach_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o useful_a truth_n more_o plain_o than_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n ever_o have_v do_v must_v derive_v their_o knowledge_n from_o
a_o high_a principle_n than_o they_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o contrive_v any_o thing_n so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v no_o precept_n can_v be_v more_o righteous_a and_o holy_a no_o reward_n more_o excellent_a nor_o punishment_n more_o formidable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v above_o all_o no_o religion_n beside_o ever_o afford_v nor_o can_v all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n ever_o have_v find_v out_o such_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o obedience_n our_o religion_n contain_v no_o dry_a and_o empty_a speculation_n but_o all_o its_o mystery_n be_v mystery_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n other_o may_v fear_v god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n only_o that_o can_v true_o love_v he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o condition_n in_o life_n and_o in_o death_n look_v up_o to_o he_o as_o his_o father_n his_o saviour_n and_o comforter_n this_o religion_n place_n man_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o his_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o care_n it_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v their_o friend_n and_o protector_n here_o and_o their_o everlasting_a rewarder_n after_o death_n it_o promise_v and_o assure_v we_o of_o all_o the_o happiness_n both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v expect_v or_o wish_v for_o from_o any_o revelation_n and_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v establish_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o appear_v from_o this_o whole_a discourse_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o revelation_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o have_v be_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o have_v abundant_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o god_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v mankind_n have_v visible_a character_n in_o it_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 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 that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institution_n of_o religion_n beside_o that_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v show_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o no_o other_o religion_n ever_o be_v of_o like_a antiquity_n or_o have_v equal_a promulgation_n that_o no_o other_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o last_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o other_o which_o do_v not_o teach_v many_o doctrine_n that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o therefore_o impossible_a to_o come_v from_o heaven_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v first_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n second_o of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n chap._n i._n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o we_o have_v any_o certain_a account_n of_o from_o their_o write_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o notorious_a have_v be_v so_o often_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v much_o upon_o it_o the_o heathen_n general_o be_v stranger_n to_o every_o thing_n of_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v unable_a to_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o pretence_n which_o the_o egyptian_n make_v to_o antiquity_n so_o much_o beyond_o the_o time_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o their_o reckon_n by_o lunar_a year_n or_o 12._o or_o diodor_n sic._n lib._n i._n plutarch_n in_o numa_n var._n apud_fw-la lactant._n de_fw-fr orig._n error_n lib._n two_o c._n 12._o month_n but_o they_o have_v so_o different_a account_n however_o of_o chronology_n that_o as_o diodorus_n siculus_n say_v some_o of_o they_o compute_v thirteen_o thousand_o year_n more_o than_o other_o from_o the_o original_a of_o their_o dynasty_n to_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o the_o solar_a year_n in_o use_n among_o the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o astronomy_n be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o they_o say_v the_o sun_n have_v several_a time_n change_v euterpâ—_n change_v herod_n euterpâ—_n his_o course_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o dynasty_n impute_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o computation_n for_o want_n of_o intercalary_n day_n to_o the_o sun_n variation_n or_o else_o affect_v to_o speak_v something_o wonderful_a and_o extravagant_a the_o early_a astronomical_a observation_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v make_v in_o egypt_n be_v those_o perform_v by_o the_o greek_n of_o alexandria_n less_o than_o ccc_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o 23._o as_o mr._n wotton_n reflection_n upon_o ancient_a and_o modern_a learning_n c._n 23._o mr._n halley_n have_v observe_v 4._o observe_v vitruâ—_fw-la 〈…〉_o 4._o the_o chaldaean_n suppose_v the_o moon_n to_o be_v a_o luminons_n body_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o astronomy_n beside_o they_o want_v instrument_n to_o make_v exact_a observation_n '_o alderman_n we_o have_v of_o they_o say_v the_o same_o learned_a ib._n learned_a iâ—_n mr._n 〈◊〉_d reflect_v ib._n astronomer_n be_v only_o seven_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o even_o those_o but_o very_o coarse_o set_v down_o and_o the_o old_a not_o much_o above_o dcc_n year_n before_o christ_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o fame_n of_o these_o chaldaean_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a they_o have_v not_o go_v far_o in_o this_o science_n and_o though_o calisthenes_n be_v say_v by_o porphyry_n to_o have_v bring_v from_o babylon_n to_o greece_n observation_n above_o mdcccc_n year_n old_a than_o alexander_n yet_o the_o proper_a author_n make_v no_o mention_n or_o use_v of_o any_o such_o render_v it_o just_o suspect_v for_o a_o fable_n so_o little_a ground_n be_v there_o for_o we_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o time_n and_o the_o vain_a boast_n of_o antiquity_n which_o these_o nation_n have_v make_v he_o far_o observe_v that_o the_o greek_n be_v the_o first_o practical_a astronomer_n who_o endeavour_v in_o earnest_a to_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o science_n and_o that_o thales_n be_v the_o first_o who_o can_v predict_v a_o eclipse_n in_o greece_n not_o dc_o year_n before_o christ_n and_o that_o hipparchus_n make_v the_o first_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fix_a star_n not_o above_o cl._n year_n before_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o know_a observation_n 21._o observation_n censorin_n de_fw-fr die_fw-fr natali_n c._n 21._o of_o varro_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o history_n to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o greek_n before_o the_o olympiad_n which_o be_v but_o about_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o build_n of_o rome_n and_o whatever_o learning_n or_o knowledge_n of_o ancient_a time_n the_o roman_n have_v they_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o greek_n for_o they_o be_v so_o little_a capable_a of_o transmit_v their_o own_o affair_n down_o to_o posterity_n with_o any_o exactness_n in_o point_n of_o time_n that_o for_o 23._o for_o id._n c._n 23._o some_o age_n they_o have_v neither_o dial_n nor_o hour-glass_n to_o measure_v their_o day_n and_o night_n for_o by_o common_a use_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o hour_n or_o the_o like_a distinction_n but_o compute_v their_o time_n only_o from_o noon_n to_o noon_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o their_o calendar_n be_v in_o such_o confusion_n till_o caesar_n regulate_v it_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o chinese_n to_o antiquity_n appear_v equal_o vain_a and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o they_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o astronomy_n or_o else_o the_o missionary_n by_o their_o skill_n in_o that_o art_n will_v not_o have_v be_v able_a so_o much_o to_o insinuate_v themselves_o with_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n indeed_o the_o chineses_n themselves_o 464._o themselves_o martin_n hist_o sin_n lib._n i._n two_o &_o atl._n sinic_n praef._n philip_n couplet_n in_o confuc_n proen_fw-mi declar._n &_o praef._n ad_fw-la fab._n chronol_n sinicae_fw-la monarchiae_fw-la le_fw-fr compt'_v memoir_n p._n 64._o 71._o 464._o confess_v that_o their_o antiquity_n be_v in_o great_a part_n fabulous_a and_o they_o acknowledge_v
and_o such_o prophecy_n deliver_v as_o give_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o full_a evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o concur_v with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n requisite_a in_o a_o revelation_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o know_v that_o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o effectual_a and_o not_o feign_v or_o insufficient_a i_o answer_v because_o we_o have_v they_o so_o relate_v and_o attest_v that_o consider_v bare_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o safe_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v ourselves_o see_v or_o hear_v if_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o for_o all_o this_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v since_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o no_o man_n be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o rome_n who_o never_o see_v it_o though_o no_o man_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o doubt_n of_o it_o than_o he_o can_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o london_n who_o live_v in_o it_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o all_o humane_a evidence_n but_o yet_o i_o deny_v that_o we_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o case_n because_o though_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v humane_a yet_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o concern_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v thus_o long_o impose_v upon_o in_o they_o without_o all_o possibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o here_o we_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o eye_n witness_n of_o they_o do_v resolve_v they_o into_o it_o but_o they_o believe_v these_o miracle_n as_o see_v by_o themselves_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o see_v and_o witness_v by_o other_o but_o both_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v if_o we_o have_v see_v those_o miracle_n that_o we_o may_v possible_o be_v decive_v and_o so_o indeed_o we_o may_v if_o we_o can_v not_o have_v secure_o rely_v upon_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o be_v design_v by_o he_o to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o we_o may_v with_o equal_a security_n rely_v upon_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o