the_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n agree_v in_o come_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o its_o be_v god_n will_n than_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o one_o apostle_n only_o just_o as_o we_o be_v more_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v often_o repeat_v by_o different_a writer_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o of_o those_o which_o be_v only_o mention_v by_o one_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o several_a writer_n add_v weight_n to_o the_o matter_n itself_o and_o the_o compare_v they_o together_o prevent_v our_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v it_o whereas_o what_o be_v but_o once_o mention_v be_v more_o liable_a to_o ambiguity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o more_o easy_o mistake_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o inspire_a person_n shall_v consult_v each_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o their_o inspiration_n 2._o the_o second_o objection_n be_v 58._o be_v fr_n p._n 249._o eng_n p_o 58._o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n have_v not_o teach_v they_o all_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o render_v they_o at_o first_o dash_v infallibe_n so_o that_o st._n peter_n need_v a_o vision_n to_o learn_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o scruple_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o body_n that_o ever_o yet_o maintain_v that_o the_o spirit_n once_o for_o all_o instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v certain_a several_a thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o degree_n and_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o author_n himself_o own_v as_o much_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o 62._o we_o fr._n p._n 252._o eng._n p._n 62._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v many_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o divers_a heavenly_a vision_n and_o as_o for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o a_o visible_a manner_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o chief_a design_n of_o that_o be_v public_o to_o authorize_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o initiate_v they_o into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v then_o found_v and_o to_o do_v this_o by_o more_o solemn_a token_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n among_o the_o first_o professor_n than_o any_o other_o institution_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o according_a to_o what_o the_o baptist_n foretell_v 3.11_o foretell_v matth._n 3.11_o and_o our_o saviour_n promise_v 1.5_o promise_v act._n 1.5_o that_o john_n indeed_o baptize_v or_o admit_v proselyte_n with_o the_o bare_a ceremony_n of_o water_n which_o have_v be_v a_o rite_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o jew_n long_o before_o upon_o such_o occasion_n but_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v baptise_a or_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n 3._o the_o three_o objection_n be_v that_o 57_o that_o fr._n p._n 248._o eng._n p._n 57_o when_o the_o dispute_n arise_v whether_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o though_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n barnabas_n be_v against_o this_o yet_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o judaize_v christian_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o infallible_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o urge_v 58._o urge_v fr._n p._n 249._o eng._n p._n 58._o the_o believer_n that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n contend_v with_o st._n peter_n for_o go_v to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o converse_v with_o they_o 3._o they_o act._n 11_o 2_o 3._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o instance_n of_o st._n peter_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o convert_v of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o at_o first_o they_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v any_o of_o they_o lay_v aside_o and_o a_o door_n open_v to_o let_v in_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o take_v away_o that_o discrimination_n which_o the_o law_n make_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n 7.6_o world_n exod._n 19.5_o 6._o deut._n 7.6_o and_o since_o this_o action_n of_o st._n peter_n touch_v they_o so_o near_o in_o their_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n or_o at_o least_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o teacher_n and_o hold_v as_o sacred_a as_o the_o law_n itself_o 18.28_o itself_o matt._n 15.2_o mat._n 7.3_o joh._n 18.28_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v about_o it_o till_o they_o examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o st._n peter_n act_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o apostle_n never_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o their_o infallibility_n as_o to_o require_v their_o disciple_n to_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n as_o mr._n n._n himself_o 112._o himself_o fr._n p._n 283._o eng._n p._n 112._o observe_v or_o without_o demand_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v all_o this_o objection_n contend_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o infallible_a because_o some_o new_a convert_v 19_o convert_v see_v mr._n dodwel_n of_o schism_n ch_n 19_o sect_n 18_o 19_o do_v