if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n but_o the_o imperfection_n of_o human_a nature_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o god_n that_o this_o shall_v never_o mislead_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n whether_o the_o imperfection_n be_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o in_o short_a the_o miracle_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v as_o effectual_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o we_o as_o they_o can_v to_o those_o that_o see_v they_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v upon_o their_o evidence_n as_o they_o can_v have_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sense_n let_v we_o consider_v history_n as_o a_o medium_n by_o which_o these_o miracle_n become_v know_v to_o we_o and_o compare_v this_o medium_n with_o that_o of_o sight_n if_o a_o man_n will_v be_v sceptical_a he_o may_v doubt_v whether_o any_o medium_n of_o sight_n be_v so_o fit_o dispose_v as_o to_o represent_v object_n in_o their_o due_a proportion_n and_o proper_a shape_n he_o may_v suspect_v that_o any_o miracle_n which_o he_o can_v see_v be_v false_a or_o wrought_v only_o to_o amuse_v and_o deceive_v he_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o way_n to_o satisfy_v such_o a_o one_o but_o by_o tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o in_o this_o other_o medium_n of_o history_n which_o to_o we_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o that_o of_o sight_n a_o man_n may_v doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o he_o please_v notwithstanding_o the_o most_o credible_a evidence_n but_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n where_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v concern_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v mankind_n to_o be_v deceive_v without_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o deceit_n the_o circumstance_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o credibility_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v due_o attend_v to_o can_v but_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o evidence_n of_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o and_o consider_v and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o its_o circumstance_n most_o credible_a and_o in_o its_o matter_n be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v certain_o true_a unless_o god_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n for_o not_o to_o believe_v thing_n credible_a when_o attend_v to_o and_o know_v to_o be_v such_o be_v to_o humane_a nature_n impossible_a and_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o thing_n propose_v as_o from_o god_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a crime_n against_o god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v i_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o be_o oblige_v in_o honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v upon_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o think_v he_o can_v oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v john_n xx_o 29._o which_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o a_o peculiar_a blessing_n belong_v to_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v upon_o less_o evidence_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v there_o pronounce_v bless_a who_o have_v so_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v of_o himself_o as_o to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o not_o because_o other_o may_v not_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o belief_n as_o those_o who_o see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o convince_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o 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effectual_o attest_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v of_o he_o because_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o in_o age_n to_o come_v be_v to_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o faith_n in_o christian_n and_o he_o thereby_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o good_a ground_n for_o faith_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o as_o we_o can_v have_v from_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o general_o those_o who_o come_v in_o unbelief_n go_v away_o no_o better_o satisfy_v wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o his_o own_o country_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n he_o can_v do_v no_o mighty_a work_n save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o heal_v they_o mark_n vi_fw-la 5._o he_o can_v not_o do_v his_o mighty_a work_n because_o they_o will_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o will_v be_v lose_v upon_o they_o and_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o insignificant_a or_o in_o vain_a if_o they_o will_v reject_v what_o have_v be_v so_o full_o witness_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v whatever_o miracle_n they_o shall_v see_v he_o do_v it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o amid_o all_o his_o miracle_n our_o saviour_n direct_v his_o follower_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o very_a miracle_n and_o that_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n who_o see_v and_o discourse_v with_o he_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o luke_n xxiv_o 26_o 27._o he_o require_v the_o jew_n to_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o own_o miracle_n than_o that_o which_o he_o imply_v they_o already_o give_v to_o the_o wriring_n of_o moses_n so_o as_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o create_v in_o they_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o many_o more_o and_o great_a motive_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o believe_v these_o of_o the_o new_a must_v therefore_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o those_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n and_o all_o the_o faith_n which_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v that_o i_o myself_o be_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o maker_n or_o create_v without_o a_o creator_n and_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o this_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n in_o man_n must_v himself_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a that_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o that_o according_a to_o these_o attribute_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v a_o false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o his_o own_o name_n with_o such_o manifest_a token_n of_o credibility_n that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o disprove_v it_o but_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o r._n wellington_n at_o the_o dolphin_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n be_v churchyard_n new_o publish_v a_o treatise_n of_o medicine_n contain_v a_o account_n of_o their_o chemical_a principle_n the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o they_o their_o various_a preparation_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o
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
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
and_o of_o seduce_v and_o apostate_n spirit_n without_o any_o sufficient_a mean_n afford_v they_o to_o undeceive_v and_o rescue_v themselves_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o power_n and_o who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o shall_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n to_o make_v themselves_o god_n of_o wood_n and_o stone_n nay_o to_o offer_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n unto_o devil_n and_o to_o commit_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n and_o make_v murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n not_o only_o their_o practice_n but_o their_o religion_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o true_a god_n will_v behold_v all_o this_o for_o so_o many_o age_n among_o so_o many_o people_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v himself_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o honour_n and_o restore_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n upon_o earth_n i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v at_o large_a that_o mankind_n have_v in_o all_o age_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n for_o a_o revelation_n to_o direct_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o that_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o teach_v abominable_o wicked_a doctrine_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o best_a teacher_n and_o instructor_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o we_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n and_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o we_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o imagine_v that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v affront_v and_o despise_v without_o require_v any_o satisfaction_n that_o infinite_a holiness_n shall_v behold_v the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o find_v out_o no_o way_n to_o remedy_v it_o and_o that_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n shall_v enslave_v and_o torment_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o compassion_n in_o infinite_a mercy_n nor_o any_o care_n over_o a_o erroneous_a and_o delude_a world_n in_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n see_v his_o child_n run_v on_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reclaim_v they_o nor_o give_v they_o any_o advice_n but_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o themselves_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o ruin_n and_o if_o this_o be_v unworthy_a to_o suppose_v of_o natural_a parent_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v this_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o we_o can_v but_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o with_o all_o the_o compassion_n of_o the_o tender_a father_n or_o mother_n without_o the_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n that_o accompany_v they_o in_o humane_a parent_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n of_o almighty_a god_n infinite_a in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v mankind_n to_o make_v themselves_o as_o miserable_a as_o they_o can_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o without_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o fatal_a a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n or_o interpose_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o direction_n to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v destruction_n and_o to_o obtain_v happiness_n the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v know_v to_o we_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n when_o we_o argue_v upon_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o i_o consider_v mankind_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o fact_n set_v aside_o the_o advantage_n of_o revelation_n wicked_a and_o abandon_v to_o wickedness_n in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n unable_a to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n lose_v and_o undo_v without_o power_n