history_n of_o they_o as_o we_o can_v have_v do_v for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o they_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o sight_n since_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o deceit_n in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o we_o to_o find_v any_o in_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o performance_n humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o conveyance_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n down_o to_o we_o and_o we_o who_o can_v neither_o see_v the_o miracle_n nor_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n have_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o ascertain_v by_o a_o continue_a successive_a testimony_n till_o we_o arrive_v at_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_a witness_n of_o they_o now_o those_o that_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o esteem_v their_o sense_n infallible_a but_o they_o notwithstanding_o believe_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o of_o who_o yet_o their_o sense_n only_o can_v give_v they_o mean_n of_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a they_o know_v their_o sense_n may_v deceive_v they_o or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o deceive_v they_o upon_o this_o only_a ground_n that_o their_o sense_n or_o their_o reason_n by_o deduction_n from_o sense_n tell_v they_o so_o there_o be_v not_o one_o man_n of_o they_o perhaps_o but_o have_v often_o observe_v his_o sense_n misrepresent_v object_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n upon_o the_o sole_a testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n they_o ground_v a_o infallible_a faith_n because_o though_o their_o sense_n have_v misrepresent_v object_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a medium_n at_o a_o undue_a distance_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o indisposition_n of_o the_o sense_n itself_o and_o still_o their_o sense_n or_o rather_o their_o reason_n by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o sense_n discover_v that_o their_o sense_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o mistake_n but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o the_o object_n be_v place_v in_o open_a and_o frequent_a view_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n when_o it_o be_v public_a and_o expose_v to_o multitude_n when_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n concern_v it_o and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o infinite_a importance_n here_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n who_o frame_v their_o sense_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o hurtful_a to_o they_o as_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o testimony_n which_o descend_v to_o we_o from_o former_a age_n we_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o hear_v with_o other_o man_n ear_n and_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o may_v often_o fail_v we_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o double_a inconveniency_n through_o the_o incapacity_n and_o unfaithfulness_n of_o witness_n yet_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n so_o here_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o after_o the_o utmost_a trial_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v find_v to_o withhold_v our_o assent_n but_o all_o thing_n stand_v undisprove_v and_o no_o just_a scruple_n appear_v but_o only_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n but_o that_o of_o humane_a nature_n itself_o here_o god_n goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n must_v needs_o interpose_v to_o take_v away_o that_o only_a impediment_n which_o otherwise_o must_v unavoidable_o hinder_v any_o thing_n from_o ever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a the_o only_a certainty_n which_o we_o can_v have_v that_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v deceive_v where_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o medium_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n be_v right_o qualify_v because_o that_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o attribute_n of_o justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n but_o it_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o attribute_n not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o body_n for_o they_o will_v be_v provide_v for_o as_o well_o though_o our_o sense_n be_v delude_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o taste_v just_a as_o we_o do_v now_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o much_o deceive_v in_o these_o sensation_n therefore_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v not_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o respect_n to_o our_o soul_n not_o in_o regard_n to_o our_o body_n and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v such_o a_o cheat_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v intelligent_a and_o rational_a being_n we_o have_v the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o lie_v under_o such_o a_o delusion_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n unavoidable_o to_o lie_v under_o a_o temporal_a delusion_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n have_v we_o not_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o unavoidable_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n for_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v deceive_v be_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o to_o suffer_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o mankind_n at_o once_o not_o only_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o sense_n but_o to_o be_v poison_v by_o that_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o the_o special_a providence_n and_o particular_a care_n of_o god_n must_v be_v concern_v to_o prevent_v it_o
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
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
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
prejudice_n of_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o they_o come_v under_o the_o number_n of_o such_o accident_n as_o god_n can_v be_v oblige_v in_o his_o providence_n to_o prevent_v but_o the_o bible_n can_v not_o without_o the_o signal_n providence_n of_o god_n have_v be_v preserve_v for_o so_o many_o age_n under_z so_o many_o change_n and_o revolution_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o reason_n elsewhere_o observe_v see_v fit_a to_o permit_v much_o less_o can_v it_o have_v escape_v with_o so_o inconsiderable_a variation_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v secure_v by_o a_o particular_a providence_n from_o those_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o humane_a write_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chronology_n be_v the_o part_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v most_o nice_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v exact_o adjust_v because_o it_o depend_v upon_o so_o many_o several_a circumstance_n and_o comprehend_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o affair_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o how_o punctual_o soever_o the_o account_n of_o time_n be_v set_v down_o at_o first_o yet_o the_o least_o alteration_n in_o one_o word_n or_o letter_n may_v cause_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o copy_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o epoche_n in_o the_o computation_n of_o different_a country_n especial_o at_o great_a distance_n oâ—_n time_n as_o well_o as_o place_n be_v such_o that_o theâ—_n exact_a chronology_n may_v easy_o be_v mistake_v and_o may_v be_v further_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v by_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o rectify_v what_o they_o think_v amiss_o for_o that_o which_o be_v exact_a at_o firâ—â—_n be_v often_o make_v faulty_a by_o he_o who_o think_v it_o so_o before_o but_o i_o suppose_v that_o no_o material_a exception_n will_v lie_v against_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o acconâ—â—_n of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n if_o those_o twâ—_n thing_n be_v make_v out_o i._o that_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 ii_o that_o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o imply_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 but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o mistake_v of_o transcriber_n or_o of_o expositor_n i._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 because_o the_o point_n of_o time_n be_v but_o one_o circumstance_n and_o that_o easy_o mistake_v by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n and_o there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o circumstance_n so_o particular_a and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n relate_v notwithstanding_o any_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n for_o which_o reason_n solon_n reason_n plut._n i_o solon_n plutarch_n do_v not_o reject_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o discourse_n that_o past_a between_o solon_n and_o croesus_n though_o he_o can_v not_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v from_o chronology_n to_o prove_v it_o feign_v because_o he_o find_v it_o deliver_v by_o good_a author_n and_o see_v nothing_o improbable_a in_o it_o but_o every_o thing_n very_o likely_a and_o suitable_a to_o solon_n temper_n and_o he_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o reject_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v no_o other_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o some_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n when_o say_v he_o innumerable_a person_n have_v endeavour_v to_o rectify_v the_o chronological_a canon_n but_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o this_o day_n to_o reconcile_v the_o differ_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o chronology_n be_v a_o general_a complaint_n make_v by_o the_o best_a historian_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o objection_n have_v any_o weight_n it_o must_v invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n a_o very_a learned_a and_o accurate_a author_n have_v show_v the_o uncertainty_n in_o chronology_n usher_n chronology_n mr_n milner_n be_v defence_n of_o a._n bishop_n usher_n during_o the_o first_o monarchy_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o kingdom_n viz._n the_o kingdom_n of_o assyria_n itself_o and_o the_o kingdom_n contemporary_a with_o it_o and_o of_o person_n and_o occurrence_n but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o kingdom_n nor_o any_o such_o person_n and_o occurrence_n it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n be_v first_o build_v for_o catalin_n for_o sallust_n bell._n catalin_n sallust_n and_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v found_v by_o romulus_n have_v ascribe_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o trojan_n and_o romulo_n and_o plutarch_n in_o romulo_n those_o who_o make_v romulus_n the_o founder_n yet_o be_v at_o a_o