not_o think_v so_o who_o it_o be_v plain_a do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o entire_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v argue_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o infallible_a which_o yet_o mr._n n._n himself_o look_v upon_o 109._o upon_o fr._n p._n 257_o 260_o 281._o eng._n p._n 70_o 75_o 109._o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n because_o his_o disciple_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v sometime_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v 16.22_o say_v matth._n 16.22_o and_o demand_v of_o he_o a_o reason_n 15.15_o reason_n matth_n 15.15_o of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o his_o that_o look_v like_o paradox_n to_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v hold_v much_o strong_a in_o the_o case_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n 15._o barnabas_n act_n 15._o for_o the_o admit_v the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n without_o circumcision_n must_v needs_o be_v think_v a_o great_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o those_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a a_o authority_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o twelve_o who_o commission_n be_v so_o solemn_o seal_v and_o ratify_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o they_o who_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o they_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n lie_v hold_v of_o this_o objection_n against_o their_o authority_n as_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o take_v advantage_n of_o any_o exception_n to_o a_o authority_n that_o be_v against_o they_o and_o according_o we_o find_v in_o after_o time_n when_o the_o judaize_v christian_n find_v st._n paul_n zealous_a in_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_a convert_v and_o teach_v man_n every_o where_o to_o apostatise_v from_o moses_n as_o they_o term_v it_o 21.21_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 21.21_o that_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o lessen_v his_o authority_n and_o represent_v he_o as_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o great_a stress_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o his_o doctrine_n which_o force_v he_o to_o vindicate_v himself_o and_o his_o apostleship_n at_o large_a galat._n 1._o and_o 2._o chapter_n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v 60._o be_v fr._n p._n 250._o eng._n p._n 60._o st._n peter_n dissimulation_n at_o antioch_n for_o which_o st._n paul_n reprove_v he_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o 2.11_o we_o gal._n 2.11_o and_o here_o i_o agree_v with_o our_o author_n that_o st._n peter_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n and_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n for_o he_o that_o have_v be_v warn_v by_o a_o vision_n 10.28_o vision_n act._n 10.28_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o call_v any_o man_n common_a or_o unclean_a and_o but_o just_a before_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o make_v the_o decree_n at_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n 7._o jerusalem_n act._n 15_o 7._o whereby_o the_o gentile_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o
order_n of_o minister_n and_o church-governor_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispense_v they_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n found_v upon_o a_o divine_a charter_n and_o to_o who_o member_n alone_o belong_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o meritorious_a efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n towards_o the_o procure_a man_n salvation_n these_o doctrine_n i_o say_v they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v to_o be_v true_a because_o as_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v see_v what_o natural_a force_n there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n towards_o their_o produce_v their_o intend_a effect_n and_o when_o they_o have_v deprive_v christ_n of_o his_o title_n of_o saviour_n and_o highpriest_n though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v still_o be_v content_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n yet_o they_o look_v upon_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n and_o which_o man_n do_v well_o to_o believe_v if_o they_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o or_o if_o after_o have_v use_v reasonable_a diligence_n they_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o great_a harm_n do_v since_o he_o come_v only_o to_o reinforce_v the_o principle_n and_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o man_n reason_n will_v sufficient_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o if_o they_o do_v but_o live_v up_o to_o its_o direction_n and_o lead_v good_a moral_a life_n they_o may_v be_v save_v whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v as_o to_o what_o they_o call_v the_o speculative_a point_n of_o religion_n these_o opinion_n every_o body_n be_v sensible_a be_v very_o much_o in_o vogue_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o value_v themselves_o for_o be_v free_a thinker_n and_o reasoner_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o man_n of_o these_o principle_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o book_n of_o no_o great_a value_n and_o which_o the_o world_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o the_o dispute_v