or_o strength_n without_o any_o help_n or_o remedy_n and_o in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o world_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v there_o no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n shall_v take_v some_o course_n and_o not_o disregard_n all_o mankind_n lie_v in_o this_o condition_n the_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o scoffer_n of_o the_o last_o day_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o will_v be_v this_o that_o all_o thing_n go_v on_o in_o their_o constant_a course_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o meddle_v or_o concern_v himself_o with_o they_o where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_v for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n 2_o pet._n three_o 4._o and_o if_o no_o promise_n have_v ever_o be_v make_v they_o will_v have_v have_v some_o reason_n in_o their_o argue_n for_o that_o which_o render_v the_o heathen_a without_o excuse_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v of_o god_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o they_o have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o have_v many_o memorial_n of_o it_o among_o they_o in_o every_o nation_n but_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o st._n paul_n argument_n act._n xvii_o &_o rom._n i._n unless_o this_o latter_a chapter_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o dr._n hammond_n interpret_v it_o of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n that_o the_o gentile_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v and_o stifle_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o write_a law_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o habitation_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v determine_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v the_o lord_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o find_v and_o discover_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o that_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o deut._n xxxii_o 8._o act._n xvii_o 26_o 27._o they_o may_v have_v be_v less_o vicious_a than_o they_o be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therein_o they_o be_v inexcusable_a that_o though_o they_o can_v not_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o have_v give_v themselves_o so_o whole_o up_o to_o it_o as_o to_o become_v exclude_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o all_o who_o will_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o by_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n endeavour_n from_o natural_a religion_n to_o arrive_v at_o reveal_v become_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o negligence_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o talent_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v man_n warning_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o they_o will_v not_o regard_v it_o they_o must_v be_v wilful_o ignorant_a if_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v that_o one_o day_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n and_o it_o be_v argument_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a that_o he_o do_v not_o bring_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o a_o disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a world_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o we_o ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n but_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n now_o this_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a and_o exceed_o agreeable_a with_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v man_n warn_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v righteous_a and_o happy_a or_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a and_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o punish_v they_o nor_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o advantage_n against_o they_o but_o give_v they_o time_n for_o second_o thought_n and_o space_n for_o consideration_n and_o repentance_n but_o if_o they_o abuse_v so_o much_o patience_n and_o lovingkindness_n that_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o come_v
they_o hold_v a_o correspondence_n after_o their_o separation_n and_o live_v long_o to_o educate_v and_o train_v up_o their_o child_n in_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o be_v instruct_v in_o themselves_o and_o beside_o they_o have_v little_a else_o to_o discourse_v upon_o but_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v necessary_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o family_n be_v that_o which_o man_n be_v natural_o most_o fond_a of_o and_o in_o these_o age_n the_o particular_n can_v be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o very_a remarkable_a and_o almost_o within_o the_o memory_n of_o some_o yet_o live_v and_o every_o occurrence_n must_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v be_v teach_v concern_v god_n and_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o and_o their_o forefather_n moreover_o there_o be_v the_o special_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o a_o particular_a overrule_v providence_n in_o the_o dispersion_n and_o division_n of_o nation_n for_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v to_o the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n when_o he_o separate_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n he_o set_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n deut._n xxxii_o 8._o he_o determine_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n that_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n if_o haply_o they_o may_v feel_v after_o he_o and_o find_v he_o act._n xvii_o 26_o 27._o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o particular_a regard_n have_v to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o choose_a seed_n that_o they_o may_v bear_v a_o fit_a proportion_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o may_v be_v as_o so_o much_o leaven_n to_o the_o whole_a mass_n as_o a_o quicken_a and_o enliven_a principle_n to_o excite_v and_o maintain_v due_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n give_v why_o polygamy_n be_v permit_v they_o that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n and_o be_v to_o teach_v his_o commandment_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n may_v sufficient_o increase_v and_o multiply_v for_o though_o it_o appear_v by_o our_o register_n mortality_n register_n see_v grant_v on_o the_o bill_n of_o mortality_n that_o here_o more_o male_n be_v bear_v than_o female_n to_o a_o considerable_a disproportion_n and_o that_o therefore_o polygamy_n among_o we_o will_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n but_o rather_o to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o in_o judaea_n it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o or_o the_o captive_a woman_n who_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o marry_v may_v raise_v the_o number_n of_o female_n above_o that_o of_o the_o male_n or_o their_o perpetual_a war_n lessen_v the_o number_n of_o male_n to_o a_o degree_n beneath_o the_o female_n however_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n allege_v by_o learned_a man_n why_o polygamy_n which_o be_v not_o permit_v from_o the_o beginning_n shall_v be_v allow_v the_o israelite_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n that_o they_o shall_v multiply_v so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o due_a proportion_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o survive_a brother_n be_v to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o the_o decease_a barrenness_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o to_o die_v childless_a a_o curse_n and_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n a_o blessing_n so_o often_o promise_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o dispensation_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o better_a to_o revive_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n those_o who_o be_v most_o eminent_a for_o piety_n be_v employ_v to_o be_v god_n herald_n and_o ambassador_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n be_v appeal_v to_o as_o his_o witness_n isai_n xliii_o 12._o and_o xliv_o 8._o the_o jew_n have_v a_o tradition_n 25._o tradition_n s._n hierom_n quaest._n in_o genes_n s._n august_n quaest_n in_o genes_n l._n v._o qu._n 25._o that_o abraham_n refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o fire_n the_o god_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n be_v throw_v by_o they_o into_o it_o and_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o it_o by_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o that_o he_o go_v forth_o from_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o place_n but_o from_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o chaldee_n ur_fw-la in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n signify_v fire_n but_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o recourse_n to_o such_o tradition_n this_o be_v certain_a abraham_n be_v send_v by_o god_n command_n out_o of_o chaldaea_n into_o canaan_n and_o there_o he_o have_v no_o fix_a or_o settle_a habitation_n but_o journey_v go_v on_o still_o towards_o the_o south_n gen._n twelve_o 9_o till_o a_o famine_n happen_v in_o that_o country_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o dispose_v of_o thing_n that_o he_o and_o lot_n go_v into_o egypt_n and_o when_o he_o be_v there_o he_o be_v by_o a_o very_a remarkable_a accident_n take_v great_a notice_n of_o by_o pharaoh_n himself_o for_o pharaoh_n admire_v the_o beauty_n of_o sarah_n abraham_n wife_n take_v she_o into_o his_o house_n for_o which_o great_a plague_n be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o his_o household_n and_o pharaoh_n perceive_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o send_v he_o away_o with_o his_o wife_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v by_o this_o it_o become_v notorious_a to_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o prince_n that_o abraham_n be_v under_o god_n peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o regard_v what_o he_o profess_v concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n abimelech_n likewise_o king_n of_o gerar_n send_v and_o take_v sarah_n upon_o which_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n and_o declare_v to_o he_o that_o abraham_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o he_o and_o this_o abimelech_n tell_v to_o all_o his_o servant_n gen._n 20.7_o 8._o and_o he_o call_v upon_o god_n by_o his_o name_n jehovah_n ver_fw-la 4._o which_o show_v that_o he_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o abraham_n and_o lot_n be_v return_v into_o canaan_n from_o egypt_n upon_o some_o disagreement_n between_o their_o herdsman_n they_o part_v from_o each_o other_o lot_z going_z towards_o sodom_n and_o abraham_n to_o the_o plain_a of_o mamre_n in_o hebron_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v war_n between_o nine_o king_n of_o that_o country_n four_o be_v confederate_a on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o five_o on_o the_o other_o but_o the_o king_n of_o sodom_n and_o his_o confederate_n be_v defeat_v in_o battle_n lot_n who_o dwell_v in_o sodom_n be_v with_o