strange_a disagreement_n concern_v the_o parent_n of_o romulus_n and_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n some_o have_v call_v his_o mother_n name_n ilia_n some_o rhea_n some_o silvia_n other_o as_o livy_n rhea_n silvia_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v a_o further_a difference_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n which_o have_v occasion_v great_a dispute_n among_o chronologer_n what_o then_o must_v follow_v from_o hence_o why_o if_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n when_o any_o fact_n be_v do_v imply_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o fact_n itself_o we_o must_v fair_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o rome_n be_v ever_o build_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o we_o must_v with_o iii._o with_o temporar_n chron._n demonst_a lib._n iii._o temporarius_n believe_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o man_n as_o romulus_n the_o copy_n of_o diogenes_n laertius_n place_n the_o time_n of_o epicurus_n death_n 9_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v as_o laert_n as_o menag_fw-mi observe_v in_o diog._n laert_n menagius_n have_v observe_v but_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o epicurus_n to_o give_v he_o up_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o man_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o strange_a that_o the_o time_n of_o so_o late_a and_o so_o remarkable_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o take_n of_o constantinople_n by_o the_o turk_n shall_v be_v place_v by_o some_o a_o year_n soon_o than_o by_o other_o this_o be_v a_o action_n know_v and_o discourse_v of_o throughout_o all_o europe_n and_o be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o dispute_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o thing_n from_o any_o uncertainty_n of_o time_n if_o other_o circumstance_n concur_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o chronologer_n be_v not_o a_o little_a ashamed_a say_v mr_n gregory_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v we_o 3._o jo._n greg._n de_fw-fr aeris_fw-la &_o epochis_n c._n 3._o concern_v so_o late_o and_o famous_a a_o calamity_n as_o the_o siege_n of_o constantinople_n by_o mahume_v the_o second_o ii_o the_o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o imply_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 but_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o mistake_v of_o transcriber_n or_o expositor_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o we_o need_v only_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_n mistake_v in_o the_o computation_n of_o chronology_n and_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o no_o book_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o be_v not_o sit_v to_o secure_a man_n from_o the_o error_n which_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o they_o to_o commit_v in_o thing_n of_o that_o intricacy_n i._o many_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v occasion_v by_o not_o observe_v that_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o general_n be_v afterward_o resume_v and_o deliver_v in_o the_o particular_n contain_v under_o it_o for_o the_o total_a sum_n of_o any_o term_n of_o year_n be_v set_v down_o first_o before_o the_o particular_n have_v be_v insist_v upon_o and_o explain_v have_v lead_v some_o into_o mistake_n by_o suppose_v that_o the_o particular_n afterward_o mention_v be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o but_o to_o be_v reckon_v apart_o as_o if_o they_o have_v happen_v afterward_o in_o order_n of_o time_n because_o they_o be_v last_o relate_v in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o history_n thus_o gen._n xi_o 26._o it_o be_v say_v that_o terah_n live_v seventy_o year_n and_o beget_v abram_n and_z vers_n 32._o that_o the_o day_n of_o terah_n be_v two_o hundred_o and_o five_o year_n and_o terah_n die_v in_o haran_n but_o gen._n twelve_o 4._o it_o be_v write_v that_o abram_n be_v seventy_o and_o five_o year_n old_a when_o he_o depart_v out_o of_o haran_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a if_o we_o suppose_v that_o abram_n live_v in_o haran_n till_o the_o
be_v avoid_v but_o by_o the_o care_n and_o concernment_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n and_o they_o be_v of_o so_o little_a moment_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v particular_o concern_v himself_o to_o prevent_v they_o 3._o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o proverb_n or_o parable_n often_o allude_v to_o custom_n or_o to_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o those_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v that_o be_v then_o common_o know_v but_o be_v unknown_a now_o may_v well_o make_v many_o place_n of_o their_o write_n obscure_v to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o time_n this_o be_v allege_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n 1._o obscurity_n obscuâ—itates_fw-la inquit_fw-la sex_n 〈…〉_o â—ssignemus_fw-la culâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o sed_fw-la inscitiae_fw-la non_fw-la 〈…〉_o quanquam_fw-la hi_o 〈…〉_o quae_fw-la scripta_fw-la 〈…〉_o â—ercipiunt_fw-la culpa_fw-la 〈…〉_o â—am_o longâ—aetas_fw-la ver_fw-la 〈…〉_o â—ores_n veteres_fw-la oblite_fw-la 〈…〉_o qâ—â—â—us_fw-la verbis_fw-la moribus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d sententia_fw-la legum_fw-la comprenensa_fw-la est_fw-la a._n gell._n lib._n xx_o c._n 1._o of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o twelve_o table_n among_o the_o roman_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o less_o than_o seven_o hundred_o year_n after_o their_o first_o be_v enact_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o book_n of_o antiquity_n especial_o in_o such_o book_n as_o have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o hint_n at_o thing_n so_o notorious_a at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v write_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o give_v any_o particular_a account_n of_o they_o this_o have_v make_v note_n and_o comment_n necessary_a upon_o all_o ancient_a book_n and_o those_o place_n need_v they_o most_o which_o treat_v of_o thing_n former_o so_o well_o know_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o insist_v upon_o they_o but_o suppose_v they_o and_o only_o allude_v to_o they_o rather_o than_o express_v or_o explain_v they_o for_o which_o reason_n we_o owe_v the_o information_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o roman_a antiquity_n chief_o to_o greek_a author_n because_o it_o have_v be_v absurd_a for_o roman_n write_v to_o man_n of_o their_o own_o city_n and_o nation_n to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o custom_n of_o rome_n which_o they_o know_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o but_o those_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o foreigner_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o the_o information_n of_o foreigner_n and_o whatever_o allusion_n either_o in_o parable_n or_o otherwise_o be_v make_v to_o such_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v difficult_a to_o we_o because_o whatever_o be_v thus_o speak_v with_o reference_n to_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v no_o better_a than_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o which_o serve_v for_o a_o illustration_n at_o the_o first_o write_v render_v the_o sense_n obscure_a when_o the_o thing_n use_v for_o illustration_n become_v unknown_a nothing_o be_v more_o general_o know_v than_o the_o proverbial_a say_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o the_o people_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o need_v more_o explication_n to_o foreigner_n and_o these_o say_n be_v very_o frequent_a both_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n for_o they_o be_v the_o most_o significant_a and_o instructive_a way_n of_o discourse_n and_o the_o most_o easy_o apprehend_v by_o such_o as_o be_v use_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o proverb_n be_v natural_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o they_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o any_o people_n so_o that_o the_o most_o effectual_a and_o ready_a way_n of_o instruction_n be_v to_o apply_v these_o say_n general_o know_v and_o receive_v to_o particular_a case_n and_o occasion_n but_o then_o these_o common_o depend_v upon_o the_o custom_n of_o a_o people_n or_o upon_o some_o history_n or_o particular_a accident_n and_o oftentimes_o be_v take_v up_o at_o first_o upon_o small_a occasion_n and_o the_o intention_n and_o signification_n of_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v forget_v or_o mistake_v in_o future_a age_n or_o by_o other_o nation_n and_o therefore_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n express_v in_o allegorical_a or_o proverbial_a form_n of_o speech_n or_o by_o type_n and_o resemblance_n of_o thing_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v better_o understand_v in_o those_o time_n when_o they_o be_v write_v than_o they_o be_v now_o because_o we_o have_v but_o a_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o many_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o allusion_n be_v make_v or_o from_o whence_o the_o similitude_n be_v take_v and_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o make_v they_o now_o obscure_a to_o we_o make_v they_o the_o more_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o they_o who_o live_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v write_v 4._o maimonides_n praef._n maimonides_n maim_v more_n nevoch_n praef._n lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v attend_v to_o the_o main_a scope_n any_o design_n of_o parable_n and_o not_o insist_v upon_o every_o word_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v add_v to_o make_v they_o more_o natural_a but_o not_o as_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o they_o and_o in_o those_o age_n when_o prophecy_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o type_n and_o allegory_n so_o constant_o make_v use_n of_o they_o have_v certain_a rule_n and_o method_n 14._o method_n joseph_n gell._n jud._n lib._n iii._o c._n 14._o of_o interpretation_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o josephus_n which_o through_o length_n of_o time_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o succeed_a age_n be_v now_o lose_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v often_o confuse_v and_o silence_v by_o they_o with_o the_o application_n of_o type_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v then_o acknowledge_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o messiah_n and_o be_v ever_o so_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o will_v scarce_o be_v understand_v so_o by_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o thus_o interpret_v and_o apply_v we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o the_o length_n of_o time_n and_o other_o accident_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prevent_v unless_o god_n shall_v make_v a_o new_a