it_o have_v occasion_v have_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o the_o book_n have_v do_v good_a and_o so_o from_o vndervalue_v its_o worth_a they_o come_v to_o question_v its_o authority_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o prevail_a of_o these_o loose_a notion_n concern_v a_o church-state_n and_o reveal_v religion_n at_o first_o give_v rise_v or_o at_o least_o have_v since_o give_v continuance_n to_o those_o controversy_n that_o have_v be_v so_o much_o debate_v of_o late_o concern_v the_o integrity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o atheistical_a party_n have_v be_v industrious_a to_o keep_v alive_a this_o dispute_n as_o well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v do_v no_o small_a piece_n of_o service_n to_o their_o cause_n to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n mr._n hobbs_n and_o the_o author_n of_o theologo-politicus_a be_v the_o chief_a of_o that_o party_n who_o have_v engage_v in_o this_o controversy_n though_o indeed_o they_o ought_v to_o pass_v but_o for_o one_o writer_n since_o the_o latter_a have_v take_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o say_v from_o the_o former_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v little_a of_o his_o own_o invention_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o quote_v of_o a_o text_n now_o and_o then_o in_o hebrew_n which_o he_o do_v i_o suppose_v to_o raise_v in_o his_o unlearned_a reader_n a_o admiration_n of_o his_o profound_a read_n and_o scholarship_n and_o this_o design_n of_o he_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n take_v effect_n for_o his_o atheistical_a admirer_n be_v general_o ignorant_a enough_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o writer_n of_o sense_n and_o learning_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o these_o profess_v advocate_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n the_o most_o considerable_a writer_n that_o have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o integrity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v mr._n simon_n and_o his_o adversary_n who_o learning_n as_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o disparage_v so_o neither_o will_v i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o secret_a intention_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o dispute_n i_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o as_o to_o their_o design_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o think_v as_o charitable_o as_o i_o can_v but_o yet_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v that_o though_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o in_o their_o notion_n as_o to_o other_o matter_n yet_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o speak_v slight_o and_o irreverent_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o ready_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o difficulty_n which_o tend_v to_o weaken_v their_o credit_n and_o do_v not_o take_v half_a so_o much_o pain_n to_o improve_v any_o of_o the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v for_o they_o as_o they_o do_v to_o urge_v objection_n against_o they_o but_o however_o i_o must_v say_v thus_o much_o in_o behalf_n of_o mr._n simon_n that_o many_o to_o show_v their_o good_a will_n to_o the_o bible_n make_v he_o say_v much_o worse_a thing_n than_o he_o real_o do_v and_o such_o as_o they_o will_v fain_o have_v he_o say_v and_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o they_o can_v vouch_v his_o authority_n for_o they_o be_v industrious_a to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o if_o we_o will_v take_v his_o judgement_n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o tell_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o which_o be_v the_o false_a read_n mr._n dryden_n particular_o in_o his_o religio_fw-la laici_fw-la make_v this_o comment_n upon_o mr._n simon_n be_v critic_n and_o tell_v we_o as_o deliver_v that_o author_n sense_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v let_v in_o gross_a error_n to_o corrupt_v the_o text_n omit_v paragrahs_n and_o with_o vain_a tradition_n stop_v the_o gape_v fence_n now_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o account_n of_o his_o work_n that_o mr._n simon_n have_v express_o assert_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v wilful_o and_o design_o corrupt_v the_o original_a by_o add_v to_o and_o take_v away_o from_o it_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a but_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v taking_n a_o great_a liberty_n than_o poetry_n itself_o will_v allow_v to_o make_v a_o man_n speak_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o sense_n and_o mean_v for_o mr._n simon_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o book_n 4._o book_n critic_n upon_o the_o o._n t._n l._n 1._o ch_n 17_o 18_o 19_o l._n 2._o c._n 4._o that_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v usual_o bring_v for_o that_o opinion_n all_o that_o he_o affirm_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n that_o other_o book_n be_v through_o the_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n of_o transcriber_n and_o that_o such_o kind_n of_o fault_n creep_v into_o the_o text_n in_o those_o age_n chief_o that_o do_v not_o mind_v the_o nicety_n of_o criticism_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a way_n to_o reform_v those_o error_n be_v by_o correct_v the_o suspect_v