all_o his_o good_n carry_v away_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o which_o when_o abraham_n be_v inform_v he_o arm_v his_o servant_n and_o with_o no_o more_o than_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o man_n gain_v a_o signal_n victory_n retake_v lot_n and_o bring_v he_o back_o with_o all_o his_o family_n and_o good_n and_o at_o his_o return_n he_o be_v meet_v by_o the_o king_n of_o sodom_n and_o by_o melchizedeck_v king_n of_o salem_n who_o be_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n bless_v abraham_n who_o give_v he_o the_o ten_o of_o all_o his_o spoil_n which_o whole_a action_n must_v needs_o render_v abraham_n mighty_o renown_v in_o all_o that_o country_n so_o much_o mercy_n do_v god_n extend_v to_o the_o canaanite_n who_o after_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n be_v to_o be_v root_v out_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o israelite_n to_o possess_v their_o land_n that_o abraham_n and_o lot_n and_o melchizedeck_v and_o their_o family_n be_v appoint_v as_o monitor_n and_o instructor_n to_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o piety_n and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v ineffectual_a to_o their_o amendment_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v destroy_v by_o a_o most_o miraculous_a and_o visible_a judgement_n with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n after_o god_n have_v declare_v at_o abraham_n intercession_n that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o ten_o righteous_a person_n in_o those_o city_n he_o will_v have_v save_v the_o rest_n for_o their_o sake_n lot_z with_o his_o family_n only_o escape_v this_o dreadful_a judgement_n and_o his_o wife_n look_v back_o out_o of_o fondness_n for_o the_o place_n she_o have_v leave_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n which_o be_v so_o strange_a and_o so_o remarkable_a judgement_n that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o prodigious_a obstinacy_n in_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n power_n and_o authority_n by_o they_o the_o moabite_n and_o
c._n 18._o lib._n v._o c._n 7._o quadratus_n have_v this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o time_n of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o of_o irenaeus_n ii_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v according_a to_o a_o express_a promise_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n they_o shall_v do_v even_o great_a work_n than_o he_o have_v do_v himself_o john_n fourteen_o 12._o that_o be_v they_o shall_v do_v work_n that_o will_v be_v more_o eminent_a and_o observable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a for_o nothing_o can_v be_v great_a in_o that_o sense_n than_o to_o raise_v a_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v to_o they_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n when_o man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o they_o be_v command_v by_o our_o saviour_n not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o this_o promise_n and_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o many_o day_n after_o his_o be_v take_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o he_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judaea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v i_o 4_o 5_o 8._o and_o this_o miraculous_a power_n be_v visible_o bestow_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o upon_o the_o 643._o the_o monstrabatur_fw-la locus_fw-la ubi_fw-la super_fw-la centum_fw-la viginti_fw-la credentium_fw-la animas_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_fw-la descendisset_fw-la hieron_n epitaph_n paulae_n vid._n dr._n light_n exercit_fw-la on_o act._n two_o 1._o p._n 643._o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_v i_o 15._o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v effectual_o qualify_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v concern_v christ_n and_o that_o they_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o it_o nor_o can_v propose_v any_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o by_o deceive_v other_o and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v design_v any_o deceit_n they_o allege_v such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v past_o undiscovered_a all_o which_o will_v be_v exceed_o confirm_v by_o consider_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v therefore_o show_v how_o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o to_o become_v witness_n to_o christ_n 1._o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v themselves_o 2._o by_o that_o power_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o they_o to_o other_o of_o work_v miracle_n 3._o by_o their_o supernatural_a resolution_n courage_n and_o patience_n under_o their_o suffering_n i._o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v to_o become_v witness_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v themselves_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n qualify_v they_o most_o effectual_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o they_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v a_o assurance_n to_o themselves_o and_o a_o evidence_n to_o other_o that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v and_o his_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o undoubted_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o they_o be_v real_a miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v or_o not_o they_o must_v needs_o know_v whether_o their_o own_o pretence_n be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o whether_o they_o can_v speak_v the_o language_n and_o do_v the_o wonder_n which_o the_o world_n believe_v they_o to_o do_v and_o speak_v and_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v by_o what_o power_n and_o mean_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v all_o their_o miraculous_a work_n and_o these_o work_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o do_v in_o that_o manner_n that_o they_o can_v impose_v upon_o no_o man_n by_o they_o they_o can_v not_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o they_o speak_v all_o kind_n of_o language_n if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v they_o nor_o that_o they_o cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n if_o they_o have_v not_o cure_v they_o nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v a_o language_n that_o he_o understand_v when_o he_o hear_v it_o or_o than_o for_o man_n that_o be_v sick_a to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v recover_v when_o they_o feel_v themselves_o well_o and_o the_o manner_n oâ—_n their_o perform_v these_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o public_a and_o notorious_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o person_n on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v our_o saviour_n have_v be_v crucify_v at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o solemnity_n and_o but_o fifty_o day_n after_o at_o the_o next_o solemn_a festival_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o very_a same_o city_n where_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o multitude_n of_o people_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n which_o come_v to_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o they_o in_o all_o their_o several_a tongue_n that_o this_o same_o jesus_n be_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o they_o be_v impower_v by_o he_o to_o speak_v all_o those_o language_n the_o apostle_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v notice_n of_o to_o be_v gallilean_n man_n of_o low_a birth_n and_o of_o new_a education_n st._n john_n in_o particular_a be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n himself_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o know_v to_o many_o that_o hear_v they_o their_o parentage_n and_o place_n of_o abide_v and_o manner_n of_o life_n may_v easy_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o they_o be_v no_o stranger_n nor_o in_o a_o far_a country_n and_o from_o all_o these_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o speak_v any_o of_o these_o language_n but_o by_o inspiration_n and_o to_o speak_v all_o language_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o can_v hope_v to_o arrive_v at_o by_o study_n or_o conversation_n though_o he_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v least_o of_o all_o be_v suspect_v of_o man_n of_o mean_a employment_n and_o who_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o their_o daily_a labour_n and_o industry_n the_o miracle_n which_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v likewise_o in_o the_o most_o public_a place_n of_o the_o city_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n upon_o person_n who_o have_v be_v most_o remarkable_a and_o general_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o their_o infirmity_n st._n peter_n by_o pronounce_v only_o these_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n rise_v up_o and_o walk_v cure_v a_o man_n of_o above_o forty_o year_n of_o age_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v lame_a from_o his_o birth_n and_o be_v carry_v and_o lay_v daily_o at_o one_o of_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o there_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o great_a resort_n of_o people_n to_o ask_v a_o alm_n of_o they_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o this_o man_n be_v immediate_o cure_v go_v with_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n into_o the_o temple_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v he_o walk_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o which_o sit_v for_o alm_n at_o the_o beautiful_a gate_n of_o the_o temple_n act_v three_o 9_o 10._o and_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n inquire_v into_o the_o matter_n and_o upon_o examination_n when_o they_o see_v the_o boldness_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o marvel_v and_o they_o take_v knowledge_n of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v be_v with_o jesus_n and_o behold_v the_o man_n which_o be_v heal_v stand_v with_o they_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o it_o but_o confess_v among_o themselves_o that_o indeed_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o act_n four_o 13_o 14_o 16._o by_o this_o and_o other_o evident_a and_o public_a miracle_n the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o apostle_n
but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