revelation_n to_o every_o ago_o and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o yet_o will_v be_v of_o little_a effect_n to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v nor_o persuade_v by_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n though_o the_o scripture_n be_v design_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o instruction_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n yet_o they_o often_o have_v a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a regard_n to_o the_o age_n and_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o pen_v we_o have_v nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o name_n of_o most_o of_o the_o historian_n mention_v by_o st_n jerom_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v read_v in_o order_n to_o explain_v the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o many_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v no_o pretence_n if_o we_o know_v the_o circumstance_n of_o affair_n and_o have_v a_o complete_a history_n of_o those_o time_n to_o which_o they_o relate_v but_o god_n have_v give_v we_o full_a evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o his_o appointment_n and_o direction_n expect_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n who_o will_v disbelieve_v it_o and_o if_o man_n will_v use_v any_o tolerable_a care_n and_o diligence_n the_o sense_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v so_o far_o understand_v as_o be_v needful_a in_o all_o time_n whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o particular_a passage_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o particular_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v show_v what_o certainty_n there_o be_v in_o the_o type_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n 1._o as_o for_o any_o difference_n which_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o prophecy_n they_o may_v proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o infirmity_n and_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o man_n undertake_v to_o write_v upon_o any_o subject_n they_o be_v seldom_o sausâ—â—d_v with_o what_o other_o have_v say_v before_o they_o but_o 〈…〉_o seek_v 〈…〉_o iâ—â—erprâ—â—tion_n 〈…〉_o partâ—_n â—â—om_o the_o 〈◊〉_d ficulty_n of_o fix_v the_o particular_a and_o prâ—â—se_a time_n of_o actâ—â—â—_n but_o this_o 〈…〉_o objection_n against_o 〈…〉_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o 〈…〉_o well_o conclude_v that_o thing_n 〈…〉_o to_o paâ—s_n because_o learned_a 〈◊〉_d diffâ—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d time_n of_o their_o be_v do_v as_o â—hat_n they_o 〈◊〉_d never_o prophesy_v of_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n expositor_n may_v differ_v in_o the_o nicety_n of_o the_o chronological_a part_n but_o in_o the_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
and_o aid_n of_o grace_n to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n and_o be_v as_o earnest_o invite_v and_o as_o sufficient_o enable_v to_o obtain_v the_o reward_n god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v as_o he_o solemn_o and_o with_o a_o oath_n declare_v by_o his_o prophet_n ezekiel_n xxxiii_o 11._o it_o be_v his_o principal_a intention_n and_o desire_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v he_o have_v proclaim_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n and_o transgression_n and_o sin_n but_o than_o it_o be_v add_v that_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a that_o be_v the_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n exod._n xxxiv_o 6_o 7._o he_o exhort_v he_o invite_v he_o promise_v he_o threaten_v he_o promise_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o threaten_v eternal_a misery_n to_o give_v all_o the_o discouragement_n to_o vice_n and_o all_o the_o enducement_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v possible_a last_o of_o all_o he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o to_o we_o and_o to_o purchase_v our_o redemption_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n god_n deal_v with_o man_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o condescend_v manner_n he_o lay_v their_o duty_n before_o they_o with_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n annex_v and_o both_o eternal_a the_o better_a to_o secure_v they_o in_o their_o obedience_n and_o force_v they_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o then_o he_o take_v man_n at_o no_o advantage_n but_o make_v all_o reasonable_a allowance_n in_o consideration_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o condescension_n to_o their_o infirmity_n he_o exact_v not_o absolute_a perfection_n nor_o any_o impossible_a obedience_n but_o require_v that_o though_o we_o can_v live_v without_o sin_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o sin_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o allow_v and_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sin_n and_o shall_v repent_v if_o we_o have_v do_v so_o he_o require_v a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a diligence_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o every_o father_n and_o master_n expect_v from_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n when_o man_n have_v sin_v god_n admit_v of_o their_o repentance_n and_o if_o after_o repentance_n they_o sin_v again_o yet_o still_o they_o shall_v be_v accept_v upon_o a_o renew_v repentance_n nay_o after_o a_o long_a course_n of_o sin_n a_o sincere_a repentance_n may_v reconcile_v they_o to_o god_n and_o no_o repentance_n can_v be_v too_o late_a that_o be_v sincere_a it_o be_v extreme_o dangerous_a indeed_o to_o defer_v our_o repentance_n for_o one_o moment_n because_o our_o life_n be_v so_o uncertain_a and_o we_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o will_v no_o long_o afford_v we_o a_o opportunity_n to_o repent_v nor_o bestow_v that_o grace_n upon_o we_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o repentance_n but_o this_o be_v after_o repeat_v provocation_n and_o a_o obstinate_a reject_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o these_o be_v the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o when_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v save_v his_o soul_n alive_a there_o be_v great_a joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o the_o return_v prodigal_n be_v receive_v with_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o tenderness_n if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a we_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o if_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o yet_o his_o grace_n be_v offer_v we_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o we_o may_v be_v pardon_v upon_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a but_o if_o man_n either_o disbelieve_v or_o disregard_n all_o these_o thing_n if_o they_o neither_o care_n for_o god_n promise_n nor_o fear_v his_o threaten_n if_o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o grieve_v his_o bless_a spirit_n if_o all_o the_o method_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n be_v lose_v upon_o they_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o justice_n must_v have_v its_o course_n if_o when_o they_o be_v tell_v so_o long_o beforehand_o what_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o man_n will_v continue_v obstinate_a in_o their_o disobedience_n after_o so_o many_o invitation_n and_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o after_o so_o great_a importunity_n and_o forbearance_n they_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o sentence_n which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o often_o threaten_v with_o and_o have_v as_o often_o despise_v since_o the_o reward_n be_v eternal_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o punishment_n on_o the_o other_o the_o reward_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o punishment_n the_o term_n be_v on_o both_o side_n equal_a and_o since_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n and_o obtain_v the_o reward_n the_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o that_o any_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a that_o such_o a_o prizee_n be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n so_o far_o will_v he_o be_v from_o complain_v that_o the_o terror_n of_o punishment_n be_v join_v to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o reward_n that_o all_o motive_n concur_v to_o make_v he_o happy_a and_o that_o god_n have_v use_v all_o mean_n both_o inward_a by_o his_o grace_n and_o outward_a by_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o salvation_n i_o repeat_v it_o again_o for_o god_n himself_o often_o repeat_v it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o have_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o prevent_v it_o he_o have_v provide_v heaven_n for_o we_o and_o threaten_a hell_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n if_o man_n will_v neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o most_o love_a and_o compassionate_a exhortation_n and_o the_o death_n of_o his_o own_o son_n for_o they_o if_o neither_o heaven_n can_v invite_v nor_o hell_n frighten_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o only_o for_o that_o destruction_n which_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o the_o appeal_n which_o god_n so_o long_o ago_o make_v to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n may_v at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v allege_v to_o sinner_n you_o have_v say_v that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o equal_a hear_v now_o o_o you_o sinner_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a have_v not_o your_o way_n be_v unequal_a and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n shall_v then_o appear_v so_o equal_a and_o the_o way_n of_o wicked_a man_n so_o unreasonable_a and_o perverse_a that_o their_o own_o conscience_n shall_v bear_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o he_o that_o die_v to_o save_v they_o will_v pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n upon_o they_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o jewish_a law_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o vulgar_a mind_n be_v more_o surprise_v and_o offend_v at_o nor_o at_o which_o man_n of_o understanding_n and_o experience_n be_v less_o incline_v to_o wonder_n or_o take_v offence_n than_o the_o several_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o divers_a nation_n in_o the_o different_a age_n and_o climate_n of_o the_o world_n the_o habit_n the_o language_n the_o letter_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o food_n the_o complexion_n the_o feature_n of_o the_o body_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v various_a in_o different_a country_n and_o age_n and_o theresore_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o political_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v give_v so_o many_o age_n ago_o and_o in_o a_o country_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n very_o different_a in_o its_o custom_n from_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o different_a from_o the_o custom_n in_o use_n among_o we_o as_o the_o age_n and_o climate_n for_o when_o god_n do_v appoint_v law_n for_o man_n he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o appoint_v such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o necessity_n and_o occasion_n of_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o some_o who_o have_v travel_v into_o the_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v not_o so_o variable_a in_o their_o fashion_n and_o way_n of_o live_v as_o the_o western_a nation_n be_v have_v find_v great_a advantage_n both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o of_o the_o climate_n and_o from_o the_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o