place_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o art_n and_o by_o diligent_a compare_v of_o copy_n as_o critic_n correct_v other_o book_n and_o the_o massoret_n have_v already_o the_o hebrew_n text._n and_o as_o for_o the_o addition_n which_o be_v suppose_v by_o many_o to_o have_v be_v make_v to_o the_o original_a text_n he_o suppose_v they_o insert_v by_o prophet_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a succession_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a record_n how_o true_a this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o mr._n simon_n do_v not_o represent_v these_o addition_n as_o so_o many_o corruption_n of_o the_o text._n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n mr._n d._n have_v misrepresent_v mr._n simon_n be_v text_n aswell_o as_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o put_v such_o a_o gloss_n upon_o it_o as_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o intend_v as_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o his_o word_n but_o i_o shall_v pursue_v this_o matter_n no_o further_o because_o mr._n d._n may_v think_v it_o hard_a measure_n to_o urge_v any_o thing_n say_v in_o his_o religio_fw-la laici_fw-la against_o he_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n when_o he_o have_v alter_v his_o mind_n in_o so_o many_o particular_n since_o the_o write_n of_o that_o poem_n and_o have_v make_v amends_o for_o his_o former_a incredulity_n by_o turn_v advocate_n for_o implicit_a faith_n one_o of_o mr._n simon_n be_v antagonist_n who_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n take_v to_o
their_o authority_n be_v immediate_o establish_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o prove_v the_o six_o proposition_n and_o i_o think_v suppose_v these_o six_o proposition_n prove_v this_o conclusion_n will_v plain_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n and_o design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o only_o fix_a rule_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v draw_v some_o conclusion_n from_o these_o premise_n which_o will_v tend_v to_o illustrate_v and_o explain_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n 1._o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v the_o apostle_n as_o full_o when_o they_o write_v as_o when_o they_o preach_v how_o far_o this_o assistance_n extend_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v i_o shall_v examine_v particular_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n at_o present_a i_o 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expression_n and_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o assistance_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v these_o book_n a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o though_o we_o suppose_v the_o holy_a writer_n use_v a_o popular_a style_n and_o consequent_o make_v use_n of_o such_o hyperbole_n and_o metaphor_n and_o other_o impropriety_n of_o speech_n which_o common_a practice_n allow_v of_o in_o all_o language_n especial_o where_o they_o occasional_o speak_v of_o philosophical_a matter_n and_o thing_n not_o immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n yet_o unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o speak_v proper_o in_o those_o term_n of_o art_n which_o be_v of_o fundamental_a use_n in_o the_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o whole_a controversy_n turn_v and_o as_o they_o be_v different_o take_v they_o alter_v the_o very_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o say_v except_o we_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v proper_o i._n e._n agreeable_o to_o their_o own_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o those_o they_o write_v to_o when_o they_o treat_v of_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o such_o as_o be_v just_o to_o be_v reckon_v fundamental_a doctrine_n the_o new_a testament_n will_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o a_o book_n be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o explain_v or_o decide_v any_o controversy_n if_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sixth_o rule_v whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o its_o style_n so_o as_o to_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n certain_a what_o be_v its_o true_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o a_o book_n write_v by_o person_n who_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o god_n and_o which_o be_v design_v for_o universal_a use_n shall_v not_o be_v word_v with_o that_o care_n which_o humane_a industry_n use_v in_o matter_n of_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n even_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o phrase_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v so_o far_o direct_v the_o holy_a penman_n that_o their_o phrase_n and_o expression_n shall_v not_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o consequence_n but_o may_v be_v right_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o dialect_n in_o which_o they_o write_v and_o consult_v the_o age_n near_a the_o apostle_n who_o must_v needs_o be_v next_o to_o their_o own_o style_n the_o best_a judge_n of_o their_o sense_n if_o indeed_o the_o socinian_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o will_v be_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o word_v the_o scripture_n nay_o then_o the_o scripture_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o style_n as_o if_o the_o writer_n design_v