to_o the_o custom_n of_o other_o nation_n well_o know_v and_o practise_v at_o that_o time_n thus_o the_o slave_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v their_o master_n name_n or_o mark_v upon_o their_o forehead_n and_o the_o soldier_n to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o their_o general_n upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o like_a mark_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n in_o token_n that_o they_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n receive_v by_o his_o worshipper_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o in_o their_o forehead_n loc_fw-la forehead_n vid._n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la loc_fw-la rev._n 13.16_o and_o of_o his_o father_n name_v write_v in_o the_o forehead_n of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o mount_n zion_n with_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 14.1_o st_o paul_n allude_v to_o the_o grecian_a game_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n who_o be_v much_o addict_v to_o those_o sport_n and_o have_v one_o sort_n of_o they_o the_o isthmian_a perform_v among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o 25._o and_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o distinction_n among_o the_o roman_n between_o freeman_n and_o slave_n for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v in_o condescension_n to_o they_o i_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n because_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o your_o flesh_n rom._n 6.19_o melchisedec_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o father_n without_o mother_n without_o descent_n heb._n 7.3_o because_o his_o pedigree_n be_v unknown_a which_o be_v a_o most_o significant_a way_n of_o expression_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o exact_a in_o their_o genealogy_n but_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v also_o use_v 8._o use_v patre_fw-la nullo_n matre_fw-la serva_fw-la liv._o lib._n 4._o c._n 3._o â—ullis_fw-la majoribus_fw-la ortos_fw-la horac_n serm._n lib._n 1._o sit_v 6._o dvos_fw-la romanos_fw-la reges_fw-la â—sse_fw-la quorum_fw-la alter_fw-la patrem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la alter_fw-la matrem_fw-la nam_fw-la de_fw-la servij_fw-la matre_fw-la dubitatur_fw-la anci_fw-la pater_fw-la nullus_fw-la numae_fw-la nepos_fw-la dicitur_fw-la senec._n epist_n c._n 8._o by_o livy_n horace_n and_o seneca_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n there_o be_v much_o of_o nature_n but_o very_o much_o likewise_o of_o use_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o several_a scheme_n and_o form_n of_o rhetoric_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o sudden_a change_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v jer._n 16.19_o 20_o 21.17.13_o and_o with_o interlocatory_a discourse_n isa_n 63._o and_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a to_o we_o for_o want_v of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n who_o speak_v thus_o for_o instance_n jer._n 20.14_o the_o prophet_n seem_v transport_v abrupt_o from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o wicked_a mention_v for_o 13._o under_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n from_o the_o 14_o ver_fw-la to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o sense_n will_v be_v more_o easy_a this_o abrupt_a change_n of_o the_o person_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o longinus_n as_o a_o excellency_n in_o homer_n hecataeus_n and_o demosthenes_n and_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 7._o scripture_n justin_n apol._n 2._o origen_n philocal_a c._n 7._o as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o origen_n observe_v many_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o best_a heathen_a poet_n and_o the_o read_v the_o ancient_a poet_n be_v the_o best_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n all_o other_o author_n of_o great_a antiquity_n for_o the_o ancient_a any_o author_n be_v the_o near_a his_o stile_n come_v to_o poetry_n the_o first_o design_n of_o write_v be_v to_o delight_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o instruct_v which_o make_v verse_n much_o more_o ancient_a than_o prose_n and_o though_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o speak_v in_o prose_n and_o not_o in_o verse_n yet_o it_o seem_v the_o humour_n oâ—_n greek_n will_v not_o bear_v though_o write_a philosophy_n in_o prose_n till_o the_o time_n of_o cyrus_n for_o then_o loc_fw-la then_o plin._n hist_o lib._n 5._o c._n 29.7_o c._n 56._o vid._n harduin_n ad_fw-la loc_fw-la pliny_n tell_v we_o pherecydes_n first_o write_v in_o prose_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o philosophy_n for_o he_o ascribe_v the_o first_o writing_n of_o prose_n in_o history_n to_o cadmus_n milesius_n and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n now_o extant_a in_o prose_n herodotus_n thucydides_n and_o xenophon_n have_v many_o expression_n which_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o meet_v withal_o beside_o but_o in_o the_o poet_n h._n stephens_n make_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o poetical_a word_n use_v by_o xenophon_n which_o be_v prefix_v to_o his_o work_n and_o the_o orator_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n be_v as_o exact_v and_o curious_a in_o the_o foot_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o prose_n as_o the_o poet_n can_v be_v in_o verse_n great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o verse_n and_o the_o different_a way_n of_o write_v in_o different_a age_n and_o nation_n appear_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o poetry_n that_o way_n of_o write_v all_o verse_n in_o rhyme_n which_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o in_o use_n and_o esteem_v will_v have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n though_o the_o use_n of_o rhyme_n in_o verse_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v example_n in_o antiquity_n that_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o way_n of_o write_a verse_n acrostic_n though_o of_o no_o esteem_n and_o little_o use_v in_o many_o age_n and_o country_n be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n verse_n compose_v in_o the_o acrostic_n and_o alphabetical_a way_n be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o memory_n and_o this_o benefit_n and_o the_o ornament_n which_o it_o be_v then_o suppose_v to_o give_v to_o poem_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o sometime_o the_o inspiration_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o the_o writer_n mind_n as_o to_o interrupt_v the_o art_n and_o method_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o as_o ps_n 25._o and_o 145._o or_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v customary_a upon_o certain_a occasion_n to_o omit_v some_o letter_n in_o the_o alphabet_n in_o such_o composition_n for_o reason_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o which_o may_v be_v very_o satisfactory_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o time_n and_o country_n 21._o country_n athenae_n lib._n 10._o c._n 21._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o example_n of_o this_o among_o the_o greek_n use_v by_o pindar_n and_o other_o ancient_a poet_n the_o old_a 11._o old_a casanb_n in_o athen._n lib._n 8._o c._n 11._o spartan_a doric_a and_o aeolic_a dialect_n change_v σ_n into_o p_o the_o rough_a sound_n of_o this_o letter_n be_v more_o agreeable_a it_o seem_v to_o those_o people_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v write_v acrostic_n and_o alphabetical_a poem_n σ_n will_v have_v be_v omit_v rhophalick_a verse_n which_o begin_v with_o a_o monosyllable_n every_o word_n increase_a by_o one_o syllable_n more_o than_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o homer_n and_o the_o leonine_n or_o monkish_a verse_n with_o a_o double_a rhyme_n one_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o end_n be_v not_o without_o precedent_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o poem_n compose_v of_o divers_a sort_n of_o verse_n and_o frame_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o several_a thing_n by_o simmias_n rhodius_n some_o of_o which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o theocritus_n the_o repetition_n so_o frequent_a in_o homer_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o word_n for_o no_o author_n ever_o want_v they_o less_o than_o he_o but_o out_o of_o choice_n though_o latter_a poet_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o this_o and_o martial_n turn_v it_o to_o ridicule_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o be_v more_o various_a than_o the_o wit_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o whoever_o will_v write_v to_o any_o purpose_n must_v write_v in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o he_o write_v will_v bear_v and_o as_o their_o custom_n require_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o particular_a it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o consider_v the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n in_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 there_o never_o be_v any_o book_n write_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a propriety_n of_o word_n because_o all_o language_n abound_v in_o metaphor_n which_o by_o constant_a use_n become_v perhaps_o better_o know_v to_o the_o native_n of_o a_o country_n than_o the_o original_a word_n themselves_o and_o in_o process_n
of_o time_n often_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v quite_o lay_v aside_o but_o then_o this_o borrow_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n of_o word_n may_v be_v very_o strange_a to_o man_n of_o other_o country_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v take_v for_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v use_v the_o horn_n of_o the_o son_n of_o oil_n signify_v in_o our_o way_n of_o expression_n a_o very_a fruitful_a hill_n isa_n 5.1_o and_o horn_n signify_v strength_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n as_o familiar_o as_o robur_n or_o oak_n signify_v the_o same_o in_o latin_n and_o not_o only_o the_o valley_n be_v say_v to_o shout_n and_o sing_v ps_n 65.13_o but_o the_o best_a fruit_n in_o the_o land_n be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o sing_n of_o the_o land_n gen._n 43.11_o the_o word_n rock_n be_v often_o use_v to_o denote_v the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o septuagint_n and_o vulgar_a latin_a be_v sometime_o translate_v god_n for_o their_o rock_n be_v not_o as_o our_o rock_n even_o our_o enemy_n be_v judge_n deut._n 32.31_o those_o version_n render_v it_o their_o god_n and_o our_o god_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n v._o 4_o 15_o 18._o ps_n 31.3.73.26_o be_v there_o any_o god_n beside_o i_o yea_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o know_v not_o any_o isai_n 46.8_o in_o the_o hebrew_n it_n be_v there_o be_v no_o rock_n as_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bible_n remark_n this_o use_n of_o metaphor_n arise_v partly_o from_o the_o likeness_n that_o be_v perceive_v between_o thing_n which_o make_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v express_v by_o another_o and_o give_v a_o delightful_a illustration_n to_o the_o thing_n discourse_v of_o and_o partly_o from_o our_o want_n of_o fit_a word_n to_o express_v the_o various_a nature_n of_o thing_n especial_o of_o thing_n spiritual_a which_o we_o common_o speak_v of_o in_o negative_a term_n and_o rather_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v like_o thing_n sensible_a than_o positive_o affirm_v what_o they_o be_v thus_o we_o say_v that_o they_o be_v immaterial_a invisible_a incorruptible_a etc._n etc._n and_o when_o we_o speak_v positive_o of_o they_o we_o must_v use_v such_o word_n as_o sensible_a object_n can_v furnish_v we_o withal_o since_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o for_o we_o understand_v their_o nature_n so_o imperfect_o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o