suffer_v the_o wicked_a to_o go_v unpunished_a in_o contempt_n of_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o under_o that_o dispensation_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o indulge_v their_o anger_n and_o desire_v of_o revenge_n yet_o they_o may_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v avenge_v himself_o of_o his_o enemy_n and_o rescue_v his_o law_n from_o that_o contempt_n which_o they_o must_v lie_v under_o from_o wicked_a man_n if_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v those_o punishment_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n threaten_v they_o withal_o but_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o case_n be_v different_a for_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v constant_o follow_v upon_o the_o performance_n or_o transgression_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v common_o reserve_v to_o a_o future_a state_n a_o christian_a may_v not_o pray_v for_o judgement_n upon_o his_o enemy_n because_o god_n have_v not_o so_o peremptory_o declare_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o will_v inflict_v his_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o law_n and_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n command_n and_o example_n to_o pray_v for_o their_o repentance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o punish_v in_o the_o next_o but_o a_o christian_n may_v right_v himself_o in_o due_a course_n of_o law_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o may_v petition_v the_o judge_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o jew_n do_v when_o they_o pray_v god_n to_o execute_v his_o own_o law_n by_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n as_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o transgressor_n of_o they_o in_o this_o life_n they_o invoke_v and_o appeal_v to_o god_n as_o their_o political_a judge_n and_o sovereign_n and_o pray_v judgement_n against_o offender_n v._o those_o which_o seem_v imprecation_n be_v oftentimes_o prediction_n or_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v upon_o sinner_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n 1.20_o and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o uncharitableness_n to_o foretell_v or_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o sinner_n but_o rather_o a_o effect_n of_o charity_n towards_o they_o for_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n most_o of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v as_o proper_o be_v render_v by_o way_n of_o prediction_n in_o the_o future_a tense_n and_o when_o they_o can_v they_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o denunciation_n of_o god_n wrath._n for_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o employ_v to_o execute_v the_o divine_a judgement_n as_o we_o see_v in_o elijah_n 2_o king_n i_o 9_o 10._o and_o as_o they_o sometime_o execute_v god_n judgement_n so_o they_o at_o other_o time_n denounce_v they_o and_o this_o have_v nothing_o of_o uncharitableness_n in_o it_o but_o be_v full_o agreeable_a with_o the_o gospel_n itself_o for_o thus_o we_o read_v that_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v punish_v with_o present_a death_n by_o st._n peter_n act_n v._n but_o if_o st._n peter_n have_v denounce_v death_n without_o inflict_v it_o immediate_o upon_o they_o this_o have_v be_v less_o and_o st._n paul_n pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v reward_v alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n according_a to_o his_o work_n who_o have_v do_v he_o much_o evil_n 2_o tim._n four_o 14._o which_o be_v no_o uncharitable_a imprecation_n but_o a_o leave_v he_o to_o god_n judgement_n and_o a_o denunciation_n of_o punishment_n to_o befall_v he_o without_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o that_o excommunication_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v inflict_v upon_o he_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o when_o god_n have_v inspire_v and_o empower_v man_n to_o denounce_v judgement_n this_o be_v no_o more_o against_o charity_n than_o the_o inflict_a of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v or_o than_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v if_o magistrate_n be_v empower_v in_o the_o king_n name_n to_o give_v sentence_n and_o to_o inflict_v punishment_n certain_o man_n may_v be_v so_o empower_v and_o authorise_a by_o god_n himself_o and_o may_v act_v or_o speak_v according_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n vi_o the_o expression_n ps_n lxix_o and_o cix_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v judas_n as_o we_o find_v they_o apply_v act_v 1._o and_o all_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n may_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o he_o or_o of_o some_o other_o like_v he_o who_o the_o psalmist_n by_o inspiration_n may_v know_v to_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n past_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o may_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v rather_o cut_v they_o off_o than_o suffer_v they_o to_o do_v more_o mischief_n in_o this_o world_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o their_o iniquity_n here_o and_o of_o their_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v vii_o last_o this_o supposition_n be_v tacit_o emply_v in_o imprecation_n if_o they_o will_v persist_v in_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v in_o some_o case_n know_v by_o revelation_n that_o judgement_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v those_o man_n against_o who_o they_o pray_v and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o great_a charity_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o remedy_n which_o alone_o be_v lest_o for_o their_o amendment_n aâ—_n psal_n lxxxiii_o 15_o 16._o so_o persecute_v they_o with_o thy_o tempest_n and_o make_v they_o afraid_a with_o thy_o storm_n fill_v their_o face_n with_o shame_n that_o they_o may_v seeâ—_n thy_o name_n o_o lord_n there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o love_n of_o ouâ—_n neighbour_n in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o mistake_v of_o unwary_a men._n for_o either_o they_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n to_o enable_v the_o israelite_n to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v appoint_v as_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o canaanite_n who_o god_n be_v please_v for_o wise_a and_o great_a reason_n to_o punish_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rather_o than_o by_o pestilence_n or_o any_o other_o judgement_n or_o they_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o do_v what_o both_o justice_n and_o charity_n will_v allow_v to_o be_v do_v either_o by_o person_n in_o authority_n as_o king_n david_n or_o even_o by_o private_a man_n as_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o offender_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o condign_a punishment_n and_o this_o may_v be_v without_o any_o degree_n of_o malice_n or_o the_o least_o breach_n of_o charity_n since_o punishment_n itself_o may_v be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o charity_n likewise_o towards_o divers_a men._n or_o these_o expression_n may_v be_v appeal_n to_o god_n as_o the_o political_a governor_n and_o legislator_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o they_o be_v prediction_n or_o denunciation_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o sinner_n and_o they_o may_v be_v direct_v against_o impenitent_a obstinate_a man_n harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n or_o last_o they_o may_v be_v only_a prayer_n to_o god_n â—hat_n he_o will_v inflict_v such_o punishment_n upon_o mon_n as_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n in_o latter_a age_n pervert_v some_o passage_n of_o their_o law_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o pride_n and_o revenge_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o many_o instance_n never_o any_o law_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n oblige_v man_n to_o more_o humanity_n towards_o stranger_n or_o more_o charity_n towards_o enemy_n they_o be_v certain_o to_o covert_n no_o man_n house_n or_o wife_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n neighbour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o signify_v only_o a_o israelite_n or_o a_o proselyte_n but_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o exod._n xx_o 17._o thou_o shall_v love_v he_o the_o stranger_n as_o thyself_o leu._n nineteeen_o 34._o the_o egyptian_n be_v style_v the_o neighbour_n of_o the_o israelite_n exod._n xi_o 2._o and_o ps_n xv_o 2_o 3._o where_o act_n of_o common_a justice_n towards_o neighbour_n be_v speak_v of_o by_o neighbour_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v any_o person_n for_o to_o all_o man_n justice_n be_v due_a not_o only_o justice_n but_o charity_n be_v enjoin_v towards_o enemy_n if_o thy_o enemy_n be_v hungry_a give_v he_o bread_n to_o eat_v and_o if_o he_o be_v thirsty_a give_v he_o water_n to_o drink_v for_o thou_o shall_v heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v reward_v thou_o prov._n twenty-five_o 21_o 22._o which_o word_v so_o full_o express_v our_o duty_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o st._n paul_n can_v find_v none_o fit_a to_o describe_v it_o by_o rom._n twelve_o 20._o and_o exod._n xxiii_o 4_o 5._o if_o thou_o meet_v thy_o enemy_n ox_n or_o his_o ass_n go_v