to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n and_o the_o socinian_o themselves_o when_o they_o make_v reason_n the_o sole_a judge_n of_o sripture_n and_o tell_v we_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o plain_o assert_v in_o scripture_n do_v in_o effect_n confess_v that_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n take_v in_o their_o natural_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n do_v not_o at_o all_o favour_n their_o opinion_n 6._o opinion_n socin_n de_fw-fr christ_n seruat_fw-la l._n 3._o c._n 6._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o find_v these_o gentleman_n warn_v their_o reader_n so_o often_o not_o to_o make_v inference_n from_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o they_o be_v use_v strict_o and_o proper_o that_o they_o so_o often_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o impropriety_n and_o metaphor_n which_o the_o eastern_a writer_n and_o those_o who_o imitate_v they_o abound_v with_o that_o the_o apostle_n play_v with_o word_n as_o socinus_n with_o reverence_n speak_v 1_o speak_v amavit_fw-la paulus_n in_fw-la execrationis_fw-la verbo_fw-la esse_fw-la argutus_fw-la socm_n de_fw-fr chr_n serâ—_n l._n 2._o c._n 1_o and_o take_v they_o sometime_o in_o one_o sense_n and_o sometime_o in_o another_o our_o author_n follow_v they_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n 146._o thing_n v_o fr._n p_o 234._o eng_n p._n 146._o and_o often_o caution_n 234._o caution_n eng._n p_o 107_o 111._o fr._n p._n 280_o 281._o en._n p._n 11â—_n fr._n p._n 285._o eng._n p._n 145_o 146._o fr._n p._n 233_o 234._o we_o not_o to_o subtilise_v about_o the_o expression_n nor_o stick_v too_o close_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exact_a that_o it_o be_v very_o careless_a and_o tell_v we_o 285._o we_o eng._n p._n 107_o 116._o
not_o to_o be_v express_v in_o too_o plain_a word_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o be_v some_o plain_a prophecy_n in_o scripture_n but_o as_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v something_o of_o obscurity_n so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o they_o as_o some_o pretend_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a that_o most_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v obscure_a or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o answer_v the_o design_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v nor_o be_v accomplish_v in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o method_n of_o providence_n but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophetical_a write_n be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o prophet_n only_o as_o man_n that_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o great_a improvement_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o knowledge_n the_o excellency_n of_o their_o precept_n the_o integrity_n of_o their_o life_n their_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o constant_a adhere_n to_o their_o principle_n they_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o great_a philosopher_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o enlighten_v from_o above_o and_o the_o messenger_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n they_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o various_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n they_o unravel_v the_o intricate_a turn_n and_o wind_n of_o that_o dark_a labyrinth_n they_o display_v the_o scene_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o give_v we_o a_o prospect_n of_o another_o to_o come_v the_o signal_n accomplishment_n of_o their_o prediction_n already_o fulfil_v confirm_v our_o belief_n in_o providence_n and_o incourage_v we_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prophet_n for_o the_o future_a they_o do_v not_o open_v the_o scene_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n or_o with_o a_o design_n to_o encourage_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n but_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n interest_n himself_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v guide_v by_o his_o unerring_a hand_n and_o that_o the_o change_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o blind_a chance_n or_o surly_a fate_n but_o the_o result_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o rage_n and_o fierceness_n the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o man_n turn_v to_o god_n praise_n and_o be_v instrumental_a in_o bring_v about_o his_o great_a purpose_n and_o design_n thus_o the_o holy_a prophet_n teach_v we_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o he_o and_o yet_o withal_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n whether_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a thus_o their_o doctrine_n promote_v god_n honour_n without_o supersede_a man_n diligence_n and_o endeavour_n and_o instruct_v we_o to_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n when_o we_o do_v well_o and_o not_o to_o charge_v he_o foolish_o when_o we_o do_v amiss_o and_o as_o to_o their_o way_n of_o write_v which_o include_v a_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a sense_n under_o a_o literal_a and_o obvious_a one_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o method_n of_o instruction_n which_o the_o great_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n practise_v in_o those_o early_a age_n it_o be_v what_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v