frame_v a_o language_n on_o purpose_n to_o express_v it_o and_o he_o who_o shall_v go_v about_o such_o a_o work_n will_v neither_o be_v understand_v by_o other_o nor_o well_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v himself_o but_o of_o all_o being_n god_n himself_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o comprehension_n that_o we_o can_v never_o speak_v of_o he_o in_o expression_n suitable_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o when_o true_a conception_n be_v have_v of_o he_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o speak_v of_o he_o in_o such_o term_n as_o many_o serve_v to_o raise_v and_o preserve_v in_o we_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o the_o reason_n then_o why_o god_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n after_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o speak_v of_o man_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o particular_n 1._o the_o use_n of_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a expression_n be_v usual_a in_o all_o language_n and_o no_o language_n be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o majesty_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n incline_v or_o constrain_v the_o writer_n in_o that_o language_n to_o express_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n gen._n 9.5_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o beast_n will_v i_o require_v it_o that_o be_v i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o every_o beast_n sin_n in_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v a_o sin-offering_a as_o it_o be_v translate_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o 2_o cor._n 5.21_o we_o read_v jos_n 24.27_o that_o joshua_n say_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n behold_v this_o stone_n shall_v be_v a_o witness_n unto_o we_o for_o it_o have_v hear_v all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v a_o witness_n unto_o you_o lest_o you_o deny_v your_o god_n this_o may_v have_v be_v a_o very_a improper_a and_o unintelligible_a speech_n to_o another_o people_n but_o be_v most_o significant_a and_o emphatical_a to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o well_o understand_v upon_o what_o account_n sense_n be_v often_o ascribe_v to_o inanimate_a thing_n as_o gen._n 31.52_o num._n 20.8_o deâ—t_fw-la 4.26.30.19.32.1_o and_o afterward_o frequent_o by_o the_o prophet_n 3._o a_o express_a law_n be_v make_v against_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n under_o any_o image_n or_o similitude_n and_o the_o people_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o they_o see_v no_o similitude_n but_o only_o hear_v a_o voice_n when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o they_o from_o the_o mount_n deut._n 4.12_o and_o that_o he_o be_v without_o change_n or_o repentance_n num._n 23.19_o 1_o sam._n 15.29_o malach_n 3.6_o 4._o when_o this_o caution_n have_v be_v give_v and_o such_o a_o law_n make_v it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o the_o divine_a writer_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v common_o use_v and_o be_v as_o common_o understand_v in_o a_o metaphorical_a or_o improper_a sense_n when_o apply_v to_o god_n to_o give_v the_o more_o force_n and_o emphasis_n to_o their_o discourse_n 36.48_o discourse_n maimoâ—id_n more_n nevoch_n par._n 1._o c._n 1_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 36.48_o maimonides_n have_v prove_v from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n that_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n in_o which_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v make_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o general_a and_o know_a rule_n among_o the_o jew_n loquor_fw-la lex_fw-la secundum_fw-la linguam_fw-la filiorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la and_o he_o likewise_o observe_v that_o both_o onkelos_n and_o jonathan_n have_v in_o their_o paraphrase_n take_v care_n to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o such_o expression_n as_o seem_v to_o imply_v any_o thing_n corporeal_a in_o god_n the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o hand_n and_o foot_n to_o express_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n with_o these_o member_n and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v it_o repent_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o grieve_v he_o at_o his_o heart_n gen._n 6.6_o this_o be_v well_o understand_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o god_n act_v as_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v when_o they_o change_v their_o mind_n and_o repent_v and_o grieve_v at_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o destroy_v the_o world_n which_o he_o have_v make_v for_o moses_n himself_o instruct_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o god_n be_v without_o any_o bodily_a shape_n or_o substance_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o heart_n or_o to_o be_v grieve_v at_o his_o heart_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v say_v of_o man_n and_o num._n 23.19_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o when_o god_n say_v that_o it_o repent_v he_o that_o he_o have_v set_v up_o saul_n to_o be_v king_n 1_o sam._n 15.11_o this_o be_v explain_v v._n 29._o where_o we_o read_v that_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o yet_o again_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n repent_v that_o he_o have_v make_v saul_n king_n over_o israel_n the_o most_o careless_a writer_n can_v not_o so_o soon_o and_o so_o often_o forget_v himself_o but_o what_o be_v say_v of_o god_n repent_v be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o improper_a and_o figurative_a sense_n to_o imply_v that_o god_n will_v act_v in_o that_o case_n as_o man_n act_v when_o they_o repent_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v though_o without_o any_o change_n of_o mind_n or_o any_o grief_n or_o other_o passion_n in_o he_o attend_v it_o the_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o as_o if_o god_n have_v repent_v and_o therefore_o by_o a_o metonymy_a the_o effect_n be_v express_v by_o that_o which_o in_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o effect_n though_o repentance_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reason_n and_o state_n of_o the_o case_n which_o he_o have_v full_o know_v and_o consider_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v surprise_v or_o
heretic_n viz._n the_o marcionist_n and_o valentinian_o and_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n of_o lucanus_n or_o lucianus_n for_o in_o this_o he_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a though_o this_o lucanus_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o martion_n ix_o there_o be_v still_o extant_a copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n the_o cambridge_n copy_n in_o greek_a and_o latin_a contain_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o contain_v st_n paul_n epistle_n in_o the_o french_a king_n library_n and_o another_o the_o like_a copy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o benedictines_n of_o st_n germains_n 1._o germains_n f._n simon_n crâ—t_n hist_o of_o the_o n._n test_n part_n 1._o c._n 31._o mabil_n de_fw-mi re_fw-mi diplom_n lib._n 5._o tabell_n 1._o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a at_o least_o morinus_n think_v they_o to_o be_v ancient_a than_o st_n jerom_n time_n the_o alexandrian_a copy_n be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o thecla_n above_o one_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o year_n ago_o morinus_n orient_a morinus_n epist_n 54._o inter_v antique_a eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o above_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n date_n bishop_n 34._o bishop_n prolegom_n ix_o 34._o walton_n suppose_v the_o alexandrian_a ms._n to_o be_v at_o least_o as_o old_a as_o that_o in_o the_o vatican_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v twelve_o hundred_o year_n old_a there_o be_v 4._o be_v f._n sim._n crit._n hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part_n 2._o c._n 4._o one_o syriack_n ms._n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o florence_n of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o another_o not_o much_o less_o ancient_a a_o 146._o a_o gruter_n inscript_n p._n 146._o gothick_n translation_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n in_o the_o abbey_n of_o werdin_n be_v likewise_o of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o what_o ancient_a book_n be_v there_o of_o which_o the_o original_n be_v still_o extant_a or_o of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o ancient_a copy_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n x._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o 1._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o name_n prefix_v either_o because_o the_o jew_n be_v prejudice_v against_o st_n paul_n or_o because_o the_o gentile_n be_v his_o more_o peculiar_a care_n or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n unknown_a and_o in_o this_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o paul_n the_o hieroâ—_n catal._n i_o petr._n &_o paul_n style_n be_v different_a which_o occasion_v the_o first_o doubt_n about_o it_o as_o it_o happen_v likewise_o to_o st_n peter_n second_o epistle_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o style_n and_o then_o the_o novatian_o allege_v some_o text_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o opinion_n this_o make_v the_o orthodox_n the_o less_o incline_v to_o receive_v a_o book_n which_o before_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o east_n it_o be_v question_v at_o rome_n where_o novatian_n begin_v his_o schism_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n may_v be_v scruple_v on_o the_o same_o account_n and_o both_o that_o and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v allege_v for_o the_o millennium_n by_o such_o as_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a sense_n this_o cause_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n which_o be_v say_v 25._o say_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n vi_fw-la c._n 25._o express_o of_o the_o revelation_n 2._o some_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n or_o direct_v to_o such_o as_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n arise_v the_o authentic_a epistle_n may_v not_o ready_o be_v produce_v 3._o some_o book_n be_v not_o usual_o read_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n except_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n and_o this_o be_v omit_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abstruse_a mystery_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o public_o read_v in_o church_n for_o that_o catalogue_n be_v design_v to_o show_v what_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o the_o revelation_n be_v long_o before_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a by_o johannum_n by_o justin_n mart._n dialog_n tertull._n de_fw-fr resur_n c._n 27_o 38._o adu._n martion_n lib._n two_o c._n 5._o iii._o c._n 14._o euseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 18._o v._n c._n 8._o hierom._n catal._n in_o johannum_n justin_n martyr_n by_o irenaeus_n and_o