in_o part_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v yet_o the_o people_n in_o a_o rage_n and_o tumult_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o say_v away_o with_o such_o a_o fellow_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v live_v they_o cry_v out_o and_o cast_v off_o their_o clothes_n and_o throw_v dust_n into_o the_o air_n act._n xxii_o 22.23_o these_o be_v not_o the_o action_n of_o reasonable_a man_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o reason_n 5._o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n with_o their_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v then_o very_o frequent_a insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a they_o will_v have_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_n matt._n xxiv_o 24._o and_o the_o jew_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o these_o who_o comply_v with_o their_o lust_n and_o desire_n than_o to_o examine_v and_o consider_v the_o clear_a evidence_n which_o must_v oblige_v they_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o they_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o it_o 6._o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a cause_n the_o jew_n reject_v their_o messiah_n and_o still_o continue_v in_o unbelief_n whereby_o be_v fulfil_v many_o prophecy_n concern_v this_o very_a thing_n and_o whilst_o they_o endeavour_v in_o vain_a to_o disprove_v all_o other_o argument_n their_o infidelity_n and_o obstinacy_n itself_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o they_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o they_o will_v thus_o reject_v their_o messiah_n as_o st._n paul_n prove_v rom._n ix_o 27._o and_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o always_o do_v it_o as_o st._n stephen_n tell_v they_o as_o your_o father_n do_v so_o do_v you_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v and_o they_o have_v slay_v they_o which_o show_v before_o of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o just_a one_o of_o who_o you_o have_v be_v now_o the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n act._n seven_o 55_o 52._o ii_o what_o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o christian_a and_o heathen_a author_n of_o those_o age_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o consider_v the_o general_a depravation_n both_o of_o the_o manner_n and_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o many_o shall_v be_v content_v with_o any_o religion_n or_o with_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o so_o that_o they_o may_v retain_v their_o vice_n rather_o than_o attend_v to_o any_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o must_v oblige_v they_o to_o abandon_v and_o crucify_v all_o their_o lust_n and_o sin_n and_o renounce_v their_o ease_n and_o safety_n to_o live_v in_o disgrace_n and_o misery_n and_o die_v in_o torment_n however_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o discouragement_n there_o be_v no_o rank_n nor_o order_n of_o man_n nor_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n but_o divers_a of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o they_o be_v early_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o dionyssius_fw-la the_o areopagite_n justin_n martyr_n athenagoras_n tertullian_n arnobius_n and_o other_o and_o as_o nothing_o but_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v convert_v these_o so_o it_o be_v no_o unaccountable_a thing_n that_o other_o shall_v stand_v out_o and_o oppose_v it_o for_o i._o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n they_o be_v only_o for_o high_a and_o subtle_a speculation_n and_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v give_v no_o attention_n to_o a_o company_n of_o ignorant_a man_n who_o tell_v they_o a_o plain_a truth_n of_o one_o that_o have_v be_v crucify_a and_o rose_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a christ_n crucify_v be_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n 1_o cor._n i_o 22._o 23._o and_o the_o several_a tenet_n of_o philosophy_n then_o in_o vogue_n be_v a_o great_a obstruction_n to_o all_o such_o as_o thought_n themselves_o skill_v in_o they_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o become_v christian_n and_o we_o find_v that_o some_o of_o they_o after_o their_o conversion_n can_v not_o soon_o lay_v aside_o all_o their_o philosophical_a notion_n the_o epicurean_o a_o confident_a and_o vain_a sect_n will_v receive_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o another_o life_n but_o with_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n and_o some_o say_v what_o will_v this_o babbler_n say_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a some_o mock_v act_v xvii_o 18_o 32._o the_o platonist_n hold_v a_o revolution_n of_o all_o thing_n into_o their_o former_a state_n in_o some_o certain_a term_n of_o year_n and_o therefore_o they_o by_o their_o own_o principle_n must_v look_v upon_o all_o only_a as_o a_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o revolution_n and_o a_o period_n of_o time_n the_o peripatetic_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o therefore_o laugh_v at_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v now_o just_a at_o a_o end_n and_o declare_v that_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n not_o many_o thousand_o of_o year_n before_o the_o stoic_n who_o mighty_o improve_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o philosophy_n by_o borrow_v from_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o hold_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v under_o a_o inevitable_a fate_n and_o destiny_n have_v such_o a_o perpetual_a curb_n upon_o they_o as_o leave_v they_o no_o liberty_n to_o think_v of_o change_v their_o opinion_n one_o of_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o immaterial_a a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pride_n in_o the_o very_a composition_n of_o a_o stoic_a it_o 22._o it_o arrian_n epict._n lib._n iii_o c._n 22._o appear_v from_o the_o account_n which_o arrian_n have_v give_v of_o epictetus_n that_o neither_o the_o jewish_a law_n nor_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v unknown_a to_o he_o for_o in_o the_o discourse_n which_o he_o have_v preserve_v of_o epictetus_n we_o find_v he_o sometime_o use_v the_o same_o word_n with_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o appear_v likewise_o from_o those_o discourse_n that_o epictetus_n be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o diogenes_n the_o cynic_n and_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n for_o magnify_v himself_o as_o one_o send_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o high_a say_n of_o the_o stoic_n be_v not_o vain_a boast_n but_o real_a and_o practicable_a truth_n he_o at_o last_o thus_o conclude_v how_o do_v i_o converse_v say_v he_o with_o these_o man_n who_o you_o fear_v and_o admire_v do_v not_o i_o treat_v they_o as_o slave_n who_o when_o he_o see_v i_o do_v not_o think_v he_o see_v his_o king_n and_o his_o master_n there_o can_v be_v little_a hope_n that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o religion_n which_o enjoin_v that_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n eâ—ch_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o phil._n two_o 3._o 41._o 3._o prope_fw-la est_fw-la a_o te_fw-la deus_fw-la tecum_fw-la est_fw-la intus_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la dico_fw-la lucili_n sacer_fw-la intra_fw-la nos_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sedet_fw-la bonorum_fw-la malorumqâ—_n nostrorum_fw-la observator_fw-la &_o custos_fw-la etc._n etc._n senec._n epist_n 41._o seneca_n in_o some_o place_n write_v as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v transcribe_v the_o scripture_n but_o he_o be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o and_o he_o likewise_o discover_v a_o strange_a vanity_n and_o conceit_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o write_n for_o cite_v a_o passage_n of_o epicurus_n where_o he_o tell_v his_o friend_n that_o if_o he_o desire_v glory_n his_o letter_n shall_v make_v he_o more_o famous_a than_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o esteem_v or_o for_o which_o he_o be_v esteem_v a_o seneca_n assure_v lucilius_n 21._o lucilius_n epist_n 21._o that_o he_o can_v promise_v he_o as_o much_o as_o epicurus_n have_v do_v his_o friend_n for_o he_o shall_v be_v famous_a in_o future_a time_n and_o can_v raise_v and_o perpetuate_v the_o fame_n of_o whosoever_o he_o please_v the_o pythagorean_n be_v a_o superstitious_a sect_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o magic_n and_o beside_o they_o have_v give_v themselves_o up_o by_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o their_o master_n dictate_v and_o therefore_o be_v to_o regard_v no_o reason_n nor_o argument_n against_o they_o in_o short_a the_o philosopher_n be_v all_o exceed_o prepossess_v and_o prejudice_v by_o some_o peculiar_a
which_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a deceitful_a way_n of_o argue_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a revelation_n which_o may_v have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o invalidate_v that_o evidence_n then_o all_o the_o objection_n beside_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v be_v but_o objection_n and_o no_o more_o for_o if_o those_o argument_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a remain_v still_o in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v those_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o objection_n but_o to_o reject_v the_o objection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n because_o if_o those_o can_v be_v disprove_v all_o the_o which_o can_v be_v think_v of_o must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o once_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n i_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n that_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o must_v be_v vain_a and_o false_a which_o i_o have_v that_o that_o thing_n be_v true_a because_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v false_a which_o be_v opposite_a to_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o take_v off_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a can_v ever_o prove_v it_o false_a but_o all_o objection_n must_v be_v false_a themselves_o or_o insignificant_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v if_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v can_v be_v disprove_v that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v be_v true_a to_o show_v this_o in_o particular_n if_o a_o man_n muster_v up_o never_o so_o many_o inconsistency_n as_o he_o think_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o unless_o he_o be_v as_o well_o assure_v at_o least_o that_o these_o which_o he_o call_v inconsistency_n can_v be_v in_o any_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o he_o may_v be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o can_v in_o reason_n reject_v their_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o we_o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o evidence_n can_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o authority_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v frame_v never_o so_o many_o objection_n against_o the_o opinion_n common_o receive_v that_o caesar_n himself_o write_v the_o commentary_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n and_o not_o julius_n celsus_n or_o any_o other_o author_n unless_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o caesar_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o his_o objection_n will_v never_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v thing_n which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o to_o enact_v law_n especial_o concern_v the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n enjoin_v a_o people_n so_o many_o age_n past_a the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v not_o be_v full_o to_o understand_v