accustom_a to_o what_o they_o always_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o style_n of_o scripture_n and_o do_v so_o still_o though_o it_o make_v against_o they_o it_o tend_v to_o discover_v the_o chain_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o dependence_n which_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o occurrence_n of_o one_o age_n have_v upon_o those_o of_o another_o which_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v in_o most_o case_n leave_v we_o certain_a mark_n to_o know_v where_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o mystery_n and_o a_o key_n to_o unlock_v their_o true_a mean_v and_o where_o such_o a_o indication_n be_v want_v we_o have_v the_o apostle_n to_o direct_v we_o who_o have_v give_v abundant_a evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a credential_n that_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o publisher_n of_o his_o will._n chap._n iu._n wherein_o some_o difficulty_n be_v resolve_v relate_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o or_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v iii_o i_o proceed_v to_o discourse_v concern_v the_o three_o general_n head_n i_o propose_v at_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o last_o chapter_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v to_o resolve_v some_o difficulty_n concern_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o or_o their_o prophecy_n and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o prophetical_a write_n most_o of_o which_o have_v be_v full_o answer_v by_o several_a excellent_a writer_n of_o late_a prophecy_n late_a bp_o stillingfleet_n orig._n sac._n letter_n to_o a_o deist_n huetii_n demonst_a evangel_n m._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n dr._n spencer_n vanity_n of_o vulgar_a prophecy_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o ancient_n i_o intend_v only_o in_o this_o chapter_n to_o consider_v two_o difficulty_n one_o relate_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o the_o other_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v which_o have_v not_o yet_o that_o i_o know_v of_o be_v thorough_o explain_v by_o any_o writer_n the_o first_o be_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prophetical_a write_n the_o other_o concern_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n whereby_o true_a prophet_n be_v distinguish_v from_o false_a the_o latter_a of_o these_o inquiry_n be_v embarass_v with_o great_a difficulty_n for_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o very_o little_a light_n in_o this_o matter_n insomuch_o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o contest_v between_o the_o true_a and_o false_a prophet_n relate_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o many_o caution_n give_v against_o harken_v to_o false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o little_o say_v concern_v the_o mark_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o true_a one_o i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a difficulty_n viz._n the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prophecy_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o premise_v that_o obscurity_n be_v not_o inseparable_a from_o prophecy_n for_o there_o be_v some_o very_a plain_a prophecy_n in_o scripture_n as_o the_o foretell_v the_o 70._o year_n captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o cyrus_n after_o that_o time_n be_v expire_v shall_v restore_v they_o to_o their_o land_n and_o rebuild_v jerusalem_n 44.28_o jerusalem_n jer._n 25.11_o 12_o 29.10_o be_v 44.28_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o monarchy_n in_o daniel_n 8._o daniel_n dan._n 2._o c._n 7._o c._n 8._o and_o those_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o foretell_v his_o come_v while_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v stand_v and_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n 1.-4.1_a commonwealth_n dan._n 9.25_o etc._n etc._n hagg._n 2._o 6_o 9_o malac._n 3_o 1.-4.1_a but_o notwithstanding_o some_o few_o exception_n general_o speak_v there_o be_v something_o of_o obscurity_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o prophecy_n now_o beside_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o prophetical_a style_n which_o be_v full_a of_o metaphor_n and_o of_o lofty_a expression_n such_o as_o natural_o flow_v from_o a_o heat_n of_o fancy_n where_o great_a and_o surprise_v idea_n have_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v other_o reason_n to_o be_v assign_v for_o this_o obscurity_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v fulfil_v 1._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o design_n of_o prophecy_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n that_o prophecy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o design_v by_o god_n to_o give_v man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n beforehand_o as_o to_o confirm_v man_n faith_n after_o they_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o convince_v they_o that_o this_o be_v god_n work_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o god_n do_v reveal_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o his_o prophet_n both_o to_o do_v they_o a_o particular_a honour_n 18.17_o honour_n gen._n 18.17_o by_o make_v they_o privy_a to_o his_o secret_a counsel_n and_o design_n and_o likewise_o to_o prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o blessing_n foretell_v of_o