by_o tertullian_n and_o other_o both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeas_n write_v a_o comment_n upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n james_n and_o the_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v cite_v by_o clemens_n romanus_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n which_o be_v itself_o wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n 4._o the_o heretic_n will_v use_v all_o their_o endeavour_n and_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v the_o reception_n of_o those_o book_n by_o which_o their_o heresy_n be_v disprove_v and_o they_o may_v so_o far_o have_v effect_n as_o to_o make_v some_o doubt_n for_o a_o while_n of_o their_o authority_n for_o instance_n diotrephes_n a_o ambitious_a aspire_a man_n who_o prate_v against_o st_n john_n with_o malicious_a word_n and_o have_v so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o cast_v the_o brethren_n out_o of_o the_o church_n will_v forbid_v the_o receive_n of_o st_n john_n epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o receive_n the_o brethren_n of_o that_o apostle_n communion_n and_o that_o he_o do_v this_o st_z john_n himself_z intimate_v when_o he_o say_v i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o diotrephes_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o receive_v we_o not_o joh._n epist_n iii._o 9_o that_o be_v he_o receive_v not_o st_n john_n epistle_n for_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n xi_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v question_v by_o private_a man_n yet_o those_o book_n be_v never_o reject_v by_o any_o council_n of_o the_o church_n though_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v this_o very_a thing_n under_o consideration_n 10._o consideration_n tertull._n de_fw-fr pudicit_fw-la c._n 10._o tertullian_n after_o he_o have_v turn_v montanist_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o hermas_n pastor_n as_o not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n by_o all_o the_o council_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o orthodox_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o tertullian_n time_n divers_a council_n have_v pass_v their_o censure_n upon_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v fix_v long_o before_o so_o that_o the_o time_n in_o which_o some_o of_o these_o council_n be_v hold_v must_v probable_o be_v whilst_o st_n polycarp_n a_o disciple_n of_o st_n john_n be_v yet_o live_v who_o martyrdom_n by_o the_o early_a computation_n be_v not_o till_o a._n d._n cxlvii_o at_o least_o they_o must_v be_v hold_v in_o irenaeus_n life_n time_n who_o converse_v with_o st_n polycarp_n and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o tertullian_n thus_o be_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n vouch_v by_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o st_n john_n and_o council_n upon_o occasion_n be_v call_v which_o 13._o which_o tertull._n de_fw-fr jejun_n c._n 13._o tertullian_n elsewhere_o mention_n as_o very_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a in_o greece_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o genuine_a canon_n and_o censure_v apocryphal_a book_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v settle_v before_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o in_o the_o lixth_o canon_n appoint_v that_o no_o book_n lix_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conc._n laod_z can_v lix_o which_o be_v extra_fw-la canonem_fw-la but_o only_o canonical_a book_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o then_o subjoin_v the_o title_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n which_o title_n they_o have_v as_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n observe_v because_o they_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o all_o other_o be_v style_v uncanonical_a and_o it_o be_v conclude_v after_o the_o strict_a examination_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n that_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n be_v the_o canon_n of_o council_n assemble_v before_o the_o council_n
whatever_o defect_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o vowel_n it_o be_v supply_v by_o constant_a use_n and_o practice_n and_o by_o some_o general_a rule_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o read_n the_o bible_n be_v a_o book_n which_o by_o divine_a commandment_n be_v so_o often_o and_o careful_o read_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a the_o hebrew_n text_n may_v be_v exact_o read_v and_o the_o true_a sense_n certain_o retain_v and_o know_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o by_o constant_a use_n and_o continual_a practice_n and_o custom_n from_o their_o infancy_n the_o jew_n can_v read_v it_o with_o ease_n and_o readiness_n without_o point_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v ordinary_o do_v now_o by_o man_n who_o be_v skilful_a in_o that_o language_n and_o divers_a have_v attain_v to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o observation_n and_o industry_n if_o there_o be_v the_o more_o difficulty_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o point_n there_o be_v the_o more_o care_n and_o study_v use_v about_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v time_n purposely_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n study_v it_o with_o that_o diligence_n and_o exactness_n that_o they_o know_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v their_o own_o name_n or_o better_o two_o better_o joseph_n contr_n ap._n lib._n two_o josephus_n express_v it_o if_o that_o be_v possible_a and_o they_o use_v so_o great_a accuracy_n both_o in_o their_o pronounce_v and_o write_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n that_o any_o considerable_a mistake_n shall_v be_v occasion_v by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o vowel_n before_o the_o point_n be_v find_v out_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a learning_n as_o 8._o as_o considerate_a considere_fw-la c._n x._o s._n 8._o bishop_n walton_n observe_v the_o true_a read_n of_o the_o text_n and_o they_o who_o be_v most_o accurate_a and_o exact_a therein_o be_v honour_v most_o among_o they_o and_o have_v their_o school_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n who_o they_o instruct_v from_o time_n to_o time_n till_o at_o length_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o many_o dispersion_n and_o banishment_n that_o the_o true_a read_n may_v not_o be_v lose_v with_o the_o language_n they_o begin_v to_o affix_v point_n to_o the_o text_n as_o well_o to_o facilitate_v the_o read_n as_o to_o preserve_v it_o the_o better_a from_o any_o alteration_n or_o change_n but_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n which_o never_o can_v have_v be_v make_v but_o in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o in_o the_o east_n they_o common_o write_v yet_o without_o point_n as_o the_o jew_n likewise_o write_v the_o western_a language_n where_o they_o live_v without_o point_n in_o the_o hebrew_n character_n orient_a character_n walt._n prolegom_n three_o s_o 40._o morin-epist_a 15._o &_o 70._o inter_fw-la antiquit_fw-la eccl._n orient_a the_o samaritan_n still_o have_v no_o point_n and_o 243._o and_o joseph_n scalig._n epist_n 243._o the_o child_n of_o the_o turk_n arabian_n and_o persian_n and_o general_o of_o all_o the_o mahometan_n learn_v to_o read_v without_o they_o orac._n they_o voss_n de_fw-fr sibyl_n orac._n isaac_n vossius_fw-la say_v the_o asiatic_n laugh_v at_o the_o european_n because_o they_o can_v read_v as_o they_o do_v without_o vowel_n 50._o vowel_n walt._n prolegom_n iii._o s_o 50._o schickard_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v know_v child_n of_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n read_v the_o pentateuch_n mere_o by_o use_n 6._o use_n lud._n capel_n de_fw-fr punct_a hebr._fw-la antiqu_n lib._n two_o c._n 27._o s_o 4_o 5_o 6._o clenard_n and_o erpenius_n himself_o who_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o the_o arabic_a and_o other_o eastern_a language_n both_o of_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o learn_v the_o arabic_a only_o by_o their_o own_o study_n and_o diligence_n from_o book_n without_o point_n and_o arpenius_n have_v attain_v to_o such_o accuracy_n in_o that_o language_n before_o he_o have_v read_v any_o book_n with_o the_o point_n that_o isaac_n casaubon_n so_o far_o approve_v of_o the_o translation_n which_o he_o have_v then_o make_v of_o the_o arabic_a nubian_n geography_n into_o latin_a that_o he_o be_v very_o earnest_a with_o he_o to_o publish_v it_o ludovicus_n capellus_n beside_o give_v a_o instance_n from_o his_o own_o knowledge_n of_o one_o who_o when_o he_o have_v scarce_o be_v teach_v the_o arabic_a alphabet_n make_v a_o great_a progress_n in_o that_o tongue_n in_o four_o month_n only_o by_o his_o own_o industry_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o point_n all_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a paradox_n to_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o ancient_a eastern_a way_n of_o writing_n and_o that_o no_o body_n can_v certain_o know_v what_o their_o author_n mean_v nay_o that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v one_o another_o meaning_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v now_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o writing_n before_o some_o certain_a time_n when_o the_o point_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v first_o find_v out_o ii_o the_o change_n of_o the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n into_o that_o now_o in_o use_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text._n because_o this_o be_v but_o the_o write_n over_o that_o which_o be_v before_o in_o one_o alphabet_n into_o another_o the_o language_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o this_o if_o it_o be_v do_v with_o sufficient_a care_n as_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v can_v make_v no_o material_a mistake_n and_o we_o find_v it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n pentateuch_n still_o extant_a iii_o the_o keri_n and_o the_o kelib_a or_o the_o difference_n in_o some_o place_n between_o the_o text_n and_o the_o marginal_a read_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o the_o various_a lection_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v much_o few_o consider_v the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o copy_n which_o have_v be_v transcribe_v in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o book_n so_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v and_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o as_o easy_o discover_v some_o of_o they_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o likeness_n of_o several_a of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o book_n write_v in_o such_o small_a character_n 8._o character_n hieron_n proaem_n in_o ezech._n comment_fw-fr lib._n 8._o as_o st_n jerome_n complain_v be_v use_v in_o write_v the_o hebrew_n bibles_n of_o his_o time_n other_o happen_v from_o abbreviation_n and_o some_o may_v proceed_v from_o marginal_a gloss_n it_o must_v likewise_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o word_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bibles_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o