and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o chronology_n and_o that_o the_o text_n may_v in_o divers_a place_n have_v a_o different_a read_n and_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o reasonable_a man_n by_o several_a expositor_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v at_o present_a to_o gratify_v these_o objector_n and_o this_o will_v gratify_v they_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o that_o the_o law_n be_v utter_o unaccountable_a that_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v no_o way_n adjust_v that_o the_o divers_a readins_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v reconcile_v yet_o what_o do_v all_o this_o prove_v that_o moses_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o egyptian_n be_v not_o witness_n to_o they_o that_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o saviour_n never_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a do_v it_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o or_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v to_o prove_v it_o if_o it_o can_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o it_o can_v then_o all_o the_o evidence_n produce_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n stand_v firm_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o mighty_a noise_n of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o will_v be_v not_o how_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v from_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v from_o henceforth_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v till_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v how_o these_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v or_o reconcile_v with_o other_o place_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o reason_n thus_o in_o any_o case_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n and_o whether_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o any_o other_o case_n how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o we_o thorough_o unstand_v in_o natural_a thing_n and_o yet_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o because_o we_o may_v puzzle_v and_o perplex_v ourselves_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n we_o discern_v the_o light_n and_o feel_v the_o warmth_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o constant_a return_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o of_o the_o several_a season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o all_o this_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o approach_n or_o withdraw_n of_o the_o sun_n influence_n but_o whoever_o will_v go_v about_o to_o explain_v all_o this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o it_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a task_n and_o such_o objection_n have_v be_v urge_v against_o every_o hypothesis_n in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o as_o perhaps_o no_o man_n be_v able_a full_o to_o answer_v but_o do_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o heat_n as_o day_n and_o night_n though_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n move_v or_o do_v man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o can_v see_v or_o not_o till_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v how_o vision_n be_v make_v and_o must_v none_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v but_o mathematician_n or_o do_v man_n refuse_v to_o eat_v till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v nourish_v yet_o if_o we_o must_v be_v sway_v by_o objection_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a point_n nor_o affect_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n about_o they_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o comprehend_v in_o every_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o concern_v it_o that_o may_v it_o seem_v be_v object_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o may_v be_v a_o just_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o it_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o be_v too_o confident_a that_o we_o move_v before_o we_o can_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o the_o great_a philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o eat_v till_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o digestion_n and_o nourishment_n be_v make_v in_o short_a this_o will_v run_v we_o into_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o scepticism_n for_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v that_o some_o doubt_v whether_o snow_n be_v white_a or_o honey_n sweet_a or_o any_o
in_o sport_n prov._n xxvi_o 18_o 19_o but_o what_o description_n or_o comparison_n can_v be_v find_v equal_a to_o his_o madness_n who_o deceive_v and_o destroy_v himself_o and_o that_o eternal_o and_o yet_o say_v be_o not_o i_o in_o sport_n be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a perfection_n of_o wit_n and_o raillery_n wo_n unto_o he_o that_o strive_v with_o his_o maker_n isai_n xlv_o 9_o do_v they_o provoke_v i_o to_o anger_n say_v the_o lord_n do_v they_o not_o provoke_v themselves_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o their_o own_o face_n jer._n seven_o 19_o and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v all_o thy_o blasphemy_n thus_o with_o your_o mouth_n you_o have_v boast_v against_o i_o and_o have_v multiply_v your_o word_n against_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o ezek._n xxxv_o 12_o 13._o do_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o 1_o cor._n x._o 22._o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n 2_o pet._n three_o 3._o but_o beloved_n remember_v you_o the_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v before_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n how_o that_o they_o tell_v you_o there_o shall_v be_v mocker_n in_o the_o last_o time_n who_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o ungodly_a lust_n judas_n 17.18_o if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v discourse_v be_v insufficient_a to_o convince_v these_o man_n yet_o let_v their_o own_o argument_n and_o even_o their_o own_o blasphemy_n convince_v they_o for_o the_o very_o worst_a that_o they_o can_v say_v or_o do_v serve_v to_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n finis_fw-la addenda_fw-la the_o book_n have_v be_v long_o ago_o fit_v for_o the_o press_n and_o out_o of_o the_o author_n custody_n he_o can_v not_o insert_v the_o follow_a addition_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n chap._n iu._n p._n 112._o l._n 3._o after_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n add_v if_o either_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n barnabas_n or_o st._n clement_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o reason_v be_v not_o always_o just_a but_o be_v sometime_o too_o allegorical_a and_o sometime_o found_v upon_o mistake_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_o agreeable_a to_o the_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o that_o age_n so_o that_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n can_v then_o be_v any_o hindrance_n or_o prejudice_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o these_o epistle_n chap._n x._o p._n 222._o l._n ult_n after_o principle_n add_v and_o beside_o other_o use_v which_o may_v be_v find_v out_o hereafter_o one_o very_o considerable_a have_v be_v already_o make_v of_o the_o satellite_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o rectify_v geography_n and_o determine_v the_o longitude_n of_o place_n philos_fw-la burgund_n tom._n 5._o c._n 8._o disseâ—t_fw-la 3_o m._n cassini_n have_v draw_v up_o table_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o write_v a_o treatise_n on_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o le_fw-fr compte's_n memoire_fw-fr p._n 15._o and_o 505._o missionary_n by_o their_o observation_n have_v discover_v that_o the_o empire_n of_o china_n be_v five_o hundred_o league_n near_o europe_n than_o geographer_n have_v place_v it_o chap._n xi_o p._n 226._o l._n 27._o *_o after_o opinion_n add_v the_o same_o word_n which_o joshua_n use_v be_v translate_v to_o wait_v upon_o and_o wait_v for_o ps_n lxii_o 1._o lxv_o 1._o so_o that_o all_o which_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o word_n be_v that_o the_o sun_n attend_v he_o lengthen_v the_o day_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o victory_n or_o wait_v upon_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n chap._n xiii_o p._n 256._o l._n 24._o after_o christ_n sake_n add_v a_o state_n of_o damnation_n be_v a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o the_o soul_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o divine_a wrath_n be_v in_o that_o state_n though_o it_o be_v not_o irreversible_a during_o this_o life_n so_o that_o the_o death_n threaten_v be_v twofold_a viz._n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v according_o inflict_v on_o both_o but_o it_o be_v not_o threaten_v that_o this_o death_n shall_v be_v to_o the_o final_a destruction_n either_o of_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o through_o the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n the_o body_n may_v be_v recover_v from_o the_o death_n to_o which_o it_o become_v subject_a to_o a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v restore_v from_o the_o death_n into_o which_o it_o have_v fall_v to_o a_o state_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n chap._n xv_o p._n 325._o l._n 15._o after_o in_o the_o new_a add_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n we_o be_v teach_v deutr._n xxx_o 6._o psalm_n xxv_o 4._o xxvii_o 11._o li._n 10_o 11_o 12._o lxxxvi_o 11._o cxix_o 12_o 26_o 33_o 64_o 66_o 68_o 108._o 124._o 135._o cxliii_o 10._o prov._n 1.23_o isa_n xliv_o 3._o lix_n 21_o jer._n xxxi_o 8._o xxxii_o 40._o ezek._n xi_o 19_o xxxvi_o 26_o 27._o chap._n xvi_o p._n 338._o l._n 10._o after_o religion_n add_v the_o sovereignty_n be_v in_o due_a time_n to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o david_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o from_o that_o time_n the_o sceptre_n and_o the_o lawgiver_n etc._n etc._n chap._n xxii_o p._n 391._o l._n 5._o after_o expect_a add_v the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o relation_n to_o christ_n come_n and_o all_o the_o time_n after_o his_o come_n be_v style_v the_o last_o day_n as_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o different_a state_n of_o job_n life_n the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o year_n of_o it_o after_o his_o suffering_n be_v style_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o precedent_a part_n be_v term_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o job_n xlii_o 12_o 16._o chap._n xxviii_o p._n 486._o l._n after_o prophet_n ionas_n add_v dr._n lightfoot_n in_o his_o remain_n late_o publish_v have_v observe_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o importunate_a for_o a_o sign_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v before_o they_o that_o their_o tradition_n teach_v they_o to_o expect_v these_o two_o