various_a lection_n for_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v place_v there_o by_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o superstition_n because_o they_o scruple_v to_o pronounce_v certain_a word_n and_o therefore_o appoint_v other_o to_o be_v read_v in_o their_o stead_n but_o when_o the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v into_o divers_a country_n their_o dialect_n or_o manner_n of_o pronunciation_n must_v needs_o be_v different_a and_o as_o the_o same_o word_n be_v pronounce_v different_o so_o they_o will_v in_o time_n be_v different_o write_v which_o give_v one_o chief_a occasion_n to_o the_o various_a lection_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o from_o the_o emulation_n between_o the_o school_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o babylon_n and_o those_o at_o jerusalem_n there_o arise_v a_o set_v of_o various_a lection_n under_o the_o title_n of_o of_o the_o eastern_a and_o the_o western_a readins_n but_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o 28._o they_o vid._n walt._n proleg_n 8._o s._n 28._o be_v of_o no_o moment_n and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v much_o at_o one_o which_o read_v be_v admit_v for_o they_o concern_v matter_n of_o orthography_n rather_o than_o of_o orthodoxy_n as_o buxtorf_n speak_v and_o the_o jew_n of_o palestine_n and_o of_o europe_n who_o follow_v the_o western_a readins_n yet_o do_v not_o altogether_o reject_v the_o eastern_a but_o in_o some_o edition_n have_v print_v they_o both_o 9_o both_o id._n proleg_n four_o s_o 9_o the_o different_a reading_n of_o ben_n ascher_n and_o ben_n naphtali_n have_v the_o same_o original_n the_o eastern_a jew_n follow_v the_o one_o and_o the_o western_a observe_v the_o other_o but_o these_o concern_v the_o point_n and_o accent_n only_o and_o not_o either_o the_o word_n or_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o ancient_a book_n in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o we_o right_o understand_v it_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o book_n that_o it_o be_v without_o various_a lection_n
well_o as_o themselves_o epâ—st_n themselves_o apocalypâ—is_fw-la joannis_n tot_fw-la habeat_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la quot_fw-la verba_fw-la parum_fw-la dixi_fw-la pramerito_fw-la volumiâ—â—s_fw-la laus_fw-la omnis_fw-la inferior_a est_fw-la in_o verbis_fw-la â—â—â—gulis_fw-la multiplicis_fw-la tatent_fw-la intellgentâ—e_fw-la hieton_n ad_fw-la paulin._n epâ—st_n and_o this_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v the_o temper_n of_o those_o age_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v when_o learn_v consist_v in_o type_n and_o parable_n and_o in_o dark_a and_o intricate_a discourse_n but_o it_o have_v be_v the_o study_n and_o delight_n of_o learned_a man_n in_o most_o age_n since_o and_o of_o many_o man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o search_v into_o hide_a and_o difficult_a truth_n st_o jerom_n extol_v the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n for_o the_o obscurity_n and_o hide_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o that_o age_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v no_o objection_n but_o the_o high_a character_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o revelation_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o condescension_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o to_o fit_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n have_v cause_v some_o of_o the_o prophecy_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o reader_n and_o other_o to_o be_v deliver_v as_o to_o employ_v the_o pious_a and_o humble_a labour_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o keep_v they_o in_o perpetual_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o take_v down_o the_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o pride_n of_o such_o as_o little_o concern_v themselves_o about_o the_o plain_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v whole_o busy_v in_o unfolding_a hide_a thing_n and_o in_o pretend_v to_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n the_o curse_n denounce_v against_o man_n upon_o his_o fall_n be_v that_o with_o labour_n and_o sweat_n he_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n as_o his_o punishment_n for_o have_v eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n after_o forbid_a knowledge_n which_o occasion_v his_o fall_n with_o make_v the_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n more_o difficult_a if_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o obscure_a they_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n if_o they_o be_v all_o obvious_a they_o will_v be_v despise_v for_o if_o obscurity_n be_v make_v a_o objection_n by_o some_o their_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n be_v object_v by_o other_o but_o god_n have_v so_o order_v and_o proportion_v the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o that_o no_o man_n may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v enough_o for_o his_o salvation_n nor_o any_o man_n cast_v they_o aside_o or_o read_v they_o with_o little_a care_n and_o diligence_n since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o may_v require_v the_o utmost_a study_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o learned_a man_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o prophet_n so_o obscure_a but_o some_o prophecy_n be_v very_o plain_o deliver_v by_o he_o which_o we_o know_v to_o have_v be_v fulfil_v and_o this_o be_v a_o warrant_n and_o assurance_n to_o we_o of_o his_o mission_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o whatever_o he_o have_v deliver_v concern_v other_o thing_n will_v as_o certain_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o be_v thorough_o understand_v they_o be_v exceed_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o particularevent_v because_o it_o comprehend_v so_o vast_a a_o series_n of_o time_n in_o which_o long_a course_n of_o year_n many_o event_n may_v be_v exact_o alike_o at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o gradual_a and_o repeat_v accomplishment_n of_o some_o of_o his_o prophecy_n but_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o other_o of_o these_o prophecy_n rev._n i_o 3._o xxii_o 6_o 7_o 10_o 12._o and_o we_o know_v they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n rev._n two_o 5_o 16_o 22_o 23._o iii._o 3_o 16._o which_o be_v propose_v for_o example_n to_o all_o other_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n rev._n two_o 7._o the_o seven_o church_n be_v speak_v to_o by_o name_n and_o what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o the_o rest_n which_o concern_v all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v in_o its_o due_a time_n though_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o yet_o understand_v but_o the_o obscure_a prophefy_v even_o before_o their_o accomplishment_n be_v of_o perpetual_a and_o inestimable_a use_n to_o we_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o parable_n be_v very_o proper_a and_o fit_a for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o ancient_a time_n their_o doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n because_o it_o be_v a_o more_o familiar_a and_o easy_a method_n of_o teach_v than_o by_o rule_n and_o precept_n and_o rational_a discourse_n without_o that_o illustration_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o suppose_v a_o particular_a case_n for_o then_o every_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o case_n his_o own_o when_o he_o see_v the_o precept_n reduce_v to_o example_n and_o clothe_v with_o circumstance_n and_o bring_v home_o as_o it_o be_v to_o his_o very_a sense_n which_o before_o lay_v more_o out_o of_o sight_n in_o abstract_a notion_n and_o speculative_a discourse_n and_o if_o feign_a case_n be_v so_o much_o more_o effectual_a than_o bare_a precept_n or_o exhortation_n a_o infallible_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n though_o we_o can_v point_v out_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o every_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o inestimable_a value_n and_o benefit_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o observe_v what_o error_n and_o fault_n be_v reprove_v and_o what_o virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v commend_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o praise_n and_o adoration_n ch_n four_o and_o the_o bliss_n of_o the_o righteous_a the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o martyr_n ch_n seven_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a day_n ch_n vi_fw-la the_o great_a apostasy_n that_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n ch_n xiii_o the_o patience_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o resurrection_n surrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ch.xx._fw-la the_o description_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n ch_n xxi_o xxii_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o st_n john_n revelation_n and_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a use_n and_o importance_n we_o have_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n present_v to_o our_o view_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o mark_v out_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o season_n mean_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o this_o be_v at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o use_n to_o we_o that_o all_o history_n be_v and_o beside_o may_v be_v of_o as_o much_o more_o benefit_n as_o it_o more_o near_o concern_v we_o for_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v fall_v into_o the_o worst_a time_n there_o prophesy_v of_o here_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n we_o see_v the_o care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o work_v for_o it_o the_o support_n which_o he_o afford_v his_o faithful_a servant_n under_o persecution_n and_o the_o reward_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n these_o thing_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o revelation_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o these_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o yield_v we_o comfort_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o trouble_n and_o to_o excite_v faith_n and_o hope_n and_o patience_n and_o all_o christian_a grace_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o history_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o chronology_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o exact_a and_o true_a history_n that_o can_v be_v pen_v of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o such_o as_o concern_v all_o mankind_n be_v of_o little_a value_n or_o consequence_n to_o the_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o our_o life_n
manner_n what_o our_o inward_a faith_n and_o resolution_n be_v this_o be_v that_o sort_n of_o security_n which_o man_n have_v of_o one_o another_o and_o when_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n he_o consider_v they_o as_o man_n that_o be_v he_o appoint_v such_o solemnity_n of_o it_o as_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n he_o do_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o immaterial_a spirit_n but_o as_o with_o creature_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o who_o little_a regard_n and_o be_v little_o affect_v with_o that_o which_o do_v not_o some_o way_n concern_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v to_o what_o extravagancy_n those_o have_v proceed_v who_o have_v set_v up_o for_o a_o pure_o spiritual_a worship_n without_o any_o thing_n sacramental_a for_o a_o visible_a sign_n in_o it_o for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o pretension_n of_o our_o enthusiast_n who_o by_o decry_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o sacrament_n have_v make_v religion_n nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a and_o uncertain_a name_n among_o they_o prophyry_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o study_n and_o learning_n after_o he_o have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o ridiculous_a occasion_n as_o history_n relate_v it_o be_v ashamed_a to_o return_v to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o after_o the_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n soon_o become_v too_o notorious_o absurd_a and_o abominable_a for_o any_o man_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n to_o own_o it_o but_o he_o place_v all_o divine_a worship_n in_o mental_a prayer_n and_o so_o far_o reject_v all_o outward_a and_o bodily_a worship_n 34._o worship_n porphyr_n de_fw-fr abstinent_a lib._n 2._o §._o 34._o that_o he_o pretend_v the_o prayer_n of_o man_n be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v by_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o render_v unacceptable_a to_o the_o deity_n and_o that_o they_o never_o be_v sufficient_o pure_a and_o perfect_a if_o they_o be_v express_v by_o the_o voice_n but_o be_v then_o in_o their_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n when_o they_o be_v all_o contemplation_n and_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o the_o very_a same_o notion_n be_v teach_v by_o 13._o by_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la evang._n lib._n four_o c._n 13._o apollonius_n tyanoeus_fw-la and_o have_v be_v revive_v of_o late_a by_o such_o as_o undervalue_v all_o outward_a ordinance_n which_o may_v be_v a_o warn_v to_o other_o and_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o appoint_v sacrament_n as_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o outward_a sign_n serve_v to_o raise_v our_o attention_n and_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o man_n be_v witness_n against_o we_o if_o we_o prove_v treacherous_a and_o unfaithful_a in_o this_o covenant_n so_o they_o be_v as_o token_n and_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o of_o his_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a intention_n towards_o we_o in_o take_v we_o into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o they_o give_v we_o sensible_a and_o visible_a assurance_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v invisible_a and_o spiritual_a and_o this_o seem_v but_o necessary_a for_o creature_n that_o be_v lead_v so_o much_o by_o sense_n as_o we_o all_o be_v in_o this_o life_n that_o god_n together_o with_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n shall_v beside_o appoint_v something_o which_o may_v be_v perceive_v by_o our_o bodily_a sense_n in_o token_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o soul_n that_o what_o be_v no_o object_n of_o sense_n may_v yet_o be_v represent_v and_o signify_v by_o something_o that_o be_v sensible_a to_o bring_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o most_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n down_o to_o our_o very_a sense_n which_o may_v be_v a_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o present_a grace_n and_o favour_n and_o a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o future_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o this_o be_v what_o be_v find_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a among_o man_n who_o be_v better_o content_v with_o something_o present_a and_o in_o hand_n though_o of_o little_a value_n and_o insignificant_a in_o itself_o as_o a_o token_n and_o pledge_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v and_o make_v over_o to_o they_o than_o they_o be_v with_o the_o great_a promise_n and_o protestation_n without_o any_o thing_n as_o a_o earnest_a to_o confirm_v they_o because_o this_o be_v a_o natural_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v indeed_o in_o earnest_n as_o our_o english_a word_n express_v it_o and_o real_o intend_v what_o they_o say_v and_o it_o may_v be_v produce_v against_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v fail_v of_o performance_n now_o what_o be_v inward_a and_o invisible_a be_v absent_a as_o to_o sense_n and_o what_o be_v future_a have_v need_n of_o something_o present_a to_o represent_v it_o to_o we_o and_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o bind_v himself_o even_o by_o a_o oath_n for_o our_o far_a comfort_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o have_v be_v please_v likewise_o that_o he_o may_v be_v want_v in_o nothing_o which_o may_v help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o assist_v our_o faith_n he_o have_v be_v please_v in_o condescension_n to_o the_o condition_n and_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o appoint_v visible_a sign_n and_o pledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v invisible_a and_o to_o give_v all_o the_o assurance_n to_o our_o very_a sense_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o grace_n shall_v as_o certain_o be_v fulfil_v to_o we_o as_o the_o outward_a sign_n and_o pledge_n be_v appoint_v for_o we_o and_o due_o receive_v by_o we_o 3._o sacrament_n be_v not_o only_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n but_o they_o be_v ordain_v as_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o we_o that_o as_o the_o body_n partake_v in_o the_o moral_a action_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n so_o it_o may_v concur_v in_o the_o religious_a act_n ordain_v for_o our_o sanctification_n for_o god_n who_o have_v make_v we_o so_o as_o to_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o to_o have_v the_o vital_a union_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n depend_v upon_o a_o fit_a disposition_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o health_n and_o nourishment_n of_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o appoint_v certain_a bodily_a action_n as_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v not_o even_o in_o this_o case_n where_o itself_o be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v be_v whole_o independent_a of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o since_o both_o must_v be_v either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a together_o in_o the_o next_o life_n both_o may_v concur_v in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o this_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a agent_n and_o the_o body_n shall_v act_v only_o in_o subordination_n and_o subserviency_n to_o it_o in_o this_o as_o it_o do_v in_o other_o case_n that_o as_o in_o moral_a action_n the_o soul_n act_v virtuous_o or_o vicious_o by_o the_o body_n so_o in_o spiritual_a action_n the_o soul_n may_v receive_v advantage_n and_o benefit_n by_o bodily_a act_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o upon_o the_o omission_n or_o neglect_v of_o such_o acts._n the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o the_o man_n nor_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o body_n but_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o and_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v dedicate_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n in_o the_o use_n of_o action_n perform_v outward_o in_o the_o body_n and_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v thus_o dedicate_v to_o god_n in_o token_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o that_o happiness_n which_o it_o must_v receive_v in_o heaven_n if_o the_o soul_n be_v happy_a st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o corinthian_n to_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n vi_o 20._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o body_n be_v not_o for_o fornication_n but_o for_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o body_n know_v you_o not_o say_v he_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n what_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o have_v be_v those_o in_o several_a age_n who_o have_v make_v such_o high_a pretence_n to_o spiritual_a worship_n that_o they_o will_v allow_v the_o body_n no_o part_n or_o share_v in_o it_o and_o other_o from_o the_o great_a irregularity_n and_o corruption_n which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v in_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 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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
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o 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himself_o indeed_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v more_o evidence_n than_o these_o can_v have_v that_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o they_o can_v see_v but_o some_o miracle_n we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o as_o they_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o innumerable_a people_n who_o successive_o behold_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o divers_a hundred_o year_n together_o so_o that_o whoever_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v though_o the_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o his_o conviction_n this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v say_v of_o that_o and_o the_o new_a both_o and_o we_o have_v beside_o one_o sort_n of_o evidence_n which_o those_o that_o live_v at_o the_o first_o 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at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o other_o of_o prophecy_n we_o know_v that_o a_o miraculous_a power_n have_v be_v manifest_v in_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n and_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n bring_v those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o the_o fulfil_n hereby_o of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o visible_a confirmation_n to_o we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophecy_n we_o see_v fulfil_v and_o since_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o well_o attest_v that_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o of_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o must_v turn_v sceptic_n or_o worse_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o well_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o prophecy_n which_o we_o ourselves_o see_v fulfil_v as_o upon_o all_o other_o account_n that_o the_o historical_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n amount_v to_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o not_o except_v even_o that_o of_o sense_n itself_o ii_o let_v we_o now_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o we_o humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o contain_v god_n reveal_v will_n this_o certify_v we_o that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v