sign_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v viz._n that_o he_o shall_v raise_v the_o old_a prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a and_o famous_a man_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v bring_v down_o manna_n for_o they_o from_o heaven_n in_o their_o old_a write_n and_o record_n he_o say_v they_o speak_v much_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n of_o their_o expectation_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o these_o tradition_n if_o they_o have_v be_v right_o understand_v be_v not_o so_o blind_a and_o foolish_a as_o that_o learned_a author_n style_v they_o but_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o very_a time_n and_o occasion_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n refer_v the_o jew_n when_o they_o require_v these_o sign_n of_o he_o for_o at_o his_o resurrection_n many_o body_n of_o saint_n which_o sleep_v arise_v matt._n xxvii_o 52._o and_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o manna_n or_o bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o ascension_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o joh._n vi_fw-la 62._o whereby_o he_o intimate_v that_o then_o will_v be_v the_o time_n of_o send_v this_o manna_n when_o upon_o his_o ascension_n he_o will_v bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v for_o these_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v at_o their_o demand_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o have_v intimation_n give_v to_o expect_v they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v content_v with_o other_o chap._n xxx_o p._n 519._o l._n 12._o after_o he_o please_v add_v but_o it_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o strange_a that_o the_o excellent_a emperor_n m._n antoninus_n who_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a morality_n both_o in_o the_o speculation_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o also_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a faich_n especial_o if_o he_o own_v that_o a_o signal_n miracle_n be_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o christian_n obtain_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o whole_a army_n apol._n c._n 5._o ad_fw-la scap._n c._n 4._o as_o tertullian_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o declare_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v that_o m._n anteninus_n be_v very_o superstitious_a in_o all_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o be_v so_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o philostr_n vit._n sophist_n in_o herod_n hermag_n aristid_n adrian_n sophist_n of_o his_o
equivalent_a to_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n among_o men._n that_o there_o be_v this_o unity_n and_o this_o distinction_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o distinction_n this_o be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o our_o notion_n of_o person_n among_o man_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v ii_o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o be_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o this_o doctrine_n our_o knowledge_n at_o the_o best_a concern_v finite_a thing_n be_v very_o imperfect_a which_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o it_o be_v the_o character_n which_o solomon_n himself_o give_v of_o the_o fool_n that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a prov._n fourteen_o 16._o but_o when_o we_o consider_v thing_n infinite_a we_o be_v much_o more_o at_o a_o loss_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v something_o eternal_a must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n even_o those_o that_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o must_v believe_v something_o else_o to_o be_v eternal_a they_o must_v believe_v that_o there_o always_o be_v something_o because_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v any_o thing_n have_v be_v produce_v by_o nothing_o out_o of_o nothing_o it_o may_v but_o then_o there_o must_v have_v be_v something_o to_o produce_v it_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a therefore_o of_o nothing_o if_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v something_o eternal_a the_o atheist_n himself_o can_v deny_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o it_o mean_v and_o yet_o what_o apparent_a contradiction_n may_v he_o fancy_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n for_o what_o be_v eternal_a can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o either_o a_o short_a or_o a_o long_a duration_n than_o it_o always_o have_v so_o that_o million_o of_o age_n hence_o it_o will_v not_o have_v continue_v long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v as_o many_o million_o of_o age_n past_a and_o how_o strange_a and_o contradictory_n do_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o not_o only_o three_o age_n and_o one_o age_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n between_o one_o hour_n or_o moment_n and_o never_o so_o many_o age_n in_o respect_n of_o eternity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v this_o difficulty_n if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o any_o religion_n or_o no_o religion_n let_v he_o but_o apprehend_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o eternity_n and_o he_o must_v own_v both_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o explain_v it_o here_o then_o be_v a_o unaswerable_a difficulty_n in_o a_o thing_n which_o all_o the_o world_n must_v believe_v if_o they_o have_v it_o but_o so_o propose_v to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v make_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n imaginable_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v great_a than_o that_o which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o this_o notion_n which_o all_o must_v of_o necessity_n hold_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o observe_v it_o in_o finite_a thing_n which_o be_v usual_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n every_o day_n we_o believe_v what_o we_o very_o little_o understand_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n our_o knowledge_n indeed_o be_v so_o very_o imperfect_a concern_v the_o nature_n of_o most_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v almost_o venture_v to_o say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v content_v for_o the_o present_a to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v deliver_v concern_v his_o own_o nature_n we_o may_v hereafter_o know_v god_n himself_o as_o plain_o as_o now_o we_o know_v many_o thing_n here_o for_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v even_o as_o also_o i_o be_o know_v 1_o cor._n xiii_o 12._o if_o it_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a however_o that_o such_o abstruse_a mystery_n shall_v be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v pronounce_v that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o all_o who_o do_v not_o thus_o think_v and_o believe_v shall_v without_o doubt_n perish_v everlasting_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v there_o must_v be_v something_o believe_v which_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a comprehension_n and_o which_o can_v be_v know_v no_o further_o than_o in_o order_n to_o be_v believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n without_o all_o knowledge_n but_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v complete_a will_v exclude_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v knowledge_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v general_a and_o imperfect_a or_o as_o it_o be_v particular_a and_o adequate_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v we_o must_v have_v a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o whatever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a and_o adequate_a knowledge_n of_o it_o there_o can_v remain_v nothing_o of_o it_o unknown_a to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o difference_n between_o science_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o we_o be_v less_o certain_a of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n than_o of_o the_o object_n of_o science_n but_o that_o we_o know_v less_o of_o they_o for_o certainty_n depend_v upon_o our_o general_a knowledge_n as_o that_o god_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o we_o see_v it_o or_o can_v demonstrate_v it_o in_o every_o particular_a and_o this_o general_a knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o faith_n be_v in_o natural_a religion_n attain_v to_o by_o reason_n and_o in_o reveal_v religion_n from_o revelation_n thus_o we_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o be_v convince_v that_o infinite_a power_n and_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n belong_v to_o it_o but_o we_o believe_v the_o divine_a perfection_n without_o any_o particular_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n from_o revelation_n we_o attain_v to_o this_o general_a knowledge_n that_o the_o divine_a nature_n consist_v of_o three_o person_n in_o one_o undivided_a essence_n but_o we_o believe_v these_o three_o person_n to_o be_v one_o god_n without_o any_o particular_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n for_o than_o it_o will_v no_o long_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o faith_n will_v be_v no_o more_o faith_n i_o will_v therefore_o ask_v the_o adversary_n of_o this_o doctrine_n whether_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n omnipresent_v eternal_a almighty_a omniscient_a infinite_o holy_a just_a and_o merciful_a be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n no_o rational_a man_n can_v deny_v it_o i_o inquire_v further_o whether_o insant_n and_o idiot_n be_v oblige_v necessary_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o this_o belief_n they_o must_v certain_o answer_v no_o because_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o impossibility_n i_o demand_v then_o again_o whether_o if_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o attribute_n or_o the_o agreement_n of_o they_o one_o with_o another_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v with_o a_o general_n and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n by_o any_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o rest_n the_o ignorance_n of_o these_o article_n which_o be_v above_o their_o understanding_n even_o as_o to_o this_o general_a and_o imperfect_a way_n of_o knowledge_n can_v be_v destructive_a of_o their_o salvation_n they_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o can_v because_o god_n can_v require_v nothing_o impossible_a of_o any_o man._n and_o the_o very_a same_o answer_v apply_v to_o the_o cavil_n against_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_n they_o that_o creed_n contain_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o necessary_a to_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v they_o in_o order_n to_o believe_v they_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n but_o this_o suppose_v he_o capable_a of_o think_v